Product Review: Aphelia Peony 9+5 Eye Crème

Always looking for the perfect eye cream, as the right one really can make you years younger, and as I have previously tried the Aphelia Luscious Intensive Hand & Skin Cream and the Aphelia Purify Classic Cleanser (if you haven’t seen my reviews you can see the one for the hand crème here, and the Purify Cleanser here), and as really loved both, I was excited when I was asked to trial the Aphelia Peony 9 + 5 Advanced Beautifying Eye Crème.

Here are my thoughts on the The Peony 9+5 eye cream; 


 

What They Say:

"The Peony 9+5 eye cream contains the most powerful micronised herbal extracts. A daily anti-ageing treatment creme designed for the delicate eye area that contains natural multi vitamins & powerful antioxidants to help fight fine lines, reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffy eyes. It is combined with modern peptides to help restore and delay chronological ageing of the skin around the eyes"."In fused with five modern cosmeceuticals; including nucleic acids (DNA & RNA), peptide technology and hyaluronate provides temperance of lethargy, for a more jubilant and flattering outlook. Re-sculpturing a naturally softer, smoother and firm, sparking appearance without tightness or distortion around the eyes".

RRP: $69 (15ml) – Available from Aphelia

What I Say:

Aphelia products are made using pure, natural herbal power that has been combined with cosmetic science. The ingredients are hand selected and then expresses and percolates them into our own concentrated extracts using the traditional Asian methodologies. The products from Aphelia are to represent a hand crafted, east meets west fusions of holistic tradition and modern science, - ancient oriental herbal knowledge fused with the latest developments in Western skin care technology, giving you the best of both worlds

The Peony eye cream contains oriental extracts and modern peptide technology to rebuild and reinforce the skin, the eye cream helps to dramatically reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, leaving skin looking smoother, softer, and more firm. 
And as I sadly can start to see an increasing amount of fine lines around my eyes, as well as bags and puffiness is intensifying too, so I was very excited to trial the Aphelia Peony 9+5 Eye Cream as who doesn’t love the sound of a product that with such big promises!

The Aphelia Peony 9+5 eye cream comes in a bright green box with gold writing, and Chinese (I assume!) writing down one side of the box, and on the other side the words “The Origin of Beauty’. On the last side of the box, the ingredients of the cream and the instructions are listed. From the green box I must admit that I didn’t have high expectations of what I would find inside….but much to my surprise I found a lovely and luxurious looking cream. The eye cream comes in a square glass bottle with a pump. It is sleek and simple looking and looks expensive and luxurious. And I love the fact that it comes with a pump, as it is very hygienic, although this may consequently make it a little difficult to use up every last drop of cream, but only time will tell. One negative is that there is no way of knowing how much cream is left in the bottle. 

 

 The eye cream only has a slight but pleasant scent which quickly fades. It is very gentle and did not cause any irritation to my very sensitive eyes what so ever. 
Some of the main ingredients of the Peony eye cream are Lycium barbarum (better known as Goji berry;) rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, niacin, pyridoxine, ascorbic acid, and various minerals. It also contains chrysanthemum, with oil bornol and several glycosides as well as adenine, choline, B vitamins, and substances similar to vitamin A.

The Ligustrum lucidum, which contains triterpenoids, glycosides; mannitol; and lipids, consisting mainly of linoleic, linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids, is renowned for the ability to reduce the appearance of dark facial skin and clear congestion.

The cream also contains Morus alba (white mulberry), which is rich in polyphenols that can assist in redressing redness and puffiness, and has skin whitening and skin brightening attributes.It also contains Laminaria digitata (brown sea kelp), rich in minerals including iodine, iron and potassium; and contains a complex of marine bionutrients including alginate, lamine, and laminarin, which together can bind moisture and draw it closer to the skin with soothing, replumping and detoxification effects.

