Brand Focus: Burt’s Bees

As a fanatic beauty blogger I love it when I get the opportunity to trial new products, and I get excited and am very appreciative when products arrive at my doorstep, no matter if they are expensive or cheap – I do admit to having loving luxurious products, but in my everyday routine, I use just as many budget products! But every so often a parcel arrives that really takes my breath away, one where a lot of attention and thought have gone into – and last week I received one of the best put together parcels that I’ve received in a very very long time, this one from Burt’s Bees.

What was so amazing about this package was that the products arrived in a replica cardboard house of were Burt’s Bees started. The inside the box was full of detailed information about the products. The box also contained a booklet – well actually a little more than a booklet, as when I opened it, a video about Burt and how the company started, started playing inside the booklet. Amazing! Previously working as a marketing and brand manager, and being used to putting point-of-sale material together, I can only imagine the work, and not to mention cost, that has gone into producing this. I’m impressed.

The package also contained a USB cord, so you could connect the booklet so you computer and watch the video from there – or as I’ve done, put it into this post, so you can enjoy it too..

 

The box also contained some of Burt’s Bees classic products we well information cards about all the products. But before I start running you through the products, let me first quickly introduce you to Burt’s Bees;

 

Burt’s Bees was founded almost 30 years ago when a beekeeper was selling honey from the back of his truck, and he decided to use the leftover beeswax from the honey bees to make candles, and since then more products were quickly added to the product range.

All the products from Burt’s Bees are developed with the idea that ‘Nature knows best’ in mind, and consequently the ingredients used are all natural – 100% natural – which means that they of course are free from all the chemical nasties including phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS.

Now let me get onto the classic Burt’s Bees products which were included in the box:
 

 

 

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

I honestly don’t know why I haven’t posted about this cuticle cream before. I have gone through several of these jars. I love it, so no complaints from me now having a backup! It not only has the most amazing zesty lemon scent – my favourite scent, but it is also so effective at keeping your cuticles soft and hence your nails looking nicer. The small tin looks tiny, but it is so concentrated, that it will last you forever. No wonder this product has won so many awards! RRP: $14.95 (17g)

 

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - Tube and Tin

I have previously declared my love for Burt’s Bees Lip Balm in my Top 5 Favourite Lip Balms, but this tube with Vitamin E and Peppermint is new to me, and I already love it. And the tin is absolutely perfect for keep keeping at the bedside table. Can you believe it, but the tube of lip balm is so popular that a tube is sold every 2 seconds!! RRP: Tube: $7.95 (8.5g), Tube: $6.95 (4.25g)
 

 

Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Crème

This foot crème is very thick, and does leave the feet feeling a little sticky, so it is definitely one of those products that are best used at night with a pair of old socks on top.  But it is totally worth it, as the next morning you wake with the softest feet ever. I am not the greatest fan of coconut scented products, but on my feet I can certainly accept it, especially when the results are this good. And the added peppermint has a nice cooling effect so perfect for tired legs too. RRP: $24.95 (123g)

 

 

 

 

Burt's Bees Hand Salve

This Hand Salve is thick and quite greasy, so it really is perfect for super dry and damaged hands, including after a day in the garden. It contains sweet almond oil, beeswax, vitamins and botanical oils to help deeply nourish the skin. It has a nice herbal scent, which lingers for quite a while, which I like as it is so natural. As it is greasy, it is not ideal for use during the day, but absolutely perfect just before going to bed. RRP: $24.95 (85g)

 

Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand Cream

This hand cream is so much lighter than the Hand Salve, so it is better suited for use during the day as it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave the hands feeling greasy. It contains shea butter, cocoa butter and sesame oil to help keep hands soft and moisturised. And thanks to the added essential oils, it has a light lovely natural scent, which does linger for a while. RRP: $29.95 (90g).

Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème

This hand cream is slightly thicker than the Shea Butter Hand Cream, but not as thick as the Hand Salve. The concentrated cream takes a little bit to absorb into the skin, but once it has, you can feel the goodness of the ingredients immediately. It contains among others beeswax, almond milk, and glycerin to soothe and relieve dry and cracked hands. Thanks to the almond milk, it has a really strong and sweet scent of almonds, which some may find a little sickening, but personally I think it is quite lovely. It comes in a super cute old style glass jar. RRP: $19.95 (57g)

 

Burt’s Bees products are available for purchase from David Jones, Myer, Priceline, Target, Selected Pharmacies and from Burt’s Bees Online

So there you have it, a selection of Time-tested Burt’s Bees Classics! If you haven’t already tried these products, I highly recommend that you do!

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

Have you ever tried any of the products from Burt’s Bees? Any you are keen on trying? Or maybe you’ve tried others you can recommend?

Product Review: Tom Ford Ombré Eye Color Trio Palette in In The Pink

Tom Ford is one of those brands that I have always loved the look of, but never actually tried, so when I was offered the opportunity to trial one of the eyeshadow trios from the new Fall 2014 Color Collection I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts on the *Tom Ford Ombré Eye Color Trio Palette in In The Pink; 

What They Say: 
"In the Fall 2014 Color Collection, Tom Ford focuses on the art of the seductive eye. At the heart of the collection is the limited edition Ombré Eye Color Trio of monochromatic shades that uses light and depth to create a dynamic contrast, so you can shade and contour the eyes with an extraordinary play of contrast and light."


RRP: $90.00 – Available from exclusively at David Jones Elizabeth St, Sydney and Bourke St, Melbourne stores for a limited time only


What I Say: 
The Tom Ford Ombré Eye Color Trio Palette in In The Pink comes in three sensual pink shades and textures for a contoured nude look: Pink Rose, Pink Champagne, and Ballet Slipper Pink.
 

Each of these three eyeshadows has a different finish; the lightest shade, Pink Rose is a soft matte powdery pale pink, with an almost chalky finish. The middle shade, Pink Champagne, is a warmer shimmery peachy-pink shade, while the last shade, the Ballet Slipper Pink, is a warmer shade of pastel pink with a high-sparkle glitter.

All the colours are extremely pigmented, so while they can be applied very sheer, they are also very buildable. The eyeshades are also long wearing, and used with a primer first, they last all day without creasing, as well as there is minimum fall-out, even from the glittery shade.

I am personally not a huge fan of too shimmery eyeshadows, or too shimmery makeup in general, for that matter – so I didn’t really think that I would make use of the third sparkly eyeshadow- but if applied with a light hand and used very sparingly, it is quite lovely. 

Due to all colours being so pale, the shadow does give a very subtle look, whether used on their own, or together, but due to the different finishes, it still makes for an interesting and luminous look, perfect for a casual daytime look. Alternatively individually, each of the colours are also perfect to be used with other shades including neutrals/browns or greys, for a more defined look.

The actual eyeshadow comes in a bronze-brown compact with gold edging with Tom Ford embossed. Inside it has a good-sized mirror, and a good quality applicator that has a sponge on one end and a small brush on the other.

And it comes in a small brown velvet pouch, which is great if you carry it around in your handbag as it helps protect it from getting damaged.


What I Like: 

• Each colour in the palette has a different finish
• Very pigmented, and very long wearing
• Minimal fall-out
• Stylish compact with good quality applicator including sponge and brush

What I Don’t Like:

• If you have very pale skin, the shades in the palette may not show up very well on your skin
•  A little pricey
• Limited edition so you need to act fast if you want to get your hands on one

Overall I so enjoying using this In The Pink palette from Tom Ford. The eyeshadows are such a joy to apply, and the finish is exceptional. This is my first ever Tom Ford makeup item, and I can guarantee that it won’t be my last!!

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


What do you think of this In The Pink palette from Tom Ford? Ever tried any makeup from Tom Ford?

