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Saturday 31 August 2013

L’Oréal Paris SuperLiner Extensions: Australia

The catseye, the smoky eye, the winged eyeliner look... all of these eye makeup looks have been popular for decades. The look is always on-trend.

The biggest way to draw your way to success is to have the right, precision tools on hand.

I am such a dab hand at a winged liner, I can actually do a mean one while at the stop lights in a car (as a passenger, of course).

And now, my fave cosmetics brand L'Oréal Paris has introduced an extension of products following on from the ongoing success of L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Liquid Eyeliner and SuperLiner 24H Gel Eyeliner, with the launch of three new eyeliners. These new-gen eyeliners are perfect tools to produce catwalk looks. They've stepped up the calibre of cosmetics to create the look.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Perfect Slim Eyeliner RRP $24.45
Says the press release: In one steady stroke, SuperLiner Perfect Slim enhances the shape of the eye with its very precise 0.4mm tip. Providing a stylish and intense sweeping line, this precision felt-tip eyeliner gives optimum control thanks to its grip zone hold. SuperLiner Perfect Slim is the perfect beauty product for your everyday look plus to naturally take` your signature look from day to evening.

Real-life roadtest:
This fabulous, slim-tipped felt-style pen is is the tool to pick up if you want a precision line across your upper lid. It really is foolproof. Pro tip: start off slow, from the inner eye (about halfway across the lid, and sweep slowly to the outer corner, drawing a slighter thicker line as you go. A little flick on the end (you can start slow, then build up) gives you an instant catseye. Practice makes perfect. I adore this little baby... it's now indispensible to my makeup kit.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Perfect Slim Eyeliner is available in Intense Black (below, with the model showing how the end result can look):




L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Blackbuster Eyeliner RRP $16.95
Says the press release: Create the boldest eye looks with the mistake-proof SuperLiner Blackbuster. Inspired by current catwalk looks around the globe, SuperLiner Blackbuster is the first marker-pen eyeliner and offers the thickest liner yet for intense graphic lines that can be carefully crafted into perfectly-formed looks and shapes. The dark-as-night ‘black-ink’ formula glides on smoothly, lasts for eight hours and is just as easy to remove as apply.

Real-life roadtest:
Okay, this may look a little intimidating to start with - it looks like a big black school texta! - but give it a go (start slow, and build up the line gradually). It's perfect for more dramatic, far bolder looks. It can still do a less intense line, but gives you a sharper look, quicker. I love this chunky pen! Apply in the same way as the its thinner cousin, above, just keep a steadier hand and draw the line on slower.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Blackbuster Eyeliner is available in Intense Black (below, and the look it can create):




L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Silkissime Eyeliner RRP $22.95
Says the press release: With its silky texture, Silkissime Eyeliner allows for precise, sophisticated lines with a touch of silk. The oils used in the product’s technology provide an ultra-soft and ultra-gliding texture for unmatched sensoriality and shine. Plus, the formula’s Light Flex™ Polymer is a breakthrough innovation for flexible yet ultra-resistant smudge proof lines.  L’Oréal Paris Silkissime Eyeliner offers the ultimate silky pencil for a line that glides, shines and intensifies.  Get the most sophisticated eye looks with intensity and shine.

Real-life roadtest:
The test of a good eyeliner is one that glides on beautifully, and doesn't need you to drag it along the lower, inner eyelid, but isn't so soft that it goes all runny and panda-eye on you in five minutes flat. Nope, this baby is perfection. It's a smooth operator and gives a lovely clean line in no time. New makeup bag staple. Love.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Silkissime Eyeliner is available in 601 Seductive Black and 602 Brown Temptation (below in black, and on model showing the look which can be acheived):



 L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Perfect Slim Eyeliner is available from August 2013 in selected pharmacies, variety and department stores.

L'Oréal Paris SuperLiner Silkissme and SuperLiner Blackbuster Eyeliner are available from October 2013 in selected pharmacies, variety and department stores.