Finally, the cream also contains modern hyaluronate and peptide technologies help to re-matrix the appearance of skin, for visible age redress.The cream is very concentrated, so only a tiny little bit is required. It absorbs instantly into the skin, and instantly leaves it feeling soft, smooth and moisturised. During the day, it is the perfect foundation for makeup, as it doesn’t leave behind any greasy feeling that can cause the makeup to slide off.

After now having used the cream for over a month, and I am pleased to say that I find that fine lines around my eyes seems to have softened, bags and puffiness seems to have reduced, and the eye area is looking so much fresher, plumber and more hydrated.  At $69.95 for 15ml it is not cheap, but as it is so concentrated it will last you a long time. And really it is the same price as other eye creams from high end (although probably more well-known) brands, but it definitely has a quality and the results to match.
All in all, it is a lovely eye cream that lives up to its promises. As well as the results, I really like the philosophy behind the brand. If you too are concerned with the signs of ageing, then I have hesitation in recommending the Aphelia Peony 9+5 Eye Cream. 

You can read more about and also purchase the amazing products from Aphelia here.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you tried any of the products from Aphelia? What’s your preferred eye cream?

Product Review: bhave Leave-in Crème

I have long hair, down to the middle of my back, and although it is in a fairly good condition, there is no denying that over the years it has been through tremendous abuse through numerous colouring sessions at the hair salon, and not to mention the daily tear and wear from blow drying and heat styling it. The ends are as a consequence therefore often a little dry, frizzy and stressed. To protect the ends of my long hair, I therefore always use a leave-in conditioner, so when I was asked to trial the *bhave Leave-in Crème, I of course happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

"The bhave Leave-in Crème has been designed to soften, nourish, and control unmanageable hair. Infused with nutritive-rich ingredients such as slow-releasing ceratonia peptides that work deep within the hair structure to continuously repair damage, certified organic argan oil, macadamia oil, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba oil, to guard against breakage, whilst it will repair, strengthen and nourish the hair. The Leave-in crème also helps promote new hair cell growth while restoring elasticity and shine. The antioxidant rich formulation nourishes hair without product build up".

RRP: $44.95 (170g) - Available from select hair salons.


What I Say:

I recently reviewed the bhave Hydrator Shampoo and Conditioner (if you haven’t seen it, you can see it here), and as I really loved those products, I automatically had very high hopes and expectations for the Leave-in Crème.

The leave-in crème contains slow releasing ceretonia peptide, a slow releasing peptide/amino acid, which attach to the hair cuticle and bond with chemically treated hair to repair some of the damage. They bond more wherever damage is greater for optimal conditioning.

The leave-in crème also contains certified organic argan oil, high in vitamin E, essential fatty acids and anti-oxidants, to moisturise and nourish the hair. 

It contains jojoba oil which moisturises the scalp, helps develop new hair cell growth and conditions the hair preventing it from becoming brittle and dull, and helps restore elasticity and smoothness.

It also contains sunflower seed oil, to help nourish the hair and prevent breakage, macadamia oil to help prevent against hair breakage while improving hair strength and elasticity, and vitamin E to strengthen and nourish while adding shine to the hair. 

Like the rest of the bhave product range, the Leave-in Crème is free from parabens, sulphates and sodium chloride, as well as it is Australian owned and made, and not being tested on animals, which earns it a large handful of bonus points from me. 

The behave Leave-in Crème comes in a stylish silver tube, which is designed to stand on its lid which I really like as it means that the product drops down and I can use every last drop in the tube. The tube comes in a simplistic and stylish matte look white box with bhave engraved in the box.

The instructions on the box as well as on the tube recommends using the leave-in crème in damp hair, and that it can be used as a styling aid prior to blow-drying the hair to soften, moisturise and nourish the hair.

Leave-in Crème is a thick cream, which can leave you thinking that it will leave the hair feeling and looking very greasy or weighing it down, but that is far from the case. It instantly absorbs into the hair, and once dry, my hair is left looking and feeling soft, shiny and healthy, and full of volume.

