Beat Dry skin!

Beat the winter dry spell. Now doesn’t that sound bizarre a dry winter in New Zealand? HA!

In the colder months we are often going from the cold, dry conditions outside to our warm, dry, artificially heated homes or workplaces. 

This wreaks havoc on our skin(and hair!) and can dry it out even if your skin doesn’t normally have a tendency to be on the dry side. I have normal to dry skin so in winter my skin feels so disgusting and it seems that my regular moisturisers just don’t do much.

So I researched it a little and found my solution, nature’s moisturiser: HONEY!

Yes, the stuff we use for toast or sandwiches and to naturally sweeten other things we consume.

Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts, retains and draws in moisture and because it is an anti irritant it makes it suitable for very sensitive skin (it also contains anti microbial properties and can help treat minor irritations and sunburn!). Honey can also help bring back silkiness and softness to the hair too ( I have included my hair regime in here too!)

Ok so I have been using this little skin regime 3 nights a week for a few weeks now and I have noticed a dramatic change in the condition of my skin, it has lost the awful, almost scaly feeling and its feeling soft, smooth and supple again. So I’ll outline for you what I do, you may want to follow it to a tee, you may chop and change a few things or you may not try it at all

Step One: First I wash, cleanse and exfoliate my face to remove dry skin and/or dead skin cells (I use Anew Clinical Micro Exfoliant which is more of a gentle at home micro dermabrasion type scrub but any regular exfoliant will do)

Step Two: Once I have thoroughly removed all traces of makeup, cleanser and exfoliant I pin and tie back my hair and pop on a 

headband. Then I put a towel around my neck to cover my chest and clothing (trust me, with honey on warm skin you need it).I then slather my face in honey (it feels weird but it does wonders). It is also good to use after an exfoliant (especially a rough one) as it helps soothe the skin

Step Three: For the next 10-15 minutes I sit with honey on my face like a mask. It is said that unfiltered, unprocessed honey is best but if you can’t find any, regular honey will do the trick. During this time the honey will melt and drip off your face, I just use a finger and slap it back on.

Step Four: After 10-15 minutes it’s time to rinse off the honey, I usually jump in the shower to do this as I can rinse it off thoroughly.

Step Five: You may notice that already your skin feels softer. I usually apply my regular night moisturiser and eye cream now. I also use Blistex Lip Conditioner SPF 20 every morning, noon and night

My hair regime is more focused on products but does include a step involving honey (my hair is already fried from bleaching).I also do this 3 times a week to coincide with my face routine at night. It is focused on making your hair look healthier as well as helping it repair

Step One: I take a hair masque (I use L’Oreal Elvive Total Restore 5 hair Masque) and apply to dry hair, I leave this for 10 minutes (the package says to use on towel dried hair after washing then rinse off after 2 minutes, but I find this way works well for me)

Step Two: After 10 minutes I rinse it out, I don’t use shampoo when I do this as it can strip the hair of its natural oils which I do not want to do. For the final rinse I use a cup full of water mixed with a teaspoon of honey

Step Three: After I towel dry my hair I apply a few drops of L’Oreal Elvive Smooth Intense Anti Frizz Serum through my hair. You are supposed to apply this either before or after styling (I can’t quite remember) on dry hair but I use it on damp hair as well as I find it works really well.

Step Four: At this point I will go to bed; I try not to blow-dry my hair too much because I also straighten it and like to avoid using too many heated appliances on my hair. If I must blow dry it I also use a heat protectant spray

Step Five: In the morning after straightening my hair I use a few more drops of L’Oreal Elvive Smooth Intense Anti Frizz Serum if I have any flyaways (generally I don’t after using it at night)

So I hope this helps anyone who may be struggling with their skin going dry on them in winter (well anytime of the year) and anyone who wants to make their hair look and feel healthier

Till Next time

Stay simply stunningly gorgeous!

