Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2018 i ELLE Australia

#1 FLASH FORWARD The new-season buy ELLE’s fashion team is frothing over: the wow-it-looks-vintage designer logo sweater. Get yours direct from the runway – we won’t  tell,  we swear. #2 HIGH TIED Snap up a Frankie Peach “Take Care Of Ya Girls” scarf to support Pink Hope this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. #3 PICTURE IT See Brett Whiteley’s works in exhibitions at the NGV and Museum Of Sydney – or prepare to be art-shamed. ngv.vic.gov.au; sydneylivingmuseums.com.au #4 JUMP FOR JOY It’s been almost two decades since the fragrance house of Miss Dior and J’Adore has released a  brand new scent. So it better be good. Is it? You betcha. #5 TWINKLE TOES Horoscope addict alert! The stars have aligned to display your zodiac obsession IRL. Our prediction: these slippers will be in your life by month end. #6 WOMAN ON A  MISSION…

ALBUS LUMEN X HELEN KAMINSKI The one thing we love better than Albus Lumen is an Albus Lumen collab. While regular brainstorms with jeweller Ryan Storer have more than a few ELLE staffers dripping in arty-cool pearl earring sets, this season we’re all in for designer Marina Afonina’s partnership with Australian headwear hero Helen Kaminski. The limited-edition range of handcrafted accessories utilises fabrics from Albus Lumen’s resort collection to create coordinating bucket-style hats (in leather and corduroy), headscarves (lined in silk) and covetable miniature sacs (complete with fine gold hardware). The inspiration: the ’70s Spain of Pablo Picasso; translated through an earthy colour palette, simple shapes and the sexy attitude of a woman who’s comfortable and in control. Look out for: Summer’s trifecta: headscarf, big earrings and a long, narrow braid. Available October 15…

SPOT CHECK The classic polka dot gets a modern makeover with an asymmetrical hemline and a peek of contrast fabric. Style with crisp, clean-lined monochrome heels and headwear. BACK TO NATURE An arctic blue and navy botanical print complement the whimsical, ‘70s vibe of this feminine, tasselled midi dress. Just add velvet boots and a cute beret. BOLD MINIMALISM Striking eyelet and tape accents add further edge to this crimson rib-knit midi, complete with subtly sexy split detail. Balance the bright shade with classic accessories. How to make an impact trackside this spring racing carnival: pick a new-season dress that suits your personality and dials up your confidence, then add extra style points with carefully chosen, of-the-moment accessories. HUGO’s “Chasing Ice” collection – inspired by the glaciers and culture of…

SHIRLEY BARRETT If you’re not hooked from the very first sentence of this highly original, incredibly funny novel from Australian author, screenwriter and director Shirley Barrett, then check your pulse. The dark comedy follows thirty-something Eleanor, who’s just been diagnosed with breast cancer, dumped by her boyfriend and replaced by a woman with huge breasts. What unfolds is part horror, part comedy, part social commentary, all of it riotously fun. If you’ve read Barrett’s previous work, including historical novel Rush Oh!, forget what you think you know about her. This book is like nothing you’ve read before. Out September 26 ($29.99, Allen & Unwin) This is the latest instalment of the ELLE Book Club, where each month we recommend one read we know you'll love. For a chance to win a copy of…

WHAT TO WEAR ON YOUR HEAD The recent runway shows had hats, headbands and scarfs aplenty. Here are our headwear field notes… THE STRAW BRIM Spearheaded by French label Jacquemus, the exaggerated straw hat has reached new heights (or rather widths). Pick a  natural tone and coordinate with your outfit. THE HEADSCARF You could tie it around your ponytail, but the Gucci way is to wrap silk around your head and secure it with a brooch. Pin it at the nape of the neck for entry-level style. THE NON - BASIC BERET In bold colour or accented with leather brims, the beret casts aside its cheesy Euro-tourist past. The unexpected styling partner? A boxy blouse and skirt set. THE MODERN VEIL Covering your eyes or face in net is a forever chic spin…

