How stunning are these from Inika Organic - @inikaorganic - just so sleek, elegant and luxurious. #ad
2 February 2024
PRODUCT REVIEW // INIKA ORGANIC DETOXIFYING CLAY MASK, RENEW AND RESTORE PEEL, ADAPTOGENIC CLEANSING OIL, HYDRATING TONING MIST AND BB CREAM - AUSTRALIAN NATURAL ORGANIC SKINCARE
How stunning are these from Inika Organic - @inikaorganic - just so sleek, elegant and luxurious. #ad
8 April 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW; BALI BODY BB CREAM, LUXE MOISTURISING LOTION AND SHIMMERING BODY OIL FOR GLOWING SKIN ALL YEAR ROUND
11 March 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW: SKIN79 SUPER PLUS ORIGINAL BB CREAM FROM STYLE STORY
Since having kids and no longer working in the corporate world, I’ve found I’ve changed the type of makeup I wear, and its become less, and always having kids around my legs, it is also a lot quicker than it used to. In terms of foundation, I actually don’t wear foundation that often anymore unless I’ve got something major to cover, but for the usual school drops, trips to the playground and supermarket, I am usually just reaching for a tinted moisturiser or a BB Cream. And one of those brand that I’ve long had my eyes on, is Skin79, so needless to say that I was excited when I was offered to try one via Style Story.
6 January 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW: SYNERGIE MINERALS MAKEUP
29 November 2018
24 August 2017
PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON # INSTA SELFIE COLLECTION
A drugstore makeup brand that has really hit the mark lately is Rimmel London, with products that are always very budget friendly, but also high quality and right on trend, and the newest releases to hit the Australian shelves are no exception, a collection designed to get you selfie-ready in an instant..
Let's start with the Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Correct Palette, which is a nifty little palette that contains three creamy shades that addresses the different skin tones and imperfections you want to conceal for a more flawless complexion. The kit includes these shades;
The shades are to be applied to the skin prior to foundation where needed, or as shown on the image on the back of the compact. It can be applied with a concealing brush, though personally I prefer to use my fingers!! All shades are quite creamy, and have added Vitamin E, Aloe and Chamomile, and I have to say that I am quite impressed, and use particularly the green for blemishes and the peach shade for my under eye circles, and do like the result. It can be a little tricky to blend evenly, but again, I find that it is easiest with my fingers perhaps as the warmth from my fingers makes it easier to blend and perhaps that way more natural looking being.
Then there's the Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Contour Palette, which is a similar looking palette to the above, also containing three creamy shades, only these are designed to help cover up and conceal imperfections and accentuating features by sculpting some angles and camouflaging different on your face. The kit contains;
It is best used on top of your foundation where needed, or as on the graphic shown on the back of the palette.
Its available in three shades, light, medium and dark so there should be a match for most skin tones. I have a medium beige skin tone, and I tried the medium shade, which will be ok come summer and I have a little more colour in my face, but at the moment it is a tad dark for my winter pale skin.
The first shade is the highlighter which is a champagne shade that helps illuminate and brighten the face for a subtle dewy glow on your cheeks, brow bone, cupids bow etc. It is quite subtle, but can be built up slightly, and I find it easiest to apply using my fingers.
The concealer is great for covering small blemishes, and other areas of concern such as redness and pigmentation, and here I actually find that using a small concealer brush gives the best result, as you can dab it on lightly until you've got the coverage you want. It lasts well on the skin throughout the day.
Finally, there's the contouring shade which helps define and sculpt your face for either a naturel definition of a more chiselled look if you build up the product slowly. It is easy to apply, but I do find the chocolate shade a tad too dark for my skin at the moment, so haven't been experimenting with it enough to cast a final verdict.
Then there's the #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint, which is actually a product that was launched last year. But this is a multi-functional product that has several functions including primer, tinted moisturiser while offering SPF protection.
It helps prime and perfect the skin, erases signs of fatigue, making the skin tone look more even and brighter while giving it a natural-looking radiant glow, and moisturises the skin for 24 hour
It has a very light and thin formula and it absorbs quickly and easily into the skin, with a nice dewy finish, and a light coverage, yet surprisingly it does manage to minimise the look of my pigmentation and even out my skin tone and give my skin a nice healthy glow, but I still need a concealer to cover and hide more prominent marks (but I usually always do with tinted moisturisers). It can be used both on its own, or it can also be used underneath your usual foundation, but I must admit to only having used it on its own.
