August Round Up

Here's a round up of my latest outfit posts.  I'm so ready for Spring 2014.  Ready to bring out more skirts and a lot more colour. For those of you in the northern hemisphere are quite excited for "Fall" fashion so I hope these outfits give you a little inspiration.  It looks like its going to be cold all weekend unfortunately so our first official week of Spring will involve sweaters and boots too.  I'm being treated to a cupcake course and a picnic by my friends this weekend so I'm really excited for these little outings.  Stay updated on Twitter and Instagram (@ArumLilea) for details.  

Let me know which is your favourite look!

Insta - Life

1. After spending the day in bed watching Marie Antoinette, I dug out my photos from my last trip to Paris in search of this picture of the gardens at Versailles.  They're incredible.  2.  Le BF and I went to watch the sunset at the golf course.  The caught a beautiful one.  3 and 4.  If I could pack my bags right now I would head to the beach.  A beach holiday is just what I need.  These pictures were taken in Patong beach and Phi Phi in Thailand.

1.  This was Monday's make up of the day.  I'm really loving Revlon's lip butters and this Bold Lacquer mascara.  The length it adds to my lashes is just crazy - and my eyelashes are long to begin with!  2.  New gym clothes from Cotton On.  3.  My favourite breakfast is a berry and banana smoothie.  4.  I bought these Witchery heels on sale for nearly half the original price.  Score!  

1.  My usual morning routine involves a lot of tea!  2.  This Dolce & Gabbana Intense perfume is my absolute favourite at the moment.  It's just my kind of fragrance.  3.  Lindt chocolates from a very special friend.  4.  I've mentioned these Maybelline Baby Lips before (in this post).  This one is my favourite!

1 and 4.  Chicken prego rolls from the Beer Yard at 44 Stanley for my friend's birthday.  It was such a wonderful afternoon with my closest friends.  We finished it off with coffee (not beer!).  2.  Arina, Irina and I at the last Skip Fashion Exchange event at Katy's Palace Bar.  3.  This was the table setting of the last Fashion Exchange.

Dermalogica Face Mapping Skin Analysis

Dermalogica is a skin care brand that I keep finding myself coming back to because its quality is unparalleled. If you follow me on Twitter (@ArumLilea) you will know that I recently visited the brand new Dermalogica concept store in Rosebank Mall. While I was there I had my Face Mapping skin analysis done and I learnt so much about my skin. I know skin care can be very daunting; from entering a store to figuring out what products your skin needs, gosh even sometimes the sales ladies are so intimidating I want to avoid the whole process entirely but this is definitely a different kind of experience. Today I'm giving you the 101 on Face Mapping so that you know exactly what to expect from the moment you walk into the store.

To begin, your Face Mapping skin analysis is absolutely free of charge.  What?  Yes, you read correctly, this skin consultation is absolutely free of charge.  There is no need for you to book a time slot but rather you are free to walk in store for your Face Mapping analysis at any point of the day.

Now that I have your attention, your next question is probably, "what exactly is 'Face Mapping'?"  Face Mapping, as I've just mentioned is a skin consultation.  A skin therapist will sit with you and have a good look at your skin.  She is trained to pick up the problem areas or areas that need special attention on your skin.  These pictures show what my therapist deciphered about my own skin.  My problems were mainly comedones, dehydration, sensitivity and redness and these are marked on the face map exactly where those problems occur on my face.  Once your therapist has mapped your face she will begin explaining which Dermalogica products are suitable for your skin.  The reason I think that Face Mapping is so impressive is because it allows your skin routine to become uniquely tailored to the needs of your skin rather than using a generic routine that has been formulated for the masses.

Your therapist will also explain all the products that she prescribes as well as how to apply them and in what order.  Often I will get the order of products confused so I really appreciate the care the therapists take to explain everything in detail.  If something requires mixing with water, your therapist will show you exactly how much product vs how much water is needed.  As for exfoliation and masques, your therapist will tell you how often to use these products which will also vary from person to person based on your skin's needs.

