Hey TGs,

YASSSS, I am SO EXCITED about the latest issue of Total Girl! Maddie and Kenzie star in the Big Leaps issue and you can get a spesh sneak peek of the mag here.  😍

I was sooooo lucky to interview the Ziegler sisters - can you believe it?! I actually got to chat with Maddie and Kenzie?! They were super down to earth and really funny! 🙌  🙌  🙌


Sister love! Image instagram.com/maddieziegler

The girls have released a new body spray in collaboration with Impulse. The vid of them coming up with their 'unexpected scent' is hilar! TBH, the combo of last season's sunglasses and maple syrup wouldn't smell that bad. 😎

But, Kenzie, prawn heads? What were you thinking?! 😳 😂 😂

Watch the video and check out my fast round of questions below! 



Hey Maddie and Kenzie! Besides Impulse spray, what is a must-have in your gym bag? 

Maddie: Probably a change of clothes because with dancing you never know what could happen!

Kenzie: I would say a Chapstick [lip balm], that’s my go-to.

The theme of this issue is all about dance and movement, what’s your signature dance move? 

Maddie: For our signature dance move, we would do the worm on the floor, all the time. 

I wish I could do the worm! What about flossing, can you floss?

Kenzie: We can do it but it’s not our signature move... but it’s fun!

Hey TGs, 

Happy Friday!

There's seriously nothing better than a handmade gift because A) it shows you've put a lot of thought and effort into that gift idea and B) you can guarantee it's going to be unique! Yep, that pet rock I got Mum last Mother's Day truly was something special. She loved it, I swear. 😁😂

If painted rocks aren't your thing, I've pulled together some last minute gift ideas that are not just for Mother's Day, but for any occasion that celebrates someone special. Awww. 💜

Here are my go-to DIY pressies!

1. Breakfast in bed


If you can't whip up a fancy gourmet breakfast, don't stress because neither can I. LOL! Never underestimate the power of a freshly toasted croissant (smells soooo good) or toast, cut into the shape of a heart, complete Mum's (or the mother figure in your life's) fave spreads. It's the effort that counts, right? 😋


2. A handmade card


Mum keeps every card that I make for her. Fact. Which is why a handmade card is such a thoughtful idea. Hack: be creative with things around the house - cute pics from old mags, wrapping paper, stickers, photos (ask Dad for permission to cut them up), scrapbook embellishments - sah many way to get creative! 👩‍🎨


3. A work of art


You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So that means a work of art is worth two thousand, right? Paint Mum a picture and she'll cherish if forever. If you're super creative, maybe you can sketch out a comic or create your very own picture book. Cool!


4. A sweet photo


If I am ever stuck for a thoughtful gift idea, my go-to is a framed photo. Seriously, you can buy a nice frame for about $2 and print out a photo for about 20 cents!

Pick a photo of the two of you or one of the whole fam - or even a photo that represents a favourite memory (a family vacay? Christmas 2018?). It's a gift that's guaranteed to give the warm and fuzzies. 


5. A potted plant

YASSS, I love this idea, especially coz my mum LOVES plants. Clean out an empty pasta or jam jar (give it a good soapy wash) and then fill it with layers of pebbles, rocks and sand (you might have to get your hands a little dirty). Create a little well in the middle and plant an off-cut. That's the best thing about succulents, they can grow from a simple cutting! Plus they look adorbs on a desk or windowsill. 🌱🌞


What's your favourite non-spendy gift? Share your favourite gift idea in the comments below - you might help another TG out! 👇👇👇

Rosie x

Hey TGs,

OMG, so yesterday I only just realised that Mother's Day is this weekend! I legit thought it was ages away but it's actually this Sunday! LOL. 😬😬😬 

I have no idea what to get her, but I do want to make her feel special and say thanks for everything she has done for me. 💜 Awww, its Mum and I (this is one of my fave photos of us together).



I've put together a mini gift guide to give you a few sweet li'l ideas. Don't have cash to make a splash? Don't worry, part two of this blog post will show you some cute DIY ideas! 🙌

Natio Antioxidant Lip Shine in 'Bliss' and 'Grace', $11.95 each, and eye makeup remover wipes (30 pack), $6.95

I looooove the natural colour of these lip glosses and I think Mum will too. Face wipes are always super handy to have, espesh if they are cucumber scented. Sah fresh. 🌸



Peter Alexander 'Best Mum Ever' Eye Mask, $29.95. Burt's Bees 'Chai Tea' Moisturising lip balm, $6.95. 