After having used the Leave-in Crème for a few weeks after washing my hair, I am happy to say that I feel that the condition of my hair seems to have improved. Although I have not noticed any ‘new hair cell growth’, the ends of my hair feel and look healthier and more moisturised. My hair is shiny and any frizz is dramatically reduced, and I do not feel that it is in any way building up in my hair or weighing it down.

A word of caution however, it is so concentrated that you only need a tiny bit of Leave-in Crème, as using too much will leave the hair feeling a little sticky. On the positive it means that the 170ml tube will last you a very long time.

The Leave-in Crème has a subtle scent, which reminds me of coconuts (the product does actually not contain coconut oil!), and that is actually my one and only negative about this products. And that is only because I generally am not a fan of coconut scented products, and when I have the choice I prefer other scents. Once in the hair and the hair has dried, the scent does fade, although it does remain in the hair for quite some time.

The ‘coconut scented’ ingredient, has clearly been included for its benefits to the hair, and as this really is such an amazing leave-in crème that has clearly done wonders for my dry and frizzy hair, I can happily live with the scent, as well as I not hesitate to purchase it again.

All in all I highly recommend that you try the bhave Leave-in Crème if you have normal to dry hair needing a moisture boost, and you are looking for a chemical-free product, but do not want to compromise on quality and effectiveness. 

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you tried any of the products from bhave? What is your preferred leave-in conditioner?

Aphelia Purify Classic Cleanser Giveaway

Earlier this morning I did a review of the Aphelia Purify Classic Cleanser, - if you haven’t seen it yet, you can see it here.

As you can see, I absolutely loved this cleanser – and well, good news is that Aphelia really loved my review, and therefore would like to give YOU the chance to win a bottle of the Aphelia Purify Classic Cleanser so you can try it too. Well actually, Aphelia want to give away two bottles, so there will be two lucky winners.

Each Aphelia Purify Classic Cleanser has a value of $29.95.

 

 

So what do you have to do to get your hands on one of these amazing cleansers? All very simple, just  follow the prompts on the Rafflecopter form below. Select how you want to enter and do as it says.

- You will get one (1) entry by leaving a comment on the giveaway post, this is mandatory, making sure to leave your email address as well (so I can contact the lucky winners).

- Hereafter you can get five extra (5) entries if you follow my blog on Google Friend Connect (GFC). (Remember to also leave your GFC name in the comments below).

- You can also get an extra five (5) entries for promoting the giveaway on your blog. (Make sure to put the referral link in the comments below)

- You can get an extra five (5) entries for liking the Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter on Facebook.

- You will get an extra five (5) entries for liking and sharing this post posted on the Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter on Facebook on your timeline.

- And finally, you can also get an extra five (5) entries for liking Aphelia on Facebook.

Follow all steps, and you will have a total of twenty-six (26) entries.

How easy is that.

The giveaway is open to Australia only, and it will close in 2 weeks, on Friday the 7^th December 2012. The winner will be selected from random using Rafflecopter.

From contacted, the winners have 72 hours to respond with their address details. Failure to respond within this time frame will result in a new winner being drawn.

Note, Aphelia will send the prizes to the lucky winners. I take no responsibility for lost, misdirected or damaged mail.

Good luck to everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product Review: Aphelia Purify Classic Cleanser

Believing that the right cleanser can make a massive difference to the look and feel of your skin, I am always on the lookout for the perfect cleanser. So I was very excited when I was asked to trial the *Aphelia Purify Classic Cleanser. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

"Premium cleansing beauty oil, cleanses gently and maintains skin’s moisture balance. Deeply wash away sebum for refined smooth visibly pore-less skin. An exceptional cleanser that beautifies and removes makeup".

