First Published in Onya Magazine on October 26th, 2010

“When I heard that there was a new beauty kid on the block called threading, my eyebrows were keen to know more. Having taken London by storm over the past few years, the ancient Indian art of threading is now available to Australian beauty devotees.

So, what is this threading business all about, and how on earth can you remove unwanted hair from my brows with just a few strands of cotton? Well, I asked myself the very same questions, and my curiosity led me to booking an appointment with Ottoman3 in Myer Highpoint – who I had been told were the ONLY place to go if you consider yourself a bit of a brow aficionado.”

Visit Onya Magazine to read the full article on eyebrow threading at Ottoman3

First Published in Onya Magazine, September 16 2010

“As a Beauty Editor, I must confess, I feel a sense of pressure to always look immaculate, yet often stretch out my visits to the hairdresser a lot longer than I should. I am sure if there was a code of ethics in the beauty world (like in the medical profession), I would be struck off the register if I was spotted in public with my current state of hair neglect.”

Click here to read full article in Onya Magazine

First Published in Onya Magazine on August 26th 2010

“In the final installment of the Here Comes The Bride series, Gaynor Alder creates a wedding directory that will ensure perfection on your big day. They’ve got the Onya Magazine backing, and they are nothing less than magic.”

Click here to read full article in Onya Magazine

First Published in Onya Magazine by Gaynor Alder on August 5th 2010

“Dressing yourself for your wedding not only comprises of finding the perfect dress, but also the perfect fragrance. If there was ever a day to find a signature fragrance that encapsulates who you are, it certainly is the day that you walk down the aisle to marry your beloved.

I only have to smell certain fragrances to have them transport me back to a decade ago, like I am there reliving the time as it if was only yesterday (Body Shop Fuzzy Peach oil takes me right back to walking the halls of my high school in the ‘90s and elicits memories of first loves – and I’m sure there are many others who would concur, because my friends used to say that they could smell me coming before they even saw me).”

Click here to read the full article in Onya Magazine

Since our illustrious Sydney based Beauty Writer Olivia Hambrett has departed for sunnier European shores (you can follow Olivia’s overseas adventures here at A Big Life), I am delighted to announce that Onya Magazine’s Beauty Department has two fabulous new recruits.

I am pleased as punch to introduce you to Holly Curtis, our new Beauty Intern, and Bethilee Keamy, our new Melbourne based Beauty Writer.

Holly Curtis is a Journalism student at Monash University, who has completed work experience at OK! Magazine, Primped and Cosmopolitan. Holly also regularly writes on her blog, “Am I There Yet?”

Perpetually organising and constantly writing lists, she finds the misuse of basic grammar such as your vs. you’re more painful than nails down a chalkboard. Interested in all things lifestyle and beauty, she finds incredible joy in beautifully packaged products – especially those that remind her of Paris, which she misses dearly (a girl after my own heart).

Beth had me at hello, or should I say, at her tangerine lipstick. Beth comes to Onya Magazine with experience writing for Mia Freedman, Zoe Foster at Primped and having completed work experience with Cosmopolitan. As a self-confessed beauty junkie she stalks the Chanel runways for the latest and greatest nail colours, spends hours practicing her winged liner application and tries in vain to replicate Carrie Bradshaw’s carefree curls at least once a week.

Somewhere in between a Carrie and a Charlotte, Beth Keamy is a soon-to-be-graduated PR and Journalism student from Melbourne. She is a passionate advocate of the cupcake cause, enjoys colour coding her bookshelf and is often caught obnoxiously correcting the grammar of her friends. Entirely addicted to skim lattes, brightly coloured lipsticks and items of clothing that cost more then her monthly income, Beth spends her days dreaming of New York City, platinum credit cards and finding the perfect spray tan.

Watch this space for some fabulous reviews of Australia’s finest beauty products and beauty trends direct from the runway to red carpet from both Holly and Bethilee.

Yours in all things beauty,

Gaynor Alder | Beauty Editor | Onya Magazine

First Published in Onya Magazine July 19 2010

“Gaynor Alder reviews Elite Hair and Makeup Academy, headed up by industry expert Justine Poniris. Training aspiring Makeup Artists in modern and current industry specific techniques, Elite is exactly as it claims – Elite”

Click here to read full review in Onya Magazine

“Whilst escaping the 40 degree heat, sipping a mint tea and lounging against some large old cushions behind giant carved wooden doors that opened up into a beautiful old café, Deb happened to notice that one of the cushion covers had a burst seam. Curious of the contents, she began exploring its insides, to discover it was filled with old scraps of fabric. She discreetly started to pull them out and chanced upon a long piece of frayed yet beautiful gold damask fabric. Deb now wears this as a headpiece, and every time she wears it, she thinks of that day overlooking the rooftops of the Medina and the sound of the Call to Prayer in the distance.”

