FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS 2014

Are you fed up with your other half using your precious skincare products, using way more product than they should and having no respect of the cost and value of your products? Well, with just a week left until Father’s Day I thought that I’d give you another handful of gift ideas for products he can call his own..

 

 

Molton Brown Razor-Glide Shaving Gel*

 

I prefer my hubby to be clean shaven, and luckily he does too. And this shaving gel, as promised gives him a very close shave. The gel is best used on wet skin and it takes just a little to froth it up to a soft foam that instantly softens any stubble making it easy for the razor to do its job.

It is so gentle that it doesn’t irritate the skin, and it doesn’t dry it out, rather it keeps the skins soft and moisturised. It contains African whitewood extract that helps prevent the skin from shining, and it has a nice yet gentle and not too overbearing masculine scent.

RRP: $40 (150ml) – Available from David Jones and Molton Brown

 
 

Wella SP System Professional Refresh Shampoo*

 

This shampoo is an everyday shampoo that has been specifically designed to cater for men’s hair issues. It gently cleanses the hair, removing all hairstyling products, while targeting oily scalp issues – all without drying out the hair or the scalp. The shampoo is concentrated so it only takes a little, and it leaves the hair soft and shiny. And it has such a lovely masculine scent that once he has tried it and smelt it, he won’t guaranteed never want to use your shampoo ever again.

RRP: $32 (250ml) – Available from select Salons

 

Wella SP System Professional Everyday Hold Strong Gel*

 

They may not want to admit it, but making sure that their hair stays put all where they want it, is important. The Everyday Hold Gel can be used in both dry and damp hair, and styles both short and mid-length hair, giving it strong hold with definition and a wet look while still leaving the hair flexible, and not feeling stiff or crusty, and with a nice shine too. And unlike other gels, it doesn’t ‘ooze’, so it doesn’t leave his forehead feeling greasy. It comes in a handy pump bottle, and like the shampoo, it has a nice masculine scent that remains in the hair.

RRP: $33.50 (100ml) – Available from select salons

 

Rusk Paste*

 

If he is more for a medium hold using a paste, you cannot go past this one from Rusk. It has a fibrous texture that makes it easy to manipulate the hair into even the craziest hairstyle. The coconut scented paste can be used in both wet and dry hair and comes in an easy to use tube.

And because it remains pliable, he can continuously reshape his hair throughout the day.

RRP: $29.95 (113g) – Available from Rusk

 

Rusk Putty*

 

If your man wants to do some serious hairstyling, then this Putty from Rusk will answer his prayer. The putty adds both volume, texture, definition and control to the hair all day long, all while keeping it flexible and without any stiffness, and without flaking during the day.

The milky-white paste has a thick consistency and is easy to dig out of the plastic tub. It leaves the hair with a matte look.

RRP: $29.95 (113g) – Available from Rusk

 

Nivea Men Clear Effect Volcanic Mud Foam Face Wash*

 

This face wash offers more than any other face wash. It is a ten in one formula that cleanses the skin leaving it feeling cool and refreshed. And thanks to containing salicylic acid, menthol and volcanic mid, it cleanses deep down every pore offering oil control, preventing and reducing acne and clears breakouts, tightens pores, prevents white and black heads, and evens out the skin tone – all while being so gentle that he can use it once or twice a day.

 

RRP: $9.99 (100ml) – Available from Supermarkets and Priceline

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

So there you go, some skincare treats for your dad or the man in your life..

Have you purchased your father’s day present yet? Any great gift ideas?

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BOBBI BROWN PRETTY PINK RIBBON LIP GLOSS COLLECTION FOR BREAST CANCER

October is Breast Cancer awareness month, and in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics continues to empower women and provide them with the necessary tools to go from pretty to pretty powerful. This year, the brand is proud to support the efforts of The Estée Lauder Companies’ BCA Campaign, with the limited-edition Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection, featuring four 4ml Lip Glosses in varying pops of pink: Pretty Pink Sheer Lip Gloss, Pink Tulle High Shimmer Lip Gloss, new Limited Edition Bright Lilac Lip Gloss and NEW Limited Edition Soiree Pink Shimmer Lip Gloss.

