It’s the film that everyone’s been waiting for. With a star studded cast, glitzy scenery and to-die-for parties, the Great Gatsby has well and truly captured our imaginations. There’s something oh so glamorous about the 1920s art deco style that has us scrambling to capture our inner flapper.

To celebrate this new trend, Benefit Cosmetics have just released their new Colour By Benefit Deco Make Up Collection. The collection includes everything you could need to create a perfect, natural glamour look in signature to die for packaging inspired by the Art Deco design of San Francisco’s famous Golden Gate Bridge.

The collection includes six new shades of Benefit’s gorgeous Ultra Plush Lip Glosses (RRP$25). From an everyday clear, high shine gloss to a stunning soft and super kissable berry shade, there’s a gloss for every one. Like all Benefit glosses, the products are super soft and smooth without being sticky or tacky, so you can pucker up without fear (Lollibop, Icebreaker, A-Lister, Kiss You, Poutrageous and Fauxmance).

The collection also includes seven brand new, on trend shades of Benefit’s award winning Creaseless Cream Shadow formula (RRP$29). There are plenty of gorgeous shimmery neutrals for workday wear and some playful pastel shades for flirty dates or weekend brunches. The cream shadow is perfect for just about anything – the formula won’t sweat or slick off, so you’ll look picture perfect all day long (Bikini-tini, SVP, No Pressure, My Two Cents, Always a Bridesmade, Blue My Mind, Bronze Have More Fun, Skinny Jeans and Holy Smokes).

For even glitzier eyes, the collection also includes 12 longwear powder shadows (RRP$29). _­­Depending on where your day takes you, there’s a colour and a finish for everyone. If you’re headed to the office you may love the matte shadows, but to take the look to drinks after work, layer them with the gorgeous satin or sheen shadows, which add the perfect amount of glitz to your finished look (Milk It, Call My Buff, Pinky Swear, It’s Complicated, Thanks a Latte, Pause for Applause, Nude Swings, Blingo, Raincheck, Guilty Pleasure, Kiss me, I’m Tipsy and Quick, Look Busy).

If you, like us, are already in love with the Gatsby-esque looks, you’ll love this guide to capturing your own 20s girl glamour using Benefit’s newest products:

1. Begin with a clean, moisturised face. Prep with your favourite foundation for flawless, smooth skin and prime your eyes.
2. It’s time for some come hither eyes – apply call my bluff from your lash line up to your brow line to create a smooth, creamy lid.
3. Apply my two cents from the outer corner of your eye, brushing towards the inner corner. Follow with skinny jeans in the outer corner with a hard angle definer brush. Sweep it across your top and bottom lash – instant smoky liner.
4. Finish your eyes off with your favourite mascara.
5. The most important step in any 20s look – the bold red pout. Use benetint and layer on generously.

Check out Benefit’s cute little video introducing the new range:

And coming in September, we’ll see the new Hydra-Smooth Lip Colours but for now be inspired by some of the creative ideas that Benefit have put together around mixing up your neutrals that are shown in the gallery below. Click on them to see a close up!

Available now at Benefit Counters nationally, for your nearest stockist you can call 02-8353 5000.

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Sassi
Your Pop Culture Gossip Girl

Last week we scored a sneak peek at Kate Hudson for Ann Taylor her debut collaboration for a Limited Edition Fashion & Accessories Collection for Summer 2013. The Exclusive Summer Collection was inspired by Kate’s red-carpet glamour and her love of fashion and features white summer pieces matched back with rose gold accessories.

Kate shared in a press release:

“I’m so excited about the capsule collection and working with Ann Taylor. It was such an honor when they asked me to come back for the campaign and to work on a collection inspired by my personal style. We have a great relationship – it’s really fun. I love how Lisa Axelson, Ann Taylor Creative Director, picked up on my style and helped turned it into a very chic, incredibly wearable collection!” Hudson said.

The Limited Edition collection features our very own Pania Rose as the lookbook model, featuring ready-to-wear (dresses and skirts up to $128, tops up to $78) and accessories (heels $158; Jewelry up to $58) and you can check them all out here.

You can check out her behind the scenes pics and video here.

The new collection is available now at Ann Taylor stores and online at www.anntaylor.com (yes they ship to Australia).

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Sassi
Your Pop Culture Gossip Girl

Directed by: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifinakis, Ken Jeong, Justin Bartha
Sassi’s Star Rating: 3/5

It’s the finale that everyone has been waiting for. One of the most hyped releases of the year after Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories is the final instalment of the much loved Hangover series, The Hangover Part III.

