Sunday Star-Times

Going out is back in fashion

- Harriet Pudney

Acouple of months ago I bought a dress from Glassons that almost made me laugh with how ridiculous­ly inappropri­ate it was for my lifestyle at the time. Melbourne was still locked the whole way down, you see, and it’s tight and slinky and laces up the back. It’s leopard print, for god’s sake. When my most exciting outings were to the organics store, it felt like a bit of a joke.

Now, though, we’re back, and I’m regretting not buying it in the other colour. As I write this life feels 70 per cent normal, and by the time it runs, we’ll be closer to 85 per cent.

Bars are open, nights out are allowed, long boozy dinners are legal once more.

It feels incredible, and that leopardpri­nt dress is getting quite the workout. I’ll change into it on a Friday when I finish work, mix myself a Campari soda, and get ready to meet a friend at a rooftop bar. After eight months in our homes, Melburnian­s are ready to party.

We’re checking in with QR codes and we’re wearing masks in the supermarke­t, but we’re also getting on it. This summer has an electric, crackling feel, like the first night of a long-awaited holiday. We’ve got a lot of pent-up energy over here.

And so I’m back in my makeup bag, wearing eyeliner regularly for the first time since last summer and rememberin­g which foundation­s work best in warm weather. I’m using my ghds again. It’s a very good time.

It’s also got me wanting a new perfume, which is looking like it’s going to be Grandiflor­a Queen of the Night, $162 for 50ml.

As well as a pleasingly appropriat­e name and a no-need-to-reapply wear time, this scent has a low-key sensuality to it that always leaves me wanting more.

It’s musky and woody with floral and citrus notes, yet somehow more sophistica­ted than that sounds. This is the scent of ordering really good wine while wearing Levi’s.

To go with the aforementi­oned ghds, I’ve finally got around Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $57. I don’t think I’ve ever used a heat protectant that left my hair feeling softer. Worth the mildly exorbitant price.

Oh, and my all-time favourite of those warm-weather foundation­s will always be MAC Face & Body, $64. Wear this and pretend you actually just have great skin. Almost undetectab­le, while still doing everything you want it to.

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 ??  ?? MAC Face & Body, $64
MAC Face & Body, $64
 ?? UNSPLASH ?? Now Melbourne is coming alive again after a long lockdown, I am back in my makeup bag and ready to mingle.
Right: Grandiflor­a Queen of the Night, $162 for 50ml
UNSPLASH Now Melbourne is coming alive again after a long lockdown, I am back in my makeup bag and ready to mingle. Right: Grandiflor­a Queen of the Night, $162 for 50ml
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 ??  ?? Below: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $57
Below: Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $57

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