IT’S THE NIGHT BEFORE MY BEST FRIEND’S daughter’s birthday when we get the phone call. She’s having a party at a  theme park down the coast, and they’re going to need two cars to get all the kids there. They’ve got two cars; that’s not the problem. The thing is, she needs an extra adult to co-pilot and champion her on the open road; her anxiety means that she doesn’t trust herself to drive alone. Without a second thought, my partner mutters, “Yep,  I’ll do it.” It means reshuffling his Saturday plans and those of our kids, but her anxiety is part of our lives now. The stigmatised condition — and the havoc it can wreak in your life — is both blind and relentless. Anxiety does not discriminate. I’ve lived with…

For this year’s ELLE Writing Competition, we’re looking for modern, contemporary voices telling stories that are engaging and subversive. We want: fresh, modern, topical tales that may or may not riff on pop culture. Humour is encouraged but not essential. We don’t want: stories that make us sad. The world is dark enough. While there’s no specific theme, we want unpublished stories that capture the mood of the moment. Write a  4,000-word short story on the topic of your choice. The deadline for entries is October 26, so if you’ve got a tale to tell, what are you waiting for? The winning fiction will be published in the January/February issue of ELLE, and the author awarded a $5,000 prize. Two runners-up will receive a  prize pack of recent releases from Hachette Australia worth $200. Visit ELLE.com.au/write-to-win for full details on how to enter.…

BEAUTY HISTORIANS* WILL LOOK BACK AT THIS TIME and note the rising popularity of simplified, streamlined formulations. In other words, the year everyone said, “Let’s cut the BS”. Straight-talking, no nonsense products seem to be the antidote to all the noise  around us, and brands traversing all price points are on board. Case in point: the influx of hyaluronic acid serums. And none too soon – why has this super hydrating ingredient been hiding in unctuous creams for so long? Skip the filler and apply the good stuff straight onto damp skin. The thin, silky texture is instantly absorbed, making it the perfect, plumping prep-step before applying makeup each morning or active serums before bed. *We’re not sure if this is an actual job, but we’d like an application if so.…

THE BASICS Fact: women are three times more likely to suffer from rosacea than men. Despite affecting one in 10 people, experts still can’t put their finger on exactly why it rears its rosy head. Theories range from sun damage to genetics, and even an allergic reaction to tiny skin mites called Demodex that naturally set up camp on the skin’s surface but can cause trouble when they multiply in great numbers. Inflammation from rosacea breaks down the skin’s elastic tissue over time, leaving it vulnerable, so the sooner you take matters into your own hands, the better. SYMPTOMS A 2015 survey published in dermatology journal Cutis, revealed that 47 per cent of rosacea sufferers hadn’t heard of the condition before diagnosis, and 95 per cent knew almost nothing about…

IF YOU’RE NOT POLISHING YOUR CRYSTALS while distilling essential oils, are you even serious about your health? Well, yes, you are, but it’s not that far-fetched of a question for anyone who’s ever fallen down the social-media rabbit hole of essential oils — there are millions of posts touting their life-changing benefits. “The resurgence in essential oils is likely due to the ever-growing trend towards ‘natural’,” says João Paulino de Carvalho, Swisse Wellness science expert. “Being naturally derived from plant sources, essential oils tend to be considered more effective than man-made ingredients; however this may not always be the case.” Some oils are backed by legit research. Lab studies show that lavender and tea-tree oil kill germs, such as common strands of fungi and bacteria, but there have been very few studies around the efficacy and safety of…

THE BIG CHOP If you’re thinking of going under the scissors for a major cut (think Irina Shayk’s choppy bob) you’ll need to hydrate hair. A short style leaves no room for frizz, so keep Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil Penetrating Oil on hand for a sleek finish after you blow-dry. COLOURING IN Whether you’re experimenting with pastel tones or simply adding highlights, changing your colour means updating haircare to ensure your hair actually IS getting the best care. The OGX Orchid Oil range adds moisture and replenishing hair strands thanks to a blend of rich orchid extract mixed with grape seed oils. Fade-defying UVA/UVB sun filters also help to protect and lock in colour. EMBRACE TEXTURE If everyone’s Euro summer vacay snaps have you longing for air-dried, texture-full…

