PRODUCT REVIEW // TEOXANE & LAUNCH OF AUSTRALIAN ONLINE STORE WITH DISCOUNT CODE

One of my newest skincare discoveries is TEOXANE Laboratories, which was established in Geneva, Switzerland in 2003 by by Madame Valérie Taupin and specialises in the design and manufacturing of hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers and cosmeceuticals, and now selling across 90 countries around the world. 

SPONSORED - KALINNI SKIN CO MICRODERMABRATION KIT - PRODUCT REVIEW

Nothing will ever beat that post salon-treatment feeling - but for me, with two little kids, finding time to go isn’t always easy - I love that at-home DIY beauty devices have come such a long way. I’ve been loving the new Microdermabrasion Kit from KALINNI Skin Co.

PRODUCT REVIEW: ESK EVIDENCE SKINCARE LAUNCHES HYDROXY OVERNIGHT MASK + DISCOUNT OFFER

You may recall that I’ve recently been raving about the products from ESK Evidence Skin Care - but in case you’ve missed it, you can read more about their incredible customised skincare range here. 

PRODUCT REVIEW // ESK EVIDENCE - HIGH STRENGTH RETINAL NIGHT CREAM YOU MUST TRY

For the past few months I’ve been loving the Australian cosmeceutical brand ESK Evidence Skincare  - their cruelty free products are created by doctors and dermatologists, using evidence-based and scientific ingredients to fight the signs of ageing and repair and protect the skin from the effects of a harsh environment. I talked about a full skincare regimen a little while ago, which was completely tailored to my skin type, needs and concerns (you can read more about it here), but today I am going to talk a little more about their Ultimate A+...

PRODUCT REVIEW: MADARA ORGANIC SKINCARE FROM BIOBEAUTY - BRIGHTENING AHA PEEL MASK, ULTRA PURIFYING MUD MASK, DEEP MOISTURE GEL, SUPERSEED AGE RECOVERY FACIAL OIL AND BOOST AMIMO-FILL 3D AMPOULES

Increasingly interested in natural skincare products, I was recently offered to put a selection of products from Madara Organic Skincare from BioBeauty

PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE 1% RETINOL BOOSTER, PORE REFINING TREATMENT 2% BHA, YOUTH-EXTENDING DAILY HYDRATING FLUID AND PERFECT CLEANSING OIL

One of those brands you always hear a lot about is Paula’s Choice… The brand is founded by the Paula Begoun, who is also the author of the early 90s book, Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me - a book I personally really loved at the time, as it was all about which beauty products were worth the hype and which ones weren’t...

PRODUCT REVIEW - THE ORDINARY LACTIC ACID 10% + HA AND MATRIXYL 10% + HA FROM TVSN

Have you heard that TVSN is now stocking The Ordinary?! I have heard a lot about the brand, that has become known for its affordability, yet efficient products, so I was very excited when a couple of products landed on my desk.

PRODUCT REVIEW: AFFORDABLE YET HIGHLY EFFECTIVE COSMECEUTICAL SKINCARE FROM SKINSTITUT YOU MUST TRY

My skin has always been trouble some. Even today where I should be focusing on anti-ageing, warding off lines and wrinkles and reducing pigmentation, on top, I am forever battling hormonal breakouts. That can often be a tough cookie, as often anti-ageing products are simply too intense and rich for my combination skin.

PRODUCT REVIEW: THE PERFECT SKINCARE ROUTINE FOR AGEING BREAKOUT PRONE SKIN - WITH MEDIK8 CLEANSING OIL, PORE CLEANSE GEL INTENSE, PORE MINIMISING TONIC, REFINING MOISTURISER AND NIGHT RITUAL VITAMIN A

PRODUCT REVIEW: LA ROCHE-POSAY #ACTONACNE EFFACLAR RANGE AND TOLERIANE FOR A CLEARER, HEALTHIER SKIN

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 6, SUPER C30+ INTENSE AND BALANCE MOISTURISER WITH GLYCOLIC ACID ACTIVATOR

PRODUCT REVIEW // PHILOSOPHY MICRODELIVERY OVERNIGHT PEEL AND TAKE A DEEP BREATH FROM RY

PRODUCT REVIEW // NEUTROGENA VISIBLY CLEAR

PRODUCT REVIEW: RESIBO SMOOTHING FACE A SERUM - AN ALTERNATIVE TO BOTOX?

PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 RETINOL 10TR - THE ULTIMATE ANTI-AGEING SERUM

PRODUCT REVIEW: JUNE JACOBS BRIGHTENING SERUM AND MOISTURISER AND ANTI-AGING BLEMISH CONTROL PEEL PADS FROM SEPHORA

PRODUCT REVIEW: TREATING BLEMISH PRONE SKIN BIORE WITH ACNE SCRUB, PORE MINIMISER AND PORE STRIPS

I have all days suffered with a skin prone to breakouts, even today where I am so old I should be more focused on anti-ageing, my skin still has periods of being more temperamental than a teenager's skin. So when a batch of the newest anti-blemish products from Bioré landed on my desk, I couldn't wait to try them... 