This time it’s not a wedding that the boys are celebrating but another rite of passage, the sudden death of Alan’s father Sid (Jeffrey Tambor). After an unfortunate road trip to a care facility in Arizona (which is best not left explained) the wolf pack find themselves amid chaos again when the ghosts of Las Vegas past come back to bite them, hard.

In a series of unfortunate events spurred by the that fateful night in Vegas when Alan (Zach Galifinakis) slipped Rohypnol into his friends drinks; the wolf pack fall at the mercy of big time crim Marshall (John Goodman), who tasks them with tracking down Mr Chow (Ken Jeong) who was last seen escaping a Thai prison. If you’ve seen the first two movies you can imagine the type of events that unfold next.

Watching The Hangover Part III inspires a sense of déjà vu, almost as if you are watching the same movie for the third time. It’s true that Phillips seems to be an advocate of the mantra ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’. You aren’t going to see any of the freshness that made the first Hangover an instant classic,  but its hard to go terribly wrong with the same tried and true formula that has already found box office success twice before. It’s just a shame that it’s the exact same formula.

To give a nice sense of closure old favourites like Jade (Heather Graeme) and Black Doug (Mike Epps) make brief, but funny, appearances. Comedy ‘It’ girl of the moment Melissa McCarthy also garnered the audiences attention as pawn store owner Cassie.

If you’re keen for a few laughs get together a group of your friends and catch a screening of The Hangover Part III. There’s no doubt that you’ll have a better night than the wolf pack do anytime they try and get together anyway.

The Hangover Part III is in cinemas now.

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Paige

Sodastream is making its comeback as the must have gadget for the kitchen and we’ve decided to test it out from a natural perspective as we take a step back in time with the updated, sleek and modern version to put fizzy goodness back into our water.

As you know we don’t drink soft drinks here but we are water addicts so when the offer came through to test out the newest addition to the Sodastream family, the Sodastream Source, we had to give it a whirl and see if we could add some natural yumminess to our love of water the natural way.

Setting the system up is fairly easy to begin with – clip the gas tank in place and away you go. For newbies to the process, it can seem a little daunting, especially with all the racket it makes as you carbonate the water.

That being said, once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly simple – fill the bottle with water, clip the bottle in place and press down until it’s carbonated enough for you. And like that, you’ve got sparkling water.

The fun doesn’t end there – you can make a whole host of different drinks with this soda water. You can purchase the traditional flavours – classic cola, ginger beer and even a range of cheeky virgin cocktails. We’ve spoken before about how we like to keep things sugar free and as natural as possible – so we think it’s great that there’s also a whole range of sugar free options for you to choose from as well.

For us, we hit the garden to see what we could add to our newly sparkled water. You are only limited by your creativity with what flavours you can use; try some lemon or lime juice (or slices), frozen berries, fresh mint or ginger or get really creative and combine them. To get the best flavour, we recommend you leave them in the fridge overnight so the natural flavours slowly steep out into your water. Here are some more ideas:

• Sliced Mangos, Peaches or Passionfruit
• Lavender
• Cucumber & Lime
• Ginger
• Basil
• Chlorophyll (a staple daily drink in our routine)
• Kiwi fruit
• Sliced orange
• Watermelon

The system does require an initial investment – there’s the machine, the gas tank and the flavours that you want to try. The best thing is there’s a number of different machines available with a range of price points. We tried and loved Source (RRP$169.95), and includes all of the above and is available exclusively from Myer. It comes in five colours that are the perfect splash of colour for your kitchen benchtop.

Depending on how often you use the system, you’ll also need to replace the gas tank over time. The gas tanks can get costly – a 60L cylinder has an RRP$49.95, but SodaStream reward you for exchanging or refilling your tank, by rebating part of the price.

As an FYI, there’s also a new range of Night Spirit Cocktail flavours you can try, check them out here and excitingly some Sugar Free options using our sweetener of choice, Stevia, you can find them here.

And I love these creative options for some “Vitamin Water” over at The Wellness Warrior here.

SodaStream is stocked nationally look for them in Kmart, Myer, Big W, Harvey Norman or any homeware and electrical store or visit Soda Stream’s website: www.sodastream.com.au.

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Sassi
Your Pop Culture Gossip Girl

Offspring Season four begins with Nina Proudman (Asher Keddie) 12 weeks pregnant to on again off again partner and hunky anaesthetist, Patrick Reid (Matthew La Nevez). Having recovered from the initial shock of their surprise pregnancy, Nina embarks on a mission to perfect all areas of her life before the baby arrives. But Nina’s desire for a perfect pregnancy and home life are quickly disrupted by complications (of course!) at work and the bedlam created by the ever expanding dysfunctional Proudman family.

This season also sees two new cast members join the clan; Ido Drent (Shortland Street) as Nina and Patrick’s relationship counsellor Lawrence and Caren Pistorius (Paper Giants: Magazine Wars) as a newcomer to St Francis hospital.

