the animal orchestra

Tonight I was invited to attend the launch of M.A.C Cosmetics new store in Bondi Junction, complete with ice-skaters, perspex-wearing models and delicious biscuits. Oh, and to experience the new Holiday collection called Glitter & Ice.

The Glitter & Ice collection is beautiful, although sadly not really right for me. I tend not to wear sparkly make-up (although I love the way that Selena wears a hint of glitter on her lower lash-line, it always makes me want to try it). But true to its name, the collection has a lot of glitter, gloss and high-shine finishes going on.

That said, there are a few stand-out products. There’s a new matte red called Such Flare included in the collection that I’m very keen to compare to Russian Red (which is probably my favourite lipstick ever), and I love the muted purple nail-polish Festive Finery.

I spent some time at the launch chatting to legendary M.A.C make-up artist (and babe) Nicole Thompson, who told me about the company’s upcoming collaborations with Gareth Pugh and (I swoon) Daphne Guinness. I absolutely cannot wait for both of these ranges – they promise to be right up my alley.

No more blonde tips. New hair courtesy of L’Oreal Casting Creme Gloss in Iced Chocolate – a darker tone than I expected, but not altogether unwelcome.

A grey day in Sydney. I’m wearing my super-long Lover scarf and Chanel Insolente lipstick.

I’ve spent years trying to find a product that would stop my lips from being dry. I’ve had some results with Smith’s Rosebud Salve, but it didn’t quite give me the hydration I’d hoped for. Last week I chanced upon a forgotten bag of cosmetic samples I’d amassed during fashion week – amongst them, M.A.C Lip Conditioner.

After using it for the past week, my lips are completely rehydrated. It’s astounding. Consider it a permanent addition to my beauty cabinet.

It may not satisfy my sense of aesthetics as completely as wearing RGBSTEEL on my nails, but Rimmel London’s Grey Matter is pretty impressive. I think I’ll be wearing this shade a lot, especially come spring.

Rings (L – R): a gift; from the Chinatown Night Market in Sydney; by Wendy Nichol; from the Paddington Markets.