SALON MELBOURNE AND HAIR MELBOURNE 2015

In case you are not already aware, Salon Melbourne and Hair Melbourne, is coming to town, that is, of course to Melbourne. The show is a trade only event allows you to view the latest trends, source new products and connect with industry renowned artists.

The show will be held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, or as Melbournians call it, at Jeff Shed.

At the show there will be no less than 250 industry brands showcased so you can experience some of the latest industry products and services. AND you get the opportunity to stock up on products and tools at exclusive expo prices, - and the deals are usually so amazing that you better put your credit card somewhere safe if you don’t tend to spend up big!

The show is the perfect place for expert tips, tricks, trends and inspiration, and from the main stage, there will be no less than 20 shows with names including brow extraordinaire, Jazz Pampling; hair maestros, Lorna Evans and Caterina DiBiase; American makeup guru, Donna Mee; Aussie makeup favourite, Rae Morris – which is one I am personally looking forward to seeing in spite of having been to a few of her seminars and seen her on stage before, she never fails to give me new tips I wish I’d known earlier.

In addition there are a huge range of educational seminars and sessions, so make sure to check out the full schedule - you can see it here before you go, so you won’t miss out!

It is rare to see such an event with such a large number of industry professionals in Melbourne, so whether you are after updating your skills, checking out new trends, getting up and close and learning tricks from the experts, or simply networking with like-minded beauty fanatics, you simply cannot miss this opportunity to visit Salon Melbourne.

Salon Melbourne/Hair Melbourne 2015 is on at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Sunday March 1: 9am-6pm
Monday March 2: 10am-4pm

Tickets cost $15 online (if you make sure to purchase online prior to midnight 28 February 2015); otherwise they will be $20 at the door.


To purchase tickets and download the full schedule, you can visit the Salon Melbourne website

I plan to visit the show on Monday morning, along with my little boy (oh I hope that manoeuvring the crowds isn't going to be too difficult with a pram!!) – so if you see me, do come say hi…

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PRODUCT REVIEW: URBAN RITUELLE ROMANCE SOY CANDLE

Today I’d like to share with you a newly launched limited edition Romance Soy Candle from Urban Rituelle*;

What They Say:

Set hearts aflutter with this completely alluring, premium Scented Soy Candle. Carefully chosen for their romantic charms, the seductive scents of Jasmine, sensuous musk & mysterious amber will serenade you with scented warmth & light. Burn time up to 80 hours.

RRP: $39.95 (400gm) – Available from selected home and lifestyle stores, and Urban Rituelle Online



What I Say:

If you are a regular reader you would have seen me declare my love to Urban Rituelle by now. I am for instance convinced that an Urban Rituelle diffuser helped sell our house last year!

I really love the fact that Urban Rituelle is an Australian brand and that the products are Australian made too.

Generally I just love burning scented candles. We have two large dogs that mainly live inside, and while they are washed frequently, needless to say that you probably can detect a bit of a dog smell in our house. I love our beautiful dogs, but I don’t like our house smelling of dogs, so consequently I burn scented candles to mask their smell. Plus not to mention the smell of what we had for dinner last night!!

The Urban Rituelle Romance Soy Candle is a limited edition candle that as the name suggests is all about awakening the romantic senses. The candle is the perfect candle to burn on Valentine’s Day, containing ingredients that have specifically chosen. It among others contain jasmine, musk and amber, which combined gives a warm slightly spicy sensuous and seductive scent that will continue to linger throughout the house for long after you’ve blown the candle out. In fact, you don’t even have to burn it to enjoy its beautiful scent.

I have to be honest and admit that I am not usually one for the smell of musk and amber, and would not normally pick a candle like this myself. But I am so surprised at how lovely the scent of the Romance Candle is. I think maybe it is because of the addition of the jasmine that it still has a fresh scent and isn’t too heavy or overwhelming that I’ve fallen for it too!

My husband, as most males, don’t usually like too floral or sweet smelling home fragrances, but as soon as he smelt the Romance Candle, he commented that it was really lovely, and very masculine too – which makes for a refreshing change. He is not normally the one to remind me to burn the candle at night, but since having this candle, he has reminded me several times. I suspect it is his subtle way of saying the really likes it!!