  

Product Review: Estée Lauder Sumptuous Infinite Daring Length + Volume Mascara

Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the newly launched *Estee Lauder Sumptuous Infinite Daring Length + Volume Mascara;

 

What They Say:

"The Sumptuous Infinite Daring Length + Volume Mascara. Featuring a multitude of gravity-defying fibers that take lashes far beyond tips, this luxurious and high-performing mascara works to deliver long, lush, limitless lashes for a beautifully defined and instantly alluring eye look."

RRP: $48 (6ml) – Available from Estee Lauder

What I Say:

I have always been a fan of Estee Lauer mascaras, and having a baby, when I haven’t got time to do my full makeup, there is one thing that I still never leave the house without wearing – mascara – so I was very excited when I was asked to trial this new mascara.

The Sumptuous Infinite Daring Length + Volume Mascara promises to “deliver exaggerated volume and impact, this dramatic lengthening mascara and innovative new brush provides lashes with immediate volume and lift. Fabulously visible, with an intense rich color pigment, lashes look long, lush and infinitely daring for up to 10 hours.”

The mascara is made from “a unique blend of innovative, stretchable, rubber-like polymers, and new extra-long, carbon black fibers to instantly coat lashes to perfectly shape, plump and extend each lash from root through tip to towering lengths. As the mascara dries, the fibers are fused onto lashes, setting and locking the fibers in place beyond lash tips for extraordinary reach.”

 

 

 

And this mascara really is nothing short of amazing. It lengthens and separates my short and thin lashes in an instant, while making them look so much thicker too, and all without clumping or making the lashes stick together. And even without using my old trusted Shu Uemura lash curler, it gives my lashes a slight curl.

I have very sensitive eyes that easily water, so to avoid the panda look, I usually wear waterproof mascaras, but this mascara, in spite of not being waterproof really is long wearing too, staying put all day, and it doesn’t flake into my eyes or smudge either – even after my eyes have been watery, or I’ve been out in the rain – yet it easily removes without the need to tear or run with the use of an eye makeup remover.

 

 

The plastic brush is easy to use, and the short bristles on the one side helps build up the volume, while the extended comb on the other side helps to lengthen the lashes and fanning them out.

 

 

At $48 for just 6ml, this is a little expensive, also considering the mascara is so small, which is the only negative of this mascara. However, with other mascaras I find that I have to add coat upon coat to get the desired look, while I with this Sumptuous Infinite Daring Length + Volume Mascara can achieve it with just two coats – which means this mascara will last a little longer. And, as someone absolutely hopeless with false lashes, I’d also much rather spend a little extra on a mascara that will give my lashes such a nice look.

Yet again, Estee Lauder has managed to impress me, and this mascara is very quickly taking over from my otherwise trusted Double Wear Mascara!

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

What do you think of this new mascara from Estee Lauder? Do you use Estee Lauder makeup? What’s your favourite mascara? Do you use false lashes?

 

 

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 2014

Like in most countries in the world, Mother's Day in Australia is celebrated on the second Sunday of the month May, which this year is the 11th May, just two weeks away. Although I wasn't technically a Mum last year, Hubby was really sweet last year spoiling me by giving me pressies from both him, or dogs and also from our unborn baby boy….but this year is my first mother’s day, so it is a little exciting...

My mum lives in Europe, and as it often takes a long time to post parcels across the pond, I have already posted her pressie off a few weeks ago, but still, I thought that I’d share with you a few gift ideas for pressies that I’d personally love to receive;

 

Clinique Happy in Bloom

I absolutely adore the original Clinique Happy fragrance and have gone through a few bottles over the years, so I love this new limited addition which promises to be sweeter, softer, brighter. And how gorgeous is this pretty bottle!

RRP: $79 (50ml) – Available from Clinique

 

bhave Professional Hair Care Hair Repair Essentials

I have mentioned bhave countless times (make sure to check out all my reviews, which you can find in my easy to use Directory), as the products, which are free of nasties, including sulphates and parabens are nothing short of amazing. The limited edition Mother’s Day Gift Pack comes beautifully presented in a compact silver hanging cosmetic bag and includes my favourite bhave products, Rescue Intense Repair Shampoo and Conditioner (300ml each) and Fresh Ends (50ml). With this pack you are sure to repair damaged hair and smooth split ends, leaving your hair silky soft and healthy.

