Innholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2020 i ELLE Australia

this month’s cover and fashion story was the very last shoot we were able to complete before strict social distancing and lockdown restrictions came into effect in Australia. Our cover star, model Georgia Fowler, summed it up best when she described the images as having an escapism vibe, “which kind of makes sense at the moment”. Throughout 2020, we’ve been incredibly aware that it’s more important than ever to be able to continue to uplift, inspire and entertain our readers and followers. So this issue is dedicated to you. “ANYTHING THAT CAN BRING good energy INTO YOUR life IS WORTH A look” While we’re not suggesting you block out the world or everything that’s been happening in it this year, we are encouraging you to take a moment for yourself.…

if we could sum up our current sartorial predicament, it would be this: we still want to look polished but we don’t want to put in much effort. Do we want to spend an hour assembling an outfit that will only be seen from the waist up? No. Do we want our clothes to offer a glimmer of our “old selves” when we get dressed each morning? You’re damn right we do. Tonal dressing has always been the easiest way to achieve immediate put-togetherness – and this season the trending tone is tan. Layered separates in delicious shades of caramel, cinnamon and hazelnut have captured the attention of brands such as Jil Sander, Isabel Marant and Christian Dior, whose pre-fall collections are a feast of tan-on-tan goodness. Get a taste…

there are some things in life that will never change – even in the face of a terrifying global pandemic. Like, the weather. World events come and (hopefully) go, but the need for season-appropriate attire – such as a good coat to see you through the winter – remains a non-negotiable. In fact, adapting your wardrobe to cater to the cooler months is an enterprise that veers more towards “function” than “fun”. But who says you have to choose? The abundance of new-season coats (and knits, and jeans, and fabulous accessories) will make stepping into winter a thrill – as will a handful of clever styling tricks, borrowed from some of our favourite fashionable women. Winter blues? Not on our watch.…

EVER PUT ON AN OUTFIT and felt it’s not quite right – like there’s a problem you can’t quite put your finger on but is immediately obvious? It’s probably been a question of proportions – a finicky skill that can stump even seasoned fashion editors. This winter, thanks to Hedi Slimane at Celine, we’re in a bourgeois-inspired state of mind, which means we’re coveting long skirts, high boots and mannish blazers. Avoid looking overwhelmed by mixing heavy and light fabrics, cinching at the waist and showing tactful flashes of skin. PRIM AND PROPER A floaty mid-length skirt has a polished, decidedly vintage vibe. Keep it grounded with the shoe of the season: statement knee-high boots. MINI ME Elevate an A-line mini or tailored shorts with a boxy blazer or long-sleeve…

“My personal style is effortless but always polished” as plans for a global lockdown began to take shape, Gabriel Waller was grappling with a difficult decision: whether or not she should stay put. Waller has been living in Sydney for the past few years, but decided to return to her family home in Queensland for the duration of the shutdown, running her highly successful personal shopping business remotely. It’s from here that she is photographed – a timely spin on our usual peek inside tastemakers’ worlds. “My family home reminds me of everything I love about Queensland,” Waller says. “The house is made with beautiful natural timber floors and has floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with natural light – it instantly boosts my mood when I wake up in…

HOW DO WE KNOW WE’RE DOING IT RIGHT? by Pandora Sykes Pandora Sykes, co-host of the beloved The High Low podcast, makes her literary debut with this collection of essays that thoughtfully pull apart – then cleverly piece back together – modern life. From millennial burnout to fashion and more, Sykes ultimately assures us that we are not alone in navigating any of it. $35, Hutchinson; out July 21 YOU HAVE TO MAKE YOUR OWN FUN AROUND HERE by Frances Macken In this contemporary coming-of-age novel, three friends navigate life — and each other — in rural Ireland, exploring the complexities of female friendships and the yearning for something bigger that often comes from growing up in a small town. With her cutting observations and witty dialogue, Frances Macken has…

