STREET STYLE

Tracy wears: ASOS Stripe blazer, Adidas Trefoil tee, Paint It Red Bright Side skirt, Senso Tiffany heels 

| QUEEN B | TEATOX

Tea drinking - love / addict

Detox - necessity 

Combine the two and you've got yourself a neat little trick of 'Teatoxing', which may very will be the one of the biggest health trends at the moment. So, let's investigate this potentially genius idea with one of the most popular teatox's on the market - Queen B.

NB: This review comes from a two week trial of the following Queen B products:

B - TOX TEA: made from natural ingredients including Rose Powder, Fenugreek and Cinnamon to name a few, this organic green tea was an instant hit and Tracy's own personal favourite. 

B-Tox tea works to cleanse your body by removing unwanted, unhealthy toxins and fatty acids to promote weight management and improve overall well-being. Personally the tea's main benefit was it's ability to increase metabolism, which was particularly useful to get rid of that 'sluggish' feeling which is so common after eating those big, hearty meals at this time of year.

Trialled in addition to a 'normal-healthy' diet and standard exercise regime (around 30 mins/day), noticeable effects such as reduced bloating, increased energy levels, improved sleep and increased digestion were seen within the first three to four days. One sachet is recommended per night just before bed, as it may cause a gentle laxative effective to aid the cleansing process. 

(Hint: Also particularly useful in providing PMS relief).

What was so enjoyable about the B-Tox tea was the gentle taste, inviting aromas and normality of the green tea, which can so often be distorted in other teatox regimes. And if you have got a bit of a sweet tooth, don't be afraid to add goji berries, honey or organic maple syrup, which can be used without affecting your Teatox outcomes!

BEAUTY QUEEN TEA: a great hit for the entire body, with ingredients such as Dandelion Leaf, Calendula Petals and Nettle Leaf specifically targeting the skin to replenish collagen and increase elastin to treat dry skin, pimples/acne and aid in scar tissue repair. 

We found it to be particularly useful in this long stretch of winter, where lines can become blurred in terms of a daily skin regime and can lead to a 'worse for wear' look, which definitely should not be fixed with overdoing it with your makeup.  Instead, treat yourself with tea, increase your water levels and exercise at least once a day for the best skin in the business!  Available as loose-leaf tea, which gives you the opportunity to dust off your teapot, teacup and saucer for a bit of ladylike fun! Prepare for a deliciously inviting lemony scent and again don't be afraid to add goji berries, honey or organic maple syrup for a sweeter tea!

(Hint: also delicious as ice-tea with a slice of lemon and mint!)

THE PRINCESS & THE TEA: Now this is just a gorgeous product! Available as a loose-leaf tea with delicious red rose buds and petals and lusciously scented lavender giving it a yummy - go back for more- delicate floral taste. In our opinion, every woman should keep one of these packs in their tea collection at all times! Think 8 hours of calming and restful sleep.. just prepare a pot of 'The Princess & The Tea', light a Palm Beach Collection candle and indulge in reading this month's Vogue. Also a great preparation for soothing sore muscles - hint: add a spoonful of tea to infuse your bath water.

Other products which can assist with weight management are the Queen B Guilt-Free Hot Cacao, which is used to satisfy those sweet cravings by enjoying a guilt-free rich cacao blend, and the Green Coffee, which is made entirely of organic green coffee beans to get your caff hit whilst also boosting your metabolism!  

Understandably, everybody has various reasons for wanting to Teatox. Regardless of using it for weight management or just for improving internal and external health, Queen B tea's exceed expectations and you'll find yourself with a new best friend and could quite possibly become a new tea addict! 

Queen B is Australian made and easily accessible online! Follow on Instagram for more fantastic tea-spiration: @queenb_official

Get TeaToxed!

x two in a million 

Instagram: @twoinamillionblog

StyleSpot 1. Eleanor Pendleton // GRITTYpretty

Welcome to 'StyleSpot', a front row seat to our very own moodboards. Curated and collected by two in a million, it gives you an insight into our fashion and beauty inspirations, covering everything from interviews to styling and shoots with designers and other innovative bloggers.