 

“When you feel good about yourself, there’s no limit to what you can do — and that’s Pretty Powerful.” – Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown will donate 20% from the purchase price of this limited-edition Pretty Pink Ribbon Lip Gloss Collection to The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

RRP: $68 - Available 1st October, 2014, at the Bobbi Brown Studio, selected David Jones and MYER, and Bobbi Brown Online

What do you think of this limited edition lip gloss collection?

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BEAUTYDIRECTORY EXPERT PANEL: PROACTIV+

My skin has always been prone to breakouts. And while teenage years are long gone, and my skin is now needing anti-ageing skincare, with wrinkles and pigmentation my main skin concern - continued breakouts does bother me too.

I have previously heard of Proactiv. And to be honest both good and bad things. I have heard of those that swear by the products, and others who say they are too harsh and completely dry out the skin. And then there is of course all the celebrities we have seen endorse the original Proactiv products over the years, ranging from Jessica Simpson, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, to mention just a few – although personally, celebrity endorsements really do nothing for me!

As you may have seen a little while ago, I have been selected to be a part of the beautydirectory Expert Panel, which is such an honour as out of all the amazing Australian blogs, there are only a total of Australian 10 bloggers and vloggers who are a part of this Expert Panel. For those of you who don’t know, beautydirectory is an online resource for the Australian and New Zealand beauty industry, providing beauty editors, including beauty bloggers and vloggers with essential industry news and new product information. And this Proactive+ review is an beautydirectory Expert Panel review!


The new range, Proactiv+ has been developed as customers and patients increasingly began to tell the creators of Proactiv, Doctors Rodan and Fields that they were feeling pulled between managing their acne and taking care of other important skin issues, including the look of large pores, visibly uneven texture and tone, dark marks and loss of radiance. Basically, customers felt that managing their acne with topical products came at the expense of addressing their other skin concerns. Consequently, Proactiv+ has been developed to do it all - a healthier looking, more radiant complexion and freedom from worry about breakouts.

“The plus in Proactiv+ symbolises that we’ve taken Proactiv to a new level, now also containing skincare ingredients, including glycolic acid, prebiotics, kojic acid and other nourishing botanicals, to help hydrate and nourish the skin and help with brightening.

 The Proactiv+ Deluxe pack contains: 

• Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, 60ml
• Pore Targeting Solution, 30ml
• Complexion Perfecting Hydrator, 29.5ml
• Eye Brightening Serum, 15ml
• Mark Fading Pads, 5 pads
• + bonus Skin Purifying Mask, 28g

The products contain a Smart Target Technology designed to guide the blemish-fighting ingredient off the skin's surface -- to help minimise dryness and irritation -- and deliver it with laser-like precision directly into pores, the target site for blemishes – and consequently as they are not on the surface on the skin, it doesn’t cause dryness and irritation. The micronised benzoyl peroxide is drawn into pores to target the blemish source. With more blemish-fighting ingredients in the pores, blemishes clear faster and breakouts decrease.


In addition, each of the products also contains hydrating ingredients to keep the skin moisturised and soft.


While the Proactiv range ‘only’ worked to clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts, improve visible texture & clarity and control & balance oily skin, the new Proactiv+ range also works to brighten & smooth skin, hydrate & soften skin, reduce visible pore size, soothe redness, enhance overall skin radiance, and diminish look of post-acne dark marks.


How to use:

 

 

• Step One: Cleanse – Daily AM and PM – Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
• Step Two: Target – Daily AM & PM – Pore Targeting Solution
• Step Three- Hydrate – Daily AM & PM – Complexion Perfecting Hydrator

 

 

 

 

In addition, there are also Clear Blemish Relief, Cleansing Body Bar, as well as Mark Fading Pads, Skin Purifying Mask, and the Eye Brightening Serum, and the last three I was also sent for trial.