RRP: $29.95 – Available from Aphelia

What I Say:

Aphelia products are made using pure, natural herbal power that has been combined with cosmetic science. The ingredients are hand selected and then expressed and percolated into concentrated extracts using the traditional Asian methodologies. The products from Aphelia are to represent a hand crafted, east, east meets west fusions of holistic tradition and modern science, giving you the best of both worlds - ancient oriental herbal knowledge with the latest developments in Western skin care technology.

 

The powerful botanical oils in the Purify Classic Cleanser work to effectively remove makeup,  surface impurities and lift excess sebum from pores, while leaving the skin feeling soft and balanced, and not leaving behind any greasy residue.

As the purpose of the cleanser is to remove surface impurities and makeup removing excess sebum (a major cause in acne and blemishes) and it does not leave pores clogged, the cleanser will over time help re-balance the skin and assist with over production of oil and excess sebum.

Some of the main ingredients in the cleanser are lavender oil, which has a soothing, calming, relaxing and purifying effect. The cleanser also contains aloe vera oil, which is rich in phyto-nutrients, which not only has a cooling and calming effect, but which also purifies and re-moistens the skin. Finally, the cleanser also contains vitamin E, a dermal anti-oxidant that has a re-moisturising effect.

The cleanser comes in a bright green box with gold writing, detailed instructions as well as full ingredients on one side of the box. The instructions and ingredients are also listed on the bottle, but as they are written on a silver label with white writing, it is a little difficult to read.

The actual cleanser comes in an opaque plastic bottle with a pump. I really like that it is opaque so that you can see exactly how much cleanser you have left, and the pump just makes it so easy to get just the right amount without wasting any product or spilling it everywhere. The instruction on the box and the bottle says to use 1-2 pumps, and I found that was more than sufficient to clean my face.

This purifying cleanser is oil based and acts as both a cleansing oil and facial cleanser. I spread the two pumps of oil cleanser over my face, and massage it in with my fingertips concentrating on congested areas, and areas where more heavy makeup. Hereafter I add a few drops of water and instantly the oil emulsifies and froths up a little, after which it is easily removed with lukewarm water.

The cleanser not only thoroughly cleanses my skin morning and night, but it also effectively and easily removes all my makeup, including every last trace of long-wearing makeup and waterproof mascara. Afterwards my skin is left thoroughly cleansed, and it is so soft, smooth and feeling thoroughly hydrated. In fact, I don’t remember my skin ever been so soft before! It’s magic!

After having use the cleanser for a few weeks, it is honestly as if my combination skin is less oily, and has a more even look, with the result that I feel my makeup not only looks nicer, but also stays put for longer.

I have very sensitive eyes, and don’t like too perfumed products too close to my eyes, as it makes them water. The cleanser has a floral scent, no doubt coming from the lavender oil and aloe vera used in the cleanser. However, this scent is still very subtle and gentle, and did not bother my sensitive eyes.

All in all this is a fantastic cleanser and makeup remover, and I really like that it is so gentle, yet removes even stubborn makeup so easily and without any need to rub or pull my face, or dry out my skin. A definite must-have product!

Click here to read more about the amazing products from Aphelia.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you tried any of the products from Aphelia? What’s your preferred cleanser?


GIVEAWAY

Good news - Following my review, Aphelia has announced that they would live to give away two Aphelia Purify Classic Cleansers so you can try this amazing cleanser too. You can enter here.

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

Product Review: NIVEA Hand Pure & Natural Hand Cream

I have two beautiful dogs, which I love to bits. But they also mean that I am constantly washing my hands, with often results in very dry hands and nails, so I am constantly looking for a great hand cream. Here are my thoughts on the NIVEA Hand Pure & Natural Hand Cream;

What they say:

"New NIVEA Pure & Natural Hand Cream specially formulated to protect and nourish dry hands all day long and support the skin’s natural balance".

RRP: $4.37 (75ml) – Available from Priceline, select chemists and supermarkets.

What I say:

This hand cream contains up to 95 per cent natural ingredients and is free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils, and artificial colours – and always keen to reduce the amount of chemicals in my skincare, I instantly loved the sound of that.