To kickstart our new project, we could not think of a more inspirational personality than Eleanor Pendleton, the Beauty Editor and Founder of GRITTYpretty. Launched in 2010 by Pendleton, who has an impressive background as the former beauty editor of InStyle and FAMOUS, GRITTYpretty provides an opportunity to the everyday woman to access and absorb all things beauty from the best in the business.

As such a HUGE influence to our own work, words cannot describe how excited we were to conduct this interview!

Enjoy -

1. Who do you consider to be your greatest inspirations?

I find constant inspiration in my family – the people they are and the person they’ve raised me to be are a true testament of their character. My boyfriend, who is one of the most positive yet humble people I know, inspires me greatly. And, of course, my closest friends. I believe what you do, who you’re with, and how you feel about the world around you, is completely up to you.

2. What characteristics have helped you become such a successful Beauty Editor? 

Determination, perseverance and an exceptionally strong work ethic. I knew from a very young age I wanted to be a writer. I didn’t know I was going to become a beauty writer. It wasn’t about the glamour that comes with the industry that appealed to me but rather the creative process of writing an article and the service and information it provides to readers, in particularly women. It’s a competitive industry that entails a lot of long work hours so having the determination to get through the first few years as a junior is a must. Over the past 8 years, I’ve been knocked back or lucked out on jobs but in retrospect, every wonderful thing that has happened in my career has happened when it should and when I was ready. Young girls who are overly confident and perhaps embody the “want it all” stereotype of Gen Y often get noticed and sometimes disregarded by seasoned editors. As a student, you can’t expect to walk in on day one of work experience at a national magazine and expect to be assisting in the styling of a cover photo shoot. On my first day, I was literally ecstatic at the thought of fetching coffees for the magazine’s editors and I think it’s that humble quality that has taken me so far in such a short amount of time. I’m very proud of what I have achieved as a beauty editor. I know I’m doing what I was meant to do.

3. The beauty industry has changed since the rise of social media. Where do you see the future of the industry? 

Continuing to evolve alongside digital. Once considered an add-on, digital is and will continue to become it’s own media entity. Publishing, and in particular magazine, will need to grow alongside technology whether it be through iPad additions, apps, complete online editorial teams and so on. Digital and social media is not to be ignored – it has to be embraced or businesses will be left behind.

4. What are the top three beauty products every woman should have and why?

SPF 30+ or higher

Sunscreen should be applied rain, hail or shine. Even in the cold of winter, UVA rays still penetrate through cloud cover and even glass windows. If you’re sitting next to window reading this right now, it’s likely UVA rays are causing free radical damage and therefore pre-mature ageing in your skin.

SK-II Facial Treatment Essence

It’s my skin care must-have. I change my cleanser, serum and moisturiser regularly because I’m always testing new products but this essence is my constant. It leaves my skin glowing, even and hydrated – and it also makes my other products work better and harder too.

Tinted moisturiser

I prefer lightweight tinted moisturisers and BB creams over full-coverage foundations. When I pop one on with added SPF, I instantly feel more confident. When my skin looks good, even and free of imperfections, then I feel good to.

5. What beauty trends should we be looking out for in Spring/Summer 2014?

Bold lips are perennially chic during the warmer months. Personally, I enjoy embracing stains and tints with minimal other makeup during spring/summer. The great thing about stains is they also double as a lip and cheek colour.

And, because there’s been a return to the ‘90s of late, I expect skin to remain almost raw and very undone. The trend is for skin to be dewy and almost as if you aren’t wearing any makeup at all – just a touch of concealer, curled lashes and a single coat of mascara. It’s very nonchalant and cool – very ‘90s. It’s as if it’s a rebellion against so-called trends. It’s what editors are calling ‘norm core’.

Thankyou Eleanor!

For more beauty advice and inspiration, follow GRITTYpretty on IG: @eleanorpendleton.

x two in a million

[SPORT LUXE]

Check out our first styling collaboration with Breakfast With Audrey: here

x two in a million

Instagram: @twoinamillionblog

ULTRACEUTICALS - HYDRATING SERUM

Tired and dehydrated, coarse or dry wind-chapped skin? Are you finding it hard to recognize yourself in the mirror lately because it looks like you’ve been playing around with an ageing app that has somehow become a reality…?