The candle has two wigs and burns is claimed to burn for more than 80hours – more than 3 days non-stop burning…. Not that you would ever burn a candle without supervision!

The candle comes in a large sturdy black glass bottle with a stunning silver, to seal in the candle and its scent – and it simply looks so stylish and modern, and a perfect match for my home! It also comes in a gorgeous black box with silver edges and writing, and again, it is so stylish that you don’t even have to wrap it if you intend to use it as a gift. I would certainly be very pleased to receive one – I just wish it wasn’t a limited edition candle, as I’ve really fallen in love with it!!
* Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


Do you burn scented candles in your home? Which scent is your favourite? Tried any of the candles from Urban Rituelle?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: VIOLET BOX - FEBRUARY 2015

My Violet Box for February 2015 arrived the other day, on the 25th February, only a few short weeks after the January box, so I am pleased to see that Violet Box is now back on track with their deliveries, and boxes are received within their relevant month. Here are my thoughts on this month’s box; 

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 - $250Available from Violet Box

What I Say:

This month the Violet Box comes in the typical slide-out box, with the grey and white swirly design that has been previously used. These were the goodies inside the box…


Natural World Moroccan Argan Oil – Full Size (RRP: $5.99)

This leave-in hair treatment aims to lock in moisture, nourish and restore shine. I pretty much use a hair oil in my hair on a daily basis, to add moisture and help tame any frizz, plus give it some nourishment, so I am excited to this included and to try a new brand. It is a rather small size, so I will use it quite quickly in my long thick hair, but on the other hand, the small bottle will be good for weekends away – if only the cap wasn’t broken on my bottle, so I’d be afraid that it would leak everywhere!
Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser - 30ml - (RRP $46.95/120ml)

I have never actually tried anything from Suki so I look forward to trying out this cleanser. It is a fairly generous sample size so you should be able to get quite a few goes from it. It claims to contain all natural ingredients, including lemongrass and chamomile and it smells absolutely amazing with its fresh zesty scent. The non-abrasive sugar is to gently wipe away dead skin cells and leave your skin glowing and refreshed. I cannot wait to try this one out!



Emite Makeup Highlighting Pen – Full Size (RRP $32)

I only just came across the brand Emite in last month’s box, so I am excited to see the addition of another product this month. This full sized highlighting pen has the shape of a crayon, much like the lipsticks flooding the market currently, and hence it will make it so easy to use. However, it is called a highlighting pen, but even reading the description, ‘an effective way to minimise imperfections…’ – makes me feel that this is actually concealer, and not a highlighter. And testing it on my hand the creamy formula also has more of a concealer feel and look, with only limited shimmer. But nevertheless, I actually prefer the concealer, and this one will be so handy to pop into the handbag, so no complaints from me!

 

Teeez Trend Cosmetics, Easy on the Eyes Eye Pencil in Black de Luxe - Full Size (RRP $26)

Though past boxes I have received a few items from Teeez Trend Cosmetics by now, but I really like them, and they cute packaging, so no complaints from me! Having said that, I do start to have a bit of an overload of black eyeliners, so as such there is not a lot of excitement there…. But on the other hand, I only ever use black or dark brown eyeliners, so including any other colour would just have been a waste. This eyeliner claims to be waterproof and long lasting, and with sensitive eyes that easily water, this does sound pretty good to me!



Magnetix Nail Polish Pretty Woman – Full Size (RRP $9.99)

I got a metallic pink shade which is quite dark. Unfortunately I just don’t really get the magnetic look, or I should say that I personally don’t really like seeing it on my nails. Add that to not really having the time to play around with it to get it right (as it is, I am not wearing normal nail polish as much as I like!), so unfortunately I cannot see myself using this one. But I am sure I can find it a good home elsewhere!