BLOOMSBURY To Obama: With Love, Joy, Hate And Despair, by Jeanne Marie Laskas, is an eyeopening look at Obama’s presidency and the letters from ordinary Americans which changed the course of history. Powerful, moving and incredibly intimate – this is your true-story fix. $32.99, bloomsbury.com/au CALVIN KLEIN Featuring sleek lines, silver hardware and minimalist handles, the new Calvin Klein Magazine tote in Olive also has cleverly designed details like an internal zip pocket and magnetic closure. Consider it your new forever bag. $169.95, myer.com.au OGX Get divinely shiny tresses with OGX’s signature Argan Oil of Morocco collection. Laden with supercharged antioxidants and infused with argan oil sourced from Morocco, your hair will be transformed – silky and soft. $17.99 for 385ml Shampoo or Conditioner, aus.ogxbeauty.com CAPRI POSITANO SANDALS Add some Italian glamour to your toes…

The podcasts I subscribe to: My whole office is obsessed with true crime. Dirty John is one of my favourites and I  also love Criminal. I love inspiring stories like The Mentor List, and Virgin Disruptors, about change makers. The site I couldn’t be without is: I  lose myself for hours on Pinterest. It really is an excellent image resource and, if you use it correctly, it’s the most exciting place to get inspired by creatives from around the world. I also find new people to collaborate with through my own Pinterest board. The question I most often ask Siri or Alexa is: What’s the weather like today in Paris?…

There’s something downright sexy about driving a car you absolutely love – one that looks great, drives like a beast and makes you feel like Superwoman. This year, we celebrate the wheels we’re currently besotted with, from super SUVs to green EVs, hot hatches loaded with gadgets, stylish (yes, really) family wagons and the best ride every budget can buy. Whether you’re in the market or just browsing, these are 10 of the best cars straddling tech, style and performance. Strap yourself in THE UNICORN PRIZE PEUGEOT 5008 When you have a family of five or more, some sartorial sacrifices are expected. However, no-one tells you that this extends from owning a white couch to dreams of a sexy and stylish car. Luckily, Peugeot’s biggest SUV fills that void and…

DANIEL NADEL @daniel_nadel_ photography After nine years abroad, the fashion photographer (who has shot campaigns for Topshop and Adidas) is back in Sydney and lending his skills to ELLE’s “In The Mix” on p148 On my playlist: Childish Gambino or Parquet Courts, and a few classics from Clipse. Moderat and Willaris. K are in the mix, too.  Diversity is key. On my reading list: I’m a  sucker for Neil Gaiman’s novels, but would also love to read Patrick DeWitt’s new one, French Exit. On my to-do list: Eat at Zahli – I hear it’s the best Lebanese food in Sydney. On my wish list: A new (or old) film camera. I’m after a  Mamiya 7, so please DM me if you have one for sale. On my bucket list: I’d love to travel around…

Beloved by royalty (hi Kate) and the Insta-set alike, dots (both micro and supersized) return to the spotlight this season on dresses, blouses and shoes. Don’t limit your choices to black and white; ruby red, warm beige and brown are a bomb-dot-com take on the classic.…

It’s official: “gen Z yellow” (aka GZY) is 2018’s It colour. There’s something positively youthful and uplifting about wearing sunny mustard, marigold and sunflower – they turn any wardrobe necessity into a zesty mood-lifter. In GZY, a commuter blazer becomes fun, a turtleneck knit is eye-catching and court shoes are cool. Take cues from the street-style set who opt for stand-out pieces paired with black, tan or blue staples. Or get the ultimate boost by opting for head-to-toe GZY in the form of a power suit. There’s no such thing as too much happiness.…

The old maxim rings true with model Winnie Harlow. The Toronto native is one of the most recognisable faces on the catwalk, walking for brands from Marc Jacobs to Tommy Hilfiger. But what matters most to ELLE is that she’s boldly changing the conversation around beauty, helping to broaden the industry’s once narrow standards — see her TED talk (with more than a  million views) on her skin condition vitiligo for proof. “There is a big shift happening in the fashion industry in terms of beauty standards, and I feel I’m  part of that shift,” she says. “I  remember on America’s Next Top Model, Tyra Banks asked me if a photographer told me to cover my skin for a  shoot, would I do it? I said no. I  don’t care who it is, or who…

