Nail Week! Day 3 MATCHY-MATCHY! Matching your nails to your eyeliner.....#trendalert!

Becca Ultimate Créme Liner $40.00 available from www.beccacosmetics.com.au and OPI 'I sing in colour' Nail Polish $19.95 available from www.davidjones.com.au 

I woke up this morning (#notlikedis!) and wanted to completely switch it up with my makeup, sick of my regular simple makeup. So searching around my makeup collection I decided to try out a hot new makeup trend: MATCHING MY NAILS TO MY EYELINER! Instead of going with a bright look, I toned it down and went for a warming winter shade of deep plum - purples are so hot right now!

Becca's Ultimate Créme Liner is a deep plum which is amazing at bringing out the blue in my eyes. The liner is very easy to apply, and was deep in colour and didn't take too much tidying up. 

OPI's 'I sing in colour' was a limited edition release as part of the Gwen Stefani collection which is still available online and instore. The shade feels like an update to everyone's favourite 'Linkin Park after dark, a mulberry based dark which looks close to black in most lights but in the sun it is very much a wine based dark red. It is a beautiful colour and would be a great new option if you are a dark polish devotee for you regular mani/pedi.

I love this trend and next time I might even experiment with something a little more on the bright side! Stay tuned. 

Vogue Nippon, Nasty Gal, Barbara Palvin and Kenzo! Lovin' this #trendalert!

xx Nella

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6 of the best little Aussie rippers for Australia Day!

Sunday 26th of January is AUSTRALIA DAY down under!

To celebrate here are 6 of my favourite little Aussie ripper products:

1. Milk and Co for Her Body Scrub $14.95 

Body exfoliation is one of those beauty steps I sometimes skip because of sheer laziness but Milk's Body Scrub which contains Coconut Shell and Rose Hip Oil has made me look forward to scrubbing away dead skin cells every couple of days in the shower. Milk is a brand founded by Aussie swimming legend Michael Klim and his amazingly beautiful wife Lindy, I was lucky enough to interview Lindy about Milk last year if you want to know more about the brand which they started together read about it HERE!

Available from www.milkandco.com.au

2. Lucas Papaw Ointment from $4.95

It is rare that a product is so multi purpose that you can use it your whole entire life. Lucas Papaw Ointment has soothed my nappy rash as a baby, healed wounds, softened dry lips and even been an eye cream at desperate times. The distinctive red packaging has been with me for so many years I cannot imagine my life without it. It is also the one product which ex-pat friends constantly request to be sent to them in care packages all over the world.

Available from www.chemistswarehouse.com.au

3. Lanolips Golden Ointment $28.99

Lanolips Golden Ointment is a similar multi-purpose product which I have fallen in love with. Lanolin is a Australian wonder ingredient which I usually associate with being sold at tourist shops in Sydney, it wasn't readily available in mainstream product ranges until Lanolips. Golden Ointment contains a power trio of ingredients : Lanolin, Manuka Honey and Vitamin E! I love this to aid healing wounds, knicks or grazes. 

Available from www.priceline.com.au

4. Model Co Nail Polish in Model Co Pink $9.95

Model Co nail polishes are an under rated little Aussie gem! The colour range is spectrum of wearable, on trend and classic polishes which I cannot get enough of. They all apply with ease and dry relatively quickly, they are are no fuss and a go to for any kind nail look I could possibly dream of. Colour Favourites are : Model Co Pink, Kylie (awesome neon orange), Flossy (blue based baby fairy floss pink) and Nude Attitude (the most perfect nude).

Available from www.modelco.com.au

5. Aesop Fabulous Face Oil $57.00

This is a new find for me and I have been using it in tones of different ways! A few drops mixed with my night cream to give it a supersonic boost of hydration, mixed in with concealer under my eyes to give it an extra smooth application and add moisture to my under eye area during the day. Aesop is an Australian brand which has been receiving some well deserved hype from international beauty blogger of late which is totally awesome.