Friday 30 August 2013

Project 90: My Fit n Fast Journey - Report Four

Report four of my Fit n Fast 'Project 90' program is here, and while the three month journey is almost over, the big life shift is just beginning. Five kilograms lost so far, and now just over three weeks to go!

(Here is part one and part two and part three which gives an intro and updates on my journey).



The biggest change for me has been the way I have embraced this as a complete lifestyle change - what I do and eat is now part of who I am. Eating unhealthily is now not something I want to do - and my body is not happy about it if I do sneak a little something.

And that's the whole point - the concept of 'sneaking' in anything is detrimental to my ongoing success; it's the kind of self-sabotage that has had me fail in the past. Instead, allowing myself the occasional treat is far better for me from a psychological point of view, than depriving myself altogether.

In the words of Matt O'Neill from Metabolic Jumpstart, if you crave something which is not part of the healthy food choices you know are good for you, simply "get your fix, not your fill."

So, have a square of that dark chocolate... don't gorge on it.

My catch up coaching calls with Matt are a constant source of inspiration - he is interested in where I have failed as much as what has succeeded for me. From this, we dissect and discuss and Matt offers up viable, and easy to follow suggestions.

For example, with only weeks to go, Matt has sent me a calendar for the month of September so I can properly chart what's coming up (weddings, parties, anything) so it doesn't threaten to put me off course. It has worked well - if I know an event is happening and there might be cake, I can factor that in, and allow myself that treat, knowing I won't pay attention to my sweet tooth at other times during the week.

Matt has sent me some handy PDFs on why weight loss plateaus happen (reduced metabolic rate, undereating, overeating...) and seven ways to plateau (reassess your energy intake, write it all down), so I can understand them better and not feel deflated by them.

At the gym, my personal trainer Hayley contiues to, well, whip my butt into shape.

We are talking high impact circut training, more boxing, an introduction to the Stairmaster bike (yikes, it's hard work but strangely addictive), and lots of short bursts of high intensity exercise. After each bi-weekly session with Hayley (I go to the gym the other three weekdays and work out by myself) I feel happy to add some extra time on the bike or the treadmill.

I notice a definite increase in people at the gym of late, too. With the season of spring imminent, more body-consious folk are now out getting fit, and that means more sessions at the gym. It's encouraging to see.

Appearance-wise, my clothes are looser, jeans fit better, and it's fun getting dressed up again. I know I still have a substantial way to go on the weight/cm loss front, but the begininngs are positive and visible, and my confidence is climbing, and that's what's important.

How are you going on your weight loss journey? Feel free to commnent below!

Oh, and my fab 'after' shots are imminent... I won't lie, it's kinda my motivator to keep striving to looking amazing.

'I Forgot My Phone': Viral Video

It had to happen... a short film about the obsession with our phones (see below).

On the Tumblr of Charlene deGuzman, she has written a post titled "I Forgot My Phone".



To date over 14 million people have viewed Charlene deGuzman's short film "I Forgot My Phone".

She says on her Tumblr about it:

I came up with the idea for this video when I was at a concert seeing my favorite DJ. The people in front of me had their phones up in the air the entire time - filming, taking pictures, posting them to Facebook and Instagram, tweeting about how cool this concert was. I saw all of this. Because it was right in front of my face. The glaring screens were right in front of my face, because I’m 5 foot 2, the perfect height for things to be right in front of my face.

Some of you may know that this has been one of my biggest pet peeves for a long time. But you see, it’s not until very recently that I’ve discovered the joy in being in the moment - listening to people, looking at faces, expressions, details, looking at the colors of things, smelling smells, tasting food - and it’s not until now that I’ve realized that everyone - including me - is on their phones. A lot. Like, a fuck ton. And it makes me sad. I’m constantly working on living in the moment, enjoying and taking it all in (without Instagramming them - GASP!) but I know it takes a little practice. Would you maybe wanna practice with me? Even for a day. Even for an HOUR.

Because there is a moment happening right in front of you, right this second, and you’re missing it.