In spite of washing my hands countless of times during the day, the Nivea Pure & Natural Hand Cream, instantly makes my hands feel soft and moisturised, no doubt due to being enriched with argan oil. After continued use a few times during the day, my hands are so soft, and the skin looks smooth, hydrated and healthy.

The hand cream comes in a tube designed to stand on its flip top lid, which I like, as it makes it easier to use every last bit of the cream as it drops down in the tube as it is used.

It has a gorgeous scent, which is fresh light, and reminds me of cucumber and aloe vera – and very different from the typical Nivea scent that I’ve grown up with. The scent does linger for a little while, but it is still subtle and far from overwhelming, and as I really like the scent, I don’t mind one bit! Hubby is usually complaining when hand creams are too perfumed or too ‘girly’, but he too thought it smelt ‘nice’ and felt that it made his very dry hands very soft and moisturised.

On the negative side – being 40 years old, I do look for hand creams with anti-ageing properties, as well as SPF to avoid any further sun damage, but sadly this hand cream does not include these. So I would love to see this Pure & Natural range extended to include these as well. However, on the other hand, it does get bonus points for being free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils, and artificial colours. It is a nice change to see such a large company as Nivea also introducing products with less chemicals.

All in all, it is a fantastic hand cream, and retailing at just $4.37 for a tube of 75ml, it is a bargain, suitable for the whole family. I will continue to use the hand cream, will definitely be considering purchasing it again in the future.

 

Have you tried any of the products in the Nivea Pure & Natural range? What’s your preferred hand cream?

 

 

 

 

Product Review: bhave Hydrator Shampoo & Conditioner

I have long hair, which is rather thick, and it has been has been coloured numerous times. Although in fairly healthy condition, needless to say that it, due to its length, does have some dry and split ends. I am always looking for new products to help maintain my hair, so when I was offered to trial the *bhave Hydrator Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;

What they say:
"bhave™ hydrator moisturising shampoo and conditioner blends keratin, vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 with certified organic aloe vera, evening primrose and macadamia oils for lush and nourished hair."

Both the shampoo and the conditioner "contain Replicine™ Functional Keratin technology, which is naturally derived and extracted keratin proteins from the wool of New Zealand sheep that are able to bind to severely damaged hair, rebuilding the internal structure and restoring strength, elasticity and shine to damaged hair. Suitable for normal, coarse and dry, damaged hair."

RRP: Shampoo or Conditioner, each $32.95 (300ml) – Available from select hair salons.

What I say:

Having never before heard of the bhave brand, I did a little research and so amazed by what I discovered. The products are free from parabens, sulphates and sodium chloride. Not only Australian owned, and all products are made in Australia, bhave is also the first Australian hair care brand to offer the keratin based hair restoration technology and include it in the hair care collection. Now I was fascinated!

The bhave Hydrator shampoo and conditioner are both infused with pro vitamin b5 to help heals scalp while moisturising the hair, macadamia oil to help prevent against hair breakage while improving hair strength and elasticity, evening primrose oil, which is high in essential fatty acids and helps strengthen and nourish hair. It also contains vitamin e to strengthen and nourish while adding shine to the hair, as well as certified organic aloe vera  to soothe and deliver gentle natural hydration, whilst restoring pH levels. And finally of course, the hero ingredient, the replicine functional keratin, which penetrates the hair shaft to rebuild, revive, and restore dry and damaged from the inside out.

My long hair is generally it is quite healthy, but due to its length, needless to say that it has been through countless summers, hair colourings and heat sessions, so it is a little dry at the ends with some split ends.

I usually wash my hair every second day, and rarely do I feel that I need to wash it more than once. When shampoos do not contain sulphates I often find that it can be difficult to get the shampoo to lather properly, but that was not the case with the Hydrator shampoo. It easily lathered up into soft foam, and just one shampooing was needed to make my hair feel wonderfully clean, yet without my hair feeling squeaky or stripped for moisture.