Available from www.aesop.com.au

6. Becca Mineral Tint Spf 30+ Sunscreen $35.00

Babes love them some Becca! If you are not from Australia then you might not know but it is hot down here, like really hot averaging 30 plus degrees in Summer and we are unfortunately directly under the hole in the ozone layer. As an Australian during my lifetime 2 out of 3 friends and family will be diagnosed with skin cancer. I have been personally effected by skin cancer in the last year having a melanoma removed. Skin cancer is a serious and scary and needs to be taken very seriously, I do not leave the house without sunscreen on of some kind. My favourite tinted moisturiser is Becca's Mineral Tint, covering my flaws and keeping my skin protected from UVA and UVB rays.

Available from www.beccacosmetics.com

xxx Nella

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The One Perfecting Brush by Becca : Are you THE one?

Becca's The One Perfecting Brush $65.00 available from www.beccacosmetics.com and Becca counters located in David Jones Australia wide.

If you are reading this blog it probably means you are slightly obsessed with beauty products and you will understand when I explain that I am constantly searching for 'The One'. 'The One' foundation that  evens skin tone, doesn't make my skin oily and is the perfect colour match. 'The One' red lipstick that will stay on all night through dinner and drinks, makes your teeth look whiter and doesn't dry your lips out. 'The One' mascara which will lengthen, thicken and not smudge or flake around your eyes. 'The One' brush which can buff in liquid and powder foundation, blend in blush and bronzer to a natural glow and slightly highlight high points like a dream.

Becca's new 'The One Perfecting Brush' which claims to be 10 brushes in 1! This made me very excited to try it, anything to avoid more brush laundry. So how did it perform? Was it 'The One'?

Application: It took me about 10 minutes to master how to buff in my liquid foundation with such a long flat brush, I figured out it is best to dot the foundation on my face first and blend doing small upward circular motions and then once the foundation is all blended in finish with large sweeping motions to give perfect the finish. I loved the finish it gave my skin, sheering out foundation to gave a flawless look. Using the ends of the brush I then applied blush and bronzer, I loved the effect it gave blending the edges to avoid the dreaded striped cheek bronzer/blush look. Highlighter was a little difficult because I use a very small highlight brush, it was ok for my cheekbones and nose but I did struggle with my brow bone and cupids bow because of the size of the brush.

Quality:The brush did shed slightly on its first couple of uses, but this happens with all natural hair brushes for me (The One Perfecting Brush is made of goat hair) and usually stops after one or 2 washes. 

Brush Care: Becca recommends the brush be washed once every two weeks because the brush can be used over and over without absorbing products, all this true product doesn't transfer if you have active breakouts or break out prone skin I would advise to wash it much more frequently.

Overall: I am really impressed with this brush, especially how you can use different products one after the other and the don't transfer off the brush when you apply a new product. Its bazaar and very cool. The brush does make foundation, bronzer, blush application very quick and gives a precise and flawless finish to the face. It retails for $65.00 in Australia which is quite a hefty price tag, but if you are time poor and like a multitasking product this is going to change your life. But if you are a beauty nerd and love a different brush for everything you are going to take a little time adjusting. After 2 weeks of using 'The One' Perfecting brush I have been reaching for it to do my foundation and bronzing/contouring loving the smooth and blended effect it gives to my face, but I have to admit I do love applying cream blush to the apples of my cheeks with the cheapest brush in town : my fingers. 

Check out The One Perfecting Brush in Action:

xxx Nella

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Becca's New Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector Compact in Opal

Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal $60.00 available from late September 

from David Jones Stores Australia Wide and from www.beccacosmetics.com 

HOLY HIGHLIGHTER!

Becca is about to release their new range of Shimmering Skin Perfector in a pressed compact form and I think I may have died and gone to highlighter heaven. If you have loved the liquid Shimmering Skin Perfectors you are going to swoon over the pressed powder sister versions. The powders are creamy and melt onto the skin with a light hand using a fan brush, applied to the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupids bow.