Overall this is a pretty decent box. It has a combined value of approx. $86 which is quite reasonable for the $22.95 cost. IT also has a good variety of products, including haircare, skincare, makeup and nails, which I also really like. Apart from the metallic nail polish, I will get use from all the products, so in that respect it is quite good value too, though I am particularly excited about the inclusion of the Suki cleanser and the Emite Highlighting (concealing) Pen – and even if you look at these two items in isolation, they’ve ‘paid’ for the box in themselves, so everything else is really just a bonus!!


So in conclusion, well done Violet Box, you’ve managed to deliver yet again!!
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..
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PRODUCT REVIEW: DYSON AM06 DESK FAN

A month or so ago I went to my very first Kids Business Blogger event. In tow I had my hubby and my little boy as this was in fact a family event with food tastings, face painting, and play areas for the little ones. At the event, I of course also got to meet some of the amazing brands, including Dyson, and was very excited when I was offered to trial their super cool Dyson AM06 Desk Fan*;

 

What They Say:

Enduring high humidity can be but a memory thanks to this Dyson portable fan. It's a desktop fan. Beyond that, keep the room at your desired comfort level with the Dyson 10 speed settings. It has a 17mm height, a 39mm depth, and a 40mm width. Plus, the more... Dyson portable fan has a black finish and a 2 year manufacturer warranty. There's no reason not to cool down one room at a time with this Dyson portable fan.

RRP: $449 – Available from Dyson

What I Say:

The weather in Melbourne has been rather average and quite cold since I got this fan, so it has only been the last week where I have really felt the need to use the fan.

Since our little boy started walking, regular fans have always worried me. He is a true little boy needing to check everything out, so the thought of a finger being poked into a rotating blade has been a bit of a worry! But when the Dyson AM06 Desk Fan there is no need to worry, as it is completely bladeless! How incredible!

 

And that was confirmed at the Blogger Event where Dyson had several of the fans on display, including the kids could use as a bubble machine. And needless to say that my little boy stuck his whole arm through the hole of the fan! Lucky that is perfectly safe. And he so enjoyed trying to blow bubbles, until he in his eagerness knocked over the glass with the soapy water causing a right mess.

The fan works by air passing through an annular aperture, creating a jet of air that passes over an airfoil-shaped ramp, channelling its direction and creating areas of low pressure behind and around the fan. The change in pressure forces surrounding air to be drawn into the airflow, resulting in a powerful stream of smooth cooling air.

 

And the fan really is powerful. It has 10 settings, and it is so quiet, regardless of how fast a speed it set at, although, naturally, getting a little noisier at the higher speeds. The fan also has a cool little remote control that can be stored on top of the fan without falling down thanks to a magnet, and it makes it so easy to adjust the setting, as well as if you want it to rotate, or prefer it to simply direct the air in one direction. I also love that the fan has a timer. I mean, who hasn’t put their fan on as they go to bed, only to wake up in the middle of the night, freezing!! With the Dyson fan, you can set the timer, and the fan will automatically stop after the allocated timeframe, with everything from 15 minutes to nine hours. How cool (literally!) is that!

 

The desk fan is available in white, blue and black, and I was lucky to review the black version, which is so sleek and stunning, but then again, they all are. The design is so simplistic, yet so striking and elegant that it almost looks like a mini sculpture, and not one of those ugly fans we’ve all more than likely owned at some stage.

At $499 this is not a cheap fan, especially considering you can get one that will still blow cool air for about a tenth of the money. But again, it is not only not very attractive, it is also generally very noisy, not very friendly for curious small toddler fingers, and it more than likely won’t be as powerful either.

I absolutely love this Dyson Fan, and certainly wouldn’t mind having a larger tower fan in my family room!

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: SISLEY PARIS EYE CONTOUR MASK

I have to be quite honest and admit that I rarely use an eye mask, not that I don’t want to, I certainly do. At the age where my skin is ageing, and fine lines and wrinkles are creeping in, and dark bags, circles and puffiness are an everyday occurrence due to being pregnant and no longer sleeping so well, also thanks to a toddler who is waking a few times every night, I certainly should make sure to regularly use one. Here are my thoughts on the Sisley Paris Eye Contour Mask.