Disclaimer: Please note that this is not to be used for skin conditions that need to be treated by a dermatologist or to replace a skin care regime recommended by a skin specialist,doctor or dermatologist. If you have serious skin conditions or the like please consult a dermatologist or medical professional before using any advice offered through this blog. I take no responsibility for any harmful reactions that may come from following the information provided here(Im covering my own butt here guys!)

Product Review: Australis Lash TLC Conditioning Mascara

Over the past week I have had the great pleasure of trying two new fantastic mascaras new to Australis Cosmetics, I am so excited to share my find with you all as these are two pretty awesome mascaras! They are Australis Lash TLC (tender loving care) Conditioning Mascara!

First off I'm going to tell you the two different types,there is Lash TLC Conditioning Blackest Black and Lash TLC conditioning Black Curling. They come in darling hot pink and black tubes,they are so cute!

Now this is why they are so unique,they are conditioning mascaras which means they care for your lashes while giving you the look you want. They contain Vitamin E which helps protect against free radical and environmental damage and Vitamin B5  (I'm going to quote directly from the website as they explain it just how I would) to moisturise hair against brittleness and breakage, strengthening and conditioning each lash one by one(unquote here).
For me,this is perfect as I have noticed alot of my lashes breaking and falling out recently, I do not know the cause,it may be my previous macara or it may be the way I remove my make up Im not sure but Im thinking if I can help my lashes then Im all for it!
Ok so I'll give you the little info from the website then I will give you my review on these two mascaras.

What is it :The Ultimate All-in-One formulation combining volume, length and definition. Containing nourishing vitamins, Vitamin E to protect lashes against damage caused by free radicals and environmental stresses and Vitamin B5 to moisturise hair against brittleness and breakage, strengthening and conditioning each lash one by one. Also enriched with silk powder, a protein containing 18 kinds of amino acids.
 
Why we love it: Beautiful, nourished and protected lashes are just a stroke away. Lashes will be grateful for being treated with this All-in-One formulation that is not only a protein enricher but a lash fixer!

Now when I try out products,I make sure I know what the company claims the product does and then keep an eye out to see if their product matches their claims.
Now with Lash TLC I have found that even while wearing the product,my lashes feel soft, and after the first 2 applications my bare lashes felt healthier and softer. I have even noticed less lash breakage and less lashes falling out! So this alone is a great reason to use this mascara.
 
The formula of both types is quite thick which means you dont have to work hard to build colour. I have also found that my lashes are more voluminous and look longer(pics to follow). I have not experienced any product flaking and it is long wearing(12 + Hours).
 
Blackest black provides an intense black colour payoff and comes with a regular bristle brush(as opposed to a plastic bristle brush that many companies seem to be moving towards)and my lashes look longer and thicker. I love it when you get added,unclaimed bonuses like this from a mascara
 
This is how it looks on my lashes

 

Amazing how long they look,the intensity of the black does not show in my photo, but it is fantastic
 
Black Curling has the same voluminous and lengthening effect with a "lift" and slight curl to the lashes. This curl is achieved by the curved "spoon shaped brush"
I have also found the curl holds really well and is pretty impressive when used in conjunction with an eyelash curler(please note the photo is only using the curl mascara)
 
This is how it looks

 

These are pictures of the brushes
Blackest Black

Black Curling

Curved "spoon"brush

 

I am in total,head over heels love with this mascara.

It will be available in Farmers,Kmart and selected pharmacies from the 1st of May(I believe some Farmers stores already stock it but dont take my word for it)along with the new Paparazzi Perfect HD line which is new to Australis(foundations, tinted moisturisers,blush,eyeshadow etc). The RRP is $18 per tube

 If I had to give this product a rating out of 10,it would be a perfect 10 out of 10! 