Let's start with the Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub, which is a face scrub formulated for combination, acne prone skin. The scrub has been formulated with natural baking soda, and also contains salicylic acid to gently and effectively exfoliate the skin and remove all the dead skin cells that are clogging up the pores, including excess sebum. At the same time, it is helping treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts at the same time. The scrub has small scrubbing particles, and doesn't feel coarse on the skin, but actually rather gentle, but after each use, it leaves my skin feeling soft and sooth, and without it feeling dry or irritated, and I can definitely both see and feel it is leaving my skin clearer and more refined too. It has a slight cooling feeling on the skin, which I quite like and find rather refreshing in the mornings. As it is so gentle, it can be used twice daily if needed, otherwise 2 or three times per week. 

Then there's the Bioré Charcoal Acne Scrub, which has jumped on the bandwagon of using charcoal as an ingredient, which seems to be very popular in beauty products at the moment. It is a face scrub formulated for oily, acne prone skin. Along with the natural charcoal powder it also contains salicylic acid, and it promises to help exfoliate away any acne-causing dirt , clear away dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, to help give the skin a deep cleanse and help eliminate breakouts, all while being gentle on the skin, and not strip it from essential moisture or over dry it. It can also be used twice daily, or alternatively 2 or 3 times weekly as needed. The scrubbing particles in this seems slightly smaller than in the Baking Soda Acne Scrub, but regardless, after each use, my skin feels super clean deep down every pore.

The Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser is a facial exfoliator that contains natural charcoal powder along with micro crystals, and it promises to help draw out deep-down impurities, dirt and oil from the pores, to make them appear smaller, while leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother. Compared to other face exfoliators, this one has very tiny particles, so it does feel very gentle on the skin, yet it still feels like it is buffing away those dead cells clogging up the pores, as the skin is left soft afterwards, and I can clearly see that the excess oil, especially on my t-zone has been absorbed. The cleanser comes out dark grey, which is rather odd, but once you massage it into the skin with water, it does turn light grey/white. It is quite concentrated, so though it is recommended to use a full pump, I find that a little too much. It is recommended to use it 2 to three times per week, and unless you've got very oily skin, I'd stick to that, to ensure it doesn't dry out your skin. I have not really noticed that it has made any difference to the size of my pores. But that said, I quite like it as a deep clean once or twice a week, if I'm due for a face mask, or at that time of the month where my skin always feels a little greasier and tends to break out more often, as I do feel my skin is less greasy afterwards.

Finally, there's the Bioré Combo Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, which are long time favourites for both my husband and I. This box contains two types of pore strips, one type for the nose and one for the forehead. And they have been designed to unclog dirt and oil that can lead to blackheads, while helping to minimise the appearance of pores. The Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips for the face are designed to work like a magnet, and help lift out any dirt deep down the pores that can cause blackheads. The two types of strips in the box are slightly different, not only in shape, but also in the ingredients used. The Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips for the nose are shaped so they fit perfectly around the nose, and designed especially for the skin on the nose which tends to be greasier. And so they contain tea tree oil and witch hazel to remove twice the amount of dirt for fewer clogged pores and pores that will reduce in size.

The Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, on the other hand, are designed for the rest of the face, including the forehead, and help lift out the dirt in the pores that can cause blackheads and breakouts. I don't really have that many blackheads on my forehead, but have struggled with a few on my cheeks, which I've tried to use the strips.

The strips are so easy to use, you simply wet your face and apply, and leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes before gently peeling it off. And you can immediately see their effectiveness, - a little bit gross, but also somewhat exciting that if you look at the used strip, you can actually see the dirt the strips have pulled out of your skin! Afterwards I like to wipe over my skin with a toner to close the pores. Using these on a regular basis definitely makes a difference to the amount of blackheads and breakouts on my nose, so we like to always keep a box handy, just in case.


So there you go, a selection of budget friendly products from Bioré for those who like me struggle with breakouts. Apart from the Pore Strips, favourite of the bunch would have to be the Charcoal Acne Scrub, as its super quick and easy to use a few times a week in the shower, and really makes a difference to the amount of breakouts on my skin.


Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub - RRP: $9.99 / 127g
Bioré Charcoal Acne Scrub - RRP: $9.99 / 127g
Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser - RRP: $10.99 / 92ml
Bioré Combo Deep Cleansing Pore Strips - RRP: $11.01 / 7+7 strips

Available from Coles, Woolworths, Variety Stores, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and selected pharmacies 

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: SKINDINAVIA POST-MAKEUP RECOVERY SPRAY

As someone with combination skin prone to makeup, I have always struggled to get my makeup to stay put, without looking greasy. And one of those brands that I've always loved is Skindinavia for their lovely finishing sprays, so when their newest release landed on my desk, I was naturally very excited, so here are my thoughts on the Skindinavia Post-Makeup Recovery Spray..

What made me even more excited about the Skindinavia Post-Makeup Recovery Spray is the fact that it has been made with a selection of nutrients, including mineral zinc that is clinically-proven to help prevent breakouts and clear clogged pores, promoting luminous, clear skin - so in essence, perfect for my combination breakout prone skin.

The skindinavia make up finishing sprays, are very fine, almost weightless sprays, that not only helps set the makeup, they also help make it look nicer for a lot longer, without creasing, sliding or getting shiny for those of us with oilier skin, or drying out if you have a drier skin type.

The Skindinavia Post-Makeup Recovery Spray is to be sprayed on within 5 minutes of removing makeup, as the first step in your skincare, before applying your usual serums and creams.

Skindinavia has developed this spray, as research as shown that those suffering from breakouts and blemishes have lower levels of zinc than those with clear skin and that supplementing zinc can help reduce blemishes and breakouts by as much as 50%, as well as it also helps protect the skin's lipids and fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen) and thereby helping to reduce oil production, preventing clogged pores and resets skin by replenishing pH, minerals and vitamins.

The spray also contains ingredients such as witch hazel and magnesium to help keep the pores clear and keep the skin looking fresher. It feels so lovely on the skin, and the easy to use spray means it is super quick to apply, and as it also absorbs quickly, you can apply the rest of your skincare immediately.

This really is a great spray, and I love that it is made without parabens and is alcohol free, I also really love that with continued use, I feel that its anti-inflammatory ingredients has helped normalise the oil production in my skin and reduce breakouts and blemishes from developing, while soothing my skin and making it look clearer and fresher.

If you combination or oily skin, and suffer with breakouts, then you really should check this one out.

Skindinavia Post-Makeup Recovery Spray - RRP: $15.60 / 20ml, $36 / 118ml

Available from Skindinavia Online and select stockists, Visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals or call 1800 242 011 to enquire

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 BLEMISH STARTER KIT WITH RETINOL 3TR, HYDR8 B5, BETA MOISTURISE AND CLEANSE

My skin has been really troubled lately. It always has been, but mostly I've got it under control, with the odd flare up here and there, and that's just what's it has been going through. What I have learnt over the years is to continuously use good skincare, and not just treat, but prevent breakouts from happening in the first place. And to help with that, Medik8 has recently launched a Blemish Starter Kit that contains the key products to help combat blemishes. 

The kit contains; 

• Medik8 Beta Cleanse - Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser, 40ml 
• Medik8 Beta Moisturise - Skin Balancing Mattifying Moisturiser, 5ml 
• Medik8 Hydr8 B5 - Skin Rehydration Serum, 15ml 
• Medik8 Retinol 3TR - Advanced Night Serum, 3ml 
• Presented in a cute little cosmetic bag 

The Medik8 Beta Cleanse - Exfoliating Cleanser is a deep anti-bacterial and exfoliating cleanser containing among others salicylic acid, niacinamide, tea tree oil and L-mandelic acid, with the purpose of giving the skin a deep clean by chemically sloughing away dead skin cells and excess dirt, sebum and impurities to leave the skin feeling cleaner deep down every pore, while not stripping it from essential oils or drying it out. The liquid comes out as a foam, and you simply massage it into the skin morning and night. I have used this cleanser previously, and I really like it as I can feel it makes a difference when I use it, and I generally use it not to remove my makeup, but rather as my second cleaner to make sure my skin is clean.


The Medik8 Beta Moisturise - Skin Balancing Mattifying Moisturiser - this is another favourite of mine, which I've used previously (you can check out my full review here). This moisturiser can be used morning and evening, and I love how it immediately mattifies the skin, thus making it perfect to use under makeup too, making it look nice for longer before looking shiny. The moisturiser has anti-inflammatory properties and also helps the skin regenerate and repair the cells for a healthier and cleaner skin. I really love this moisturiser, as unlike other blemish moisturisers it still gives my skin the hydration it needs, while helping to balance the skin and regulate the sebum production, treat and prevent breakouts, all wile being super gentle too.

The Medik8 Hydr8 B5 - Skin Rehydration Serum, is a serum that is to be used on the skin morning and evening after cleansing, either on its own, or prior to moisturising. The serum aims to help the skin retain moisture, and stimulate the skin to regenerate and heal, as well as it has an anti-inflammatory that helps assist in fighting blemish-associated infections by building up antibodies. The serum does take a moment to absorb into the skin, but once it has, it leaves the skin feeling soft and without any oily residue. And it didn't take long before I started noticing that my skin generally looking and feeling smoother and more supple and not to mention more luminous and healthy after using it.

