The perfect smokey eyes with 3 products : Make Up For Ever 'Smokey Lash', Burberry 'Rosewood' & Rimmel Scandal Eyes Shadow Stick 'Blackmail'

Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara $37.00 available from www.mediamakeupstore.com, Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in Rosewood $45.00 available from www.davidjones.com.au, 

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Shadow Stick in Blackmail available from www.priceline.com.au

Step One:

Apply the soft brown shimmery shadow starting from the base of your lash line on the top and bottom lashes. The intensity of the of shadow needs to be deepest around your lashes so don't hesitate to pack it on. Then using a fluffy brush blend out the shadow so that the transition between the shadow and your skin is undetectable. This is the trick to the effortless feel of a simple smoky eye.

Step Two:

Line your top and bottom water line with a creamy kohl liner, because the Rimmel Scandal Eyes pencil is a large kohl liner it is going to go slightly onto your lower lash line more than the top. Using the same brush which applied the shadow smudge and blend out the liner on your bottom lash line. You can also use a cotton tip for this if you don't want get your brush super sticky.

Step 3:

Apply mascara and do not be stingy, put on as many layers as your lashes can handle just pile it on!

It brings the whole look together. When wearing this slightly grunge take on a smoky you can see I don't wear too much other make up at all because it can go tranny and quickly if contouring and lipstick gets involved.

This has been one of my go to looks for nights out or events lately, try it for a slightly sultry slightly grunge very sassy eye make up look!

xx Nella

Twitter @beautegazette

Facebook HERE!

Instagram @beautegazette

Google +  +Nella van veenendaal 

Bloglovin' HERE

NUXE Merveillance Expert & Nirvanesque range introduction

Merveillance Serum Expert $64.95, Merveillance Enrichie Jour Expert $59.95

Available from September 2014.

Nirvanesque Contour Des Yeux $44.99, Nirvanesque First Expressions Lines $49.99 

Available from www.priceline.com.au

Nuxe is a French skin care brand which fairly recently hit the Australian shelves of Priceline, there has been quite a lot of only hype surrounding the brand so I was excited to try it out for myself.  If you are a lover of French skin care then you are probably already be a fan of Nuxe, and would have tried there cult favrouite Reve De Miel Lip Balm. The chic packaging and botanical ingredients were the first two things I was instantly drawn to, giving the brand a very natural aesthetic and vibe. 

Nirvanesque is the line of first defence anti-aging products from Nuxe aimed at the 30+  market, the products target the first signs of aging from 'expression lines' and if you are like me that is from a lot of laughing. The products are filled with super charged plant botanical ingredients like Mauve Root, Acmelia, Rose Muscat Oil. The packaging is all 100% recyclable and 61% lighter which is great for travelling.

Merviellance will be available from September in Australia as Nuxe's lastest release aimed towards women over the age of 40 with all skin types. The range is packed with dermal proteins to help skin which has already started aging due to time, photo and light damage. Combining the serum which gives skin an instant tightening feeling and lift packed with Hyaluronic Acid to plump skin and the Correcting Cream will help mature skin absorbs moisture and improve texture. I'll be passing these 2 products on to my Mum to test out, and might get her to do a little review on BG.....So stay tuned.

If you have been curious about trying French skin care products then Nuxe is a natural and eco-friendly brand to start with at any age.

xx Nella

Twitter @beautegazette

Facebook HERE!

Instagram @beautegazette

Google +  +Nella van veenendaal 

Bloglovin' HERE

Winter Handbag Essentials feat. Burberry, Rimmel, OPI, Make Up Store & More

Bag from Benah and wallet from Comme Des Garcons

Switching up the make up contents of my bag seasonally is essential for example during cooler months there is no need to carry around a blotting powder to control shine and its all about a dark lip and eye rather than peachy-pink gloss. Here is a sticky beak into my winter handbag and the products that have been on high rotation over Winter.

Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara $37.00

For me the only natural lashes that are acceptable are when you are asleep and wearing no make up at all, for all other times its big lashes or bust. Make Up For Ever smoky lash is the best at giving a false lash effect without being too clumpy.

Available from www.mediamakeupstore.com.au

Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in Rosewood $45.00

Oh this eyeshadow is heaven, it is so buttery soft to apply with zero fallout. Applied close to to top and bottom lash line when wearing black kohl gives an incredible lived in chic smoky eye look, perfect for a day to night make up transition. 

Available from www.davidjones.com.au

Dr Bronner's Lip Balm $4.95

Tingly lip balms are not for me, this is just a very good inexpensive fuss free lip balm that does the job. Nuff' said.

Available from www.lateralfood.com

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Shadow Stick in Blackmail $12.95

Smudged out and worked into your waterline I love a black kohl lined eye! It is super easy and can be applied anywhere at anytime to give your makeup an extra wow factor.

Available from www.priceline.com.au

Make Up Store Lipstick in Burgandy Cream $41.00

This winter has been all about a slight brownish red 90's lipstick, applied sheer over a lip balm or as a bold statement a'la Drew Barrymore at her wildest of times. I LOVE IT. This lipstick hasn't left my handbag all winter.