RRP: $96 – Available from available from selected hair salons nationally. 

 

 

Gingerlilly Rachel Modal Pyjama

As we head towards winter, the perfect Mother’s Day present is always a great idea, and this one in 100% modal from Gingerlilly is the perfect choice. Modal comes from the beech tree and keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer.

RRP: $99 – Available from Gingerlilly

 

Laura Mercier Artist Palette

This palette of contains 12 gorgeous Eyeshadow shades in both shimmer and matte finishes giving you endless looks and unique colour combinations for every occasion. Plus, line and define with Laura’s cult-classic Caviar Stick in Cocoa and finish the look with Full Blown Volume Mascara.

RRP: $80 – Available from David Jones

 

Jeanne En Provence Bouquet d'Agrumes Eau De Parfum Spray

Loving everything citrus scented, this would be a perfect pick, this Jeanne en Provence perfume offers this sunny bouquet of citrus fruits. It has a fresh, slightly acidic fragrance with natural essences of mandarin, orange and citron, subtly perfumed by natural essences of cedar and mint. RRP: $16.95 – Available from Camdise

 

 

 

Molton Brown Hand Cream Trio

And a selection of beautifully scented hand creams never goes astray. The Molton Brown Hand Cream Trio is a selection of three hand creams containing Gingerlily Replenishing Hand Cream, Rhubarb & Rose Replenishing Hand Cream and Pink Pepperpod Replenishing (40ml each).

RRP: $40 – Available from David Jones

 

 

Lonvitalite Ultimate Mother's Day Gift Pack

If your Mum is time-poor but still need a little pampering, what about this gift pack from Lonvitalite which contains one satchel of every product in the LonVitalite Range which includes, Face - C1,C2,C3,C4,24K, Hand – C9 or C10 and Eye - C8,24K - Your Mum will love it!

RRP: $35 – Available from Lonvitalite

Estee Lauder Mother’s Day Collection

This collection contains everything Mum needs, including Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, 8 Pure Color EyeShadows, in Ivory Slipper, Riviera Rose, Nude Fresco, Wild Sable, Provocative Plum, Tranquil Moon, Tempting Mocha and Sugar Biscuit, Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Rubellite, Pure Color Gloss in Pink Innocence, Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Ballerina Pink, Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara in Extreme Black, a Mirror and a Bright Pink and Beige Colorblock Tote Bag. Now which Mum wouldn’t get excited receiving this collection worth more than $210.

RRP: $75 – Available from Estee Lauder

 

So there you have it – these are some of my picks for pressies that I’d personally be ecstatic receiving (hubby, hope you’re reading this…)

If you’re a Mum, what would you like to receive for Mother’s Day? And what do you plan to give your Mum?

 

Product Review: The Beauty EDIT Beauty Box – April 2014

One of the latest and newest beauty subscription boxes to hit the Australian market is the *Beauty EDIT, and here are my thoughts on the April box;

What They Say:

"Beauty EDIT is yours. A little parcel of beauty surprises to look forward to, experience and enjoy. 

We want to get to know you and match beauty to you. At Beauty EDIT, we’re passionate about discovering the latest in beauty, sharing our knowledge, then editing a selection of products which are suited to your needs. 

Beauty EDIT adds a touch of inspiration to your individual beauty experience. Our personalised approach allows you to “Subscribe, Try and Buy” make up, skincare and hair care products in line with your unique beauty preferences. 

Every two months, we'll deliver a tailored Beauty EDIT parcel straight to your door (plus the occasional extra surprise)."

RRP: $20 per box, or 5 boxes for $100 – Available from Beauty Edit

 

What I Say:

The Beauty EDIT is a bi-monthly box, which promises that you on each box will receive “five premium beauty samples from a diverse range of brands - high end, boutique, cult, new and also emerging brands varying across a different mix of products across varying beauty categories”. They also promise to “always try to get samples that allow you to properly try and experience each product. However in some instances some brands may only have less generous sizes available. If a sachet size sample is sent it shall always be in addition to your sample issue and would have to be an exceptionally good product. Most of all though the beauty samples you receive from Beauty EDIT shall be edited to match your beauty profile.”