 

  

Now here’s what I think of the products;

 

 

The Skin Smoothing Exfoliator*
 

 

 

 

 

This is a 4-in-1 face wash, deep cleanser, a cleanser that targets impurities, a glycolic acid toner and a mild exfoliator. The creamy cleanser has been formulated with micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide to clear up existing breakouts and help prevent new ones. It also contains tiny exfoliating beads and glycolic acid to gently resurface the skin. It only takes a small amount massaged into damp skin, and the gentle cleanser quickly cleanses my skin deep down every pore, getting rid of any excess oil, dirt and impurities, without irritating of drying out my skin. It has an odd scent, but as it is so efficient, I can certainly put up with it.

 

 

 

Pore Targeting Solution*
 

 

 

 

 

This light gel combines micronized benzoyl peroxide with the pore targeting delivery system that helps direct the gel directly into the pores. The gel needs to be applied to the entire face after cleansing, and once it has fully absorbed, to follow with the Hydrating Cream. I have to be honest and admit that I do not suffer from breakouts all over my face, but mainly on my nose and chin area, so that’s where I have been using the cream. It needs to be used twice daily, and while the packaging does state that it can cause some dryness or peeling, it did not cause any issues to my skin – other than making it feel less greasy. The gel is quite concentrated, and as I’ve been targeting where I’ve used it, I’ve been using less than a pump per application.

 

 

 

Complexion Perfecting Hydrator*
 

 

 

 

 

This hydrating cream has a light gel texture and absorbs immediately into the skin leaving it silky soft without any greasiness, but rather leaves the with a nice matte look. The moisturiser has next to no scent and it contains salicylic acid to help fight breakouts and botanicals to help brighten the skin to look brighten tone and help to reduce the look of post-acne marks to make the skin look more clear and radiant. And because it absorbs into the skin so quickly, it works perfectly under makeup too. As it contains salicylic acid, it is recommended to apply SPF before going outside, and I have to admit that I would have liked it to be included in the cream, at least for day time use, while of course, when using as a night cream, it is perfect that it is free from the SPF!

 

 

  

The Mark Fading Pads*
 

 

 

 

 

These toner pads have been formulated with glycolic acid to help improve the appearance of superficial post-blemish marks and even the appearance of skin tone. The pads are like a small wet wipe that are individually wrapped, and they are to be used after the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator on clean dry skin, and once wiped over the skin, it is not rinsed off. They are designed to be used once a week to enhance the skincare regimen, but can also be used at night 5 days in a row to help quick start to help clear spots. The wipe has strong alcoholic and chemical scent, and does feel a little drying on the skin, so I don’t think I could use it for 5 days in a row, as I could imagine it would make my skin irritated and dry. But used weekly it does make the skin feel extra clean and rid it from extra oil and sebum that can potentially cause breakouts.

 

 

 

The Skin Purifying Mask*

 

 

 

 

This mask contains deep-cleansing sulphur to draw out impurities from the pores to help clear blemishes and help prevent new breakouts, while kaolin clay draws out excess oil. It can be used 2-3 times a week for about 10minutes, and afterwards my skin is left feeling and looking fresh, clear and glowing. And while I do get breakouts, I find that using it just once a week is more than sufficient for my skin. The mask can also be used as a spot treatment overnight to help clear blemishes, which I have to admit that I do like too.

 

 

 

The Eye Brightening Serum*

 
 

 

 

 
 

This eye serum rejuvenates the thin delicate skin around the eye area. The cream contains antioxidants, peptides and a moisturising complex, along with brightening vitamin C and liquorice extract to help minimise the appearance of dark circles, reduce puffiness and smooth the look of fine lines. The cream can be used both morning and night, and is very concentrated, so it only takes the smallest amount. The serum absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth, and ready for makeup.

