Trilogy Everything Balm

Hey all, 

I usually have combination-oily skin, but in Winter it takes a stroll down the 'dry as hell' route. Chuck the flu into the mix and I end up with flaky, painful skin - especially around my nose. I have loved Trilogy products for a long while, and use their Cream Cleanser, Antioxidant Rose-hip Oil and Vital Moisturising Cream. Knowing this, a friend recommended that I tried this balm to tackle the problem bits around my nose, and I have used it for that and so much more! 

What Is It?

- An all purpose balm containing Omega 3 & 6, natural super emollients and a range of vitamins and antioxidants. 

What Can It Be Used For? 

- Soothing dry skin. 

- All over nourishing & protecting. 

- Healthy nails. 

- Massage oil. 

- Lip conditioning. 

What I Love 

- Extremely versatile - can fix almost everything. 

- Smells gorgeous. 

- Packed full of natural ingredients. 

- Adorable packing (we all know that I am a sucker for it). 

- Reasonably priced. 

Where to Buy: Priceline, Adore Beauty

Price: $18.95 for 45ml and $29.95 for 95ml. 

I love this stuff! When they said it was multi-purpose, they weren't lying. And not only can it be used for a range of things, it works well for all of them as well. I have used it for problem dry bits, as a cuticle oil, as lip balm and it calms down bites, cuts and burns a lot as well! 

Keep one at home, and keep one in your bag - it's handy as hell! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Range - Review

Hey all,

Sorry for the little hiatus from blogging! Things have been hectic around here; exciting, but hectic! Anyway, hopefully everything will now be back to normal, and you will be hearing from me as often as ever! 

I thought that I would restart with an exciting skin care product review! I have been dying to publish my review on these range of products, so am definitely excited to have finally done so. 

I have been struggling with dry skin this winter! I usually have combination skin, and excessively dry skin has never been a problem for me in the past. But this winter, flaky and tight skinned hell has broken loose. 

I have tried quite a few products over the last couple of months, in an attempt to get my skin back under control; some have helped, others not so much. This range of Jurlique products has most definitely helped! 

Rose Moisture Plus Collection


Moisturising Cleanser 

What I Love

• Removes the majority of make up easily (will still need to remove eye makeup seperately though) 
• Natural ingredients, so it is better for your skin. 
• Australian owned. 
• I adore the smell. 
• Cleanses without drying. 

Moisturising Cream

• Highly moisturising.
• It seemed to improve my skin’s radiance after a couple of weeks.
• Dense cream, so a little goes a long way. 
• Natural ingredients.
• Australian owned. 

Due to having combination skin, this probably isn’t something that I could use in summer, as it is quite moisturising. 

Rosewater Balancing Mist 

This is something that I remember using a long time back, and I do remember loving it back then. Nothing has changed - I still think that it is fabulous! 

• Refreshes and hydrates skin, without removing makeup or making oily.
• Great for travel (especially air travel) 

These products seem to work very well with my skin this winter, and it will be interesting to see how my skin handles them as the weather warms up. I think that they are all well formulated, and I love knowing that I am using more natural products. I also ran off to the shops and purchased the Jurlique Herbal Recovery night cream, so a review on that will be coming soon! 


What is your favourite Jurlique product? 


Hope you all have a great night! xx

* Products were provided for consideration. All opinions are honest, and my own. 

Jurlique Co-Branded Promotion Sweepstakes

Hey all, 

Personally, I adore Jurlique products. This being said, I am very excited to bring this sweepstakes opportunity to all of you! 

The lovely people at Jurlique have been kind enough to create this competition, personalised especially for my readers! 

What Can You Win? 

20 lucky winners will receive the complete Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Collection valued at $114 AUD. 

This includes the: 

Rose Moisture Plus Moisture Cream 

Rosewater Balancing Mist 

and the Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cleanser 

A review of all these products is set to be posted this week! 

How to Enter

You enter through the widget on the sidebar of the blog, all in 3 easy steps! 

1. Log in.

2. Click to 'Like' Jurlique on Facebook.

3. Click to 'Follow' Jurlique on Twitter (optional).


The promotion ends on July 27, 2012. No purchase is required for entry. 

Conditions 

- This competition is only open to Australian residents aged 18 and over. 

- Only 1 entry is allowed per person.

(You can also view official rules by clicking on the link at the bottom of the widget)

Prize winners will be selected by random and the winner will be announced August 1, 2012. 

Good luck to all of you! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

*Neither this, nor the competition is sponsored. 

My Top 5 Tips for Clear Skin

Hey all,

As mortified as I am to admit it, I did neglect my skin a little bit for around a month. Life just got on top of me, and the health of my skin dropped to the bottom of my list. Needless to say, I was not impressed with the results! Neglecting your skin is not a good idea under any circumstance!

