As any beauty junkie can attest, it's always great to treat yourself, and feeling good is so, so important. I am the biggest believer of that. If you feel good, your energy gives those feelings off and it makes the surrounding people also feel good. Also when you feel good, you can give more to those who need as you're not drained and by looking after yourself, you are in effect, looking after others (especially you mothers out there!)
Even though we should all be giving all year around (where we can, of course), xmas is the time where a lot of people need it the most. Life seems to be only getting harder, the economy is seeing it quite tough right now and it does feel good to give.
At this time of year these are some good things you can do:
* Take all unwanted foods (canned and other non- perishables) down to your local food bank in preparation for the homeless xmas dinners.
* Volunteer to help out with the local food banks for the actual xmas lunch or dinner (you can also be this at Easter, or Thanksgiving in North America).
* Donate new children's toys and leave them under the donation tree at your local Kmart (or a toy store that you know does this).
* If you have handbags that you want to get rid of, instead of donating them to the local clothing charity store, fill them up with things that women need, like sanitary products, hairbrushes, daily essential things etc, and them out to homeless people that you see.
* For those in the northern hemisphere, take old, unwanted blankets and hand them out to the homeless. I know it snows in most places, and warmth is key. Or even hot cups of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
* For those in the southern hemisphere, take around bottles of chilled water or zooperdoopers, especially in Australia, as it gets so hot.
Other ways you can help throughout the year:
* Donate money, or time, to your favourite charity. Mine are always animal charities as animals especially, cannot help themselves and need people. Plus animals. :)
* Pay for a adoption fee for someone to take home a new fur baby, if you are unable to take care of an animal yourself.
* If you're not squeamish (or have a high fear of needles), donate Blood, or even better, super rare things like Bone Marrow, that so many people overlook (Bone Marrow is needed for people who suffer from things like Leukaemia).
* Buying a Viva Glam lipstick from MAC. 100% of the proceeds from the Viva
Glam lipstick and lipglass range goes to the AIDS foundation, helping those in need who suffer from AIDS.
* Buying a Pink Hope lipstick from Luma cosmetics. 100% of proceeds goes to Pink Hope, a foundation helping those who have been affected by Breast Cancer.
Honestly, there are SO many things you can do to help those in need. Even if you cannot do anything on this list, or anything else, even pay for someone's coffee that's behind you. It may not be much but you're paying it forward.
Doing a good deed will make you and someone else feel great and lift someone else's spirit. Remember, you never know what someone else is going through, their struggle or why someone may be the way the are or stuck in the situation they're in. Don't judge and don't discriminate. One day it could be your struggle. You just never know.
What are your favourite ways to help someone?
Monday, December 21, 2015
Monday, November 30, 2015
Savvy Ultra Matte lips vs Australis Velourlips
There has been a massive influx in the beauty world lately with matte liquid lipsticks. They are definitely having a moment, and rightly so. They are awesome and I'm definitely a fan. They are long wearing and budge proof. Perfect for those who are busy and constantly on the go. I have previously reviewed the Savvy Ultra Matte lipsticks but now I'm going to compare the Savvy one against another Australian brand, Australis Velourlips.
These are both great Australian versions that cost a fraction of the cost, and are easily found here, compared to some of the other brands out there, such as Anastasia Beverley Hills, Dose of Colors, Jeffree Star and Pretty Zombie Cosmetics etc. There are definitely more and more brands adding them to their collections, so it's going to be quite the thing for a while yet.
Even though my review on the Savvy Ultra Matte was in August of last year, I still hold true to my previously thoughts on them. I still really love them, but "everyone" here in Australia seems to really be going nuts over Australis Velourlips, so I definitely thought it was worth a re-visit to see which brand of liquid matte lipsticks fared up better!
I have 2 shades of each brand, so I'll be testing them all out.
Savvy Ultra Matte in Icon
Applies smoothly and evenly. No bleeding or feathering.
It applies easily and doesn't cling to any particular area on the lips or create "rings".
Dries within 60 seconds, leaves no sticky residue other than when drying.
Definitely kiss proof and also nap proof too (yes I tested this out by accident haha).
It does wear off on the inside when eating, but drinking is no problem.
I didn't find it to crack on my lips throughout the day at all, and honestly the only time I had to reapply was after my lunch. Also, I didn't have to completely take it off before reapplying, I just put it on straight over the top and it looked fine.
Savvy Ultra Matte in Hollywood Baby
Applies smoothly, however, it does settle and gather on the outside of my lip line, the bottom one mostly, so it's not a shade you can quickly apply and go. Take your time with it.
Takes a little longer to dry and is sticky until dry. Took about 2 mins.
I had mild flakiness on my lips and it did avoid these spots so my bottom lip looked a bit "holey". So exfoliate your lips beforehand if you know you're going to wear it.
Drinking is no problem and doesn't affect wear.
Kiss proof and wears evenly.
I think to be super safe, completely take off and reapply from the get go as it's not the best to reapply over the top.
Australis Velourlips in Mil-a-no (cream)
I find this very patchy and hard to get even on application and really have to work with it so it doesn't settle into my lip lines that look unplesant. No bleeding or feathering.
Dries within 60 seconds, doesn't leave a sticky residue other than when drying.
It's quite a thin lipstick vs the other brighter colours.
Australis Velourlips in Grandmaster Pash (metallic)
Applies smoothly and evenly. No bleeding or feathering.
It applies easily and nicely but did take a long time to dry completely.
Sticky while drying.
Drinking and eating are no problem.
Kiss proof and wears evenly.
Overall, The darker colours are much better and easier to apply and less work overall. The light ones on both brands do take quite a bit of work to make it look good and are less forgiving, so the lighter shades are definitely not a quick fix and go product.
I personally prefer the way the Savvy Mattes apply and wear but the Australis Velourlips have a much better colour range, and I do love choice haha. In the end, I'd go with the Savvy Ultra Matte.
Savvy Ultra Matte:
Comes in 5 shades
Available: Priceline
RRP: $7.99
Savvy is Vegan
Fun Fact: Savvy is not part of the cosmetic company "Designer Brands". Savvy is a Priceline brand.
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, PPG-17/IPDI/DMPA Copolymer, Polybutene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Isododecane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850:1), Red 27 Lake (CI 45410), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77492/ CI 77499).
Australis Velourlips:
Comes in 20 permanent shades and 3 limited edition metallic shades
Available: Australiscosmetics.com.au and Priceline
RRP: $9.95
Australis is Vegan
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Polybutene, Ozokerite, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Fragrance , Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain (+/-): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850:1 (Red 7 Lake), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake).
These are both great Australian versions that cost a fraction of the cost, and are easily found here, compared to some of the other brands out there, such as Anastasia Beverley Hills, Dose of Colors, Jeffree Star and Pretty Zombie Cosmetics etc. There are definitely more and more brands adding them to their collections, so it's going to be quite the thing for a while yet.