 

 

What They Say: 

The Eye Contour Mask is an express smoothing mask used to reduce under-eye puffiness. This mask is specifically formulated for the fragile skin of the eye contour. With its unique combination of plant-based active ingredients (ginkgo biloba, arnica, horse chestnut, linden blossom), vitamins (Provitamin B5 and vitamin E acetate), and oligo-elements (malachite and chlorella), it works within 10 minutes to hydrate and reduce signs of fatigue: -fine lines around the eye are visibly smoothed, puffiness and dark circles are visibly reduced, the eye contour's natural defenses are reinforced.

RRP: $150 (30ml) – Available from David Jones
 

What I Say:

This Eye Contour Mask from Sisley is a lightweight gel that has an immediate cooling effect on the eye area as soon as you apply it.

The Eye Mask contains among others linden blossom, arnica, rose and gingo biloba to tone, soften, soothe and protect the skin, improve micro circulation and strengthen natural defences. It also contains chlorella to revitalise, plant glycerine to hydrate, and malachite to reinforce the skin’s defences against free radicals. Other ingredients include extract of chestnut to decongest and de-puff the eyelids.

The mask can be applied any time of day, to clean dry sin on the eye contour and eyelids. It is then to stay on the skin for about 10 minutes, before any excess is wiped off without rinsing.

 The best thing is then probably to lie down and relax, but I have to admit that I simply apply it and get on with my usual business, such as blogging, doing the usual household chores, or simply sitting on the floor playing with my little boy.

And after the 10 minutes - sometimes I completely forget that I’m wearing it, and I won’t remove it for about 20+minutes – and when I wipe off any excess (which is not usually a lot). And after the very first use I could see a massive difference. Fine lines under my eyes seemed to be smoothed out, and puffiness and dark circles had definitely improved and minimised as well.

The mask is very gentle and doesn’t irritate the eyes, not even sensitive ones like mine. It has a subtle floral fragrance. The mask can used two or three times a week, and I generally like to use it when have had a really bad night’s sleep and I am going out, or have a special event, simply because it in just 10 minutes manages to just to make my eye area look that little more refreshed and alive – basically make it look like I’ve had a good long beauty sleep!

Once removed, the skin also feels so lovely and soft, and so thoroughly hydrated, and applying makeup afterwards seems so much easier too. You can also use the mask around the lips if you are fighting fine lines, but I must admit to not having tested that out, with my main concern at this stage being my eyes.

At $150 for a 30ml tube, it is expensive, not arguing about that. But when you think about it, it is about the same cost as a salon facial, and as you only need to use the tiniest amount – I find that about a pea sized amount is more than sufficient, the tube will last you forever, and hence give you a fresher looking face for much longer than just one facial can do.


All in all I am truly so impressed with this eye mask. Pricey yes, but I so love the difference it makes to not only my eye area, but also how much fresher it makes my whole face look, so I will cry the day the mask runs out, and I dearly hope I will be able to repurchase!

 *Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
 
Ever tried any of the products from Sisley? Do you use Eye Masks?
 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT - JANUARY 2015

My Lust Have It for December arrived yesterday the 20^th February… yep, that’s right, a month late!! And really, it should have been a double delivery, as the February box is now due too, with just a week to go before the end of February. Who knows when the February box will show up! If I was a paying subscriber, I would be disappointed, regardless of the amount of communication regarding the delay, and especially considering I believe that payment for charge for this January box a long time ago, and that actually, that the payment for the February boxes have also already been charged! In saying that, as this box has been sent to me as a PR sample, I really cannot complain. So without further ado, here are my thoughts on the January Lust Have It Box;

What They Say:

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.

RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.

Available from Lust Have It 

What I Say:

As per previous months, this month the goodies again arrived in a see-through pink mesh bag, and these are the products in bag this month;

Urban Skincare Co Infuse Body Balm – Sample 35ml (RRP: $12.95/100ml)

I have previously received one of these body balms in some beauty box, and while the novelty factor is not there, I am personally very pleased receiving another one as I really loved it. It contains among others calcium and magnesium to hydrate dry skin, and it has the most amazing citrus scent. The box also came with a discount card offering you 20% of your next order from Urban Skincare Co.