During summer I love a shimmering highlighted strong cheekbone, it is my Victoria Secrets angel influenced look, natural but not natural at all. This gives you that ultra glowing skin that is almost reflective when applied in heavy doses, but in small amounts using a fan brush it can just pick up where light naturally catches the angles of your face. The powder is very long wearing and will last a full day without creasing or becoming patchy outlasting most of the other makeup on my face.

If you have never tried a highlighter and are a little intimidated by them, the best way to start is to see how intense you want the application to be, try using different brushes with the highlighter to see which works best.  

xxx Nella

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What's in my bag: Fashion Week Essentials

Next week is MBFW?!?! That is Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week here in Sydney. I will be attending a few shows to cover beauty and hair trends to share with you dear readers and also do a lot of people watching. I am a little nervous about the week long event, so organising myself with lists and pre-packing my handbag is making me feel a little more at ease. Here are my essentials which will be seeing me through the week, I want to be more prepared than a girl scout going to camp!

Mason Pearson Junior Bristle and Nylon Brush $115.00
Once you Mason Pearson you will never go back, I hate all other hairbrushes. The difference is that when you brush your hair the bristles grip your hair and distribute natural oils and any product from the roots to the tips and it just makes your hair look 'done'. They are pricey but they do have the royal seal of approval, worth it.
Available from www.victoriasbasement.com.au

Avene Eau Thermal Spring Spray $7.99
French water in a can, calms my nerves. A spritz after applying makeup gives a dewy glow to the skin to avoid the cakey look.
Available from www.chemistwarehouse.com.au

Beauté Gazette Business Cards
Just in case! If you have a blog please get yourself some business cards, they are super useful when you are at events and meeting people.

Tissues
Because I don't want to sneeze on any fancy fashion people.

Panadol
Fashion might give me a headache.

HydraLyte
People in the fashion industry are usually quite thin, so I am unsure about sustenance over the week. I am also contemplating packing some protein bars and spacefood sticks.

Chuppa Chups
Same same, I'm sure at that 3pm daily slump fashion people just pop the champagne and Ciroc but I am packing Chuppa Chups.

Benah Kodi Bag $580.00
I LOVE BENAH! This bag is the cutest and just fashion enough to not feel judged and eyed off by all of the Celine and Chanel bags during the week.
Available from www.thebenah.com

Dries Van Noten X Linda Farrow Sunglasses
A little Anna Wintor and a little nap time, if it all gets too much I will just have some shut eye behind my glasses.
Available from www.lagarconne.com

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal $66.00
Having such a small bag is limiting....So I am busting out the trial size products. This product is instant glowy dewy healthy full of life in a tube. Pat around the cheekbones, temples and cupids bow and you will look 10% more like a Victoria's Secret Model.
Available from www.beccacosmetics.com

Stila Perfecting Concealer $37.00
What if I get a stress pimple from all the fashion?
Available from www.meccacosmetica.com.au

Becca Beach Tint in Grapefruit $42.00
Dewy cheeks, check! Its all about a bold dark lip so I am toning down the blush.
Available from www.beccacosmetics.com

Revlon Grow Lucious Mascara $21.95
Woah! Hello lashes! This big fat mascara wand gives you mega full on lashes in seconds. It is the only mascara I have found which is comparable to Make Up For Ever's smokey lash.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Loreal Shine Caresse in 200 Princess $19.20
After fiddling around with these, I have decided that I like them over the top of a lipstick to act as a long wear gloss.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Topshop Lip Pencil in Surrender $13.00
Hi vampy trampy lips.....a colour that I have been scared of wearing but my boyfriend is out of town and the fashion folks will totally get it.
Available from www.topshop.com