Here is the video... it's scarily accurate:



Can you see yourself - or your friends - in this? Where eeeeverything must be captured on a phone?

Thursday 29 August 2013

Interview Magazine: 'The Goddesses'. Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel, Alessandra Ambrosio, Doutzen Kroes et al

In one of the most beautiful magazine shoots I have seen, the September issue of Interview magazine not only features this gorgeous shoot, it also showcases this photographic essay entitled 'The Goddesses', below.

With photography by Fabien Baron, styling by Karl Templer, hair by Recine, and makeup by Diane Kendal, the models beautifully shot are: Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel, Constance Jablonski, Andreea Diaconu, Alessandra Ambrosio, Cameron Russell, Behati Prinsloo, Toni Garrn, Doutzen Kroes, Karlina Caune, and Jourdan Dunn.




Interview magazine is on sale now.

Rolf Harris to face child-sex charges

In news just in, British prosecutors say they have authorised police to charge Australian entertainer Rolf Harris with nine counts of indecent assault and four counts of making indecent images of a child.
"We have concluded there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest for Mr Harris to be charged with nine counts of indecent assault and four of making indecent images of a child," London's chief crown prosecutor, Alison Saunders said in a statement.
"The alleged indecent assaults date from 1980 to 1986 and relate to two complainants aged 14 and 15 at the time of the alleged offending."
Harris, age 83, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on September 23.
For more, click here.


Miranda Kerr as 'Cicciolina': V Magazine September 2013

Remember Cicciolina?

If you were growing up in the 1980s, you'll recall this interesting woman.

Her real name is IIona Staller, and she was born in Hungary in 1951, but married and settled in Italy. A porn star, making most of her porn films in her native country, she was elected to the Italian Government in 1987 as 'Cicciolina', but still made porn films while she was an MP.

Soon, she became renowned for making her political speeches while exposing one breast. I vividly recall watching the news and whenever she was mentioned, out came the footage with her breast.

Well... Miranda Kerr has now appeared in the September issue of V Magazine as Cicciolina.

There resemblance is kinda striking.

Here are the photos. The edition is on sale now.

Thoughts?

Jessica Simpson: Us Weekly - Ace and Maxwell

Jessica Simpson is cover star - along with her daughter Maxwell and baby son Knute - for this week’s edition of US Weekly.
These are the first official pictures of son Ace, who was born to Jessica and her fiancé Eric Johnson on August 12.
“With two kids, we have our hands full, but every day is a new adventure,” Jessica tells the magazine. “It’s fun! I feel very at peace with being a mom.”
Here is the beautiful cover:

Chelsea Lately - Eric Bana: VIDEO

Only Chelsea Handler can do double entendres this well.

Australian actor Eric Bana stopped by Monday's 'Chelsea Lately', and the subject of the actor's love of the great outdoors became a topic of conversation.


"You're like a race-car driver and you do all the stuff in the bush. You go deep in the bush," Chelsea said to Eric.

She turned to the camera and clarified, "The real bush. The Australian bush."

"I do love getting into the bush, absolutely," Eric noted.

Later in the interview, Chelsea executes a kinda come-on to Eric, to no avail.

For more and to watch the clip, read here.

Eric was interviewed by Chelsea last year when she did a row of shows in Australia. Clip here:


I went along to a show taping and had a blast. Photos here.

Eric Bana's first interview with Chelsea Handler

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Craigslist Stolen Bike: Taken Back

Gosh, I loved reading about this today.

Here is the story, in a nutshell... right here:


A Canadian woman stole back her bicycle from a thief after seeing it advertised online.

Kayla Smith, 33, told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that her bicycle was taken from a rack in Vancouver's Olympic Village (constructed to host athletes during the 2010 Winter Games, and now a busy neighbourhood).

Kayla filed a police report over the theft of the bicycle - valued at $1000.

The next day, she spotted an ad on the classified ad site Craigslist for a bike that looked very much like hers.