 

 

 

Overall, I have really enjoyed trialling these products, and confirming that the products are definitely not harsh on the skin, as they did not irritate my skin at all. I don’t think I’ve had any less breakouts as a result of using the products, but I did have some breakouts throughout the trial period, and found that the products did help clear them faster, and generally I have found that my skin seems less greasy, and consequently that my makeup looks nicer and stays put for longer too.

 

 

As for dark marks, I am not sure that they have helped minimise the size of existing ones, but it is great knowing that the products are working towards it. The same goes for dark circles around my eyes, they are caused by being woken by a teething toddler every night, and sadly I don’t think any eye cream would be able to rectify what this does to you in the long term!

 

   

While I enjoyed using all the products, for me the standouts were the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, The Mark Fading Pads and the Skin Purifying Mask, and I can see myself purchasing these again in the future.

 

   

This Proactive+ Deluxe Pack has an RRP of $54.95 and is available from Proactiv

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

 

Ever tried Proactiv? Troubled with breakouts? What’s your go-to products? 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: VIOLET BOX AUGUST 2014

Yesterday the *August edition of the Violet Box arrived at my doorstep, here are my thoughts;

 

 

What They Say:

Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show!

RRP: You can subscribe to Violet Box for:

1 month – $22.95
3 months - $66.00
6 months - $130
12 months - $250

Available from Violet Box

 

What I Say:

As last month, this month’s box arrived in a the new box design with the lose slide lid, and this is what was included in this month’s box:
 

 
 

Evelyn Iona Lipgloss – Full Size (RRP: $20.50)

I have never heard of the brand Evelyn before so straight away I am excited. And when I then read that the product is certified organic, and preservative free too. I got the colour Susan, which is a lovely pale pink shade that gives the lips a nice colour with a fairly good colour payoff, while blended out, it can be applied quite sheer too. The colour is lovely, and I will certainly use it, but if I had to be picky, I would have preferred one of the darker shades as shown on the info card.



Foltene Eyelash Treatment – Full Size (RRP: $20.95/10ml)

This is a treatment to use on your eyelashes and brows to restore dry , thin fragile lashes that easily fall and promote natural growth. My lashes are ok, and don’t really fall out that often I feel, but I wouldn’t mind some fuller brows, as they were victims to over-plucking decades ago, and growing them out, just doesn’t seem to happen – so I am looking forward to putting this treatment to the test and seeing how effective it is.



Be A Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad – Full Size (RRP: $ 22.00)

It was mentioned as a teaser in last month’s box that the August box would contain this quad, so it is not a major surprise, although it is of course a nice addition. Going by the info card there were three shades, and I got the shade New York which contains grey shades. The colour in the compact are all lovely and complement each other perfectly. But again, if I had to be picky, I would have preferred to get the compact with the golden shades as shown on the info card, but again that is just me being picky, and really, I have plenty of the golden shades, but next to no grey shades, so it is probably not a bad thing after all..



Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy – Sample Size, 7.1g (RRP: 18.95)

Again a brand that I have never heard of, so that excites me. And being addicted to a good hand cream, especially during winter, I always welcome a new one. This one comes in a cute little black pot with a little silk rose glued to the lid, which is such a lovely touch. The cream is thick and rich, and very concentrated, so you only need to use a little, so even though the sample pot looks tiny, there’s enough for several goes, so it’s perfect to pop into the handbag.



Apelles Rosemary Body Bar Soap – Full Size (RRP: $5.95/100g)

I have heard of Apelles before but never tried any of their products, so I do welcome the inclusion of this soap in the box. The soap is a pure vegetable soap bar and it contains Australian essential oils of among others eucalyptus, rosemary and lemon myrtle, and ladder of which gives it the most refreshing citrus scent. I am personally not the biggest fan of soap bars, generally preferring liquid soap, but this one smells so nice that I cannot wait to use it.


