THE BODY SHOP'S Christmas Goodies!

Fruit box gift set in Glazed Apple $29.95 available from www.thebodyshop.com.au

The Body Shop is brand that is very nostalgic for me around the festive season, with White Musk perfume oil being on my Christmas list as a teenager to the countless body butters and lip balms I have given for Kris-Kringle presents. 

The Glazed Apple scent which is the limited edition seasonal scent this Christmas is a sweet spiced apple smell which will fill the bathroom when used in the bath or shower. It is a fresh smell which suits the hot Australian Christmas rather than the heavier scents which are better suited for colder parts of the world. And check out that awesome apple gift set?!? Who isn't a fan of a gift that needs no form of wrapping and is good to go without me messing about with sticky tape.

Young-At-Heart Jelly Pencil Case $19.95 available from www.thebodyshop.com.au

This year The Body Shop has a usual bright and colourful selection of gifts for all ages but I particularly love the Young-At-Heart range which is perfect for the hard to buy for Tweens and Teens.

With pastel party graphics and watermelon motif's my 13 year old self would have been so excited to receive these gift sets under the Christmas tree. 

Young-At-Heart Lippy Mini Case $12.95 available from www.thebodyshop.com.au

xx Nella

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BEAUTY YEAR BOOK : Best Beauty Products of 2013 : Skin Care, Body & Bath Round Up!

Face Wash:
Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover $14.99
If you like a face wash which takes off all you makeup, makes your face feel clean but without feeling tight and dry, then you will love these cleansers from Neutrogena. Also Paraben, Sulfate, Petrolatum free and housed in recycled packing these were a bathroom constant all year.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Day Moisturizer:
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream $71.99
This non irritating face moisturiser has kept my skin at hydrated without stinging or breaking me out. When applying this moisturiser my skin doesn't change at all, it doesn't go red and blotchy because of fragrance, like most moisturisers I tried this year. I LOVE IT! The size is also great, it has lasted for over 3 months and  I am only just half way through the tube, which makes the $71.99 price tag completely worth it.
Available from www.dermalogica.com.au

Night Cream:
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum $75.00/30ml $165.00/100ml
The reason I haven't included this serum in the photo is because I have very very sadly finished my bottle. Holy Moly applying this serum is the most heavenly cooling and comforting night time ritual I have had all year. My skin was noticeably brighter and more radiant when using this serum and I am saving my pretty penny's to buy another bottle ASAP!
Available from www.jurlique.com.au

Eye Treatment:
The Body Shop Elderflower Cooling Eye Gel $17.95
Thick eye creams are not my thing, often they sting my eyes because of the potent ingredients. The Body Shop Elderflower Cooling Eye Gel tightens the eye area without stinging and is fragrance free, for the amazing price this is my all time favourite eye gel and has been for the past year and a half.
Available from www.thebodyshop.com.au

Serum and Oil:
Kosema Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil $24.95
Rose Hip Oils have been quite buzzy this year, Miranda Kerr claimed it gave her skin its signature glow. Rose Hip Oils have been popping up on the market by brands this year it is hard to pick one from another. My pick is Kosema it is certified organic, made in Australia with all the ingredients being ethically sourced - setting it apart from its competitors on the shelves.
Available from www.kosmea.com.au

Face Mask:
Alpha H Liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting Mask $56.70
Once a week I like to relax with a face mask whilst watching The Real Housewives of whatever city, it is a very guilty pleasure. Alpha H's liquid gold line is ah-maze-zing! The smoothing and perfecting mask draws out blemishes and leaved skin feeling super smooth when rinsed off. Available from www.ry.com.au

Exfoliator:
John Plunkett Glyco Peel $28.95
Not a traditional exfoilator but 2013 was all about the chemical exfoliator. John Plunketts Glyco Peel contains 25% Glycolic Acid which when applied tingles the skin gently removing any dead skin cells lingering around the surface. Chemical exfoliants are much more gentle on your skin rather  than granulated scrubs which can burst capillaries and drag skin loosening collagen stores underneath.
Available from www.plunketts.com.au

Toner:
Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing Water $29.99
Traditional toners were tossed away this year, favouring cleansing waters which purify skin and remove any last traces of makeup. Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing water is my french magic water of choice.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

BODY:

Body Moisturiser:
Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Body Lotion $45.00
Molton Brown is a very posh-totty British brand which I am in totally in lust with. The fragrances are too die for and the body lotions are heavenly, non sticky and super hydrating. The price tag is a little indulgent but I justified it by making a pact to myself that if I bought a $45.00 moisturiser that I couldn't be lazy and I had to use it everyday.
Available from www.moltonbrown.com.au