She contacted the seller and arranged to meet him in a nearby McDonald's parking lot, posing as a buyer.

She immediately recognised her bike, asked the seller if she could ride it around the parking lot... then rode off with the bike.

FECKING BRILLIANT.

To read more, go here.

Gerald Rogers: "Marriage advice I wish I would have had…"

I read this story a few days ago and was instantly drawn to the headline... The letter which inspired this story has now gone viral.

And it's phenomenal, and very much worth reading.

Gerald Rogers - pictured here below as a newlywed with his wife - wrote a public Facebook post, then a post on his site titled "Marriage advice I wish I would have had…"

In July, the newly divorced motivational speaker took to Facebook and admitted that there were a lot of things he could have done differently to save his marriage.
The heartfelt advice Rogers shared, posted as a public note, went on to garner over 3,760 "likes" and over 98,800 shares, at last count.
Gerald begins the note: "Obviously, I’m not a relationship expert. But there’s something about my divorce being finalized this week that gives me perspective of things I wish I would have done different... After losing a woman that I loved, and a marriage of almost 16 years, here’s the advice I wish I would have had...."
Here is all the advice, below...







MARRIAGE ADVICE I WISH I WOULD HAVE HAD:


Obviously, I’m not a relationship expert. But there’s something about my divorce being finalized this week that gives me perspective of things I wish I would have done different. After losing a woman that I loved, and a marriage of almost 16 years, here’s the advice I wish I would have had...

1) Never stop courting. Never stop dating. NEVER EVER take that woman for granted. When you asked her to marry you, you promised to be that man that would OWN HER HEART and to fiercely protect it. This is the most important and sacred treasure you will ever be entrusted with. SHE CHOSE YOU. Never forget that, and NEVER GET LAZY in your love.

2) PROTECT YOUR OWN HEART. Just as you committed to being the protector of her heart, you must guard your own with the same vigilance. Love yourself fully, love the world openly, but there is a special place in your heart where no one must enter except for your wife. Keep that space always ready to receive her and invite her in, and refuse to let anyone or anything else enter there.

3) FALL IN LOVE OVER and OVER and OVER again. You will constantly change. You’re not the same people you were when you got married, and in five years you will not be the same person you are today. Change will come, and in that you have to re-choose each other everyday. SHE DOESN’T HAVE TO STAY WITH YOU, and if you don’t take care of her heart, she may give that heart to someone else or seal you out completely, and you may never be able to get it back. Always fight to win her love just as you did when you were courting her.

4) ALWAYS SEE THE BEST in her. Focus only on what you love. What you focus on will expand. If you focus on what bugs you, all you will see is reasons to be bugged. If you focus on what you love, you can’t help but be consumed by love. Focus to the point where you can no longer see anything but love, and you know without a doubt that you are the luckiest man on earth to be have this woman as your wife.

5) IT’S NOT YOUR JOB TO CHANGE OR FIX HER… your job is to love her as she is with no expectation of her ever changing. And if she changes, love what she becomes, whether it’s what you wanted or not.

6) TAKE FULL ACCOUNTABILITY for your own emotions: It’s not your wife’s job to make you happy, and she CAN’T make you sad. You are responsible for finding your own happiness, and through that your joy will spill over into your relationship and your love.

7) NEVER BLAME your wife If YOU get frustrated or angry at her, it is only because it is triggering something inside of YOU. They are YOUR emotions, and your responsibility. When you feel those feelings take time to get present and to look within and understand what it is inside of YOU that is asking to be healed. You were attracted to this woman because she was the person best suited to trigger all of your childhood wounds in the most painful way so that you could heal them… when you heal yourself, you will no longer be triggered by her, and you will wonder why you ever were.

Allow your woman to JUST BE. When she’s sad or upset, it’s not your job to fix it, it’s your job to HOLD HER and let her know it’s ok. Let her know that you hear her, and that she’s important and that you are that pillar on which she can always lean. The feminine spirit is about change and emotion and like a storm her emotions will roll in and out, and as you remain strong and unjudging she will trust you and open her soul to you… DON’T RUN-AWAY WHEN SHE’S UPSET. Stand present and strong and let her know you aren’t going anywhere. Listen to what she is really saying behind the words and emotion.

