Beauté Gazette June Favourites : Beauty, Skin, Hair & Health

Elizabeth and James  NIRVANA White 1oz US$55.00 available from www.sephora.com

I have to admit this was a total blogger/YouTube influenced purchase after seeing many rave reviews on the interwebs. When my friend Liz said she was going to Sephora on her recent trip to the US I decided to ask her to purchase a bottle of The Olsen Twins latest product from their Elizabeth and James line : NIRVANA white, without even knowing what it smelt like. The bottle is super cool very luxe-chic as would expect from The Olsen twinsies, the scent is a lot lighter and fresher than I thought it would be, I was anticipating a richer Diptyque-esque scent. It has been on high roation and has been my favourite go to everyday scent this month. I also have total blogger bragging rights when asked what fragrance I am wearing because it is unavailable in Australia at the moment.....full review coming soon featuring an in depth description of the notes etc P.S If you didn't know already Sephora will be opening up shop in Australia this December OMG!

Topshop Gloss Ink in 'Smitten' $15.00 available from www.topshop.com

These are really amazing lip stains, I've not seen any reviews of these online but I picked a couple of colours whilst in the line for the till  as a impulse buy whilst in Topshop a few weeks ago and I have not been disappointed. The colours are super vibrant and the formula is beautiful to apply with no sticky residue like some other lip stain / gloss hybrids I've tried in the past. Worth checking them out when you are next at your local Topshop beauty bar. 

Maybelline Colour Elixir Sensational Creamy Lip Lacquer in 065 'Caramel Infused' $17.95 available from www.priceline.com

WOW BABY! This is what nude lipgloss heaven looks like! Oh my gosh, perfection!

The colour is the perfect balance of peachy/pinky/brown nude which gives your lips that J-Lo pout factor without the diva 'too much make up' nude lip look - does that make sense? Anyway go and buy this lip gloss right now, you will not regret it.

MAC Browset in Clear $28.00 available from www.maccosmetics.com.au

If you are like me and powder in your brows then it is a great idea to set them with a clear mascara so that the hairs stay in place. It is also great for giving your brows a little of the Cara Delevingne lift, when the brow hairs are brushed up. MAC's browset was gifted to me, but if you are looking for a brow gel there are lots on the market for all budgets.

Toni and Guy Casual Rough Texturiser Spray $15.99 available from www.priceline.com.au

I am on an endless mission to get effortless tousled 'french IT girl hair' that is done but has beautiful texture and volume. Toni and Guy's Rough Texturiser is instant cool tousled chic hair in a can. Applied to clean hair it gives volume and an un-done look, perfectly un-perfect hair. I've been loving it and have already repurchased my second can as I cannot live a day without it.

Indeed Labs Powdered Facial Exfoliator $34.99 available from www.priceline.com.au

Powder form exfoliators have been a staple in my skin care routine for a few years, but they are often very pricey for a small amount of powder. The Indeed Labs Powdered Exfoliator gives a lot of bang for minimal bucks! I've been also loving using it on my back in the shower to prevent any body break outs, because of the lower cost I am much more generous with applying the product. LOVE IT!

Dermalogia Skin Hydrating Masque $56.50 available from www.dermalogica.com.au

It is officially winter and my skin is on the verge of becoming a scaly dried out sultana! Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Masque is like giving thirsty dry skin a big drink of water, my skin soaks it up and feels plump and hydrated immediately after removing it. I've been applying it up to 4 times a week since the start of Winter and it has given my skin a lovely soft surface to apply my makeup on to getting rid of any uneven dry patches for foundation to cling to.

De Lorenzo Elements Extinguish Heat Protector $23.95 available from www.hairhousewarehouse.com.au

I have a secret....I am not a natural blonde! Sshhhh! I have a full head of foils every 6-8 weeks which makes my hair very weak and brittle, heat damage intensifies this even more so. De Lorenzo's Elements Extinguish Heat Protector not only protects my hair from blow drying, straightening and curling it has also improved the quality of my hair. Even if I am not heat styling my hair I have been spritzing it through my hair and brushing through as a de-tangler. Pick this baby up asap if you are using hot hair tools on your hair on a daily basis, you wont regret it.

Vitamin C

All day - Err day! Vitamin C fights colds and is an Anti-Aging super star!

Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner in Black $9.95 available from www.priceline.com.au

If you have two left hands and applying liquid eye liner scares the crap out of you, then let me introduce you to your new secret weapon Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner. The fine tipped brush is very easy to use, allowing you to paint on a very thin line or build up to a thicker winged liner look. At $9.95 this budget beauty banger is an affordable make up must have.

MAC Brow Duo Omega and Charcoal Brown $33.00 each available from www.maccosmetics.com.au

My brow game has gone up a notch this month with the discovery of MAC's Charcoal Brown shadow. I have used Omega to fill in my brows for about 2 years, but in the past month I have been mixing Omega with Charcoal Brown and it gives a lot more depth to my brows which gives the illusion of dreamy big bushy brows.

Favourite Jam of June

'Iggy Azalea - Fancy' has been on repeat for most of the month, love a bit of a cheesy pop tune to dance around my bedroom to whilst getting ready. 

xx Nella

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** I was kindly gifted these products for blog consideration. This did not, in any way, influence my opinion on the product. Please refer to my policy and disclaimer for more information.

BEAUTY YEAR BOOK : Best Beauty Products of 2013 : Makeup Round up!

MAKE UP!

BASE PRODUCTS:

Foundation:
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation $32.00 & Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation $105.00
2013 was all about discovering gel formula foundations for me, they melt into my naturally oily skin and don't separate like a more standard creamy foundation would. I love how they act like a second skin and not a mask. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum is an amazing foundation which is gives a light veil to the skin and is also very affordable considering how comparable it is to very high end brands of foundation. I have repurchased Healthy Mix maybe 3 times over 2013 and still love it to bits. When I used  Chantecaille Future Skin for the first time it was like discovering foundation all over again, it adapted to my skin and helped to control excess oil which blew my freakin' mind! It is a heavy coverage foundation and it encourages me to apply it correctly with a buffing brush and not my regular slap and dash job with my fingers. This is a foundation for lovers foundation, it's hefty price tag is going to be totally off putting to the majority of people but if you are interested in trying makeup formulated with skincare properties I would totally recommend it, super luxe and super science going hand in hand.
Bourjois available from www.priceline.com.au 
Chantecaille available from www.meccacosmetica.com.au

Concealer:
Mac Mineralize Concealer $38.00
This is ultra blendable and versatile, covering dark circles and spots like a pro! It has covered up the remnants of many hangovers over 2013 and for that I am forever grateful! Thanks Mac!
Available from www.maccosmetics.com.au

Powder:
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder $12.95
I am not the biggest fan of powder but if I had to choose one it would be Rimmel's Stay Matte Powder on the rare occasion in the dead of winter when I can attempt a matte finish to my dewy (oily) skin this is what I reached for.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

BB Cream:
Garnier BB Cream $13.99
Is the BB craze over yet? Please say yes. All I am going to say is I liked this Garnier BB Cream, the packaging is crap and it leaks everywhere.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

BRUSHES:

Real Techniques $10.95 - $39.95
All of them! Love them!
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Becca 'One Perfecting Brush' $65.00
This is the ultimate blending blush, after dabbing foundation on my face I use this Becca brush to blend it. The width of the brush allows a seamless finish able to blend foundation down your neck and over large areas.
Available from www.beccacosmetics.com.au


EYES:
Mascara 
Maybelline 'The Falsies' $19.95
When it comes to lashes, the bigger the better I say! The Falsies coats every lash, lengthening and thickening, it doesn't give you panda eyes throughout the day. I have bought about 4 tubes this year and I will continue to buy it because nothing else has compared.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Cream Eye Shadow
Maybelline 'Colour Tattoo' Bad to the Bronze. $11.95
2013 is the year I started to experiment with eye shadows, I really had no idea what I was doing. Colours in the crease, outer 'V' ?!? Say What?!? The Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'Bad To The Bronze' does it all, you can apply it with your fingers and it gives the illusion that you have gone to a lot of effort. I don't know when this pot is going to end but it has been going strong for about 7 months and it only has a tiny dent in the product.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Eyeliner
Rimmel 'Scandal Eyes' Liners $9.95
This is the creamiest and most pigmented eyeliner I have ever used, it glides onto your lids or waterline with ease and precision. I like to use the bronze liner blended out onto my lid as a subtle and pretty shadow, also lining my waterline makes the blue in my eyes pop - usually they are a merky greyish blue.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Powder Shadow
The Balm 'Over Shadow' in 'You buy, I'll Fly' $22.95
Loose shadows freak me out, I am absolutely terrified about spilling them and they are so tricky to apply because of the fall out. The Balm's Over Shadow's are very shimmery pretty and pigmented shadows which give that Studio 54 glossy shadow effect to the lid. I love 'em!
Available from www.davidjones.com.au


