Thursday, May 16, 2013

Makeup at the 2013 Met Gala!

This year's Met Gala punk theme had me so excited, not just for the fashion and accessories, but because of the extra risk celebrities could take in their makeup. Here are some of the looks I loved (and hated, but thought that they embraced the trend) and, where possible, the products/brands used to achieve them.


Emmy Rossum's makeup artist Jo Baker used NYX Cosmetics to create her bold makeup look. Says Jo: “Emmy’s look was a mixture of beautiful femininity and rock ‘n’ roll edginess with her romantic gown and bold eye makeup,”


I actually loved these bold eyebrows on Teresa Palmer. I doubt many people would be able to pull off such a look, but it was a nice way to add a touch of punk to her look.


Oh, Cara! She looks so effortless, like she has smudged on some black eyeliner and ran out of the house. Amazing.


I love the burgundy shadow used on Kristen Stewart. It really makes her green eyes pop!


For Emily Blunt's bold eye look, her makeup artist Jenn Streicher used NARS Satin Lip Pencil in the bright pink shade, Jardin des Plantes and topped the pencil with a powder blush (also from NARS) in the colour Desire.


Ginnifer Goodwin's makeup artist used Laura Mercier products to achieve her goth glam look. The three key products were Laura Mercier Eye Shadow in Noir and Black Ice and Laura Mercier Eye Pencil in Black Violet.


Mad Men star Jessica Pare must share the same makeup artist as Ginnifer Goodwin, if their similar eye looks are anything to go by! Definitely not a look I would wear on a regular basis, but it is definitely a cool interpretation of the punk theme.

Who's makeup look was your favourite of the night?

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

BYS Glitter Dust For Nails - Blizzard In Banff Swatches & Review


Everyone loves the look of glitter nail polish right? Well, I certainly do. It's no secret that 3D nail looks are getting more and more popular, so I thought I'd dabble in perhaps the easiest form possible.

Friday, May 10, 2013

Blog Birthday Bonanza: OPI GIVEAWAY

Today is day five of my week of giveaways to celebrate my blog's third birthday!

I'll be giving away a fabulous prize pack from OPI today.

As with the rest of the giveaways this week, you have until Monday 13th May at 9am to enter. I will be drawing the winners shortly after.

How to enter:
  • Make sure you are following me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
  • Leave a comment either on this post or on my Facebook page telling me what your favourite thing about my blog is, and what you would like to see more of.
  • Make sure you include your email address in your comment.
The giveaways are open to Australian residents only. (*sorry international readers*)      

Thanks so much to everyone who has entered the giveaways so far. Good luck to you all!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Blog Birthday Bonanza: NIVEA & ORLY Giveaway!

Sorry for the delayed giveaway post today! I was out all day away from my desk. Make sure you check out the giveaways from the last few days as well as they are all running until Monday at 9am.

Up for grabs is a fabulous prize pack featuring products from Nivea and Orly, two of my faves!

The following products will be included in the pack:









How to enter:
  • Make sure you are following me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
  • Leave a comment either on this post or on my Facebook page telling me what your favourite thing about my blog is, and what you would like to see more of.
  • Make sure you include your email address in your comment.

I will be drawing all the winners on Monday 13th May, 2013.


The giveaways are open to Australian residents only. (*sorry international readers*)

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

The Met Gala 2013: Best Dressed

The theme was Punk: Chaos to Couture and boy, did the stars bring it!

Here are my picks for best dressed...

Cara Delevingne in Burberry
This Brit model looked amazing in her Burberry gown, which was perhaps the most 'punk' of them all with all those spikes! Love it.

Anne Hathaway in vintage Valentino
Anne Hathaway looked incredible in black vintage Valentino. She's been taking some fashion risks lately and I love it!


Rooney Mara looked amaze in white Givenchy Haute Couture.

Taylor Swift in J Mendel
Quite the departure for Tay Tay. She has tried to sex up her look before, but tended to seem like she was trying to hard. This frock is dark and glam and suits her frame.