Marsk Certified Organic Eyeliner in Pitch Black – Full Size (RRP: $33.50)

I usually use either black or dark brown eyeliner, so in that respect this eyeliner is a very welcome addition, and I will certainly put it to some use - once I’ve used the many other eyeliners that I’ve previously received in beauty boxes. But I do like the fact that this is a certified organic product, and it seems to have a good pigmentation, so I look forward to seeing how it performs.



Colour by TBN Neon Nail Polish in 172 White as Snow – Full Size (RRP: $2.50/15ml)

As the name suggests, I got a white nail polish. As such, there is nothing wrong with that, except I am just not the biggest wiz at applying nail polishes, and I just cannot seem to get pastels, and in particularly whites right. They always end up looking so patch that I’ve actually more or less given up on them. But I have tried a few other colours from the range, which were ok, especially seeing they are just $2.50. They do promise a scratch-proof salon quality, and while I don’t think that it quite true, I still feel that they offer a decent quality and wear of a couple of days.



Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in Mudcake – Full Size (RRP: $24.95/1.2g)

Regular subscribers were apparently able to pick their colour between this Mudcake and another shade. I didn’t get to pick, but am very happy to receive the Mudcake shade as it is a dark brown colour and the type of shade that I’d normally wear. The loose pigmented mineral Eyeshadow is very pigmented so you honestly only need the tiniest amount. It has a bit of a sheen, and while I don’t like too glittery products, this is ok.



Beaubox Wonder Powder in Nearly Nude – Full Size (RRP: $20/6g)

 

I have never previously tried anything from the brand Beaubox, so I am very pleased to see something new. The lose mineral powder promises a radiant glow, while also helping to control excess shine, so that really ticks the boxes for me. I also loe that it contains SPF15. The shade Nearly Nude, however, is a little pale, and in all honestly a touch too pale for my medium beige skin tone. But I will hang on to it and use it come winter when my skin is at its palest.



Bonus Sample - Designer Brands Chubby Lipstick Crayon in 410 Dollface Pink – Full Size (RRP: $7.99)


 

This is a bonus product as compensation for the boxes being so delayed this month! I love lip crayons, so I do like that this one has been included. It has been made with cocoa butter and vitamin E to help keep your lips soft and moisturised, and at just $7.99 it is certainly one of the cheaper lip crayons on the market. First impression is that it is quite pigmented, so I do look forward to seeing how it performs. I got the shade Dollface Pink which is a fuchsia pink shade, and I have to admit that I am not usually wearing a lot of pink lipsticks preferring mauves and reds, but it will be a nice break from the norm! 



Hello Fresh $35 Voucher

 

Finally, the box also came with a $35 voucher for Hello Fresh. You get all food the food delivered including recipes to cook from, all you have to do is cook. All the hard work is done for you. I love this concept, and keep wanting to try them out. However, I already have a handful of these vouchers floating around, so I have to admit that I am a little over seeing these vouchers in beauty boxes. Really a sachet cream sample would have been more appropriate, especially when it is a repeat product.

So there you to, the contents of the January Lust Have It Box. The box contains five full sized products and a sample size, and predominantly a makeup box this month, which I don’t mind, as I do have plenty of skincare – well I do have a lot of makeup too, but that is kind of different, LOL! The box has a value of over $90 so in that respect it is certainly good value for money – but this really only holds true if you are actually going to use all the products! The actual contents of the box is ok, and there are a couple of the products in including the Marks eyeliner and eye shadow, as well as the Urban Skincare Co that I am particularly excited about. I would also have been excited about the Beaubox Wonder Powder, if only it had come in a slightly darker shade and it would have been a little suitable for my skin tone. The Colour by TBN nail polish and the Designer Brands Lipstick Crayon, are both cheap products, so as such they don’t really excite me that much, as they are so cheap that I’d buy them myself, even in colours that I normally would use, simply because they are so cheap that it is no big deal if you don’t like them. But they are certainly a good inclusion to the boxes, you cannot argue with that.

