Review: Glamourflage HOLA Seaweed Moisturising Toner

I'll be honest, I'm quite new to toners. I've been wanting to get one for a little while now as at 32, my skin is changing (hello old age!). My skin is doing the usual 30's thing of losing collagen, elastin and all that good stuff that we need to be addressing, like yesterday. I've been pretty okay with using skincare for a few years now and skincare is not the chore that it once was to apply. Hell, I even get quite excited when it's time to wash the day away and get into the bathroom. And there is DEFINITELY no more going to sleep with makeup on (okay, except when I might *occasionally* get too drunk, then everything gets disregarded, let's be honest here, we're all guilty of it at one time or another).

Luckily for me and timing would have it, I got sent this bad boy to try out and as we all know how much I love seaweed (if you don't, that's okay, you must be new here, WELCOME!), I jumped at the chance!

What initially struck me was the texture. It's like a liquid gel hybrid, thicker than a liquid but not as thick as a gel (hopefully you'll see what I mean with the pics below). I've never seen a toner with a gel like texture before (although, I'm very new, therefore short-sighted when it comes to toners. Is gel textures in toners a thing?)

Second thing I noticed? The scent. THIS SMELLS AMAZING! It has a fresh, clean, subtle marine scent. I personally LOVE anything that is marine or sea scented. It reminds me of something but I can't quite put my finger on it. I'm thinking maybe a Clinique skincare product, ahh! Not sure! 


So after using this for a good month and a half here's what I've noticed with my skin. My nose pores are CLEAN. I've got large pores on my nose and they also look like they're filled with "gunk". Not black heads by any means but just generally "gunky" (you know what i mean surely?). Because they're less gunky looking, they also look slightly smaller. Ok, I'm not talking "wow they've really closed my pores right up!", but to me it's noticeable and my nose is much more clarified. I'm also not getting as many pimples during my hormonal breakouts. 

My skin is combination (oily t-zone, normal cheeks), so I feel like I'm not visibly seeing any results in my skin being any more hydrated or moisturised. It definitely feels refreshing and does make my skin feel clean and soft after using it. Also, I think it's important to note, not that "squeaky clean" feeling, which *I think* is actually stripping and over-drying your face, so I guess it must be hydrating it to some point. 

I think you'd probably see better results if you had dry skin vs oily, given the nature of being "hydrating". 

Overall, yes I quite like this product and it does make my nose look spectacular, but I would recommend this to those who have dry skin. I think this is really good value for money, as you can see in the pic below. That's how much product I've used in almost 2 months with daily use (I skipped maybe 4 applications where I skipped my whole regime due to tiredness/ can't-be-bothered-ness).

Usage after 2 months.

Back of the box.

RRP: $26AUD (150ml) 
Available: Glamourflage (free shipping over $50)


This product was sent to me for consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recent empties: episode 2

Hi guys! Back with another edition of recent empties... I have a lot that I've used up since I did the last one of these. I'm focusing on using up what I have, rather than buying more stuff. Very novel right?


The Body Shop Satsuma body butter (jumbo size)
This has taken me FOREVER to use. I'm not a super moisturiser, and just use them when I remember (which is rare, but I'm getting better!). This is my favourite Body Shop scent and I like that it's thick and I feel moisturised for a long time after using the body butters. I also learnt that I definitely prefer smaller packaged things so I feel like I can get through them, rather than something so massive like this, especially when I don't use a product often enough (my staples, however, could benefit from being bath sized in packaging haha).
Would I re-purchase: Yes, but not this size.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $8.95 (mini/ 50ml), $24.95 (regular/ 200ml) and $39.95 (400ml/ jumbo)

Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream (full size)
I love this and even though it's more directed at dark circles, I love it for keeping my fine lines at bay. It's moisturising but not too heavy. This is a must have in my skincare regime.
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have
Available: Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au
RRP: $112

Mario Badescu Vitamin C serum (full size)
Ahhh the skin elixir that is Vitamin C. I swear this is "my secret" to youthful skin. It's just so good! Vitamin C is chock full of good things that do good things for your face. This serum absorbs quickly and makes my skin feel smooth and preped for other skincare and makeup. If I only could use one thing for my skincare routine, this is it. The thing to look for Ascorbic acid if you want a Vitamin C fix.
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have
Available: beautybay.com
RRP: $58

Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream (full size)
I love Seaweed (see my post below), and this is another staple in my skincare regime. It moisturises and plumps up my skin and makes it feel uber soft. The only thing that I've found is that I can't use it in conjunction with The Body Shops' Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, it gives me these weird hives/ break out all over my face.
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have
Available: Mecca Cosmerica and mecca.com.au
RRP: $33

Neutrogena Hydro Boost gel (full size)
I loved the smell of this but I didn't feel uber hydrated. It was nice and felt good on my skin, but I've definitely used much better moisturisers. I felt like it absorbed too quickly and I thought it would really sit on the skin more given its gel nature.
Would I re-purchase: Only if I was out of and every where was sold out of my faves
Available: Priceline stores and online
RRP: $24.99

Sukin Purifying Facial Masque (full size)
I've had this for a while but I feel like it didn't do much for me. My partner liked it enough but he's not a regular mask user and likes other things better. I didn't end up finishing it and just tossing it as it's quite old.
Would I re-purchase: No
Available: Priceline stores and online
RRP: $15.99

Excuse the dried out clay. as you can see, it was well tested (!?)