Afterwards I used the Hydrator conditioner, and my hair instantly absorbed conditioner, almost as if I hadn’t used any. My hair was obviously very thirsty! After a few minutes I rinsed out the conditioner, and found that it was very easy to do, and not like one of those conditioners where you keep rinsing and rinsing and keep feeling there is residue left in the hair. Instantly my hair felt so soft and it was free from knots too.

Combing it afterwards is so easy, and once dry, my hair is left silky soft, and is so easy to manage. My hair looks so shiny and healthy, and flyaways seem to be reduced too, yet without being weighed down. Even my hubby commented that my hair looked nice, and asked what I had done to it!

After having used the shampoo and conditioner several times, I can both see and feel a difference in the condition of my hair, it has seriously done wonders for my dry hair. Moisture seems to have been restored, even in the dry ends and it just looks healthier and shinier than ever, as well as so much easier to manage and style.

Both the shampoo and conditioner come in white round cylinder bottles with a flip lid at the top. I really love the simple and sleek design of the bottles, and they are easy to use in the shower with wet hands too. Both have a nice floral scent, which is very pleasant and far from overpowering. And once my hair is washed and dry, it smells absolutely gorgeous, yet again without being too intense.

At $32.95 each for a 300ml bottle, the shampoo and conditioner are at the more expensive end, but as the results really speak for themselves, and it seriously does make a difference to the condition of your hair, and as both are so concentrated that you will only need to use a little, the bottles will last you a long time. So all in all, they are well worth the spend.

*These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you tried any of the products from bhave? What are your preferred shampoo and conditioner? 

 

10 Makeup Products I Would Repurchase: TAG

There’s a tag that has been floating around the beauty virtual world for quite a while on "10 makeup products I would repurchase" if I lost all of my makeup. (Just the thought of it sends chills up my spine!) I think this topic is actually very interesting because it really focuses on the makeup and beauty items that you can't live without, your true go-to Holy Grail products. You can only repurchase 10 items. What would they be?

Here are my top ten  makeup products I would rush out to buy first:

 

 

1. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation in Ivory Cream: This is the first foundation I have tried that truly lasts all day on my combination skin. And it gives sufficient coverage to hide pigmentation, scarring and blemishes, yet while still looking natural. And if I’m in a great hurry, I can even forgo a concealer too! Estee Lauder recently reduced the price of the Double Wear Foundation from $68 to $50. Bonus!

2. Clinique Super Balanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 in colour Natural: This is, as the name suggests, actually a foundation in itself, however, for me it doesn’t quite offer sufficient coverage on its own, so I always use it as a powder only on top of my foundation. And it really does wonders in keeping any shine at bay. All day! And I love that it comes with a built-in grinder so you just grind just the amount of powder you need. It has a handy mirror in the lid, and also comes with a small brush. Available from Clinique for $65.

 

3. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat in colour 02: I have loved this concealer for years. The concealer is ultra fine, and it gives such a natural result, and acts as an illuminiser as well. A true cult product. Sadly it is not cheap, Touche Eclat is available at Mecca Cosmetica for $55

4. nvey eco Eye Shadow Palette in Neutral Shades: I love all the colours in this neutral palette, they are just so versatile, and for once I actually use every single colour in a palette! The eye shadows are very finely milled and very pigmented, so it is easy to build up the colour. I also love that it is paraben free, SLS free, GM free, cruelty free, talc free, and contains no propylene glycol or petroleum based ingredients, or synthetic fragrances. At $75.95 it is not cheap, but believe me, it's worth it! Available from nvey eco.

5. Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Eye Pencil in Onyx: This eyeliner is so soft that it glides on with easy without pulling the eyes, yet it stays put all day without bleeding – an absolute must for me as I have sensitive eyes that easily water. Available from Estee Lauder for $38.