Body Oil:
Jurlique Rose Oil $50.00/100ml
Ohhhhhh baby! This multi tasker oil is so beautiful to use, as a massage oil (sexy!), a glowing body oil or a couple of drops in a bath it leaves skin so soft and smooth.
Available from www.jurlique.com.au

Self Tanner:
St Tropez Gradual Tan $20.50
After a skin cancer scare in December I have been all about a fake bake. St Tropez Gradual Tan is the best I have trialed, non ompa-lompa orange and leaves you without that signature biscuit scent. Applied on alternate days it will give you a natural - well as natural as you can from a bottle - tan.
Available from www.beautybay.com

Sunscreen:
Milk Dry Touch Sunscreen 30+ with Tea Tree and Aloe $12.95
I love this sunscreen, it is not greasy and smells of tea tree which is a lovely change from stinky spf's. You need to reapply before and after swimming and every couple of hours if you are out in the sun. It also doesn't clog the pores or break me out which most lower price point sunscreens do.
Available from www.milkandco.com.au

Body Exfoliator:
Lush Rub Rub Rub $12.95
To remove self tanners my favourite body scrub is Lush's Rub Rub Rub! It is filled with sea salt and feels extremely satisfying to use, scented with my favourite Lush soap 'Dirty' it ticks all the boxes.
Available from www.lush.com.au

Body Wash:
Dr Bronners liquid soap in Limited Edition Green Tea $8.95
I love this liquid soap, it isn't a traditional body wash but if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis like I do the you need to try the Dr Bronners range. Fun Fact: this also doubles as my favourite brush cleaner.
Available from www.lateralfood.com

Bath:
Lush Tisty Toasty Bath Ballistic $6.75
I rediscovered Lush's bath bombs this year after a 15 year hiatus I am addicted once again. Smelly, colourful baths have been so much fun this year. With the limited edition releases I have amassed quite the selection but Tisty Toasty is my fave.
Available from www.lush.com.au

Deoderant:
Nivea Pearl and Beauty Roll on $3.89
I am a loyal and faithful Capricorn and I do not stray from this deodorant! I cannot and will not use another deodorant. This is perfect.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Fragrance:
Roses de Chloé EDT $140.00/75ml
If you haven't noticed already I have am having a lifelong love affair with roses and when Chloé released Roses de Chloé I went a little bit crazy! It was love at first smell and I have worn it everyday since.
Available from www.davidjones.com.au

xxx Nella

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Christmas Gift Guide : The girlfriend who has it all....

Are you in a relationship with the girlfriend that 'has it all? Oh limited edition this and special release that are her pride and joys sitting the closet like little trophies. Everyone knows the type, and it can be daunting to say the least when it comes to trying to buy these type of girlfriends a Christmas pressie. So here is my guide to buying a gift for the Girl who has it all, did I mention all the items are available online and are under $100! Say What?!

Mary Katranzou for Rodial Candle $66.66 available from www.asos.com

Does your girlfriend burn Dipyque candles around the house making the lounge room look like a catholic church? Sounds like she is a candle snob, sorry but you are going to have to dabble in the candle stakes a little with this pressie. Mary Katranzou is a very on trend British designer who is known for her hypnotising bright mirrored prints teaming up with Rodial she has designed this very coveted candle. I have no idea what this smells like, but I want it! If she is like me this will be on her candle Christmas lust list because who can say no to an ultra cool fashion-beauty colab, not me!

Stella McCartney Marguerite Riding Set Soft Cup Bra $85.70 and Knickers $47.61 available from www.asos.com

Underwear is a tricky present to buy for a girlfriend, even if you have snooped in her underwear draw  checking what size she is, a 32C can change between brands so it's just best not to go there. My advice would be to buy a soft-cup bra which will allow for a margin of error in sizing. *WARNING* do not buy your girlfriend anything too sexy if she is a basic t-shirt bra and cotton undies type girl, she will be mortified and embarrassed. This Stella McCartney pink leopard print set is the perfect cute and slightly sexy set to give a girl who likes fashion or is crazy about leopard anything.

The Body Shop Japanese Cherry Blossom Hat Box $49.95 available from www.thebodyshop.com.au

In relationships past I have set a $50.00 present limit with my boyfriend so that it didn't get uncomfortable, especially if you are young or studying and on a tight budget. Gift sets are perfect in situations like these, fuss free and easy to find at any mall. My favourite this year is The Body Shop's Japanese Cherry Blossom Hat Box Set it is filled with a selection of products from the line and a handy exfoliating face towel, the box is oh so sweet and can be reused as a cute memento storage box.