Even though my review on the Savvy Ultra Matte was in August of last year, I still hold true to my previously thoughts on them. I still really love them, but "everyone" here in Australia seems to really be going nuts over Australis Velourlips, so I definitely thought it was worth a re-visit to see which brand of liquid matte lipsticks fared up better!
I have 2 shades of each brand, so I'll be testing them all out.
Savvy Ultra Matte in Icon
Applies smoothly and evenly. No bleeding or feathering.
It applies easily and doesn't cling to any particular area on the lips or create "rings".
Dries within 60 seconds, leaves no sticky residue other than when drying.
Definitely kiss proof and also nap proof too (yes I tested this out by accident haha).
It does wear off on the inside when eating, but drinking is no problem.
I didn't find it to crack on my lips throughout the day at all, and honestly the only time I had to reapply was after my lunch. Also, I didn't have to completely take it off before reapplying, I just put it on straight over the top and it looked fine.
Savvy Ultra Matte in Hollywood Baby
Applies smoothly, however, it does settle and gather on the outside of my lip line, the bottom one mostly, so it's not a shade you can quickly apply and go. Take your time with it.
Takes a little longer to dry and is sticky until dry. Took about 2 mins.
I had mild flakiness on my lips and it did avoid these spots so my bottom lip looked a bit "holey". So exfoliate your lips beforehand if you know you're going to wear it.
Drinking is no problem and doesn't affect wear.
Kiss proof and wears evenly.
I think to be super safe, completely take off and reapply from the get go as it's not the best to reapply over the top.
Australis Velourlips in Mil-a-no (cream)
I find this very patchy and hard to get even on application and really have to work with it so it doesn't settle into my lip lines that look unplesant. No bleeding or feathering.
Dries within 60 seconds, doesn't leave a sticky residue other than when drying.
It's quite a thin lipstick vs the other brighter colours.
Australis Velourlips in Grandmaster Pash (metallic)
Applies smoothly and evenly. No bleeding or feathering.
It applies easily and nicely but did take a long time to dry completely.
Sticky while drying.
Drinking and eating are no problem.
Kiss proof and wears evenly.
Overall, The darker colours are much better and easier to apply and less work overall. The light ones on both brands do take quite a bit of work to make it look good and are less forgiving, so the lighter shades are definitely not a quick fix and go product.
I personally prefer the way the Savvy Mattes apply and wear but the Australis Velourlips have a much better colour range, and I do love choice haha. In the end, I'd go with the Savvy Ultra Matte.
Savvy Ultra Matte:
Comes in 5 shades
Available: Priceline
RRP: $7.99
Savvy is Vegan
Fun Fact: Savvy is not part of the cosmetic company "Designer Brands". Savvy is a Priceline brand.
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, PPG-17/IPDI/DMPA Copolymer, Polybutene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Isododecane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. MAY CONTAIN [+/-]: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850:1), Red 27 Lake (CI 45410), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Iron Oxides (CI 77492/ CI 77499).
Australis Velourlips:
Comes in 20 permanent shades and 3 limited edition metallic shades
Available: Australiscosmetics.com.au and Priceline
RRP: $9.95
Australis is Vegan
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyethylene, Polybutene, Ozokerite, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Fragrance , Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin. May Contain (+/-): CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 15850 (Red 6), CI 15850:1 (Red 7 Lake), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake).
Monday, November 16, 2015
Recent empties
I'm here with a round up of what I've used up recently and a bit of a mini review of each product.
Thinking about it, I never use up makeup haha (probably because I have so much, lets be honest!), I think I've only ever used up a Stila Kitten eyeshadow... wow! haha. I do have a couple that I've hit pan on, but they are LE stuff, so I use it sparingly, of course!!
Anywho, let's move along, shall we?
The Body Shop Peach Body Wash (full size)
This smells so good! I'm on a bit of a peach fix at the moment and loving it! Perfect for summer. I really like The Body Shop body washes.
Re-purchase: Yes, but I'm not sure you can still get it. It was Limited Edition
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
The Body Shop Satsuma Body Wash (full size)
This is my go-to body wash. I love it, and it's usually limited edition (although I'm guessing they may have made it permanent now...?!), so I stock up on this when I get it. I also interchange scents/ body washes, but always come back to this. It's the perfect accompaniment to my go-to fragrance, CKin2U (which is also fruity/citrusy).
Re-purchase: Always
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser (full size)
This is my all time favourite face cleanser. I recommend this to anyone and everyone that wants to hear about it haha. I LOVE seaweed almost anything lol.
Re-purchase: Yes. Have and will continue forever (probably...)
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
Glamourflage Tiara Tracey toner (full size)
I really enjoyed using this. It has Witch Hazel in it as a primary ingredient which I like to help keep my skin clear.
Re-purchase: Yes
Sukin Hand and Nail cream (full size)
Not a fan of the scent of this, but it doesn't linger for too long, which makes it alright. It does moisturise quite nicely and I like that it's natural (which I'm getting quite into lately).
Re-purchase: On the fence with this one. Probably not though
Available: Priceline
Chi Chi Hand Cream in Pomegranate (full size)
This was all right. I'm not a massive fan of hand creams but my hands get so dry that it's becoming necessary. This did smell really nice though.
Re-purchase: No
Available: Myer, Target
MAC Fix + Rose (full size)
This was ok. I'm not a fan of rose scented stuff and honestly, it probably took me over 2
years to use this thing up (it was from the previous release). I much prefer the Charged waters, plain Fix+ or the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray.
Re-purchase: Not the Rose scented, but other Fix +, yes
Available: Not available anymore, but the original at MAC stores, counters and online
MAC Opulash mascara in Violet (full size)
This was so old it needed to be thrown out. I barely used it, and I now think if I wanted a coloured mascara, I'll just use a mascara fan brush and a coloured fluidline. Cheaper and not so much waste.
Re-purchase: No, unavailable as it was LE
Available: Not available anymore
Beauty Bay mascara (full size)
I bought this as I was making an order on Beauty Bay and needed a new mascara. It was quite dry and although it wasn't a bad mascara, it did nothing spectacular for my lashes. I ended up pairing this with MAC False Lashes mascara, using this one as a base and together the 2 ended up being quite nice.
Re-purchase: No
Available: beautybay.com
MAC False Lashes mascara (sample)
I like this paired with Beauty Bay mascara, using the False Lashes mascara last. Probably wouldn't buy a full size though. I like other mascaras better. It's not too watery or dry. Just about right. It didn't curl or lengthen, but did separate my lashes, which I personally like and want in a mascara. If you're after something new, this mascara could be worth a shot.
Re-purchase: No
Available: MAC counters, stores and online
Organix Marine Extracts shampoo and conditioner (full size)
I did not like the smell of these at all. I usually like marine/ sea like smell, but this wasn't good at all. I also don't think it did much to my hair either, although, that's probably not too fair of a judgement as I used other things alongside as I really couldn't stand the smell. It took me almost a year to use these up.
Re-purchase: No
Available: Priceline, most supermarkets
MAC Odyssey lipstick (full size)
Okay, so I had to chuck this. It has that gross plastic crayon smell to it. Sad day to see haha.
