Book review : The Blood Countess by Tara Moss

There appears to be a common theme with fiction writers around the world - vampires.

The Blood Countess' main character is Pandora English and she is from a small town with 'gifts' which she has suppressed her whole 19 years. She moves to New York to live with her great-aunt who is mysteriously young. She dreams of being a journalist and wants to work for female magazines.
But she crosses a vampire-supermodel and now she is in danger. Cue super vampire and zombies.

This book is the start of a series and it's easy to read. However, the story and the characters are not engaging. It's difficult to relate to the people in the book. Other vampire series have better stories like the Vampire Diaries and of course Twilight.

What is your favourite book?

Xo

Product Review : L'oreal Super Liner, Perfect Slim

For some, applying eye liner can be difficult and messy.

L'oreal has created an eyeliner with a slim felt tip. It should be more precise than a pencil and create a more intense line.

My Review: The line is dark and precise. So my shaky hand highlighted how bad I am at applying eyeliner. So I turned the bumpy line into a smokey effect and that looked great. Better than a normal eye pencil.

On second go, I drew a fine line on each eyelid and it goes on perfectly. Yes!

Easy to Apply: Yes

How long does it last: All day and no smudges

Appearance: looks pro

What is your favourite eye pencil/liner?

Xo

Product Review : L'oreal Excess Volume Million Lashes

Fronted by the gorgeous Eva Longoria, L'oreal Paris has created a new mascara that will create the biggest lashes without the clumping. The formula will make the lashes soft.

The brush is huge and design to volumise.

There is an anti-clump brush as well, when the brush create lumps.

For those who have sensitive eyes and wear contact lenses, it has been opthalmologically tested.

So you are safe.



My review: Still not sure how the brush worked (it didn't on my Asian lashes)
Easy to apply: 6 coats to get some curling action
How long does it last: Almost all day
Appearance: Looks pro

Would you try this product?

Xo

My Makeup Look at Burberry

It's summer! And it means makeup brands have broughtout a new collection to mark the change in season.

Burberry is an old English brand, one that is known for trench coats (because it's so cold in London). Their designs are always understated - stylish yet simple from a distance but intricate up close.

What many people may not be aware of is - they also make makeup. They have been in Australia for 2 years and in the States for three years.

I went along for a makeup appointment and this was my look.

• Bold eyebrows (my eyebrows were drawn it and extended which made me not recognised the face in the mirror)
• Golden nude complexion (I had on the combination-skin foundation)
• Light contouring (I think my nose looked longer!)
• Soft cheeks and lips (pinks)
• Smokey eyes (but no mascara)

Head your way to David Jones' Burberry makeup counter for more.

What makeup look will you be sporting this summer?

Xo

Movie Review: Un Plan Parfait

Movie Review: Un Plan Parfait

Un Plan Parfait is a French comedy and has a love story.

It's English name is Fly Me to the Moon and stars Diane Kruger as Isabelle who is a dentist has been in a long term relationship with Pierre, her dentist partner (Robert Plagnol). They are about to wed but in her family, every woman's first husband has never lasted. So she doesn't want her perfect Pierre (handsome and buff) to not work.

Sooooo...with the encouragement of her sister (in her happy second marriage and son) and brother-in-law, she travels and meets a quirky Jean-Yves (Dany Boon) who she is foul to at first but when her initial plan to do a quick marriage didn't work out, she launches a plan to seduce Jean-Yves.

It's a fun movie with lots of funny and laugh out loud moments and not the typical romantic movie.
And loads of lovable moments and moments that make me go awwwww

Now showing at Dendy cinemas. So what is your favourite rom-com?

Xo

What is BB Cream?

BB Cream stands for Beauty Balm and was created and invented by Germany then improved by Korea (home of vanity and unbelievable plastic surgery transformations).

BB's aims to protects the skin (with SPF and botanical complexes), cover your imperfections (or maybe hide is a better word) and moisturises (so it's non-drying unlike many foundations).

Some of the smarter BB creams contains ingredients that will improve dark spots (from pigmentation and blemish scars) and smooth out the skin for an even skin tone.

For most BB creams you buy here in Australia, don't expect it to give you a flawless coverage like a foundation because the coverage is suppose to be light. The BB creams created by Western brands are even lighter (read below for my reviews) but they are still smart products. However, the Korean brands do give a flawless coverage and have botanical complexes and other 'super' ingredients.

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream 

This was the first BB Cream I had tried.

I used the original in light and the texture is thick and slightly too thick/oily for my skin because after a few hours, it slides off!!

