Do you love the new bright and bold lip trends this season, but are not quite sure how to pull them off? The new Max Factor Giant Pen Sticks make prettying your pout so effortless that you’ll have trouble deciding which trend to try first.

The Colour Elixir collection are a range of gorgeous, slick lip crayons bursting with colour. The rounded crayon tip make application super easy, and fits neatly to the contours of your lips for even coverage. Unlike many lip crayons on the  market, this range are super pigmented – all the colours are vibrantly hued – from the flossy baby pink shade to the ultra vampy violet, there’s a colour for every trend and skin tone. The colours apply differently depending on how much you layer them – you can create a subtle flush, right through to traffic stopping bombshell red lips. The texture of the product, though, is what truly makes them winners – the smooth, creamy texture glides onto the lips and stays put. The formula also doesn’t bleed, meaning you can leave the lip liner at home.

Available now in six shades (RRP$9.95), for your nearest stockist call 1800 181 040 or visit www.maxfactor.com.au.

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Maddi

Are you beginning to fret about the first signs of ageing but hate the scary string of ingredients on all the popular products? Lapureté have just released a new anti-ageing range, harnessing the best of nature’s goodness to pamper your skin.

Lapurete are a fabulous Australian national skincare company, responsible for the new Wakame range. The Wakame range is designed as a preventative measure for 20 to 35 years olds, defending against premature ageing.

Wakame seaweed has been the best kept beauty secret for years. As a marine plant, Wakame helps to nourish skin, while defending it from breakdown and damage through elemental exposure. It also helps to prevent the breakdown of collagen which helps the skin retain its youthful elasticity.  The Wakame range is a super-easy three step process.

The first, essential step is cleansing with the Hydrating Foam Cleanser and Toner (RRP $29.90). The foamy formula is very gentle on the skin and does leave the skin feeling thoroughly refreshed. It is, however, not terribly strong, so if you wore makeup during the day, or your have oilier skin, you may want to add another cleansing step.

After cleansing, follow up with hydration – which is vital in nourishing your skin for the long run. Firstly, apply the Multi-Active Eye Repair (RRP $39.90) – a lightweight eye cream which helps to target the delicate eye area, which tends to betray the first signs of ageing. The cream targets wrinkles, dark circles and under-eye bags, so you can easily fake a full nights sleep.

Finally apply the Protect and Repair Lotion (RRP $49.90), a gorgeous lightweight moisturiser which packs a heavy hydration punch. I loved this moisturiser – the protection from the UVA damage pre-emptively prevents fine lines and wrinkles, while deeply hydrating the skin, making it look fresh and youthful. It sinks effortlessly into the skin and doesn’t make your skin oily or clogged like many anti-ageing products.

If you’re a little beyond preventative measures but love the idea of natural skin care, Lapurete also have the Okuru range for mature skin.

The Wakame range is available from Priceline, Myer and Terry White, to find your nearest stockist visit their website: www.lapurete.com.au.

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Maddi

The classic institution of Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate has had a bit of a makeover as well as the addition of two new flavours added to the incredibly popular Marvelous Creations Range.

While there’s usually no reasons to fix something that isn’t broken, there’s no such thing as too much, when it comes to Cadbury. But Cadbury Dairy Milk blocks are getting a makeover – there will be new rounder shaped chocolate pieces, the inclusion of whole nuts, a new look and a handy resealable pack.

Perhaps the best change is the upgraded size – the Dairy Milk block will now be available in a new 220gm pack, without impacting the price – so you’ll get extra joy for your dollars. As well as the addition of a new 135g block, designed specifically to share as an indulgent, easy treat.

And excitingly Cadbury have released two new flavours extending the Marvellous Creations Family with Clinkers, Gummi Bears & Choc Biscuit AND Clinkers, Raspberry Chips & Marshmallows
and you won’t be disappointed.

The two new magical additions come straight from the kitchens of Joyville, featuring a kaleidoscope of flavours, colours and textures combine to deliver enchantingly varied taste sensations and create a playful chocolate experience that will take you back to the excitement and wonder of childhood – imagine Mini Marshmallows blended with the crunchy snap of Clinkers and sparkling Raspberry Chips or juicy Gummi Bears and delicious Choc Biscuit pieces!