Roses De Chloé EDT 30ml $80.00 available from www.davidjones.com.au

If you are going down the fragrance path of gift buying this Christmas my suggestion would be to smell your girlfriends other perfumes and pick something similar. If she is into light floral scents then Roses De Chloé is my pick, it's totally brand new so there is no way she could already have it in her collection. It comes in a classically beautiful bottle with a pretty pink bow, perfect for the girliest of girlfriends.

ASOS 3D Greeting Card  'I love you' $5.71 available from www.asos.com

Sometimes all you need to give is a card at Christmas but like every other woman on the planet I cannot stand stupid joke cards with lame and annoying jokes and cartoons on the front. If you want to give someone you love a card it doesn't have to be cheesy but it can be super cool like like 3D card from ASOS which will make any hard to buy for girlfriend's heart melt.

Jurlique Limited Edition Rose Body Oil 200ml $78.99 available from www.jurlique.com.au

Ohhhh la la! If your girl is into body products and you want to give her a slightly sexy gift that keeps on giving - if you know what I mean.... Jurlique's Limited Edition Rose Body Oil is a super sexy luxurious gift which will give you a million brownie points guaranteed. It can be used as a massage oil or as an ultra hydrating daily moisturiser, sinking into the skin leaving you with amazing soft dewy skin.

xxx Nella

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Good Morning! Good Night! Current Skin Care Routines.

CLEANSE
Sukin Sensitive Skin Cleansing Gel : $9.99 available from www.priceline.com.au
There is totally no need for harsh cleansers on your skin in the morning, you have just been sleeping for a good 8hours (hopefully!) so its not like there is going to much to cleanse off anyway. The Sukin Sensitive Cleansing Gel is so gentle and soothing it massages into your skin and feels so silky. Sukin has no synthetic fragrances and no minerals which brings a huge smile to my face - because seriously you don't need your cleanser to smell like anything and fragrance is the most common ingredient that will make you break out!

TONE
Origins Purifying Tonic : $39.00 available from www.kitcosmetics.com.au
Ok so excuse me while I nerd out on my favourite topic : Organic Skin Care. Willow Bark is a natural ingredient which is extremely soothing but also a natural source of Salicylic Acid! Which is a form of exfoliant, after cleansing I wipe the Origins Purifying Tonic all over my face with a cotton round. I've found this has helped with dry spots and also redness and discolouration left from old spots.

MOISTURIZE
Embryolisse Lait Creme Concerntrate : $32.00 available from www.makeupandglow.com.au
So frenchy - So chic! This moisturizer is commonly used by Makeup Artists to prep models skin before shows, also Lisa Eldridge uses so it must be good. It applies really smoothly and doesn't take forever to sink into the skin leaving a dewy finish. I like it and I think it is a good moisturizer but apart from hydrating there isn't many other benefits to this product, no SPF or super vitamins. But great under makeup if you are going for a night out.

CLEANSE
Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser : $15.40 available from www.chemistwarehouse.com.au
Clarisonic Mia : $204.00 available from www.feelunique.com
My cleansing power couple are still going strong, nothing is even comparable to the combination of Cetaphil's Oily Skin Cleanser and my Clarisonic Mia, it leaves your skin so soft and also any product I use after cleansing will sink into my skin so much more effectively. I found that using the Clarisonic in the morning didn't work for me because it opened my pores too much letting makeup in making me break out but using it at night time is perfect.

SKIN SERUM
La Mav Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair Nectar : $69.95 available from www.lamav.com
You know you love a product when it gets forgotten for a couple of days and you notice you skin is lacking in softness. Waking up in the morning after applying the Nightly Repair Nectar my skin is plump and super hydrated, don't be scared of oils in your skin care routine if you have naturally oily skin. Oils can balance your skin out so your skin doesn't feel the need to overly produce natural oils through out the day. Which is great! No more oily T-Zone freak out mid afternoon.

EYES
The Body Shop Elderflower Eye Gel : $17.00 available from www.thebodyshop.com.au
Heads up..... Get an eye cream. The skin around your eyes is thinner than anywhere else on your body it needs a little extra TLC. The Body Shop's Elderflower Eye Gel is super cooling and putting it on feels incredible it is also super hydrating which what an eye cream should be all about. Also FYI no cream will take away wrinkles or lines its impossible! A good eye cream should hydrate and plump the skin around the eye area so that wrinkles and lines are less obvious and your makeup wont crease.