9) BE SILLY… don’t take yourself so damn seriously. Laugh. And make her laugh. Laughter makes everything else easier.

10) FILL HER SOUL EVERYDAY… learn her love languages and the specific ways that she feels important and validated and CHERISHED. Ask her to create a list of 10 THINGS that make her feel loved and memorize those things and make it a priority everyday to make her feel like a queen.

11) BE PRESENT. Give her not only your time, but your focus, your attention and your soul. Do whatever it takes to clear your head so that when you are with her you are fully WITH HER. Treat her as you would your most valuable client. She is.

12) BE WILLING TO TAKE HER SEXUALLY, to carry her away in the power of your masculine presence, to consume her and devour her with your strength, and to penetrate her to the deepest levels of her soul. Let her melt into her feminine softness as she knows she can trust you fully.

13) DON’T BE AN IDIOT…. And don’t be afraid of being one either. You will make mistakes and so will she. Try not to make too big of mistakes, and learn from the ones you do make. You’re not supposed to be perfect, just try to not be too stupid.

14) GIVE HER SPACE… The woman is so good at giving and giving, and sometimes she will need to be reminded to take time to nurture herself. Sometimes she will need to fly from your branches to go and find what feeds her soul, and if you give her that space she will come back with new songs to sing…. (okay, getting a little too poetic here, but you get the point. Tell her to take time for herself, ESPECIALLY after you have kids. She needs that space to renew and get re-centered, and to find herself after she gets lost in serving you, the kids and the world.)

15) BE VULNERABLE… you don’t have to have it all together. Be willing to share your fears and feelings, and quick to acknowledge your mistakes.

16) BE FULLY TRANSPARENT. If you want to have trust you must be willing to share EVERYTHING… Especially those things you don’t want to share. It takes courage to fully love, to fully open your heart and let her in when you don't know i she will like what she finds... Part of that courage is allowing her to love you completely, your darkness as well as your light. DROP THE MASK… If you feel like you need to wear a mask around her, and show up perfect all the time, you will never experience the full dimension of what love can be.

17) NEVER STOP GROWING TOGETHER… The stagnant pond breeds malaria, the flowing stream is always fresh and cool. Atrophy is the natural process when you stop working a muscle, just as it is if you stop working on your relationship. Find common goals, dreams and visions to work towards.

18) DON’T WORRY ABOUT MONEY. Money is a game, find ways to work together as a team to win it. It never helps when teammates fight. Figure out ways to leverage both persons strength to win.

19) FORGIVE IMMEDIATELY and focus on the future rather than carrying weight from the past. Don’t let your history hold you hostage. Holding onto past mistakes that either you or she makes, is like a heavy anchor to your marriage and will hold you back. FORGIVENESS IS FREEDOM. Cut the anchor loose and always choose love.

20) ALWAYS CHOOSE LOVE. ALWAYS CHOOSE LOVE. ALWAYS CHOOSE LOVE. In the end, this is the only advice you need. If this is the guiding principle through which all your choices is governed, there is nothing that will threaten the happiness of your marriage. Love will always endure.

In the end MARRIAGE isn’t about Happily ever after. It’s about work. And a commitment to grow together and a willingness to continually invest in creating something that can endure eternity. Through that work, the happiness will come.

Marriage is life, and it will bring ups and downs. Embracing all of the cycles and learning to learn from and love each experience will bring the strength and perspective to keep building, one brick at a time.

These are lessons I learned the hard way. These are lessons I learned too late.

But these are lessons I am learning and committed in carrying forward. Truth is, I LOVED being married, and in time, I will get married again, and when I do, I will build it with a foundation that will endure any storm and any amount of time.

