NET-A-PORTER BEAUTY

So.  I feel like we should stop and take a moment to chat about Net-A-Porter... I absolutely adore   Net-A-Porter full stop. Their amazing online shopping with a designer line-up that had me at hello, not to mention the chic box's that your precious purchases are delivered in are just two reason's why there is such love.

 



So you can only imagine my delight when they finally included BEAUTY into the mix...

Yes this post has been quite a while coming, but thought I would take you along for the ride as I peruse the cosmetics house's that fill Net-A-Porter Beauty while I compose a little shopping list.

While many a fabulous beauty brand can be found here the one big name I have wanted to try since her line debuted is Charlotte Tilbury and one product in particular that I wanted is a cream that industry insiders have dubbed Magic Cream as its meant to prime, hydrate and create such glowing and phenomenal skin that all other make-up applied looks that much more amazing... Yup this is going in my shopping cart.

 

 Anastasia Beverly Hills is without a doubt the queen of the brows... so much so Oprah and Kim Kardashian West are just two of many celebs that have her number on speed dial.  With her own line of products that are available in Sephora stores all around the world they have quickly become a make-up artist's staple to have in their kit - I know I do.  So it is always lovely to know placing a sneaky order here and there is but a click away. The Dip Brow Pomade is an essential to help create a perfectly sharp contoured brow.

 

 

 

 Ellis Faas skin veil... ladies and gents if you are yet to try this foundation... do yourself a favour! Such a beautiful consistency with an amazing list of ingredients. Dewy flawless skin is what you get. A little on the expensive side I will admit.. but worth the investment especially when you can get it a little cheaper on Net-A-Porter (well for us in Australia anyway..). Yup yup yup will be stocking up on some colours here.





 

So there are 3 of many products that I will be splashing out on... I feel like the only brand that is missing from the designer collective would have to be Tom Ford...   

 

Otherwise it's PRETTY. FREAKIN. GOOD. 

 

Do pop over to the Net-A-Porter web site and have a little look-see for your self.  What's on your little luxury list?

 

 

Smooches,

 

BV xxx

WHATS IN MY MAKE UP BAG...

So what does one carry on a daily basis in her trusty little (well perhaps not that little) make up bag?
Well.  If you are anything like me.... it's likely to consist of everything and the kitchen sink.
I personally LOVE having a sneaky peek into other peoples make-up bag.  Don't you?

My Ted Baker make-up bag is a new addition to my handbag and I love love love him. While being compact it fits many a much needed product in there.  What was even better is that I picked him up at David Jones on SALE!!!!!! Ok... so now for a quick overview of what is in my make up bag...

A varirety of lip products is a must.. one or two just wont do. Currently I have a couple of LIME CRIME Lip Velvets, some CHANEL lip gloss, mini NAPOLEON PERDIS lip gloss' a little Stila ... and a touch of Nars!  I also like to take my HOURGLASS ambient lighting Compact powder where ever I go.... never know when you need to add a lil extra glow!

Finally any a lash curler is an absolute must!!!! Nothing makes your eye's pop like some curled up lashes... My current fav has to be by shiseido - honestly do yourself a solid and go get one... your lashes will thank you.

So what are your current must haves in your make-up purse?

Smooches,
BV xxx

 

WHEN RACHEL ZOE CAME TO TOWN

OMG. BANANAS. I DIE.

Two weeks ago I got to do lunch with Rachel Zoe... True story... That is myself and about 900 other fabulous ladies!  This  gorgeous event was all thanks to Business Chicks who bought Rachel out exclusively for the three city tour.

A ticket to this once in a lifetime opportunity cost a pretty penny but I didn't care, I was determined to go... I just had to!

And I am so glad I did.

I arrived at the Melbourne luncheon, hair did, high heels on and a full face of make-up (but that goes without saying really) so completely excited to see "stylist to the stars" Rachel Zoe in the flesh...

Once we had collected out name tags and found our seats, the wait staff appeared offering wine and champers. Great start. Not long after that our host for the day Natarsha Belling welcomed everyone covered a few bits and pieces about the afternoon and just like that the food was served. And then the count down was on till Rachel would arrive on stage.  And when she did...

She did not disappoint!

Rachel Zoe is as small as you think she would be and definitely as styled as you'd hope - She was rocking all black (cos lets be honest what other colour is there?) wide leg pant, black blouse, full sequined blazer, the highest pumps and accessorised with gold, a white layered neck piece and a wine coloured lip - Perfection!

Side note - I had to google the above image as I was not lucky enough to be that close.

From the moment she sat down on the white couch that was set upon an equally styled stage with the most gorgeous life-like illustration displayed (drawn by the talented Megan Hess),  her personality and presence was felt. I have to give snaps to both Rachel and Natarsha as it felt more like a conversation between the two and not just your "typical" interview. It just... flowed.

I was really so impressed with the way Rachel Zoe was so open and honest. Any question she was asked she responded with in-depth answers and great humour.  She talked about how she started in the business of styling, that her very first celebrity client was Britney Spears circa "baby one more time" and from there she began to style for more big music video's of the 90's such as Backstreet Boys and Jessica Simpson.  After a time Rachel then started to style for red carpet events and the rest as they say is history.

Rachel has now built quite the RZ empire which apart from styling your first class celebrity set includes a fashion line, a blow dry bar as well as 2 brilliant styling books that any coffee table would love. So full is her plate that when asked how she juggles motherhood and her crazy hectic business she replied simply, it's a struggle but at the end of the day her family will always come first.

There was of course a lot of fashion talk everything from her first designer purchase at the age of 13 (a Louis Vuitton bag that she still has to this day), to her collection of Chanel and what her top 5 must haves for every women were... she listed:

A leather jacket
A pair of amazingly high pumps
A great pair of jeans
A well made tuxedo pant
&
A big pair of sunnies

The woman does give great list... just saying!

The time flew as I drank every word in and before I knew it the luncheon had come to a close. I could have sat there for days and listened to Rachel speak.

The biggest piece of advice I took from Rachel was that if you have a vision of how you want your life and career to be no matter what it was, you need to work hard to make it happen and don't let anyone or anything stop you.

Embrace your vision and just go for it!

Smooches,
BV xxx