Here are a few little tips to keep your skin clear. These are just things that have been working for me, and although I can't guarantee that they will work for you as well - I do recommend that you give them a try! Regardless, they will make for a healthier version of yourself!

1. Remove ALL Make Up at the End of the Day

 I recommend that you use two different make up removers; one for your entire face and one specifically for your eyes. Keeping make up on for any extended period of time, especially throughout the night, can make all hell break out on your skin! I usually find that a blemish or two will pop up one or two days after I have been too lazy to take my make up off.


For something that only takes a couple of minutes to do, the breakout just isn't worth it! 


Personally I use Simple Makeup Remover Wipes and Swisspers Eye Makeup Remover. 

2. Clean Make Up Brushes Consistently & Thoroughly

Dirty make up brushes are a germ and bacteria breeding ground, and you definitely don't want to be mixing in an unhealthy dose of bacteria with your foundation in the morning!


I spot clean my brushes after every use and deep clean face brushes once every 1-2 weeks (foundation, powder, blush and bronzer brushes). I leave my eye brushes a little longer.


3. Treat Before You See

Everyone knows the dread you feel when you can tell you are about to get a pimple the same size as a small nation; well, that's the time to start acting. When it comes to blemishes, it is best to treat problems before they get the chance to show their fury!


Use a spot on treatment when you notice the first signs of a blemish. 

4. Eat Healthily

One phrase comes to mind - you are what you eat!


Your skin and body are going to be much healthier on a good diet. Don't forget to add lots of fruits and veggies, especially those with anti-oxidant and immunity boosting properties.


Why not try a smoothie?
My favourite smoothies ingredients are: beetroot, carrots, oranges, limes and lemons, cranberries and raspberries! 

5.Exercise! 
Although exercise can be something that we all dread at times, it is most definitely worth the effort. It gives you a great dose of happiness enduring endorphins as well. 

I hope that this post helped you all a little bit and that you enjoyed it!

Have a great night! xx

Looking After Myself: Skin Care Routine

Hey all, 

This post has been a long time coming, I have just been so caught up blogging about prettier things! But, the time is nigh! A balanced skin care routine that is tailored to your individual needs is vital to maintain the health and appearance of your skin. And with your skin being your largest organ, it definitely should be looked after! 

Not everything will work for everyone, and this post is just about what works for me - so keep that in mind when reading!

Hope you enjoy! 

Makeup Removal 

Swisspers Botanical Extracts Eye Make-Up Remover 

- Smells gorgeous, is gentle on the eyes and handles waterproof mascara without trouble! 

When: At night, or any time I'm switching things around.

Where to Buy: Priceline and Selected Pharmacies

Price: Think it was around $10

Wild Harvest Virgin Coconut Oil 

- I use this miracle product after cleansing facial wipes and let it sink in. Also use it under masks and on my hair as a treatment. It works wonders! 

When: Night. 

Where to Buy: Health Stores 

Price: $18.99

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes 

- Removes all makeup without irritating the skin. 

When: Night, or when removing makeup. 

Where to Buy: Priceline and Pharmacies. 

Price: $6.99

Cleansing, Exfoliating, Masks and Toning

Natio Renew Radiance Exfoliator 

- An enzyme based exfoliator that promotes radiant skin without irritating. Doesn't cause me any redness. I use it once or twice a week, depending. I tried this on a whim and have grown to adore it! 

When: Usually at night. 

Where to Buy: Priceline, Myer and Selected Pharmacies. 

Price: $19.95

Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream

- My favourite way to start the week! This scrub is divine - it works wonders to remove impurities and refine the complexion. I stopped using most Clinique products a while ago, but couldn't let go of this one! Also, it smells like cake batter. 

When: Usually at night. 

Where to Buy: Myer, David Jones. 

Price: $47.00

Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask

- I have been using this brand for years and love the way my skin feels after this mask. The mud draws out horrid impurities and balances oil. I will either use this, a Lush Fresh Face Mask, or Simplicite mask once a week. 

When: Night, usually in the bathtub surrounded by steam. 

Where to Buy: Priceline

Price: $8.99

Simplicite Exfoliating Face Treatment

I use this as a mask. Gorgeous organic product that does wonders to plump up and treat imperfections in my skin. Great anti-aging properties. The only problem is that I don't like the smell. 

When: Night. 

Where to Buy: Online, Myer 

Price: $41.70

Biotherm Biosource Cleanser

- Been using this since the beginning of the year, and I ADORE it! Contains balancing zinc and leaves my skin feeling cleansed, without being tight or dry. 

Best for normal-combination skin. 

When: Day and night. 

Where to Buy: Myer

Price: $29.00

Biotherm Biosource Lotion/Toner

- A non aggressive and non drying toner. Removes traces of dirt and makeup and increases cell production. 