If you are reading this and find wisdom in my pain, share it those those young husbands whose hearts are still full of hope, and with those couples you may know who may have forgotten how to love. One of those men may be like I was, and in these hard earned lessons perhaps something will awaken in him and he will learn to be the man his lady has been waiting for.

The woman that told him 'I do', and trusted her life with him, has been waiting for this man to step up.

If you are reading this and your marriage isn’t what you want it to be, take 100% responsibility for YOUR PART in marriage, regardless of where your spouse is at, and commit to applying these lessons while there is time.

MEN - THIS IS YOUR CHARGE : Commit to being an EPIC LOVER. There is no greater challenge, and no greater prize. Your woman deserves that from you.

Be the type of husband your wife can’t help but brag about.

Ricky Martin: "I Bullied Gay People"

Ricky Martin - the darling of Australian TV in 2013 thanks to his stint as the new judge on 'The Voice Australia' has made a surprising admission: that he bullied gay people as a child.

Ricky came out as a gay man in 2010, struggled for years to accept his sexuality and refused to acknowledge it in several interviews.

In a sit-down interview with GQ Australia magazine - as reported by news.com.au - the star says he remembers the painful experience of acting against his own instincts, and revealing how he experience serious Catholic guilt.


"I was very angry, very rebellious. I used to look at gay men and think, I'm not like that, I don't want to be like that, that's not me. I was ashamed.When you're told you're wrong by everyone, from society, from your faith - my self-esteem was crushed. I took my anger out on those around me."

Ricky is now a father to twin boys and in a committed relationship.

Michael Bublé: First Baby Son Photo

Michael Bublé and his wife Luisana have had their little baby boy overnight in Vancouver.

Michael says they are "overjoyed and filled with gratitude at the arrival of our son".

They have named him Noah.


Here is a photo he posted on social media:


Tuesday 27 August 2013

Anita Cobby 'A Current Affair': VIDEO

You know how recounting certain events take you back to a time and place?

Watching the Anita Cobby story on 'A Current Affair' did that for me tonight.


Suddenly, it was February 1986.

I was 14, in Year 9, and school had just started for the year.

My father had died in December and I missed all of the remainder of the 1985 school year.

It was 1986, a fresh new year, and my best friend's birthday was on February 4. 

By then a crime had been committed two days earlier, on February 2, but in the age of no social media, details had only started to emerge.

There was news of a woman, at Blacktown (in Sydney's west), who'd been kidnapped by a car-full of men as she walked home.

A few days later, a female police officer - Debbie Wallace, I recall - donned similar clothing and re-enacted Anita's train trip home in the hope of jogging people's memory. Soonafter the NSW Government posted a reward for information on the killers - the $50,000 was deemed a lot of money back then.

After tip-offs, and a recording device planted on 'Miss X' (it's funny the details you remember), arrests were made: three brothers (Les, Michael, and Gary Murphy), and John Travers and Michael Murdoch. These were names Australians never forgot. The Anita Cobby murder also signified a kind of loss of innocence for Aussies, especially for women who suddenly didn't feel safe. Walking home from the station alone at night took on a new siginificance, now with a new level of terror, as women unfairly felt terrified doing what they'd done for eons.

The book 'Somebody Else's Daughter' (written by Julia Sheppard) was written and many talked about the horrendous details of Anita's death in the book. It still is one of the most harrowing books I have read to date.

The parents of Anita Cobby - Gary and Grace Lynch - were the most stoic, respectful people you'd ever seen, reserved in the face of such horror and adversity.

I recall they went on to become the founders of the Victims of Homicide Support Group, a community support network helping families deal with horrific crimes, and campaigned so hard in seeking 'truth in sentencing' laws.

Gary Lynch died age 90 in 2008, suffering from Alzheimer's, and Grace Lynch died of lung cancer in 2013, age 88.

The report this evening on 'A Current Affair' was centred around Anita's younger sister Kathryn. It was a breakthrough in that she has never publicly spoken to media about her sister, and the impact it had on her and her family. And how she is continuing the fight her parents started in honour of Anita.