Please note: All opinions expressed on this blog are mine and mine alone. I am not paid by any company to review products.
The before and after photos on this blog are of my eyes and are not digitally enhanced in any way.The only products used on my lashes in these photos are the Autralis Lash TLC mascara, no false lashes,enhances or extensions have been used

Double Product Review: Anew Clinical Eyelift and Anew Clinical Micro-Exfoliant

Im way overdue to do the Anew Clinical Triple Eyelift review and I also really wanted to do a review on the micro-exfoliant so thought Id do a super quick double review

Both products are available exclusively through Avon (visit  avon.co.nz to find a representative in New Zealand)

First off I'll start with the Anew Clinical Micro-Exfoliant

I have been using this product since January and it is AMAZING! It is Avons "at-home alternative to microdermabrasion"

This is what the Avon Wesbite says about their product:
The at-home alternative to micro-dermabrasion. Targets dullness, roughness, lack of radiance, uneven tone. This creamy treatment with aluminium oxide microbead exfoliants (the same materials used in a professional microdermabrasion treatment) produces a powerful polishing action for more youthful-looking skin. Massage over skin using small, circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Follow with a non-AHA moisturiser with sunscreen. Do not use the same day as other exfoliating products. Use every second day.

I don't use this product every second day as I feel I dont need to(I use twice a week)
The first thing I found after using this product is there is no way I can massage it into my face for 2 minutes! The scrub, while the "beads" are tiny they are very rough,not a scratchy rough but more of an "Oh my gosh my skin is going to be so clean!" kind of way.

I feel if you have sensitive skin this may be a bit rough on the skin.

After using it my skin feels soft and looks amazing(considering I dont like my skin without make up that is saying something!). Since using this product I have noticed old acne scars around my chin have faded dramatically and I have been experiencing fewer blackheads. My skin looks younger and "fresher". While I have never tried other at home microdermabrasion kits or microdermabrasion itself this product sure kicks butt!

It comes in a 75g tube and a little goes a long way. It retails for $39.99 but Avon quite often have deals on alot of their products. Is it worth what you pay(even if you do pay full price)? YES YES YES!This exfoliant has become a staple in my skin care regimen.

Next up,Avons Anew Clinical Triple Eyelift

I never would have used this product or purchased it until I recieved it as a Xmas gift,I mean come on a cream that does the job of an eyelift?Not possible. Well it is, kind of!
Anew Clinical Triple Eye Lift comes in a jar sectioned into two parts,one part contains and orange gel for the upper eye area and the other contains a cream coloured cream for the under eye area.

This is what the Avon website says about this product
Unique, dual action formula to target the upper and lower eye area. Instantly: Lifts the appearance of upper eye contours. Smooths and tightens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
I have been using this for a few months now and what I have noticed is,my upper eye lids(which have always been quite "heavy") have "lifted" though slightly, still noticeable to myself(although I havent asked anyone"do my lids seem less droopy to you,they would think I am mad!) and I have noticed fewer fine lines. So I think it does do what it claims but if you want the results of an actual eye lift,you will have to go under the knife, sadly.

I have found I can only use this at night even though it says to use it morning and night,once the eye gel dries I cannot apply any product to my lids as the product "pills"( I dont even know if Im describing it properly!). The under eye cream is also quite heavy and primers and concealers just do not seem to sit nicely on top of my skin when this is applied beforehand.



It retails for $59.99 and as I said before Avon quite often have deals on, my personal advice is wait for these deals,while I love this product and use it every night, I would not pay $59.99(ask your avon rep to let you know when your fav products are going to be on special)

Till next time stay Simply Stunningly Gorgeous!

Australis Nail Colour Review

Australis Nail Colour
What is it: high shine, high colour intensity and streak free
Why we love it: Creamier, brighter and more chip resistant! 2 coats is ideal but when we're time poor, even 1 coat provides excellent coverage. 8 hot new shades available!(taken from the website www.australiscosmetics.com.au)
I have used Australis Nail Colour once before and recently re-purchased it again. I have only tried the shade Ohh La La(dont you just love the name?!Cute!)its a hot pink with like a purply sheen to it(the website says Hot pink with a purple pearl),anyway its a fabulous,stand out,look at ME! shade.

