Burt's Bees Pop-Up Store Westfield Bondi Junction, Sydney

Yesterday I attended a very early morning ribbon cutting to open the Burt's Bees Pop-Up Store at Westfield Bondi Junction, the perks of being a Beauty Blogger right? 
Whilst we were munching on breakfast treats (I dropped my avocado on toast on the floor and very clumsily had to pick it up with a napkin feeling very un-beauty blogger and more beauty blunder. Doh!) there were some speeches filled with facts, like did you know there is an actual Burt and he is a real like bee keeper, for reals!
The open-air space is filled with a huge range of Burt's Bees products which is a change from the small stand of lip balms you usually find at department stores. I particularly liked the range of baby products - not that I am with child BUT I often see baby paraphernalia and think 'one day when I am with child that would a good thing to have'. 
There are also body products including scrubs, lotions and body butters and the Skin Care line which I am yet to try and haven't previously seen in stores.
I picked a few goodies to try out The Tinted Lip Balm in Rose $14.95 (to add to my growing collection - Hibiscus is one of my all time faves!) , Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Creme $19.95 and the new Sugar Scrub in Mango & Orange $29.95.
There is also a Lip Balm Amnesty promotion: From the 4th of May the first 2000 shoppers can hand in there old lip balm of any brand and swap it for a Burt's Bees Lip Balm.

Burt's Bees products are all 100% Natural and not tested on animals.

www.burtsbees.com.au

xxxx Nella

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Beauté Gazette LOVES Nivea Pearl and Beauty Anti-Perspirant Deodorant

Nivea Pearl and Beauty Anit-Perspirant Deodorant $3.90 available from www.priceline.com.au

This isn't a post about really pretty lipstick or life changing serum, it is a post on deodorant. WTF?!

I feel I should put this deodorant on the pedestal that it deserves and give props to the sweat saving grace of The Nivea Pearl and Beauty Roll-On Anti-Perspirant Deodorant.

Usually I am a product slut never repurchasing always falling for the newer shiny version, this is the case with everything shoes, lipstick, moisturizers but not my deodorant. Pearl and Beauty and I have been going strong I want to say for about 10 years straight now and I will never cheat or stray. So why do I love this particular deodorant so much? 

Firstly the scent is very subtle and not overpowering, it doesn't compete with your perfume and won't attach itself to the armpits of your favourite shirts. Secondly it has zero white residue and won't mark your black tshirt with zebra stripes of white sticky powder. Finally, of course you will still sweat whilst wearing any deodorant and sometimes the smell of sweat mixed with the deodorant is worse than actual straight up stinky B.O, Pearl and Beauty blends with your natural scent.

One bottle usually lasts me about 1 month,  I worked out that roughly that over the past 10 years at 1 bottle per month I have purchased 120 bottles of my beloved Nivea Pearl and Beauty Deodorant....Woahhhhh!

xx Nella

Are you loyal to a deodorant? Or am I completely nuts? Leave a comment or tweet me and let me know.

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Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Midnight Recovery Concentrate by Kiehl's & Blue Pole by Jackson Pollack

Ok so this stuff is meant to be a miracle worker, I have heard people praise the little blue glass bottle saying it contained magic oil which would cure all my skin problems. Sucker much? Yes I am.

For the past year I have loved introducing oils into my night time skin care routine, The Trilogy Rose Hip Oil was very thick and super Hydrating, La Mav's Nectar Serums are fantastic and you skin feels plump by morning. With Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate it just feels like nothing much is happening......like nothing at all. Applying a pea sized amount of the oil to my face it is absorbed super quickly within 5 minutes it is as if I haven't even applied a moisturizer. This didn't appeal to me, at night time I don't mind going to bed lathered in oils knowing they will slowly be absorbed throughout the night - no one is going to see me oil slicked up, so it really doesn't matter. By morning I was expecting to be a glowing beacon of radiant skin, I wasn't. Dry patches still there, yep. The colony of pimples on my chin region, still there. Dark circles, still dark. Nothing much was changing, and my skin didn't feel plump and hydrated at all.

For me Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is my version of most peoples perception of Blue Poles, I don't get it. What's the fuss about?

Kiehl's Midnight Recover Concentrate 30ml / $59.00
Available from www.kiehls.com.au and selected David Jones stores

xxx Nella

p.s I totally get Blue Poles.

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Alice McCall

 1. Julia Nobis openning the show 2. Under the sea, the all white finale 3. My lap pre-show, cannot get enough Vitamin Gum

I was starting to get a case of the MBFWA fatigues by the time the Alice McCall show came around, dosed up on Vitamin gum and lots of water. The show was one of my favourites, I can imagine wearing most of the looks myself and the ones I wouldn't wear I could pick a friend or 2 who they would look amazing on. The whole time watching the show I wished there was a 'Buy it now' button I could press. Thank you to the amazing Holly Beer for inviting me and congratulations on doing brilliant job on the show.

 Top 3 Looks : Cobalt flocked botantical print, Sheer panneled apron top and floor length skirt, Floaty Nobis in the most beautiful printed gown.