When: Day and Night 

Where to Buy: Myer 

Price: $36.00

I use my cleanser with my Clarisonic Mia at night- which I adore! I use the sensitive brush head. 

Where to Buy: Adore Beauty & Myer 

Price: $150

Moisturiser, Treatments and Sunscreen

Biotherm Aquasource Skin Perfection

- One of the best moisturisers that I have ever tried. Moisturises my skin without causing oiliness. Moisture lasts all day. 

When: Morning

Where to Buy: Myer 

Price: $64.00

Simplicite Rosemary Blemish Gel 

- A natural, organic treatment for less aggressive blemishes. Soothes and fades. 

When: Whenever needed. 

Where to Buy: Online & Myer 

Price: $28.80

Neutrogena Healthy Defence Sunscreen

- The normal/combination sunscreen variety. Offers sun protecting without oiliness and also doesn't leave a white shadow on my darker skin. 

When: Whenever venturing outside. 

Where to Buy: Priceline, Pharmacies

Price: $14.99

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant +

- I cannot live without this little baby! Makes my skin radiant and calm. Also increases cell renewal and protects from environmental damage. 

When: Day and Night

Where to Buy: Adore Beauty, Priceline, Myer and Health Stores

Price: $29.95

Simplicite Lemon Night Creme

- More intense moisture for night time. Smells divine! Suits all skin types.

When: Night

Where to Buy: Online and Myer 

Price: $59.90

Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Gel

- Zaps pimples in no time! A definite HG product for me. 

When: When needed 

Where to Buy: Priceline and pharmacies. 

Price: $14.99

Biotherm Aquasource Eye Perfection

- My favourite eye cream. Helps reduce puffiness and dark circles without being over moisturising. 

When: Day and night

Where to Buy: Myer 

Price: $49.00

Wow, what a long post! Feel free to ask me any questions. 

Have you done a skin care routine post? If so, link me! 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

L'Oréal Lumi Magique Foundation Review

Hey all, 

I'm a sucker for trying new foundations, and can rarely walk past them when I am shopping. I won't lie, I am continuously on the hunt for products that give me perfect, luminous skin; so this L'Oréal Lumi Magique Foundation definitely caught my eye. Apparently it is infused with Liquid Light Technology, whatever that means. 

Despite the doubts I had about the 'Liquid Light Technology', this foundation had both Lumi and Magique in its title...how could I go past that? I am definitely a marketers dream! 

I've been using this foundation or around 2 weeks now, and although I am not sure if it is 'magical', I do love it! 

What L'Oréal Says 

- Innovation: new Liquid Light Technology infuses skin with a ray of light, illuminating your complexion as if lit-from-within. The radiance of your skin seems recreated. Perfect coverage, without masking. 

Is it just me, or do foundation descriptions always sound like excerpts from romance novels?! 

My Shade: W6 Gold Camel 

What I Love 

- Medium buildable coverage. 

- Evens out skin tone and hides imperfections 

- Blends into skin seamlessly to create a second-skin look. 

- Boosts radiance levels. 

- Luminous finish. 

- Relatively long lasting, especially when set with powder. 

- Large range of shades available. 

- The packing is pretttttyyy! Haha. It also has a pump bottle, which is very handy! 

What I Don't 

- No SPF - although this isn't a problem for me as I wear a sunscreen over my moisturiser. 

- Glass bottle that is not floor friendly. 

- Not the cheapest drugstore foundation. 

Price: $33.95

Swatches 

Unblended 

Blended

On My Skin

I definitely love this foundation and L'Oréal is right, it does create a radiant complexion as if 'lit-from-within'. I have been picking it up almost every morning for my face routine and just feel as though it works perfectly for me! 

Now I really want to try the primer! 

Have you tried any of the L'Oréal Lumi Magique products? Are you going to? 

Hope you all have a great night! xx

Looking After Myself: Vitamins and Supplements

Hey all, 

If you're anything like me, you lead a busy lifestyle and just can't guarantee that you will always get the nutrients you need from your diet. I do not believe that supplements should be taken in place of a healthy diet, and what we eat is very important; but I do think that they can be useful to ensure that you are getting enough of what you need. 

Here is what I take to keep me running at my best. 

*It is important to remember that this supplement program has been tailored for my needs in consultation with professionals. It may not be right for you, and it always important to consult your GP a nutritionist or a naturopath before starting any supplement or medication. 

Swisse Liver Detox 

"Contains premium quality ingredients traditionally used to help support the liver and aid detoxification. The liver is the largest internal organ of the human body and is responsible for eliminating toxins, aiding digestion and helping regulate metabolism."

Blackmores Evening Primrose 

"Blackmores Evening Primrose Oil is a rich natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Low levels of GLA have been found in adults and children with atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis. Also aids with PMS symptoms."

