Here, I am reviewing the Benefit Mascara which is called “They’re real!” and the “POREfessional” Balm.

The “POREfessional” pore minimising balm is like a primer of sorts which you put on after applying moisturiser. This helps layer the primer to create a smooth and silky effect.

Here is my hand without any magic pore reducing balm:

And here is my hand after:

The main thing here is the skin appears smoother as the balm minimises the appearance of pores. Imagine what it can do on your nose! Velvety finish

To read more on this ‘top secret’ product click here

You can watch a video, read reviews and see ratings.

RRP $53

Can be purchased at Myer Benefit counters and online. (They also have a brow bar in most stores! )

I’ve put some of this balm on under my foundation in the morning and you can see it in the photos coming up later on.

Now Mascara time. This “They’re Real!” Mascara is really interesting because it looks like an ordinary mascara, but when I put it on this morning my lashes almost grew. It doesn’t happen after just one coat as I have short lashes normally, but over a couple of coats you can really see the difference.

The key is the multi faceted brush.

I’ve used mascaras with this brash before but this one seems to be doing a much better job!

If I didn’t know any better and just looking at this photo I’d think I had lash extensions

(Forgive my bad lighting photography and late night make up look)

If this mascara can lengthen my shorty lashes so, imagine what it can do for naturally long lashes. Those would be mistaken for falsies for sure!

This one is definitely a fave!

RRP $38

Purchase here or go to a Benefit counter at Myer stores. (The girls are really friendly and helpful!)

What’s your favourite all time mascara product?

x

(Read my previous Benefit blog post here)

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Travelling and shopping rolled into one is an activity that is quite hard to accomplish. It is hard to savor your stay in one place if your eyes get hypnotized by the beautiful dresses in a shop or boutique. But there’s one way you can do both. That is, if you find the best places that not only boasts the most scenic landmarks but are also home to the most fashionable stores. Recently, CNBC and retail industry analyst Tobe Report provided a list of the world’s best cities for shopping. The list is based on the latest fashions and bargains, number of boutiques, and each city’s diverse culture.

First of all, the list did not take anything away from online shopping. It is nice to be in front of your computer browsing through gorgeous diamond encrusted engagement rings and stunning stilettos for fun while waiting for your dresses to be delivered right to your doorsteps. Still, nothing beats the feeling of being in the middle of a fashion district. So, without further ado, here are the top 10 best shopping cities in the world as described by Tobe Report:

· Melbourne – known as the Milan of Australia. Its Swanton Street has a multitude of trendy vintage stores, bargain shopping and one-of-a-kind pieces
· Paris – the home of Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermes, and Balenciaga
· Hong kong – this Asian city is all about luxury, convenience, and exclusive merchandise
· Austin, Texas – this city is known for the store {By George} that carries rare brands Kick Pleat, Eliza Page (which sells local and independent jewelry), and specialty denim shop Hem Jeans
· Los Angeles – simply because this is where Hollywood is
· London – shopping centre and the fashion style of the Royal family
· New York – homes numerous designer labels. It is also the centre for many glamorous events and first class restaurants
· Copenhagen – Strøget is the world’s longest pedestrian street where stores like Prada, Chanel and Louis Vuitton are proudly built
· Philadelphia – where exclusive brands are, and most of all, no sales tax on clothing and shoes
· Milan – boasts a “well-curated range of brands”

Would you agree with this report? What’s your favourite city to shop in?

x

On my recent trip to Priceline (there is no recent trips – I just live there! lol)

I found my solution – a shimmer compact from SHE makeup brand.

The top half is a pretty pink for highlight – looks like blush but in reality works really well with olive skin as a highlight for eyes.

The bottom half is a cooler pink blush which can be used on just the apples of your cheeks.

The strip in the middle is a beautiful gold for occasions which require a bit more of a sparkle. (I used it recently for a dance performance at Sydney Bachata Festival).

Another purchase of mine, or more accurately 5 items of the same thing, was perfume.

I always carry a sample of perfume with me in my handbag but they usually runout fairly quick. These bottles are 4.9ml and smell exactly like D&G Light Blue

This is how small the bottles are:

Love it!

What are your favourite Priceline buys?

x

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Even if you’re not a heights person, I would recommend you try this awesome activity!

The ascent is very gentle and same with the descent. I love heights, so for me it’s a great activity. This one was a surprise birthday gift for Hubby’s 30th birthday! We spent the long easter weekend in the hunter and Sunday morning bright and early ascended into the sky. 6.15am to be exact!