Re-purchase: No, I barely used it when it was good
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Peel treatment (5 day pack)
These are awesome! I use these once a week as an "in house" treatment on my at-home spa days. I like that these do work but without your face actually peeling and looking funky. There's no down time, however, you are recommended to stay out of the sun (as with any peel/ harsher skin treatment). You can use these any time (day or night). I like to use them at night so there's no chance of me seeing the sun, and I let the treatment do its work alongside beauty sleep and the whole rejuvenation process. I'm thinking of trying out one of the other Dr Dennis Gross treatments and seeing how those go. Highly recommend!
Re-purchase: Yes, and I have, and will continue to
Available: mecca.com.au
Thinking about it, I never use up makeup haha (probably because I have so much, lets be honest!), I think I've only ever used up a Stila Kitten eyeshadow... wow! haha. I do have a couple that I've hit pan on, but they are LE stuff, so I use it sparingly, of course!!
Anywho, let's move along, shall we?
 |
| TBS Peach body wash, TBS Seaweed cleanser, Glamourflage toner |
The Body Shop Peach Body Wash (full size)
This smells so good! I'm on a bit of a peach fix at the moment and loving it! Perfect for summer. I really like The Body Shop body washes.
Re-purchase: Yes, but I'm not sure you can still get it. It was Limited Edition
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
The Body Shop Satsuma Body Wash (full size)
This is my go-to body wash. I love it, and it's usually limited edition (although I'm guessing they may have made it permanent now...?!), so I stock up on this when I get it. I also interchange scents/ body washes, but always come back to this. It's the perfect accompaniment to my go-to fragrance, CKin2U (which is also fruity/citrusy).
Re-purchase: Always
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser (full size)
This is my all time favourite face cleanser. I recommend this to anyone and everyone that wants to hear about it haha. I LOVE seaweed almost anything lol.
Re-purchase: Yes. Have and will continue forever (probably...)
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
Glamourflage Tiara Tracey toner (full size)
I really enjoyed using this. It has Witch Hazel in it as a primary ingredient which I like to help keep my skin clear.
Re-purchase: Yes
Available: David Jones
 |
| Chi Chi hand cream, MAC Fix +, MAC Opulash, Beauty Bay mascara, MAC False Lashes |
Not a fan of the scent of this, but it doesn't linger for too long, which makes it alright. It does moisturise quite nicely and I like that it's natural (which I'm getting quite into lately).
Re-purchase: On the fence with this one. Probably not though
Available: Priceline
Chi Chi Hand Cream in Pomegranate (full size)
This was all right. I'm not a massive fan of hand creams but my hands get so dry that it's becoming necessary. This did smell really nice though.
Re-purchase: No
Available: Myer, Target
MAC Fix + Rose (full size)
This was ok. I'm not a fan of rose scented stuff and honestly, it probably took me over 2
years to use this thing up (it was from the previous release). I much prefer the Charged waters, plain Fix+ or the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray.
Re-purchase: Not the Rose scented, but other Fix +, yes
Available: Not available anymore, but the original at MAC stores, counters and online
MAC Opulash mascara in Violet (full size)
This was so old it needed to be thrown out. I barely used it, and I now think if I wanted a coloured mascara, I'll just use a mascara fan brush and a coloured fluidline. Cheaper and not so much waste.
Re-purchase: No, unavailable as it was LE
Available: Not available anymore
Beauty Bay mascara (full size)
I bought this as I was making an order on Beauty Bay and needed a new mascara. It was quite dry and although it wasn't a bad mascara, it did nothing spectacular for my lashes. I ended up pairing this with MAC False Lashes mascara, using this one as a base and together the 2 ended up being quite nice.
Re-purchase: No
Available: beautybay.com
I like this paired with Beauty Bay mascara, using the False Lashes mascara last. Probably wouldn't buy a full size though. I like other mascaras better. It's not too watery or dry. Just about right. It didn't curl or lengthen, but did separate my lashes, which I personally like and want in a mascara. If you're after something new, this mascara could be worth a shot.
Re-purchase: No
Available: MAC counters, stores and online
 |
| Organix Marine Extracts shampoo |
Organix Marine Extracts shampoo and conditioner (full size)
I did not like the smell of these at all. I usually like marine/ sea like smell, but this wasn't good at all. I also don't think it did much to my hair either, although, that's probably not too fair of a judgement as I used other things alongside as I really couldn't stand the smell. It took me almost a year to use these up.
Re-purchase: No
Available: Priceline, most supermarkets
MAC Odyssey lipstick (full size)
Okay, so I had to chuck this. It has that gross plastic crayon smell to it. Sad day to see haha.
Re-purchase: No, I barely used it when it was good
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
Dr Dennis Gross Extra Strength Alpha Peel treatment (5 day pack)
These are awesome! I use these once a week as an "in house" treatment on my at-home spa days. I like that these do work but without your face actually peeling and looking funky. There's no down time, however, you are recommended to stay out of the sun (as with any peel/ harsher skin treatment). You can use these any time (day or night). I like to use them at night so there's no chance of me seeing the sun, and I let the treatment do its work alongside beauty sleep and the whole rejuvenation process. I'm thinking of trying out one of the other Dr Dennis Gross treatments and seeing how those go. Highly recommend!
Re-purchase: Yes, and I have, and will continue to
Available: mecca.com.au
Monday, November 9, 2015
Review: Kelapa Organics SPF15 Moisturiser
The Kelapa Organics SPF15 Moisturiser is the newest product in their skincare line. It fits in nicely amongst their line of basic necessities of good and essential skincare.
All Kelapa products are organic, natural and contain "the holy grail", Coconut Oil. They also do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, synthetic fragrances, parabens, artificial colours or preservatives.
It's 75ml and is encased in a white plastic bottle with a matte paper wrapping. It's very simple but looks clean and fresh. It comes in a pump bottle which is great for hygiene and being able to disperse as much as you need.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Impressions:
The Kelapa SPF15 moisturiser was quite thick, but easy to apply and rub in. I did find that it clung to the dry patches on my face, but were rubbed in with a little more effort. It smells like coconut and is pleasant, and there is also an underlying smell that's really nice. I'm not sure what it is, maybe vanilla as I do know some of their other products are vanilla scented, but it went away so quickly I couldn't put my finger on it.
After a month:
I've been using this every day and feel like it does a good job at moisturising, the biggest thing, and most important for myself, is the fact that as an SPF product, The Kelapa moisturiser is thick. Most moisturisers (with and without an SPF) are very thin, which you need a good teaspoon of sunscreen (SPF) for the face to ensure you are properly protected. I imagine a thinner moisturiser wouldn't provide as much coverage as you're using less product to begin with. I used a pump and a half each application. It did cling to the area around my smile lines by my mouth, but absorbed with more rubbing in.