 

6. L’Oreal Super Liner in Carbon Gloss: I have been using L’Oreal’s liquid eye liners for decades, and with every improvement they just get better and better. I bought this particular one during a recent trip to Europe, and I’m not sure if the same one is available yet here in Australia. It has a long felt tip that makes application very easy, whether you want a very fine line or a more bold and dramatic one. And it seriously lasts all day, even when my eyes water, which they often do! L’Oreal has a similar eyeliner available, which is the Superliner in Black Mica selling in Priceline and select chemists for $24.45.

 

7. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black: I love this mascara, and currently lucky to have one a sample sized one. I actually prefer sample sized mascaras, as it means that I start using a new and freshly opened mascara more often. This mascara makes my lashes thicker, longer and gives them an amazing curl without the use of a eyelash curler beforehand. And it stays put all day, even when my sensitive eyes water. Available from Estee Lauder for $48

8. Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon: This pink tint gives the most natural looking and beautiful blush on the cheeks and totally lights up my complexion. It can also be used on the lips, and is quite long lasting, but I find that it is a little drying, so I solely use it on my cheeks. It has the most divine fruity scent too. Available from Becca Cosmetics for $42.

9. Estee Lauder Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick in Rose Tea: I bought this lipstick for my wedding over 6 years ago, and have repurchased it numerous times since then. It is simply such a wearable shade, not to dark, not too pale. Rumour actually has it that it is Estee Lauder’s best-selling lipsticks for brides , and that once it was phased out, but due to popular demand, they had to reintroduce it!! It has a medium coverage, but can be built up if needed. It leaves the lips with a nice sheen, and is long-lasting. And I love that it contains shea butter which conditions the lips at the same time, and I absolutely love the smell of it too. Available from Estee Lauder for $45.


10. Lanolips Lip Ointment in Rhubarb: I love that this rhubarb pink lip balm is petroleum free AND have SPF15. It is non-sticky and very moisturising, and gives just the perfect amount of colour and sheen on the lips. It can also be layered over lipstick for extra sheen. Available from Adore Beauty for $13.95.


I know this tag has been around for a while now (I know, I’m a bit slow!), but If you’ve done this tag already, please share in the comments, or leave the link to your post!
If you haven’t yet done the tag – then I tag YOU!! I'd love to see which makeup products you would repurchase!


And don't forget to enter my giveaways from Scentcillo and Pure Destiny Aromatics.

Product Review: Be in AWE Shaanta Night Balm

Always on the lookout for more natural skincare products, in trying to reduce the chemical nasties and artificial fillers that I use on my skin, I tried the Be in AWE Shaanta Night Balm. Here are my thoughts;

What they say:

Shaanta Night Balm is an ultra moisturising, non-greasy product that provides intense hydration. It's perfect for mature, dehydrated and dry skin. Potent antioxidants and novel ingredients treat skin at the cellular level, increasing its own ability to create hydration. A noticeable difference in skin texture, elasticity and suppleness is to be expected. Natural ingredients include Indian Gooseberry, ginko biloba and gotu kola.

RRP: $120 (50ml) - Available from Be in AWE and select beauty salons.

What I say:

This is the first product I have used from the Be in Awe brand, so I did a little research into the company and was instantly impressed reading that the products are free from parabens, propylene glycol, SLS, SLES, formaldehyde releasers and artificial fragrances. I love knowing that I am not drowning my skin with damaging chemicals and parabens. And the fact that the products are based on Ayurvedic studies sounds very interesting too. And I’ll give even more bonus points because it is both Australian owned and made!

The cream comes in a matte black pump canister, which is so sleek, and I really love that it is black, it is such a nice change to the usual white packaging of most products. The cream has a removable lid, and has a pump, which I also really love as it is so much more hygienic than both jars and tubes. On the other hand, some products in pump bottles are impossible to completely empty, so if this will be the case, only time will tell.
 