This eye mask is soooo cute - the perf way to let Mum know she's number one! I'm also obsessed with this new Burt's Bees lip balm. The sweet yet spicy combination (made with beeswax, cinnamon, nutmeg and tea) smells sahhh good. It's like a warm cup of tea. 💛🐝




Ecoya @ catch.com.au Madison Jar soy wax candle in 'Cassis Berry & Mango', $29.99.

Oooh, I like this! The combination of berry and mango smells divine! Plus how pretty is the floral packaging? You could always ask Dad or an older sibling to pitch in, hehe.
💐💐💐

So there you have it, my top three gift ideas! What's your favourite non-spendy gift? Let me know in the comments below and maybe I can add it in! 👇👇👇

Rosie xo 

Hey TGs!

In the newest issue of Total Girl (with the ah-mazing K-Pez on the cover), I test out Dove and Wengie's glam routines! Yay! 

Yep, I tried Dove's morning routine for a week (and had to wake up muuuuuch earlier than I was used to. LOL!). I also tested Wengie's night-time routine for a week and discovered the coolest hack. 😮

Wengie's night-time routine is all about winding down and squeezing in as much 'me time' as possible. Yassss, self-care! 💕

What I loved most about her routine is this clever snack idea! We take our snacks ~very~ seriously here at TGHQ - so this is a game changer. Are you ready for it?



Fill a muffin tray with veggie sticks, fruit, toasted pita bread and dip! So simple yet so clever (and tasty!). 😋  It's perfect for an after-school snack. 

She also likes to wind down after a busy day with reflective journaling and by reading her fave books. Dove's a fan of this too! Is anyone else re-reading Harry Potter at the moment?! Harry Potter fans, where you at?! 🐍⚡️

What do you think of Wengie's hack? And do you have any book recommendations?! 📚 
Let me know in the comments below! 👇👇👇

Speak soon, 
Rosie xo 

YOU GUYS! 
Taylor Swift just dropped new music and OMTG, here it is!!! 😮😮😮


'ME!' Feat. Brendon Urie from Panic! At The Disco. 

The sneaky pop star has been leaving cryptic clues all over the internet, hinting that something MAJOR was about to drop. With the pastel aesthetic and mix of fun prints, some fans thought that maybe she was dropping a new fashion line? 👗


Image instagram.com/taylorswift

But a few hours ago, Tay shared a pic of a giant butterfly mural, with more clues painted into the butterfly's design, confirming that new music was on its way! Woo!!! 💃💃💃

Swifties put their detective skills to the test to find out exactly where this mural is located - Nashville, Tennessee! (Umm, does this mean she's going country again?!) Fans were seen lining up outside the mural to snap a pic with Tay. OMG, sahhh lucky! 🙀



Fans spotted in Nashville, Tennessee. Photography Getty images.

OK, back to the new song! 

At first I was like, this is nothing like her reputation album. The pastel colours, happy vibes and fun beat remind me of old Taylor, like Speak Now or 1989 Tay.

Did you spot the snake at the beginning of the vid?! And how it turns into butterflies?! I might be overthinking this, but a butterfly is totally a symbol of change - and I am loving this new spirit animal for Tay. 🙌 🙌 🙌

Speaking of animals, YASSS to the cameo of Meredith and Olivia! 


Image instagram.com/taylorswift

The tune is soooooo catchy, and I am getting magical Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz, unicorn vibes. What do you think of her new song?! Let meee-heeee-heeee know in the comments below! (LOL!) 👇😂

Rosie xo

Hey TGs, 

Who's picked up a copy of TG with Katy Perry on the cover?! (Pick me, pick me!) 🙋‍🙋‍🙋‍ 

If so, then woo hoo! Enjoy the Glitz and Glam issue! You also would have noticed a mini red carpet in the poster section. Waaa? 

This poster is our mini mani cam! Paint on a fresh mani and get your fingers to pose all fab in front of the red carpet. 💅✨✨✨

 See, like this: 


Photography Getty Images

Do you like my pose? Tay Tay is shook by how amazing it is. LOL! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

And OMG you guys, we have already received our first red carpet snap! 
This is from TG reader Bella and we LOVE it sahhh much! 



TG Bella created her design using "thousands of nail polish, nail polish remover, tape and a bobby pin." Looks fab, Bella! 

Check out this design by TG Lilla! Lilla's design features two tone nails - love it!



And how stunning is this blue and gold nail design by TG Cyra. I am LIVING for the gold glitter! ✨✨✨



I can't wait to see the rest of your designs! You can send your snap to totalgirl@nextmedia.com.au - yay! 