Blake Lively in Gucci
It's good to see Blake back on the red carpet. Since she married Ryan Reynolds it seems she's hardly been in the public eye. Love the fit of this dress on her.

Amanda Seyfried in vintage Givenchy
I love that Amanda went for such a bold print, I'm so sick of seeing her in pretty pastels that blend in with her skin tone! She looks great!

Kate Beckinsale in Alberta Ferretti
While not exactly what I picture when I think of punk, this is a pretty colour on her and shows off her awesome figure.

Beyonce in Givenchy Haute Couture
 Queen Bey is looking as fierce as always.

Nicole Richie in Topshop
 Yes, Nicole dyed her hair grey/silver/lilac (depending on what photos you're looking at). Now that's dedication! I think this would have looked amazing on someone with fair skin, on Nicole however it is extremely harsh. Props to her for trying something different though. Love the dress on her.

Sarah Jessica Parker in a Giles Deacon gown and Philip Treacy headpiece

SJP is always the one to watch at the annual Met Costume Gala. Girlfriend brings it every.single.year!

Who made it on to your best dressed list this year? Stay tuned for my WORST dressed list...

Blog Birthday Bonanza: Hump Day Giveaway!

Happy hump day, everyone! Today is day three of my week of giveaways and I have four awesome prizes up for grabs!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out my giveaways from Monday and Tuesday.



NVEY ECO Eye Colour Page - Eye Shadow Palette, Cake Eyeliner (value $105.90)



Organix Awapuhi Ginger Hair Care Pack (Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisture Mask, value $59.97)


Vani-T Brazilian Bronze Tanning Mousse and Bronzing Mitt (value $51.90) 


When Essence Gel Mask The Last Choice Box Set (value $39.95 - 4 masks)

How to enter:
  • Make sure you are following me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
  • Leave a comment either on this post or on my Facebook page telling me what your favourite thing about my blog is, and what you would like to see more of.
  • Make sure you include your email address in your comment.

I will be drawing all the winners on Monday 13th May, 2013.


The giveaways are open to Australian residents only. (*sorry international readers*)

Good luck!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Blog Birthday Bonanza: Elizabeth Arden Giveaway!

If you happened to catch yesterday's post, you will know that I am hosting a week of giveaways to celebrate my blog turning three! If you missed it, check it out here.

Today is day two and I have another exciting prize to give away to one of my lucky readers!

Up for grabs is a 30 ml Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum which is valued at a whopping $250!



Elizabeth Arden Prevage® Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum is clinically proven to immediately improve the appearance of deep wrinkles, skin firmness, age spots and luminosity of skin. With continued use the serum helps improve the visible signs of ageing caused by free radicals and cellular inflammation, even out the skin tone and supports the skin’s natural collagen to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

How to enter:
  • Make sure you are following me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
  • Leave a comment either on this post or on my Facebook page telling me what your favourite thing about my blog is, and what you would like to see more of.
  • Make sure you include your email address in your comment.

Each day I will post a new competition. Once you have entered a competition for one prize, you will automatically be eligible for other prizes throughout the week, so there is no need to enter each individual competition. I will be drawing all the winners on Monday 13th May, 2013.

Competitions are open to Australian residents only. (*sorry international readers*)

Good luck!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Blog Birthday Bonanza: A Week Of Giveaways!


A few weeks ago, this little old blog turned three years old! Can you believe it? I certainly can't! It's been a lot of time and hard work that I've put into this website, and I am so grateful for every opportunity it has given me.

To say thanks to you, my readers, I wanted to celebrate my blog's birthday by hosting a week of giveaways!

First up, Schwarzkopf are kindly offering three amazing prize packs comprising of their new Ultimate Oil Elixir range. I've actually been trialling these products over the last couple of weeks and so far, I am loving them.


How to enter:
  • Make sure you are following me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
  • Leave a comment either on this post or on my Facebook page telling me what your favourite thing about my blog is, and what you would like to see more of.
  • Make sure you include your email address in your comment.