Anyway Australis Nail Colour range has 19(yes NINETEEN!!) shades listed on their website(they also have limited edition colours out now but as I said they are limited edition).

So they claim their polish is streak free,high shine and have high colour intensity. They also claim you can get away with one coat of polish if youre short on time,but how true is this?

I tried to make my nail polish streak to see if I could but I just couldnt streak this product,which in my books is FABULOUS,it means that even the most unexperienced person could apply this and not streak it!
The colour is intense(and my shade is oh so pretty) but I don't think it provides much intensity with one coat,it gives you a light coverage but I definatley reccommend 2 coats for full colour pay off,in this case I think it is more a case of personal preference.

High shine?YOU BETCHA! I cannot believe how shiny my nails were after the polish had well and truly dried! I usually dont get that kind of shine without a top coat.

Chip resistant,well it does do a pretty good job but being a stay at home mum my hands are constantly in water and wiping mucky faces,changing nappies so its not kind on my nails,so inevitably there will be chipping but its not huge chipping just enough to notice.Australis definatley had less chipping than most of the other brands I have used recently without a top coat

The brush is also really lovely to apply polish with not too fat,not too thin,just right.

Australis Nail Colour retails for $7.95 AUD Im not sure exactly how much it is in NZD,IF I remember correctly its roughly $11 and for everything it delivers it is a more than fair price! I love it and I think you will too!

Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer product review

Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer product review

This age defying concealer is a miracle! I have huge problems with under eye bags and circles and while I have tried a lot of concealers none have had the same amazing results and staying power as this does.

What I have learnt when it comes to under eye concealers is you don’t want to use anything to thick so cream concealers are out as they are more prone to caking and settling into fine lines and wrinkles(which is the last thing any woman of any age wants!). You also don’t want anything to sheer as this won’t effectively conceal what you are trying to disguise.

This is what the website says about Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer

Instantly revitalizes and brightens. Protects against fine lines.

• Stone Therapy minerals instantly energize stressed skin
• Vitamin C fusion brightens
• Antioxidants help strengthen skin’s natural defence system

This is what the Australian Revlon website says

• Brightens skin as it conceals dark circles and imperfections
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Available in 3 shades

I found it odd that both websites say something different but there you go!

The shades available

·

•  001 Light
• 002 Light/Medium
• 003 Medium

My personal shade is 003 Medium which I found quite surprising as I’m quite fair skinned but I found light medium just made the inner corner of my eyes look grey/ashy(it is recommended you do not go more than half a shade lighter than your foundation as the ashy effect is common with a too light concealer)

Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer comes in a hard plastic tubular thingy(I’m sorry I really don’t know how to describe it but here is another picture)

When you take off the lid there is a brush which is where the product comes out of when you twist the bottom of the tube. The brush can’t really be used to blend the concealer but you can brush the product on with the brush (if I’m using it to cover a pimple I use a cotton tip so as not to contaminate the brush)

It is a liquid formulation and while it is not thick and heavy it isn’t thin and runny either which is my opinion is great on both sides of the fence!

It has great coverage and doesn’t cake around the eye area or settle into fine lines and wrinkles and doesn’t seem to “crease” which makes us all look older!

It blends easily and lasts all day(make sure you do set it with powder to make it last longer)

It is great for people who have a little or a lot of discolouration, or if you’re just trying to even things out as it has buildable coverage which makes it an every (WO) mans type of concealer

In NZ it retails for approx $28.50(this may vary) for 1.18mL(0.04Fl Oz)

This is my every day go to concealer,it is the best concealer I have used to date and it well worth the price! If I had to give it a star rating it would easily be 9 out of 10!

,

Battle of Mineral Make Up

Battle of Mineral Make Up

Australis Mineral Purity Powder Foundation vs. Doll FACE Mineral Make Up Foundation

Australis is a make up brand I have been using for 10 years and Doll FACE Mineral Make Up is a brand I have recently started using.I LOVE both brands!

