Liner Notes

Sea salt and skin, that’s all I ask for this summer.

Gisele in Givenchy S/S 2012 shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

The weather down under has been pretty shocking for summer (and who know’s if it’s going to get any better), so I’ve decided to quit whinging and make the most of it – just like Gisele here and her two handsome friends. Starting from today I am piling on the sea salt (Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray to be precise) and lathering my legs with Weleda’s Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil (I’m all about the oils, again). Now, if only I could surf…

Alexa Chung shot by Josh Olins for Vogue UK, June 2011

This festival loving, long-legged hipster muse is as low maintenance as they come. A slick of liquid liner, a few minutes with the curling irons and the right products and she’s ready to go. Currently sporting a shoulder length bob, her simple, shaggy chic ‘do is suited to all lengths. I’ve been doing this look non-stop since I cut my hair and the best thing about it is that the hairstyle gets better as the days go on. Here’s how-to do Alexa’s twisty look…

1) Spray the new KMS FREESHAPE Hot Flex Spray on towel dried hair and roughly blow-dry. Both heat and humidity resistant, Hot Flex Spray has an elastic hold which allows the style to last until the next wash.

2) Using Remington’s Tribal Tongs, wrap irregular sized sections of hair around the conical barrel away from the face and hold in place until hair is warm. Continue with the rest of the hair without worrying about being too precise as imperfection is the key to Alexa’s look.

3) Once the hair has cooled, comb out the curls with fingers. Apply a small amount of Redken’s Tousle Whip 04 (a cream-wax for glossy, texturised hair) to the lengths of the hair focussing on separating and defining pieces.

4) Finally, to tame tiny flyaways at the roots, spray Moroccanoil’s strong-hold Luminous Hairspray onto your Mason Pearson Paddle Brush and gently comb the roots. Easy!

Lindsey Wixson photographed by Angelo Pennetta for Self Service.

Firstly, love Lindsey Wixson. Secondly, to get those bold, perfectly lined black eyes use waterproof liner on the inner rim of the eyes (the water line) and under the top lashes. Right now I’m loving Laura Mercier’s Tightline Cake Eye Liner in Black Ebony as it hardly moves or smudges. Then, after you’ve lined the eyes go mascara crazy (in black of course!). Too easy.

Photography by Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue US

A fortnight ago I wrote an article about the current crazy-coloured hair trend for The Australian newspaper (!!). I distinctly remember the Rodarte wunderkinds showing a variety of coloured extensions aaaages ago at their Spring 2008 show and then those purveyors of cool Proenza Schouler who presented murky looks at their Spring 2010 show. After that, King Karl showed pastel streaks on the models at Chanel’s Spring 2010 couture show and at the same time Abbey Lee Kershaw got colourful on the cover of Vogue Australia. Since then, it’s gotten big and it’s not going away.

Wanna know how to get the look without destroying your beautiful hair? Well, don’t I have great news for you! In writing the article I tried and tested everything and anything and have got the low-down on what works.

Firstly, the man responsible for Abbey Lee’s locks, the very lovely Kevin Murphy, has just launched a coloured powder called Color.Bug. I’m in love! They’re easy to use and the colours are ace.

Secondly, for a powdery texture a la Thakoon S/S 2012, use the easily accessible Australian brand Cinta’s range of Intense Colour Hairsprays.

For a runway replica hairdo, try German professional makeup brand Kryolan’s Colour Spray which I spotted backstage at Narciso Rodriguez.

Otherwise, for a sleeker, smoother texture, try alternative New York brand Manic Panic’s range of Dye Hard Gels.

Well what’s stopping you? It’s super easy and they all wash out with shampoo.

What colour will you go for? I’m loving bright green, pastel pink and purple.

And finally, for a snippet of the article, click here.

Believe me when I say it, blue eyeshadow is back baby! Light blue was slathered across lids at London Fashion Week a fortnight ago but I’m loving this highlighter blue shade seen on Ms Weisz here..

Rachel Weisz shot by Craig McDean

ps. Liner Notes has been a tad quiet as I’ve been fashion week-ing over here. Thanks for staying with me!

Abbey Lee Kershaw shot by Sebastian Kim for Numéro #126

I’m absolutely adoring Abbey Lee’s makeup in this shot. Smokey, matte, and thanks to the lighting, very moody. My fave is the placement of that pretty pink blush – quite low on the cheek so she looks a little flushed. Very Marc Jacobs Fall 2011, don’t you think?

Barbara Palvin shot by Emma Tempest for Dansk A/W 2011

My gosh! Is anybody else inspired to get out that liquid liner and have a play? I would even do those eyebrows for a night out, would you?

ps. A dress by Christopher Kane would also be amazing!