Kiki K Diary $19.95 and Pen
I am one of those people that no matter how many ical's and google calanders I have I still need to physically write something down to remember it.
Available from www.kikki-k.com

Pentax Camera
My trusty Pentax Optio is takes great photos and is very compact but if there is a camera fairy godmother reading I would really like the Pentax Q10 in Silver...pretty please.
Available from www.crkennedy.com.au

I will be updating you all on my fashion adventures constantly via Twitter and Instagram all the links are below.....Wish me luck!

xxx Nella

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Best of Becca Box Set

Best of Becca Box Set $85.00 each available from www.davidjones.com.au

Becca is a brand I have heard lots about and have always been curious to try. Waltzing through David Jones I stopped by the Becca counter and started talking to the sales rep, she had amazingly flawless skin and popping lashes and vowed she was only wearing Becca products. The product I was desperate to try out was the Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal - thanks again Lisa Eldridge...but I couldn't justify the price and size for a liquid highlighter knowing I wouldn't use it every day and it would take a few gazillion years to get through. So the Best of Becca Box Set seemed like a great way to test out a few more products and at $85.00 you receive over $150.00 worth of products.

Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal (sample size) $66.00 Full Size

Oh heavens above this is the most beautiful highlighting cream ever! It is a halo in a tube! Seriously! When applied to the cheekbones and temples and blended out it creates a glowing sheen to the s kin. Used on its own on top of a light dewy foundation dabbed on and blended with your fingers or if you like a more heavy coverage mix a little of it with your foundation on the back of your hand before you apply it. If this mini sample runs out I am definately buying the full size.

Resurfacing Primer Line and Pore Minimizing (full size) $55.00

I had a really terrible experience with a Laura Mercier and have been on the look out for a primer free of silicone and fragrance - which Becca's is! Applying the primer it stinks into the skin rather than sitting on top like a silicone based primer would, then I wait a couple of minutes....this is very important. Even between moisturizing and then applying foundation you need to wait. It will let the product and skin merge, the heat from your skin can also effect products blending and absorbing. It is still Summer here and nearly 40 degrees everyday so it hasn't stopped my skin from being oily throughout the day but it has helped.

The Ultimate Mascara in 'Brown' (full size) $45.00

This was the most disapointing product I have bought in about a year! I am contemplating taking this back to the Becca counter...insert sad/mad face here!..... It is completely dried out, like completely! You cannot even apply it to your lashes because it is so gritty. I totally got a dud - completely under whelming. Should I take it back? I don't know what to do.....Has anyone tried Becca's mascara? Is it a dry formula? Oh I just smelt it....totally rancid. Ewwww this is so not going anywhere near my eyes.

Eye Tint in 'Baroque' (full size) $42.00

A flat warm taupe brown - no shimmer or glitter. Usually liquid and cream shadows are applied with fingers...but this is far too runny and you would have it half way down your face if you tried that. Try blending it out onto the back of your hand and then using a flat shadow brush apply it to your eyes. This is a beautiful on its own and call me crazy I am thinking of using it to contour with?!? 

Beach Tint in 'Grapefruit' (full size) $42.00

These are so cute, perfect for a 'no makeup / makeup' look, giving your cheeks a very subtle wash of colour and a dewy finish - I love! They don't work too well on top of a matte foundation because they are so dewy so stick to a lighter base when wearing these.

Overall I think this is a great way to test the waters of a new brand if you are curious, especially if you cannot justify splurging on something major in one go. Apart from the disgusting mascara which I'm sure is from like 1992 and is super old and completely off and rancid. Next up on my Becca wish list are their new Mineral Tint 30+ Sunscreen and also the brushes look like they would be amazing too.

xxx Nella

Beauté Gazette's Work Out Face

After a week's recovery from being ill and feeling like death becomes her, I have rejoined the world. This morning I attempted some exercise which I was dreading after laying on my bum all week - I felt like anything but fit and healthy.