BRB, I'm going to try some new nail designs, hehe. 
Rosie xo 

⭐️ YAY! The Total Girl Lip Gloss Awards are back! ⭐️

Team TG and I tested the coolest lip glosses and balms going around, so you don't have to next time you're searching for the perf lip prod. It was tough, there were, like, soooooo many to choose from and they all had different benefits and scents. 🌸🌸🌸



But we do have our faves and YOU can WIN every single lip product featured in the awards! 😮😮😮  Yep! You can view all the winning products by clicking on the gallery image below: 



Then, simply pick up a copy of the May issue of Total Girl to find out how you can enter. You MUST send your entry to email address mentioned in the mag. 👈 
Unforch, comments below will not count. Good luck! 😝

Rosie xo

Hey TGs, 

This just in: genie hair is having a moment. ✨✨✨

You know, like, the super high 'bubble' ponytail with a strand of hair wrapped around the elastic?! Ahhh, I'm totally not explaining this well. But if you read on, you'll see what I'm going on about.

I first saw the look on Ari, and as the queen of ponytails, I trust her to be at the forefront of ponytail trends. At all times. 🔮💁🏻


Image instagram.com/arianagrande

But then, I saw Millie Bobby Brown rocking the look (with a whole lot of sass, too!).
Yasss, gurl. 💫


Photography Getty Images

It could be because the remake of Disney's Aladdin is coming soon (eeek, who's excited?! 😆) and the look is serving serious Genie x Princess Jasmine vibes. Or it could be that it's just a fun style that may or may not come with the ability to grant wishes. Either way, we are here for it. 🙌 💜



What do you think? And who's excited for the new Aladdin?!
Let me know in the comments below! 👇👇👇

Have an amazing weekend, TGs!
Rosie xo 

Hey TGs, 

GET EXCITED coz Captain Marvel is in cinemas, now! 🚀🌟⚡️
I was super lucky to attend a special preview of the movie featuring a very ~cool~ red carpet guest... I can't give away too much away but OMTG the movie was sahhhhh good! 😆😆😆


Oh hello kitty. You guys, there was a cat on the red carpet. An ACTUAL cat (and one of my fave characters in the movie!). 🐈💛

Speaking of fave characters, Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larson) is the ultimate girl boss and I think she may be my new favourite superhero. There, I said it! 🌟🌟🌟


Image Getty Images // Meanwhile in America, Brie Larson shines at the World premiere.


Image instagram.com/brielarson // I heart this so much - Brie Larson at the UK premiere. 

OK, so after the movie, I was feeling totally empowered and I wanted to do something spesh for my blog! So here it is, Captain Marvel inspired nails. I think Carol Danvers would 10/10 approve. 👊

What you need
🌟 Nail polish in red, blue and gold
🌟 Sticky tape 
🌟 Nail art stickers (we used KISS 3D nail art) 
🌟 Glitter top coat 

What to do 


Don't forget to tidy up the edges 🙈😂😂

1. Paint two coats of polish as a base. I alternated between red, blue and gold. ❤️💙💛
Leave one nail as a statement nail. 

2. For the statement nail, section your nail into thirds and paint each third a different colour (the sticky tape can be used as painitng guide!). It's best to paint one colour at a time - wait for the colour to dry and then repeat). 💅🏻

3. Once dry, decorate with nail art stickers (think, stars!) and a glitter top coat to hold everything in place. 🌟🌟🌟

Yay! OMG who's excited to see the movie?! Let me know in the comments below! 👇
And if you have any nail art ideas pleeeease let me know, maybe I can do a tutorial for you! 😆

Catch ya next time!
Rosie 

Hey TGs,

I can't believe it's Back to School already! Who's excited for the new school year?! Anyone starting high school? Eeeep! 😬😬😬 

If you are, my best advice would be: get organised (with super cute stationery, of course!), don't be afraid to put yourself out there (sign up for the school play, join the sports team, go for a leadership position!) and most importantly, be yourself. 💜📗

OK, side note. Who's ready to see a school pic of me in Year 6?! OMG I actually haven't changed a bit! LOL! 😂 


 
Obvs, my go-to look was a low ponytail. 💁🏻 But the ca-utest hair pack by Scunci landed on my beauty desk this month and I was super keen to try some new lewks! I took inspo from the January issue of TG (where you'll find the full tutorial)!

Look 1: Mad for Maddie 💛


Image Getty Images

This look is my faaave and was defs the easiest to do! I secured my high ponytail with a hair elastic, then covered the elastic with a scrunchie. How adorbs is the blue and white striped one?! A quick burst of hair spray held everything in place. 