The cream has a thick consistency, and having combination skin, prone to breakouts, I was a little worried that this cream would be too rich for my skin, and consequently make my skin break out. But I didn’t need to worry, as that has not been the case at all. In fact, it has been almost like it has had a balancing effect, as my skin seems to be feeling less greasy.

At night, when I applied this after cleansing, and I found that I needed two pumps of the cream for my face. The cream instantly absorbed, actually almost too quick, so you really have to work fast at smoothing it in, or it is absorbed before you know it. And unlike many other night creams, it doesn’t leave behind any greasy feeling, but instantly leaves my skin is left soft, smooth and very moisturised, and looking healthy,

In the morning my skin feels great and looked good, and is not oily like I get with many concentrated some night products.

The cream has a somewhat strange scent, which is very hard to explain. But knowing that it does not contain artificial fragrances, at least I know that it is a natural scent that comes from the natural ingredients used in the cream. I can’t say that I’m in love with this scent, and can easily imagine that it would put others off. But on the other hand I can certainly tolerate the scent, - and hubby didn’t comment on it either, which he usually does when things are too strong scented, so it can’t have been too bad!! And the scent does start to fade as soon as the cream has absorbed into the skin.

At $120 for 50ml it is not cheap, but as only a very little cream is needed, it will last you for quite a while.

All in all, it is a lovely moisturiser, and for once, a night cream has actually agreed with my combination skin, so I have thoroughly enjoyed using it, and I’ll be sure to check out other products in the Be in Awe range.

Have you tried any of the products in the Be in Awe product range? What’s your preferred night cream?

 

 

 

 

Product Review: Colgate MaxWhite One Ice

I drink a lot of tea and coffee, and although I have tried to curb my coffee addiction in recent months, I still consume my fair share. And well, as we all know, it is not exactly helping your pearly whites, so I was excited when I was offered to trial* the Colgate Max White Once Ice. Here are my thoughts;

 

 

What they say:

"Colgate MaxWhite ONE Ice helps improve the whiteness of your teeth in one week. The whitening toothpaste features a formula with whitening accelerators that work to remove surface stains, leaving your teeth one shade whiter in seven days. Continued use will help keep them whiter for longer".

RRP: $5.99 (103g) – available from Priceline, chemists, and supermarkets.

What I say:

In spite of drinking my fair share of tea and coffee, my teeth are not particularly yellow or stained, but regardless, after one week of using Colgate MaxWhite One I am quite impressed with the results, and can definitely see an improvement, though they are subtle and far from dramatic. But again, this may simply be because my teeth were not that stained to begin with.

The instructions on the box recommend that the toothpaste is used for two minutes three times daily. But as it is just not practical for me to brush my teeth in the middle of the day as well, my results are based on two brushes per day, morning and night.

The actual toothpaste has a strong minty flavour, which I like. For me, the stronger the flavour of the toothpaste, the better, as I like the fresh and minty breath that you are left with. But I have to admit that with the title ‘ICE’, I was expecting a stronger and more cooling sensation, however still it was still very pleasing.

The toothpaste has a gel consistency and has a pleasant gritty sensation on the tooth's surface, which doesn’t feel abrasive on the teeth, and after brushing the teeth feel smooth and clean.

Unlike most other toothpastes, the Colgate MaxWhite One comes in a tube with a larger flat top flip lid which makes it so much easier to open. But it also means that that the tube can stand on its lid, with the benefits that the paste can flow to the lid making it easier to squeeze out every last bit of the toothpaste.

If you purchase Colgate MaxWhite One solely to whiten teeth, it will take you a while. But then you have to remember that this is an over the counter toothpaste, and not a professional treatment, which is likely to give you more dramatic results (which of course also comes at a much higher price!).

The MaxWhite One is a little more costly than other toothpastes also given that the tube is a little smaller in size, however as I am always very mindful of my teeth the price is justified as this toothpaste really does help keep stains at bay leaving my teeth looking brighter.

* This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you tried the MaxWhite One toothpaste? How do you keep your teeth white?