My Instagram feed is clogged with European holiday snaps and quite frankly, I’ve reached my limit.
If I have to scroll past one more beach photo while I sit in my chocolate-stained dressing gown huddled by the heater, I may just throw my phone out the window.
But considering my angry moping isn’t a) turning my bedroom into a white sandy beach or b) producing any envy-inducing photographs to post in retaliation, I’ve decided to take action.
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Not me.
I’m bringing Europe to me – starting with my bathroom cabinet.
I’m giving my beauty regimen a strict makeover, using only products that will make me at least momentarily feel like I’m deep in the heart of Siciliy, rather than nippy Sydney.
So here are the top 10 that will make the jealousy fade for a little bit. Hey – it’s certainly cheaper than an airfare.
You’ll want to douse yourself in this stuff. One sniff instantly transports you to the Italian Riviera, as you live up the La Dolce Vita life with Giuseppe personally serving you unlimited Aperol Spritzes. The combination of crisp citrus oils, floral notes and amber undertones creates a refreshing scent with a splash of sexiness. Spray yourself, your bedding or your clothes for total takeover.
Wash your hair? Everyone else is having far too much fun reenacting the Lizzie McGuire Movie around the Roman ruins for that, so why should you?. Just a spritz of this stuff will freshen up your hair, with a delicious tropical smell to boot.
The glowing tan of a jaunt to Europe without the danger of sunburn. Really, you're winning this battle. This one takes a while to develop, but the natural-looking, non-streaky and long-lasting results are worth it. (Post continues after audio.)
Nothing says "I'm having the summer holiday of my life" than a bright coral lip. This one is the perfect peachy-orange, lasts ages and doesn't dry out the lips.
This wonder mask lets you fake the kind of natural glow that will make you want to ditch the heavy makeup and go bare-faced. A mix between a face tanner and a face mask, it hydrates the skin while leaving even-looking tan pigments for an instant glow.
Truly a must-have face product no matter where you are in the world, but very much built for summer (or that summer feel). It's light, hydrating, can be built up to a fuller coverage and has teeny tiny drops of illumination that make the skin look healthy and glowy - i.e not Vitamin-D deprived.
The closest you may be getting to a frolic in the ocean might be a rainy downpour, but the perfectly beachy hair can still be yours. This sea salt spray adds instant texture, defines curls or waves and smells like the ocean bottled.
Any traveller needs a multi-purpose products - even if you're only venturing to work and back home again. This super soft balmy butter doubles as lip balm and blush and is packed with the goodness of mandarin oil, argan oil and cocoa butter.
This is a cult French beauty product for a very good reason. Shimmery without being sparkly, the oil nourishes and repairs skin, leaving it soft and far from greasy. Use it on your shoulders and decolletage to highlight a tan or on it's own for an instant glow.
Imagine running through a field of flowers in the South of France with the sun beaming down on your straw boater hat. That's what this smells like. Divine.