When I “review” a product I like to put it through its paces, to make sure it actually lives up to the hype.
If it’s a pair of shoes I’m wearing them to work and just as readily popping them on for a casual Saturday stroll. If it’s a bag I’m filling it to the brim and lugging it around to the beach and my weekly supermarket shop.
September has already been awash with new launches and we’re only halfway through, so in honour of all the bits and pieces I have slapped onto my face or adorned on my body, here is my monthly favourites wrap.
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1. Cariuma Off-White Gum Canvas OCA Low Shoes, $140
There is nothing more essential in my wardrobe than a pair of plain white sneakers and this extremely comfortable offering from Cariuma is just the ticket.
I’ve been wearing them with springtime floral dresses, jeans and even trackpants so they really are as versatile as a white sneaker should be.
Handcrafted using a robust canvas — I haven’t had a single scuff mark since I got them weeks ago — the OCA Low Canvas exists at the intersection of functionality and style.
Featuring 100 per cent vegan insoles made from organic mamona oil and cork, these shoes are almost as good as walking barefoot, and at a price that matches other popular brand name sneakers.
Cariuma is a fairly new brand on my radar but from what I’ve already seen I’ll be stopping by for more pieces very soon.
2. Amelia Lane Beach Tote Bag, Navy + Soft White, $135
One of my biggest pet peeves is having to take a backpack to the beach.
The minute you lay it down it’s covered in sand which is nearly impossible to remove before you get home, so I end up having to vacuum everywhere that bag has been for weeks on end.
Amelia Lane has seemingly felt my frustration and developed a waterproof beach bag that doesn’t allow sand to cling to it at all.
And on the off chance you need to clean it, you can simply wash it down in the laundry tub and leave it outside to dry.
I’ve already taken it to the beach a few times this spring and I find it’s just large enough to fit towels, beach pillows, snacks and water without being overbearingly heavy.
The brand also stocks a range of different sized wet bags so you can store your phone, keys and wallet in an ultra-protective pouch when you’re in and around water.
You could even use it as a handy toiletry bag, which is what I plan on doing when I head over to Europe.
3. Mesoestetic Blemiderm Treatment, $118 at Adore Beauty
I’m already a big fan of Mesoestetic’s sunscreen range because it contains some of the highest SPF ratings on the market but the brand has just launched a range of face gels to give confidence to those struggling with textured skin.
The range of three main products can be used at different stages of your pimple’s life cycle and can help reduce the effects that excess sebum can have on the skin — namely acne and blackheads.
I’m no stranger to a bout of intense oiliness and the accompanying problems that come with it so I was intrigued to learn more.
The $119 Blemiderm Treatment is a gel-cream that, when applied, improves the look of blemishes and boosts the skin’s revitalisation. It’s almost like a really light moisturiser that should be applied in the evening before bed.
Then you’ve got the $129 Blemiderm Resurfacing Gel which acts as a chemical exfoliator followed by the $62 blemiderm local control, which is more of a spot treatment targeting specific blemishes.
The trio of products are game-changers for anyone suffering through a period of inflammation but if you’re looking to get over the other side with minimal lasting skin damage Mesoestetic is just the ticket.
4. Leo Washed Cotton products from Sheet Society
Every single pillowcase, fitted sheet, flat sheet, quilt cover and throw in my house is from Sheet Society.
I can’t get enough of how soft and smooth the texture of ever linen piece is and the latest Davies Gingham and Sage colourway from the brand is no different.
Part of Sheet Society’s latest springtime collection you’ll be floored by how appropriately cottage-core the designs are and how much vibrancy they’ll add to your room.
They even come pre-washed so you don’t have to worry about running them through the machine before putting them on the bed. Genius.
Outside of the bedroom, the brand’s Arlo Bath Sheet in Tommy Cotton is a new firm favourite in our household because they look — and feel — luxurious.
The extra room afforded to a bath sheet over a standard towel has ruined me for cheaper options forever.
5. Cotton On Body Scoop Back One Piece Cheeky, $39.99
With summer just around the corner, it’s high time I re-invested in my swimwear drawer.
I’m not looking to spend all of my money saved for European travel to do so, so it’s just as well Cotton On Body has just expanded its bikini and one piece range with this comfortable and cool Scoop Back One Piece.
The ever-popular $24.99 Slider Triangle Bikini Top and $24.99 Refined High Side Brazilian Bikini Bottom in white crinkle will make any bronzed skin pop, and you can pick up the set together for a discounted $40.
To complete the beach-side experience, Cotton On Body has a range of towels like the summer soleil brown shade that are both lightweight and highly absorbent.
Why shop anywhere else when the deals are so good?
6. American Tourister Light Max in Navy, $335 down to $201
I’m currently packing for a trip to Europe and my partner and I were finding that our mid-sized bags weren’t going to cut it on this trip.
Instead, we’ve decided to join forces by putting all of our clothes and products in one very large suitcase today, so there are fewer things to drag along Europe’s cobblestone streets.
We’ve upgraded to the Light Max from American Tourister (which at the time of publication is actually on sale!) because it has a whopping 138L volume — or 144L when it’s expanded — which is plenty of space for the pair of us.
It’s incredibly lightweight for such a large bag — only 4kg — so I’ll still have 21kg of my 25 kilo weight allowance to get from Sydney to London.
If you’re looking for a suitcase with a sturdy fabric shell over a hardcase, the Applite 5 is another instant winner.
It’s actually slightly smaller internally so if you’re looking for something a little bit more manageable for one person to wheel around, this is the one to watch.
It comes with a luggage divider, security zipper and antimicrobial treated lining, so you can feel safe knowing your belongings will remain intact (and bacteria free).
Both bags come with a 10-year global warranty.
7. Tan-Luxe The Gradual, $61 from Amazon Australia
This gradual self tanner is so popular it’s actually currently sold out on Sephora Australia’s website.
I’ve only just started using it but already I can tell it’s going to become one of my favourite beauty products.
I’m not particularly savvy with mousses and tanning sprays — and because I’m so pale a lot of the really “deep” colours are too bronzed for me.
After just one use, which took less than five minutes to apply, I was slightly darker in colour than I was the day prior with no overpowering orange or green shades to my skin.
It barely has a scent and it didn’t streak at all, even though I was just wiping it on all over the place as you might do with a standard moisturiser.
It’s going straight in my bag for Europe.