Available from www.makeupstore.se

 MAC Cremeblend Blush in Poesy $41.00

Using a cream during winter is a great way to bring a bit of dewiness back to your skin, Poesy is the cutest peachy-flush of colour which is fool proof to apply.

Available from www.maccosmetics.com.au

OPI Nail Polish in Glitzerland $19.95

Gimme metallic nails all winter long, they are far more interesting than the usually wine toned dark reds that we are very easily drawn to over the winter months.

Available from www.davidjones.com.au

Cha Time Loyalty Card

I like my tea all day long, hazelnut milk, matcha green, earl grey hot and cold even a refreshing coconut and Cha Time is my tea of choice. I'm not going to let you know how many loyalty points I've clocked up but its A LOT!

Available from www.chatime.com.au

xx Nella

Twitter @beautegazette

Facebook HERE!

Instagram @beautegazette

Google +  +Nella van veenendaal 

Bloglovin' HERE

Hair Favourites that give short hair va va VOOM volume!

Recently I cut about 20cm of length off my hair taking it from just past my shoulders to a very sassy bob, think Patricia Arquette in True Romance! This dramatic cut meant that it was time to switch up my hair products, I needed mega volume and texture to be able to give ultimate hair flick attitude! 

Here are 4 products which I have been loving and would totally recommend for anyone wanting to pump up you hair game.

Toni and Guy Hair Prep Heat Protection Mist $15.99

Blow drying after washing my hair is a must, its winter and I like to curl the ends of my hair under with a round brush to avoid helmet hair. To save my hair from being completely tortured by this process I always use a heat protection spray, this Toni and Guy prep mist is great because it is undetectable once you have finished blow drying and leaves a weightless finish to your hair ready for the next product.

Available from www.priceline.com

Tangle Teaser Salon Elite in Sweet Lilac $29.95

Ohhhhh pretty baby! This is my new Tangle Teaser which I am crushing out on pretty hard right now. Apart from being so cute, it also is fantastic at getting out any knots and tangles without pulling your hair in the process. I have had much less hair coming out in my brush since using the Tangle Teaser and it's great for travelling or popping in your bag when hitting the gym. 

Available from www.phoenixnationale.com.au

V05 Plump it up! Dry Shampoo $7.99

To be honest I picked up this Dry Shampoo because it was the least expensive on the supermarket shelf but I am super glad I did because it is really good. It is a traditional dry shampoo, the volume comes from removing the oil build up from your roots without leaving a white cast. The scent is pleasant and not too over powering and did I mention its only $7.99!!!!

Available from www.priceline.com.au

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Colour Renew Mousse $15.99

Mousse isn't an on trend product its not a fancy hair oil which costs $90, but this has been my star product in achieving volume without weight. I apply an apple sized amount to wet tangle free hair  (after spraying through the heat protection mist and brushing out any tangles) massage in all over and then blow dry as normal. It gives great soft hold and texture to your hair and wont fall flat half way through the day.

Available from www.priceline.com.au

Hope these product suggestions help and may the hair gods be with you, blessing you with frizz free locks with masses of volume!

xx Nella

Twitter @beautegazette

Facebook HERE!

Instagram @beautegazette

Google +  +Nella van veenendaal 

Bloglovin' HERE

5 beauty savvy ways to use Coconut Oil

My favourite coconut oil  Dr Bronners Coconut Oil $16.95 available from www.lateralfood.com

1. Cuticle oil & Hand Cream
Coconut oil is the most amazing cuticle oil and hand cream treatment if your hands are cracking and dry during winter, I like to massage it into my cuticles and work outwards to the rest of my hand whilst watching an episode of any Real Housewives of any city.

2. Hair Oil & Treatment
Melt the coconut into a liquid form and let cool down to a safe warm temperature, massage through your hair and scalp coating every strand and leave in for a couple of hours whilst you browse tumblr or skype your best friend. Shampoo and Condition as normal to remove and your locks will be super luscious.

3. Body Scrub with raw sugar
Mix coconut oil into a paste by mashing it up in a bowl, add 3 tablespoons of raw granulated sugar and mix well. Rub into your legs first, massaging in circles to remove any dead skin and then wash off in the shower. It leaves skin smooth and hydrated.

4. Cleansing oil balm to remove makeup
Warm a small amount of coconut oil in your palms and massage in to your face, makeup will lift away. Then using a damp warm face washer wipe the coconut oil and makeup off your face. It is especially good for removing eye makeup.

5. To heal scars and stretch marks
Coconut oil rubbed into stretch marks on a pregnant belly is fantastic. Also if you have a scab or graze rubbing coconut oil over it will help it heal without leaving too much of a scar.

xx Nella

Twitter @beautegazette

Facebook HERE!

