bdTrial: Surviving Fashion Week

The bd team test a range of products that’ll help anyone survive MBFWA.

Swisspers Rosehip Facial Cleansing Wipes
These were literally my face saviours during Fashion Week. While I had great intentions of keeping up my usual cleanse, tone and moisturise routine, the fact of the matter was that by the time I finished writing my copy, I only had the energy to swipe one of these across my face and flop into bed. Along with their divine smell, I love how hydrated these wipes make my skin feel. They’re my favourite wipes yet - and that’s a pretty big call! - Yelena

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Schick Hydro Silk 
Whether it’s Fashion Week or not, the Schick Hydro Silk is my go-to razor. Thanks to its water-activated moisturising strip, it glides over my skin - even those weird knobbly bits around the ankles - without drawing blood. I only need to use a tiny bit of soap, and this razor seems to leave my skin feeling smoother than others. - Yelena

Blackmores Recharge Liver Detox
I'm not a huge drinker, so when I saw the Recharge Liver Detox, I didn’t think I’d benefit too much from taking it. But when I read the label a little closer, I realised this was DEFINITELY a supplement I needed, stat. Along with detoxifying and improving liver function, it aids with digestion, supports energy and is loaded with antioxidants. I've been popping this into my morning smoothie and I’m feeling good! - Yelena

Australis Matte Me Lip Mattifying Stick
Wearing a bold lippie is one of the easiest ways to transform your look from drab to rather fabulous. But there is nothing worse than checking yourself out in the mirror at lunchtime to see your once-perfect pout now resembles Pammy Anderson’s bad lip liner, circa 1990. Australis Matte Me Lip Mattifying Stick is prevents this situation. I applied it just before my lipstick, and it helped my pout stay put from my first coffee till the last show’s finale. Well done, Australis - Sarah

Montagne Jeunesse Creamy Coconut Mask
Long-haul flights are excellent for making you look and feel your worst, aren’t they? Since I jumped off the plane from Mexico and went straight into MBFWA, my skin was as dry as the desert and in desperate need of some tender loving care. Enter: Montagne Jeunesse Creamy Coconut Mask to save the day. Harnessing the hydrating properties of coconut water and shea butter to throw moisture back into the face, the creamy mask left me with a silky-soft complexion that even a model would be jealous of. Well, maybe - Sarah

John Frieda Ocean Waves Sea-Salt Spray
Nothing screams ‘model off-duty’ more than black skinny jeans and sexily dishevelled locks. Cara, Gisele and Jess Hart all have that “I woke up like this” head of hair going on, but we all know the ‘effortless’ thing often takes longer to style than a perfectly coiffed up-do. That is, unless you have the recently relaunched cult product, John Frieda Ocean Waves Sea-Salt Spray, on your side. Spritz it onto damp ends, sleep in a messy bun, and voila - I’m farrrrshun, dah-ling - Kelly

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
There are few things more satisfying in life than getting the gunk out of your skin. Am I right, or am I right? Scoff and call me gross all you please, but it’s true. If you’ve ever used a pore strip, you’ll remember that sick sense of pleasure you felt the first time you held the strip under the light to see what it captured. Biore’s strips are amazing at pulling the most stubborn of suckers out and are an absolute must for anyone with pores (so, everybody). Get on the blackhead-be-gone bandwagon. Trust me - it’s a whole lot of fun - Kelly

Glam by Manicare Gisele Lashes
Never donned a pair of falsies before? You need to - unless you don’t want fun, flirty eyes, of course. Practice makes perfect and yes, the first few times will have you blinking away a skewed lash much to the comic hilarity of your housemate, but you’ll get there - I promise. The ‘Gisele’ is a soft but bold lash that’s just beautiful. Wear it alone for a whimsical look, or with a thick wing for a strong, look-at-me statement. The glue comes with and the lashes can be used again and again. Love - Kelly

Manicare 4-Way Nail Shaper & Nail Polish Remover
Fashion Week is definitely not the time to sport untidy nails, so stashing a couple of quick fix products in your bag is essential. My mani must-haves are the Manicare 4-Way Nail Shaper and Nail Polish Remover. They do the job, and do it well. Pesky nail polish started chipping? The Manicare Nail Polish Remover is acetone-free and removes polish in a flash while also enriching nails with jojoba and vitamins E and B5. After removing chipped polish, use the 4-Way Nail Shaper to buff and shine nails quickly and smooth out ridges and irregularities on the nail surface. Then, you’re fine to bare your mitts in public again - Aja

Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover
When I get home from a busy day at the office, the first thing I do is remove my make-up. It’s a refreshing ritual that leaves my skin feeling clean, soft and hydrated. My go-to product of the moment is the Swisse Micellar Makeup Remover. Being a micellar water, it’s gentle enough to use on my sensitive skin and is also free from fragrance. The best part? It has a rinse-free formula, so just swipe it over your skin and you’re good to go. It’s that easy! - Aja

Murine® Clear Eyes
Anyone who works in our industry knows that Fashion Week is fun, albeit extremely tiring. Early morning shows and late nights backstage result in less shut-eye than usual, leaving my tired eyes on the redder side of the colour spectrum - not the prettiest thing next to the gorgeous models and fashion peeps! That’s why I love Murine® Clear Eyes. The perfect antidote for red or sore eye dramas, a few drops will get your peepers back to being fresh and sparkling in no time. My handbag must-have! - Nat

Swisse Low Carb Protein Bar
Protein bars are a staple in my diet for a few reasons. Firstly, the added protein is fantastic for sore muscles when training. Secondly, they are a convenient snack to have on standby. Lastly, they taste yummy! The Swisse Low Carb Protein Bar in Choc/Honeycomb is one of my favourite flavours. It’s naturally sweetened with honey and contains no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners (all nasties I try to avoid). I also really love that they come in a perfectly portioned 25-gram bar – so I don’t have half-eaten bars littering my fridge or handbag - Whitney

Sukin Super Greens - Facial Recovery Serum
I know that super foods do great things for you on the inside, so when the Sukin Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum waltzed into in my life, I couldn’t wait to slap it on. The serum was surprisingly light considering the amount of goodness packed in there. My congested skin certainly appreciated it! The slight cranberry smell is fresh and non-clinical, which reassures me that it’s safe to apply. But above all, I’m excited about its effect on my skin. It brightens my complexion and has lifted some of the dark spots around my eyes - Joc

Carelli Recovery Oil
With long locks that were once bleached blonde, to say my hair is a little worse for wear is an understatement. I’ve got enough dry, split ends for two people, so I’m always on the hunt for a nourishing treatment to reverse some damage. When the Carelli Recovery Oil landed on my desk, I was very excited. I applied around six pumps of the Recovery Oil to my mid-lengths and ends (the instructions say four, but because I have such long, thick hair, I decided to up the dosage) and left it on overnight, before washing it out in the morning. My hair was softer, smoother and visibly healthier. And no residue! I also applied around two pumps to my ends on days where my hair was not behaving, and it smooth it out so it was much easier to style - Caitlin

Blackmores Bio Iron Advanced
One of the biggest symptoms of iron deficiency is low energy levels, and I definitely needed an energy boost working in the busy, fashion-filled office this week. I’ve been taking the Blackmores Bio Iron Advanced every morning and have noticed a drastic difference in my energy levels. I feel like a kid amped up red cordial at a time when I should be drained, so I guess it’s working! - Adele

Elegant Touch Express
I get bored of nail colours easily, so I think these goodies from Elegant Touch are the best invention ever. Just press these on your nails, and you’re left with an instant manicure - and looking like your most polished self. And forget worrying about chipped nails - with these, you’re always covered. Oh, and the colour variety is a thing of beauty. Dream! - Aimee

Mavala Switzerland Lip Balm
Things I love about this change in weather: I have an excuse to hibernate after a very social summer. Things I don’t love quite so much: when the wind and amped-up air con combine forces to dry out my lips. Not ideal! Now, I’m not really loyal to lip balms (there are just too many to play around with), but after applying this one from Mavala about 20 times a day for the past week, I’ve decided it’s earned a permanent spot on my desk – which, if you know me, you’d know that’s a Pretty. Big. Deal. Onto the finer details: the balm has a super creamy formula that feels nice and velvety on the lips. Along with SPF10, it’s loaded with botanicals to nourish and repair, and the vanilla scent is just de-lish - Katia

Revitanail Hand & Nail Cream
I’m in my final year of uni, and I’m definitely living life accordingly. Not only have I let my diet slip (hello, mi goreng for dinner most nights), but parts of my beauty routine have fallen by the wayside. That’s why I love multi-purpose products so much. Cue: Revitanail Hand & Nail Cream. This gem of a product delivers intense nourishment to dry hands while improving skin texture and tone. It’s packed with powerful ingredients, like aloe barbadensis leaf juice, green tea extract and avocado oil. Massage liberally into your hands and cuticles as often as needed, and watch the magic happen! Thank me later - Kloe