CHEEKS:
Bronzer:
The Body Shops 'Honey Bronzing Powder' in shade 1 $28.95
Being very fair skinned  - bronzer is a new thing to me, finding the right shade that doesn't resemble mud on my pale skin is really difficult. The Body Shop's Honey Bronzing Powder in shade 1 is dark enough to give the illusion of cheek bones and light enough that it doesn't look at all obvious and fake.
Available from www.thebodyshop.com.au

Blush:
Topshop Cream Blush in 'Neon Rose' $15.95
During 2013 blush was my number 1 splurge item, I got me some Tom Ford, some Burberry, some Chanel and you know what was my favourite? Topshop's cheap as chips cream blush in 'Neon Rose' it gives pale girls that Snow White flush of colour to your cheeks like you have just been for a stroll in the snow of laughed at a very rude joke.
Available from www.topshop.com

Highlighter:
Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal $60.00
Ohhhhh baby! Becca's Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector is a beauty! I was sent this to review and fell in love....then I dropped it and it completely shattered, devastating. It was my first ever smashed powder that I repaired with alcohol, you can read my step-by-step post HERE. This product is a Victoria's Secret model glow in a compact, it gives you cheek bones and a halo.
Available from www.beccacosmetics.com.au

LIPS:

Lipstick:
Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in colours 60 and 107 $11.95
It was all about a red lip in 2013, from bright pink based raspberry reds (colour 60) to dark wine plum red (number 107). Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Moss have been my absolute go to lippies this year the formula is creamy and easily applied and sets to a semi matte finish which has great lasting power. 
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Lipgloss:
YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in 'Fuschia' $50.00
2013 was the year of the Lip Stain, every brand was labelling new lip products 'stains' some did stain your lips and some were just terrible. YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stains were a revolutionary formula which is applied like a lipgloss and felt like a jelly on your lips and set to a glossy highly pigmented lip look, the gloss does wear off fairly quickly but your lips are completely stained with colour. YSL's packaging is pretty and posh, these were definitely a handbag essential for 2013.
Available from www.davidjones.com.au

Lip Balm:
Uriage Bariéderm Lévres $19.99
Uriage is my favourite french skincare range, every product is calming and soothing for irritated skin.
I have never been that girl who is constantly re-applying lip balm all day, for me I apply a thick layer of lip balm right before I go to sleep so my lips stay hydrated while I sleep. Scent, texture and taste is not what I look for in a lip balm, I love a balm which is repairing and moisturizing which is exactly what the  Uriage balm does.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Coming up next in the Beauty Year Book : Best skin care products of 2013...Wooohhhooo I'm back!

xxx Nella

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Crushed out on: Light Summer Base Products

 From left to right: Bare Minerals Stroke of Light $26.95, Mac Mineralize Concealer $38.00, Prevage Anti-Aging targeted skin tone corrector $168.00, Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream $13.99

Coming into summer I have completely changed up my base routine and foundation, scraping heavier products and any kind of powder because it just melts off my face in the hotter months. Here are the products that I have a big fat summer crush on: 

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Targeted Skin Tone Corrector $168.00

Available from www.feelunique.com

During summer my skin does this weird mottled redness thing, where any pigmentation or discolouration that I have decides now is the time to just come up and make my skin completely uneven. It is frustrating to say the least and all I want to do is cover it up with layers of foundation, but I have recently started using this fancy tone corrector (I am not typing out that silly long name again!) which has really helped. Any redness is immediately dulled and my skin has a very even look to it, I apply it after my moisturiser as a final skin care step before makeup and it also acts as a very thin veil like primer as well, which is good because I want to get the most out of this very expensive 30ml bottle of skin miracle god juice. 

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25 $38.00

Available from www.maccosmetics.com.au

This was bought about 4 months ago on a very hungover Sunday morning walking past a MAC counter I caught sight of my blue under eye circles and jumped in horror. NW25 is totally not my shade at all, but it is very orange based so when applying it to any blue dark circles it will cancel them out with the power of contrasting colour! 

Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector $13.99

Available from www.priceline.com.au

I had read heaps of reviews about the Garnier BB Cream comparing it to Chanel's Vitalumniere Aqua foundation, and on an impulse shopping whim last week at priceline I popped it into my basket. I am so glad that I did because it is freakin' amazing! It only comes in 2 shades which is complete bullshit - it makes me want to send Garnier a packet of the crayola skin coloured texta's with a note saying 'There are more than 2 shades of skin tone in the world babes!' Anyway if you do match one of the 2 shades available I would highly recommend trying this stuff out, it is extremely comparable to Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua in consistency and application. One application is sheer and it is able to be layered to give fuller coverage but still remains a thin veil on the face without looking or feeling cakey or thick.

Bare Minerals Stroke of Light Eye Highlighter $26.95

Available from www.meccacosmetica.com.au

The finale of summer base face, is this little gem from Bare Minerals. I apply it under my eyes very liberally, and blend out with fingers. It is the most brightening highlighter I have ever used, making my tired bags disappear like a magic trick. Heads up, this isn't a concealer so it needs to be applied post concealer and foundation if you have dark circles or it will just accentuate them.

Just a Miley space-bun selfie!

xxx Nella

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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.

Full ON lashes, Full ON lady!

Yesterday I woke up feeling totally blahhhh, like really blahhhhhhh. I knew the only want to snap myself out of this whirlpool of self-pitty and procrastination was to do my makeup, not just do my makeup but really DO my makeup!  

Starting with a heavier base than normal and then doing my eyebrows with precision and not just scraping some pencil through like normal, moving on I did my eyes like proper with the crease and everything then I was on such a roll I thought LASHES! Why not!?! So I popped on a bit of liner on  and then fiddled around trying to apply a pair of MAC #20 Half Lash numbers to the outer corners and boom! Instant lady, I felt amazing like I could flirt with every man in the world. I strutted around the house waiting for someone to notice but no one did, so me and my lashes went to the shops to buy some lunch and no one noticed either. I even took my lashes out for a run with me later that evening, my mood had completely altered from feeling like it was the worst day ever to being a productive day and it was all due to my mood lifting lashes. 

Here are a few lashes for newbies to the wonderful world of lashes:

MAC's #20's Half Lash $20.00

If you are unsure about using a full strip of lashes outer corner half-lashes are a great option, they are much easier to apply and giving length and flutter to the outer lash line while also opening up your eyes making them appear wider.

Available from MAC www.maccosmetics.com.au

Dolly Wink Lashes No.4 Feminine Style US$13.50

Lashes are extremely popular in the Asian beauty market, they can be simple verging on natural or played up as a big feature and very doll like. Dolly Wink is a big cosmetic brand across Japan, Korea and China available from pharmacies and cosmetic chains like Sasa. The No.4 lashes are longer than the Mac Half Lash they span 3/4 of your eye, they are extremely wispy and flirty. These are not natural looking, people will know you are wearing falsies but they are very flattering and cute.

Available from Sasa www.sasa.com and various Asian Beauty Supply Stores.

Shu Uemura Slant Lashes in black US$21.00

These are strictly big event lashes - unless you are a cast member on The Only Way is Essex because those girls would just wear these down the shops.

I like these for topping off a very perfected and precise winged liner a'la Jaime King in Hart of Dixie, for an updated 50's look. Shu Uemura offer lash application at their counters if you want to learn from the experts before attempting lash application yourself.

Available at Shu Uemura counters at David Jones and www.shuuemura-usa.com

Eylure Individual Lashes Black $14.99

These are first ever lashes I learnt to apply, my good friend Makeup Artist Molly Oakfield gave me a pair of tweezers, a packet of individual lashes and a tube of Duo glue pushed me towards the bathroom mirror showing me how to carefully place and stick these little guys and I was hooked! Single lash clusters are a good way of filling gaps in your natural lashes and building up the outer corners to create a more dramatic look. If you have naturally quite short lashes there are 3 sizes to chose from which is great and a lot easier to blend in with your natural shorter lashes. Only downside is that individual lashes are a lot harder to re-use than strip lashes.

Available from Priceline www.priceline.com.au 

Ardell Accent lashes #305 $7.95

These are full on pin up glamour styles, make sure you have loaded your lashes with mascara before applying these bad boys. I am pretty sure you could flirt all they way to heaven wearing these lashes.