Put away the mismatched glassware you spent endless hours curating off eBay, because where this summer’s refreshments are concerned, ice is the new pièce de résistance. However, eleventh-hour types need not apply, because this elevated take requires more foresight than filling up your freezer’s ice cube mould an hour before your party guests arrive (or picking up a bag from the servo with change for $20). Take Disco Cubes, the brainchild of Los Angeles-based Leslie Kirchhoff, a  DJ, photographer and now ice entrepreneur, who creates bespoke creations for brands, events, and bars and restaurants. Kirchhoff creates her own moulds and has a secret process for the creation of Disco Cubes, which typically contain herbs, edible flowers, fruits or vegetables – and regularly, chic branding for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Goop, Cartier, The Coveteur and…

Lino printing, one-square-metre gardening, amateur keyboard-playing... There are few fads my boyfriend hasn’t seen me through. But perhaps his most skeptical reaction to date was when I told him we should manifest together. (To his dismay, it is not a sex thing.) “So you’ve gone full Rhonda Byrne?” he replied, referring to the author of 2006 self-help bestseller The Secret. But 12 years on, manifestation is less daytime Oprah, mums on “magick” and the cult of positivity; more white linen jumpsuits, Fornasetti incense and getting yours. Leading the way is Lacy Phillips. Alongside it-girl poet Cleo Wade and “human design” guru (think chakras meets Myers-Briggs) Jenna Zoe, she’s part of the new-age spiritual mentor clique guiding needy millennials – a generation riddled with debt but conditioned to crave affluence and status – through…

JENNIFER LAWRENCE’S BREAKOUT ROLE – in Winter’s Bone, for which she received the first of three Academy Award nominations (so far) – came just eight years ago. It’s kind of staggering, at this point, to imagine that just a decade ago, Hollywood was J-Law-less. Because in those ensuing eight years, not only has Lawrence broken box office records (as the highest grossing action heroine of all time for The Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen) and been named Forbes’ highest-paid actress two years running, she’s done it all on her terms. When nude photos of her leaked during the 2014 iCloud and Gmail hack, she steadfastly labelled the whole thing a sex crime. When evidence emerged that Lawrence was paid significantly less than her male co-stars for American Hustle, she called out the decision…

LIANE MORIARTY CELEBRATES having a  bestselling book with champagne. “I’m not fussy. I’ll have anything, really. Just the real stuff, the French stuff.” Given that Moriarty has sold, to date, in the ballpark of 14 million books, given that she is the only Australian author ever to debut at number one on The New York Times bestseller list (where the book in question, Big Little Lies, stayed for 35 weeks), given that she had two books in the top 10 bestsellers in Australia last year (a  year in which she did not release a new book)… given all that, well… Liane Moriarty must drink a lot of champagne. The numbers are compelling, even more so because it’s never been harder to sell books. Against  the odds, Moriarty has tapped into something deep within the psyche of women. Her books are dark…

THE KEY TO NEW - SEASON ACCESSORISING: LAYER UP NEUTRALS AND LET YOUR BAGS AND SHOES DO THE TALKING…

Calvin Klein has a knack for creating fragrances that capture the zeitgeist, and Women is the latest from the fashion house, marking a new chapter under chief creative officer Raf Simons. It’s  a  tribute to the enigmatic women of right now, mimicking our complexity with a curious blend of eucalyptus acorns, orange flower petals and Alaskan cedarwood, forming a woody, floral scent that evokes something you can’t quite put your finger on —  which is precisely the point.…

ORIBE’S TEXTURIZING SPRAY is great to give a little bend to my hair. I  just use a curling iron to create subtle waves. I love everything about beauty, but at the end of the day, it’s about balance. I notice that I look and feel much better after a good night’s sleep, when I eat five smaller meals a day, when I’m hydrated, and not letting the stresses of work or life catch up to me too much. I SPENT ABOUT A YEAR PERFECTING my fragrance, Savage Rose. I love that it’s not too traditional a rose scent, and has a little masculine spice to it. I LOVE BOBBI BROWN’S SHADOW STICKS because they are just shimmery enough without being over the top for day-wear, yet give my eyes the right amount of pop if I’m…

