Tuesday, July 23, 2013

How To Treat A Sunburn

Lido Copacabana, Mazzeo Beach, Sicily


If you've ever had a sunburn you'll know what complete misery it can be. Here is a 6 Step Guide to How To Treat A Sunburn


1. Ibuprofen
Take ibuprofen, aspirin or other over the counter anti inflammatory as quickly as possible, both to help reduce inflammation at the site of the sunburn, and also to reduce the pain.





2. Lukewarm bath or shower

Either run a lukewarm bath (that is, not teeth chatteringly cold - keep it bearable) and add in some baking soda, or run a lukewarm shower, keeping the water stream gentle.
Avoid soaps, bath oils or detergents - they will just irritate the skin














3. Make Cold Compresses


Make cold milk compresses by soaking clean wash cloths in a bowl filled with equal parts milk, ice and water.
The fat, protein and pH of the milk have an anti inflammatory effect on the skin, while the cold temperature constricts blood vessels and reduce swelling.
Another great way to relieve the sting of sunburn and to take out the heat is to apply a wash cloth soaked in vinegar.






4. Apply Topical Relief

The best option is to apply fresh aloe (the gooey stuff inside the aloe leaf).
If you don't have fresh aloe use over the counter aloe.
The steroids in Cortisone cream can be hugely beneficial for reducing inflammation, and the cream itself can feel soothing.
Keep the sunburned area super moisturized with a rich body product, such as cocoa butter.

5. Stay Hydrated
Drink water

Sunburn and sun exposure are both very dehydrating. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of cold drinking water per day. Sports drinks and juices are also good, but water is essential.





6. Stay Out Of The Sun

Keep sunburned areas out of the sun. Wear loose fitting cotton garments and stay in the shade.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Sicilian Obsession ~ Ortygia

Sicily may just be my favorite place in the world.

streets of Ortygia




I had no idea that I would love it so much. From the incredible ruins and historical sites, to the fabulous beaches, from the incredible views to the completely outstanding local cuisine, from the spectacular local wines to the ever smiling, friendly people, Sicily has it all.

One of the (many) places I loved visiting was Ortygia, the island part of the ancient city of Siracusa.
on the street in Ortygia
Ortygia is tiny - only 1km x500m, and the best way to see it is on foot. You can't get lost walking through the narrow streets and alleyways, as walking far enough in any direction leads you back to the sea.

Every which way you turn you are enveloped in 2500+ years of history.

From Apollo's temple built in the 7th century BC
Apollo's Temple, Ortygia Sicily

to the Duomo, who's bottom most excavations have unearthed remnants from the ancient Siculi, followed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC, then the Christians added to it in the 7th century AD and finally its baroque facade which was erected in the 18th century,
columns in the Ortygia Duomo, dating back to 500 BC

to  the castle fortress built by Frederick II in 1194, Ortygia is an historical gem. Every building, every alley is fascinating.

acordian player in Piazza Del Duomo, Ortygia Sicily
The heart of Ortygia is no doubt the beautiful, baroque Piazza del Duomo, the perfect spot to stop for lunch.
piazza del duomo, Ortygia Sicily

Glaringly bright white, offset by the incredibly blue sky, this is Sicily as I had always imagined it.

Piazza Del Duomo, Ortygia Sicily


salad for lunch in Ortygia




Before leaving the island, a quick stop at the morning market is a must. Fresh fruits and vegetables and fish - everything you need to make a delicious dinner with a local flair.
Ortygia Fish Market

Ortygia market, image Lonelyplanet

 Private yachts moored off the island
boat in Ortygia
locals mix with tourists
Sunbathers lie out on the rocks
sunbathing in Ortygia
I can't wait to go back....

Friday, July 19, 2013

Carla Bruni Bulgari Campaign

After taking a break from modelling to be
France's first lady,
singer/songwriter Carla Bruni steps back in front of 
Terry Richardson's lens to be the face of the new
Bulgari campaign.
Carla Bruni for Bulgari

For as long as I can remember, Bruni's life has 
been one of glamour and intrigue.
She's fabulous. 