The tint claims to after just seven day's wear, leave the skin more even and with a radiant glow, but I have to say that I have not noticed any permanent change to the look of my skin, apart from when I'm actually wearing the tint.
The tint works well on my combination skin, but the usual shiny t-zone does appear by the afternoon, so a touch up is required. Regardless, I do enjoy using this #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint, as a tinted moisturiser on those days I am just after a quick and simple casual look.
Next up is the Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Matte Powder, which is a superfine white translucent powder that helps set and fix the foundation to make it more even, while also controlling shine and diminishing oil product - and having combination skin always prone to shine especially on my nose and rest of the t-zone by mid-day, I really like this powder. It is so lightweight and literally invisible, and makes my skin look lovely and matte, while not making my makeup look dry or cakey. Even after touch ups during the day. It comes in a round clear compact, and has embossed hashag symbols in perfect keeping with the insta theme for a perfect selfie, and it really is the most stunning design.
Finally, there's the Rimmel #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray, which is a great multi-tasking products, that doubles as both a primer and a setting spray, plus you can use it to refresh the skin throughout the day too. The primer is oil-free, which is great when you've got combination skin like me, so no need to worry that it will make your skin look greasy throughout the day.
It is so easy to apply, you simply spritz over the face and wait a few moments before applying your makeup, and then once done, spray again to set it. So much quicker than a cream or gel based primer. The Insta Fix & Go promises to help prolong the wear of makeup making it look nicer for longer, and it really does stop that dreaded afternoon shine. And at the same time, it feels lovely and revitalising on the skin thanks to the added cucumber extract, which also makes it smell so fresh and summery and absolutely divine. As I am always struggling with makeup going shiny halfway through the day, I am really enjoying this spray, so I can easily see this one becoming a stable in my makeup cabinet.
Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Correct Palette - RRP: $18.95 / 8.4g
Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Contour Palette - RRP: $18.95 / 8.4g
Rimmel London #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint - RRP: $13.95 / 30ml
Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Matte Powder - RRP: $13.95 / 8g
Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray - RRP: $13.95 / 100ml
Available from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Kmart, BIG W, selected pharmacies and selected Coles and Woolworths
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
Let's start with the Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Correct Palette, which is a nifty little palette that contains three creamy shades that addresses the different skin tones and imperfections you want to conceal for a more flawless complexion. The kit includes these shades;
- Peach - that helps neutralizes dark circles and illuminates face features
- Green - that covers redness and blemishes on the skin
- Lilac - that evens out yellowish undertones and corrects dull and sallow skin
The shades are to be applied to the skin prior to foundation where needed, or as shown on the image on the back of the compact. It can be applied with a concealing brush, though personally I prefer to use my fingers!! All shades are quite creamy, and have added Vitamin E, Aloe and Chamomile, and I have to say that I am quite impressed, and use particularly the green for blemishes and the peach shade for my under eye circles, and do like the result. It can be a little tricky to blend evenly, but again, I find that it is easiest with my fingers perhaps as the warmth from my fingers makes it easier to blend and perhaps that way more natural looking being.
Then there's the Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Contour Palette, which is a similar looking palette to the above, also containing three creamy shades, only these are designed to help cover up and conceal imperfections and accentuating features by sculpting some angles and camouflaging different on your face. The kit contains;
- Highligher
- Concealer
- Countour
It is best used on top of your foundation where needed, or as on the graphic shown on the back of the palette.
Its available in three shades, light, medium and dark so there should be a match for most skin tones. I have a medium beige skin tone, and I tried the medium shade, which will be ok come summer and I have a little more colour in my face, but at the moment it is a tad dark for my winter pale skin.
The first shade is the highlighter which is a champagne shade that helps illuminate and brighten the face for a subtle dewy glow on your cheeks, brow bone, cupids bow etc. It is quite subtle, but can be built up slightly, and I find it easiest to apply using my fingers.
The concealer is great for covering small blemishes, and other areas of concern such as redness and pigmentation, and here I actually find that using a small concealer brush gives the best result, as you can dab it on lightly until you've got the coverage you want. It lasts well on the skin throughout the day.