Click here to read the full article in Onya Magazine

First published in Onya Magazine

“If beauty is the sum of our parts, then surely it’s the little things like cuticles and well-groomed eyebrows that combine to make a real difference. When it comes to bridal beauty, there is no such thing as too much attention to detail – especially if we are to take our lead from Grace.”

Click here to read the full article in Onya Magazine

Published in Onya Magazine 26th March 2010

Like myself, Olivia (okay, now that you’ve gotten to know her a bit better, you can call her Liv) is dedicated to showcasing the finest Australian made and owned beauty products this country has to offer. But, there’s something about Liv’s reviews you should know. Like my columns, they are honest.

Sure, we get sent a lot of beauty product to try, but just because they get sent to us for free, doesn’t necessarily mean we write good things about them. Because we don’t want our readers rushing out to buy products that simply don’t work. There’s a word for this, and it’s integrity – and I don’t think there’s a lot of that going in mainstream media.

Click here to read the full article in Onya Magazine

Published in Onya Magazine March 23rd 2010

“Continuing with our bridal beauty special, part three focuses on Australian made and owned body products that will help to exfoliate, hydrate and enhance your skin.

Again, we will venture into Miss Sandi’s bathroom cabinets to see what she is using to prepare for her big day in May…don’t you worry, she doesn’t mind – honest and for true. In fact, I think she quite likes all the fuss and attention, something she will need to get used to with all the lights, camera, action that is coming her way.”

Click here to read the full article in Onya Magazine

Published in Onya Magazine March 4th 2010

“The brief for Miss Sandi’s wedding day style? A glamorous Eva Longoria up do, with soft cascading curls. So why did Violetta straighten Miss Sandi’s hair, only to then curl it again you ask? Well, straightening her hair first not only meant Violetta could create a larger and looser curl, it also eliminated any frizz – an affliction all with curly hair need no introduction to.

Good hair days are completely unpredictable – one day curly hair can be all Norah Jones, and the next it looks like you had an electric shock (more than likely from stepping into a puddle of water on your bathroom floor whilst using your GHD). Curly hairs’ fickle nature is definitely not something to wrestle with on your wedding day.”

Click here to read full article in Onya Magazine.

“Bridal world not only operates in a completely different time zone and economy (everything takes ten times longer and costs ten times more as soon as you mention the word wedding), but it can also induce bridal brain – a hysteria that renders the bride unable to function as a normal citizen of society, and makes everyone around her want to run for cover.

Over the next three months, Confessions of a Beauty Queen will be featuring a bridal beauty special to help brides get ready for their big day with grace and poise, so that they walk down the aisle radiating beauty inside and out.”

MISS SANDI’S HIGH TEA

Makeup Artist | Katie Bennett

Katie Bennett is a Melbourne based Freelance Makeup Artist, who has trained with top global Makeup Artists and worked for luxury cosmetic brands in London, Sydney and Melbourne. Additionally, Katie is studying advanced runway and bridal techniques with Elite Hair & Makeup Academy, who have done makeup for Princess Mary and other Australian celebrities.

If you would like to have your make-up done by Katie, please contact her on 0400 180 392 or email katie.bennett@live.com

Makeup | Kit Cosmetics

Katie recommends using natural shades of make up for weddings that match each persons individual skin tone. She contoured Sandi’s eyes with cool brown tones and accentuated her lips and cheeks in cool pinks. Zoe has a warm complexion, so her eyes were done using warm and golden browns and complemented with a neutral glossy lip. Recreate these beautiful bridal looks using Kit Cosmetics.

Cupcakes | Sugadeaux

Why not turn your kitchen tea into a high tea garden party with a tiered stand of cupcakes from Sugadeaux? All cupcakes are lovingly “baked from scratch and use the finest quality ingredients.” There are many unique cupcake designs to choose from and they can be ordered up to three months in advance for your wedding or special event.