“i’m from Sydney and my husband Mat is an only child from a small town outside Montreal. A couple of years after he moved to Sydney, both his parents got sick, so they also moved here to be closer to us. Gerry was 77 and Helene was 57. They were super excited, thinking they would be at the beach, making new friends and having this great Australian life. But the reality was that because of their age and disabilities, they found it really hard to make friends. Gerry didn’t want a carer, but when our friend Destiny, who’s from the US and who really missed her family, took them to the beach, they had the best day out. They felt so connected and valued. So we looked for traditional carers…

Xinja, Up, 86 400 – they might sound like energy drinks but they’re actually neobanks. That’s a digital-only bank that saves enough on branches and other traditional bank structures that it can offer great interest rates – even in times like this. And they’re all guaranteed by the government, so you won’t lose money in the (unlikely) event they go bust. UP: Backed by Bendigo Bank, Up offers an interest rate of up to 1.85% (if you make five purchases a month). It sends reminders of upcoming bills, rounds up spare change into a savings account and offers multiple savings accounts for different purposes (eg. house deposit, new laptop). You can make payments via card, phone or watch and there are no monthly fees. up.com.au 86 400: With an interest…

when Apple stepped into the banking world last year by releasing a credit card, it made headlines – for all the wrong reasons. Early adopters soon found men were offered a much greater credit limit than women – even if the women were in an identical financial position. Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, tweeted about the limits he and his wife were individually offered: “We have no separate bank accounts or credit cards or assets of any kind. We both have the same high limits on our [other] cards… But 10x [different] on the Apple Card.” How can such blatant discrimination happen? Dr Catriona Wallace, the founder and executive director of Flamingo Ai who also leads Ethical AI Advisory, explains: “Banks use AI, machine learning and algorithms to analyse data…

Want to show up good-looking ex. Want to impress good-looking ex. Want to upset good-looking ex. Want to replace good-looking ex. Bored of existing wardrobe, looking for excuse to buy all-new clothes that don’t fit in a new way. Clothes don’t fit/don’t feel like driving to store. Younger siblings getting too much attention. Neoliberalism? Want to sing both parts of a duet at karaoke. Empath/“Just a really supportive friend.” Fulfil a prophecy. Nothing good on TV. Too many good shows on TV; feeling overwhelmed and in need of a change. Specific codicil in eccentric, wealthy relative’s will. Something about upper-body strength. Grabbed the wrong badge at one of those mandatory pronoun-name-tag events and felt too embarrassed to admit mistake. Sick of feminist infighting. Intrigued by feminist infighting. Took one of…

AJE “This collection was inspired by the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi, a worldview that focuses on accepting imperfection. One of the seven principles of this mindset is ‘yugen’, which roughly translates to ‘subtle grace’ – we wanted the clothes to embody this idea.” – Designers Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris; ajeworld.com.au BIRD & KNOLL “Our designs are influenced by the places that inspire us: sand dunes in the Sahara; the bougainvillea-scented cobbled streets of Greece; the cerulean accents of Santorini and Mykonos. Palm trees and beaches and sea vistas are ever-present on our moodboards – places you can escape to.” – Designers Macayla Chapman and Natalie Knoll; birdandknoll.com ZIMMERMANN “This look reminds me of a balmy summer night, sipping a cocktail, unwinding with friends in a tropical destination and enjoying…

Whether you’re looking to add some grit to freshly washed hair that hangs like spaghetti or bring life to third-day waves, a texture spray is your new best friend. These hybrid formulas sit between dry shampoo and light-hold hairspray, and some even hydrate, too. “I’m constantly asked for that done-but-undone look in the salon, and that’s created by using this new wave of mattifying products,” says Joey Scandizzo, founder of his eponymous salon and co-creative director for Eleven Australia. “They give the hair soft separation, but leave it with a clean feeling and natural look.” A helpful tip: focus on the mid-lengths and ends following a blow-dry or curling tongs to hold the style and add woke-up-like-this definition.…