This is the balloon – all spread out and prepped for the journey:

Luckily it didn’t rain because Balloons don’t fly when its bad weather, so I was keeping my fingers crossed the entire Saturday hoping the weather gods would be kind to us!

The whole experience was a surprise I planned for my hubby’s 30th and we had a fantastic weekend at the Hunter. One of my fave places to visit on a long weekend. Aah the serenity!

Balloon Aloft made the whole morning amazing! There were about 14 people in total in the basket with us but you don’t feel like you can’t enjoy yourself. Everyone stays in their basket compartments and the flight is very smooth.

Here are the other 2x balloons lifting up into the air:

While flying over the Hunter, we saw lots of green pastures, farms, vineyards, lazy cows and curious kangaroos who looked up at us as we passed them up above. So cute! Generally its just a beautiful landscape to be looking over – especially early in the morning when everything is so still.

Views:

We had to participate in the packing away of the balloon at the end of the journey (once landed) but before it was fully folded up, we took photos inside the massive colourful balloon interior.

Afterwards we were driven back to the starting point – Peterson Champagne House, for some bubbly and brekkie. (which was all very good!)

Petersons Champagne House is beautiful:

It was a great experience and something different to do, not far from Sydney!

x

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There are about 7 different steps which you must do every night in order to keep your skin healthy and glowing. Its not an easy task but if you stick to this routine, I guarantee a dramatic improvement in your skin tone, suppleness and glow.

Step 1: Cleanse

After you’ve removed all of your make up (thoroughly) a good cleanser is super important. If you have oily skin use a gel based wash. For dry skin, a sensitive cream version is better.

Oily skin try:

Shu Uemura Pu:re Nu Cleansing Oil-in-gel 100ml

I use the Shu Uemura cleansing oil and the Garnier Cleanser gel interchangeably.

For dry skin try ( I used to use this one – its really good!) Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser

So super gentle!

Step 2: Tone

If you ever get lazy and don’t want to follow all the steps, the 3 key ones to stick to (like a rock!) are 1. Cleanse 2. Tone 3. Moisturize

Does not matter what brand but if you are trying to maintain a balanced skin tone, trying to eliminate shine, controlling break outs, try and use something which has a bit of alcohol. A bit will not hurt you and won’t be drying if you use the right moisturiser. Toner helps pick up the dirt,oil and grime that your cleanser won’t (and trust me – your cleanser will not do 100% of the job – ever).

Apply a bit of toner to your demak pad and wipe gently the areas of your face which are the most oily. These are usually your T-zone, around your nose, chin and forehead. Have a look at the demak pad and you’ll see the dirt and oil which your cleanser did not pick up. Do you really want to go to bed with that stuff still on your face? I don’t think so!

We live in very polluted areas, the outside is full of dust, car pollution and grime you might not notice, so its very important to use toner to pick up the last of all that bad stuff which lands on your beautiful face!

My toner is:

Biore triple action astringent

I think they might have re-branded and the product now has a blue bottle like this

It still should do the same job though as the ingredients should be the same.

Step 3: Apply emulsion

What is emulsion you might ask? Its basically a very basic and light form of moisturiser – like a milky liquid. This is applied first to your clean face so that it gets absorbed really well by the open pores.

I use the Missha Marine Stem Cell Control Emulsion

Missha cosmetics are very affordable and they have a big range of products available in Australia which is great. I frequent the 455 George st store often in Sydney. Its right inside the QVB (Ground level).

Step 4: Apply Serum

Serums are a more concentrated form of moisture and help seal in the emulsion which is to keep your skin hydrated throughout the night.

I use the Missha Super Aqua Pore Ideal Serum

Its very light and refreshing so won’t leave any heavy residue.

Step 5: Use an anti-age moisturiser or treatment

If you’re in your mid twenties or higher, the truth is you need to start using anti-age products. Prevention of wrinkles and sun damage is better than treatment of these things which are practically irreversible without surgery. So to keep yourselves looking youthful, try and invest in an anti-age moisturiser (some of them are not very cheap unfortunately) and make it a habit to apply every night before bed.

I use the Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Moisturiser

Its affordable and has Retinol SA which is basically one of the only ingredients in anti-age treatment that have been proven to actually work. (Another one is Vitamin C).

This product doesn’t have a fantastic smell, I’ll tell you straight away – but thats one of the signs that its got real Retinol in it.