So all in all I think that this is an ok box, it is not the best box I’ve ever received, but it certainly isn’t the worst one either.

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

What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It Box? Are you subscribing, or considering subscribing? Any products you are particularly keen on? And as always, if you’d like to see full reviews of any of the products, do let me know..

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PRODUCT REVIEW: CLOSER TO NATURE PERFECT PREP MACHINE

I was lucky to be able to breast feed our little boy for a year, but I did start weaning him off the breast milk and onto formula at around 7 months, and gradually replaced one breast feed after the other with formula. I did enjoy the bonding we shared while I was breastfeeding him, (and missed it when we stopped!),but on the other hand, it was also nice to be able to pass on ‘that duty’ to hubby, which was suddenly made possible with formula, as well as it was a lot easier to feed him when we were out and about too. The only downside was however the time it to make the formula. But now Closer to Nature has created the Perfect Prep Machine which makes the perfect baby bottle in no time. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Machine makes a fresh bottle at just the right serving temperature in less than 2 minutes. When baby arrives there's so much to do and to think about, so many things to juggle, so much that's new and challenging. That’s why we’ve created the Perfect Prep Machine. Specially designed to make preparing bottles quicker and more accurate, Perfect Prep gives you the extra peace of mind that comes from knowing your baby's bottle will be perfect every time. Breast milk is best for your new baby, but if you are making the move to formula milk, Perfect Prep is everything.

RRP: $250 - Available from Babies R Us, and Baby Bunting


What I Say:

Making baby formula is not really difficult. It is just cumbersome and time consuming. The water has to be sterilised so if you boil it just as you need it, you need to spend time cooling it down to the right temperature, or if you’ve pre-boiled it, and stored in a sterilised bottle, you then need to heat it up to the correct temperature – all of which takes time – and what can seem like a very long time when you’ve got a screaming baby waiting for a bottle!

But now thanks to the Perfect Prep Machine you can make the prefect bottle in less than two minutes. The machine is literally a one-stop-wonder. It literally does everything. Once you have filled it up with water (much like a coffee dripper!), it filters and sterilises the water, mixes it with the formula, and hereafter heats the milk to the correct temperature suitable for the little baby to enjoy.

The machine is very easy to set up and use, and it comes with an instruction booklet too, with a step-by-step guide that is very easy and clear to follow.

The Prep Machine has an in-built filter system that removes impurities from the water. It starts with a flashing red light and an initial shot of hot boiling water to off any present bacteria. It then beeps and the red light turns solid to indicate that you can add the formula powder into the bottle, screw the lid on the bottle, shake it up, remove the lid again before you place it back under the machine, and push the button again. The Prep Machine then proceeds with flashing a green light and dispense water at room temperature, so the final temperature of the milk formula will be at just the right temperature for the baby. Once it is finished, the green light will turn solid to show the milk is ready.


Just to be safe, you will of course need to check the temperature of the formula on your wrist before giving it to your baby, as you would before giving any hot food to your baby!

The Perfect Prep Machine has a dial that allows to select the accurate amount of water needed ranging from 120mls to 330mls, to make consistent and perfect milk formula. And as the range is so large, it is perfect for use from newborns and up to toddlers still on formula.

The Perfect Prep Machine has several brilliant in-built functions including a self-clean function, which simply asks you to re-fill it with water when required.

It also has warning lights for when the filter needs to be changed, when the water tank is hot, the water level is low, when the machine needs to be de-scaled, and when it is cleaning.

I love that the platform for the bottle is can be changed to it is suitable for use with a variety of different baby bottles. Even non-Closer to Nature bottles, if you prefer!

At $250 this is not a cheap machine, but I love that it is so easy and basically fool proof to use – even when you get up in the middle of the night, and you are still half-asleep. And if you use the machine from your baby is newborn and for as long as they are on formula, it is at least for a year until cows milk can be introduced at the age of 1 year, or possibly even longer, so you will get plenty of use out of it, hence justifying the cost.