Socialeyes lashes in Tease 2.0 and Polished
These are 2 of my fave lashes ever. They've got a thin, very flexible clear band and are super comfy to wear. I personally prefer half lashes for myself and the Tease 2.0 are perfect.
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have
Available: socialeyes.com.au
RRP: Tease 2.0 $4.95, Polished $5.95

MAC False Lashes mascara (sample)
This is my second sample. Same thoughts as last time. It's ok and I prefer it layered with something else.
Would I re-purchase: No
Available: MAC stores, counters and online
RRP: $42 (full size)

By Terry Baume De Rose (sample)
I found this sample and thought I'd give it a go. It's rose scented and normally I dislike anything rose scented and although the scent is initially really strong, it dissipated pretty quickly. The lip balm is thick but not uncomfortable. It did make my lips soft and they felt slightly plumper after using it. If it weren't for the rose scent, I would like this.
Would I re-purchase: No
Available: Mecca.com.au
RRP: $84

Batiste XXL dry shampoo (mini/ sample)
I love Batiste dry shampoos, but I didn't like this  like some of the other "flavours". It didn't make my hair massive and give it much volume, I would recommend a Volumising product for that. It did soak up the oils from my hair and revive it.
Would I re-purchase: Not this particular one, but a Batiste dry shampoo, yes
Available: Priceline and most supermarkets
RRP: $12.99 (200ml), $19.99 (400ml)

Tresemme Heat Tamer Protective spray (full size)
This has been a staple product in our house since I first discovered it. It works well and smells great. My partner dislikes all other protective sprays but loves this. I'll be honest, he's a little "protective" about his hair... I guess that's a Leo for you haha.
Would. I re-purchase: Yes, already have
Available: Priceline
RRP: $7.99

Moroccan Oil treatment (full size)
This is my holy grail hair product! If I could bath in this I would. My hair is in better condition thanks to this baby. And the smell? OOOHHH I DIE! If they could make this into a fragrance, or candle or something, I would be one very happy camper. Even though it's an oil, it doesn't make your hair greasy at all. I also find it makes my hair dry quicker too. 
Would I re-purchase: Yes, I already have 
Available: Most hairdressers, adorebeauty.com.au, catwalk.com.au 
RRP: $59.95 

Redken Refining Sea Polish (full size)
This is basically a "liquid pumice" that you use to exfoliate the hair. I loved the feeling of rubbing this through my hair and the results afterwards were amazing. My hair always looked so shiny and healthy. I'm so sad they discontinued it. Exfoliating shampoos, in my opinion, just aren't the same. 
Would I re-purchase: Yes, if it were not discontinued
Available: Discontinued 

What have you guys been loving this month? Beauty staples that you purchase again and again? I wanna know! :) 

All about Seaweed

Okay, so I'm a little obsessed with seaweed. Huh? Like sushi? Well yes, I LOVE sushi, but I'm also talking about beauty products...

Reasons to get into seaweed:

* It's a great natural product, full of minerals, vitamins and amino acids essential for good health.

* Seaweed has anti-oxidants too, which can help protect skin from free radicals, which accelerates ageing.

* Seaweed is a natural anti-inflammatory.

* Seaweed (food) is a great source of iodine (which most people don't get enough of in their diet), which helps promote thyroid health.

* Seaweed has proven to help stimulate hair growth and thickness.

* Seaweed aids in skin renewal.

* Seaweed aids in skin suppleness.

These are my fave seaweed products that I just adore, and highly recommend:




The Body Shop Seaweed face cleanser
Ugh. I love everything about this. The smell, the way it lathers up, the way it makes my skin feel. This ticks all of the boxes that a cleanser should. I've tried many cleansers, but I always come back to this. It cleans without making your skin feel too tight or oily afterwards.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $17.95










Mario Badescu Seaweed night cream
I love the texture of this. It also absorbs really fast and my skin feels so fresh after using it. It keeps my skin well hydrated overnight and I don't look "tired" in the morning.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica, mecca.com.au and beautybay.com
RRP: $29