WASH SMART: “Add moisture to every step in your regimen,” says John Pulitano, creative director of Headcase Hair. The easiest switch is to opt for a more hydrating shampoo and conditioner. 1. Repair My Hair Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, $29.95 each, ELEVEN AUSTRALIA, elevenaustralia.com MASK LIKE CRAZY: Essential for strength and nourishment, most masks have conditioning ingredients as well as butters, oils and silicones, so only apply once a week to avoid overload. Pro trick we love: “I like to use hot towels as steam allows the product to penetrate deeper into your hair cuticles,” says Pulitano. 2. Regenerating Hair Care Mask, $130, HAIR RITUEL BY SISLEY, mecca.com.au TACKLE STATIC: Static is an annoying side effect of low moisture in the air. Try a smoothing product, or for an old-school…

Q:HOW DO I REHAB MY NAILS NOW THAT I’M TAKING A BREAK FROM GELS? A: We love polished nails for their ability to make us feel instantly more pulled together. So taking a break can be quite a shock if it’s been a while since you’ve seen them bare. But it’s necessary, says Jocelyn Petroni, the official manicurist for Chanel in Australia. “Synthetic treatments are occlusive, meaning that no air or water can move through to feed the nail.” The result is often peeling, softening and brittleness. Another thing that doesn’t help: picking it off rather than using an acetone soak. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to restore your nails, starting from the inside. A key mineral is silicium, “which helps nails to grow faster and be more resistant,”…

this isn’t your garden-variety home-spa story. And that’s because we’re not telling it in garden-variety times. Right now, the idea of transforming your bathroom into a luxurious space might seem ridiculous. We totally agree. What we’re suggesting is that small adjustments to even the most basic beauty regimen can boost the good feels. Because it’s not so much the spa treatments we’re chasing… as the bliss cloud you float out on afterwards. We don’t have a magic wand. Your bathroom is not suddenly going to feel like a retreat. But adopting just a few of these tricks will get the positive iso vibes flowing. SHELFIE shelves your Treatment rooms are minimalist because being surrounded by clutter is stressful. So now is the time to roll up your sleeves and sort…

1. CREATE A DEDICATED WORKOUT SPACE “Try to exercise in the same place each time so you associate this as your workout area,” advises Henshaw. You can kit it out with inexpensive equipment from Kmart, or sign up to a program that sends you everything you’ll need, such as Fluidform At Home. 2. FOLLOW A PLAN “The less you have to think about when starting a workout, the better,” says Miller. “Our workouts are all planned out and set for you, so you don’t have to worry about the exercises, you can simply follow the plan and get it done.” 3. SET YOURSELF UP “You can work out in your pyjamas of course, but I personally start to feel motivated once my runners go on. I prep my activewear and…

“I encourage you to cut out this collage kit and see what creations you come up with. Give yourself some time to sit with the images and see what inspires you. It doesn’t matter if what you make is ‘beautiful’ or not, as long as you’re able to get some joy out of the process. There is comfort in knowing that no matter what is happening in the world right now, we can still work to find a corner of peace within ourselves.” – ALiA WiLHELM, ARTiST (@ALiiiiiA, @NeArNeSSpROJeCt)…

KATE SULLIVAN @katesullivan000 ELLE’s Senior Editorial Coordinator/Bookings Editor is the one who turns our wildest photoshoot dreams into reality – and she always goes above and beyond the call of duty. For this issue’s cover story (see p68), she played chauffeur, having the enviable job of driving Georgia Fowler to Jervis Bay, NSW, with the two bonding over podcasts, industry stories and how they spend their downtime. How are you taking care of yourself? “I’m spending as much time as I can in the garden looking after my winter vegies. I have a great group of girlfriends and our regular messages keep me sane. And I’m cooking lots of food! I’m obsessed with Julia Busuttil Nishimura and have been cooking a lot of her recipes.” SEVAK BABAKHANI @sevakphoto The photographer…