Instagram @beautegazette

Google +  +Nella van veenendaal 

Bloglovin' HERE

Ultraceuticals Ultra Red-Action Complex - My 90 day trial to reduce facial redness

Ultraceuticals Ultra Red-Action Complex $95.00 is available from leading skin clinics and David Jones Stores from September 2014 www.ultraceuticals.com

Facial redness is something that effects my skin, caused by sun damage over time the redness is blotchy areas over my forehead cheeks and chin - it is super annoying and I do feel self conscious without make up. Which is not how I want to feel about my skin, so I am trialling my first anti-redness product.

Ultraceuticals new Ultra-Red Action Complex was given to me to trial for 90 days coinciding with its launch in September. Why 90 days? Because if you don't notice a visible reduction in facial redness by the end of 90 days then they will give you your money back!  I started using the Ultra Red-Action Complex 4 days ago (7th August) and have set an alert in my calender 90 days from now (November 1st) I am going to post before and after makeup free photos to see if my facial redness has reduced.

The Complex is a serum and I have been applying it nightly over my entire face before applying my night oil and eye cream. It is a strong smelling gel which is very quickly absorbed by your skin which is great because I am all about getting that night time skin care routine done as fast as possible and catching up on much needed beauty sleep asap!

Above are my areas of concern with facial redness that I am hoping the Ultra Red-Action Complex can help reduce.

Do you have facial redness? Let me know in the comments, it is a very common problem especially living in Australia with harsh UVB/A rays.

xx Nella

Twitter @beautegazette

Facebook HERE!

Instagram @beautegazette

Google +  +Nella van veenendaal 

Bloglovin' HERE

Top 3 Lush Bath Products

All available from your closest Lush store or from www.lush.com.au

There is something rather special about Lush, whether it be that all of their ingredients are ethically sourced and products are locally made or that they support grassroots charities? But most of all that their products make you feel good when you used them. 

In store I sometimes get a bit of a sensory overload and don't know which of the amazing products to pick. So here are my TOP 3 Lush Bath Products to help you next time you are in a Lush store or shopping online.

Rose Queen Bath Bomb $4.95

Oh how I love the smell of this bath bomb, it doesn't get any better than Rose, Geranium and a hint of Amber filling up a steamy room. This is my favourite life de-stresser bath bomb, soaking in the tub my troubles melt away - well at least for 20mins or so whilst in the bath! The smell is completely overpowering in the best possible way, closing your eyes and taking deep breaths inhaling the perfume is so relaxing. Also I have found that when I have bad period cramping a bath with the Rose Queen helps alleviate any pressure and bloating, I have no idea how or why but it totally helps.

A French Kiss Bubble Bar $10.95

So I have been on a huge exercise kick lately with lots of weights at the gym and aqua aerobics, when my muscles are feeling the burn a bath with the lavenderific 'A French Kiss' is amazing! Bubble baths at any age are fun and very necessary on a regular basis.

Let the Good Times Roll Facial Cleanser/Scrub $42.38

This is a new edition to my 'Lush Loves', I tried it out in store when having a hand treatment and boy did I fall head over heels in love. The scrub is made up of maize flour which comes from corn so it is very fine but works amazingly well at getting rid of any lingering fake tan or dry patches. It is a very easily applied scrub, the oils help it stick to your skin do it doesn't run everywhere when you try and rub it in.

What are you favourite Lush loves? Let me know in the comments below.

xx Nella

Twitter @beautegazette

Facebook HERE!

Instagram @beautegazette

Google +  +Nella van veenendaal 

Bloglovin' HERE

MAKE UP FREE ME with Kosmea. Dare to go make up free with me? August 29th, 2014

Kosmea Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil $24.95 & Purifying Cream Cleanser $34.95 available from www.kosmea.com.au

What is Makeup Free Me?

Makeup Free Me is a cause-related charity movement set-up to shine a light on negative self-image, which 90% of Australian women believe is an issue in today’s society.

In 2014 Makeup Free Me is focusing on negative body image, which can lead to eating disorders. Approximately 9% (2 million) of Australians experience an eating disorder that will require clinical intervention at some point in their lives. We recognise the importance of addressing body image issues in helping women and girls to ultimately develop a positive self-image.

How can YOU get involved?

- Kosmea has teamed up with Make Up Free Me this year with 5% of Rose Hip Oil sales throughout August being donated to Make Up Free me. So simply picking up a bottle of Rose Hip Oil has never been so enticing, you wont regret it as it is a wonder oil which will leave your skin hydrated and glowing. 

- Go make up free and post a selfie of your beautiful naked face on instagram using the hashtag #LiftTheMask and follow and tag @makeupfreeme while you're at it.

- Check out www.makeupfreeme.com.au register and find out heaps of fun ways you can get involved with combating negative body image.

Now I am off to apply plenty of Kosmea Rose Hip Oil to make sure my skin will be positively fresh and glowing for that make up free selfie on August 29th follow Beauté Gazette on instagram @beautegazette to keep up with all my beauty adventures.

xx Nella

Twitter @beautegazette

Facebook HERE!

Instagram @beautegazette

Google +  +Nella van veenendaal 

Bloglovin' HERE