Look 2: Zendaya will slay ya! ⚡️


Image Getty Images

I LOVE this look by Zendaya. Confession, I’m terrible at braiding hair! OMG, I know! Is there anyone out there who can teach me?! I went for the easier version and plaited my hair instead. I secured my plait with an elastic and upped the glam factor with glitter clips! 

Look 3: Kenzie frenzy 🌸


Image Getty Images

This weekend look takes a bit more time –  the longer you leave your plaits in, the tighter the curls! I used poly bands to secure all my little plaits. When ready, I gently brushed them out and gave my hair a side part. I finished the look with glitter clips (coz clearly, they’re my new fave accessory! LOL!).  

What I used for these looks: Scunci Summer Essentials Style Pack, $12.95



 
Yay! How do you wear your hair to school? Let me know in the comments below! 😁
👇 AND comment below if you know how to braid! 😂😂😂

Catch ya next time,
Rosie xo

Hey TGs,

This is not a drill! Dove has been spotted with brunette hair oh-my-Total-Girl we are DIGGING it! 😍🙌

No longer with platinum blond locks, the Descendants star shared a snap of her brand new 'do and it's almost unrecognisable.✨


Image instagram.com/dovecameron

"Was I wrong to be blonde this whole time," she captioned. 

While we have a feeling this could be a wig (she's defs rocked a few in the past!), we wouldn't rule out that Dove is totally considering this hair style for reals. It is, after all, a brand new year, she's working on some exciting new projects AND IT'S HER BIRTHDAY TODAY!!! Woo! HB Dove! As if that wouldn't be a reason for a new 'do?! 🎉

Speaking of birthdays and wigs, Sofia Carson posted the sweetest b'day photo for her co-star and nawww. 💜


Image instagram.com/sofiacarson

So, what do you think of brunette Dove?! Or what colour what you like to see her rock next? 💁🏻
Let me know in the comments below! 👇

Catch ya next time, 
Rosie xo

Hey guys! 🚀

OK. Are you... Ready for it?! LOL! I've pulled together a tutorial for my all-time fave concert look. Katy and Ari have been seen rocking this hairdo - and it's no wonder, this playful style is sahhh much fun and super easy to do. I've even used the Twirlies that came free with the December issue of Total Girl - so you can grab your Twirlies and try it too! 🙌✨ 


Image Getty Images

What you need

• 2 hair ties
• 2 Twirlies
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray
• Face glitter

What to do

1. Brush your hair free of knots, and then part it down the middle.
2. Create two pigtails, sitting high on top of your head and secure with hair ties. 

3. Take the first pigtail and twist it away from your face. The tighter you twist your hair, the sleeker the bun will look. (Can't get the twist right? Try plaiting instead!) 

4. Wrap the twisted hair into a bun and secure with a Twirly! You may need bobby pins to help secure it in place. Repeat with the second pigtail and spritz with hairspray. 

5. Complete the look with your fave gloss and a touch (or lots!) of glitter. 
6. Now you're ready to Shake It Off! 

See, twinning with Katy! 


Such a fun look! OMG you have to tell me about your fave hair style! Let me know in the comments below! 👇

Catch ya next time, 
Rosie xo

Hey guys! 

OMTG! Who was lucky enough to watch Tay perform during her reputation tour?!💃
I am still buzzing from the incredible experience; the amaze set, the songs, the fireworks, the... rain! LOL! (Yes, it was pouring rain during the Sydney show, but it was still SO much fun!)


Image Getty Images

My bestie and I saved up for aaaages to get our hands on Tay tickets, and we were lucky enough to score a VIP package! We were so excited when our spesh package arrived (squee!). It was filled with cool Tay merch and a super sweet message recorded by Tay herself. ⭐️




Oh heyyy, Tay 

Here a few pics I snapped from the concert. Her set was incredible and the snake theme was so cool. 🐍🐍🐍




Tay dancing in the rain vs. my bestie and I dancing in the rain. LOL!

Inspired by Tay's tour (and the festive season - who's ready for 2019?!), I want to share with you my all-time fave concert look 🙌. So stay tuned! What's your fave hair style? Let me know in the comments below 👇 and maybe I'll do a tutorial on it! 

Speak soon, 
Rosie xx 

Hey guys!