The benefits of mineral makeup cosmetics:

• Natural look and feel
• Stays on all day long
• Good for sensitive skin
• It's anti-inflammatory
• No harmful ingredients

Both are powders and both are mineral but which one is truly the best.

First I’ll tell you a little bit about each company

Australis was founded in Australia in 1987. They do not do animal testing and more recently have been releasing more mineral based products. Their products are available in NZ and Australia. You can find them at selected pharmacies, Farmers Stores and Kmart.

Doll FACE Mineral Make Up is a small company based in the Hutt Valley, New Zealand. The line is completely mineral and was soley created and formulated by Debbie.  Doll FACE contains no skin irritants such as Bismuth Oxychloride, Talc, Carmine or Parabens and do not test on animals.

Doll FACE is available mainly online at http://www.dollfacemineralmakeup.co.nz/default.html

So I’m going to start with the general info of each product

Australis Mineral Purity Powder Foundation

-Price:$23(NZD)

-Size :7g Net

-Packaging: Plastic sifter pot with screw top lid. Attached to the lid is a small Kabuki Brush

-Ingredients: Mica CI 77019, Bismuth Oxychloride CI 77163, Zinc Oxide CI 77947, Kaolin, Silica, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Iron Oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499

-Price per Gram: $3.28 approx

Doll FACE Mineral Make Up Foundation

-Price:$32(NZD)

-Size:6 g Net

-Packaging: Plastic Sifter pot with screw top lid

-Ingredients: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Silk Powder, Boron Nitride, Magnesium Mystraite, Silica, Allainton, Carnuaba Wax, Iron Oxides, Ferric Ferrocyanid, 

-Price per Gram: $5.33 approx

(For $45 you can purchase the foundation and a lovely fluffy Kabuki Brush)

So how do they stack up?

Shade Range: Australis Mineral Purity has 5 shades available. Doll Face currently has 8 shades with 2 more being tested. Doll Face can also custom blend shades for more “in between” skin tones. For this the clear winner is DOLL FACE

Price: Now this one was difficult for me because while Australis is cheaper per gram they are also a large company whereas Doll Face is a small company and their foundations are handmade. But ultimately the winner here is Australis

Ingredients: Above I have listed the ingredients of each product. Now below is a list of the ingredients and their uses in cosmetics. Ultimatley after looking into each ingredient the winner of this has won because it contains no skin irritants. The winner for ingredients is Doll FACE Mineral Make Up!

Both contain:

 Titanium Dioxide is used to impart a whiteness to colour cosmetics. It helps to increase the opacity, and reduce the transparency of a product formula. Titanium Dioxide also absorbs, reflects light (including ultraviolet radiation in light), which can help protect products from deterioration, meaning a longer shelf life.

Silica has light diffusion properties which are great in mineral make up as it effectively and seamlessly lighten and blur fine lines and wrinkles. When used in powders and foundations  it allows the make up to luxuriously “slip” (this means it applies well to the skin and doesn't drag or grab on the skin)  onto the skin .It is oil absorbent which helps mineral make up to wear longer and keeping it looking fresher as the day wears on.

Mica, due to the sheer, translucent and skin-hugging effect of the mica mineral, your natural skin tone shines through when it is used in Mineral Make Up. Mica powder reflects light from the face, creating an illusion of a smoother, softer and more radiant skin tone. Fine lines are softened; and your skin texture appears more even.

Zinc Oxide is anti-inflammatory with antimicrobial properties. It can actually prevent and protect skin against burns and irritation, making it ever present as one of the common ingredients of ointments that are used to relieve sunburn, windburn and diaper rash. For cosmetic use, this Zn compound is a very good sunscreen agent, it is the broadest spectrum UVA and UVB absorber, particularly good for people that have sensitive skin. 

Iron Oxides simply impart a colour to cosmetic products. Depending on the specific Iron Oxides or mixtures of Iron Oxides used, the colour will vary from orange, red, yellow to black.