Each day I will post a new competition. Once you have entered a competition for one prize, you will automatically be eligible for other prizes throughout the week, so there is no need to enter each individual competition. I will be drawing all the winners on Monday 13th May, 2013.

Thank you for your continued support & comments over the years. It is very much appreciated!

Good luck, everyone!

Note: Competition is only open to Australian residents.

Manicure Monday: Illamasqua UV Nail Varnish - Séance

Illamasqua Paranornal UV Nail Varnish - Séance

Last week I was lucky enough to attend a beauty bloggers event to celebrate the Australian launch of Illamasqua's latest collection, Paranormal.

As one of my favourite beauty brands, Illamasqua always seem to release unique and innovative collections, so I was beyond excited to see what they had come up with this time!

Today I'll just be talking about the brand's latest nail polish collection, the Limited Edition UV Nail Varnish.

The collection features three new shades and a top coat that all glow under UV black light, revealing a new colour that the naked eye cannot see. Very cool.


The colours are Ouija (bright pink), Séance (bright violet), Omen (bright green) and Geist
(clear/glow).

I had the opportunity to get my nails painted on the night and I chose the colour Séance. It is a gorgeous, shimmery shade that was completely opaque in one smooth coat. I found that the polish dried to an ever so slightly matte finish, but with a huge amount of beautiful shimmer. When I checked my nails under a UV light, the shade flashed a pinky orange, which was amazing.

Overall I think the UV Nail Varnishes are a pretty cool concept, although for day to day wear, the fact that they are UV polishes is kind of pointless. Regardless, they are gorgeous colours and I plan on wearing Séance again this week!

The UV Nail Varnishes are available now and retail for $22.50 here in Australia.

What do you think of my Monday manicure? Are you going to try out the UV polishes?

Thursday, May 2, 2013

SKYY VODKA is looking for a new face!



TO THE LOUD ONES
TO THE ONES WHO LIVE FULL VOLUME

TIME TO TURN IT UP!


Do you want to be the new face of SKYY VODKA's outdoor advertising campaign? Well, now is your chance!



Tonight and tomorrow night at The Ivy, members of the public have the opportunity to have their photos taken and enter this incredible competition.



The winner of the campaign will win $1000 cash and the chance to become the face of SKYY VODKA's 'Live Out Loud'
campaign.






Key elements of the ‘Live Full Volume’ campaign:

  • Be a star at the SKYY Vodka photo booth and receive a copy of your ‘full volume’ photo
  • Your photo will be uploaded to facebook.com/SKYYVodkaAU
  • If you’re 25 years and over, show the world how you Live Full Volume by creating and customising your personal LoudBook, an online photo book of your fantastic life
  • Share the link to your LoudBook with your friends and get them to vote for you
  • Three (3) major prizewinners will be selected by a panel of judges. Each winner will have their image appear in SKYY Vodka advertising plus win $1,000 cash, SKYY product and a one year subscription to RUSSH magazine
  • The LoudBook with the most public votes will win a SKYY Vodka Kit which includes $1000 cash, a one year subscription to RUSSH magazine and SKYY product
  • Voters can also enter the drawing for their chance to win a bottle of SKYY every day throughout the promotion
    'Live Full Volume' SKYY Vodka Campaign 
    When: Thursday 2nd May 9pm-11pm 
    Where: Ivy Pool, level 4, Building 2, 320 George Street, Sydney 
    When: Friday 3rd May- 7pm- 11pm
    Where: Lawn Bar, Level 2, Building 1, 320 George St, Sydney

Could you be the next face of SKYY Vodka? Check out facebook.com/SKYYVodkaAU for full terms and conditions as well as dates and locations for the SKYY photo booths in your capital city.

SKYY Vodka is available at leading liquor retailers nationally (RRP $38.99 for 700ml bottle). For stockists, please call 1800 856 939.

I'll be there tonight, so if you decide to pop down for your chance to win, come and say hi!