So there you go, the contents of the August Violet Box. And yet again I am impressed with the contents of the box, containing a whole four out of five full sized products, and with a value of almost $70, and while the shades of the lipgloss and the eye shadow quad are not colours that I would probably have picked myself, they are still very wearable and far from so out there that I wouldn’t use them, on the contrary, they are very lovely, and it is just me being picky. And while I say I would have preferred the other shade, I am sure there are just as many box receivers out there wishing they had received the colours I did – and I do understand how difficult it would be to please everyone. But overall, Violet Box has impressed me yet again with an outstanding box with a nice variety of products.

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


What do you think of the products of this month’s Violet Box? Did you get this months’ box too? What did you think? And if not, would you consider subscribing?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: BEST OF BENEFIT

I think the whole world has fallen in love with the quirky American brand with the ever so cute retro packaging, and the brand has so many products that have now got a cult following. Here are my picks for the Best of Benefit;

 

 

Benefit Benetint*

 

This rose-tinted stain is such an amazing multi-tasker, suitable for both lips and cheeks. It applies sheer for naturally flushed cheeks with a rosy hue, but as it is so concentrated, you have to be careful not to use too much or you will end up looking like a clown. Just a few drops on each cheek is all that is required, and be make sure to blend quick before it dries.

And this beautiful glow stays put all day long without fading or sliding. On your lips you can wear it on its own for a nice stain, or under your preferred lipstick of lipgloss for an even longer lasting finish.

RRP: $55 (12.5ml) – Available from Myer

 

Benefit Highbeam

 

This is a pale pink liquid highlighter with a nice pearlescent glow. It is perfect to use on the cheeks and under the brow bone, and anywhere else were you want a nice radiant glow.

Alternatively you can also wear it under your foundation or even mix a few drops into your foundation for an all-over lit from within glow.

RRP: $55 (12.5ml) – Available from Myer

 

Benefit The Porefessional*

 

As someone with combination skin prone to breakouts and large pores, I cannot rave enough about this primer. If you haven’t seen my previous review, you can see it here. This primer instantly helps minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines, leaving the skin feel and look more even. As a result my foundation slides on so much easier, and I need to use less to achieve an even result, and what’s even better is that it also helps make my makeup stay put for so much longer. I don’t know what I did before I discovered this primer!

RRP: $53 (22ml) – Available from Myer

 

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara

 

This mascara has won awards across the world, and no wonder. I don’t like false lashes. I can never put them on properly, they often fall off, and besides, I rarely have the time to apply them. So I rely on a good mascara. And as promised this mascara delivers lashes that look like you’re wearing falsies. It lengthens, curls, volumises, lifts and separates, all why staying put all day and not dropping any particles into my sensitive eyes.

And no clumping! It is easy to apply, and even just one coat will give you a nice look, while a few extra coats gives you a more dramatic length and volume. The plastic brush makes it easy to get to the root of your lashes while the little round ball with the spikes on the tip, makes it possible to get to even the tiniest of lashes.

RRP: $38 – Available from Myer

 

Benefit Hoola
 

How often do bronzing powders make you look like an orange oompa-loompa! Not with Hoola. The finely milled powder gives you a natural looking tan all year round, making it look like you’ve just come back from beach holiday.

It is long wearing and unlike most other bronzers, it has a matte finish with no sparkle or shine, and it is so easy to apply with the small soft brush that’s included, although I do prefer to use a long-shafted brush. It also works brilliantly as a contour powder.

RRP: $51 (8g) – Available from Myer

 

Benefit Rockateur*

 

In the midst of winter my face couldn’t get any paler and add to that a teething toddler that currently sleeps worse than a new born and I often look drained and tired. Enter Rockateur. This blush powder in rose with gold instantly gives my cheeks an amazing flushed look, that brings back glow and life to my face.

Thanks to the special formula featured baked, powder, cream and fluid, the blush is extremely pigmented, so it only takes the lightest of sweeps for a good colour pay off that simply stays put all day long. And thanks to the rose gold, it has a nice sheen, giving you just the right amount of glow without being over the top.