Speaking of Beauty Profile, when you sign up to the Beauty EDIT, you have to log-on to the Beauty Edit website, and answer a selection of questions, regarding your skin type & tone, any skin concerns you may have, make up, hair type & condition and samples you are interested in to allow the Beauty Edit to set out and get beauty samples that are best suited for you. As they say, “Beauty is, above all, personal and at Beauty EDIT we want to make sure we always present samples to you fit your beauty profile.”

Here’s what my beauty profile looks like:  

And these are the goodies that I found in this month’s Beauty EDIT;

Tea Tonic complexon Tea – for beautiful radiant glowing skin – 1 tea bag

 

I admit that my preferred hot drink is coffee, but I do drink herbal teas to try to limit my intake of caffeine – and not having as glowing skin as I’d like, this does sound very interesting, I do believe in the saying that you are what you eat, so why shouldn’t you be able to get nicer skin by drinking tea. This cleansing tea is organic and caffeine free and contains red clover, nettle, dandelion leaf, calendula and burdock in it. 

Sasy n Savy citrus soufflé body crème – sample, 10ml

 

I love love love citus scented products, so just the name of this body cream has my interest. And it smells so nice and refreshing, so I cannot wait to put this cream to the test. I’ve never heard of Sasy n Savy before, so I liked when I discovered that it is in fact an Australian brand.

eye majic Beauty instant eye shadow  – three applicators – Full sized pack + one additional applicator

 

I am one of those who is absolutely hopeless at applying a professional looking eye makeup using three shades, plus these days, with a baby I simply haven’t got the time to play with my makeup like I once had – so these instant eye shadows could be the perfect solution for me. I got a box with two applicators in pearl shades, as well as a loose one in pink/brown shades. These claim that you can achieve the perfect blended eye shadow in just 10 second!! I am not sure of the cost of these, but each applicator is only good for one use, so I could imagine that it would work out to be a little too expensive for frequent use.

GKMBJ shampoo and conditioner - Samples,30g each

 

It took me forever to work out what these products were, until I finally, on the back of the bottles in the tiniest writing saw that it was shampoo and conditioner. I struggled seeing this wearing my glasses, so I don’t know how I will go in the shower, and how I will pick the right product, seeing both bottles are identical!!

Anyway, I have heard of GKMBJ before, but never had an opportunity to trial their products, so I do look forward to seeing how they perform.

Illume essencia by Hawley Manicure cuticle conditioner – sample, 3.7ml

Apart from frequent use of hand cream, I am so guilty of neglecting my cuticles, they are always so dry looking, so this is coming at a very convenient time, also seeing it now sadly getting colder with autumn setting in, and my nails and cuticles are always taking a turn for the worse, so I cannot wait to put this one to the test.

Monteil Paris Acti-vita Gold ProCGen Softening Lotion – Sample, 10ml

 

I have never heard of Monteil Paris so that instantly excites me. It is called a lotion, but is really a toner to be used prior to your moisturiser. It contains 24K gold leaf particle, which claims to help make the skin velvety soft  to the touch and give the skin a radiant look while hydrating the skin and restoring its natural balance. Not sure on the price of this, but just the contents of the 24K gold leaf particles, which you can actually see in the liquid, makes this sound a little expensive. Hopefully it will last long enough to get some idea of how it performs.

So there you have it, this is the contents in the April Beauty EDIT box.

Overall I am generally happy with the contents in the box, but I would have liked the inclusion of a card to tell what the products are, their RRPs and where you can purchase them, as without it, it also makes it impossible to comment on the value of the box, and if it justifies the $20 spend. I would of course also have liked more full sized products in the box, but at least there are no useless sachet samples!

However, I did like that the products were very varied, and included both haircare, skincare, makeup and nails, and that they were all from brands that I’d never tried, let along heard of before, and I really like that – that is exactly how beauty subscription boxes should be!