And we can’t forget Billie Proudman (Kat Stewart) who’s married to up and coming musician Mick Holland (Eddie Perfect), last we saw them they were letting go of their dream to start their own family, so this season we see Billie setting out to prove herself professionally (remember she works in her Dad’s real estate business).  I’m sure we’ll be seeing highs and lows from Billie, who keeps everyone front and centre with her sometimes brutal but from the heart honesty.

Cherie (Deborah Mailman) has some important decisions to make about her unconventional relationship with Dr Martin Clegg (Lachy Hulme); Jimmy (Richard Davies) and Zara (Jane Harber) bring little Alfie home from the hospital living with Jimmy’s mum Geraldine (Linda Cropper). And of course we’ve got Nina’s two ‘Dads’ played by Garry McDonald and John Waters … ahhh so glad they are back on our screen!

Season 4 I am sure will not disappoint us, it features everything from laughs, tears, romance, surprises, awkward moments, jealousy, downright silliness and not to mention wardrobe envy, the show just ‘completes ‘me’ … I know I know … corny but hey so is the show but in a corny awesome way!

Check out a sneak peek at a few pics from the show tonight:

Offspring Season Four premieres on TEN tonight (Wednesday May 22nd) at 8.30pm.

And if you haven’t been following Nikki from Styling You’s obsession with all things Nina Proudman, you can check out her posts here, seriously you will want to!

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Sassi
Your Pop Culture Gossip Girl

Not much says luxury, quite the way new lingerie does. Whether you’re slipping into something sexy for someone else, or you’re spoiling yourself, you’re bound to love the new Simone Pérèle Autumn/Winter 2013 Lingerie Collection.

This season’s collection celebrates every woman, no matter what style she captures. The collection is both glamous and edgy – dark sensuous laces, flattering, and trendy cutes. There’s four different collections – one for each of your inner vixens, and you’re bound to find something you love in here.  The exquisite lookbook was styled by French Grazia & French Vogue stylist, Stéphanie Brisset.

Tattoo, the first collection is for the mysterious temptress – with delicate flowers, and evocative nude tulle, this collection is made to draw the eye.

Queen is definitely made to rule. Confident and in control, the queen collection takes on rock star cool and contrasts it with delicate, intricate lace. Choose from a bold royal purple or a sexy, edgy black lace.

Diva is show stopping with sensual printed silk and soft lace. The Diva collection shimmers with glamour and it’s grey silk and ivory lace make it the most classic of this season’s collection.

Folies is the vixen’s collection – opera red, ivory and sensual black fabric pull all the classic seduction stops, transforming the wearer into an instant bombshell.

Revelation is the collection that big busted girls have been waiting for. No longer relegated to boring, plain lingeries, the Revelation collection uses classic silk and lace, supreme style and flawless fits to ensure maximum support and sex appeal, no matter what size you are.

If that wasn’t great enough, Simone Perele are also released their Top Model cellulite control shapewear collection. You have no reason to hide your curves with the new collection which helps to sculpt your body, all while reducing the appearance of cellulite. The delicate microfiber helps your clothes to sit smoothly on your skin, while the fabric is enriched with caffeine, retinol and Vitamin E to repair the skin while you wear it.

If you’re feeling daring, try the Amour collection with a brand new 3D spacer plunge bra. In contrast, if you’re looking for functionality, without compromising style, the Caressence collection is perfect.

The ultimate indulgence in this collection is Lumiere. Super soft microfiber is molded to create a stunning geometric design, studded with luxurious, diamond shaped Swarovski crystals, creating a luminous and entrancing style.

And finally, the Andora bra, featuring a spacer 3D must-have that gently moulds around the bust without adding volume; the feminine Celeste collection that features stretch Chantilly lace, and is acclaimed for its ultimate fit and supreme comfort; and lastly the Romance collection featuring exquisite embroidered flowers and geometric lace in bold colors.

Whether you’re buying for yourself, or as a surprise for someone else, this season there’s something for everyone’s tastes, needs and size this season with Simone Pérèle.

Available now nationally at Myer, David Jones or speciality stores.

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Sassi
Your Pop Culture Gossip Girl

Even though we’re gearing up for winter, the rest of the world are beginning to release their gorgeous summer collections, ensuring that us here in Australia get to have an eternal summer.  The new limited edition release is Dior’s Bird of Paradise collection. Inspired by the imaginary bird of paradise, the collection is filled with shimmering colours brimming with the natural lushness of a secret getaway to a tropical island, bursting with the natural beauty in the colours of blue, green and gold!

