Mid-week quickie
Happy hump day! Exciting new beauty releases, what I've been reading, clothes I want
Well hello there!
I’m starting a new segment called, ‘The mid-week quickie’ (although reading this back it’s less of a quickie and more of a dump lol). It’s a selection of things that have caught my eye/piqued my interest in the last week. And I’ll continue to publish a fortnightly longer piece on a Sunday. We’ll see how this goes! If you ever have a thought of something you’d like me to talk about or flesh out - serious or not so serious, let me know! DMs and comments are always always welcome and appreciated.
BEAUTY
Sunnies Face
Sunnies Face now ships to Australia! I can’t wait to trial this brand. Their content, packaging and branding is next level.
How divine do the lipsticks look!
I will enjoy my Sunnies Face order and patiently wait for the day when Rhode, Glossier and Merit announce Australian shipping.
Also - I should have included co-founder, Martine Ho’s Melbourne home in my home round up (linking here if you missed it!) because it is SPECTACULAR.
With the chicest home, it’s no surprise Martine herself is also incredibly cool:
Emma Lewisham
My mind is blown over this new launch from New Zealand beauty superstars, Emma Lewisham. The new Supernatural Blemish Face Serum features a world-first patented live probiotic, Micrococcus luteus Q24, that was discovered on healthy human skin.
This is how they describe it on their website:
‘A healthy microbiome is at the heart of clear, balanced and radiant skin. This pioneering serum harnesses 20 years of world leading science to deliver a world-first patented LIVE skin probiotic, Micrococcus luteus, that was discovered on healthy human skin. This specialised strain naturally lives on and supports the skin, with robust scientific research demonstrating it’s ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria* including C. acnes – a key factor in the development of acne and blemishes.’
As an acne / congestion prone girlie this sounds like a product I’ve been waiting for my whole life!
This article covers more about the product and how the breakthrough / patent was discovered.
Other new beauty:
Ceremonia and Loops just launched at Mecca. Loops is a brand entirely focused on sheet masks. And Riverdale’s Camila Mendes is the brand’s creative director.
I tried some Ceremonia products this week including the Heritage Scalp Remedy Oil and the Guava Rescue Spray. I’ve followed founder Babba Rivera for ages so it was great to finally get my hands on her products. This is what the Mecca website says about the brand:
‘Babba Rivera founded Ceremonia based on rituals embedded in her own Latinx heritage. With a firm belief everyone should have easy-to-maintain hair that feels as good as it looks, Ceremonia unites the richness of Latinx culture and nutrient-dense ingredients.’
Also, do I need the new Hourglass skin tint?
BEVERAGES
818
If you’ve been curious about Kendall Jenner’s tequila brand, 818 - it’s finally available in Australia. I recently tried 818 with soda and also tried it on the rocks and I actually loved it, which surprised me as I generally only tolerate tequila in margaritas.
Bobby
While we’re on the topic of drinks - I have to give a shoutout to my favourite, Bobby. It’s a low sugar, prebiotic soft drink and I love the Cola flavour (tbh it’s the only one I’ve tried but it’s SO GOOD.)
MOVIES, BOOKS, MUSIC, TV ETC
NFL - Now that Taylor Swift put Travis Kelce on the map, I found myself watching the Jets vs Chiefs game on Monday afternoon. I had literally no idea what was going on but it was fun. My little brother actually just moved to America for college/NFL so I really should get around to understanding the game.
Books
I just finished ‘Yellowface’. What a wild ride. I couldn’t put it down. I’m sure you’ve seen the cover everywhere, or you’ve read it yourself so I won’t go into any further detail - but here’s a great article from the Guardian with the author Rebecca F. Kuang. This is also a really interesting article with similar themes to the book, ‘Who Is The Bad Art Friend’ on art ownership/inspiration vs copying.
Now I’m reading ‘Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow’ by Gabrielle Zevin. I bought this a few months ago after so many people recommended it to me on Instagram. Loving it so far!
Before Yellowface, I indulged my total The Summer I Turned Pretty infatuation by reading the first two books in the trilogy. I’m saving the 3rd book as I don’t want it to end. I’ll read it soon!
I also bought Hanging by a Thread by Erin Deering. Erin co-founded swimwear brand Triangl and built the brand to huge success but was suffering with her mental health. ‘Hanging by a Thread’ is her memoir about all of this and how she turned her life around after stepping away from the business. If you don’t already, Erin is a great follow on Instagram. Her style in incredible and she’s very insightful about business, mental health and has recently shared her experience with skin cancer. If you’re reading this and haven’t had a recent skin check, make time for one! And don’t forget daily SPF :)
MUSIC
Have you also been blasting Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, GUTS? It’s great. My favourite Tiktok duo took a break from discovering Taylor Swift’s entire discography and reviewed some of Olivia’s newest work.
At the moment, my two favourite songs from GUTS are Pretty Isn’t Pretty Enough and Making The Bed.
FASHION
Everything I’ve wanted from this brand is always sold out but I’m signed up to the waitlist so fingers crossed I can get my hands on these jeans. I’m a cream/white jean obsessive. Love the cut of these and the draw string toggle detail.
James Street Co
Makers of the cosiest looking knits, I love James Street.
As my best friend always points out, I always dress for cooler weather, even in summer. What can I say, I love a layer and I love well-made knitwear. I tried on some of their stuff when I was in LA recently. Loved it.
So despite having a record-breaking hot Spring in Sydney, it won’t stop me from snapping up the latest from James Street, especially the below red number.
Internet marketing works! This brand has served me constant ads for the longest time and now I need to make an order. How cute is their stuff!
And their new homewares collaboration with creator Poppy Almond - adorable.
Phoebe Philo
Finally some news on when we’ll see what Phoebe Philo has been working on. Her new brand drops Oct 30. As an old Celine lover I’m counting down the days. Read more here.
That wraps up the mid-week quickie! Hope you’re all having a great week, if not - the weekend is so close and I’m sending love!
More Smooth Brain Thoughts soon,
Ali xxx
Love me a quickie
I couldn’t get enough of Yellowface too!!!