This didn't break me out at all and made my skin feel well moisturised. It didn't interfere or affect my makeup products at all. Not with primer, foundation, illuminiser or any other products I might use as a base. It doesn't affect longevity in my makeup or make me look oily so I have to re-powder (I don't think I ever re-powder tbh). If i didn't use any makeup on my face (weekends), I could still feel the moisture on my face so it doesn't completely sink in, which I actually prefer. It makes me feels as though my skin is consistently being moisturised (I could be wrong about that haha). I guess thats also a sign that my skin isn't dry and it doesn't suck it all up. Importantly, it doesn't make my skin look oily at this point either.
I did find the more you rub it in, the stickier it does get and I definitely had to wash my hands before applying anything else to my skin afterwards. The only thing that would make this even better, is making this an SPF30.
I also haven't discovered what that "hidden" scent is yet either...
I would love to know what it smells like, but this is a great thing for those who don't particularly like scented skincare. It smells pleasant, then evaporates quickly.
Would I repurchase?:
Yes. I'm really enjoying it. I do prefer the consistency of the Olay SPF15 moisturiser (my holy grail) whilst applying and rubbing in, but I feel like this is a great natural alternative, which is what I'm starting to get more into.
I also imagine that being a coconut oil product, eventually this could be helpful in keeping those wrinkles away like oils can do (olive oil anyone?). I do also wish that it was more easily accessible and not just available via the website.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day:
The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
Kelapa Organics SPF15 Face Moisturiser
Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream
Night:
The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser
Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream
Glamourflage Luscious Lucy face cream for neck and décolletage
Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta extra strength peels (every monday)
Available: kelapa.com.au
RRP: $29.95
As with all skincare reviews, product has been tested for at least 30 days before reviewing. All opinions are genuine and this product was sent to me for consideration.
All Kelapa Organic Skincare is:
~ Not tested on animals
~ Vegan
~ Organic
~ Australian made and owned
This is what Kelapa Organics have to say about the SPF15 Face Moisturiser:
Kelapa’s SPF15 Face Moisturiser is a light yet protective lotion that’s ideal for everyday use. It’s non greasy, quickly absorbing and perfect on its own or under make up. This Natural SPF Face Moisturiser Contains Certified Organic Coconut Oil for its exceptional moisturising and protective qualities.
All Kelapa products are organic, natural and contain "the holy grail", Coconut Oil. They also do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, synthetic fragrances, parabens, artificial colours or preservatives.
It's 75ml and is encased in a white plastic bottle with a matte paper wrapping. It's very simple but looks clean and fresh. It comes in a pump bottle which is great for hygiene and being able to disperse as much as you need.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Impressions:
The Kelapa SPF15 moisturiser was quite thick, but easy to apply and rub in. I did find that it clung to the dry patches on my face, but were rubbed in with a little more effort. It smells like coconut and is pleasant, and there is also an underlying smell that's really nice. I'm not sure what it is, maybe vanilla as I do know some of their other products are vanilla scented, but it went away so quickly I couldn't put my finger on it.
After a month:
I've been using this every day and feel like it does a good job at moisturising, the biggest thing, and most important for myself, is the fact that as an SPF product, The Kelapa moisturiser is thick. Most moisturisers (with and without an SPF) are very thin, which you need a good teaspoon of sunscreen (SPF) for the face to ensure you are properly protected. I imagine a thinner moisturiser wouldn't provide as much coverage as you're using less product to begin with. I used a pump and a half each application. It did cling to the area around my smile lines by my mouth, but absorbed with more rubbing in.
This didn't break me out at all and made my skin feel well moisturised. It didn't interfere or affect my makeup products at all. Not with primer, foundation, illuminiser or any other products I might use as a base. It doesn't affect longevity in my makeup or make me look oily so I have to re-powder (I don't think I ever re-powder tbh). If i didn't use any makeup on my face (weekends), I could still feel the moisture on my face so it doesn't completely sink in, which I actually prefer. It makes me feels as though my skin is consistently being moisturised (I could be wrong about that haha). I guess thats also a sign that my skin isn't dry and it doesn't suck it all up. Importantly, it doesn't make my skin look oily at this point either.
I did find the more you rub it in, the stickier it does get and I definitely had to wash my hands before applying anything else to my skin afterwards. The only thing that would make this even better, is making this an SPF30.
I also haven't discovered what that "hidden" scent is yet either...
I would love to know what it smells like, but this is a great thing for those who don't particularly like scented skincare. It smells pleasant, then evaporates quickly.
Would I repurchase?:
Yes. I'm really enjoying it. I do prefer the consistency of the Olay SPF15 moisturiser (my holy grail) whilst applying and rubbing in, but I feel like this is a great natural alternative, which is what I'm starting to get more into.
I also imagine that being a coconut oil product, eventually this could be helpful in keeping those wrinkles away like oils can do (olive oil anyone?). I do also wish that it was more easily accessible and not just available via the website.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Day:
The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser
Mario Badescu Vitamin C Serum
Kelapa Organics SPF15 Face Moisturiser
Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream
Night:
The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser
Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream
Glamourflage Luscious Lucy face cream for neck and décolletage
Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta extra strength peels (every monday)
Available: kelapa.com.au
RRP: $29.95
As with all skincare reviews, product has been tested for at least 30 days before reviewing. All opinions are genuine and this product was sent to me for consideration.
Monday, October 26, 2015
My Favourite nail polishes
I'm lazy when it comes to my nails. I love them looking pretty, but I don't always have time to go get acrylics put on and I hate how nail polish chips so easily. Regardless, I still love having colour on my nails. When I do use nail polish, these are my faves!!
PS. I ALWAYS have my toe nails painted, is it just me or does it look wrong with naked toe nails??
Chi Chi Just Chillaxin'
All aboard the greige train! Ummm this colour is amazing. This is a perfect all year 'round shade as its not too warm or too cool. I have been wearing this shade the most over the past 6 odd months that I've had it. LOVE!! Can I also say that the price for this is amazing. Like $5 for a bottle. Yes it's a little smaller than most, but it's great value for money and you're more likely to finish a bottle up.
OPI Black Onyx
I love black nails, what can I say, I'm a goth at heart. Black always looks good, and in my opinion, the only colour you can "get away" with it being chipped, for that "grungy look" (if you're feeling lazy!). This shade is permanent and a staple in any collection.
A gunmetal shade with silver micro glitter. I think the whole world knows about my current love affair with all things gunmetal. This shade was a limited edition from quite a few xmas's ago (2008 "Holiday in Toyland". Had to look it up, can't believe its 7 years old!!).
China Glaze Nova
I absolutely love this glitter. I've used it so much theres basically nothing left and it's gone a little gunky, but I just can't bare to part with it. I need to find a suitable replacement. This type of polish is my fave for an accent nail.
OPI Gaining Mole-mentum
I recently purchased this and it is the BEST gold flake glitter I've come across. It's more of a coppery gold vs a yellow gold, which most gold glitters are, (and I'm not so keen on. I'm picky when it comes to golds). This is another perfect accent nail glitter. You do need to layer it 3 times to get a good covering as it is gold flakes suspended in a clear base.
Essie Mint Candy Apple
Finally! A bit of colour haha. This one is an oldie but a goodie. I'm sure there's very few people/ ladies who haven't heard of this shade. It's such a pretty mint green.