Here is the video from this evening's ACA report.

Clive Palmer Twerks on 'Kyle And Jackie O' show

This morning, on the 'Kyle & Jackie O' radio show, morning newsreader Tim Davies asked guest and Australian businessman (and aspiring pollie) Clive Palmer if he knew how to twerk.

You know what twerking is, right? (Hint: click that hyperlink...).

Clive took up the challenge and did as he was asked... here is the soon-to-be-viral clip:




Dancing With The Stars 2013 Cast Revealed

Oh damn, I can't help it.

The new 'Dancing With The Stars' Australia line-up has been revealed and I am quite excited.


2013 'Dancing With The Stars' cast. Photo: Channel 7


One of my fave people on the planet will be dancing up a storm - Sally Obermeder - and we get to see TV veteran Tony Barber kicking up his heels (every Italian still thinks he is Italian-born...)

And then, there's Sophia Pou - the controversial 'My Kitchen Rules' star. This, my friends, is reality TV heaven. Cue possible dancefloor catfight? We wish.

The announcement was made via the Channel 7 Yahoo website, the full cast list (with official TV bios) is below.

Who is your fave/who do you tip to win?

I can't wait to see the delicious Tina Arena dance... expect to see loads more of her.

UPDATED: first promo just in:



The Full 2013 'Dancing With The Stars' Cast:

Tina Arena – Legendary singer-songwriter
Australian singer-songwriter, actress and record producer, Tina is one of Australia’s highest selling female artists. She is the winner of six ARIA Awards and the World Music Award for best-selling Australian artist. Tina will dance with professional dancer Damian Whitewood who was a runner up in 2012 with Danielle Spencer.
Jesinta Campbell – Miss Universe Australia 2010
Crowned Miss Universe Australia in 2010, Jesinta went on to be a contestant at the Miss Universe pageant. She finished as the second runner-up and also took home the title of Miss Congeniality. Since then Jesinta has presented on television and radio and been a contestant on a reality television series. She will partner Jarryd Bryne who makes his debut this series.
Rhiannon Fish – Home and Away actor
Canadian-born Australian actress Rhiannon decided on an acting career at just eleven years of age. Since 2010 she has starred as April Scott on Channel Seven's award-winning series Home and Away. Previous mirror ball trophy winner Aric Yegudkin will twirl Rhiannon on the dance floor this season. Aric won with Rhiannon's Home and Away co-star Ada Nicodemou in Series three.
Sally Obermeder – TV presenter
Sally is the co-host of The Daily Edition, Channel Seven's new afternoon show. Sally has interviewed some of the biggest names in entertainment when she was the National Entertainment and Lifestyle reporter for Today Tonight for six years. This season she will partner the popular dancer Carmelo Pizzino.
Sophia Pou – My Kitchen Rules star
Sophia Pou is set to wow her My Kitchen Rules fans and burn the dance floor. The outspoken contestant, known for her outrageous comments and the over use of the word "babes", had all of Australian talking when she made a surprise arrival this year on MKR. Sophia will take to the floor with the inaugural winner of DWTS, Michael Miziner.
Libby Trickett – Olympic Gold medallist 
Golden girl Libby Trickett is no stranger to winning. Boasting numerous world records and four gold medals in her chosen sport of swimming. Her infectious smile and laughter has won the hearts of all Australians. Libby will dance this season with Dannial Gosper.
Tony Barber – TV Legend
Television legend Tony Barber debuted on the small screen in the 1970s when he hosted the popular Seven Network program Great Temptation. The show was so successful it was shown during the daytime and prime time. Tony will partner Melanie Hooper a DWTS runner up in 2011 with Damien Leith.
Cosentino – Grand Illusionist 
Cosentino is the recipient of the Merlin Award for Most Original Magician by the International Magicians Society - the award that is the equivalent of an Oscar to an actor. Cosentino will be working his magic with dancer Jessica Raffa this series.
Steve Hooker – Olympic Gold medallist
Steve Hooker is the second highest pole vaulter in history, winning gold for Australia at the Bejing Olympics in 2008 with a magnificent vault of 5.96 metres. He also competed for Australia at the 2004 Athens Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics. Ash-Leigh Hunter will be Steve's dance partner.
Brendan Jones – Radio personality 
Brendan Jones affectionately known as "Jonesy" is a Sydney radio identity who hosts the top rating breakfast show on WSFM with former DWTS contestant Amanda Keller. Two time DWTS trophy winner Alana Patience will jive Jonesy around the floor this season. Alana won consecutive seasons in 2010 with Rob Palmer and 2011 with Manu Feildel.
Jordan Stenmark – Supermodel twin 
One half of the supermodel twin duo Jordan Stenmark has been enjoying the huge buzz that has surrounded him in the fashion world since he and his brother Zac were discovered in 2011. They made their international catwalk debut at Milan Fashion Week. Since then they have been in constant demand. Professional dancer Jade Hatcher and DWTS winner of series nine with singer Adam Brand will be his dance partner this season.
Zac Stenmark – Supermodel twin 
The other half of identical twin supermodel duo Zac Stenmark is a long way from his agricultural economics studies on AFL Scholarships at The University of Sydney. Together with his twin Jordan they launched their careers with a 30-page editorial with L'Officiel Hommes Paris. Away from the catwalks and cameras Zac still keeps up with training and teammates at AFL Club, Greater Western Sydney. Zac will partner Jessica Prince in this series.

