BellaBox Australia

The June/July cover of Harper’s BAZAAR features a stunning portrait of Nicole Kidman holding her daughter Faith Margaret. The photo, originally taken to be part of Nic’s private family album, perfectly captures the magic of motherhood.

Nicole has always been known for her radiant natural beauty and fittingly, she also harbours a love for natural and organic beauty products.

Take a peek at how you can get a flawless look the natural way with some gorgeous bb makeup products that are made with natural ingredients!

The Erborian BB Crème au Ginseng is a 3-in-1 formulation that combines moisturiser, sun protection and foundation.

Natural features - Korean Red Ginseng, a natural element known for its regenerating and energising properties.

The Eye of Horus Mascara strengthens and lengthens for ultimate Goddess lashes.

Natural features - plant based ingredients and waxes including carnauba wax, beeswax, rice bran wax and candelilla wax.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tars combines the longevity of a lipstick, with the ease of application of a gloss.

Natural features - 100% vegan and cruelty-free formulate free of parabens and other harsh preservatives

Savoir Faire Mineral Foundation is a gorgeously soft and silky mineral foundation, accompanied by a Kabuki brush in a beautiful box with a mirror on the inside lid. 

Natural features - naturally occurring minerals and vitamins and no harmful chemicals such as talc, bismuth oxychloride or parabens

Bloom’s Cream Blush Duo is an ultra-sheer, blendable formula for the perfect soft, peachy pink flush!

Natural features - evening primrose oil, jojoba oil and scented with pure lavender essential oil

Yes to Carrots Lip Tints soothe, condition and moisturise your lips, while adding the touch of colour.

Natural features - 95% organic, paraben and carmine free and contains coconut, jojoba and sunflower oils

Have you tried natural or organic makeup products? How do they compare to regular makeup? Do you have a favourite natural makeup brand? Let us know below! - Lucy

Beloved Australian personality Toni Pearen is not only an accomplished actress, singer and TV presenter, she is also a devoted mother to her toddler Lucky, and has a second child on the way! Toni started using U Little Beauty during her first pregnancy and fell in love with its range of natural products, since then she has become the ambassador for the beauty brand. We are very excited to have her personally answer our quick questions in this edition of 15 Minutes of Fame!

1. Happiness to me is…

Cuddling on the couch watching TV with my family, white bedsheets drying on the clothesline in the sun, being in the good company of friends and a swim in the ocean.

3. Your greatest ever beauty extravagance?

I had a 3 hour pamper session at a local beauty salon in country NSW with my best friend and matron of honour, Kym, the day before my wedding. My husband had thought I’d been kidnapped.

4. The product or line you would most like to have as part of ULB’s range:

They are bringing out an organic self tanning lotion. After spending 3 months on Dancing with the Stars I’m wary of tanning salons!

5. The latest stamp in your passport?

The last time I traveled O.S was when I was 7 months pregnant with my first child, Lucky, for my best friends wedding in L.A. He’s now 2! I’m looking forward to stepping on an international flight again someday soon.

6. Your favourite childhood book? 

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie by Enid Blyton. I also loved the Famous 5 and Secret 7 series. And remember, choose your own adventure books. I loved those too.

7. Your ultimate real-life hero: 

All mums. Once you become a mum you realize what an enormous responsibility it is. 

8. What do you value most in your friends? 

Honesty, humour and patience.

9. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? 

To be more organized and tidier.

10. U Little Beauty’s brand’s philosophy, in ten words or less: 

Great organic, natural skincare at an affordable price.

11. What would be in your dream bellabox? 

Mason & Pearson hairbrush, a neverending supply of Jo Malone Fig candles and silk pyjamas!

Many thanks to Toni for taking the time to answer our questions and we wish you all the best with your family and career! You can read more about U Little Beauty here!

(Image courtesy of motherdriven.com.au & femail.com.au)

Ever since we sampled the MeMeMe Seventh Heaven facebase and B by Bloom Col.lecta Eyeshadow Duo in our romantic February bellabox, our bella beauties just can’t get enough of these two gorgeous cosmetics brands!

That’s why we are super excited to present to you some gorgeous new products from both MeMeMe and Bloom, which have just arrived in our online store!

And they’re not the only new kids on the bb block, there’s also fab new treats from Glamourflage, Pure Fiji, One Skin System and Herban Essentials - make sure you check them out below!

Enhance your natural radiance with MeMeMe’s Beat the Blues Illuminator, available in Moonbeam or Sunbeam (Check out this article for all you need to know about illuminators!)

Warm up your look with the gorgeous blush; finish off with a lip and some flirty nails for a cohesive look produced from a collection of MeMeMe’s best selling products! Available in Rouge, Coral and Pink.