OPI What's With The Cattitude?
This shade was released with the "Shrek" collection in 2010. The perfect pastel blue. It's a creme that screams spring to me.
OPI Flit a Bit
Another limited edition (which I guess most shades are these days)(it's from "Summer Flutter" 2010). My fave shade to wear in the summer and looks awesome with a tan. In my Back Pocket is very similar (which I also have haha. Love my oranges!!), although this has a slight shimmer to it vs IMBP being a creme.
OPI Don't Toy With Me
Another xmas one, This one is also from the Holiday in Toyland collection alongside Baby, It's Coal Outside. It's a blue based red with fine micro silver glitter/ shimmer. My absolutely fave red!! This is a fave shade for my toes.
As you can clearly see, I do love my OPI's. They have such an extensive range and soooooo many colours. I have a lot of nailpolishes (over 50 shades and finishes).
What's your favourite shade?
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Review: Jamberry nail wraps
I got sent these to try out, and I think they're such a nifty idea, especially for those who like having pretty nails but either their salon doesn't do creative/ decorative nails or are short on time and like to get them on and go (much quicker than polish drying times).
Jamberry nails are set to launch in Australia and New Zealand on the 1st of October, and they're pretty comparable to the U.S (especially with the exchange rate right now).
First Impression:
Wow! These are so cool. I was immediately impressed with how easy these are to use. Not fiddly at all and pretty quick to apply. My only con thus far, I have pretty small fingernails (small fingers) so the sizing is a bit off, either too big or too small. I'm not a fan of having gaps in-between my nail edge and wraps/ polish etc.
After applying a full set:
It was pretty time consuming, it took me 40 mins from start to finish doing both hands, so not super quick, although I'm sure you could cut that time down the more you use them.
They are definitely easy to use.
After a week:
I have only 2 remaining on my right hand, but the full set on my left (I'm right handed). I believe its due to not taking enough time on my right hand, with heat and buffing in prep. Only 1 on my left hand started to peel, but I just filed my nail down and it was fine. No matter how much you get them wet, moisturise (with hand cream etc), they don't come off.
Would I purchase:
Yes. There are plenty of awesome designs and can be much cheaper than getting fancy art work on your nails done at a salon. They are easy to use once you get the hang of them, and prep is pretty important.
Tips:
* They say to file your nails (shaped) when you prep your nails. My suggestion is to wait until afterwards when you're filing off the excess.
* These would be best for short nails, or very strong longer nails.
* I had to cut mine to make them fit my nails, so use very sharp scissors otherwise it can get jagged very easily.
* The glitter ones need more work and heat as they are thicker than the transparent and patterned ones.
* If you use your nails to peel things or pick at things, these may not work for you. I use my nails for work and such, and my dominant hand, pointer finger came off easily due to that.
* Don't cut these right to the edges of your nail, they will come off easier, do leave a slight gap for best results.
Jamberry nails are set to launch in Australia and New Zealand on the 1st of October, and they're pretty comparable to the U.S (especially with the exchange rate right now).
Jamberry Nails are...
Can be used on artificial nails
No dry time
Won't damage natural nails
Formaldehyde, gluten and latex free
Last up to 2 weeks on fingers (longer for toes!)
No harmful chemicals
No chipping or smudging
Safe to use during pregnancy
Never animal tested
Over 300 designs
 |
Before now, I'd never tried the nail wraps, I always thought they were too fiddly and just not my kind of thing. They've been around for a while but I'm more of a polish girl. The above is what I got sent. I believe you get 2 of these sets for the $15USD. I already cut these as you can see.
First Impression:
Wow! These are so cool. I was immediately impressed with how easy these are to use. Not fiddly at all and pretty quick to apply. My only con thus far, I have pretty small fingernails (small fingers) so the sizing is a bit off, either too big or too small. I'm not a fan of having gaps in-between my nail edge and wraps/ polish etc.
After applying a full set:
It was pretty time consuming, it took me 40 mins from start to finish doing both hands, so not super quick, although I'm sure you could cut that time down the more you use them.
They are definitely easy to use.
 |
| After 1 week |
After a week:
I have only 2 remaining on my right hand, but the full set on my left (I'm right handed). I believe its due to not taking enough time on my right hand, with heat and buffing in prep. Only 1 on my left hand started to peel, but I just filed my nail down and it was fine. No matter how much you get them wet, moisturise (with hand cream etc), they don't come off.
Would I purchase:
Yes. There are plenty of awesome designs and can be much cheaper than getting fancy art work on your nails done at a salon. They are easy to use once you get the hang of them, and prep is pretty important.
Tips:
* They say to file your nails (shaped) when you prep your nails. My suggestion is to wait until afterwards when you're filing off the excess.
* These would be best for short nails, or very strong longer nails.
* I had to cut mine to make them fit my nails, so use very sharp scissors otherwise it can get jagged very easily.
* The glitter ones need more work and heat as they are thicker than the transparent and patterned ones.
* If you use your nails to peel things or pick at things, these may not work for you. I use my nails for work and such, and my dominant hand, pointer finger came off easily due to that.
* Don't cut these right to the edges of your nail, they will come off easier, do leave a slight gap for best results.
Available: Jamberry.com/au
RRP: $22 for Australia/ New Zealand, $15USD per sheet or, Buy 3 get 1 free.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Adelaide Hair and Makeup Trade Show haul
Today was the first day of the 2 day Adelaide Hair and Makeup trade show. It runs until 6pm tomorrow, Sunday 27th September. It's the first trade show for the beauty industry that Adelaide has had.
It is designed, not just for the professionals, but also those who just love makeup, so anyone was welcome.
My experience:
I was underwhelmed by the whole thing. I arrived at 7:30am (doors opened at 8am), as I expected a line up. No one else rocked up until 5 minutes to 8am. The convention centre was pretty dead until roughly 10:30-11am. There were a handful of stalls, the only ones seeming impressive being Crown Brushes and Inglot, as they were the largest and had loads of product (also being the main sponsors).
Bosa Beauty were late (due to flights etc), and when they did unpack (which was uber slow), they had very little product (within less than 10 minutes the 5 Too Faced Melted lipsticks they had were sold out. They stocked no TheBalm or Nars products but had a massive suitcase of those Full Lips thingys). My friend and I were told to buy online if we wanted anything.
It took maybe 2 hours going back and forth to really look at everything. My friend and I ended up leaving, going to Mecca Cosmetica instead, spent our cash there and then went back for the Brittney Lee Saunders Q and A at 2:30pm. Straight after that we went home.
Maybe my expectations were higher as I thought people would flock to this thing. It's the first time Adelaide has had anything like this, so anyone who wasn't able to get to IMATS and the like would go for this, hence why I thought it would be busy, packed and the reason I turned up so early. I definitely won't be attending tomorrow.
What I bought:
5 Crown Brushes (2 blending brushes, a powder brush, an eyebrow spoolie and a concealer buffing brush)
An Inlgot AMC lipgloss
An Inglot Sculpting powder for contouring in shade 504
Mecca haul:
Bumble and Bumble Seaweed shampoo and conditioner
Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder in Luminous Light
(Btw the girls at Mecca are so lovely!)