AMP UP THE EFFICACY of your skin regimen by paying careful attention not just to what you apply, but how you apply it. Braun’s new FaceSpa Pro comes with three different powered attachments; to remove hair, cleanse skin and tap in products. “It has a metal toning head which uses tapping motions on the skin – 25 per second, much faster than using your hands – to resemble lymphatic drainage; a  gentle way to increase lymph flow and deliver toned, glowing skin,” explains dermatologist Dr Melanie Hartmann. The Sonic Skin Spatula from MiLuxy uses sonic vibrations to gently cleanse and exfoliate, and also includes a “pat” mode to massage skin with zero effort. If you’d prefer something you don’t first have to power up, Kora Organics’ Rose Quartz Sculptor comes in the shape of a  heart, which coincidentally fits with…

BOLD LIP + SANDY LIDS Red lipstick with a hint of warmth makes it more versatile. Wear it perfect and polished –  like Nude by Nature ambassador Elyse Taylor, made up by makeup artist Filomena Natoli – or as a lo-fi stain with blurred edges. Moisture Shine Lipstick in Garnet, $22.95, NUDE BY NATURE, nudebynature.com.au MINIMALIST LIPS + MATTE EVERYTHING Make your lips the feature when wearing flat-finish makeup, with a  perfect creamy nude. Moisture Shine Lipstick in Nude, $22.95, NUDE BY NATURE, nudebynature.com.au SUBTLE LIPS + STATEMENT EYE Complement evening-appropriate eye makeup with a dewy-finish foundation and the simplicity of a  barely there lip shade. Moisture Shine Lipstick in Nude, $22.95, NUDE BY NATURE, nudebynature.com.au HIGH-SHINE POUT + COOL-GIRL EYE For a level of lustre on your lips that can compete with glossy lids, apply a  buff-coloured lipstick…

Anyone who’s had a rough week knows the look: puffy eyes, dark circles, the sudden appearance of fine lines. “We call it stress ageing,” says dermatologist and psychiatrist Dr Amy Wechsler. “Daily stressors such as a  demanding job, lack of sleep and an unhealthy lifestyle can manifest as pallid patches, pimples and wrinkles, which can add three to six years to your skin.” As dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe, author of The Beauty Of Dirty Skin, explains, “Stress slows down digestion, which creates a shift in bacteria that can compromise the integrity of your gut lining. This can cause inflammation that leads to acne flare-ups and premature ageing.” The stress hormone cortisol is no friend to skin. “It’s infamous for breaking down collagen,” says Bowe. Thankfully, much of this damage can…

RESET YOUR BEDTIME The ideal amount of sleep varies according to an individual’s genetics, but most people need between seven and nine hours, says Michael Breus, Ph.D, a Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and sleep specialist. The average sleep cycle is 90 minutes long, and the average person goes through five cycles a night. To find your optimal duration, go to bed exactly seven and a half hours before your planned wake-up time. Add or subtract minutes to this bedtime until you’re able to wake up naturally at the same time each day, even without an alarm. CHILL OUT Keep your bedroom nice and cool – ideally around 18 degrees Celsius. “When your core temperature drops, you tend to get sleepy,” says Terry Cralle, registered nurse and author of Sleeping Your Way…

NESTLED AMONG GREEN HILLS and equine retreats, overlooking pretty Yarramalong Valley, north of Sydney, is the cedar cabin of author and owner of homewares line Imprint House, Natalie Walton. She lives on a sloping block, tucked out of sight from the quiet street below, with husband Daniel and children Charlie, 10, Sabina, 7, Isis, 5, and Miles, 2. “ The house was such a big change from our life in Sydney, but we loved it instantly. Every day was such an adventure for the kids to explore the property,” she explains. The home, built in the ‘80s, needed only simple cosmetic tweaks when Walton took possession of it. The family neutralised the bold feature walls and added as much white as they could. Their most recent changes have been to…

MyPics I collect a lot of images on my phone – this app acts like a series of self-created folders so I can organise all my ideas. Shopify I just launched my online store OF by Amanda Shadforth (ofbyamandashadforth.com) and love how this app lets you track sales and demographics. Bazaart It lets you make beautiful collages using images from your phone. The end result rivals anything you could create in Photoshop. Planoly I use it to plan images for my Instagram feed. I don’t plan all of them but sometimes it’s helpful to use the preview. Sun Seeker These days I’m often working behind the camera and I use this to track the sun so I know what the light is doing.…