MeMeMe’s Nail Care Collection includes a contouring nail file, ‘softly, softly’ hand & nail cream, best-selling ‘Innocent’ and ‘Graceful’ nail glosses, quick drying Prime & Protect and finishing gloss!

Bloom’s Cream Blush Duo is an ultra-sheer, blendable formula for the perfect soft, peachy pink flush! 

Glamourflage’s Bella Babe Blotting Paper (we LOVE the name!) will remove any shine with a carefree sweep across your nose, face and forehead!

Glamourflage Gypsy Joe Eyeshadow in ‘Midas Touch’ is a silky powder eyeshadow in a universally flattering golden bronze shade.

The One Skin System Illuminate and Radiate Pack includes a 50ml Renewal Cleanse, 60g Active C Scrub and an organic microfibre cleansing cloth and purse.

The One Skin System Daily Skin Essentials Pack includes a 50ml Renewal Cleanse, 50ml Daily Hydrate and an organic microfibre cleansing cloth and purse.

This luscious handmade Pure Fiji Pineapple Spa Soap contains coconut milk and a blend of exotic nut extracts. Boosted with virgin coconut oil and natural glycerine, it produces a lavish lather and acts as a gentle cleaner for the body. 

Pure Fiji’s Purifying Cleanser contains sugar cane extract, papaya extract enhances, as well as passionflower and drift nut extracts to keep skin looking healthy and balanced!

Revitalize your skin with Pure Fiji’s Coconut Sugar Rub, packed with coconut sugar, fresh sugar cane crystals and naturally occurring alpha hydroxyl. It gently removes those dead skin cells leaving your skin polished and fresh. 

Herban Essentials Essential Oil Towelettes is now available Yoga Towelettes, Pet Towelettes and Mini Towelettes!

Did any of our new beauty treats make you super excited? Make sure you pop into our online store today!

(Image courtesy of hellogiggles.com)

Mascara is an essential item in most women’s makeup bags, but clear mascara is not as common. Many may ask, “What exactly does clear mascara do?” Clear mascara is actually a very multipurpose beauty product – read on to find out why!

Clear mascara (also known as ‘brow gel’) has been around for many years and is mainly used to create a natural, makeup-free look. It is especially suitable for those lucky ladies who have naturally long and dark lashes.

Clear mascara is like a gloss for the lashes, it separates and controls the hairs and adds a subtle shine - helping to make the eyes appear larger and brighter without the use of heavy makeup. Clear mascara can also help hold the curl of the lashes and in some cases (depending on the formula) - condition and moisturise. 

Clear mascara works in a similar way when used on the brows - it helps to hold brow hairs in place and creates a glossy look. Moreover, it can be used to set brow liner/powder and make it last all day.

Do you use clear mascara? If so, what do you use it for and what is your favourite brand? Let us know below! - Lucy

(Images courtesy of eye-makeup-guide.com & pinterest.com)

Is the colder weather making you feel a little drab and dreary lately? It’s time for a bb detox!

Swap your daily 2 cups of coffee for some cute Twistbands, try walking to work instead of catching the train and get a pretty Bloom eyeshadow instead. And if you skip that Chinese takeaway? You can bag yourself a great Savoir Faire Lipgloss with your savings!

Look below for what you can afford to splurge on instead of boring weekly expenses – such a better budget than Swanie’s, don’t you agree?

Daily Coffees - $8

Twistband Hair Ties solid 3 pack - $5.95

Chic, solid and convenient hair ties made of elastic trim.

2. Ozotic Nail Polish - #125 Crimson - $7.95

These polishes are exceptionally long wearing and have an incredible gloss finish - try it in this glamourous red!

3. Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes - $3.95

Enriched with cucumber and aloe vera to cleanse and remove makeup.

Train Tickets - $15

1. B By Bloom Col.lecta Eyeshadow Duo - $9.95

Long-lasting to create an intense, vibrant finish - use colours individually or blend together. 

2. MeMeMe Pussycat - Cheek & Lip Tint - $13.95

A red-toned stain that gives a subtle and sheer rosy glow to cheeks and lips. 

3. Yes to Carrots Nourishing Shampoo and Pampering Conditioner - $12.95 each

Paraben and SLS Free - this shampoo and conditioner combo will leave your hair clean, nourished and smooth.

Takeaway Dinner - $30

1. Savoir Faire Lipgloss - $25.00

These lip glosses combines the colour impact of five alluring shades each with a fresh scent and flavour.

2. The Eyelift Kit - $29.00

An under eye enhancer that lasts for up to 10 hours, perfect to hide those tired eyes at a big event or for everyday use. 

3. Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil - $24.95

Bursting with essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, rose hip oil is a healing oil that has the unique ability to deeply nourish and balance all skin types.

What products would you buy on the bb detox? Do you have any favourite luxe to less beauty products? Let me know below! - Lucy

The spectacular Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia has come to an end after 5 days of amazing fashion festivities.