You are under no obligation to buy the products that are recommended after you skin analysis but I can assure you that after how much care has been taken to explain the areas of your skin that need attention and exactly how to take care of them, you will realise that Dermalogica is a skin care brand that you can trust.  The products recommended to me have made such an improvement to my skin and were obviously exactly what my skin was looking for.  My skin is looking so much healthier than the day I walked into the store already.

You can read more about my love for Dermalogica by clicking here, here and here.  

*Face Mapping is also done at all salons and spas that use Dermalogica.

Denim & Leather

Foschini hat and shirt | LEGiT pants | Blackcherry bag | Woolworths heels | Lovisa necklace

Here I thought Spring was on its way but it appears the weather was just teasing us.  It's a little bit chilly today so I pulled out my favourite felt hat and chambray top to run a few errands.  What do you think? xxx

Spring Outfit

Mr Price shirt, sweater and skirt | Blackcherry bag | Linx shoes via Zando | Topshop sunnies

I might be jumping the gun but I'm starting to plan outfits for spring and summer.  If you have me on Instagram (@arumlilea) you will have seen that I've definitely got the beach on my mind.  I can't wait for some fun in the sunshine with good friends.  Le bf and a very dear friend have planned to celebrate their birthdays at Jo'burg Day which will be our first spring celebration.  I can't wait!  I may have even bought a flower crown in anticipation.

To compliment the spring feeling I've been experiencing, I pulled out my favourite neon sweater and wore it with some very pale bare legs.  (Side note:  please excuse the bruises, I'm still mastering blood thinners.)  It may not be spring yet but with this colour I already feel one step closer.

Inoar Professional Extreme Premium Oil

Having long hair I find it's really important to take good care of it.  Good shampoos, conditioners, treatments and serums are an absolute essential.  I was recently given to Inoar Professional's Extreme Premium Oil to try out and I couldn't wait to share it with you!

This hair oil contains myrrh, argan, macadamia and rose imperial oils which have stood the test of time in terms of hair care.  These ingredients also mean that this oil has the most beautiful fragrance.  It is perfect for treating split ends, nourishing dry hair or making frizzy hair more manageable.  I generally use it after washing my hair while it is still damp but before styling and then every couple days I will just apply a little to my ends.  It is a non-greasy oil which means that my hair absorbs it so quickly and doesn't leave any residue behind.   My hair is loving it and I love how such a little bit (one pump) goes a really long way.  This 50ml bottle is bound to last me a long time.  Here's to many more good hair days!

Inoar Professional's Extreme Premium Oil is available in salons and spas from September 2014.

Rose Colours

Truworths sweater | Zara jeans | Woolworths booties | Topshop sunnies | Blackcherry bag | Banana Republic scarf

I fell in love with this Banana Republic scarf at the store launch last week.  I think it's so beautiful that I wanted to play up its beauty by wearing a simple outfit and letting it do all the talking.  With my hair pulled back and a great pair of sunnies I was good to go run errands.  What do you think?

Wardrobe Basics

Forever New trench coat | Woolworths leggings (now on sale!) | Blackcherry bag | Witchery heels

Just a quick one today  in a few wardrobe basics.  Hope you're all having a great day!

Meridian Spa Day Giveaway {Closed}

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to the Meridian Spa in Bryanston for a Dermalogica Microzone treatment as well as a hand or foot ritual.  I was so excited for a little pampering.  On arrival we were given warm aroma infused towels and wheatgrass shots for refreshment.  The entrance way is absolutely beautiful with a large fish tank and beautiful fish in to give you the water element of the spa and relaxed atmosphere the moment you walk through the door.  

When I was taken on a tour of the spa I was surprised by how large the treatment rooms are.  There is so much space to relax in which I thought was wonderful.  Upstairs their is also a balcony and rest area where you can enjoy moments between treatments.  Here you can have tea or coffee and something sweet to eat.

My treatments were nothing short of amazing.  The therapists are of a such a high calibre and I was so impressed by how well they know their products and their treatments.  I actually came away having learnt a lot about skin products and the ingredients in them.  During my Microzone treatment they were also able to explain which products are to be used in what order because I often get it all confused.  I definitely recommend trying out this spa and if you do, don't forget to mention that you read Arum Lilea!