 

So you’ve finally made it to part 3 – the last section of my ‘Plastic Ain’t So Fantastic’ post. Well done you! It’s been quite the journey, hey? Once again, if you haven’t read parts 1 & 2, I do suggest going back and reading them before you hit this up. That said, this one pretty much stands on its own, so if your current mood is lazy gal x 100, no judgement here! Most of my moods tend to fall into that category, TBH :P

 

OK so I promised to spill the T on my fave packaging-free prods that my besties over at LUSH hooked me up with, so I’m going to dive right in like a sassy sea turtle on a hot day. You ready? Let's go!

Shampoo bars

             

              

What can I say, these cuties have literally transformed the way I think about hair care. To tell you the truth, I was a little wary at first. I wasn’t convinced that they would be able to give my hair the TLC it needs, but after trying them, I am a lifetime convert! So far I’ve tried ‘Seanik’ (blue), ‘Jason and the Argon Oil’ (pink) and ‘Honey I Washed My Hair’ (cream). They are all great for different things; for example, I find that Seanik is super clarifying and adds killer volume, Jason gets me Katy Perry-worthy shine, and Honey makes my locks suuuper soft and smells absolutely divine.

 

Don’t be fooled: these bars foam up like crazy, so you don’t need much product to get a good lather going. After you’ve used the bar, either leave it on a soap holder rack in the shower, or sit it on its side in one of the cute little reusable tins (you can buy these separately) so that it can dry out properly.

 

One of the best things about these bars is that they are really cost-effective: they are $14.95 each and last up to 60 washes (that’s about 25 cents per wash!). And if you’re like me and only wash your hair twice a week, each bar should last about 6-9 months.

 

Solid conditioner

                                          

I’ve been using the ‘Jungle’ solid conditioner, and it’s pretty interesting! To be perfectly honest, it takes a little getting used to as it’s a very different experience from the thick, liquidy products we’ve grown accustomed to. It’s fairly thin, so it kinda doesn’t really feel like much is going on – and this troubled me the first time. BUT, I can confirm that my hair feels incredible after use. V lush indeed, LOL.

 

 

Avocado co-wash

                    

This product is a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, aka, the lazy girl’s best friend! (It would be hilariously ironic if any TGs out there miss out on seeing this coz they were feeling too lazy to read this whole post, haha!) I‘ve only tried this product once, and as far as two-in-ones go, it was super impressive. My hair felt lovely and soft after use, and because it gently cleanses without stripping the hair of its natural oils, I think it could definitely be used more frequently than regular shampoos. I’m going to start using it for those ‘in between’ washes when it isn’t actually my usual hair-washing day, but I’m craving those freshly-washed hair feels.

 

Hair treatment sticks

 
                       

This has gotta be one of the most inventive ways of delivering a packaging-free product I’ve ever seen! You know those delish hot choccy sticks you can buy? They’re basically just like that! You just pop the stick in a mug of boiling water and stir until it has completely melted. Just like magic, it transforms into a thick, luxurious treatment for your locks! FTW!

 

Massage bars

            
                         

These massage bars are simply magical! I use my ‘Pearl’ bar (left) as a post-shower body butter and it makes my skin feel off-the-charts soft. And I rub the ‘Wiccy’ (right) into my sore muscles after a long dance sesh – it instantly relieves the tension and leaves my skin silky smooth.

 

Scrubee

                              

My absolute fave product! And not just from LUSH, my fave EVER! This little guy is an in-shower body butter and gentle exfoliator (YAY for another lazy-girl prod!) and he permanently sits on my soap rack in my shower. About twice a week, I rub it all over just before I’m about to hop out of the shower and it makes my skin literally radiate with a glow reminiscent of Ariana Grande’s all day long! I swear! The smell lingers on your skin for hours, and it’s so heavenly that I have to actively stop myself from smelling my forearm all day. No word of a lie.

 

So there you have it, TGs! Just like that, you’ve made it to the end of my 3-part blog about packaging-free prods. Mammoth effort, guys! Thank you so much for staying with me – you all give me LIFE! But before I love and leave you, I want to know:

 

If you could create a plastic packaging-free beauty product that would change the world, what would it be?

 

Submit your answers in the comments below for the chance to win a LUSH Scrubee, worth $14.95! (Only TGs living in Aus are eligible. The winner will be notified via email on Friday July 20.) Good luck!

 

Xo Laura

Hey guys!

