Beauty news you may have missed…

NSW solarium ban – taking the ‘T’ out of GTL

Looks like we’ll have to start channelling Geordie – not Jersey – Shore come December 31, 2014. The New South Wales government has announced that over the next three years, commercial sun beds will be phased out, and eventually banned. According to the state’s environment minister, Robyn Parker, the risk of cancer associated with solariums are “higher than previously understood”, as the International Agency for Research on Cancer has upgraded its classification on tanning beds to “carcinogenic to humans”. While NSW’s tanning industry will suffer, 30-43 lives are estimated to be lost due to solarium-related activity until then. Spray tans will just have to be the bronzing beauty product of choice, or – excuse me if I’m being outlandish – people can just go outside… Crazy, I know. 

Burberry and Chanel launch their Spring 2012 make-up collections


In other news, both Chanel and Burberry have launched their Spring 2012 make-up collections, both of which exude a sensibility light years away from a tanning-bed aesthetic. While Chanel’s collection features colours across the red scale, Burberry opts for a chromatic range transcending generational constraints, offering both creamy colours and warm tones. Both collections are understatedly bold, steering away from dark, dominating colorants, encouraging softer, creamier cosmetic choices. 

Katy Perry for ghd’s new blow-dryer

While new ghd campaign images depict Katy Perry nourishing her inner mermaid, a far greater force of nature (yes, even greater than Katy Perry) is joining the songstress, courtesy of the British hair giant. From the brand that brought out the cult straightener (ghd honestly changed lives everywhere), ghd’s first ever hairdryer, the ghd air, guarantees “the best results of any hairdryer on the market.” Using highly developed ionic technology, a customary motor and celebrity endorsements that cross high fashion with glittery kitsch aesthetics, we’d be lying if we said we weren’t excited. The ghd air, RRP $199, will be in stores from the first week of March. 

Ke$ha reveals herself sans hangover hair 


Also – because everyone is so worried – the garbage chic pioneer, Ke$ha, had a makeover by Glamour magazine. And you know what; she actually looks like a normal person under all that waste. You can read the article here, or do a simple spot-the-difference exercise with the image below – its a tough one, we know. Image courtesy of Glamour magazine.

Joan Rivers: 739 cosmetic surgeries later…


At just two years shy of 80, the outrageous, derisive and most recently, pot-smoking comedian, Joan Rivers, has admitted that she has had over 700 cosmetic surgery procedures. 739, to be exact. Let’s just comprehend that statistic for a moment. 

It is not a secret that the Fashion Police host enjoys a bit of botox (Ok, a lot of botox) here and there, but who knew her addiction was so… extensive? 

The E! Channel star was quoted saying, “Every weekend I just go in and I do something new. I get a 10th one free. It’s a little like coffee you just keep going”. You know what Joan, you’re so right. Getting every 10th procedure free is EXACTLY like my Starbucks rewards card. 

Beauty products you don’t want to miss out on…

Nails

Regardless of which side of the Valentine’s Day fence you sit on, the new OPI colour ranges are something to get excited about, because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of RR accompanied with some punnily (yet rather shamelessly) named beauty products? Whether you’re spending your Saturday at the nail bar get lacquered up for a romantic date, or if you’re investing in beauty products to boost the remnants of what little self-esteem you have left after a break-up (we’ve all been there) OPI’s new nail colours are salient, striking and do not shy away from being completely and utterly audacious. 

The nail polish giant has collaborated with Nicki Minaj (it’s about time, really) in a new limited edition range. Of the six new signature shades, my personal favourites are Metallic 4 Life (a charcoal sparkle that “flies with the stars in the skies”) and Did It On ‘Em, a sassy neon shade that demands the “lime”-light. However, if the words ‘glitter’ and ‘neon’ induce mini migraines and throat-closing sensations, you may be more interested in the new Dutch of Colour collection. 

The European-themed lacquers conjure images of “wooden shoes, pickled herring and tulips; a juxtaposition of sophisticated neutrals married with larger-than-life bright shades.” Completely antithetical to the aforementioned pop-inspired collection (besides for, of course, the attention-grabbing, giggle-inducing names), this palette covers all sides of the colour wheel, featuring vivacious brights and urbane neutrals. Vivid tulips, windmill-dotted hillsides and bustling canals serve as inspiration for the collections most decisive shades: I Don’t Give a Rotterdam is a sassy new blue hue, Vampsterdam is a seductive shade of deep grape purple, Gouda Gouda Two Shoes is a robust shade of rose, and for the collection’s answer to a shade of jade, OPI brings you Thanks A WindMillion. Of course, the collection wouldn’t be complete without an allusion to the country’s notorious night life, of which a hot shade of coral, Red Lights Ahead…Where? tributes. Dutch ‘Ya Just Love OPI? (Not an editorial pun, just another plum shade in the collection.) 

Hair

Now that you’ve had your Valentine’s (or anti-Valentine’s) nailz did, it might be a good idea to attend to your hair. Lacking inspiration? No drama! Schwarzkopf, in collaboration with renowned fashion photographer, Peter Lindbergh, have some ideas for you. In the latest annual Looks For You series, the international hair group has released a series of portraits – the most notable including some arty monochrome shots – forecasting this year’s most striking ways to style your mane. Volume, wisps, bed hair and a hair-sprayed casual-yet-chic technique seem to be this year’s hair get-go.  

Perfume

If you’re lucky enough to be in Melbourne on Sunday February 19th, you may want to keep the Valentine’s Day spirit going by attending Fleurage Perfume Atlier’s free workshop on the delicate art of botanical perfumery. The local South Melbourne trader, in collaboration with The South Melbourne Street-Fair, is offering three 30-minute workshops next Sunday at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm at 280 Park Street, South Melbourne. Sessions are limited to 15 people, so if you’re interested, contact booking@fleurage.com.au and indicate which session you’d like to attend.