Maya Medispa: Bridal Skincare Tips

Maya Medispa is an oasis in the middle of Sydney's Woollahra, and offers up the most delightful and decadent of treatments for your skin and body. I was thrilled to be treated to several treatments. You can read about my roadtest here.


I asked Maya her expert tips for the lead up to a wedding day - what kind of regime she recommends, little tricks, what's available when you go to the salon.

She gave me the lowdown right here.

Maya says:

"Don't try new things at the very last minute/day or week. Any type of waxing should be trialled a month before, or even five weeks before.

"Your skin can react to the wax or simply to the fact that you just pulled out hair out of the roots for the first time. It can be a bit of a shock to your oil glands and little pimples can appear after a couple of days, especially around the top lip area.

"You need to know how long it will take your skin to settle so you can time your hair removal appointment accordingly. If it's a full bikini that you're thinking of trying for the first time, please don't leave it to the day before - it can still be red and uncomfortable for 24-48 hours afterwards, especially if it is your first time undertaking this treatment.

The same goes for spray tans. I suggest you do a couple of trials beforehand, to get the right colour that suits you. It might take a few days for your favourite colour to appear. Make sure you exfoliate really well before and moisturise evenly a couple of days after your tan - it will make it last longer and better.

"If you don't normally have a light tan or olive skin, I suggest you stick to slow tan-building moisturisers. It will look softer than a sudden tan that might not even suit you.

"Also remember that spray tan can block your pores and cause blackheads, pimples and acne, or even oily skin.

"If your wedding is six months away you might think you have it all under control. But factor in stress - it has proven to show its ugly face (at some point). Have some things in place to prevent it from making you break out... or loose it!

"Your skin is a mirror to your general health, so think of prevention rather than covering up or freaking out at the last minute. Remember that the skin on your back or chest can and should be treated just the same way as the skin on your face, especially if your dress will reveal it, or the honeymoon that will follow will have it on show.



"Get yourself on into a healthy lifestyle, and try a facial or two to bring your skin to a natural glow. Book in a massage or pedi in between dress fittings and give your body and mind a chance to unwind and relax."

Maya's advice is brilliant, and absolutely true. Although I have been married for ten years, I do recall heading some of this advice way back then, but I wish I'd had some guidance to know what to do in the lead-up, to look my glowing best on the day. You can find no better than Maya to guide you through all of this as your day nears.

Maya Medispa is located at 47 Moncur Street, Woollahra. Phone: 02 9327 4788 or email Maya at: info@mayamedispa.com.au