The makeup at MBFWA was as stunning and unique as the fashion, drawing inspiration from comic superheros to Russian babushka dolls. 

Some of our favourite looks came from Romance Was Born, Alice McCall and Johanna Johnson and we’ve handpicked a selection of beauty products to help you translate these runway looks to everyday wear.

1. Romance Was Born

Romance Was Born kicked off MBFWA with a fun Marvel Comic themed show featuring graphic prints, pop art and superhero makeup.

Erborian BB Créme au Ginseng gives your skin a natural and soft coverage.

Add a bright pop of blue to your lids with B by Bloom Col.lecta Eyeshadow Duo in ‘Blue Mountains’.

If you’re after the perfect red lippie, you can’t go past Savoir Faire Lipstick in ‘Risqué’

2. Alice McCall

The Alice McCall show presented floral prints and pastels with sheer fabrics inspired by Russian babushka dolls and Hungarian folks art.

Be on your way to radiant skin with Comvita Brightening Moisturiser with SPF15. 

Eylure Ready to Wear Lashes 140 will give you big dolly eyes in an instant!

Add rosiness to your cheeks and lips with MeMeMe Cheek and Lip Tint in Poppy Tint.

3. Johanna Johnson

The Mercedes-Benz Presents Johanna Johnson show wowed with top-to-toe beading, plunging necklines and dipped backs. 

Achieve a flawless face with Benefit’s Hello Flawless Foundation.

Eye of Horus Smokey Eye Pencil will help you get that sexy smoulder.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in ‘Memento’ is a soft pink which will last all day!

Have you been following the fun and fashion of MBFWA? What are some of your runway favourites? Let me know below! - Lucy 

(Images courtesy of fashionhub.davidjones.com.au, cocolee.com.au & huffingtonpost.com)

Every girl wants long and lustrous lashes but not all of us are born with them. Luckily we can fake it with a pair of false eyelashes, which can lift the eyes and add instant glam. But for those who aren’t accustomed to wearing false lashes, you can often find them difficult to apply and also uncomfortable to wear. Read on for my tips on getting your falsies just right!

There are countless styles of false eyelashes available today and your choice really depends on the makeup look you’re going for. If you want a natural look, choose thin lashes or demi-lashes (applied to the outer corner of the lid) But if you want a dramatic look, go for a pair of full falsies. 

Eylure Ready to Wear 140 - $11.95

Some false eyelashes come with a strip of adhesive already attached but most come with the eyelash glue. First measure the lashes against your own eyelid and trim them to size if necessary. Then squeeze a small amount of the glue onto the back of your hand, dip a cotton bud in the glue and apply it along the strip of the false lashes (this prevents you from using too much glue)

Briefly blow on the lashes so that the glue becomes tacky and then carefully apply it as close to your natural lash-line as possible. Use a cotton bud and gently press down on the lashes to secure them in place. Afterwards, use an eyelash curler and curl both your falsies and your own lashes so that they ‘fuse’ together. You can also apply mascara afterwards to blend both the real and fake lashes together.

To remove your falsies, dip a cotton bud or cotton pad in some warm water and press it on top of the lashes and gently pull them off. Remember to never rip off the lashes as it can damage the delicate skin on your eyelid. Store the falsies back in the case so that they maintain the shape and you will be able to use them time and time again.

Do you love rocking falsies? What’s your favourite brand? Do you have any tips on applying them? Let us know below! – Lucy 

(Images courtesy of thinkwhatyoulike.wordpress.com & glamcheck.com) 

Last week, one of our bella beauties Jennie suggested that those with the ‘Nutmeg’ shade of the Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation could alternatively use it as a contour. I thought this would be the perfect topic for today’s ‘Wakeup Your Makeup’, as contouring can be something that is new to a lot of ladies. Read on for my tips on contouring and how it can transform your face!

Contouring is the art of shaping and framing the face by shading and highlighting. Typically you can use a contouring palette, or kit, but you can also use a matte bronzer and illuminiser or light and dark shades of foundation. You also need an angled makeup brush to blend out the shades. 

You want to use the dark shade on areas you want to ‘recede’ (creates shadow) and the light shade on areas you want to bring forward (creates highlight) The above face chart shows you the areas where you should apply the shades. 

Of course, you don’t have to contour the entire face - simply select the areas you want to emphasise. The key is to gradually build the colour and always blend, blend blend!

If you want to build your cheek bones, start from the hairline and sweep the dark shade below your cheekbone, towards the apple of your cheeks. 

To narrow the shape of the forehead, apply the dark shade to the temples and the sides of the forehead. 

To slim down the nose and give it more definition, start from the inner edge of the brows and apply the dark shade down both sides of the nose. 

If you want to make the chin appear slimmer, apply the dark shade under the jawline and blend towards the neck. 