Finally, there's the contouring shade which helps define and sculpt your face for either a naturel definition of a more chiselled look if you build up the product slowly. It is easy to apply, but I do find the chocolate shade a tad too dark for my skin at the moment, so haven't been experimenting with it enough to cast a final verdict.
Then there's the #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint, which is actually a product that was launched last year. But this is a multi-functional product that has several functions including primer, tinted moisturiser while offering SPF protection.
It helps prime and perfect the skin, erases signs of fatigue, making the skin tone look more even and brighter while giving it a natural-looking radiant glow, and moisturises the skin for 24 hour
It has a very light and thin formula and it absorbs quickly and easily into the skin, with a nice dewy finish, and a light coverage, yet surprisingly it does manage to minimise the look of my pigmentation and even out my skin tone and give my skin a nice healthy glow, but I still need a concealer to cover and hide more prominent marks (but I usually always do with tinted moisturisers). It can be used both on its own, or it can also be used underneath your usual foundation, but I must admit to only having used it on its own.
The tint claims to after just seven day's wear, leave the skin more even and with a radiant glow, but I have to say that I have not noticed any permanent change to the look of my skin, apart from when I'm actually wearing the tint.
The tint works well on my combination skin, but the usual shiny t-zone does appear by the afternoon, so a touch up is required. Regardless, I do enjoy using this #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint, as a tinted moisturiser on those days I am just after a quick and simple casual look.
Next up is the Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Matte Powder, which is a superfine white translucent powder that helps set and fix the foundation to make it more even, while also controlling shine and diminishing oil product - and having combination skin always prone to shine especially on my nose and rest of the t-zone by mid-day, I really like this powder. It is so lightweight and literally invisible, and makes my skin look lovely and matte, while not making my makeup look dry or cakey. Even after touch ups during the day. It comes in a round clear compact, and has embossed hashag symbols in perfect keeping with the insta theme for a perfect selfie, and it really is the most stunning design.
Finally, there's the Rimmel #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray, which is a great multi-tasking products, that doubles as both a primer and a setting spray, plus you can use it to refresh the skin throughout the day too. The primer is oil-free, which is great when you've got combination skin like me, so no need to worry that it will make your skin look greasy throughout the day.
It is so easy to apply, you simply spritz over the face and wait a few moments before applying your makeup, and then once done, spray again to set it. So much quicker than a cream or gel based primer. The Insta Fix & Go promises to help prolong the wear of makeup making it look nicer for longer, and it really does stop that dreaded afternoon shine. And at the same time, it feels lovely and revitalising on the skin thanks to the added cucumber extract, which also makes it smell so fresh and summery and absolutely divine. As I am always struggling with makeup going shiny halfway through the day, I am really enjoying this spray, so I can easily see this one becoming a stable in my makeup cabinet.
Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Correct Palette - RRP: $18.95 / 8.4g
Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Contour Palette - RRP: $18.95 / 8.4g
Rimmel London #InstaFlawless Perfecting, Radiant Skin Tint - RRP: $13.95 / 30ml
Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Matte Powder - RRP: $13.95 / 8g
Rimmel London #Insta Fix & Go 2 in 1 Primer & Setting Spray - RRP: $13.95 / 100ml
Available from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Kmart, BIG W, selected pharmacies and selected Coles and Woolworths
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
10 June 2017
PRODUCT REVIEW: LILY LOLO BB CREAM, BLUSH AND NATURAL LIPSTICK FROM THE BEAUTY DRAWERS
As a beauty blogger, I love trying out new beauty products, and one of the things that especially excites me, is trying out new brands. And when I was selected to be an official brand ambassador for the newly opened Australian online beauty store, The Beauty Drawers I was naturally very excited.
One of those brands stocked by The Beauty Drawers is Lily Lolo, a UK brand making mineral makeup, using only materials that are proven to nourish and protect the skin, and thus are free from harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates, synthetic perfumes, dyes and anything else that isn't kind to you or your skin. In addition, the products are also certified cruelty free!
I put a selection of products to the test, but let's start with the Lily Lolo BB Cream. This BB Cream contains anti-ageing ingredients to help tone and firm the skin, as well as organic aloe and jojoba oil to moisturise the skin and offer natural anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial protection. The BB Cream is silicone free, and the mineral pigments give the skin a light coverage to help even out the skin tone and blur imperfections for a healthy radiant skin.