aren’t we all in need of a little whimsy right now? We want fashion that will keep our mind off things – pieces that are playful and joyful and serve no real practical function but to make us smile (and provide great fodder for a good mirror selfie or two). Enter: the statement collar. The Scandinavians – queens of quirk done right – were naturally the first to embrace the trend. Ganni has long loved a look-at-me collar while Danish It-girl Pernille Teisbaek has worn styles by Chanel and By Malene Birger (she recently dubbed the look her “home-school uniform”). Despite appearances, avoiding Victorian-era cosplay overtones is actually pretty easy. Tuck your blouse into wide-leg jeans or relaxed paper-bag shorts, then cinch at the waist with a simple gold belt.…

SOMETIMES IT PAYS TO KEEP IT SIMPLE – and nothing captures the spirit of aspirational minimalism quite like a classic black coat. Aussie brands such as Aje and Arnsdorf offer great iterations – best paired with equally timeless staples like vintage-wash Levi’s, a crisp white shirt and made-for-stomping combat boots. wear with……

THE WORLD’S MOST STYLISH women know it isn’t about having more, but about doing more with what you have. Translation? Layering. Is. Everything. And never more so than in winter. Instead of frantically trying to buy a brand new wardrobe, invest in a few key pieces that will transform your worn-to-death staples for the new season. SCANDI Pair a neutral knit with great denim (and even better accessories). SPORTY Extend the lifespan of a preppy polo or button-up with a bold jumper. BOHO Play with texture, such as wool, silk and suede. More is more is more. RETRO Modernise ’70s shapes with leather accessories and – if you’re feeling brave – a knitted bra.…

phoebe Bridgers is the kind of person you want to be friends with on Co-Star. She writes funny tweets (“I would like social distance from myself”), posts self-deprecating selfies, sings about missing her dog (“I wish I was on a spaceship, just me and my dog and an impossible view”) and makes funny TikToks. She is also effortlessly cool: enough to be tapped for a Rodarte campaign that also starred January Jones, Kirsten Dunst and the Haim sisters. And unruly enough to get away with smoking a bong in the video for “Garden Song”. Fader has described her as “one part @SoSadToday, one part Leonard Cohen” – listening to her introspective and bittersweet songs evokes an image of your emo teen self, but all grown up. But foremost, Bridgers is…

we are all counting the cost of coronavirus. Much of it is still unknown: how many lives lost, how many families broken. With the stakes so high, it might feel uncomfortable to weigh up the pandemic’s financial cost. But most of us – including governments – have no choice but to do just that. “This will rewrite economics textbooks,” says Lacey Filipich, author of Money School. “Governments are expecting a recession – which is where the economy hasn’t grown for six successive months – and are working hard to avert a depression. That’s a sustained, widespread economic downturn.” And events are already disproportionately affecting women, says financial journalist Bianca Hartge-Hazelman, founder of Financy.com.au and the Financy Women’s Index. “Given that women tend to earn less than men on average, and…

buying or owning a home comes with a lot of shoulds. In Australia, our culture is one where owning your home has more cachet than renting and most people (approximately 70 per cent) have purchased a home. So it’s little wonder that many people believe that owning a home is money-savvy. We want to dispel that myth. While it may make sense for some people to buy a home, it may not be the best answer for everyone. And home ownership might be perfect at some life stages, and limiting in others. There’s no right or wrong about a decision to buy a home, or a decision to rent. Don’t get caught up in the world of the Joneses. Be your own Joneses. Own, rent, mix it up. The choice…