Closer to nature® is the number one baby feeding accessories brand in the UK and one of the top brands of infant products and accessories in the global market. Loved by parents and little ones, closer to nature® receives numerous awards and accolades year after year globally. The closer to nature® range is available at stockists nationwide, for more information please visit the Closer to Nature Website or Closer to Nature on Facebook

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OCCITANE AROMACHOLOGIE RELAXING RANGE

As you are probably aware, I am pregnant. Just over 25 weeks to be exact, so well over half way, yet still a long way to go! So far all is going well, and I am keeping well…. Well, except for the constant tiredness, that is not helped by having a 20 month old boy that often wakes numerous times during the night – and add to that that my squished bladder usually tells me to get up in the middle of the night to go to the toilet, and that I just generally do wake a few times during the night myself, mainly as it is getting more and more difficult to toss and turn due to the growing bump.

This means that usually I am so tired at night that I fall asleep pretty quickly – except when I start to think too much about things. And those days where I am just tired and drained and find it hard wind down and relax when I get to bed at night. But thanks to L’Occitane, I received a lovely delivery of some of their newest products from their Aromachologie Relaxing range, the Relaxing Perfumed Sachets, Pillow Mist and Massage Body Oil;


What They Say:

Relaxing Perfumed Sachets: Filled with dried lavender and beads scented with essential oils, these sachets release a relaxing fragrance, making them ideal for bedtime.

RRP: $20 (2x25g) – Available from L’Occitane from 25th March 2015


Relaxing Pillow Mist: Made with essential oils, this mist can be sprayed in your bedroom to create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and well-being.

RRP: $30 (100ml) – Available from L’Occitane from 25th March 2015


Relaxing Massage Body Oil: This rich massage oil helps to relax the senses and ease away tension. Made with sweet almond oil from Provence, it leaves the skin supple and satiny.

RRP: $35 (100ml) – Available from L’Occitane from 25th March 2015


What I Say:

These Relaxing Perfumed Sachets have the typical lavender potpourri scent, and they look so cute in the little bags and instantly make the room smell nice from lavender – and I have even only put one on my bedside table, and not one on my husband’s bedside table as well. He suffers from bad hay fever pretty much all the time, so the strong scent of lavender would be enough to get him sniffling. So I have put hung the other one on a hook in my walk-in robe, and it makes it smell so nice in there too!

I have never tried a pillow spray, but I instantly fell in love with it. It simply smells incredible with its combination of essential oil blend of lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium. I have so been enjoying spritzing it on both my pillow just before going to bed (making sure not getting too close to my husband’s), and enjoy the scent surrounding me as I drift off to sleep. It does have a rather strong scent, and as it is so concentrated, you only need a spray or two, otherwise it may get a little too overwhelming. This also means that the large 100ml bottle will last you quite a while too.

Pregnant and carrying a 12kg toddler around does take its toll on neck, shoulders and back and in particularly my lower back, and I would so love nothing more than a good relaxing back massage – but sadly the tummy is in the way and I cannot lie on it anymore. But I do persuade him to give me a good neck massage from time to time, and with the Relaxing Massage Body Oil it is just pure bliss. It contains sweet almond oil and a combination of essential oils from lavender, bergamot, mandarin, sweet orange and geranium and it has a warm fruity and floral scent that smells absolutely heavenly. I don’t get massages that often – often I am simply too tense to want one, if that makes sense, so the 100ml bottle is going to last forever. But I’ve found another use for the massage oil – I simply love giving myself a bit of a hand massage at night as I watch telly, making sure to rub it into my dry cuticles too – it leaves my hands so soft and my cuticles looking a lot healthier, only problem is just I cannot stop smelling my hands afterwards as they smell so lovely!


Overall this is such a lovely range, and I’d love to keep these at hand at all times, to help me relax. And if you struggle relaxing at night and are a fan or lavender scented products, then I highly recommend that you look into this new range from L’Occitane when it becomes available in March. 

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

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BEST BEAUTY BUDGET BUYS - MAKEUP EDICTION - FEB 2015

This month I thought that I’d do an edition of my Best Beauty Budget Buys, focusing on makeup buys that I find are particularly great value..