Bumble and Bumble Seaweed shampoo and conditioner
These 2 both contain Marine Extracts which help promote scalp health, which is essential for healthy hair. They are gentle enough to be used everyday (not that you should...). It's quite mild but cleanses nicely without feeling like you're stripping natural oils in your hair. It leaves my hair feeling soft and light and doesn't weigh down my roots, which I like in my shampoo/ conditioner. It smells fresh too.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica and mecca.com.au
RRP: Shampoo $33, Conditioner $35






Other products that look great and worth a shot:

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner
This contains no alcohol so it's not drying like other toners can be. Purifies and refreshes the skin. Those with redness and acne prone skin would really benefit from using this as seaweed helps reduce redness.
Available: The Body Shop stores and online
RRP: $17.95

Makeup Store Seaweed eye dust
Ok, not technically a seaweed product, but this is such a pretty shade and perfect for those who love green and olive shades. Makeup Store eye dusts are pigments which are versatile, depending on how creative you want to be. Apply with some fix+ on a brush for more intense pigmentation.
Available: Makeup Store stores and online, beautybay.com
RRP: $35 (Makeup Store), $27AUD (Beauty Bay)

Winter Skin Saviours

We all know that winter is horrible to our skin. With heaters, air conditioners and the cold air, our skin gets dehydrated very quickly and what happens to our skin when it dries out? The "cracks" start to appear. By cracks, this could be anything from flaky skin, to those pesky fine lines showing up more and more frequently. So we must hydrate! Today I'm going to show you some of my fave products to get back that beautiful skin.

In winter, you may need a richer moisturiser to really penetrate the skin vs something a bit lighter in summer. HOWEVER, YOU ALSO STILL NEED A SUNSCREEN. Those rays are gonna get ya, trust me. Is it night 24/7 during winter? No, therefore the sun is still out, even if it's raining 24/7.
TOP TIP: Your hands and décolletage are the first places to start showing signs of ageing so slather on that sunscreen on those 2 places.
Sunscreen: Anything SPF30+ is best.
Try:
Eco Tan Natural Coconut Sunscreen
Available: Shelivescrueltyfree.com and most health food shops
RRP: $39.95 

The Cancer Council
Available: Priceline
RRP: from $6.99

Moisturiser:
The Body Shop Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask
Available: The Body Shop
RRP: $44.95

Eye creams are a must in winter to help combat those fine lines.
Kate Somerville Cytocell: this is a beautiful eye cream that is not super thick but feels like it's doing its job. I've been using this lately and really enjoying it.
Available: Mecca Cosmetica, Maxima and mecca.com.au
RRP: $98

Origins Plantscription anti-anging eye treatment: I really enjoy this eye cream too, and I also enjoy the smell. To me it smells natural but not everyone will like it.
Available: Mecca Maxima and mecca.com.au
RRP: $58

Flaky skin, and lips are also prevalent in winter, so a lip scrub and balm is a must!
Lush lip scrub: I'm still working on my Santa lips from xmas, but the bubblegum is also delicious!
Available: Lush stores and online
RRP: $9.95

Sara Happ lip scrub: try the vanilla bean or creme brûlée, YUM!
Available: beautybay.com
RRP: $31 (free shipping)

The Body Shop lip balm: this comes in an assortment of flavours, my faves being Honey, Watermelon and Shea.
Available: The Body Shop and bodyshop.com.au
RRP: $6.95

Sukin Nourishing lip balm
Available: Priceline
RRP: $7.99

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla & Macadamia and Caramel Creme
Available: Priceline
RRP: $5.70

The body also needs attention, so a moisturising body scrub is always a good choice:
Frank Body scrub: because this is loaded with sweet almond and orange oils (it smells like jaffas!), this is the perfect choice for hot showers, and leaves your skin feeling super smooth and super hydrated, because really, who wants to rub moisturiser all over themselves after a hot shower, in the cold.
Available: frankbody.com
RRP: $14.95 (free shipping within Australia, from $6.45 Rest of the World).

Something to soothe the winter blues:
Tea: I'm a massive fan of flavoured teas. It's a delicious, warm way to warm up. My faves would be Governors Estate Peach tea, Qi Green tea, Matcha Maiden Matcha, T2 Toasty Nougat, Toasty Warm, Turkish Apple, and Apple Crumble.
GE Peach: Coles supermarkets
Qi Green: Woolworths supermarkets
Matcha Maiden: matchamaiden.com
T2: online and T2 stores

Review: Glamourflage skincare

I had never heard of the skincare brand Glamourflage until recently when I got the opportunity to review a few products from their line. Funnily enough, once I received the products, I went shopping and discovered it's readily available at David Jones.

Glamourflage has an expansive range of skincare, body care, makeup and accessories which is very reasonably priced. I think someone from every age would find something they love, and would make great gifts (or even stocking fillers for xmas time, if you're planning well ahead haha). 