Overall, it was very underwhelming, although I did see Chloe Morello walk past, totally fangirled and couldn't even say hello. Who even does that? Haha. I fully had sweaty and shaky hands, heart pumping out of my chest and literally speechless. Ahhhh!
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Kiss and Tell: bright pink lipstick day!
Tomorrow, Friday the 25th, is Bright Pink Lipstick Day!
Pink Hope is a charity for preventative health for breast cancer.
Now in its 4th year, Pink Hope aims to encourage Australians to have a conversation about their family's heriditary health, specifically their risk of breast and ovarian cancer. This is a big one, with many people having it in their family, many people who already have it, many who have survived it and unfortunately, many who will get it.
Statistics: (for Australia)
In 2015 there will be a projected:
15,740 people with new cases, of those,
15,600 are women
145 are men. Yes men do get breast cancer.
When/ what/ how to check: * You should be checking your breasts once a month, ideally avoiding the week before and after your period for better detection.
* Any type of "lump" should be investigated, no matter what it feels like.
* Go to a doctor and get them to show you how it should be properly done if you're unsure. No need to feel ashamed, it's what they're there for!
* Get your partner involved to "help check" as sometimes a partner has a good idea on how things feel and sometimes will be the first to know when something's up.
* Try to minimise the use of a bra, as the wires can block the lymph nodes.
* Get a Pap smear every 2 years, (make it even or odd years 20, 22 etc, whatever works for you, so you don't forget).
It's all about preventative measure, rather than dealing with it, should it ever happen.
Together with Pink Hope, Luma Cosmetics have come out with a Limited Edition Bright Pink lipstick for this cause and is available at lumacosmetics.com.au with 100% of proceeds going directly to the Pink Hope charity.
RRP: $19.95
Other ways you can help (all help is appreciated, no matter how big, or small!):
~ Upload a pic on Instagram, on Friday the 25th of September making your promise to "kiss and tell" using the campaign hashtags #BrightPinkLipstickDay and #Lumacosmetics
~ You can donate to Pink Hope at pinkhope.org.au (it's tax deductible for donations over $2)
~ Visit pinkhope.org.au and support the campaign
Statistics from canceraustralia.gov.au
Pink Hope is a charity for preventative health for breast cancer.
Now in its 4th year, Pink Hope aims to encourage Australians to have a conversation about their family's heriditary health, specifically their risk of breast and ovarian cancer. This is a big one, with many people having it in their family, many people who already have it, many who have survived it and unfortunately, many who will get it.
Statistics: (for Australia)
In 2015 there will be a projected:
15,740 people with new cases, of those,
15,600 are women
145 are men. Yes men do get breast cancer.
When/ what/ how to check: * You should be checking your breasts once a month, ideally avoiding the week before and after your period for better detection.
* Any type of "lump" should be investigated, no matter what it feels like.
* Go to a doctor and get them to show you how it should be properly done if you're unsure. No need to feel ashamed, it's what they're there for!
* Get your partner involved to "help check" as sometimes a partner has a good idea on how things feel and sometimes will be the first to know when something's up.
* Try to minimise the use of a bra, as the wires can block the lymph nodes.
* Get a Pap smear every 2 years, (make it even or odd years 20, 22 etc, whatever works for you, so you don't forget).
It's all about preventative measure, rather than dealing with it, should it ever happen.
Together with Pink Hope, Luma Cosmetics have come out with a Limited Edition Bright Pink lipstick for this cause and is available at lumacosmetics.com.au with 100% of proceeds going directly to the Pink Hope charity.
RRP: $19.95
Other ways you can help (all help is appreciated, no matter how big, or small!):
~ Upload a pic on Instagram, on Friday the 25th of September making your promise to "kiss and tell" using the campaign hashtags #BrightPinkLipstickDay and #Lumacosmetics
~ You can donate to Pink Hope at pinkhope.org.au (it's tax deductible for donations over $2)
~ Visit pinkhope.org.au and support the campaign
Statistics from canceraustralia.gov.au
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Adelaide Hair and Beauty Trade show
GET EXCITED ADELAIDIANS!!
We are FINALLY getting our own beauty trade show. I AM SOOO EXCITED!!
Not all of us have the means or time to travel to Sydney to go to IMATS. In all honesty, this probably won't be as big, but it is still so exciting. Especially for someone who has never been to a trade show.
There are going to be makeup and hair artists doing shows over the 2 days (see details below), with big stars like Rae Morris, Mia Connor and Martin Bray (to name a few, there are many more). If training shows aren't your thing, then obviously there will be plenty of brand stalls to pick up some goodies, some at a discount too.
Get your tickets here:
kohlandcapri.com.au
Sat or Sun day pass (1 day): $20
Sat and Sun 2 day pass: $30
September 26th (Saturday) and 27th (Sunday)
At the Adelaide Convention Centre
Doors open at 8am and close at 6pm
We are FINALLY getting our own beauty trade show. I AM SOOO EXCITED!!
Not all of us have the means or time to travel to Sydney to go to IMATS. In all honesty, this probably won't be as big, but it is still so exciting. Especially for someone who has never been to a trade show.
There are going to be makeup and hair artists doing shows over the 2 days (see details below), with big stars like Rae Morris, Mia Connor and Martin Bray (to name a few, there are many more). If training shows aren't your thing, then obviously there will be plenty of brand stalls to pick up some goodies, some at a discount too.
Get your tickets here:
kohlandcapri.com.au
Sat or Sun day pass (1 day): $20
Sat and Sun 2 day pass: $30
September 26th (Saturday) and 27th (Sunday)
At the Adelaide Convention Centre
Doors open at 8am and close at 6pm
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Body Scrub showdown
Well, it's August and less than one month until Winter is officially over!
What does that mean? It's mean it's time to start the de-hibernation process. Scrubs, moisturisers and tanning.
I've tried a few scrubs over "my time" and here's the low down on what I've found and what I like and not so much...
Frank
This is a coffee scrub with orange and almond oil being one of its main ingredients which leaves the skin soft and feeling moisturised afterwards. I find this is particularly awesome as I hate having to moisturise myself afterwards so to me, it's a 2 in 1 number. A few people I've talked to however, don't like the feeling of the residue oils on the skin, so I think this is for ahem "lazy" people or those who don't mind that oil feeling and take it for what it is.
The smell is amazing and smells like Jaffas. The only real downside to this (and any other scrub to be honest), it makes a mess. You will get coffee grains EVERYWHERE! So prep some time to cleaning up when you use this.
Repurchase: Yes, this is my favourite scrub
Available: frankbody.com.au
RRP: $14.95 (free shipping)
Garnier Body Tonic Sugar scrub
This is a fantastic cheaper scrub version that I love. It's gritty in all the right places and doesn't melt down a lot. This one is great at getting off those last remnants of tan without over-exfoliating your poor skin. I remember this being the first scrub I ever used and I used it for years until I decided to try out other things.