(image source Vogue UK)

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Driving Ambition ~ Diane Kruger for Marie Claire UK

I adore Diane Kruger.
I especially loved her in Farewell My Queen,
perhaps my favorite Marie Antoinette movie.
Diane Kruger Marie Claire UK

Marie Claire UK's August 2013 issue
 features Kruger on the cover and in a fabulous
summer retro-chic fashion story, 
replete with sixties inspired hair and makeup.

Photographed by David Roemer

Driving Ambition

Diane Kruger Marie Claire UK

Diane Kruger Marie Claire UK

Diane Kruger Marie Claire UK

Diane Kruger Marie Claire UK

Diane Kruger Cover Marie Claire UK

Diane Kruger Cover Marie Claire UK

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

8 Essential Items for Your Makeup Bag This Summer

For most of the year I'm all about more makeup.
During the summer months however, a face full of makeup looks ridiculous.
Step outside into the sunlight and whatever you've got going is magnified,
so an overload of makeup looks even worse.

So here is a list of 8 Essential Items for a pared down makeup bag for summer.

1. BB or CC Cream

Lose the foundation and opt instead for a skin enhancing, color correcting, tone and texture evening BB or CC cream. (if you're unsure which to choose, CC creams are more about color correction, BB's are more about skin enhancing. Both are fabulous.)
Your skin will look gorgeous and you wont look made-up.





Protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial, and sunscreen has to be reapplied throughout the day.
This handy brush is easy to carry around and lets you reapply on the go, with no messy creams. It has the added bonus of going on smoothly and not creating a pasty, cakey layer to the skin.










You need to tell a very simple story with your summer makeup.
Clean skin with an accent on brows and lips keeps you looking fresh faced and understated.
Makeup Forever Aqua Brow is a super concentrated (i.e. apply sparingly) waterproof eyebrow corrector.
The brows that you apply first thing in the morning will make it through humidity, swimming, perspiring - you name it, and will take you all the way through the evening.
A stronger accent on the brow can lift and open the eye, so long as you don't make it too heavy.





4. A Lash Curler.
Use a good quality eyelash curler to lift the lashes and open the eye.

5. A Good Mascara
Accent your eyes with tons of mascara. Use it to lift and open the eye, not weighing it down with clumpy lashes. 
Aim to lengthen the lashes, keeping them glossy and defined with a mascara like Clinique High Definition Mascara, making sure you comb through to remove any clumps.
If you're going swimming, running around in monsoons or battling high humidity opt for a waterproof formula, otherwise choose a water resistant mascara.

6. Bronzer
If needed, applied sparingly, use a champagne toned bronzer to add lift and warmth to your complexion.
Bronzer is supposed to make you look like you've been out in the sun, and should only hit the high points on your face - forehead, tops of the cheekbones and bridge of the nose, and your chin.




7. Highlighter 
I use the Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand to brighten the tops of cheekbones, lift under the eyes and generally brighten the skin.
Its a fabulous transition product to reawaken your skin and make you look alive and vibrant as you go from a long day at work to a night on the town.









8. Vibrant, sexy lips

The key to making a simple, makeup free look work is to have an accent on the brows, and then balance it with a bright, exciting lip.
Try bold shades like Nars Schiap or MAC All About Orange


Monday, July 15, 2013

Bianca Balti For Elle France

Italian bombshell, Bianca Balti - the face of Dolce and Gabbana
covers the July 2013 issue of Elle France.
Bianca Balti in Dolce and Gabbana for Elle France

Photographed outdoors by Marcin Tyszka, 
Balti sports gorgeous summer-wear and tousled tresses
and fabulously understated, yet beautiful makeup.

Bianca Balti Elle France

Bianca Balti Elle France

Bianca Balti Elle France

Bianca Balti Elle France

Bianca Balti Elle France

Bianca Balti Elle France

Bianca Balti Elle France

Bianca Balti Elle France


Bianca Balti Elle France


Bianca Balti Cover Elle France