RRP: $51 (5g) – Available from Myer

 

Benefit Gimme Brow*

 

Decades ago thin brows were in. So mine got plucked. And plucked. And plucked. With the result that they today are a lot thinner than I like, so I rely on a good brow product. Gimme Brow is a brush-on fiber gel adheres to skin & hair instantly building up for a thicker brow and arches that looks so natural. The tapered brush makes it so quick and easy to apply and blend, while the precision tip makes shaping the brows a breeze.  

And thanks to the waterproof formula it is both smudge proof and very long-wearing. So while my brows now appear thin, at least thanks to Gimme Brow I can have thicker brows too.

RRP: $32 (3g) – Available from Myer

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

So there you go. These are my top picks from Benefit. But I can also honestly say that I to date have not tried a Benefit product I didn't like, and with such a large product range, there are heaps more of their products that I would so love to try..
 

Have you tried any of the products from Benefit? Which ones are your favourites?

 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: ESTEE LAUDER CYBERWHITE HD ADVANCED SPOT CORRECTING MOISTURE LOTION

Pigmentation is apparently the most complaint about skin woo from women around the world, as no doubt an uneven skintone does make us look older and less fresh faced. And sadly, I also have my share of pigmentation and sun damage, and not to mention the increased pigmentation that occurred during my pregnancy. So when I was asked to trial the Estee Lauder CyberWhite HD Advanced Spot Correcting Moisture Lotion* I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;

 

 

What They Say:

Infuse your skin with this powerful brightening treatment lotion. Formulated to minimise the look of dark spots and dullness and optimise the brightening benefits of the CyberWhite System. Revitalises skin with fresh waves of hydration as it balances, protects and cushions. Leaves skin soft and supple. Up close, your skin looks flawless, fair, translucent, with High Definition clarity.

RRP: $70 (200ml) – Available from Estee Lauder  

What I Say:

This CyberWhite HD Advanced Spot Correcting Moisture Lotion from Estee Lauder is a toner that replaces any ordinary toner, but instead of drying out the skin by stripping it of essential moisture, this is a moisturising toner. This means that you use it on your skin morning and night after cleansing, by padding it on – it is recommended to do this with a cotton pad, but I prefer to do it using just my hands as I feel I waste less product that way. Once absorbed fully into the skin, you can continue with your usual routine, applying serum and moisturiser.

The lotion has been designed to address pigmentation, brown spots, dullness and acne scarring while delivering hydration to balance the skin, so it is just what my skin needs.

 

And you can instantly feel how refreshing it is on the skin, it is simply amazing how this light and thin lotion can both tone the skin, yet moisturise the skin at the same time.

After using the lotion for a few months, I am so in love with this. My skin simply feels and looks more balanced, and it has not caused any major breakouts either – which I had feared – namely because I feel that this lotion is somewhat similar to the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, which unfortunately did not agree with my combination skin when I tried it.

 

My skin simply feels softer and smoother, and so moisturised, and on days where I feel it is a little on the greasy side, I am almost tempted not to apply moisturiser on top as it makes my skin feel so lovely. As for the pigmentation, I have noticed that some larger clusters of dark spots looks less noticeable – it doesn’t quite look flawless as promised, but it in general it does looks more even. Some very old acne scars also seems to have diminished in appearance, and my skin is more glowing and consequently looks healthy, as it I’ve just come home from a spa treatment. Obviously you wold of course see better results if you also used the other products in the CyberWhite range, but even on its own, I am so in love with the results.

It comes in a stunning light pearlescent blue bottle and it has the most stunning floral scent. At $70 this is not a cheap toner, but it is very concentrated so it goes a long way, and the way I see it is that it is essentially another serum, also treating your skin at the same time, so in my eyes it is completely worth it.

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

 

What do you think of moisturising toners? Do you use a toner? Which one is your favourite?

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