KNICKERS IN A TWIST My husband enjoys wearing lingerie. I  have to say that the sex is awesome when he’s wearing it, and at first it was only panties. But lately he’s gotten into bras and garter belts with stockings, and an occasional nightie as well. How normal is this fetish? It has gotten to the point that he cannot perform unless he is wearing at least a bra and panties, and to be honest, he now has nicer things than I do. – MRS UNMENTIONABLES Mrs Un, honey. You ask, “How normal?” I’m guessing the number would shock the pants off researchers. Heck, if we only looked at 25 years’ worth of Ask E. Jean letters, we’d see proof that whole herds of guys dig wearing lingerie. What with the lovemaking…

...thing you bought with cash? I bought a scrap of fabric for $1.60 from Dalston Mill Fabrics, this cheap place in London. I  liked the colour and how shiny it was. ...investment piece youbought? SOME CHANEL SANDALS. ...thing that made you really happy? Work-wise, it’s collaborating with Superga, one of my favourite sneaker brands [Chung’s second range with them is out now]. And last night I bumped into an old friend I hadn’t seen in ages and felt very happy to see and hug him. ...song you played on rotation? YESTERDAY I WAS FIXATED ON “GOOD YEAR FOR THE ROSES” BY ELVIS COSTELLO. ...book you read? I haven’t read a book for almost a year, but I’m about to pick up Everything Is Illuminated. The author [Jonathan Safran Foer] goes to a cafe I  sometimes frequent in…

Big, bold belts are the waist candy your wardrobe’s been waiting for. The new season’s bevvy of arty clasps and sashes have the power to transform an otherwise good outfit into a great one. Opt for super-width and an oversized buckle, like this one by Dior, to amp up your daily denim and shirting combo.…

“When I need to get inspired, I search the styles of Gaia Repossi, the Olsen twins, Kate Bosworth and Lauren Hutton, and I also flick through my growing collection of coffee table books.” “CLASSIC, MINIMAL AND A LITTLE BIT FRENCH IS HOW I’D DESCRIBE MY STYLE” “On Saturdays, I’ll meet friends or my fiancé for breakfast, usually at Cafe Parterre or Sonoma. Then, a  catch up on life with my girlfriends while we walk around Sydney’s Centennial Park or the Bondi to Bronte coastal path. If I  can squeeze in some self-care, I  head to KODA Cutters where I get my hair cut. Then dinner at Fratelli Paradiso for the best Italian food, wine and Negronis.” Bonham’s career advice? “Be authentic and original, work hard and back yourself. I  can’t count the number of times…

FACT: JAMEELA JAMIL’S CHARACTER, TAHANI, gets the best lines on The Good Place. Tahani, a vain, pretentious British socialite who has gone to “the good place”, ie heaven, along with Eleanor (Kristen Bell) and an omnipotent God-like creature played by Ted Danson, has a penchant for namedropping and frequently delivers gems like, “I am an expert at mediating conflict. Like when my friends Scary, Sporty, Posh, and Baby had an issue with my other friend Archbishop Desmond Tutu.” Or, “You know, sometimes a flaw can make something even more beautiful. Like with Cindy Crawford and how short she is.” But possibly the best Tahani line, the one everyone remembers, is this: “You know, I haven’t been this upset since my good friend Taylor was rudely upstaged by my other friend, Kanye,…

SOFTLY SOFTLY PORN Hand-woven orgies, embroidered threesomes and delicately cross-stitched smut; Brisbane-based Leah Emery takes vintage pornography, subverts its lewd connotations, and reconstructs the imagery into pixelated and highly-textured cross-stitch works, just like nanna would have made… and yet very much not. “THIS PROJECT CAME about when I  was working as a 3D modeller in video game development and I was emailed some particularly explicit spam. I filed it away into an innocuously named decoy folder until I  had the revelation that a  beautifully discordant way to explore the unsolicited images was through cross-stitch.” “ONE OF THE REASONS I don’t shy away from depicting sexual acts is as a protest against the increasing conservatism of the mainstream. There have been so many cultural advances in sexual openness that it pains me to see this progress being stripped back. My new work,…