Let’s not shy away from these very common skin problems, because truthfully they can affect anyone in winter regardless of your skin regime.

So, what can really be done about it apart from lathering your face in copious amounts of sorbolene or overusing your balaclava to the point of ruin?

Consider taking your skincare to the next level, a ‘scientifically proven’ level to be concise.

Welcome Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum. Specifically formulated with Provitamin B5 and Hyaluronic Acid, which work together to restore and maintain your skin’s moisture balance by creating a barrier to prevent any moisture loss and also provide long lasting hydration.  In addition, the serum contains a second Vit B agent (B3), which acts to reduce the appearance of ageing and give you a youthful/ fresh/ Vogue swimwear model face.

Alright, let’s get physical –

What we love about this product is the practicality and amazingly speedy results. Both sufferers of the ‘dehydrated dry skin’ syndrome in winter (and at times in summer) and without a lot of time to give it as much attention as it deserves, we relished in the ultra rapid absorption (literally we’re talking seconds…we counted).

We found the Hydrating Serum to be a seamless addition to our normal skincare regime and also allowing for the application of make-up straight afterwards.

And secretly the best part - the dropper bottle it comes in!  It allows for conveniently easy application, but more importantly a very enjoyable application process! (Think role-playing a white-coated scientist in your very own home). Hint: use with under your daily moisturizer for an optimal hydration boost.

(NB: Ultraceuticals was founded in 1998 by Dr. Geoffrey Heber, a cosmetics and skincare specialist. Formulations are produced using top shelf products that have undergone extensive trialling for optimal results. In other words, super luxe).

Ultraceuticals Hydrating Serum is oil-free, suitable for all skin types and can be found at David Jones.

Get hydrated!

x two in a million

Instagram: @twoinamillionblog
Facebook: two in a million

GET DARK AND DANGEROUS WITH BUDDY SCRUB

'hey gorgeous, I'm RAW CACAO your friend with benefits' are the first words that will start your sensual relationship with the deliciously tantalising buddy scrub.

Seriously.

Once you start you cannot stop yourself - Why you ask?

Firstly, the smell... sweet, sugary goodness that makes you fantasise about playing around in a big ball of chocolate and toffee and all things nice! Yes - you probably will find yourself wanting to eat the scrub and yes it is hard to restrain yourself! And yes - we admit that you may find yourself needing a sugar hit afterwards.. but technically you deserve that too! (you burn kj's through the scrubbing action right?)

Secondly, it's winter... meaning that your skin may be drier than usual. This can be the result of receiving reduced sun rays and Vit D action and/or because you're covering yourself up in all those winter warmers. Regardless, the raw cacao powder and variety of oils (almond, coconut and grape- seed) in buddy scrub, makes it light, moist and allows it to easily absorb into your skin. Leaving you feeling lusciously smooth, soft and ultra-cleansed!

Thirdly, buddy gently exfoliates your skin with sea salt and brown sugar, to gently cleanse your skin without dehydrating it. Hint: perfect companion to use pre - fake tan!

Last but not least, your new best friend is completely Australian and made entirely with natural ingredients! So don't torture your skin this winter and treat yourself with buddy scrub - you won't regret it!

Get buddy-ed up!

x two in a million

Instagram: @twoinamillionblog
Facebook: two in a million

[JULY]

[July Threads]

Alexander Wang vest (look for less: here | Topshop fedora hat | J Brand jeans (look for less: here) | Yves Saint Laurent cross body purse (look for less: here) | Chloe pearl ring (look for less: here) | Isabel Marant sandals (look for less: here) 

Eco Coco Tan

This week Zoe took a break from the depressingly grey Australian winter and jet-setted to Bali to enjoy sun, sand and let's not forget those cocktails!

Her ultimate Bali essential was the Eco Coco Tan - a self-tanning moisturiser made completely of natural organic ingredients to give a natural, beautiful bronzey glow! It smells and feels delicious and can be used from head to toe whilst also energising, hydrating and nourishing your skin in the process!

And for the health conscious - it is full of all those good Vitamins (A,C and E), Organic Acai and Goji Berries for anti-ageing and anti-oxidant qualities!


So go ahead and bronze yourselves,

Enjoy,

x two in a million

Instagram: @twoinamillionblog
Facebook: two in a million