Available from Crush Cosmetics www.crushcosmetics.com.au

Katy Perry Lashes created by Eylue 'Sweetie Pie' $14.99

Celebrity lash lines are big at the moment, Girls Aloud have one which is available on ASOS and it is also fab -  you too can look like Cheryl Cole/Tweedy with a simple lash application! I haven't tried Katy Perry's line of lashes yet but am desperate too, because I am obsessed with Katy Perry and her makeup at the moment, if anyone has seen the Katy Perry documentary 'Part of Me' you will get it, she completely transforms with makeup and they girl knows a good pair of lashes I'm sure.

Available from Priceline www.priceline.com.au

Millie Mackintosh Soho Lashes £8.99

Another celebrity lash line I am really excited to try out, Millie Mackintosh from the reality show 'Made in Cleasea' has surprisingly been the break out entrepreneur from the Chelsea set - although maybe not the most charismatic as you can see in the you tube video below. The lashes look very soft but definitely pump up the glamour and will give your eyes that certain false lash intensity which I love.

Available from www.nnouveaubeautygroup.com and coming soon to Selfridges in the UK.

                                   

Bronze like a boss!

Ok I will admit it - my bronzing technique up until now has been a total disaster, going back through my facebook photos to un-tag I was coming across some real mis-matching head to body skin tone doozies. After a lot of practising and trying to find the perfect bronzer for my skin tone I think I have pretty much mastered it now. Here is my step by step bronzing guide:

1. Apply your base I am still very pale because it is still winter so I have used Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in shade 52, it is a slightly matte finish which works well with powder bronzers. If you like a dewy finish then a cream bronzer would be better suited.

2. Oh there I am with my Real Techniques Blush Brush, this brush is great for bronzing because of the tapered brush head combined with the Stila Bronzing Powder in Shade 1 it is a match made in heaven for my fair skin.

3. When loading the brush with product use a very light hand to get the powder on the middle point of the brush hairs leaving the outer hairs clean, this will help blend the edges to give a more natural bronzed look rather than stripes of bronzer down your cheeks.

4. Using rounded sweeping motions apply the bronzer to your neck and jaw line first working up the face - This will ensure a matching neck and face. Next focus on the hollows of your cheek, making a fishy- face to make it easier to find them if you have chubby cheeks like me. Lightly around your temples and lastly blending up into your hair line on your forehead. To make sure your bronzing is seamless using a large powder brush blend the areas where you applied your bronzer.

5. Ta-da! Have you been to a health retreat in Hawaii? No I just learnt how to use my bronzer silly!

PRODUCTS

Real Techniques Blush Brush $24.00 available from www.priceline.com.au

Stila Bronzing Powder in Shade 1 available from www.meccacosmetica.com.au

If you have pale skin, most bronzers will be too dark for you try using a muted neutral blush as a contour shade like Mac's Gingerly or Harmony Powder Blush's $41.00. www.maccosmetics.com.au

Beauté Profile : Romance Was Born's Anna Plunkett

Bumping into Anna on Oxford St below her studio, where we had arranged to meet I was super excited to see all the beauty favorites she had brought along to show me. But as we are waiting to get a fresh juice (beetroot, ginger and carrot) I notice she has barely anything on her face, her skin is glowing, her naturally blue eyes framed with a small amount of mascara and she has her signature bright lip on. Anna's style is usually what she is noticed for clashing silk prints from her own label Romance Was Born which she designs with business partner Luke Sales. Her hair is on a rainbow rotation at the moment changing every couple of weeks to which ever colour she feels like, with such intense colour and bleaching a treatment every 2 weeks at Oscar and Oscar salon keeps her hair as healthy as it can be. Monthly facials at Millk Studios would be ideal but it is more like 'Whenever I can get there'. The first time I saw OPI's Mod about you was on Anna's nails, which are rarely not painted and they have the distinct glossy top coat of a Sexy Nails devotee. Bikram yoga is very important to Anna - I wish it was more important to me, she practices 2-3 times a week at The center of Yoga sweatin' it out and staying centered.

Anna's Favorite Things:

Aesop Catherine Oil Burner Blend

'Burning this oil in the studio it has really soothing citrus smell that we have become fond of. Our friend Tess who works at Aesop got us onto it'

Aesop Rose Moisture Facial Hydrosol:

'We have this in the studio for whenever we need a pick me up!'

Aesop APC Poo Drops:

'Actually a close friend put me onto these after I was complaining about a certain person always doing #2's before I need to use the bathroom - Pretty funny!'