“Three days after I was born, I stopped breathing. The doctors at the hospital assumed I was dead but they were able to resuscitate me by pressing on my chest. Then it happened again, and again. Nobody knew what it was, even though they ran a lot of tests to find out. Eventually my parents and I  were sent home from hospital and the doctors were sort of like, ‘Well, good luck.’ It hasn’t been an issue since, luckily, but in a way I think that it made me a survivor from a really young age. I’ve always had to be pretty tough. My family has always been really adventurous. My dad has climbed mountains my whole life; he’s actually the 12th Australian to climb all Seven Summits. So I…

THE SUBJECT AT HAND IS “AGELESSNESS”, a concept I  think I only half-understand. If it means, “Age is just a number,” or “You’re only as old as you feel,” or “You, too, can look young forever,” then I know I don’t understand it, or, at least, it’s an idea that doesn’t mean much to me. I believe age — and the awareness of age — is one of the few concrete ways we can measure our progress through this world, and that each stage of life has its season and something to teach us, and that either to look or think oneself 27 forever is to abandon the idea of really living altogether. But if, by “agelessness”, we are referring to those moments of grace when time swings and you escape the…

Yumi Stynes Stynes is the host of ABC podcast Ladies, We Need To Talk, which deals with sex, bodies and other tricky stuff ladies need to talk about. It was awarded best lifestyle and health podcast at the Australian Podcast Awards this year. “When my first child came along, it was a  real fork in the road. I was 25 and considered a young mum, especially for my peer group. I didn’t have a friend who’d been in a  similar situation prior to me, so that was hard. I had to grow up and figure stuff out immediately. Now Anouk is older (she’s 16), I can see that she’s taught me so much. You’re meant to teach your kids but you don’t often understand how much they teach you. She’s…

“THESE GOLD NECKLACES WERE DESTINED FOR HIPPIES OF THE HAUTE VARIETY” WITH HER HEAVY-LIDDED EYES, ANGULAR CHEEKBONES AND PENCHANT FOR BOOTS AND A MINI-SKIRT, Françoise Hardy was the quintessential ‘60s French pop star. The original yé-yé girl. Whether they understood the words or not, a  generation on either side of the English Channel hung on her every sad, seductive note. Wannabe ingénues everywhere cut floppy fringes, lined their lids with kohl and lamented along with her about loneliness and lost love. Hardy’s Lolita-like appeal and style, along with the advent of mass media, meant she served as an early prototype for today’s chart toppers. But come 1968, the kind of innocence Hardy had been peddling no longer seemed relevant. Worldwide revolution was rumbling and Paris was at the epicentre. The spirit of rebellion…

WHAT IS IT: A multi-layered facial combined with LED therapy, designed to brighten and tighten skin and formulated to treat even the most sensitive types. “It’s great for dull or dry skin, smokers and even rosacea,” explains creator Vaia Pappas. “Finishing with an LED treatment feeds the skin’s mitochondria with light – in the same way that sunlight feeds plants through photosynthesis –  and soothes inflammation,” she adds. WHAT IT FEELS LIKE: After a basic steam and clean, the therapist applies four separate layers of ingredients, including aloe vera, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes and vitamin C, to gently shed dead and dry skin. The layers offer different levels of “activity” (none of which are painful, but you can feel they’re doing… something). They work together to nix redness and boost hydration and glow. Twenty minutes under an LED (Vaia…

“I have so many brow pencils in my kit. I collect different colours and consistencies. I  change the shade depending on the regrowth or tone of my hair colour, or if I have a tan or not. My friends also want to steal them! My bestie will hold a pencil up and innocently say, ’AJ, fancy filling in my brows?’ Luckily I  love it!” I keep everything in an old-school vanity case with an over-the-shoulder strap by Louis Vuitton. I use a separate mini pencil case by The Daily Edited in my suitcase to protect my tweezers, glues and sharps. My tweezers are my hand extensions. I guard them with my life!” 1. Black Pencil Case, $69.95, THE DAILY EDITED, thedailyedited.com 7. Tweezers, $25, AMY JEAN PRIVÈE, amyjean-collection.com “It’s important to…

