Flashback … Reshni and I celebrating Melbourne Cup at Eagle Farm Racecourse in 2011.
The Spring Racing Carnival is upon us and even if you’re not heading track side at Flemington there are plenty of Melbourne Cup day events around the country if, like me, you are looking for any reason to frock up.
Having attended my fair share of race days over the past decade, there are three things I’m sure of:
1. The races are not a nightclub, so dress appropriately. Skip the midriffs, sequins and thigh skimming hemlines. If you are unsure about whether or not you’re showing too much flesh—you probably are.
2. Don’t take your shoes off. Ever. The only exception is if you’re removing your heels to put on a pair of flats at the end of the day, but even then don’t have both feet shoe-less at the same time!
3. How to pack a clutch bag with all the necessities to keep your looking fresh as the day stretches on.
Given that the first two tips are pretty self-explanatory, I thought I’d open up my clutch and reveal my race day essentials:
1. Mints | 2. Mimco Spacewarp Hardcase | 3. Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister Block | 4. Panadol Rapid | 5. iPhone | 6. Perfume | 7. Napoleon Mighty Concealer Pen | 8.ModelCo Lip gloss in Striptease | 9. Swisspers Blotting paper | 10. So Susan Mascara in Flutter | 11. Kleenex tissues | 12. Lady Jane Bobby Pins | 13. Hollywood Fashion Tape | 14. Napoleon Mosaic Powder.
Band-Aid Advanced Healing Blister Blocks are my secret weapon—not just at the races, but pretty much any time I need to wear heels—not only are they great if you get a blister on your heel, but these babies saved me when I a blister the size of a 20 cent piece on the ball of my foot after a night out in Sydney. They’re even more effective than petals at relieving the pressure!
Because I hate to have my bag look too full, I skip taking a compact mirror and flip my phone to selfie style to check how things are faring on my face.
Beauty tip: If you opt for false lashes, always include a little tube of glue in your bag because race days have a habit of stretching long into the night and no one wants to lose a lash along the way!
While I don’t have any horse racing tips for you, if you want to back a winner in the beauty stakes (and you’re from Qld, Tas, ACT or NT), Sportsbet and Violet Box are ready to deliver you a winning look.
Simply sign up to Sportsbet through this blog (click here), make your first bet $5 or more and you will receive a Spring Racing Essentials Violet Box featuring a mix of cosmetics and skin care, valued at more than $90!
If you aren’t much of a punter, but don’t mind a flutter on Melbourne Cup day, you can wait until then to place your bet through the link then and you’ll be a winner no matter where your horse places!
I’ve already received my Violet Box Spring Racing Essentials and it’s full of amazing spring/summer essentials in handy clutch/handbag size making them perfect for a day at the races, a mini-break in the sunshine or even just to treat yourself or try something new.
What’s in the box:
Eslor Skincare Starter Pack (4 x 5ml)—Think of these as your pre-races beauty treatment to hydrate, protect and treat your face so it’s looking picture perfect.
Appelles Apothecary Soapin Rosemary & Lemon Myrtle—This soap smells amazing. I’ll be busting it out whenever I need a pick-me-up or if I score a mini-break away with someone handsome.
Calvin Klein Sheer Fragrance 1.2ml—Described as ‘sparkling and carefree with a pure, sexy confidence’ this pint-sized spray bottle is perfect for popping in your clutch.
St Tropez Bronzing Mousse—avoid any oompa loompa style faux-tanning disasters and ensure your pins look perfect.
ModelCo lip gloss—This sheer nude lipgloss is great to use by itself or to add an extra dimension to your preferred lipstick. The mirror on the side ensures that even after a few champagnes you’ll still be able to colour within the lines!
So Susan Mascara—Dark, curly lashes are perfect to flutter if you catch the eye of someone cute!
Eau Thermale Avène Body wash Gel dèmaquillant douche (gel cleanser)—at the end of a long day trackside, there’s nothing nicer than washing the dirt and makeup away for a fresh-faced look.
Polished London Nail Polish—I’ve already decided ‘Guava’ is my go-to colour for Spring/Summer. It’s a perfect blend of coral and red and looks bright and fun without being too crazy.
To get your free Violet Box, simply sign up to Sportsbet through this link and place a bet of $5 or more anytime from now until the end of the Spring Racing Carnival (7 November 2014)*.
*Link valid until 7 November 2014. Available to new members from Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory and ACT.
This post was brought to you by Sportsbet. Please support the brands that support this blog.