This BB cream aims for

5 INSTANT BENEFITS:

1. Hydrates for 24hrs
2. Evens tone
3. Corrects blemishes
4. Boosts healthy glow
5. UV Protection SPF 15


It definitely feels hydrating, yes it evens skin tone, not sure it corrected my blemishes, I did have a glow (not sure if it was a goddess glow or a drop dead gorgeous glow but still works) and there is SPF which is important for summer


Garnier has expanded this range for sensitive skin, an eye roll-on and oily skin. I'm yet to try this but when I do, I will share with you guys.


You can get it in Priceline, Woolies and Coles. (RRP $13.99)

Palmers Eventone BB Cream Fair to Light

This BB Cream is definitely one of the lighter ones on the market.


After I apply it, it doesn't appear that I look any different.


But what I love is that it is light, so your natural beauty shows and it means your discolouration and imperfections do show but they show for the better. And it smells great! Like Palmers signature fragrance.


And while it's on, its actively targeting discolouration and dark spots.


(And it's cheap, RRP $9.99)

Rimmel 9 in 1 BB Cream Primer

So this BB Cream's 9 functions only to attempts to make the appearance of your skin look better. So there isn't anything or anything deeper than coverage. So I am convince this is any different to a tinted moisturiser.


When I tried this, it looks horrible!! There is a pink undertone so of course for non-Caucasians, it looks pretty weird (almost alien-like)


Get it in Priceline, Woolies, Coles (RRP $12.95)




Finally, my last Western brand and an Australian brand (woohoo! oi oi oi!)

Natio Pure Mineral Skin Perfecting BB Cream

I tried the medium shade. And it's slightly thick in texture but not as thick as Garnier's original BB Cream.


It smells lovely and that's because it contains many gorgeous plant extracts like Vitamin E, Jojoba and Shea Butter provide lasting hydration. Green Tea and Chamomile help soothe redness which is great for pimples and acne, etc.


It looks great on my skin and I have flawless looking skin but very natural at the same time and I know there are great natural ingredients working its magic deep in my skin.


Get it at Priceline, DJs and Myer. (RRP $14.95)


Check back in a couple weeks for Part 2 for more reviews :)


So have you guys tried a BB Cream? Are you interested in trying any of these products?


Xo

The Claws come Out! : Aussie Bachelor 2 Wks Recaps

Wow 2 episodes (weeks) of The Aussie Bachelor and it was quite uneventful. So this will be a short summary.

Summary: The Girls (yes girls not women, with the except of a couple) are getting really catty with each other. Check out what they wore and what they said below...




Anna with her signature red lips steals kisses from Tim (covered by his Jacket) away from prying eyes (the rest of the Australian population and The Bachelor Australia producers), she is a quirky one and one to watch.

  Belle 'shoots herself in the foot as soon as she opens her mouth', she talks about some really weird things and not appropriate things like "I have lots of guy friends, we spend time together a lot, usually doing random stuff" 

Allana, who tries and peer pressures Dani 'The biggest cat of the cats' to confront Tim about why she is here and wasting her time (in front a group of girls) - bad timing so Tim says bye bye to her.

My favourite is still Ali, she is the one that has declared Tim is her soul mate and planned their wedding already. Yes a bit delusional but it's sweet that she believes in love that much...wait and see...for the battle between Dani and Ali

Xo

Emmys 2013 Red Carpet

Emmys 2013 Red Carpet

There were loads of hideous dresses and I only wanted the most glamorous dresses to show below.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, famous from Seinfield, Designer Monique Lhuillier

'Mad Men' actress Christina Hendricks, Designer Christian Siriano

Country singer and past winner of America Idol, Designer Romona Keveza

Star of 'New Girl', Zooey, Designer J Mendel

Winner of an Emmy this year, star of 'Homeland', Designer Armani Prive

Xo

Live Finale of Australia's Next Top Model

When shows are live, things always go wrong and so yep, Jen Hawkins did spoil some lines and sometimes we couldn't hear certain words but she did better than Sarah Murdoch (Oops, I announced the wrong winner!)

The show was full of pre-filmed clips of the final three, a Michael Jackson tribute (which included some of the eliminated contestants doing their best at dancing and then pausing)

The final two was Shanali (who has been the favourite this whole series) and Melissa (alien-looking but super bubbly but a shorty but taller than me of course!)

So who won....

Melissa!

I am a bit shocked but happy for either to have won!!!

Check out some of the pix from Instagram from the evening.

stunning Jen Hawkins, @aliciapecia

MJ performance with the final two doing the catwalk, @okmagaustralia

The finale three! @luke_dean_ld

Check back tomorrow for Melissa's portfolio :)

Xo

Timmy and Penny & Ali & Danielle, etc The Aussie Bachelor

My! It's already Week 4, and Ali (the blonde and bubbly real estate agent) gets her first one on one date. And yes, on the first night, she did try to kiss Tim (she's a very forward girl).

Her date was car racing (driven by a F1 driver) and boxing and picnic in the park. She gets her kiss after she tried to teach a couple dance move with Tim where she bends over and asks Tim to pull her. But the move does look awesome.