LIPS
Lucas Paw Paw Ointment : $4.40 available from www.chemistwarehouse.com.au
My relationship with Lucas Paw Paw ointment is longer than any boyfriend I have ever had, we have been going steady since my mum put it on my bum for nappy rash. Applying lip balm before bed is a really good habit to get into, during the day you just eat it off. Letting it absorb into your lips overnight is far more effective.

This routine is surely going change - it always does!

I'm curious..does your skin care routine differ morning and night or am I just a crazy skin care junkie?

xoxo Nella

Beauté Gazette's Best in Beauty for 2012

1. LIP PRODUCTS
Revlon Balm Stains $17.95 and Revlon Lip Butters $21.95 available from www.priceline.com.au

Both of these products were super hyped prior to them being released in Australia and I didn't want to like them but after trying them out I cannot fault them.
The Balm Stains are exactly that, they go on as a balm and create a soft stain - it isn't a long wear product its just the happy medium between a lip balm and a sheer lipstick. My favorites: Smitten (flush fucshia) and Adore (deep ash red)
Revlon Lip Butters are a highly pigmented lip balm, and they are AMAZING. The colour range is fantastic from nudes to deep berries and reds - any colour you could possible want. My Favorites: Raspberry Pie, Pink Truffle, Tutti Fruiti & Red Velvet.

2. FOUNDATION

Stila SPF 30 Oil-Free Sheer Colour Tinted Moisturizer $55.00 avilable from www.meccacostmetica.com.au

Everything I want in a base : hydrating, blendable, colour corrective and a high spf! This was my go to base of 2012, in winter blotting away the shine with a tissue and in summer leaving it looking glowy and natural. This is a light coverage foundation, and you will need to conceal over the top and powder if you like but it gives everyone a great glow. I kept on coming back to this all year after trying heavier foundations which I found too heavy and suffocating for my skin.

3. MASCARA

Maybelline The Flasies Flared $19.25 available from www.priceline.com.au

If you can get over the hideous packaging this is one amazing mascara! I have been a high-end mascara snob up until now, preferring Lancome and Chanel never being satisfied with cheaper alternatives. The Flasies gives wham-bam lashes, lengthening and thickening with only 1 or 2 coats and is super charcoal black. It is a total dupe for my adored Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara and I unashamedly love it.

4. BROWS

MAC Eye Shadow in Omega $33.00 available from www.maccosmetics.com.au

Rimmel Eye Brow Pencil in Hazel $8.50 available from www.priceline.com.au

Eye Brows have been a really big deal to me in 2012....that sounds superficial and really not that big of a deal at all in the scheme of things. But during my makeup routine over the past year I have not been able to feel put together and 'done' if my eyebrows weren't attended too. MAC's Omega is a matte ash brown which is great for blondes, it blends into your natural brows easily and stays put all day. If I am in huge rush and cant be bothered with whole angle brush and powder I will run Rimmel's Eye Brow Pencil in Hazel through my brows, it is a very warm light brown which doesn't scream 'I AM WEARING A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF MAKEUP TODAY'.  I couldn't decided between the two products and both are equally great depending on the amount of time you can afford in front of the mirror.

5.BRONZER

Stila Sun Shade Bronzer (shade 1) $45.00 available from www.meccacosmetica.com.au 

Hello sunshine in a compact, this is a perfecto matte bronzer for lighter skin tones. Something different I have started doing in 2012 is applying my bronzer with a small tapered brush rather than a huge traditional bronzing brush. This gives you more control and a better finish, chiseling out my non existent cheek bones and giving that halo-J-Lo glow.

6. BLUSH & HIGHLIGHTER

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar $86.00 available from www.bobbibrown.com.au

Here is where I eat my words....I had previously slayed this product, after trying to use it with a massive brush and getting it EVERYWHERE. Do not do that. Use smaller brushes and isolate the colours using them on different areas of the face ie: the second colour down is amazing as a highlighter on its own for the inner corners of your eyes and down the center of your nose and the bottom three together are a the perfects rosey blush for the apples of your cheeks blended up onto the cheek bone to give a very 90's Linda Evangelista-Super model look. I want to pick up a few more shimmer bricks because I just cannot get enough of them, how wrong I was. Tsk-Tsk-Tsk!