Flowers | MGL

Melbourne Floral Designer, Megan White from Managaing Good Looks, created the stunning flowers in this photo shoot. Megan’s designs are contemporary and draw inspiration from an extensive knowledge of modern and traditional art. Visit her website below to view the gallery of stylish and unique floral designs she has created for weddings, events and corporate spaces.

Candles | Jaye Niemi

Jaye Niemi’s fragrance collection is synonymous with style and elegance. The collection includes fragrant candles made from 100% botanical wax, which can be combined to create signature moods that personalise your special occasion and create lasting memories for you and your guests.

Tea | Be Genki

The Japanese word “genki” means to be happy, healthy, and in harmony with oneself. It suggests wellbeing is achieved by balancing physical, emotional and spiritual elements equally to create an integrated and tranquil self. Find out more about Be Genki here.

Photography | Garth Ernstzen

Garth Ernstzen is a Melbourne based freelance photographer. His work can vary from candid personal portraits to high fashion and editorial work. After completing a Bachelor Degree in Media and Communication with Honours, he went straight into freelancing and making his mark on the Melbourne photography scene. Find out more about Garth here.

MISS SANDI VISITS THE LYALL FOR A SODASHI FACIAL

When Miss Sandi normally hears the word facial, she thinks of someone poking and prodding her skin until it’s blotchy and red. Au contraire, her Sodashi facial at the Lyall was gentle, rejuvenating, relaxing and benefited her skin, as opposed to making it break out.

Her 90 minutes of pure bliss began with a deep cleanse, followed by a powerful and intensive boost of nature’s vitamins and minerals applied to her skin. This was followed by a warm infusing facial mask, which was left on her skin for half an hour to maximise and penetrate the essential vitamins deep into her skin. Massage is incorporated into the facial and the whole experience purified and deeply cleansed her skin, whilst leaving it deeply hydrated.

Miss Sandi has some Sodashi products at home, so she can continue to care for her skin and maintain the benefits of the facial.

Che Skincare’s mission is to provide “clinically qualified, medically accredited and quality non-surgical aesthetic products and procedures.” Their range of ‘Clinic Aesthetic’ medical skin care products is 100% natural.”

Miss Sandi likes the Che Deep Cleanser, and says that a little bit goes a long way. It’s deeply cleansing and removes all traces of grime, to leave her skin feeling squeaky clean without feeling too dry afterwards.

The Che Vitamin C Serum is deeply hydrating and chock full of antioxidants. It feels great on the skin at night, and delivers good results – clear, hydrated skin. She also loves the anti-aging aspect of this serum.

Miss Sandi thinks the Alpha H Micro Cleanse is an excellent product. It is quite strong, but delivers good results, leaving her skin super smooth.

She is using the Alpha-H Age Delay Oil every second night for extra hydration, by putting a couple of drops into her night moisturiser. It has softened her skin, and her face is definitely more hydrated after using it.

Miss Sandi has always been afraid of cream cleansers, and the ones she has used in the past have made her dislike them. They never seem to clean the skin as well as foaming cleansers. However, she is happy to announce that the Pelactiv Hydrating Cream Cleanser is different.

Miss Sandi will also be using Sodashi’s beautiful holistic range of products to nurture her skin, in the coming months. Sodashi’s products stand out because of their commitment to sourcing quality ingredients and the wisdom they draw from ancient philosophies and natural healing.

Elly B believes taking care of your skin is the key to healthy and radiant skin, which is why they use 100% certified organic, botanical & naturally active ingredients. “It’s like an organic multi vitamin, just for your skin.”

Miss Sandi will tell you more about her experiences with these products in her post wedding column.

MISS SANDI READS ABOUT NUTRITION AND SKINCARE

Karen Fischer, ex Model and TV Presenter turned Nutritionist, has written a book that educates women on how to turn around their skin with eight guiding principles in only eight weeks.

1. Think green and friendly

Miss Sandi has embraced this guideline as she finds it fits so easily into her routine and lifestyle, and has really improved her skin. It involves eating at least two handfuls of dark leafy vegetables every day, eating alkalising foods and incorporating green water (liquid chlorophyll mixed into water) into your day.

By far, the green water has made the biggest, most immediate difference. A couple of teaspoons into her water bottle every day has put a sparkle in her eye and a glow in her skin.

2. Eat moisturising foods

Healthy fats are where it’s at, according to Miss Sandi. She’s incorporated more into her diet including flaxseed oil, omega-3 and linseeds.

3. Eat less

This guideline isn’t about starving yourself – but rather eating smaller portions of the bad stuff and more of the good stuff. Think vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein.