Aesop Fabulous Facial Oil

'My skin is combination and makeup dries it out, when it is feeling like it needs a lift I use a couple of drops of this in the morning or before I put a face on at night if I'm going somewhere.'

All Aesop available from www.aesop.com

Aveda Light The Way Candle

'This is a lavender soy wax candle, it's always nice to have a candle burning when we are working. As long as we remember to blow it out, there was a really close call unrelated to us down the road and we are super conscious of it now.'

www.aveda.com available from Aveda salons.

GHD Ultimate Hairspray

'Morning, noon or night, you never know when you will need to tame the fly aways. A little thing I do is spritz the end of a finally toothed comb to shape my thick eyebrows in place, works a treat for the Brooke Shields look! Ghd have nailed the Ultimate hairspray and they have ideally named it!'

Ghd available from www.ghdhair.com

Lavera Rose Body Spray

'I try to avoid aluminium based deodorant and I was really struggling with a tea tree oil one I used to get at the supermarket, but my book keeper put me onto this one. It's not a hardcore repellent but I think its a good alternative to regular deodorants.' 

www.lavera.com Lavera is available from health food stores.

Chanel Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum

'I like any Chanel fragrance really, and it's all I like to wear - I consider myself a Chanel girl. Since a very young age my Auntie always wore Chanel fragrances and she gave them to us for Christmas. My favorite is Allure but I have recently fallen in love with Beige.'

www.chanel.com

Chanel Mademoiselle and Allure fragrances available from Chanel counters.

Chanel Beige exclusively available at Chanel Boutiques.

MAC 

'My friend Tessy told me the other day she thought she was sitting next to a mermaid (me!) and that made me really happy. I love MAC makeup, the pigments are so super spot on for colours, recently been loving the moonlight Pink Opal iridescent pigment - it reminds me of the finish of white pearls. For the mermaid look I like to dab it on my finger (not sure if that's is the right way, but its my way!) and dab it on the high moons of my cheeks up to the brow bone. Glitter on your eyes is always a good quick effective trick. My favorite lippy is MAC's Dear Diary, it is the best party girl colour ever. Even in Winter I like to wear sunscreen so Mac's Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 is good for a bit of coverage when the suns not too crazy. We all need to look after our skin now to avoid botox in the future, not that I ever would!'

pigment in Pink Opal and Pink Glitter, Studio Moisture Tint in Light, Dear Diary pro long wear creme lipstick from the Beth Ditto Collection.

All available at www.maccosmetics.com.au

Modern Classics: Essex Girls

The Essex girl stereotype started in the early in the 80's and is now defined by the characters from the reality show The Only Way Is Essex. This aesthetic may not appeal to you and you might be revolted by the amount of makeup and fake eyelashes that these girls like to wear. To me the Essex girls look like they are having a lot of fun and if fake tans and eyeliner makes them feel confident then what does it really matter? Whether you feel naked walking out of the house without your tinted moisturizer or if its 3 sets of lashes its all the same! My love of makeup is an obsession and I am kind of jealous that these girls pile it on when I am worried if i blended in my BB cream and natural eye shadows seamlessly. So what does it take to be an Essex Girl?

Nars Bronzer in Casino $55.00

If you want the Essex look, then go in hard with the bronzer and don't stop. This isn't a contour this is an ALL over application with the biggest brush you've got.

Ardell Lashes in Demi Flare $7.95

It looks like the Essex girls wear about 2 or 3 pairs at once, but if you are a newbie to the fake lash then just try a single set. This is the cherry on top to their signature smokey-eye look.

Mac Lipstick in Hue $36.00

You want to go for anything that will make your lips look bigger. Nude lipstick is a must and like everything else on their faces this isn't subtle, although its called 'nude' this isn't meant to look natural at all.

Urban Decay Naked Palette £32.00

This palette is an A-Z in smokey shimmery colours and it looks like the Essex girls apply all of them AT ONCE. 

St Tropez Mouse Self Tan $58.80

There is a difference between a Jersey Shore tan and an Essex girl tan and its called class! These girls know how to blend a tan like no-one else - it may be a shade of bronze that is not humanly possible to achieve but it is always blended out into hairlines quite well. I am presuming they go for spray tans then top up with a little St. Tropez tanning mouse with a mitt in between sprays.

This post is for my favorite Essex girl of all time Alison Lennard xoxo

A foundation guide for ALL skin types.