 

Welcome to part 2 of my ‘Plastic Ain’t So Fantastic’ post. If you haven’t read part 1, I suggest going back and having a squiz before powering through this one :)

 

So I’m pretty sure you all know by now that I am totally obsessed with LUSH, right? I love the brand for countless reasons – aaaall the reasons – but here are just a few:

 

• The prods are fun, bright, inventive and saaah pretty!
• The stuff actually WORKS! It does exactly what it promises to do, which is super rare when it comes to cosmetics.
• The products smell like tiny drops of heaven, ahhhh – Can.Not.DEAL!
• Everything is handmade, 100% vegetarian (over 80% of the products are vegan) and all
• ingredients are ethically sourced (more on this later!).
• The glitter is biodegradable! Yaaass! (Thank goodness we don’t have to live a sparkle-free life. I mean, what kind of life would that be?!)
• They stand firmly against animal testing – PREACH!

 

No matter which way you look at it, LUSH is next-level awesome – it’s practically the Taylor Swift of cosmetics. Woah, huge call, right?! OMG, can you imagine if Tay brought out a cosmetics range? And she launched it by throwing a super secret glitter ball especially for TGs?? And she entered the ballroom riding a unicorn and sprinkling glitter everywhere???? And then she performed her entire Reputation album LIVE for us????? OMTG!          
*Happy sigh x 1000*

 

Wow, OK. I got a little carried away on a Tay Tay tangent for a minute there… Sorry about that. Where was I? Oh, right: LUSH IS AWESOME. You’re probably thinking, ‘Well that’s cool and all, but how does that relate to your longwinded story about reducing plastic usage?’… but it all ties in, I swear! You see, feeling extra motivated and inspired about my new mission, I reached out to my friends over at LUSH to find out more about their plastic packaging-free products. Turns out they are LIGHTYEARS ahead of me and have been super passionate about this for, like, EVER. (Just when I thought I couldn’t love them any more…) The superstars at LUSH have been hard at work inventing new ways to get us the prods we love, minus the plastic. YAY! So anyway, they sent me on my way to my local store to get a full tour – and I was in no way prepared for the magic that was about to unfold…

 

                      

 

 

I was greeted at the Bondi LUSH store by Paige; aka, my LUSH spirit guide; aka, my new BFF! Paige brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘eco-warrior’: she’s fiercely passionate about saving the environment, and she has spent the past few years learning everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) there is to know about LUSH. I spent two whole hours with Paige as she showed me all the ‘naked’ (packaging-free) products. I was in absolute awe because she could not only tell me exactly where every single ingredient in every single product has been sourced, but she also told the most beautiful stories about HOW they have been sourced – and with such detail and passion that I felt like I was there.

 

(Oh dear. I feel another teenie tangent coming on… Brace yourselves, TGs…)

 

When the peeps at LUSH say all their ingredients are ‘ethically sourced’, they reeeeaaally mean it. Every single thing they use to create all their squee-worthy prods has 100% traceability, so they always know exactly where everything has come from and under what conditions. In a nutshell, everything has been obtained responsibly and sustainably, and all the workers involved in producing all the ingredients are safe and being treated fairly. So what does that mean for you? Well, it means that you can totally bliss out with all your fave LUSH products with a conscience as clear as the Indian Ocean; it means you can bask in the glow of your ethical choices, all the while getting the softest skin and silkiest locks of your life. Sign. Us. UP.

 

OK, where was I? Ah yes, my tour of LUSH Bondi. So after two hours of learning, smelling, testing and laughing, Paige sent me on my merry way with a bunch of her fave naked products to try at home. I was happier than a seagull with a hot chip, let me tell you!!! Here’s a snap of my heavenly haul:

 

                         

 

 

OK guys, I best leave it there for part 2. Don’t worry, I’ll be telling you all about these amazing prods in my next post on Friday (and YES, I have tried all of them, hehe). But one last thing: I’d love to know if you’ve tried any awesome LUSH products lately, and if so, what’s your favourite and why? My current fave is the Scrubee, coz it makes my skin feel suuuuper soft and the smell is incred.

 

                         

 

 

 

Thanks for reading, TGs! Catch you on the flip side :)

 

Xo Laura

Hey guys!

 

OMTG, I am sooo excited to share this story with you! Hehehe! That said, it’s a pretty lengthy story... and I know all you TGs are busy little bees, so I've decided to split it up into three parts which I'll post as separate blogs over the next week. That way, it should be as digestible as that delish piece of vegemite toast you ate for brekkie this morning – YUM!

 

So heads up: this first part of the story isn’t exactly about cosmetics, soz. It’s actually about something a little serious, but super important. It’s somewhat of a teenie tangent – a backstory, if you will. I know you’re probs thinking, ‘Um, what kind of beauty blog is this?!’ – but trust me, it’s all leading somewhere pretty spesh, so stay with me! Plus I’ll throw in a cute snap of my doggo Wesley at the end of part 1 to sweeten the deal. Sound good? OK cool!