The BB Cream, is light and easy to apply and blend, and as promised, it does give my skin a natural look and a dewy radiant finish. It does even out my skin tone nicely, making it look more even, but personally I would have liked it to have a slightly better coverage, but mainly because of my increased pigmentation, blemishes and marks from past acne. But then I have to remind myself that this is a BB Cream only promising light coverage, and not a full-coverage foundation. Usually BB Creams do not last well on my combination skin, but I am actually surprised that with the use of a setting powder as well a setting spray on top, it still manages to stay put most of the day, continuing to look fresh, without settling into my fine lines. The BB Cream only comes in three shades, Fair, Light and Medium - and the Light shade is good match for my medium-beige skin tone, so I can imagine that the limited range of colours may make it difficult for everyone to find a good colour match.
Overall, I really enjoy this BB Cream as does feel lovely to wear and it does give my skin a natural healthy glow.
Then there's the Lily Lolo Pressed Blush in Burst Your Bubble, which comes in cute little round compact with an internal mirror. Burst Your Bubble is described as a 'Matte Bubblegum Pink" but I have to add that I do not find it completely matte, but rather it adds a tiny touch of sheen, which personally I actually don’t mind as it does give the skin a radiant look. The shade is warm dusty rose, which is a perfect shade for everyday wear. The blush as a silky soft and easy to apply and blend with a large blush brush, and as promised, it is quite pigmented, so you an apply it lightly for a sheer natural flushed look, or build it up for a more intense brighter pop of colour if you like. It also has a good wear lasting throughout the day, without the need for a touch up. The blush contains among others jojoba oil, sea holly extract and argan oil for its moisturising and anti-ageing properties.
Finally, there's the Lily Lolo Natural Lipsticks, which are made using among others jojoba oil, rosemary leaf extract and vitamin E to protect your lips and keep them soft and nourished. The lipsticks are soft and creamy, and do feel very comfortable and moisturising on the lips. And even when they've worn off, they leave my lips feeling soft. I tried the shade Desire, which is described as a "Cool Deep Red", or as I'd put it a dark berry/red-wine shade with a touch of sheen, and it is absolutely stunning. The lipstick is fairly pigmented, but it does take a few swipes for a solid colour-payoff, but on the other hand, I do like that you can also just apply it lightly for just a hint of colour. Like most moisturising lipsticks, the wear is not the longest, but that said, I do get 3-4 hours wear, which I do find quite reasonable, It is a gorgeous lipstick, and I love that it doesn’t contain any nasties, including no added fragrance. There are heaps of shades in the range, so definitely worth checking out if you're after a gorgeous lipstick that also keeps your lips soft and moisturised.
And of course I have to mention the gorgeous black and white packaging, which probably know is my favourite combination, as it is simply stunning. The products all come in small cardbox boxes which are white with black ends, and inside printed with the Lily Lolo, "LL' logo. The BB Cream comes in a white tube has a black lid and a nifty pump that makes it easy to dispense just the amount needed. The blush comes in a small round compact that is white underneath, and black on top, just like the lipstick that is black in one end and white in the other. Simple, yet classic and so beautiful.
If you're looking for some gorgeous mineral makeup free from all the chemical nasties, then must check out Lily Lolo
Yes, there are already a lot of other online beauty stores on the market, but what makes The Beauty Drawers different, is the brands they stock, which include so many I've never tried before.
One of those brands stocked by The Beauty Drawers is Lily Lolo, a UK brand making mineral makeup, using only materials that are proven to nourish and protect the skin, and thus are free from harmful chemicals such as parabens and phthalates, synthetic perfumes, dyes and anything else that isn't kind to you or your skin. In addition, the products are also certified cruelty free!
I put a selection of products to the test, but let's start with the Lily Lolo BB Cream. This BB Cream contains anti-ageing ingredients to help tone and firm the skin, as well as organic aloe and jojoba oil to moisturise the skin and offer natural anti-oxidants and anti-bacterial protection. The BB Cream is silicone free, and the mineral pigments give the skin a light coverage to help even out the skin tone and blur imperfections for a healthy radiant skin.