Blackmores CoQ10 75mg

"Blackmores CoQ10 75mg is a natural source of coenzyme Q10 and a powerful antioxidant. It provides support for cellular energy production and helps maintain normal healthy functioning of the heart." 

Blackmores Echinacea Plus Garlix 

"Blackmores Echinacea Plus Garlix® is a combination of echinacea and garlic, both traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of mild upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu."

Swisse Hair Skin Nails

"Combination of vitamins and minerals shown to support hair, skin and nail health. It contains ingredients essential for the formation of collagen and maintenance of healthy skin. It is recommended for people who may experience frail, splitting or thin nails."

                                                               Swisse Women's Ultivite 

"Swisse Women’s Ultivite Formula 1 is a daily multivitamin developed to support the good health of modern-day women."

Berocca Performance "Clinically proven, Berocca Performance keeps you on your game and combats physical tiredness. Its unique combination of B vitamins, vitamin C and essential minerals, like calcium,
magnesium and zinc, works in synergy to
improve your brain and nerve perfor-
mance throughout the day."

What do you think about vitamins and supplements? Are there any that you swear by?

Hope you all have a great night! xx

*Product descriptions were taken from official websites, and are not my own. 

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector - BB Cream Review

Hey all, 

Now, I have been hearing bloggers rave about BB creams on overseas blogs for a while now - and my have I been interested. No matter what age we are, we all want radiant, even toned and, flawless and perfect skin. BB cream is supposed to do exactly that, a bit like a miracle in a jar! It would be like having one product that meets all your skin's needs in a matter of minutes!! 

Interested? Well, those are the claims Garnier are making for their new Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream.  Of course I definitely had to try it out! 

Garnier's Claims 

- Fulfils all of your skin's needs: hydration, comfort, UV protection, corrects signs of fatigue, fixed dullness, corrects imperfections and sun spots. 

- Combines all your beauty steps into one single application. 

- 24hr hydration

- Evens complexion 

- Boosts healthy glow

What I Love

- Super hydrating

- Leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth 

- Slight tint does even skin tone and brighten your complexion

- Makes skin look healthier 

What I Am Not So Crazy About 

- Very light coverage, doesn't cover all imperfections (it does help though!)

- I have combination-oily skin and I did start looking shiny after a couple of hours. 

- Not available for those with darker skin tones 

Price: $14 (If I remember correctly)

Where to Buy: Priceline, Supermarkets and Selected Pharmacies 

Swatch

Ignore the lipstick swatches people! It's my job

I'll come right out and say it, it definitely does not live up to all of Garnier's claims. Saying that though, it is a pretty good product and I must say that I am quite impressed. As far as tinted moisturiser's go, it does an amazing job. It evens out the skin tone, brightens up the entire complexion and does leave you looking more radiant. It also does cover the appearance of small imperfections and blemishes. 

I'm the kind of girl who generally enjoys foundations with more coverage (who doesn't enjoy looking perfect?), but I have been using the Miracle Skin Perfector at times where I do not feel as though I need as much coverage - for example, to the gym, grocery shopping, or taking the babies to the vet. 

I do recommend that you check it out and see how it works for you! If you have perfect skin, it may be all you need & if not, it's a great tinted moisturiser!

Hope you all have a great day! xx

My Two Cents On The Importance of Sun Protection This Summer!

Hey all, 

I'm usually not one to nag, but I don't see this as nagging! I see it more as...enforcing education upon ;) 

As most of you who live in Australia (and those of you who don't) would know, the sun is a damn dangerous thing. In a nutshell, it burns up your skin, and turns what was once a bunch of happy little skin cells into cancerous lil monsters. Sun protection is absolutely vital in Australia and around the world! It doesn't only help prevent skin cancer, but also prevents: premature ageing, sun spots (brown spots) and other general sun damage. 

Despite common beliefs, no one is immune to the damage caused by the sun - even if you have dark skin to begin with! I have a med-dark (NC40/42) complexion, and I am young - but guess what? In the last year I have had 2 cancerous spots removed from my right leg. My oh my!

Approx 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before age 70 & till this day, prevention remains the best way to save lives! 

The Lowdown

- If you think 'it won't happen to you', it quite possibly could.  

- Over-exposure to the sun can cause a variety of skin cancers, premature ageing & brown spots

- Try using products with a minimum SPF 30+ UVB & UVA broad spectrum protection on both your body and your face.

- Always reapply sunscreen! 

- Avoid excessive sun exposure 

- DO NOT use tanning beds/solariums 

Okay, now for the fun stuff! 

Favourite Sun Protection Products 

L'Oreal UV Perfect Daily Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+ 

Nivea Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+

Blistex SPF20 Lip Conditioner 

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation SPF 20 

My Gorgeous Orange Floppy Hat

Did Anyone Say Kaftan?!