7. EYE SHADOW

The Balm Over Shadow in 'If your rich, I'm single' $26.95 available from David Jones Australia Wide

Woahhhhhh! These shadows are super tiny but they are incredibly pigmented and easy to work with, using a small flat brush pack on the shadow in roughly the shape you want and blend out with a fluffy brush. They are shimmer city but have amazing depth in colour and give a dimension to the eyes like you have used multiple shadows and spent hours perfecting your eye shadow. This simple little pot is amazing, I wore this over Christmas to various parties will post a mini tutorial using this shadow soon.

8. EYE LINER

Cover Girl Liquiline Blast Liner $14.95 www.priceline.com.au

I suffer from the most scardy-cat eyes ever, even go near them with a pencil and they twitch and water up, so liners need to be super soft and glide on and be done in under 30seconds. I am so in Love with  these CoverGirl liners, there are the softest pencil I have ever used! They can be used on your waterline or like me if you under packed on a trip and didn't bring a single eye shadow can be blended out with fingers or a brush to create a very quick smudgy/smokey look.

9. CONCEALER

BareMinerals Stroke of Light $26.95 available from www.kitcosmetics.com.au

I have had a switch up with concealers this year getting older my priority changed, I used to just want heavy coverage but now I am paranoid of creasing with heavy coverage and I need a moisturizing seamless concealer. Applied with only moisturizer or on top of a foundation Bare Minerals Stroke of like is amazing at blending in and doesn't crease no matter how much laughing I do - I laugh A LOT!

10. BATH PRODUCT

Korres Shower Gel $22.95 available from www.kitcosmetics.com.au

Korres Shower Gels are heaven, they are almost completely natural I think - they have a speil about how they are free from any nasty things on the side of the bottle. The main reason I like them is the smells....ahhhhhhh they are so refreshing and heavenly, during Winter I was big into the Vanilla and Cinnamon for Summer I have been liking the fresh Jasmine Rose. 

11. HAIR CARE

Organic Care Shampoo and Conditioner $3.60 available from Woolworths

I am a big advocate of organic and nasty free shampoo and conditioner, there is no point in spending heaps of money on it either.....ummm it goes down the drain. When I am in the shower I products which are going to clean and not leave any chemical residue in my hair - because I load enough oils and dry shampoo and hair spray and texturizer after the shower. Organic Care is great, all the different varieties leave my hair feeling the same after being washed but I try to buy the Heat Protect or Colour Protect Shampoo and Conditioner combos.

12. EYE CREAM

The Body Shop Elderflower Eye Gel $17.95 available from www.thebodyshop.com.au

So this is new, an eye cream. I am about to turn 29 in less than a week *freak out* and for the first time in my life I feel an eye cream is absolutely essential in my night time skin care routine. What I love about The Body Shop's Elderflower Eye Gel is that it is unscented, and super cooling - great for the sensitive skin around your eyes. It has decreased puffiness, dark circles and the little dotty things I get when I am absolutely knackered. 

Hope you enjoyed this mamoth post! Woah! With Christmas and New Years I took a little time off trying to spend time with my friends and family - more regular posting will be happening from now on - promise.

Nella xxx

Please let me know what product you enjoyed over the last year in the comments below... I would love to know about anything I am missing out on.

The Body Shop Elderflower Eye Gel

Elderflower Un-Perfumed Eye Gel $17.95  is Available from The Body Shop 

www.thebodyshop.com.

A couple of weeks ago I had a bad reaction to sample of a face serum, this was bound to happen because of the amount of products I test out and sometimes the ingredients aren't listed on a small sample. My skin has been going through several changes and is slightly more sensitive because of them; the change in season is a big difference and also I have stopped taking the contraceptive pill which effects your hormones and skin quite a lot. So I had this terrible reaction which left the skin under my eyes very raw, dry and burning, every eye soothing gel I already had in my skin care collection was perfumed and was just making it worse. So I went on the hunt for an un-perfumed soothing eye gel, after a little online research I decided to pick up The Body Shop's Un-perfumed Elderflower Eye Gel. It has been a little jar of heaven for my sore eyes, so cooling and calming with only the smallest about needed. I have been applying it at night before going to sleep all around the eye area, lid and under eye and in the morning after a shower letting it absorb whilst I have a cup of tea and wiping any excess off before I put my makeup on. In a week my raw red skin under my eyes has completely healed and I am continuing to use this eye gel because if it healed that sore red skin so quickly it must be doing other miracle type things on my eyes also.

Have you used The Body Shops Un Perfumed Eye Gel before? Let me know if you are as in love as I am.

xxx Nella