Love me some Alice McCall! This show flowed so sweetly, the colour palette was beautiful washes of seashell pink, champagne and bright cobalt were heavenly to watch. Dresses were either short and cute or long and dramatic in sheer white light as air silk and botanical graphic prints on double layer Japanese organza. The soundtrack of Solange - Losing You was perfect for the youthful and intricate collection. 

HAIR

Sophie Roberts for GHD

Salty textured mermaid pony tails, which looked like the models had emerged from the sea. The look was very cool and effortless - I wish my hair looked like that when I got out of the water at Gordons Bay. Using the Ghd Eclipse Styler and Ghd Smooth and Finish serum to create texture to the low-slung ponytails.

MAKEUP

Natasha Severino for MAC

BAT FOR LASHES! Each set of the amazing lashes was hand painted with Mac pigment. The skin was super glowy with dewy highlighter on the cheekbones and subtle contouring. Brows were well groomed and played the perfect frame for the divine eyelashes.

NAILS

Essie

Fresh pretty pastel nude nails using Essie's 'Sugar Daddy' was a perfect pairing to the hair and makeup.

xxx Nella

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Jayson Brundson

1. I survived MBFWA fueled by the power of Diet Cherry Coke 2. A model with a glowing super power 3. The Finale

By this point it was mid week and with most of my friends stuck in bed with hangovers or unable to scramble from Ellery in time to make it back to Carriage works in time to make the Jayson Brundson show, I was on my own. Pre-show I waited around browsing Twitter and stalking instagram minding my own business and the all of a sudden 'Mega Barbie' Jennifer Hawkins is right in front of me like so close I could smell her fake tan. She obviously was not talking to me and I was in her way some how - I was sitting on a chair in a waiting area?!?! So I moved. Everyone is very very important at fashion week and also very very rude at fashion week.

Top 3 Looks: 1.Cocktail jacket with a patent leather pencil skirt- yes please!  2. A very 90's spaghetti strap loose shift dress 3. This dress looked a lot more voluminous on the runway and the satin sleeved upper was really cute very 60's.

Jayson Brundson was a show that I wasn't expecting to enjoy as much, but it blew me away mainly due to the very wearable and chic styling. Lots of shiny sliver flats worn with evening dresses and pencil skirts which immediately made me feel like there was a shift with the label to a more younger and fashion aware market. The patent leather pencil skirt was my favourite piece. it was paired with evening coats and also under longer box cut kaftan's which looked ah-maze-zing! By the end of the show Jayson had won me over....Jennifer Hawkins had not!

 HAIR
Joh Bailey for TRESemmé
 Hair was slicked back with a very gloss finish to the back of the neck giving the illusion from the front that the hair is up, the rest of the hair was left unglossed and natural falling to the back and brushed out creating natural static. It was a very simplicitic look but very effective, the gloss finish emphised the shine and textured used in the collection.

MAKEUP
Nicole Thompson for MAC
A simple sheer base using Mineralized Moisture Fluid Foundation and nude lips helped make the eyes pop, it was all about the eyes. Eyebrows were exagerated taking them higher in the arch and longer in the tail filled in with powder shadows and pencils. Eyelids were washed with silver shadow, then liner was very thick and smoked out with emerald shadows, the flick was diagonal rather than slanting upward giving it a very futuristic-vibe.

xxxx Nella

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Willow for Dermalogica

The Willow for Dermalogica gift with purchase is the most chic collaboration between fashion and beauty I have seen in a while not to mention ethically minded as well.
A percentage of the sales from the Willow for Dermalogica will be contributed to joinFITE, an organization which financially helps women in developing countries access small loans to start or grow a business – bettering themselves, their families, and their communities. That is reason enough to go and stock up on your favorite dermalogica products ASAP!

The limited edition leather clutch comes with 2 of Designer Kit Willow's favourite Age Smart products in sample sizes, when you spend $100 or more across the entire Dermalogica range.

“I was thrilled to be approached by Dermalogica to be part of this collaboration. Our brand values are very much in harmony, and together we have the opportunity to help women entrepreneurs in developing countries become financially independent.” 
– Kit Willow, WILLOW Creative Director

If you are looking to pick up this amazing gift-with-purchase it is available through participating Dermalogica stockists and selected David Jones stores from 8 April, 2013.

xxx Nella

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Romance Was Born

 1. Installation by Pip and Pop (Tanya Schultz) made of sifted and dyed sugar 2. The set in a pre show neonglow 3. Finale

The Romance Was Born 'Mushroom Magic' SS14 show was phenomenal, it played out all my pastel-phsyc dream sequence fantasy's. Walking into the huge cavernous show space a glowing set of miniature sugar cities were set a glow and came to life as the lights went up and the show started from then on I was hypnotised with the grandiose spectrum of colour and and creativity shown. Hopefully this show proved even the slightest Romance Was Born critic wrong, Anna and Luke created a well rounded precise collection.

Top 3 Looks : Sequin Encrusted Babushka look, Caterpillar doona coat with chiffon bell sleeves, Tahlita Getty Kaftans Coat pant suit.