The first step to any bright blow is the Dior Skin Nude Tan BB Crème (RRP$70). We’ve spoken before about BB Cremes but this one is gorgeous for faking that summer skin. The product blends BB Crème with the radiant glow of bronzing powder to correct and even your skin tone while nourishing and smoothing dehydrated skin. This BB Creme is pure perfection, perfectly hydrated to give a smooth flawless coverage. Available in two shades (001 and 002).

This is followed by the Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo (RRP$82). The compact combines bronzing powder and blusher, with four shades on one palette. Blend them together or wear them individually, the colours enhance your cheekbones and add a touch of sunkissed glow, even if you’ve spent the whole day in the office, instead of lying on the beach.  Available in two different palettes (Pink Glow and Coral Glow) and you won’t be disappointed with this purchase.

The five Couleurs is two different eyeshadow palettes (RRP $99) that use gorgeous and edgy tropical inspired colours to create bold summery eyes (Bleu Lagoon and Peacock).

The collection also includes the Jelly Lip Pen (RRP$47)– a lip balm and lip stain hybrid that adds a hint of colour to your lips, while enriching them with vitamins and a gorgeous shine which we are just so in love with, they glide on quickly and easily and are moisturising to boot. Available in four shades; Ilhabela, Copacabana, Carioca and Gaia.

Finally, no summer escape is complete without a luxurious mani, and the Dior collection includes four gorgeous shades (RRP$48) available in duo shades that include a bold shimmery metallic turquoise or a gorgeously creamy seafoam green (Samba and Bahia duos).

The Bird of Paradise Summer 2013 Collection is available now for a limited time nationally at David Jones.

Ahhh Dior, you never disappoint.

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Sassi
Your Pop Culture Gossip Girl

New York City has long captured our imaginations and hearts as the city that never sleeps. The subject of movies, songs and dreams the city has inspired generations of travellers to pack up and experience everything the city has to offer including us. But if you’re day job has you sitting at desk daydreaming, Elizabeth Arden had created a new way to experience that New York City magic without leaving home although it’s not as much fun.

The release of the limited edition 5^th Avenue NYC fragrance (RRP$35), celebrates Elizabeth Arden’s illustrious heritage. Created to capture the essence of the savvy, sophisticated New York woman the fragrance combines the pulse of the city’s undeniable nightlife with the lush luxury of the city’s heart and soul.

The fragrance opens with sweet feminine notes – bergamot, sweet peach and of course, golden delicious apple – a nod to the city’s famed icon. This then blends into sultry notes of jasmine, plum blossom and sweet black currant, before melding into the smokier and sophisticated base, with notes of vanilla bean, musk and smoky sandalwood.

The fragrance is perfectly sophisticated – a perfume that would transition well from day to night. It is quite sweet initially, and the fresh apple does brighten the perfume considerably, but the sandalwood and amber notes help to balance out the fragrance, making it perfectly subtle and wearable.

Available now for a limited time at Elizabeth Arden counters in Myer, David Jones, and selected pharmacies nationally, for your nearest stockist you can call 1800 015 500.

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Sassi
Your Pop Culture Gossip Girl

With the weather cooling down, it’s time to head inside and start getting for the winter. And there’s no better cold weather activity than whipping up a feast in the kitchen and enjoying a warm and tasty meal.

Beloved celebrity chef Karen Martini has just released a new cookbook, after the wild success of her previous three releases. The Karen Martini Collection is a supersized compilation of 170 of Karen’s most scrumptious recipes to guide you through effortless meals.

The book is based on Karen’s personal philosophy of using fresh produce to create big, mouth watering flavours. This approachable style makes cooking a feast possible for anyone – even kitchen novices will be able to knock together a meal to impress.

The book is broken down into easy to use categories – Beginnings, Middles, Sides, Ends and Basics. The recipes encompass dinner party style feasts, right through to tasty weeknight dinners, so this book can be a perfect kitchen companion, no matter what occasion.

We loved the variety of flavours Karen uses in her recipes, they sound truly mouthwatering and we have bookmarked these tasty treats to try; such as Chicken Legs with Parsnip Skordalia, Hard Boiled Egg Curry with Spinach, Tomato, Ginger and Yoghurt, Watercress Pea and Potato Soup, Slow Cooked Zucchini with Tomato Lemon and Coriander Dressing, and Duck & Egg Fried Rice, Marinated Chicken with Cinnamon, Garlic and Rosewater and Prawn and Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint and Pomegranate.

This book is sure to keep your meal times fresh and exciting and really who doesn’t want a big rustic lime green hardcover handy in their kitchen!

Available now: Penguin RRP$49.99, you can also visit Karen’s website: www.karenmartini.com for more.

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Sassi
Your Pop Culture Gossip Girl

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