The wonky and unique combinations continue the theme of their unusual shapes wrapped in Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate for a magical and truly marvellous chocolate experience.

The two new flavours join the first three yummy variants released last year; Jelly Popping Candy Beanies, Jelly Crunchie Bits and Peanut Toffee Cookie – perfect for curling up on the sofa over Winter reading your favourite book or watching your favourite movie (read about them here).

The new Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Blocks and Marvellous Creations Clinkers, Gummi Bears & Choc Biscuit; AND Clinkers, Raspberry Chips & Marshmallows are available in stores across the country now.  For more information about Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations, you can hop skip and jump over to joyville.com.au.

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Maddi

The changing weather is beginning to take its toll on our luscious locks. With the drizzly skies leading to frizzy hair and the blustery winds giving us tangled curls, what you need is a miraculous, fix-all tool.

The ghd is known universally for it’s super-straightening powers. They have just released their brand new Limited Edition Candy Collection, inspired by the retro pastels of the 50s and 60s featuring three delicious hues; brilliant bright turquoise, dazzling electric violet and sunny lemon yellow.

The collection transforms the beauty cult essential, the ghd IV styler into a gorgeous candy coloured tool that chases away that wintery blues.  The Candy Collection are just as great as their predecessors – the curved barrel makes it easy to not only straighten, but to add the perfect Hollywood curl to your hair. The ceramic heater plates add sheen to your hair and eliminates static, a valuable tool on cold winter mornings.  We brightened up our morning with the electric violet colour and as you can see it does the job pretty well, although we didn’t use any product on our hair so excuse the little fly-aways but we were starting with a thick base of curls, overall we’re sweet on these limited edition goodies.

For travellers and girls on the go, ghd’s also include a sleep mode, just in case you forget to switch it off and a fantastic universal voltage so you can take it wherever your jet setting may take you.

The ghd Candy Collection (RRP $249) is available now from selected salons and www.ghdhair.com/au, for your nearest stockist you can call 1300 443 424.

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Maddi

You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to uncover the next best thing in makeup, with the release of Fake Up, a brand new concealer by those gorgeous kids who think of everything that we need, Benefit Cosmetics.

Fake Up, heralded as ‘The Great Hydrating Concealer’ is a curious cover up and moisturiser hybrid, designed to hide blemishes and dark circles so well, you’ll need to whip out your magnifying glass to tell.

The product is a concealer core, available in three shades, wrapped in a clear, moisturising gel. It comes in a super cute wind up tube, much like a lipstick, and when you apply it to the skin, it blends to create a creamy and soft consistency.  It does feel quite heavy on your skin when you first apply it, but with a bit of blending it looks flawless, just make sure you pick the right shade.

The Fake Up is available now $35 from your nearest Benefit Counter or online at www.myer.com.au/benefit.

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Maddi

We’ve spoken before about how much we love natural skin care – and the exciting news is we’re starting to see the big brands pick up on the growing demand for Natural Skin and Body Care. New kids on the natural block now include Neutrogena who have just released a new skin care range for easily accessible and affordable natural skin care.

The Neutrogena Naturals range is a collection of eco friendly products using the goodness of naturally derived ingredients to safely deliver you soft and clear skin. The whole range is free from sulfates, parabens or dyes.

Firstly the collection includes two facial cleansers – first there is the Purifying Facial Cleanser (RRP $14.99) for problem skin. It contains willowbark, a natural source of the potent acne fighter salicylic acid, which will help to wash away impurities and detoxify the pores. If you don’t struggle with acne, the Fresh Cleaning + Makeup Remover (RRP $14.99) is a gentle and hydrating cleanser. With Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin E, the product cleanses deeply without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

For that extra oomph, the collection also includes a Purifying Pore Scrub (RRP $14.99) – with willowbark, jojoba oil and coconut the scrub gently breaths new life into dull and troubled skin.