Repurchase: Yes
Available: Priceline and most supermarkets
RRP: $11.99
The Body Shop body scrub
I'm pretty sure this is a sugar scrub with the way that it melts and very quickly loses its "scrub" factor. I do like something that is quite gritty and for me, for the price, I do expect something more gritty and scrubby. There's a ton of flavours, and as always with The Body Shop products, new limited edition scents. After using this I find that it leaves a "moisturising" residue, although I'm not a fan of this residue (it must be what the Frank go-ers mean about those oils), I feel like it's almost like it's dirty and sticks to you. It's not enough to make me want to scrub my body clean, but it's not ideal.
Repurchase: No
Available: thebodyshop.com.au and in store
RRP: $23.95
The Body Shop body polish
This is more of a plastic bead type of scrub vs the above sugar scrub. This comes in a tube bottle and again, has a ton of flavours. I find this slightly more gritty than the body scrub, due to the grains not losing their shape as fast, but it still leaves me wanting more.
Repurchase: No
Available: thebodyshop.com.au and in store
RRP: $11.95
Summer Salt Body
This is a VERY intense salt scrub. Be warned: do not use this if you have shaved anywhere within the past 24 hrs, it will BURN! (thats the salt). I bought the limited edition Pineapple, Watermelon and Coconut summer one. It smelled amazing and the 3 scents were broken into layers so you can use each scent by layer until they mix up further on down the bag. This is a scrub I would use very gently as you can easily irritate your skin, so sensitive skinners, beware, this may not be a product for you. Even though it has sugar in it, and as one of its main ingredients, it didn't break down like other sugar scrubs. Also, 2 things that really put me off, 1. the random water droplets that inevitably occur, acted like glue and made the scrub form clumps which aren't easy to break up; 2. eventually ALL of those little drops of water start to accumulate in the bottom of the packet and essentially turn the bottom stuff into a sludge. It still remains granulated but it's not that nice so I ended up chucking it out when I got the the bottom. Although it does say, use within 6 weeks and I definitely had mine a lot longer...
Repurchase: On the fence. It has the perfect scrubby-ness but, the not-so-nice extras kill.
Available: summersaltbody.com
RRP: $16.90
Have you tried any of these? What's your favourite body scrub?
What does that mean? It's mean it's time to start the de-hibernation process. Scrubs, moisturisers and tanning.
I've tried a few scrubs over "my time" and here's the low down on what I've found and what I like and not so much...
Frank
This is a coffee scrub with orange and almond oil being one of its main ingredients which leaves the skin soft and feeling moisturised afterwards. I find this is particularly awesome as I hate having to moisturise myself afterwards so to me, it's a 2 in 1 number. A few people I've talked to however, don't like the feeling of the residue oils on the skin, so I think this is for ahem "lazy" people or those who don't mind that oil feeling and take it for what it is.
The smell is amazing and smells like Jaffas. The only real downside to this (and any other scrub to be honest), it makes a mess. You will get coffee grains EVERYWHERE! So prep some time to cleaning up when you use this.
Repurchase: Yes, this is my favourite scrub
Available: frankbody.com.au
RRP: $14.95 (free shipping)
Garnier Body Tonic Sugar scrub
This is a fantastic cheaper scrub version that I love. It's gritty in all the right places and doesn't melt down a lot. This one is great at getting off those last remnants of tan without over-exfoliating your poor skin. I remember this being the first scrub I ever used and I used it for years until I decided to try out other things.
Repurchase: Yes
Available: Priceline and most supermarkets
RRP: $11.99
The Body Shop body scrub
I'm pretty sure this is a sugar scrub with the way that it melts and very quickly loses its "scrub" factor. I do like something that is quite gritty and for me, for the price, I do expect something more gritty and scrubby. There's a ton of flavours, and as always with The Body Shop products, new limited edition scents. After using this I find that it leaves a "moisturising" residue, although I'm not a fan of this residue (it must be what the Frank go-ers mean about those oils), I feel like it's almost like it's dirty and sticks to you. It's not enough to make me want to scrub my body clean, but it's not ideal.
Repurchase: No
Available: thebodyshop.com.au and in store
RRP: $23.95
The Body Shop body polish
This is more of a plastic bead type of scrub vs the above sugar scrub. This comes in a tube bottle and again, has a ton of flavours. I find this slightly more gritty than the body scrub, due to the grains not losing their shape as fast, but it still leaves me wanting more.
Repurchase: No
Available: thebodyshop.com.au and in store
RRP: $11.95
Summer Salt Body
This is a VERY intense salt scrub. Be warned: do not use this if you have shaved anywhere within the past 24 hrs, it will BURN! (thats the salt). I bought the limited edition Pineapple, Watermelon and Coconut summer one. It smelled amazing and the 3 scents were broken into layers so you can use each scent by layer until they mix up further on down the bag. This is a scrub I would use very gently as you can easily irritate your skin, so sensitive skinners, beware, this may not be a product for you. Even though it has sugar in it, and as one of its main ingredients, it didn't break down like other sugar scrubs. Also, 2 things that really put me off, 1. the random water droplets that inevitably occur, acted like glue and made the scrub form clumps which aren't easy to break up; 2. eventually ALL of those little drops of water start to accumulate in the bottom of the packet and essentially turn the bottom stuff into a sludge. It still remains granulated but it's not that nice so I ended up chucking it out when I got the the bottom. Although it does say, use within 6 weeks and I definitely had mine a lot longer...
Repurchase: On the fence. It has the perfect scrubby-ness but, the not-so-nice extras kill.
Available: summersaltbody.com
RRP: $16.90
Have you tried any of these? What's your favourite body scrub?
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Favourite Winter lipsticks
I love dark vampy lipstick, and winter time is perfect for bringing out those sultry shades.
These are my faves and what I'm wearing this season!
MAC Russian Red (matte)
A Red can be a winter classic. Russian Red is blue based which fits in with those colder months (vs being yellow/ orange based). It's a great way to use a little colour against those blacks, greys and other darker shades.
Purchase: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: $36
Shanghai Suzy Mrs French Winter Maroon (matte)
I love Shanghai Suzy, and this range of winter shades are amazing. This is a beautiful plum and very wearable. This sways more burgundy than MAC Rebel. It also smells like grape bubblegum
Purchase: Shanghaisuzy.com
RRP: $12.95
MAC Rebel (satin)
This is my ultimate go to shade for winter, but then again, I definitely wear this all year round. It's a beautiful plum, which sways purple vs burgundy. This is a staple in anybody's lipstick stash.
Purchase: MAC store, counters and online
RRP: $36
Colourpop Pitch (matte)
This is such a 90s shade. Deep chocolate brown. I like this version as its so cheap, so you can try it out without breaking the bank. Pitch has full coverage, and even though it's described as a matte, its a very nourishing matte and not that flat, traditional matte.
