Beauty Focus: Leighton Meester

As the face of both Herbal Essences and Vera Wang's latest fragrance release Lovestruck, Leighton Meester is no novice on what it takes to look good on camera. Although the infamous Blair Waldorf (played by Meester in the hit teen drama Gossip Girl) may prefer high end haulage Leighton likes to grab bargains at her local drugstore! “One of the joys of my job is being able to try all different products, but if I can spend a lot less on something, I’d rather do that.” She tells People magazine.


Not afraid to rock minimal/no makeup and a cozy pair of sweats every once in a while Leighton's style is more relaxed then Blair's, but still maintains that overwhelming hint of classic charm. Epitomized in Vera Wang's campaign for Lovestruck, Leighton is a classic Hollywood beauty. Her looks and style show great homage to the beautiful screen sirens of yesteryear like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.

Keep reading for details on Leighton's favorite hair and beauty products......

Betty Girl Makeup - Huge Summer Giveaway valued at over $170!

My good friend Betty from Betty Girl Makeup is hosting an amazing giveaway over on her BLOG!

Head on over and enter for your chance to win a whole new SUMMER makeup collection - and don't forget to tell her I sent you! This is such a generous and fabulous giveaway I had to share it with you all.

Prizes include: Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil Stash, Smashbox Heartbreaker Palette Kiss 'N Tell, Wet n Wild Fauna Collection, Philosophy Passion Punch Lip Shine, Philosophy Beach Party Lip Shine, Sally Hansen HD Hi-Definition Nail Color Collection, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color Collection, Limited Edition Wet n Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Shell-A-Brate Good Times, Limited Edition Wet n Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Don’t Be Shellfish, Limited Edition Wet n Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Me Shell My Belle, Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer To Go, Palladio Translucent Rice Powder, Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15, Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips in Checker Out.


Good luck......... - Stacie xox

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadows Review & Swatches - Rosewood & Pale Barely

Where to buy: Nordstrom (US) $ 29.00 : David Jones (AU) $45.00 : Harrods (UK) £23.00

Rating: 4.5 / 5 Glittery Stilettos 

Keep reading for swatches and review.....

25 under $25 - Favourite Etsy Jewelry

With over 2.8 million pieces of handmade jewelry alone Etsy can be overwhelming to the novice online shopper. You can find some amazing high end or fine pieces but I feel like the real stars are the bargains you can find on trendy and popular items.

I've tried to include all of the buzzed about pieces I could think of - from the infamous sideways cross to Chan Luu inspired wrap bracelet's there is no reason you can't be dead on trend while sticking to your budget this season.

These are my personal favourite jewelry picks for under $25.00 but I know there are literally thousands of amazing pieces I would have missed. What are your favourite Etsy finds?

Worst Product Ever? Maybelline Colour Sensational Pop Sticks - Review & Swatches

Where to buy: 

US Should be popping up on Maybelline displays across America by early summer.

UK  £7.19 Boots and Superdrug instore as well as online.

AUS No word on Australian release but you can pick them up for $5.95 each including shipping on eBay.

Rating: 0.5 / 5 Glittery Stilettos 

UPDATED BLOG SALE

Beauty Focus: Kyle Richards

I am unashamedly a big fan of the Real Housewives franchise, on any given evening after a long day at the office you could peek through my blinds and find me curled up with iPhone in hand and some sort of Real Housewives on the TV. Recently I have been favoring Season 2 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills which was just recently released in Australia. The mixture of extreme opulence, 90210 post code and celebrity association just has me obsessed. 

Since the beginning of Season 1 I have been particularly drawn to Kyle Richards. From her amazing brunette locks to her fabulous yet affordable accessories she is fast becoming a style icon to working women and mothers everywhere. In addition to being a mother, actress, author, wife and reality star Kyle is also a self confessed makeup fanatic who does most of her own makeup for the show and events. 

In a town full of plastic surgery and endless exuberantly overpriced beauty treatments Kyle keeps it real (literally) and relies on a few *affordable* products to maintain and accentuate her natural beauty. Her first book: Life Is Not A Reality Show, details all her top tips on how you can look gorgeous even if you're on a budget. From that famous head of hair to her favorite lip products and lashes Kyle reveals all.

Keep reading for details on Kyle's favorite beauty and makeup products......

Ulta 3 - Cheap Polish Haul & Swatches

Ulta3 is Australia's number 1 selling nail polish and with prices as low as $2 per bottle and such amazing quality I can see why. Over the years I have purchased loads of different shades from Ulta3 and am happy to report the quality just keeps improving with time even though the prices have stayed the same.

Ulta3 is the Australian branch of the popular American drugstore brand New York Color so most if not all of the shades can be duped by a NYC Nail Polish. While researching for this post I came across the most amazing blog/resource which features an amazingly concise and useful Ulta3 Colour Guide.

You MUST check out Kittie's blog More Nail Polish....

20 Gifts for Mum under $20

With less then 2 weeks until Mother's Day there is only a few days left to get in your online orders so you receive your package with plenty of time to spare before Sunday April 13th.

I've hand picked 20 items for under $20 and there is something to suit all Mum's; From sophisticated to a little cheeky I've got you covered... Now all you have to do is remember to pick up a card!

Cup and Saucer Set - Blue or Fluro Pink - $19.95 each

My Top Autumn Shoe Picks for Under $60

Autumn is my favourite time of the year for fashion - I get to drag out all my boots, tights, knit wear and scarves. It's suddenly gotten quite cold in Sydney so I'm enjoying snuggled up evenings in bed with my laptop and a big mug of sweet hot tea.

After spending a lot of time analyzing (a.k.a online window shopping) this seasons latest shoe collections by more higher end brands like Basque, Tony Bianco, Peeptoe,  Windsor Smith, Siren, Verali, Chinese Laundry etc. I noticed a few reoccurring trends -  think 70's - Suede, Platforms/Wedges, Chunky/Thick Heels, Slippers/Loafers and of course Crushed Velvet.. 

So i searched the web for some inexpensive shoes that play on these trends and came up with a whole list of great finds at ridiculously low prices - With the prices all below $60.00 a pair you can pick up a couple of your favourite styles - guilt free!

Rubi Shoes

Stevie Boot - $19.98