As for the customisation – I did get both a body product and a hand/nail product, even though had not ticked the box of preferring such samples, so needless to say that I would have preferred more skincare or makeup instead – however, in this case, I really love the citrus body lotion and my nails are in dire need of some TLC, so these samples won’t go astray. But I do hope that the Beauty EDIT in the future will be very mindful of only providing products according to personal preferences, as that is something that is currently lacking in Australian beauty subscription boxes, and that would really set the Beauty EDIT apart from the rest!

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

Have you ever heard of the Beauty EDIT? Tried any of the products in this month’s box? Considering subscribing?

 

Product Review: One Direction That Moment Eau De Parfum

Celebrity fragrances are launching faster than you can keep up, and following the incredible success of their debut fragrance, Our Moment, which launched in August 2013, and broke records to become the fastest selling fragrance of the year – no wonder the boy wonders, One Direction is now launching a new fragrance. Here are my thoughts on the *One Direction That Moment Eau De Parfum;

 

What They Say:
"The soft fragrance is made up of splashes of fresh fruit and seasonal flowers infused with an undertone of musk. The smell of green apple and refreshing cucumber, combined with peony and violet and a hint of cedarwood offers all the excitement of new beginnings."


RRP: $39 (30ml), $59 (50ml) and $79 (100ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies


What I Say: 
I have to be completely honest and upfront and admit that I am not the biggest One Direction fan, or should I say 1D fan, as I believe they are also named. That’s not saying that I have not been bobbing away to their catchy songs, of course I have…. “You don't know, Oh, oh, You don't know you're beautiful…”

And being a huge perfume fan, I was happy when That Moment arrived at my door step – and even more so when I realised that it is a fresh fruity scent with an undertone of citrus – my favourite scent.


The actual scent is made up from:

Top notes: Green Apple, Refreshing Cucumber, Sparkling Tangerine

Middle notes: Delicate Muguet, Peony, Violet

Dry notes: Patchouli, Creamy Musk, Cedarwood


The fragrance is marketed especially to tweens and teens, and consequently both the actual scent somewhat shows this as the scent is sweeter than most. 

The scent is fresh and fruity, and again it has a citrusy undertone to it from the included tangerine notes (huge ticks from me), while the included green apple makes it so light and fuity – and somehow reminds me a little of one of my favourite scents, Delicious from DKNY. After wearing it for a while, the lovely notes of especially peony and patchouli also becomes more noticeable.

As the scent is both sweet and fruity, I do feel that it is better suited for use during spring and summer – which it also is in Europe at the time this perfume is launched, - just a shame that Australia is now heading towards winter, which I feel calls for slightly heavier scents.

The scent only lasts a few hours before it fades, and personally I feel it could be a little stronger and longer-lasting – but on the other hand, again, marketed to tweens and teens, I don’t really find it ideal to be too strong either, and then it is actually perfect as it is.


 

That Moment comes in a heavy pastel pink glass bottle, with a glass and ‘silver and diamond’ crown lid, which does make it look both stunning and very girly at the same time as the heavy bottle makes it feel luxurious.


What I Like: 
 

• The fresh and fruity scent, with citrusy undertone
• Gorgeous girly pink heavy glass bottle

What I Don’t Like:

• It could be a little stronger and longer-lasting, but the light scent is perfect for its target market, the tweens and teens
• Somehow I find it is a shame that the One Direction boys are on the front of the box – I know that 1D die-hard fans are more than likely very excited about this, I think it would have sold to a wider audience (read; older women like me too!) without this image.

 Overall this is a nice fresh, sweet floral scent – so if you are particularly enjoying sweet fragrances , then this new That Moment from One Direction will be right up your alley - and as for all the young 1D fans around the world, just like my teenage niece, they will no doubt want this fragrance regardless of the scent and if they like it – very clever marketing boys!

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


Are you a One Direction fan? Will you be getting this perfume? Like celebrity perfumes?


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