WE CAN CREDIT SOCIAL MEDIA WITH A LOT OF THINGS. Random dance challenges (aka Drake’s “In My Feelings“) and a  continued obsession with brows. And that’s a  very good thing. A  well-groomed brow is capable of shaving off five years faster than any tricked-up high-tech serum. That’s not to say you want them to look the same every day. Enter Benefit’s clever new Brow Contour Pro – it’s  like the retractable jumbo pen of your childhood, complete with four different tools in one neat package. “It’s the most pigmented of all of Benefit’s pencils, so the colour pay-off is intense and creamy,” explains the brand’s national brow artist, Hannah Mutze. Best of all, it caters to every brow style. There are two colours to shape and shade in, and another two to define…

You see, it’s not all about you. Your hair wants to do its own thing. To live its best life. Maybe that’s wild curls. Maybe it just wants to be sleek and straight. Or tousled and effortlessly sexy. Put down the tools for a minute and enhance your natural style, whatever that might be (with a little help, of course). Utilising the right ingredients will let your hair take centre stage, and save you all that hassle. MIRACLE WORKER Bleach, hot tools, the weather… it’s hard to avoid damage. If you’re finding hair snapping as you brush and can’t create shine, it’s likely you need to do some repairing. The OGX Extra Strength Damage Remedy + Coconut Miracle Oil range drenches hair in a blend of moisturising extracts to nourish…

MOISTURISE GENTLY Hair oil is a holy-grail product: it prevents damage, smooths ends and boosts shine. But it can also make hair look greasy if you apply it too liberally. Start with a small amount on the ends and work your way up to avoid overload. DEEP-CLEAN WEEKLY Dry shampoo, pollution and natural oils can build up on your scalp and result in lank locks, so look for a detoxifying shampoo. “Healthy follicles give you thicker, better hair,” says dermatologist Dr Doris Day. EAT BETTER “Incorporate good fats and quality proteins, and minimise simple sugars and starches,” says Day. Avoid extreme calorie restrictions. “Your body likes balance, so dramatically altering your diet impacts your hair.” Also consider taking a collagen supplement. STYLE SMARTER To reduce the negative effects of heat…

THE FACIALIST A visit to Valli Shubere’s Melbourne clinic, Herbario, is a  near-religious experience. Combining herbal tinctures and unique massage techniques, Shubere’s main focus is skin detoxification, bringing it back to optimal health or “hygiene”. During the bespoke treatment (expect firm, glowing skin and chiselled cheekbones you haven’t seen in years), Shubere dispels life and health advice with such sincerity you’ll be besotted and consider inviting her to your family Christmas.herbario.com.au THE NATUROPATH With a loyal following that discreetly passes his name around (lest his appointment book fill up too quickly), David Jivan is the go-to naturopath in Sydney, helping clients in areas including fertility and weight loss. His holistic approach combines Chinese medicine, acupuncture and iridology, creating individualised treatment plans that yield long-term, feel-amazing results.davidjivannaturopath.com THE WELLNESS STUDIO Blending meditation…

Finding those signature pieces for your wardrobe takes time and money, so keeping them in flawless condition is essential. The new Fisher & Paykel 10kg Front Loader Washing Machine knows that one cycle doesn’t fit all. Its SmartDriveTM technology intelligently adjusts the wash action for better care of your clothes. With 13 fabric care cycles for your wardrobe staples, your cosy woollens or luxe linens will look like new, wash after wash. Of course, essential cottons and activewear still need TLC thanks to daily wear. Cue the Sports cycle, which slowly heats up cold water to prevent dirt from setting into the fabric. The Hand Wash cycle gently lifts stains from delicate pieces with the same attention to detail as if you were at the sink washing them yourself. Is…

Take a test drive of the new MG3 AUTO, and you’ll not only get a first-hand feel for this exciting new drive, but you’ll also receive a free six-month subscription to ELLE Australia. That’s all the style of the fully customisable car (think tartan-style seats, a brand new face, a classy 8-inch touchscreen with Yamaha 3D Sound Field and Apple CarPlay, plus a huge seven-year warranty), along with six months of the latest trends and most intelligent reads from the world’s biggest-selling fashion magazine. Talk about style, personality and performance.…