Most of us are just happy to have a job right now – or we’re desperately looking for one. So the delicate art of asking for a raise may not be top of mind. But it’s never too early to start gathering ammunition for your next pay review, says Meggie Palmer, who has been running daily PowerPepTalk sessions via her pay-negotiation app, PepTalkHer, to support women through the crisis. The key is to know your value. PANDEMIC PRICE TAG: During times of economic challenge, cashflow is king, so if you have a job, the priority is to keep it. Your boss may ask you to take a pay cut, or tell you bonuses are on hold. If you have a safety net, feel free to play hardball. If not, work…

for my last birthday, I bought myself the gold diamond ring of my dreams. More than a birthday present, it was a gift to myself for making the incredibly tough decision to end a six-year relationship the week prior. In my excitement to own the ring, I didn’t check the sizing before I bought it online, and so it only fits my wedding ring finger – not the finger next to my pinky on my right hand, specifically the ring finger on my left hand. The first time I wore it – before news of the break-up had spread – a friend saw it and rushed over to ask if I was engaged. She was so excited that I couldn’t bring myself to tell her it symbolised the exact opposite.…

In a simple white singlet, sitting in the sunshine on her sister’s balcony in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, New Zealand-born international model Fowler could be on one of her fleeting visits back from her home base in New York. Except, this time she’s here for the long haul, in self-isolation along with the rest of Australia and staying busy keeping her two nieces, aged four and nearly three, entertained. “It’s an extreme change of pace. I started modelling when I was 15, and I started travelling at 16. For the past three years, every four days or so I was on a plane doing a long-haul. I’m not very used to being in one country let alone being stuck inside,” the 27-year-old says via FaceTime. “It’s definitely different. But it’s just…

NAIL AN EFFORTLESS AIR-DRY… with Paloma Rose Garcia, Paloma salon “Take a break from your hot tools and go wash-and-wear with your hair. Shampoo and condition with appropriate products for your hair type in the shower. When your conditioner is in, use a detangling brush or comb to brush out the knots and create your desired part. Once you’re out of the shower, scrunch-dry your hair with a towel to promote waves and movement. When the excess moisture is removed from your hair, apply products designed for your hair type. If you’ve got fine hair, I recommend a weightless conditioning spray and very light oil through mid-lengths and ends, medium hair types can go for a mid-weight oil and lightweight conditioning cream, and coarse hair will be best suited to…

THE ROLLS-ROYCE OF FLAT IRONS has finally arrived, and it promises to be up to 50 per cent less damaging than traditional straighteners. Intelligent copper plates with flexible capabilities allow the tool to sense the thickness of the hair and gather it firmly into the plates. What that means: less styling time and more efficient straightening on each section. There’s also three heat settings that you can adjust according to your hair type, plus a sensor that measures the temperature 100 times per second so you’re never at risk of scorching your strands. An investment, yes, but one that will afford your hair better health in spades. Corrale straightener, $699, DYSON, dyson.com.au IF YOUR FACE has been lucky enough to encounter some Sturm magic, why shouldn’t the courtesy extend to…

First skincare, food and now our hair can benefit from Australia’s native produce. Ingredients like Kakadu plum, eucalyptus and desert lime clean hair without stripping and add shine and bounce all while keeping the planet happy. Here are some pioneering haircare brands that have harnessed the goodness of our home-grown flora and bottled it up to our delight.…

ESTÉE LAUDER Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup SPF 10 is a cult favourite for a reason. It delivers 24-hour flawless coverage, yet feels lightweight and looks natural. It’s your skin, but better. $59; esteelauder.com.au BALLY With athleisure firmly back on our radars, we’re loving Bally’s Brinelle sneakers. The chunky white sole brings the sporty vibes, while the statement buckle adds an edge. Consider them your new WFH essential. bally.com.au COACH Coach’s Courier Carryall is the epitome of classic with a twist. The sophisticated shape takes its cues from a beloved style from the ’70s, but with modern updates such as an exterior snap pocket designed for your phone and cards. It’s also crafted from buttery-soft leather, so just try keeping your hands off it. $1,195; coachaustralia.com BREITLING The Navitimer…