The Medik8 Retinol 3TR - Advanced Night Serum is a 0.3% retinol treatment that is to be introduced gradually a few times a week until your skin is used to it. The serum is to be used at night prior to the Hydr8 B5, and it aims to help reduce the apperance of fine lines and wrinkles and dark spots (as well as any marks left behind after breakouts!), maintain collagen levels, improve skin texture and speed up the skin's natural peeling process of dead skin cells.

It is recommended to consult your GP prior to the use of retinol (vitamin A), if you are pregnant, lactating or taking prescription medication for acne - and as I am currently still breastfeeding, I decided that I did not want to use this serum at this point, but keep it until its safe for me to use - I'm consequently unable to speak of any results at this point.

However all in all I am really impressed with this kit and the products included, as already after a few days, of using the products, my skin is looking so much better, so if your skin is prone to breakouts, I highly recommend that you check out this Blemish Starter Kit from Medik8


Medik8 Blemish Starter Kit - RRP: $59
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, Facial Co, RY, Medik8 Online and select other stockists.

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: AVENE EAU THERMALE CLEANANCE MICELLAR WATER AND TRIACNEAL EXPERT

The last few months my skin has gone absolutely bonkers with breakouts. I've always struggled with my skin, ever since I was a teenager, and while I've learnt how to look after it to minimise breakouts, every now and again I do get a flare up, even at the age where anti-ageing products should be the only products on my bathroom shelf! So I was also happy to put some products from Avene to the test to try combat the breakouts and get my skin under control again.. Here I'm going to talk about the Avene eau Thermals Cleanance Micellar Water and the TriAcneal Expert Emulsion.

The Avene Eau Thermale Cleanance Micellar Water is a makeup remover that doesn't need to be rinsed off, while still removing makeup, impurities and excess.

It claims to remove all makeup from face and eyes, including waterproof makeup, but I have to say that I do struggle a little bit with the mascara, and have been resorting to specific eye makeup remover. But as for the rest of my makeup, including long-wearing foundation, it removes in a single swipe or two with a soaked cotton pad. It leaves my skin soft and clean and refreshed and also mattified, and I can tell that it is also removing any excess sebum, especially from my t-zone area, yet without irritating my skin or making it feel dry or tight.

Over time, the Cleanance Micellar Water promises to help regulate the over-production of sebum, as well as soothe the skin with its anti-irritating benefits, and I can certainly feel that my skin is less greasy. 

I've also liked using it in the mornings, as sometimes when I get up, having two toddlers, it is just go-go-go, which can make it difficult to find the time to properly wash my face. But with this Cleanance Micellar Water I can simply swipe it over my skin, and I know it will gentle remove any 'gunk' and grease that has developed during the night. 

 

 

At night time, I've been using the Avene Eau Thermale TriAcneal Expert, which is an evening moisturiser that comprehensively targets blemishes, marks and is suitable for adult acne, so perfect for my skin.

 

The moisturiser contains among others; 

 

• Diolényl to help limit the proliferation of skin bacteria, reduce redness and eliminate spots and blackheads
• X-Pressin to smooth the skin texture
• Retinaldehyde, a Vitamin A derivative, that has a rejuvenating effect which helps to unblock pores, reduce residual marks and gives added anti-ageing benefits  

The yellow cream has a slightly odd scent, but as it fades quickly, I can certainly tolerate it. Unlike many night creams, it has a light consistency and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it with a soft, yet mattified finish.

 

Often I find that when I use night creams, they are very thick and rich, too heavy for my combination skin, and I wake in the morning, with skin that's feeling greasy and congested. But that is not the case with this cream. My skin still feels matte in the morning, and at the same time, also moisturised, and far from dried out - something most other blemish creams seem to do.

  

But what's more, after using this cream nightly for just a few days, I started noticing that I wasn't getting as many breakouts, - I still got some, but not to the same extent, and also a lot smaller too and not those big lumpy ones. And what also impressed me, is that the cream, in such a short period of time has reduced redness and marks from previous blemishes and even old acne scars appear somewhat reduced. So in general, my skin is simply looking so much clearer and healthier. I'm truly impressed, so I already know that I will be purchasing this cream again and again -and if you too struggle finding a good moisturiser for your acne prone skin, one that treats and doesn’t dry out your skin or irritate it, then I highly recommend that you check it out too. And what's even better, is that both products are very budget friendly too.   

 

 

Avene Eau Thermale Cleanance Micellar Water - RRP: $34.95 / 400ml

Avene Eau Thermale TriAcneal Expert - RRP: $26.95 / 30ml

 

Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

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

 

 

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