The light shades does the opposite of the dark shade, so it should be applied to areas such as the centre of the forehead, the bridge of the nose, the brow bone, the tops of the cheeks, the cupid’s bow and the middle of the chin. Check out my article on illuminisers for more information about highlighting. 

Are you new to contouring or have you mastered it? Do you have any tips on contouring? Let us know below! - Lucy 

(Images courtesy of jerinelay.com & makeup4all.com)

There’s no better way to wrap up our ‘Fashion Foward’ month of April than with these three true supermodels who have made a huge impact in the fashion and modelling world.

Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington are amongst the original group of supermodels who shot to fame in the late 80’s and early 90’s, and set the mould for future catwalk stars and cover girls.

These stunning ladies show us how beauty continues with age (but yes, they are also blessed with amazing genes!) - let’s check out what bb products we think each of them would use!

Statuesque Brit beauty Naomi Campbell has conquered the fashion industry and achieved iconic status with her incomparable physique and electrifying presence. She has been outspoken throughout her career against the racial bias that exists in the fashion industry.

At 41, Naomi still has amazingly smooth skin and we imagine she’d use Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum. It combines organic cotton thistle and anti-oxidant rich blueberries and blackcurrant, resulting in a powerful blend that is clinically proven to restore, repair and nourish the skin.

Naomi’s signature look usually includes a smokey eye, which is made easy with Eye of Horus Smokey Eye Pencil. It is uniquely formulated with jojoba wax and mango oil and comes with a smudger tip to get that instant smoulder. 

Naomi always rocks out with a deep lip colour. Savoir Faire’s Lipstick in ‘Double Entendre’ is a deep rose blush shade in a super creamy formula. 

Sexy US supermodel Cindy Crawford is famous for her trademark beauty spot just above her lip. Her success at modeling made her an international celebrity that has led to roles in television and film, and to work as a spokesperson.

Cindy’s own brand ‘Meaningful Beauty’ is a skincare system utilising antioxidants. A product that contains a high amount of anitoxidants is Comvita Brightening Moisturiser, which supports a brighter looking complexion and also contains SPF15 for sun protection. 

Cindy’s glowing skin can also be attributed to the clever use of an illuminator. MeMeMe Beat the Blue Illuminator in ‘Sunbeam’ gives off a golden glow in the form of an easy-to-apply liquid formula. 

Apart from her unique beauty spot, Cindy is also known for her beautiful lustrous locks. We suspect she maintains her healthy hair with the help of a quality hair oil and mask, such as Orofluido Beauty Elixir and Mask. 

Christy Turlington is a natural beauty best known for representing Calvin Klein from 1987 to 2007. Recently she founded ’Every Mother Counts’, an advocacy and mobilisation campaign to increase education and support for maternal mortality reduction globally. 

Many celebrities attribute their ageless skin to using organic rose hip oil and we think it might also be the secret to Christy’s beautiful skin. Kosmea Skin Clinic Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil is hurting with essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants and has the unique ability to deeply nourish and balance all skin types. 

We doubt that Christy’s perfect skin requires heavy foundation, so a BB cream would be the perfect product for her. The Erborian BB Créme au Ginseng is a 3-in-1 formulation that combines moisturiser, sun protection and foundation and gives the skin a soft and makeup-free look. 

As someone who practices yoga, we’d imagine Christy to be a fan of organic and natural products. Pangea Organics Lip Balm contains a base of organic oils, offers tremendous rejuvenating and protecting properties and lasts an amazingly long time.

Who is your favourite ‘original’ supermodel of all time? What products do you think they would be using today? Let us know below! - Lucy

(Images courtesy of madamenoire.com, cocolee.com.au & modelinia.com)

In one of our recent features, Lauren decodes the best brow shapes and how to maintain them. Today I will be talking about brow powder and wax kits and how to use them correctly to define your arches!

Examples of brow kits include Benefit’s brows a-go-go and Two Faced Brow Envy Kit. These kits typically come with one or two shades of brow powder, a brow wax, an angled brush and a spoolie brush.

If you just wanted to lightly fill in your brows, you can use the brow powder on its own. If the kit comes with two shades, use the lighter shade for the inner half of the brows and the darker shade for where the arch begins. Apply using short, light strokes and then comb through using the spoolie brush.

On the other hand, if you want your brows to stay put all day long, define them using the powder and then apply wax to the brows using the same brush. This gives the brows a glossy look, keeps the hairs in place and sets the powder.

An alternative way to use the powder and the wax is to first dip the brush in the powder and then the wax and apply both at the same time. This creates a thicker consistency and will help the powder ‘stick’ to the brows. 

What product do you like to use to define your brows? Do you use brow kits and do you have favourite brand? Let us know below! - Lucy

(Images courtesy of beautifybuzz.wordpress.com & glamfull.com)