With a Euro trip on the horizon, I’ve been adding a few bits and pieces to my virtual shopping basket this month and checking out.
Whether it’s a new bikini for the (hopefully warmer) days or a lighter foundation that will see me through the summer months in the northern hemisphere, there’s plenty of great things around this month to tempt you to part with your hard-earned cash.
Below, I round up the various items I’ve bought this month — from sunscreens to portable speakers and white noise machines I can take on the road with my toddler daughter.
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1. HMD Pulse Pro, $297, Officeworks
Top of my list this month has been the fantastic HMD Pulse Pro smartphone, which costs $297 from Officeworks.
For a surprisingly affordable price, you can expect a handy little smartphone, complete with 50ML selfie camera that’s perfect for travel and capturing great photos on the road.
Available in three stunning shades: Glacier Green, Twilight Purple and Black Ocean, the phone promises up to three days of battery life and has 1612 x 720 resolution.
But the standout feature has to be its ability to capture great photos.
Give your phone the two-finger salute to kick-start all new Selfie Gesture Navigation, capturing core memories with just a wave of the hand.
Or, go hands-free with a finger-heart, thumbs up or two-handed heart sign — which is perfect for those group selfies.
The phone is great at night as well, thanks to HMD Pulse Pro’s AI Super Portrait Mode, which works to make even the darkest photos as clear as day.
It’s the perfect travel companion if you’re looking for something that’s cheaper and more hardy than an iPhone when on holiday.
2. Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick, $63
While I’m a big Charlotte Tilbury fan, even I was skeptical when I heard about the launch of these radiant foundation sticks ($63).
Would they be light and glowy enough to replace my beloved Westman Atelier foundation stick?
I needn’t have worried as they are excellent and everything you need in one handy stick for that Flawless Filter-level radiance.
Offering blurring, smoothing sheer to light buildable coverage, the sticks are the ultimate no foundation foundation.
I love how easy it is to glide them over a moisturised and primed complexion, and they leave a gorgeous second-skin finish.
I’ve been using a blend of shades two and three for the past week or so and am absolutely loving the look and feel on my face.
I’ve been pairing it with Charlotte’s Flawless Filter Setting Spray — which ensures the entire look will stay in place all day but still looks fresh and dewy.
I’d recommend them to everyone looking for a sublimely natural finish.
What other beauty products have I been loving this month?
- Sumanurica’s Purifying Enzyme Cleansing Balm ($109) is a treat for the skin insofar as it’s been formulated with antibacterial properties to effectively remove stubborn makeup, dirt, oil and SPF, while nourishing and balancing the skin.
- MONAT’S IR Mascara ($59) is selling like hotcakes right now, with a wand selling every four minutes — and I can completely see why. Instantly lengthening and volumising for fuller-looking lashes, the mascara offers the benefits of a lash serum and a traditional mascara in one. The buildable formula instantly lengthens and elongates lashes while nourishing and strengthening for a fabulous, voluminous finish.
- We Are Feel Good Sunscreens ($29.95) are my go-to when it comes to sun protection and travelling. My favourite is the Signature Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ because it soaks in quickly and easily, while offering ample protection. As always with sunscreen, it’s important to remember to apply it 20 minutes before going out into the sun and regularly re-apply and after any swimming.
- L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream ($62; Amazon Australia) has become a lifesaver in my third trimester of pregnancy. Made with over 95 per cent Natural Origin Ingredients and enriched with 25 per cent organic Shea Butter, it moisturises, nourishes and protects the skin. My skin has been feeling considerably softer since I started using it.
3. Bydee Barcelona Swim Top and Bottoms in Limon, $79 each
Sold in the colour of the moment, butter yellow, I cannot wait to whip out this bikini duo when I get to the warmer weather next week.
With its flattering halter style, adjustable triangle cup and white and lemon yellow cotton lace trim, it’s the perfect pretty style to wear to the beach or pool, and I love the little Casa Del Sol Charms hanging off the top — which add a perfect holiday spin to the bikini.
