Favourite products for the month of April include: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Porcelain Pink, MAC Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch, Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum, Sigma Duo Fibre F50 Brush (used to apply cream blush) & Essie Angora Cardi Polish.
April 28, 2011
Unopened Products: Skincare
After seeing a few of these posts popping up in the blogsphere I decided to name and shame myself among those of us who have quite a large stash of yet-to-be-opened products sitting in the bathroom cupboard. I decided to start with skincare, as this is the biggest backlog that I have. Mainly because skincare takes quite a while to properly trial (in my opinion anyway) and I like to introduce one new product at a time into my skincare routine, just so I can get a clear idea of which product does what. You can expect reviews of a majority of these products in the future: NP Set Purifying Facial Cleanser, NP Set Detoxifying Facial Toner, NP Set Wake Me Up Day Cream, NP Set Say Goodnight Night Cream, Napoleon Perdis Marshmallow Foam, The Jojoba Company Gentle Cleansing Balm, The Jojoba Company Pure Australian Golden Jojoba, The Jojoba Company Cucumber + Guava Firming Eye Balm, The Jojoba Company Hydrating Day Cream, The Jojoba Company Intense Recovery Balm, The Jojoba Company Intense Overnight Renewal Cream, The Jojoba Company Antioxidant Serum, The Jojoba Company Jojoba Bead + Bamboo Facial Exfoliant, La Mav Certified Organic Soothing Cream Cleanser, La Mav Certified Organic Firming Eye Lotion, La Mav Certified Organic Antioxidant Skin Booster, La Mav Certified Organic Wrinkle Smoother Complex, Face Of Australia Gentle Make-Up Remover (x2), Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Ageing Cream, Olay Complete Defense Daily UV Moisturising Lotion & Lanolin Agg-Tval Eggwhite Facial Care. Uh, yeah. Shameful.
April 24, 2011
Product Review: The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask
I’ve started up a new Sunday night tradition of trying out a new face mask while relaxing in front of the TV and drooling over Alex O’Loughlin in Hawaii Five-O. (I know some of you are with me on this already, but if you’re not sure who I’m talking about please see here. And here. You’re welcome.) Speaking of Hawaii Five-O, I’m still undecided as to the hotness levels of Scott Caan due in most part to his tiny man big hair syndrome, but he’s got undeniable swagger none the less. Anyway, I digress. The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask is my new Sunday night favourite, and kind of feels like the face mask equivalent of a nice long nanna nap. It’s soothing, relaxing and it cures what ails you. Or as the Jojoba Company say, the mask is “deeply hydrating to rebalance dryness and re-energise.” Yes please. This is a super hydrating clay-based mask and my (sensitive) skin loves it. There is a mild ‘botanical’ smell to the product which I normally wouldn’t like but it’s so subtle that I didn’t really notice if after the initial application of the mask. The results are plumped, soothed and hydrated skin which is exactly what I need during these weird seasonal-change months. (note: This product is 97% naturally derived, and not tested on animals) I would definitely repurchase this mask in the future. The Jojoba Company Botanical Hydrating Face Mask retails for $49.95 AUD and you can find your local stockist on the Jojoba Company website. (note: I was sent this product for consideration for review)
April 18, 2011
Product Review: Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask
Try to imagine just how hard it would be to resist the lure of a jet black face mask. It’s pretty much impossible, and when I first heard about the new Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask I jumped at the chance to review it. I had previously reviewed a few other products from the Rodial range, but after trying out this mask it’s managed to leap to the top of my Rodial favourites list. The Rodial ‘glamoxy snake serum’ products contain neuropeptides that mimic the effect of the temple viper’s potent venom and dipeptides to “instantly lift the face, freeze muscles and plump fine lines and wrinkles”. The mask also claims to use amino acids and liquorice to brighten skin tone, while enriched minerals deep cleanse and purify pores to remove excess oil dirt and impurities. Sounds pretty good to me.
Mmm, weird. The mask has a very thick and sticky consistency (sort of like runny tar) that sets very quickly so it’s important to work fast if you want an even application of product. Once it’s applied it kind of looks like you’ve smeared vegemite all over your face (see above). It’s a good idea to try and get quite a thick and even application of the mask all over your face, as it makes it a lot easier to remove when you’re done. To remove the mask you simply peel it off like a second skin, which is equal parts gross and fun. I have quite sensitive skin and there was a slight tingling sensation to be had while wearing the mask, but nothing too uncomfortable or unbearable. The results for me were fresh, glowing skin and a brightened complexion that lasted well into the next day. I definitely think that the results were well worth the somewhat unusual mask application and removal process. The Rodial Glamoxy Snake Mask retails for $85 AUD and is available for purchase exclusively at MYER. (note: I was sent this product for consideration for review)
April 5, 2011
Product Review: Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Lift Off Face Wipes
Truth be told, I am someone who has been rather cautious of skin care products created by cosmetic brands. I’m not exactly sure why this is, but for some reason I’ve always had it set in my mind that brands that stick exclusively to skin care are usually the best. This myth was promptly dispelled with my discovery of the Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Lift Off Face Wipes. These are the first makeup wipes that I’ve used that don’t leave my skin coated in a strange (and kind of gross) liquid film after using them. They are alcohol-free and contain lanolin and chamomile to help “soothe and refresh your skin” and they don’t irritate my sensitive skin at all. They do a pretty good job of removing makeup, but as I’m used to a very deep clean (thanks to Dermalogica precleanse) I tend to use 2 of them if I’m not going to use anything else to help clean my skin. Otherwise I’ve been using one before and after my gym sessions to remove most of my makeup, and then help refresh my skin afterwards. Tip – if you want to help lengthen the lifespan of your makeup wipes, store them face down. The Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Lift Off Face Wipes are currently available for purchase for $19.80 AUD (for 25 wipes) from online skin care store Ry. (note: this product was sent to me for consideration for review.)
April 2, 2011
March Empties
Finished up in March: Bath + Body Works Fresh Market Apple Anti-Bac Foaming Hand Soap, KORA Balancing Rose Mist, Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Orchid + Coconut Milk Conditioner and samples of Dermalogica Active Moist & Mario Badescu Facial Cleanser.
March 8, 2011
Product Review: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
People often ask me what would be the number one Dermalogica product that I would recommend they use, and my answer is always the Daily Microfoliant. Not only because it is suitable for all skin types (except for those using medically prescribed skin care), but because it’s one of the best skin care products I’ve ever used. I’ve heard so many people raving on about this product, and I agree with all of the positive reviews. The Daily Microfoliant is one of my skin saviour products, and I can’t live without a bottle of it in my beauty cupboard. The microfoliant is a rice based enzyme powder, and to use you simply tip a little bit of the dry product on to damp hands, massage onto your face and rinse. It leaves my skin looking clear and bright, and it’s one of the most gentle facial exfoliants I’ve ever come across. You can purchase the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant online for $75.15 AUD (currently on sale) at Adore Beauty.