4. Be a sleeping beauty

Sleep is not only important to help maintain your energy levels as you plan for your wedding, but also for your skin. There is an entire chapter within this book dedicated to establishing a good sleeping routine, as well as having a solid sleep eight hours a night. Miss Sandi reports that it really does make a difference. She is a good sleeper, but she is going to aim for eight hours a night at least six nights per week.

5. Sweat for fifteen minutes each day

Exercise not only makes you feel fit, toned and terrific, but it makes your skin glow – long after the sweat beads have been washed off. Miss Sandi learnt a lot from this chapter – she had little idea about the purpose of sweat and the benefits of it for the skin.

6. Have a good skin-care routine

This chapter debunks myths and encourages you to read your product labels so you can learn about what you are really rubbing into your skin.

7. Become a hat person

Miss Sandi hasn’t been much of a hat person, but she certainly picked up a few important lessons and tips from this chapter.

8. Relax and make peace with your body

Miss Sandi just loves The Healthy Skin Diet – no matter how good you think your skin is, there are always ways to improve it. What she loves about the book is the how it also improves your lifestyle, as if by default. It’s full of delicious recipes, as well as specialised programs for acne, cellulite, dandruff, eczema and more.

Published in Onya Magazine 1st February 2010

“Balance has never been my strong suit. I either live like I’m in a nunnery or like I’m a celebrity on the verge of rehab. However, as I edge into my mid 30s, I’m finally beginning to grasp the subtle art of moderation.

We all know that alcohol, smoking and a poor diet are bad for our skin. However, if we try and cut out all of these things, we will more than likely end up failing, which is why most new year’s resolutions fall apart by February.

Instead of pacing ourselves, many of us crash diet and exercise like Bridget Jones, and then wind up exhausted and bingeing on anything, just anything that tastes good, especially after existing on nothing but lettuce leaves and thin air for two weeks.”

Click here to read the full article in Onya Magazine.

First published in Onya Magazine on the 18th of January 2010.

“I must confess, I’ve been a bad girl, a very bad girl. During the festive season, I committed so many sins against my skin, that I’m surprised Santa even stopped by my house.

I’m not sure why they call Christmas and New Years a break, because it’s a continual round of parties and a non-stop “boozeathon”. Don’t get me wrong, it was fun, so much fun, but with all the excess of the past month, my skin is looking less than fabulous. No matter how much cream I slather on my face, there is no denying the trauma I have put it through.”

Last night I reached for my post work wine, to discover in a manner like Bridget Jones, that it was in fact an empty from the night before (or was that the other one from the night before last?) Yes, to my horror, there were five empty bottles on my bench from the week, and I had to shake them all to find which bottle was actually the new one.

As a born again non-smoker, I am constantly tempted by other people smoking around me, and the Christmas and New Year’s festivities are particularly hard for me to maintain my restraint. When someone left a packet behind on the table, my willpower was tested. They began seducing me, calling my name, begging me to try them, until finally I could stand it no more, and succumbed to temptation. One wouldn’t hurt, or so I told myself (every born again non smoker’s famous last words), and before long, I was back to smoking like a chimney.

I hate cooking so much that when I recently house sat for my friend, and was faced with the actuality of chopping vegetables and using the chopping board for its intended purpose, I chose to live on 2 minute noodles for 2 weeks – Masterchef, am I not. Hardly the cornerstone of a nutritious diet, but when faced with the arduous task of preparing my own meal or choosing a nutritionally abhorrent meal, convenience will when every time.

I can’t tell you the last time I drank a glass of water, let alone the 2 litres of water a day we are meant to drink (something that plagues me, and beats up my conscious on a daily basis). Why don’t I do it? Well, if you want the truth, it’s because I’m lazy, that’s why. Whilst I have no trouble lifting the wine bottle and pouring another glass of vino, I am unable to muster the same level of enthusiasm to fill up my water bottle everyday.

I could feed an Italian family of four for a year with the amount of money I spend on skincare, yet, I neglect to put sunscreen on when I go out. Being an ex-Perthite, I should know better. Stepping out in the sun any longer for 10 minutes in the West will leave you with 3^rd degree burns. Even though I’m now a Melbournite, and the sun only makes an occasional guest appearance, I still need to protect myself against the damage of UV rays.

