♥ Lazy Girl Beauty - the Anti-Essex Girl Approach to Looking Fabulous

As the name of my blog suggests, I like the high-maintenance, well-groomed look, yet I am but a mere mortal. I don't want to wake up at 6am to straighten my hair and spackle on a face full of cosmetics. Stiletto heels are relegated to the back of my closet and only brought out for special events. False eyelashes are a mystery to me, and a weekly spray-tan is a luxury my budget doesn't allow. While I admire The Only Way Is Essex girls and their look, I have a job, I go to Tafe and Uni simultaneously. I don't have the time. 

Effort? No thanks!

By the way, on the topic of TOWIE, I have to admit I actually do have a massive girl-crush on Chloe. She's gorgeous, and despite the flotation devices attached to her chest, seems totally grounded.

So I think it's safe to say that when it comes to my approach to grooming I'm all about the extra 15 minute sleep-in. So here is my quick, compiled list of no-effort ways to look great (because lazy girls don't have time to read super-long blog entries):

1. Palmer's Natural Bronze Tanning Moisturizer
This one's a no brainer. A golden glow without much risk of obvious streaking, missed patches, scaly dry spots or orange palms. The Palmer's gradual tanner is my tried-and-tested fave, it gives a great light-gold colour, is pretty moisturizing and initially smells like chocolate (though it does fade to that horrible fake-tan smell eventually). Slather this on before bed and you'll wake up with soft, glowing limbs. Bonus: you can apply regularly to blend in any minor streaks or patches you've missed, and you can add an extra coat, maybe every second day, just to the places you need (say, legs and back).
Tip: Unless you have the kind of skin that can be slathered in any old product without issue, I wouldn't apply this to your face. Mix a teeny bit of regular fake-tan with your night cream, or try a gradual tanner designed for the face; I've been lusting after this one by POD Pureaceuticals, which doubles as an anti-aging serum: liquid tan face serum 

2. Alberto V05 Give Me Texture Instant Oomph Powder
Admittedly I bought this mostly for the cute pink packaging. However, I soon realized how useful it was. Obviously it gives good texture and volume (it works best if you apply then lightly tease hair at the roots), but it also soaks up any excess oil, meaning its great for the days you don't have time to wash and style your hair and its looking sad, flat and greasy. I bought this from Priceline for around $7.

3. Dr Lewinn's SPF 15 Anti-Ageing Foundation
Not only does it combat ageing with rose stem cells and a clinically-tested peptide, Matrixyl Synthe 6, which is proven to enhance collagen production, it moisturizes with hyaluronic acid and protects from incidental sun exposure. It also provides good coverage and a semi-matte finish. Available from Priceline.

4. Fusion Beauty StimuLash Lash Enhancing and Lengthening Mascara
This mascara isn't cheap, but it contains peptides which, over 4-8 weeks, lengthen your lashes and improve their condition. It also is just a generally great mascara which really lengthened my short, thin lashes. I bought mine from Mecca Cosmetica.

5.  Puretopia Pert and Plump Line Filling Lip Balm
This double-duty creamy lip balm moisturizes with shea butter and vitamin E, and over time claims to gradually plump your lips and decrease fine lines due to the inclusion of peptides. For the reasonable price, I'll be giving it a go (as always available from Priceline).




♥ Let me know your lazy-girl beauty short-cuts! ♥