She is a sweetheart but you can tell she is going to drive herself crazy throughout the weeks. I am betting she turns out the crazy one.

Who is the least smart? Bianca, at 31, she slurs her words (perhaps she drank some alcomohol) and tries to grope Tim in the swimming pool with lots of women around...

Who is the most catty? Danielle, she wishes ill upon every one of those women in there. (She looks evil when she smiles)

Who is the favourite? Penny, she is the most mature in the house and she is grounded, fun and a great friend to all of them.

Who is your favourite and least favourite?

I am loving how Ali is wearing this dress

Alluring Anna, she has got Tim captivated

'I feel like jumping on Tim's back and let my hands wander over his body" Bianca who was sent packing

Danielle, 'I hope he gets sick of her (Ali) after one date'

Bubbly and down-to-earth Penny

Check back next week for more fashion pictures.

Xo

Under the Sea : Australia's Next Top Model recap

This week, the girls headed to the beautiful island Mauritius. Their challenge was to a catwalk under the water. All participated except for Melissa who is a fear of water.

The most surprising thing this week was Jen Hawkins inviting the final four for a lunch. She was really caring and a lovely role model (which we as an audience have not seen that often this season).
The girls receive letters from home...here comes the tears...

They have two photoshoots this week and one of the themes is Mermaids! And the other Clowns?

The weirdest moment, when Shanali falls from a tree (and she has clearly hurt herself) and Jez Smith, the photographer goes, 'Oh no, the shoes!' Then Jez goes, uh are you alright? Hmm....

What do you think?

Abbie the Mermaid

Shanali catwalking under water

Shanali, a clown or a person from another planet

Xo

Man Oh Man! : Australia's Next Top Model Recap

Last week the girls dressed and acted as men.

I know what you are thinking, were they successful, not really. Jade was a French speaking man who has never set foot anywhere close in that European region. Abbie was a hippie who was hugging trees and said the word 'green' every few seconds. Check out some of their male alter-egos.

Left to Right (Jade got sent home, Duckie who kept a serious face, Djana who also got sent home)

Spot the man!

The group with Charlotte Dawson, who is the most convincing?

Have you ever dressed as a man?? Or a woman (for the men!)?

Xo

Miss America 2014

Miss America is always full of drama and controversy - this year miss New York was crowned.

The Americans were full of noise - but not in favour of their new Miss America - people saying some very racist things (I thought they were multicultural, guess not for some people)

Read some of the below tweets

“Well they just picked a Muslim for Miss America. That must’ve made Obama happy. Maybe he had a vote,” griped Elizabeth@EJR Buckeye.

“This is Miss America…Not Miss Foreign Country,” tweeted Meredith Talley@meredithRoanell

“The sad thing is, Miss Kansas didn’t make it because America isn’t ready to crown someone who represents AMERICA,” added Aly Walansky ‏@alywalansky.

“She’s like not even american and she won miss america,” added Kat@kathrynRyan50.

Just FYI, not that Miss America 2014's religion matters, she is not Muslim but who cares if she is, we should be encouraging diversity.

Enough with the rant on this sensitive topic.

In the competition, most of the girls tried to look and walked sultry, but Nina was super confident, so confident her hair was bouncing. In top 9, there were two Asian s(hooray), Miss California (Crystal Lee) and Miss Minnesota (Rebecca Yeh) and surprisingly three Asians in Miss America this year (I think this is a lot)

Most awkward walk came from Miss Missouri. Injured but encouraging contestant Miss Florida limped in her walk but still with lots of confidence.

Check out some of the pictures.

The Winner

Nina Davuluri, first Indian, American winner and yes she speaks perfect American English

The Most Barbie look-a-like

Carly Mathies from Georgia, she looks a bit like a Marilyn bombshell

The Tattoos on show

Miss Kansas, Theresa Vail all tatted up, and by the way, this is the only time I will show models in bikinis

Xo

New York Fashion Week - Best Pix

I have searched through hundreds and hundreds of Instagram pictures for some of my favourite pictures from this year's New York Fashion Week.

First up, check out some of the stunning dresses from Oscar De La Renta, red carpet anyone??

Oscar De La Renta, @arabianfashionsta

Oscar De La Renta, @officialxpose

Representing Australia all the way in New York

Sass and Bide, @joshykilroy

Badgley Mischka going for pastels

Badgley Mischka, @officialxpose

Badgley Mischka, @officialxpose

Narcisco Rodriguez, sleek black and white

Narcisco Rodriguez, @fashion_bee_

Blue, red and White

Catherine Malandrino, @societaitalia

Wes Gordon, @fashionlovebox

Alon Livness, @fashionlovebox

Alon Livness, @fashionlovebox

Xo