The range also includes a great Face and Body Bar (RRP $4.99) which is a great addition to your shower routine. Containing the healthiest omega fatty acides, derived from Avocado and Olive Oil, it replenishes and conditions your skin. Also keep an eye out for the collection’s lip balm (RRP $4.99) which is 100% naturally derived. Using the best of nature’s goodness – beeswax, jojoba oil, sesame seed oil and shea butter, the product nourishes dry skin and keeps your lips in constantly kissable condition.

We love how open Neutrogena have been with this range – the back of the products list the ingredients, and alongside each ingredient it is listed where that ingredient was sourced from. It’s great to know where your products are coming from.  We’ve really loved using the cleansers, the smell is sublime, so fresh and invigorating, it smells like a mix of pear and apple so it feels natural from the word go. Both cleansers and the pore scrub worked wonders on our skin, we used the purifying facial cleanser when we had no make up on morning and night and the creamier version (cleansing and make up remover) for the removal of make up in the evening. The Pore Cleanser is gentle and the skin looked and felt squeaky clean after use.

Coming in 2014, you’ll be able to follow up the cleansing routine with one of the collection’s two moisturisers; the Multi-Vitamin Nourishing Moisturiser (RRP $14.99), a lightweight day time hydrator or the Nourishing Night Cream (RRP $14.99) which uses a melange of vitamins to replenish the skin as you sleep. They’ve been so popular internationally that we have to wait until then to get our little mitts on them, so until then, happy cleansing!

The collection is available now from supermarkets, pharmacies and department stores all across Australia.

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Maddi

Directed by: Lee Toland Krieger
Starring: Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Elijah Wood and Emma Roberts
Sassi’s Star Rating: 4/5

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who can’t sympathise with the pain of a breakup. Ending a relationship with someone is tough, but when it’s your best friend you’re saying goodbye to, the separation process can an even more painful process.

Celeste and Jesse Forever is not your typical break up moving. Celeste and Jesse were high school sweethearts – inseparable since they began dating they were not only madly in love, but they were each other’s best friends and they told each other everything. They were destined to be together forever.

And now they’re getting a divorce.

Unlike many couples, Celeste and Jesse seem fine about this divorce. A little too fine. They’re being cool about the breakup and are determined to prove that they are still friends. They still hang out, they still spend their time together and treat each other like very little has changed. And it has their friends worried for them.

As the movie unfolds, Jesse finds himself in a new relationship and Celeste is forced to face her fears about spending the rest of her life without her best friend.

Celeste and Jesse Forever is a bittersweet romcom, that examines the messy business of breaking up, and what happens to the leftover love. The ending is brilliant and takes a perfect departure from typical chick flicks – though it certainly won’t please everyone.

With a leading cast of Andy Samberg and Rashida Jones means that the movie is punctuated by genuinely bright and funny moments. The supporting casts and their individual subplots play perfectly in tandem with the main story and they come together to undercut the rather melancholic mood of the movie.

Available now: DVD RRP$36.95 and Blu-Ray RRP$42.95.

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Maddi

Directed by: Alex Kurtzman
Starring:  Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde and Michelle Pfeiffer
Sassi’s Star Rating: 3/5

Family is the strongest bond of all – but do those rules apply to a family we never knew we had?

In People Like Us, Sam, a troubled businessman is forced to answer that question and examine the importance of blood above all.

Sam is in trouble – he’s being investigation by the government and he’s now entangled in federal blackmail. Then he learns his estranged father, Jerry, has just died.

When he returns home for the funeral, he meets with his father’s lawyer who tells him that the will has left him no money, however he receives his father’s shaving kit in which there is $150,000 in cash with a note directing it to be given to ‘Josh Davis’.

Sam realises this money could solve his problems but he tracks down Josh, who turns out to be a troubled young boy. Sam finds Josh’s mother – recovering alcoholic and bartender Frankie, who he then secretly follows to an AA meeting.

It’s during this meeting that Frankie reveals that she is Jerry’s daughter – making Frankie, Sam’s half-sister. Shocked and angry at his father, Sam tells his girlfriend he intends to keep the money.