Australis also contains:

Kaolin is a pure cosmetic powder that absorbs moisture, helps keeps down shine, provides an opaque, white base for colours, and assists with adherence to skin. Kaolin Clay is odourless, has a smooth texture and often used in mineral makeup matte foundation formulas. 

Bismuth Oxychloride is used in makeup because it gives the makeup a silky feel, good slip and good adhesion, which helps it stay on your skin. It feels smooth and silky when rubbed between the fingers. However Bismuth Oxychloride can cause skin irritation so when it is used in Mineral Make Up it is a potential irritant. Bismuth Oxide also creates a strong shine to your face which in turn gives your make up more of an unnatural look.

Doll FACE Mineral Make up also contains

Boron Nitride is hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial and whitening properties make the makeup ideal for use on problematic or sensitive skin types. It also contains oil absorbing properties. It is used to achieve a tactile feel on the end product, making the end product easily slide onto the skin, this  enhances the product’s skin feel, wrinkle filling and hiding power.

Silk Powder.On the skin, silk powder radiates and reflects UV rays, acting as a natural sunscreen. It is has the ability to retain the skin's natural moisture, preventing dryness, while absorbing excess oil. For the acne prone, silk even contains anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Good quality silk powder also contains many amino acids, like alanine, glycine and serine, which are the building blocks of protein and are essential to the skin's natural moisturization process. Pure silk is also ideal for sensitive skin, and balances the skin's ph levels.

Magnesium Myristate. Cosmetic pigments and fillers treated with Magnesium Myristate exhibit a moist softness, and improved adhesion characteristics. Magnesium Myristate is the combination of Magnesium, a imineral that has strong absorbent properties and some disinfecting properties, and Myristate a fatty acid. Magnesium Myristate contributes the following noticeable aspects to mineral make up: adhesion, free flow, slip, soft feel, rub resistance, lubricity, surface smoothness, and water repellency

.

Allantoin is an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It is commonly used in creams, for topical application, in acne medicines, anti-aging products, sun care, and many cosmetic treatments. Its healing properties also make it suitable for treating minor wounds and skin irritations.Great for acne prone or sensitive skin.

Ferric Ferrocyanide also known as Iron blue is used as a colouring agent in mineral make up. While it is listed as a water pollutant it is 100% safe to use on your skin.

Carnuaba Wax.Plant waxes help to keep an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, especially in cosmetics and personal care products that require a creamy consistency

Application: Now Australis Mineral Purity comes with its own small Kabuki Brush attached to its lid but I find the brush is too small so it lengthens the application time and the size makes it harder to apply,also it is quite rough which makes it feel like it scratches my skin a little which isn’t good for people with sensitive and easily irritable skin. I usually use my regular powder brush to apply it. I find it can be a bit too heavy,almost cakey if I need a fuller coverage but is wonderful if I only need light to medium coverage,its gives me a very flawless look.

Doll FACE mineral make up foundation I have applied with both the Doll FACE Kabuki and my regular powder brush and have had no worries. I did test it with the kabuki from Australis Mineral Purity and had the same issues as I did when I applied Australis Mineral Purity. Doll FACE gave me seamless, flawless coverage and it was easily buildable to full coverage.Doll FACE is the winner here.

Product Usage: Both will last you a long time. I tried both with the same Kabuki and you generally need the same amount of product so both are winners here!

Heaviness: While both are rather lightweight Doll FACE was noticeably lighter so the winner here is Doll FACE

Wearability: Both are long lasting and both look great but Doll FACE does sit more nicely on the skin. Winner is Doll FACE

Packaging: Well both are cute. I love the lid of Doll FACE but love Australis’ black and pink combo so I go with both being winners here!

Overall Winner is Doll FACE mineral make up!!

PLEASE NOTE: these views are my own views and all info is based on my personal opinion,yours may differ.

For more product info visit: 

Doll FACE Mineral Make Up

Australis Cosmetics

Follow Doll FACE mineral make up on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doll-FACE-Mineral-Make-Up/111940502181489?ref=ts