Now here is where this post gets exciting.  I'm giving away two spa prizes today.  

Prize 1

The Meridian Moments Spa Package. It is a Half Day Package to the Value of R1430.

It will include the following: 

Welcome drink and warm aroma infused towel upon arrival

Signature Dew Drop Ritual

Full body Aromatherpy Massage

Relaxation Lounge/Organic Coffee, Tea/Rusks

Hand or Foot Ritual (excludes paint)

Indian Head Massage

Refreshments and Amarula Choccies upon Departure

Prize 2

Dermalogica Body Therapy Favorites Kit. 

This includes a travel size Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash, Body Hydrating Cream & Stress Relieve Treatment to the value of R550.

To Enter:

All you need to do is follow these two steps:

1.  Follow Meridian Spa on Facebook OR Twitter @meridianspa_za; and

2.  Comment below telling me how you follow Arum Lilea and don't forget to leave your email address.

The winners will be drawn on 18 August 2014. Good luck!

Luscious Lips

It might sound crazy but my favourite moments in a day often involve applying a bold lipstick.  There's something in the process of taking that moment to apply my lipstick that makes me feel confident and inspired to keep going and keep developing myself.  It's a personal treat for me, something I do for myself.  When I come across someone else wearing a beautiful bold lip, I see that they feel it too.  Maybe there is magic in our lipsticks.  Any way, here's a post dedicated to my favourite magic wands.  Let's begin by keeping our lips luscious.

1.  Moisturise

I don't know about you but this winter has completely dried out my skin.  I'm constantly applying moisturising balms to my lips.  There is no ways I would even dare wear a bold lipstick if my lips were all dry and flaky because that would just leave my lips looking pasty and one hot mess.  Not cute.

One of my favourite moisturisers this winter have been Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream.  I take this with me wherever I go.  I recommend it to everyone who has never tried it.  For anyone who is taking Roaccutane, I assure you this will become your best friend.  It is so thick and luxurious that it stays on your lips for ages and it moisturises your lips beautifully.  If you apply it before going to bed, guaranteed, you will wake up with it still on your lips in the morning.  Ah-ma-zing!  

Another favourite this winter has been Maybelline's Baby Lips.  For starters, how cute is this packaging?!  Each time I pull it out of my bag, everyone always has the same reaction: "Oooh what's that".  I have only just started using these (thank you Leigh) and I'm really so impressed.  Leigh sent me the Baby Lips in Peach Kiss which has a subtle nude tint (seen above).  I loved it so much that I rushed out and bought the Mint Fresh one too.

Once you have gorgeous, soft lips, you are ready to break out the colour.

2.  Colour Crazed

I've been using this Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Bright Raspberry as of late.  I can't help but feel the excitement I had as a child when picking up a bright pink crayon and scribbling all over my canvas.  Nothing has changed other than the crayon has become a lipstick and the canvas has become my face.  I have been wearing this colour non-stop.  It's the most perfect raspberry shade that I have come across.  It also has staying power and wont disappear unless you want it to.

If I want to gloss it up a bit, Revlon's Super Lustrous lip gloss in Fuchsia Finery is my favourite shade to compliment it (see full review here).  The two are a match made in heaven.

My final lip favourite today is another Bobbi Brown winner.  This one is a Rich Lip Color in Miami Pink.  It is a beautiful combination of pink and peach.  It is a shade that really brightens your face and brings out your eyes which is what I love most about this colour.  It has quite a creamy texture so it doesn't leave my lips feeling dry at all but rather keeps them feeling smooth all day.  

What are your favourite lipsticks and shades at the moment?  I'd love to try out your recommendations so please leave them in the comment section.  Thanks so much for reading!

Leather and Lace

Mr Price jacket, dress and shoes | Blackcherry bag | Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses

Irina, Dimi and I spent the afternoon at the Saxon Hotel yesterday enjoying some time in the sun.  It was such a beautiful afternoon that we decided to snap a few outfit posts.  I combined my moto jacket with my favourite lace dress for the day.  Usually the lace would bring out the girly side to me and I would amplify that (see this post) but I was very happy with this juxtaposition.  What do you think?