Using a false identity, Sam introduces himself to Frankie and he finds himself entangled in the lives of her and her son. They form a strong friendship as the movie unfolds, but Sam’s secret is constantly bubbling underneath.

The movie is sweet – playing off the perfect amount of drama to keep the plot moving. It is admittedly a little slow to progress, but the story reflects on the importance of families no matter how rocky or rough they can be.

Available now: DVD RRP$36.95 and Blu-Ray RRP$42.95.

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Maddi

Have you ever had a peek at the ingredients list on your favourite shampoo and conditioner? Nine times out of 10, you’ll find a list of curious chemicals and long strings of letters that you’d never be able to pronounce. That’s why we love the idea of Grown Alchemist’s newest products, a shampoo and conditioner set made with an organic, animal friendly formula.

The Shampoo with Damask Rose, Black Pepper and Sage (RRP $29.95) is a gentle cleansing formula with removes daily grime without stripping your hair of its essential moisture. Girls with fine hair may find this formula is little too drying, but if used with a heavier conditioner you won’t have a problem. The shampoo smells so good – the spiciness of the black pepper and sage balance out the cloying rose scent, which otherwise might have been overbearing. As with all natural haircare, when you lose the chemicals, you lose the lather that we associate with clean hair. The shampoo hardly lathers up at all, and it’s a little disconcerting working it into your hair, but it’s the trade-off you make for wholesome, chemical free products.

The Conditioner with Damask Rose, Chamomile and Lavender (RRP $34.95) is a delicate conditioner designed to enhance  shine while disentangling and strengthening the hair from within. I prefer a thicker, heavier conditioner for my dry hair, but for girls with normal hair, the product makes a fantastic everyday product. The conditioner smells good too and the lavender and chamomile adds an extra relaxing element to your ordinary shower.

Grown Alchemist products are available now from David Jones, Myer and your local pharmacy

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Maddi

Buying on-trend, affordable cosmetics has just become easier for the Aussie woman with the arrival of MUD Make Up Design!  This new range of colour cosmetics has been developed with the savvy, fashion forward female in mind.

Taking inspiration from the latest in celebrity beauty trends and street fashion, MUD aims to ensure that you won’t miss out on the best seasonal colours and on-trend looks by going for a cheaper price point. With products ranging in price from RRP$3 to $9, this range gives women an excuse to experiment with their looks, try out the latest trends, and ensure your bathroom cupboards and makeup bags are always fully stocked.

The MUD Make Up Design range includes Nail Polishes, Nail Stickers, Lipsticks, Eyeshadow trios and a Travel Eye Kit, perfect for your budget beauty buys.

• Nail Polish (RRP $3.00): Easily update any look with MUD nail polish available in seven hot shades: electrify it, look at me, blue moon, chilli pepper, nudely now, paradise valley and bahama bliss.
• Nail Stickers (RRP $5.00): Instant fashion nails have never been easier with these no fuss, easy to apply nail stickers. Available in six on-trend patterns, they are perfect for an on the go application as they include a nail file.
• Lipstick (RRP $5.00): From bright reds to neutral nudes, the MUD moisturising lipstick provides rich, velvety colour to your lips while also locking moisture in, keeping them hydrated for longer. Available in: 001 red roulette, 004 pretty please, 011 party pout, 012 coral crush. 013 pure passion, 015 high tea, 016 chasing chilli and 052 crazed candy.
• Eyeshadow Palettes (RRP $7.00): With four different colour combinations, there is a MUD eyeshadow palette to suit everyone and with three different shades in each palette, the looks that can be created are endless. Available in: cool party, in the nude, urban basics and cute camo RRP $7.00.
• Travel Eye Kit (RRP $9.00): Finish off any make up look with this mini mascara and mini eye pencil kit (both in black). The mini size makes it perfect for on the go and a must have item for every cosmetics bag.

MUD Make Up Design is the latest offering from The Heat Group, and is currently available in 792 Woolworths stores nation-wide, for your nearest stockist you can call 1800 181 040.

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Maddi