Colour Theory Nail Polishes Pastel Collection

When your hands and toes are slightly summer tanned, nothing beats a slick or two of a pastel nail polish, and these cute nail polishes are a brilliant choice. There are over 20 different colours in the Colour Theory Nail Polish Collection, but I at the moment I am particularly fond of the range of pastels including, It’s a Boy, It’s a Girl, Minted, Lilac-A-Lovely, and Crème de la Crème – in fact, I cannot really decide which one is my favourite, but then its lucky they are so cheap you can afford them all. The formaldehyde free polishes are easy to apply and dry quickly, although two coats are required for a solid colour, but I think that is the case with most pasted coloured polishes anyway. They have a wear of a few days, which can be extended by the use of a base and top coat, but I think is decent, also considering the low price. I also love that there are so many more colours in the range, so even if you are not into pastels, there’s still a colour for you.

RRP: $4.00 – Available from Amcal and Guardian Pharmacies




EcoTools Skin Perfecting Brush

Good makeup brushes at a reasonable price can be hard to come by, but lately I have been loving this Skin Perfecting Brush from EcoTools. The brush has been specifically designed for use with BB and CC Creams, which is what I tend to wear most days, especially during summer.

The brush has cut dense angled yet soft bristles to give you a smooth application with an even look, without transferring oil from the hands to the face. The angled bristles also make it easy to get to hard to reach areas, including around the eyes and in the corner of the nose. A great quality brush at a low price.

RRP: $15.99 – Available from The Beauty Office




Essence Lash Princess Mascara

This mascara has the cutest packaging ever, featuring a corset/dress design. It has a slim wand that makes it easy to get to and cover even the tiniest of lashes. It coats evenly and gives your lashes both nice volume and length, while also adding a touch of curl, and you can build it up by adding another coat or two, all without clumping – although you do have to make sure to do it before it dries to avoid clumping.

The Mascara is not waterproof, but it still lasts all day without flaking, even surviving my sensitive watery eyes. A good mascara for everyday use, at a brilliant price!

RRP: $6.75 - Available from Target and Priceline 




Essence Silky Touch Blush

This blush in the shade Autumn Peach is a lovely pinky-peach shade with a touch of golden sheen, that is still subtle without being over the top shimmery. It initially goes in quite sheer, but you can easily build up the coverage as much as you like, as it is surprisingly pigmented, yet while still looking quite natural.

The blush is has a lovely soft finish, and it lasts all day on the cheeks without fading or sliding. A fantastic blush at a bargain price!

RRP: $5.10 – Available from Target and Priceline



Colour by TBN Moisturising Lipstick

These lipsticks from Colour by TBN are a serious bargain buy. They contain vitamin E and aloe vera and not only lightweight but also feel moisturising on the lips. They apply easily and leave a lovely semi-matte finish on the lips. The are very pigmented, and especially the darker colours, and they lasts fairly well on the lips. There is a massive 20 different shades in the range, so there is sure to be a colour to match every preference and occasion. I also love that the covers are colour matched to the shade of the lipstick as at just $2.50 there’s no excuse to pick out several from the large.

RRP: $2.50 – Available from select pharmacies




DB Designer Brands Lightweight Oil-Free Foundation SPF15

This foundation offers you a light to medium coverage that is easy to apply and blend easily covering minor blemishes, redness and pigmentation. It contains among others sericite mica as well as vitamin C and E and aloe vera to care for your skin as you wear it, which means that it feels so lovely and moisturising at the skin too. I also love that it is so lightweight and also is oil-free, and contains no talc, bismuth that can clog up pores.

It has a natural looking dewy finish that stays put all day, even on a hot day, without too much shine, and without settling into fine lines too. I also love that it has SPF15, although a higher SPF wouldn’t go astray. It comes in a heavy-duty glass bottle with a pump that is both easy and convenient to use!

RRP: $12.95 (30ml) – Available from Priceline and Designer Brands Online

*Some Products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


So there you go, a collection of makeup at bargain prices!


Have you tried any of these products? Keen on trying any of them? Which bargain makeup products would you recommend?

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