You can tell a retinol product is going to do its job when the moisturiser/treatment comes in a tube or bottle which are NOT see through as retinol becomes ineffective when exposed to light. And if the smell is not ‘nice’. Then you have yourself a winner

Step 6: Use eye cream/treatment

No one I know gets enough sleep and rest these days. We are always running on empty and our sleep depravation and energy lows result in puffy eyes and dark circles. Apply an eye cream or serum for under eyes to help keep them looking fresh.

I use the RICH skincare Caffeine Eye Serum

If you need an alternative. It is not as potent and I find its more for puffy eyes than dark circles or treating wrinkles:

Clinique All About Eyes

Step 7: Apply face oil/body oil

I put body oil because you can also use Bio Oil - only use a bit as its quite heavy.

I use my Parisian beauty buy ( blog post on my other Paris beauty buys here)

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse 

Its fantastically light, has a delightful fragrance and is a French beauty essential. I bought 2 bottles, one is a plain oil and the other has sparkles

You use oil to seal in the moisture from previous steps 3 to 7.

Your skin will love you if you repeat all these steps religiously and you’ll notice results straight away. There won’t be as much need to put on primer before your foundation as your skin will be a perfect palette for make up without it.

Let me know your beauty tips and I hope you enjoyed this post!

x

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The Swedish multi-national retail company is hitting the shores of Australia. Starting with Sydney!

The planned first store is in the cards for 2014 and I am super excited!

Through my travelling around Dubai, Paris and Singapore, I’ve probably frequented the H&M stores more often than the iconic Zara.

So I am looking forward to the launch in Aus!

Latest love -

Jeffrey Campbell Soiree Clear Heel

RRP $125

I found some on Urban Outfitters but don’t think they have the size I need in the style I want (story of my life).

The clear strap version comes in my size but I am not a fan of these – there are some images of people wearing them but it doesn’t inspire me

There is also an option in beige

But my favourite ones are the black version with a gradient heel:

Taking the trend of the perspex heel on but not too over the top.

If anyone knows where I can get these, pls comment below!

xx

Her style is impeccable and inside and out she is the most beautiful person.

A global fashion model and a person with the biggest heart.

Natalya founded a charity called the Naked Heart Foundation when she was only 22 and this organisation helps bring children a bit of happiness by building playgrounds around Russia.

“Our mission – to ensure that every child has a loving family, and a safe and stimulating place to play, the two things essential for a happy, fulfilling childhood. If each of us contributes, our children’s lives can be transformed!”

On top of running this charity, Natalya is a mother of three and a talented business woman who manages to balance the best of both worlds and looks at her best all the time.

This dress is impeccably gorgeous and the red shoes add a very sophisticated and playful edge

Sleek city style

Gorgeous business woman

Feminine lace

Each simple and elegant dressed is dressed up with colourful stilettos – perfect combination!

A loving mother

I think her style is the most simple, sophisticated and unique. By far one of my favourite fashion icons and people!

I wish more people were like her.

x

I am a sucker for beauty product as you know, and free sampling sounds like an awesome way to try the products I am considering buying without being disappointed with purchase.

You enter some details and postal address into the fields on the site, pick your product that you wish to try out and in a couple of days its at your door in a cute package! Easy!

I received my Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner sample and have already tried them out. The products smell amazing and the sizes are not tiny, they don’t come in saches (horrible!) and the bottles are an awesome travel size!

The full site launches on the 19th of March. A the moment its just P&G products that you can sample but apparently soon you’ll be able to sample any brand products on the website.

What a cool idea!

I’ll be looking out for more things to sample and will let you know! At the moment there is a limit of 1 early bird sample per person, but waiting for the full site launch mid month to find out more!

xx

Found this old Cue dress which used to get a lot of compliments. It’s very simple, silk, just at the knee skirt and no embellishments

I guess its a perfect casual dress.

The hair came about spontaneously. I couldn’t get it to style properly, even with Moroccanoil. Must have been all the hours I had it tied up in a messy bun. So I came up with a chignon but because I don’t own a hair donut, it had to be done to the best of my ability with hair clips and hair ties. I did use a looooot of hairspray!

The result:

I wore this awesome necklace – has an Arabic, middle eastern flair to it! Coming soon to KUSHLA.com.au

Love it!
xx

Hairspray: VO5

Dress: Cue

Shoes: ZU shoes

Necklace: KUSHLA.com.au