Each Glamourflage product is encased with really cute 1940/50's pin-up "housewives" (the characters are anything but, think Mad Men styles) packaging which comes with it's own character, personality and narrative. Each of which is sassy and well thought out. I immediately thought that if a company thinks about each product with this much detail, then they clearly are very invested into each product they're creating and customer focused. 

This is my review on 3 of their skincare products:

~ Ravishing Ruby Facial Cleanser (olive) 70ml

~ Tiara Tracey Facial Toner (cucumber) 120ml

~ Lucious Lucy Face Cream (freesia) 120ml

I used all 3 products I received (a cleanser, toner and face cream) as a "new" skincare regime and added my daily serum faves, as below, each for day and night so I didn't miss out on my essential anti-aging care. I started the regime on 23/04/15.

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

First impressions:

The Ravishing Ruby foaming cleanser made my skin feel uber soft and was non tightening.

The Tiara Tracey toner smelt amazing and really took off what was left on my skin, again another product that didn't make my skin feel tight and my skin still felt uber soft after application and drying.

The Luscious Lucy face cream: least favourite smelling out of the 3 (freesia). Didn't feel super thick, more like a medium thickness, left a slight "sticky" residue.

               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After a month: (daily use)

Ravishing Ruby foaming cleanser: 

I am still really enjoying using this and because it's a foaming product I expected it to run out before now, so I've been pleasantly suprised about how much product I'm getting (I use 1 and a half pumps per wash). I've used about half of the bottle at this point so the bottle would last for a good 2 months before needing to replenish. I also really like the application (it's the small things for me) and I find myself wanting to wash my face. It doesn't strip your skin of natural oils or moisture, and it makes my skin feel really, really soft. The scent is inoffensive and not really "olivey" (I was expecting a much more "foody olivey" smell haha). I only had 1 pimple the whole time while I was reviewing this, and it went away without forming a white head on it, so I think it does prevent acne and really cleanse the skin. I also had no hormonal acne at all, which I always get at least 1 on my chin. Without a doubt, this is my definitely my favourite product out of the 3.

Tiara Tracey toner:

I am in LOVE with this scent! It's so refreshing and just so ahhhh! I also really like the fact that it didn't dry out my skin and after it's been absorbed, my skin still felt smooth and soft. I don't have acne, but I think this would be perfect for those who do as one of its main ingredients is witch hazel (which I love for pimples). It was about time that I introduced a toner into my skin care regime and I'm glad I received this one as it is now a staple. 

Luscious Lucy face cream:

I'm not keen on the smell. The scent definitely fits the packaging and the brand, but it's just not me. I much prefer "fresh" scents in my skincare, like the olive and cucumber. I found after using the cream that it never really sunk into my skin and it made my face feel "oily." Even hours after having it on and ample time to sink in, so it's a rather rich cream, even though it's not heavy in texture. I actually stopped using this as a face cream after 2 weeks and started using it for my neck and décolletage as they're areas which do need something a little heavier and admittedly, more attention from me. Me being me, I do like if I can find a use for it, even if it isn't its intended purpose. Less wasted products that way. I definitely think it's better suited to someone with very dry or mature skin, or even as a night time, winter moisturiser. This was my least favourite product of the 3.

                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Would I repurchase?:

Yes, most definitely with Ravishingly Ruby and Tiara Tracey (which has become a staple in my skincare routine now). I still love The Body Shop Seaweed cleanser so I think I'll end up rotating between the 2 depending on what mood I'm in. 

Luscious Lucy, I honestly don't think I'll get through the whole tub this year (it's huge!), and I'm glad I could find a new purpose for it. In regards to using it for its actual purpose as a FACE cream, then no.

After using these particular Glamourflage products, I'm definitely keen to check out and purchase some of the other products in the range. Their cherry lip balm is at the top of my list! (We all know how much I love cherry scented products!). 

Day:

Glamourflage Ravishing Ruby Foaming Cleanser

Glamourflage Tiara Tracey Toner

Mario Badesco Vitamin C serum

Olay spf30 moisuriser

Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream

Night:

Glamourflage Ravishing Ruby Foaming Cleanser

Glamourflage Tiara Tracey Toner

Mario Badesco Seaweed night cream

Kate Somerville Cytocell eye cream

Glamourflage Luscious Lucy face cream for neck and décolletage 

Available: Glamourflage.com.au, David Jones, Luxola, selected boutiques nation and worldwide  (please check Glamourflage.com.au for your state or country).

RRP: from $7.95AUD to $36AUD for products, from $4.95AUD for accessories. 

Glamourflage do not test on animals. 

All 3 Glamourflage products used for 1 full month before publishing this post. Products were sent to me for consideration of review. As always, thoughts are 100% my own. Pictures courtesy of  Glamourflage.