 

Part 1: My plastic-free mission

 

I’ve always been a fairly eco-conscious kind of gal; my mum raised me to care about the environment and do my bit when it came to saving the planet. But I didn’t realise how many bad habits I had picked up over the years without even thinking, espesh when it came to plastic usage. I know it’s not nice to think about, but plastic – especially the single-use kind – really is destroying the world we live in. Did you know that there is more microplastic in the ocean than there are stars in the Milky Way? Or that 100,000 marine creatures die every year from plastic entanglement (and that’s just the ones that are found)? Pretty scary stuff, huh? And unforch, that’s just the beginning :(

 

It’s so easy to let yourself believe that your individual actions don’t have an impact, but when it comes to the environment, EVERYTHING has an impact. As Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together” – every little bit counts, TGs. And it’s never too late to start changing your habits.

 

So long story short: I’m trying my best to become an eco-warrior by drastically reducing my plastic usage. I still have a looong way to go, but at least I’m on my way to that sweet, plastic-free life. I have managed to significantly reduce the plastic in my bathroom/grooming routine (which is pretty cray for a cosmetics-loving girl like me!), and I’m going to show you how you can do the same. There are plastic-free solutions to practically everything, you just have to go out there and find them. I’m on a mega mission, and I would love all you planet-loving TGs out there to join me! There is strength in numbers, guys, and I truly believe that we can and WILL change the world. Who’s with me??? Yaaass, queens! Let’s DO this.

Stay tuned for part 2! It will be up next Wednesday. Spoiler: it's SAH MUCH FUN! 

Xo Laura

 

Oops, I almost forgot! Here’s a snap of my boy Wez wearing his new bandana from Doggone Gorgeous. (So squee, right?!)  Enjoy :)

Hey TGs,

 

Sorry I’ve been off the glam grid for the past couple of months. Inspired by our TG Goes Global issue (on sale now), I jumped on a plane to Mexico! For reals! I spent almost three whole weeks relaxing on the beach and sipping on fresh pineapple juice. I also went swimming in all the underwater caves along the Yucatan Peninsula, and guess what?! I got to swim with turtles!!! Defs one of the coolest experiences of my life. Anywho, that’s enough about my travels (this is a beauty blog, after all!), so let’s get down to business…

 

I have come across sooo many cool products lately, and I’m more excited than a cute doggo with a squeaky ball to share them with you! So without further ado, I introduce to you this week’s Product Pick of the Week: the Batiste dry shampoo in ‘Pink Pineapple’!

                                    

The lovely ladies at Batiste sure know how to make a gal feel spesh – when I walked into TGHQ the other week, this totally gorge fresh bouquet was waiting for me at my desk! Squee!


                         


Attached to the bouquet was a little parcel that contained their brand new, delightfully fruity dry shampoo. TBH, I wasn’t sure whether the product could possibly live up to the grandeur of this whole presentation, but I was WRONG! It smells like actual heaven – every time I have a whiff, it transports me back to that beach in Mexico, ahhh <3 But beyond the lovely scent, it’s actually quite miraculous how well it works to absorb excess oil. That said, I have come to expect nothing less from Batiste – their dry shampoo game has always been hella strong.

 

If you are yet to jump on the dry shampoo bandwagon, girl, get ON it! It will honestly change your life. You see, before I found dry shampoo, I was faced with an ongoing dilemma: do I sacrifice 30 more precious minutes of sleep to get up and wash my hair, or do I let my inner lazy girl win and embrace those greasy roots? I’d be lying if I said the latter never happened, but every time it did, I’d be longing for those oh-so-fresh and fabulous locks all day. Thanks to dry shampoo (espesh Batiste – they are legit the bee's knees), I never have to deal with that problem anymore! Whenever I can’t be bothered to wash my hair, I simply spray in some Batiste, give it a good rub/brush and away I go! Not only does it soak up the oil, but it also gives your hair some serious volume. And with the added benefit of a light fragrance, what’s not to love? 

 

If you’re keen to try this tropical wonder prod, it’s available exclusively at Chemist Warehouse for $9.95 (worth.Every.CENT). It comes in a bunch of other fragrances, and they’re all pretty delish – not to mention the squee-worthy packaging. Let me know if you try it! I’d love to know what you think.