Move Speaker, $649, SONOS, sonos.com.au I take this speaker everywhere: it’s light, transportable and has amazing sound. UFO, $289, FOREO, sephora.com.au I’m a frequenter of infrared saunas, but since I can’t go to my local Nimbus & Co, I’m looking to at-home alternatives, like this device. Watch With Hermès Band, $519, APPLE, apple.com/au I use this watch to track my sleep and exercise. Artisan Deluxe 5 Speed Hand Blender, $239, KITCHENAID, kitchenaid.com.au I can do anything from chopping vegies to making pesto, hummus and soup with this blender. AirPods, $249, APPLE, apple.com/au AirPods are great for getting a little bit of quiet, as my partner and I are both working from home. INSTA FOLLOWS @thecut Great for interesting articles and a good meme or two. @piabaroncini A designer in Los…

WORK BACK Everything retro is cool again: we’re doing Jane Fonda’s aerobics classes (via YouTube) after they found fresh life on Ty Haney of Outdoor Voices’ Instagram (@ty_haney), embracing fun dance sessions with choreographer Ryan Heffington (@ryan.heffington) and suddenly have the urge to skip rope. OLD FRIEND Prepare to get obsessed with all things Elena Ferrante again. A new novel, The Lying Life Of Adults, is on its way, plus Maggie Gyllenhaal is set to direct a movie based on Ferrante’s book The Lost Daughter, starring Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson. ALL SMILES For Loewe’s new Smiley capsule collection, positivity is key. Neon smiley faces adorn everything from jumpers to purses, which means you can’t help but feel good wearing a piece. Winter dressing never looked so bright. Available from…

watch any coverage from the European fashion collections each season and it can seem like a rolling parade of fantasy garments and frivolous fun, both on and off the catwalk. But the big business behind some of our favourite labels is a well-oiled machine that not only draws on centuries of heritage and know-how but is well-equipped to turn on a dime. Such was the case in March when French luxury cosmetics and fashion company LVMH announced it would be using its cosmetic and perfume facilities – including those producing fragrance for Dior, Givenchy and Guerlain – to manufacture hand sanitiser to be donated to French health authorities and the Assistance Publique Hôpitaux De Paris, the largest hospital system in Europe. The aim: to help address the risk of a…

A LITTLE MORE LAID-BACK than its black counterpart, an oversized camel coat is perfect for any occasion. Max Mara’s flattering versions in particular are the thing of fashion legend – and for good reason. Thrown over relaxed suiting or sweats, they add an instant dose of sophistication. wear with……

The government has said we can take out money from our super if coronavirus has caused us financial stress – but is that a good idea? It depends, says Hartge-Hazelman. “I’ve spoken to financial advisers who say, ‘We don’t think people should be doing it, it’s crazy,’” she says. Those advisers worry that if you take out cash, you’re missing out on the gains you’d have seen if you’d left it in your super. “That may be the case, but what matters is right here and now. The reality is some people are cash-strapped – they’ve lost their jobs and have bills to pay. If you’re in severe financial hardship, then look into it,” Hartge-Hazelman adds. But, she warns, “Keep in mind that we will recover from this. Make a…

USE YOUR BUFFER FUND WISELY Your buffer fund (or emergency fund) is for dealing with financial knocks, and job loss certainly fits that description. Using buffer money, if you have it, to cover your living costs in the short-term is a better option than going into debt. But don’t drain it wastefully. What costs can you get rid of in the short-term to reduce the money going out? GET HELP There may be financial and training support available to help you get back into work. Don’t let pride get in your way. Apply for welfare and job-readiness programs, and take free appointments with not-for-profits to help you work out your options. SELL UP The alternatives are much less attractive: selling assets and/or going into debt. I feel ill thinking about…

Fact: regardless of the industry you work in, navigating the workforce can be challenging, particularly for women. While the gender pay gap is narrowing, Australian women still earn an average of $25,000 per year less than their male counterparts. But despite the stats, women around the world are continuing to kick career goals, using their business and finance savvy to become powerful leaders in their fields. And who better to take advice from? believe in your goals “Success begins at that magical moment when you declare to yourself, your friends and the universe that you believe you can do something different.” — NATALIE MASSENET, Net-A-Porter founder establish a network “Try to realise that if you reach out to 10 people in the industry, three might write you back and two…