There is a misconception by women that foundation is a product which is very masking or too heavy for their skin. At the moment there are so many different types of foundation available from very sheer to complete full coverage so something for everyone. Here are some tips on finding the right foundation for you:

- When buying a high end or expensive foundation ask for samples of two colours you think are the closest to your skin tone and test them over a couple of days and in different lights. I have been mismatched by cosmetics counter babes too many times and I have put it down to the horrific un-natural lighting in department stores OR if you don't have the time to the foundations at home, ask for an application of 2 shades one on either side of your face and then go outside and check which you like best in natural light.

- If you are expecting to be photographed (i.e your just very popular or its your wedding day) steer clear of foundations with SPF's as they can cast white on the skin and reflect the flash in a weird way

-Expensive or very cheap it doesn't matter if it matches your skin, if it does what you need it to do then its a good foundation for you.

-Change your foundation seasonally, in Summer use a light coverage with high SPF and in Winter use a hydrating foundation. You also maybe 2 different colours a couple of shade difference between Summer and Winter depending on if you tan or not.

-Choose a foundation based on your skin type not on what you want your skin to look like, everyone want perfect skin duh:

Combination Skin: Medium coverage light reflecting illuminating foundation 

Oily Skin: Oil free Medium coverage foundation and a mattifying finish

Dry Skin: A hydrating foundation with a light coverage and illuminating properties and a dewy finish

Acne Prone Skin: Water based oil free fragrance free foundation all over and then a full coverage on problem areas

Aged Skin: Medium coverage which is hydrating without giving a shiny finish

Young/Teen Skin: Sheer tint to let the natural qualities show through the foundation

SHEER COVERAGE:
If you want a dewy glow to your skin and a sheer amount of coverage a tinted moisturizer is probably your best product pick. Tinted moisturizers are not buidable because they soak into the skin and hydrate, if you want more coverage in certain areas then do a little spot concealing and finish with a setting powder.
COVERAGE: 
Slightly even out skin tone
WEAR TIME:

2-3 hours, longer if you powder definitely not a full day                                            

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer $59.00

2. Clarins Hydraquench Tined Moisturizer $48.00

3. Face of Australia Tined Moisturizer $11.95

4. Garnier Mirecal Skin Perfecter $11.70

5. Stila Sheer Colour Tined Moisturizer $55.00

LIGHT COVERAGE:
Somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a traditional foundation are water based foundations. They give a light amount of coverage and are buildbale, if you want a long wear time out of these foundations make sure to use a primer and a powder on top. If you have blemish prone skin a water based foundation (or an oil free) is great for you just also make sure it is fragrance free.
COVERAGE: 
Evens out skin tones and redness, slight imperfections and pore appearance
WEAR TIME:
3-6 Hours with Powder, longer if your skin isn't oily.

1. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua $75.00

2. Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid $68.00

3. Nars Sheer Glow $68.00

4. Mac Face and Body $60.00

5. Natio Skin Sheer Foundation $17.25

 MEDIUM COVERAGE:

These are traditional foundations, most chemist brands fall into this category. Rich in constancy and formulated to give you all over coverage. If don't wear powder and want foundation which is slightly matte in appearance these guys are for you. Buildable but formulated as a one stop shop for a base, fuss free. 

COVERAGE:

Dark Circles, slight pigmentation, blemishes, redness, slight scaring, freckles, sun spots

WEAR TIME:

5-9 Hours only powder if you have very oily skin otherwise it can look cakey

1. Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer $78.00
2. Bourjois Healthy Mix & Healthy Mix Serum $29.00
3. Rimmel Wake Me Up $19.95
4. Lancome Teint Miracle $68.00

FULL COVERAGE:

If you want to look like an extra on The Only Way is Essex or If you have acne scaring of very contrasting pigmentation and want to cover it up completely then try a full coverage foundation on effected areas then blend it out with a medium coverage to the areas not effected. Full coverage foundations can be quite thick and need to be blended into the skin really well to give a natural appearance.

COVERAGE: 

Pigmentation, scaring, blemishes, pores, redness, rosacea, acne bumps, freckles, birth marks, sun spots

WEAR TIME:

6-9 hours, just be careful if you do have acne that oil doesn't break through.    

1. Vichy Dermablend Smooth Indulgence  $49.05

2. Estee Lauder Double Wear $68.00

3. Revlon ColourStay $26.70

4. Ella Baché Sunguard  $46.00

*Please note all prices are in Australian dollars at recommended retail prices.