To pep myself up I decided to apply some products which are exercise proof, meaning they are not going to run down your face at the gym or if you decide to go for a spontaneous dip after your run you aren't going to freak the poor kids in the wading pool out with your panda eyes.

Revlon Grow Lucious Waterproof Mascara $18.70(On sale)

One of my favorite youtuber's Chelsea (Chelseawears check her out!) uses this mascara all the time, and I have always been suspicious of it because Revlon mascara's in the past haven't impressed me BUT seeing this on sale at the discount chemist - like an obsessed bargin hunter- I picked it up and now love it! The packaging is awful, but it is a really good mascara for those days you need natural lashes not spider eyes.

Available from Chemist Warehouse www.chemistwearhouse.com.au

Ella Baché Sunguard Foundation 30+ $46.00

This is the thickest goopiest foundation sunscreen ever, but it covers like no other you can sweat, rub, swim and it won't budge. This is great for across your nose if you are out doors in summer, it's like grown ups zinc.

Available from Ella Baché www.ellabache.com.au

Bobbi Brown SPF15 Lip Balm $42.00

If you are exercising outside in the sun protecting your lips is really important, the last thing you want is sun spots on your lips. Ewwwww

Available from David Jones Stores www.bobbibrown.com

Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon $42.00

This is adorable, not overly pigmented it is very much a tint - not a blush. When applied with fingers on the apples of your cheeks it leaves a dewy glow mimicking a radiant post warm up jog glow. 

Available from www.beccacosmetics.com.au 

Smashbox Brow Tech To Go $38.95

Groomed eyebrows can change your face, even if you are sweating up a storm on the cross trainer at the gym and your hair is a mess, having groomed eyebrows will still make you look composed. If your gym crush happens to be lifting weights across the way he will be able to make out if you are giving him a cheeky wink, and you're not just freaking out that the cross trainer went up to level 8 resistance.

Smashbox available from www.kitcostmetics.com.au

Almost dying trying to get back into soft sand running this morning on the beach.

Beauté Gazette's Bodacious Beach Bag!

This week there was a sneak peak teaser of SUMMER! 

It was heaven to be laying on the rocks at Bronte, dancing in the fading sunlight on North Bondi Rocks and generally being a bodacious beach babe once again.

The sneak peak too me completely unawares and I was very unprepared, having tossed all my almost empty sandy beauty products from last summer I had to improvise for my 3 days of almost (500) days of SUMMER!

Here are the new products I am excited to pick up and some old favorites for the nearing Summer:

Benah Canvas Beach Bag $149.00

Could there be a more perfect beach bag like ever? I don't think so. Canvas bags are my favorites for the beach, you can pile everything in and if it gets dropped in a rock pool you don't freak out because you can just put it in the washing machine. Yeah beach fun with Benah!

www.thebenah.myshopify.com

Dr.Jart+ Water Based BB Cream SPF 27+ UVA/UVB US$42.00

This was a favorite last summer and I am bringing the Dr. Jart back this summer too. It is water based which I like for summer, oil based tinited moisturizers/foundations break me out  in hot weather because your pores are all open and breathing. The light base and high SPF makes it perfect for summer.

Available from www.drjartstore.com

Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon $42.00

This little tube is super versitile I like putting it on my cheeks for a flush of colour and also on my lips for a natural 'I've just eaten a redskin' colour vibe. It is very sheer and won't go patchy in the heat.

www.beccacosmetics.com.au

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock SPF 70 approx $13.00

Perfect if you are by yourself reading a book at the beach the spray gets all those tricky spots you might not be able to reach. Its also not as stinky like other sunscreens.

Available from supermarkets and chemists

Nars Multiple in Laguna $64.00

The sister to Nars's famous Laguna powder bronzer, I am super excited to pop this on my cheek bones after a day at the beach on my way to get a piña colada with my friends.