“THE COLLECTION IS a tribute TO FASHION’S ROLE AS A SOURCE OF fantasy, WHICH IS WHAT WE need most FROM IT RIGHT NOW” Over the past few decades, designer Nicolas Ghesquière has built a reputation as being a man with an uncanny ability to intuit what women want before they even know they want it. It’s a skill that has defined his seven-year tenure at Louis Vuitton, where his designs pay homage to bygone eras (anything from the 1800s to the 1980s goes) while still being firmly focused on the future, courtesy of ultramodern silhouettes and space-age styling. It’s a happy marriage, one that has helped establish the 49-year-old Frenchman as one of the industry’s most influential names. Science fiction, space travel and virtual reality are all subjects that fascinate…

When it comes to hair, long have we struggled with the issue of wanting what we can’t have. Between lengths, styles and colours, there’s so much to try with so little time. The surprisingly obvious solution? Wigs! If you’ve never given them much thought, you’re certainly not alone. But wigs have gone from a Halloween accessory to the mainstream, with more and more of the fashion crowd buying into the trend. The beauty of wigs is in the ease. Feel a little extra without the effort – whether it’s neon pink locks down to your waist or maybe a chic Pulp Fiction bob. Not sure where to start? We suggest looking to Aussie brand Mane, which makes everyday wigs using 100 per cent ethically sourced real hair, allowing you to…

hat depends on whether your hair is showing signs of build-up. Pollution, styling products and other chemicals gradually leave residue along the hair shaft. The impact shows up on your scalp first, says Scandizzo. “The skin gets very dry and flaky,” he says, noting that hair that looks dull and feels heavy is likely suffering, too. The first thing to do is hit reset with a clarifying or deep-cleaning shampoo. “In the same way a face scrub sloughs away dead cells and preps the skin for active ingredients, these formulas will remove product, oil and mineral build-up along the hair shaft so it can receive the nutrients from your conditioner or mask,” says Scandizzo. Many include protective ingredients, such as vitamin C, as well as cleansing ones. Just make sure…

THE innovators After disrupting the haircare category overseas with its collection of colour-saving products, Color Wow – dubbed the Apple of haircare – has finally landed in Australia. It’s the brainchild of Gail Federici, who’s spent more than 40 years formulating for some of the world’s biggest hair brands. She wanted every product in the line-up to address an issue in our hair routines, from frizz to shine and overall brightness, all using groundbreaking technology. Kim Kardashian West’s mane man Chris Appleton serves as global creative director for the brand, which has seen several products consistently sell out. One of which, Dream Coat, was inspired by textile technology to act as an umbrella for the hair, tightening and sealing the strands to protect against humidity. Appleton, who is famous for…

THE skin smoother “Baking soda is my secret to beautiful skin. All I do is wet a cotton pad, then place some cleanser on top as well as baking soda. I then exfoliate my skin using gentle, circular motions and wash it off. I’m left with baby-smooth skin.” Velina Vasileva, ELLE BULGARIA THE spot clearer “Put an ordinary mint toothpaste plus zinc ointment or tea tree oil on a blemish overnight. The following day, it will have completely vanished.” Marta Krupinska, ELLE POLAND THE calm-down-already fix “Oatmeal contains beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that creates a thin film on the skin to help retain moisture. Place oatmeal onto a clean cloth and tie it into a ball with elastic. Then dip the ball into a sink of water and wring it…

remember when Instagram felt like a veritable breeding ground for boutique fitness establishments? If you weren’t posting about your HIIT sessions at a cult health and fitness studio, a large portion of your virtual constituents likely were. Over the years, a membership to a stylish gym has become somewhat of a status symbol – a signifier to the digital world that not only do you have your life together enough to take top-notch care of yourself, but you are able to do so in the most desirable of surrounds. Many of us bought into it – exxy direct debits decimating our bank accounts even though we couldn’t really afford it. But they were a symbol of membership to a different kind of club – one where an automated weekly investment…