Purchase: Colourpop.com
RRP: $5USD
OCC Sebastian
Cheating a little bit, this is a pencil, but OCC do do this in a lip tar to match (Or you could also try MAC Stone when that comes out, which is a matte). This is very on trend right now, that kind of stone, dark beige lip. If you want to try out this colour but it washes you out a little, try using this as an ombre lip on the outside with a nice nude in the middle (I like MAC Patisserie for an ombre look).
Purchase: Lipstickrepublic.com.au
RRP: $20 (lip tar $24)
What shades are you loving for winter?
These are my faves and what I'm wearing this season!
MAC Russian Red (matte)
A Red can be a winter classic. Russian Red is blue based which fits in with those colder months (vs being yellow/ orange based). It's a great way to use a little colour against those blacks, greys and other darker shades.
Purchase: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: $36
Shanghai Suzy Mrs French Winter Maroon (matte)
I love Shanghai Suzy, and this range of winter shades are amazing. This is a beautiful plum and very wearable. This sways more burgundy than MAC Rebel. It also smells like grape bubblegum
Purchase: Shanghaisuzy.com
RRP: $12.95
MAC Rebel (satin)
This is my ultimate go to shade for winter, but then again, I definitely wear this all year round. It's a beautiful plum, which sways purple vs burgundy. This is a staple in anybody's lipstick stash.
Purchase: MAC store, counters and online
RRP: $36
Colourpop Pitch (matte)
This is such a 90s shade. Deep chocolate brown. I like this version as its so cheap, so you can try it out without breaking the bank. Pitch has full coverage, and even though it's described as a matte, its a very nourishing matte and not that flat, traditional matte.
Purchase: Colourpop.com
RRP: $5USD
OCC Sebastian
Cheating a little bit, this is a pencil, but OCC do do this in a lip tar to match (Or you could also try MAC Stone when that comes out, which is a matte). This is very on trend right now, that kind of stone, dark beige lip. If you want to try out this colour but it washes you out a little, try using this as an ombre lip on the outside with a nice nude in the middle (I like MAC Patisserie for an ombre look).
Purchase: Lipstickrepublic.com.au
RRP: $20 (lip tar $24)
 |
| Swatches T-B: Russian Red, Mrs French, Rebel, Pitch and Sebastian. |
What shades are you loving for winter?
Friday, July 3, 2015
Review: Clearasil Daily Clear Superfruits
I got sent these products and to be honest, I initally thought, "Clearasil, god I haven't used their products since I was a teenager and first getting acne, what can these do for me?" and was hesitant to try them out, but since I've been using them, my opinion has definitely changed.
What Clearasil has to say about the Superfruits range:
We all know by now how much I love my antioxidants. This is my review for 2 of their "general" face products, the Superfruits Refreshing Scrub and Wash. By general, I mean, not specifically targeted towards acne prone skin. These are also the newest products from Clearasil's line.
I started using the Superfruits Refreshing scrub and wash in my skincare regime on the 1st of June.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First Impressions:
The smell is incredible! The scent is raspberry and cranberry according to Clearasil, and I definitely agree with the raspberry. It is super fruity and the scent is just delicious. It is definitely the first thing you notice. Neither leave your skin feeling tight and feel nice to apply.
What Clearasil has to say about the Superfruits range:
"Clearasil Daily Clear Superfruits is a brand new kind-to-skin range which contains effective skin-clearing ingredients, plus Vitamin B3 and Superfruits known for their antioxidant properties – with raspberry and cranberry extracts."
We all know by now how much I love my antioxidants. This is my review for 2 of their "general" face products, the Superfruits Refreshing Scrub and Wash. By general, I mean, not specifically targeted towards acne prone skin. These are also the newest products from Clearasil's line.
I started using the Superfruits Refreshing scrub and wash in my skincare regime on the 1st of June.
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First Impressions:
The smell is incredible! The scent is raspberry and cranberry according to Clearasil, and I definitely agree with the raspberry. It is super fruity and the scent is just delicious. It is definitely the first thing you notice. Neither leave your skin feeling tight and feel nice to apply.
After a month: (daily use)
Superfruits Refreshing Wash:
Every time I use this I am just so delighted with the smell. I'm always more inclined and want to use a product that smells delicious. It leaves my skin feeling cleansed and not overly so. I dislike cleansers that make your skin feel "too clean". By too clean, I mean tight and "squeaky clean". I only got one whitehead pimple the whole time I was using this, and oddly it was after my time of the month (which I get one cystic during) so that was interesting. Maybe a positive sign to the product working and removing the toxins from my skin, which is why you should always use a product for a good 21-28 days before trying something new and jumping ship. That way you get a true result if the product is working or doing nothing. Also a little goes a long way with this cleanser, after a month of both myself and my partner using it everyday (twice a day for myself), there's a little under half bottle left, so definitely good value for money. Overall I really liked it and enjoyed using it.
*My partner usually uses what I have around and I asked him what he thought about it and he prefers this wash vs the others that I've recently used (Glamourflage Olive cleanser and The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser). He says that the Superfruits wash really works for him and would definitely keep using it. He also really likes the scent too.
Superfruits Refreshing Scrub:
The scrub also smells delicious and has those little plastic beads in it vs a grainy scrub. I found after about 2 weeks in, that the scrub is too harsh to be using everyday, as the label says, and as I was doing. I think if you do have acne prone skin and use it everyday, you could be making your situation worse and really increasing the oil produced by your skin, so I would go easy on how often you use it. I would suggest every 2-3 days. One thing that "bugged" me (but could easily be avoided), is that water gathers in the cap of the scrub which stays there and doesn't naturally drain (you have to turn the cap as if you were to remove it to get the water out. However, I use and keep mine in the shower which is why it happened, as I said, easily avoidable and easy to remedy but found a little eh. I would recommend this for those who already have clear skin who like a more gentle 2-3per week scrub.
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Would I re-purchase?
Yes to the wash, no to the scrub.
I prefer The Body Shop Vitamin C microdermabrasion scrub, but I don't dislike the Superfruits scrub. I just think the Microdermabrasion scrub works better for my skin and what I want out of a scrub.
I absolutely LOVE the face wash, but I'm torn, as I really love The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser (my all time fave!) and the Glamourflage Olive cleanser too (the 2 I've been using of recent). I want to add it in, but I don't know where haha. #firstworldproblems. It has the full approval of my partner (see above) so I'll repurchase it for him for sure (and just steal it hahaha). #problemsolved
I can't get enough of the scent of both products, so if you love fruity scented goodness, these are definitely worth grabbing!!
Day:
Clearasil Superfruits Refreshing wash
Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum
Olay SPF30 Moisturiser
Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream
Night:
Clearasil Superfruits Refreshing wash
Clearasil Superfruits Refreshing Scrub (every second night)
Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream
Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream
Glamourflage Luscious Lucy face cream for neck and décolletage
Available: Most supermarkets and Priceline
RRP: from $10.99
Please note: I stop using all previous cleansers and scrubs for the purpose of a full, proper review, and used both for a full month before posting. Products were sent to me for review and I chose these 2 from the Clearasil range as I thought these would suit me best. As always, thoughts are 100% my own and honest. Pictures taken from the Clearasil website.
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