 

Before I let you get back to living your rad little lives, I want to know if there are any fellow lazy girls out there! Are you like me and love your beauty sleep, but also love looking cute? If so, I want to hear some of your time-saving beauty hacks! Hit me up in the comments below ;)

 

Xo Laura

Hey TGs!

 

Did you all have the most eggcellent Easter long weekend? I know I did! I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spend the majority of the time curled up on the couch in my PJs, eating waaay too much chocolate and cuddling my doggo, LOL. It was such a treat *happy-sigh* – anyway, I’m back at TGHQ now and feeling refreshed and ready to bring you guys all the latest in glam! Woo hoo!

 

On that note, I want to tell you about a brand new cosmetics range that I’m super excited about! It’s called Kooki U, and my gut tells me it’s a brand with a BIG future. (For reals. Watch this space.) The prods are so lovely and come in super cool, vibrant colours. Even more importantly, the brand is ethically responsible: all Kooki U products are 100% cruelty free and made in Australia with all natural/mineral ingredients.

 

All the prods are super spesh, but I’m vibing so hard on the glitter nail polishes! I was rocking the ‘Tutti Fruitti Glitter’ over the top of a baby pink base coat last week, and I swear, I’ve never had so many compliments on my nails. The glitter specks are really chunky and come in different sizes and colours, which gives such a dazzling effect. It almost looks like each of the specks has been meticulously painted on one by one, and believe me when I say I don’t have the time, patience or skills for that! TBH, I’m always impressed by a product that makes it seem like I’ve put in way more effort than I actually have. (Fellow lazy girls, rejoice!)

1. Tutti Fruitti                                                                2. Glitter Disco

3. Glitter Rose Petals                                                  4. Glitter Galaxy

 

Check out the full range of glitter polishes here: https://kookiu.com.au/collections/nails/products/nail-polish-glitter

 

I’m also pretty pumped about this body shimmer cream, coz I’m all about that shimmer life! (Well, aren’t we all?) I love anything with a super soft shimmer because it gives your skin a natural glow. Now excuse me while I cover myself in this from head to toe!

                          

Before I love and leave you, I’d like to know if you’re a fan of this new range – which of the sparkly polishes suits your vibe? I think ‘Glitter Rose Petals’ sounds so luxe. Hit me up in the comments below :)

 

Xo Laura

Hey TGs!


I don’t know about you guys, but I’m obsessed with all things PEACHY! I love the word, the fruit, the feeling, the smell, the emoji (hehe, sah cute, right?), and I especially love the phrase, 'Everything's just peachy'! I even own a shirt to prove it:



                        


So you can imagine how excited I was when the BYS ‘Peachy’ range arrived on my desk. Yep, the whole range is peach scented! Squee!!! It was like it was made for me :)


The first thing I tried was the lip oil. If you read my Glam Zone column in the mag each month, you’ve probs realised I’m a pretty big fan of lip balm…. But lip oil? I was intrigued, and a little unsure, TBH. But let me tell you, this cute prod is an absolute delight! It is suuuper moisturising (like a balm), high shine (like a gloss) and it smells ah-mazing! I can defs see it becoming one of my beauty staples. Well played, BYS. Well played.

 

 

There are three shimmering nail polishes in the ‘Peachy’ range: ‘Caribbean Crush’, ‘Sweet Peach’ and ‘Wanderlust’. They are all so pretty, and surprisingly pigmented for shimmer polish. There is also a super cute lip exfoliator to buff away dry, flakey skin – I can't wait to try it! I reckon it will prep the lips perfectly for the lip oil. 

      
    

WARNING: Don’t make the same mistake I did! The polish only becomes scented when dry! (Haha, oops. My poor little nostrils didn’t know what hit them when I took a huge whiff straight from the bottle, expecting it to smell like peach straight up!) Anyway, CAN confirm that it smells totally delish once dry – I gave my nails one quick coat of 'Sweet Peach' yesterday and they are still smelling lush. (It’s subtle, but lovely.)



 
                                 


So what do you guys think of these new prods from BYS? Everything’s just peachy if you ask me, LOL. But for those of you who don’t obsess over peachy things quite as much as I do: what would be your perf scent for a cosmetics range? I’d be pretty keen on salted caramel and peanut butter. Mmmm.


Catch ya next week, TGs!              
      

Xo Laura 

Hey TGs!

 

OMG, you are not going to BELIEVE what arrived today!!! Spoiler: It’s probs the most magical package that has ever been delivered, like, EVER! It is seriously as if someone crawled inside my brain and brought my daydreams to life… Can. Not. Deal.