Exploring the realm of 70's psychedelia seemed to come very naturally to Romance Was Born, trippy tonal prints ranging from Moroccan colour palettes to pastels and some down the rabbit hole Cheshire cat references - it was a friendly high. Shapes mimicked some of my favourite fashion icons amazing Tahlita Getty Kaftan Coats and slim leg pant suits (MY FAVOURITE LOOK OF THE WHOLE SHOW!), Penelope Tree sheer chiffon bell sleeves nipped at the wrist, floaty tired dresses with pearl encrusted collars which I was absolutely obsessed with. This collection was brilliant, and I have a wish list a mile long for the pieces I am going to order.

BEAUTY

Hair: Alan White for ghd
A rainbow of pastel coloured mushroom pixie bob wigs the base and adornments such as sprouting flowers and martian antennas were added on top were created by Hair Stylist Alan White for ghd. Each wig was hand dyed, cut then styled to match the look the model was wearing - none two were the same. The hours of work would have gone into each wig and the finished result was impeccable and very very cute.

Makeup: Val Garland for M.A.C
Legendary Val Garland designed the makeup looks for Romance Was Born, previously known for the amazing makeup at Vivienne Westwood shows and also collaborating with Lady Gaga. Like the hair each model had a different makeup look designed around the outfit, although there were strong themes that did run through the makeup design:
-Bright opaque colours using pigments, creams and pencils to create opaque colour blocked areas of the face
- Appliques, pom poms attached to lashlines, sequins and heavy layers of glitter.
- Exaggerated features, over drawn larger than life eyes, stuck on lips using card and big pigmented yellow cheeks.
I was super excited about seeing the makeup up close and ran backstage afterwards to admire Val's work, it was a dream come true to see Val's visionary makeup looks and I couldn't think of a better fit than her working with Romance Was Born.

xxx Nella

COMING UP TOMORROW: Jayson Brundson & Alice McCall

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Camilla and Marc

1.View of my lap; passes, ipad in spotty case and my beloved Benah kodi bag 2. Camilla and Marc gift bag KMS Hair play texture spray, Napoleon Auto Pilot Primer and Ecoya Candle 3. My view of the runway.

Camilla and Marc opened MBFWA this morning with their 10th Anniversary show, they totally stepped up to the plate and delivered. The collection was very wearable featuring immaculate feminine tailoring, metallic pieces, bold ochre block garments and bright red leopard prints. 

Images via vogue.com.au
TOP 3: Heavenly fluted skirt, Updated Leopard and Rich bold ochre block shift dress.

BEAUTY:

Hair:
Shane for KMS California
Beautifully tamed and straight to the tips, body was given with a side parting and a 90's flip.

Makeup:
Napoleon Perdis for Napoleon
Perfect skin was complimented with lots of Contouring! Sculpted cheek bones with heavy matte shading, the contouring was also taken into the upper corners of the eyes giving the eyes a deep setting and strong nose. Lips were glossed and nude and eyes bare only shaded into the socket to give shape.

xxx Nella

COMING UP TOMORROW: Romance Was Born

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NAIL ROCK BY ZOE POCOCK

 Wahhh fan girl moment having my nails done by Nail Rock's Zoe Pocock!

I was invited to the Nail Rock Event hosted by Priceline yesterday where Zoe Pocock the creator of Nail Rock was giving manicures... how could I refuse? Nail Rock's are a lacquered sticker which seals to the nail and lasts like a polish would, and come in an amazing range of colours and designs. Zoe is in town for MBFWA (Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia) to collaborate with labels Camilla and Marc, Romance Was Born, We are Handsome & Ellery designing nails to coordinate with the collections. Whilst filing and applying my amazing Nail Rock's Zoe and I chatted she told me that the collaborations she was doing with the Australian designers will be released later in the year as collectors box sets, which is very exciting for nail addicts like me.

Zoe had a mix of new season designs and I picked the Quail Jade which is so gorgeous...slight metallic shine with navy and back marbling.

Nail Rock products are now available from Priceline www.priceline.com.au 

Now my nails are sorted for Fashion Week I just need to pick out some matching outfits!

Keep reading because there will be a Nail Rock giveaway coming up on Beauté Gazette in the next week.

xxx Nella

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Bio-Oil

Bio-Oil Pricing 60ml / $14.99  125ml / $24.99  200ml / $34.99

Bio-Oil is available from www.priceline.com.au

So I am really late to this Bio-Oil party, I remember girls talking about it in high school and only now at the ripe old age of 29 am I discovering it...Oh well better late than never.

It has been a couple of weeks since I started using the little bottle of amber oil on my legs and feet. Bio-Oil is meant to help skin repair with scaring and stretch marks, my legs have got lots of scratches on them from itching at a recent bout of eczema, and I have scars on my feet from shoes and also an operation. For the first couple of days I was waking up and inspecting my legs and feet trying to see if it was working and the scaring would be magically vanished, the scars are still there but the texture of the skin isn't as tight and it has stopped flaking. I am going to persist with the Bio-Oil because it feels like it is doing something but I am not sure what just yet. Will update if any miracles happen.

Have you used Bio-Oil? What results have you experienced? Please let me know.

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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