Available from www.meccacosmetica.com.au

Frank Ocean -  Channel Orange

On permanent repeat! 

Available on itunes

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara $12.00

Normally I like loads and loads of mascara, but at the beach its not really that big of a deal. Full 'N Soft gives your lashes a good coat of colour without making them crunchy and looking like tranantula legs.

www.maybelline.com.au

Yes To Cumbers Facial Wipes $9.99

Sticky hands, sweaty face, dripping ice-blocks happen all summer long and they need a wet wipey. Maybe I am prematurely preparing for motherhood carrying around wet wipes, but I don't care at least I am not a sticky mess.

available from www.priceline.com.au

Helen Kaminski Hampton Hat $185.00

I am totally obsessed with this hat! It is the perfect mix of Picnic at Hanging Rock and something you would wear to the beach in the 60's in Capri or some other Euro summer haven. This is on my 'Must lust buys for summer' list. The polka dot bow makes me weak at the knees it is so cute.

www.helenkaminski.com.au

Available at David Jones

I was spotted doing a traditional native rock dance this week on Bronte Beach.

Wearing a Cynthia Rowley for Roxy onsie and having the time of my life.

Beauty Trends: Brow Blow Out

Beauty is trending with a throw back to one of my favorite beauty icons Brooke Shields  - WORD! It's all about a soft super brushed out thick eyebrows, this is really different to the thin very defined brows that were penciled in and very perfect and set with glossy brow sealers.

Products:
1. Laura Mercier Brow Powder Duo $24
This is great for blondes it comes in 3 shades Soft Blonde, Deep Blonde and Auburn. The darker shade is used for the under side of the brow to define the brow bone line and the lighter on top to buff it out - but if usually I just go for one, depending on if my hair is darker or if I have been fake tanning up a storm that week. It's just brows babe - NO BIGGIE SMALLS!

2. Mac Angled Brow Brush 208 $39.00
When pushing the product into your brows use lots of short soft strokes, angling the brush with the pointed end towards the center of your face, this will give you some good control.

3. Becca Brow Powder $22.00
Becca's brow powders come in 5 colours and for all you ginger minx's out there this is one of the few brands which caters to you -the 'Auburn Brown' shade is perfect for big reds!

4. Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo $22.00
If you know anyone going to the US soon tell them to pick this up for you from Sephora. Anastasia of Beverly Hills is a brow only brand! Yes finally! The product range is beyond amazing for the truly brow obsessed.

For Reals:
Could you turn up to the office all of a sudden with this look? Or would it be a big thing 'Like have you seen Bridget from accounts eyebrow's, slugs much?' This look is TOTALLY achievable and super easy here are some tips:

- Play down the rest of your make up a subtle 'no make up/ made up' face with contouring using bronzers and neutrals. Keep your lips to a minimum, this way the brows will sit into your face and not be so 'Hey There!'

- If you are blonde and fair go for an ash brown no darker, if you are a darker then go for a chocolate.

- The best thing about this look is that its really easy, this is no liquid eyeliner fucking around with cotton buds for hours ordeal. Firstly start with a small amount of powder on your brush at your brow's arch and push the product in. (short pushing motions rather than sweeping like you would do for eyeshadow) Work down to the brow end lessoning the amount of product on the brush then move your brush to the start of your brow push the remaining into the start of the brow - less product at the start of the brows more towards the arch and tail end. If you are feeling like 'WOW WHAT HAVE I DONE?' Don't worry! To blend in the product using a spooled brush, brush your brows in to shape buffing in the powder (if you don't have a spooled brush - a washed and cleaned old mascara wand is perfect). TA-DA! It's easier than Brooke Sheild's was in the Blue Lagoon! 

Tips:
- If you don't want to splash out on an expensive brow only powder experiment at home with a matte medium brown eye shadow to see if you like it first.

- Shop around, go into your favorite department store and ask a trusted brand to do your brows if you are unsure of how to apply all the products.