Like everyone I see virtuously hitting the pavement, I have vowed to start a health kick. Except unlike them, mine hasn’t started yet. Somehow, the bad habits I picked up in the spirit of “it’s Christmas” have continued into the New Year, and I’m now beating myself up with the inevitable underachiever’s guilt of breaking my new year’s resolutions in the first week.

Follow ‘Confessions of a Beauty Queen’ next fortnight, to restore serenity to thyself and thy skin, with the ‘Seven Heavenly Virtues of Skincare’.

Image Sources

“I’m going to come clean – I’m not really a fan of natural skin care. You certainly won’t find me writing about how to make your own face mask with oatmeal and avocado, nor will I be advising you to smear your face with a mashed banana and honey.

It’s not that I don’t like the ethos behind natural products, it’s just that I’m not convinced that a few plant leaves and a rind of an orange are really going to help eradicate wrinkles. You could say I’m as dubious as a ten year old whose questioning the reality of a fat man in a red suit flying though the sky in a sleigh with a reindeer named Rudolph.”

Click here to read full article in Onya Magazine

I’m not one to get worked up over many things, but the one thing that does make me want to get up on my soapbox, is retail stores putting up Christmas decorations in August. For me, it completely kills the spirit of what it’s all about.

You see, when I was a little girl, I never tried to rattle the presents under the tree to work out what they were, because I could never understand the point of ruining the surprise on Christmas Day.

Whilst most others pulled back all the doors on their advent calendar in the 1^st of December, so that they could eat all their chocolate at once, I opened my doors one by one, and counted down the sleeps until Father Christmas would slide down the chimney – well, in Australia, he has to come through the front door, because it’s far too hot for him to be trying to squeeze himself down a pot belly stove.

So in the real spirit of Christmas, Onya Magazine has gifts galore to giveaway to its lovely readers. I do hope you’ve been good little boys and girls.

Click here to read full article and enter the competition to win one of four fabulous prizes!

“The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty you will soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty it will remain with you all the days of your life.” – Frank Lloyd Wright

I must confess – I am biased when it comes to vintage glamour, especially to that pertaining of the 1920s and ‘30s. Not just for its timeless elegance, but for its unadulterated celebration of decadence.

It was a time when artists flocked to Paris for freedom of expression, when women cut their hair short and raised their hemlines in rebellion against their corseted Victorian mothers and when high society hosted wild soirees and masquerade balls.

Click here to read full article.

Okay, so it’s been a while since I’ve waxed lyrical about all the things I’m loving in my life. So without further adoo…

Being a Freelance Writer, Beauty Editor, Columnist & Blogger … just quietly, I think I have a bit of a thing for writing.

Reviewing beauty products for magazines – you know what they say about tough jobs, well I’m the one who has to do them.

Moving to a new abode in January that has a wall between the sink and the bed.

Christmas lilys … they emit such an elegant fragrance that doth please me so.

Being back in touch with the two darlings I had such a fabulous time with in London and Paris.

Next week being a cracker! Christmas parties and an interstate guest. Shall be bar hopping Melbourne style.

I can’t get Beth Ditto’s Love Long Distance out of my head … “Looooove long disssstance.”

That I’m having 10 days off soon, during which I shall be doing nothing more than reading the new Marian Keyes that has been sitting ever so patiently in my cupboard, watching DVDs, catching up with friends and writing on this lovely blog.

Starting my summer health kick and walking with KB along the beach.

What are you loving right now?

“Confessions of a Beauty Queen is the new column from Onya’s Beauty Editor, Gaynor Alder. You could say Gaynor (a self confessed product addict), is a tough crowd, and you’d be right. She’s dedicated to sharing, with you, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, in her quest for fabulous Australian made and owned beauty products.

Follow Confessions of a Beauty Queen as Gaynor unearths new and exciting products, dishes the dirt and waxes lyrical about products she’s road tested in her boudoir, tells tales of trips to Australia’s best day spas and offers expert beauty advice, such as how to glue on false eyelashes without stabbing yourself in the eye with your tweezers. She warns, reading her column on a regular basis will result in falling head over heels in love with all the beautiful beauty buys this country has to offer – which isn’t a bad thing, unless you’re wearing a really expensive pair of heels.”

Click here to read the full article.

As delicate spring breezes linger with the scent of sweet jasmine, signaling to my heart that the long cold days of winter are over, I can’t help but be overcome with happiness. If winter is a seductive vamp with its dark red nails and fish net stockings, then spring is an undeniable flirt, whispering promises of continued sunshine and summer sultriness.

Click here to read full article