Bydee has built up a name for itself as an Aussie brand over the past few years, after it was founded by Aussie Dessy Hairis, who has been making and selling cossies since she was 17.
The now 28-year-old who grew up in Sydney was surrounded by a “super creative family” with a father who is an architect and a mother who loved to sew, so there was always a sewing machine nearby.
“After being unable to find swimwear that I wanted to wear I started making my own when I was about 17,” Dessy told Best Picks.
“I posted about this on Facebook (back in the day when it was cool to have 1000+ Facebook friends!) and I started selling bikinis on my school quad to girls who had placed orders, all through Facebook!”
These days, Bydee’s styles regularly sell out.
What other fashion products have I been loving this month?
- The Kirsten Ash Ocean Deep Necklace ($580) is a stunning piece that not only looks good, but does good too. With 50 per cent of the profits donated to Living Ocean, a Northern Beaches charity dedicated to ocean conservation, the necklace has been designed to be an “ode to the colours between the waves and a reflection of the interwoven connection the ocean brings”. Crafted from 9K solid gold and adorned with ocean-toned stones, it’s the perfect present for someone special in your life.
4. Happiest Baby SNOOBear White Noise Machine, $105
I first discovered acclaimed American pediatrician, author, and child development specialist Harvey Karp’s Happiest Baby when I used his revolutionary “smart bassinet”, the SNOO, with my first child.
Since then, I’ve been a devotee of anything and everything he has brought out, no more so than this adorable white noise machine for babies and toddlers ($105).
Responsive and portable, and not to mention adorable, this cute puppet white noise machine can be used during a feeding, in the car, or catnapping at Grandma’s — and it’s moved around quickly and easily.
This cuddly bear not only gives your baby the same unique white noise sounds as SNOO, one of the world’s most beloved baby products, but it is responsive as well.
That means, after the sound turns off, SNOObear continues to monitor your baby and automatically turns back on if your baby cries.
I’ve been trying out this revolutionary machine for the past few weeks and it has firmly become one of my two-year-old’s favourite things.
What other baby and kids and miscellaneous products have I been loving this month?
- I’ve been using (and loving) the 5 A Day of Play revolutionary guide by BabyLove that has been specifically designed to spark mini moments of play into the everyday routines of busy and modern parents. Developed in association with parent educator Genevieve Muir, the guide is an interactive kit that has been designed to help time-poor parents turn everyday routines into mini moments of play that help the growth and development of their child. The guide comprises five core concepts of play and different styles: messy world play, me and you play, rough and tumble play, in it to win it play and let’s get silly play. My daughter loves it.
- This is not quite a pick for kids, unless you count the fact that my toddler is obsessed with them. But the new Beauty Bites from Keira Rumble at Krumbled are absolutely delicious. Selling out within 24 hours of launch, the Peanut Butter and Jelly flavour ($39.20 for a packet) not only taste amazing, but they’re not bad for you either. With less than 2.7g of naturally occurring sugar, a Beauty Bite is the perfect combo of peanuts, raspberry pieces and our bespoke milk chocolate coating. I keep these things in my car, in my handbag and in my coat pockets in case I ever need a pick me up. The other new flavour is White Chocolate and Macadamia if that is more your style.
6. Beats Pill Speaker, $249
Last but certainly not least is the super impressive Beats Pill Speaker, $249, which is back for a second time and better than ever before.
Completely reengineered and redesigned, the new Beats Pill boasts better sound than ever before, is lighter and more portable than its predecessor, and features an all-day battery life of up to 24 hours.
Now with USB-C audio and charging, IP67 dust and water resistance and native iOS and Android compatibility, the fan favourite has been updated with the latest features in an iconic design.
Its sound quality is truly fantastic and it looks amazing too.
It’s been ten years since anything Beats Pill-related has been released, but this new style — available in black, red and gold — is better than its predecessor.
I’ve been giving it a good workout around my home over the past few days and have to admit it’s thoroughly impressive.
If you’re looking for a great new speaker you can take anywhere, this is the one.