The BB Cream, is light and easy to apply and blend, and as promised, it does give my skin a natural look and a dewy radiant finish. It does even out my skin tone nicely, making it look more even, but personally I would have liked it to have a slightly better coverage, but mainly because of my increased pigmentation, blemishes and marks from past acne. But then I have to remind myself that this is a BB Cream only promising light coverage, and not a full-coverage foundation. Usually BB Creams do not last well on my combination skin, but I am actually surprised that with the use of a setting powder as well a setting spray on top, it still manages to stay put most of the day, continuing to look fresh, without settling into my fine lines. The BB Cream only comes in three shades, Fair, Light and Medium - and the Light shade is good match for my medium-beige skin tone, so I can imagine that the limited range of colours may make it difficult for everyone to find a good colour match.
Overall, I really enjoy this BB Cream as does feel lovely to wear and it does give my skin a natural healthy glow.
Then there's the Lily Lolo Pressed Blush in Burst Your Bubble, which comes in cute little round compact with an internal mirror. Burst Your Bubble is described as a 'Matte Bubblegum Pink" but I have to add that I do not find it completely matte, but rather it adds a tiny touch of sheen, which personally I actually don’t mind as it does give the skin a radiant look. The shade is warm dusty rose, which is a perfect shade for everyday wear. The blush as a silky soft and easy to apply and blend with a large blush brush, and as promised, it is quite pigmented, so you an apply it lightly for a sheer natural flushed look, or build it up for a more intense brighter pop of colour if you like. It also has a good wear lasting throughout the day, without the need for a touch up. The blush contains among others jojoba oil, sea holly extract and argan oil for its moisturising and anti-ageing properties.
Finally, there's the Lily Lolo Natural Lipsticks, which are made using among others jojoba oil, rosemary leaf extract and vitamin E to protect your lips and keep them soft and nourished. The lipsticks are soft and creamy, and do feel very comfortable and moisturising on the lips. And even when they've worn off, they leave my lips feeling soft. I tried the shade Desire, which is described as a "Cool Deep Red", or as I'd put it a dark berry/red-wine shade with a touch of sheen, and it is absolutely stunning. The lipstick is fairly pigmented, but it does take a few swipes for a solid colour-payoff, but on the other hand, I do like that you can also just apply it lightly for just a hint of colour. Like most moisturising lipsticks, the wear is not the longest, but that said, I do get 3-4 hours wear, which I do find quite reasonable, It is a gorgeous lipstick, and I love that it doesn’t contain any nasties, including no added fragrance. There are heaps of shades in the range, so definitely worth checking out if you're after a gorgeous lipstick that also keeps your lips soft and moisturised.
And of course I have to mention the gorgeous black and white packaging, which probably know is my favourite combination, as it is simply stunning. The products all come in small cardbox boxes which are white with black ends, and inside printed with the Lily Lolo, "LL' logo. The BB Cream comes in a white tube has a black lid and a nifty pump that makes it easy to dispense just the amount needed. The blush comes in a small round compact that is white underneath, and black on top, just like the lipstick that is black in one end and white in the other. Simple, yet classic and so beautiful.
If you're looking for some gorgeous mineral makeup free from all the chemical nasties, then must check out Lily Lolo
Lily Lolo BB Cream - RRP: $28.95 / 40ml
Lily Lolo Pressed Blush - RRP: $24.95 / 4g
Lily Lolo Natural Lipstick - RRP: $19.95 / 4g
Available from The Beauty Drawers
* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
Lily Lolo Pressed Blush - RRP: $24.95 / 4g
Lily Lolo Natural Lipstick - RRP: $19.95 / 4g
Available from The Beauty Drawers
* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
24 February 2017
PRODUCT REVIEW: LA MAV ORGANIC BB CREAM, EYE SHADOW AND TINTED LIP TREATMENT
Today I'm going to talk about a brand called La Mav Organic Skin Science. La Mav is an Australian owned and made brand, and all products are organic, with a high percentage of ingredients certified organic. The products are also toxic free and vegan, an free from petrochemicals, parabens, sulphates, synthetic fragrances and colours, phthalates, talc, PEGs, TEA, DEA, and silicones. Rather the products are made using 100% plant based, naturally derived ingredients loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids and herbal extracts to help repair, rejuvenate, and restore the skin.
Which all sounds pretty good to me. I put a couple of different La Mav Mineral Makeup products to the test..
The La Mav Organic BB Cream, is made using 73% are certified organic ingredients, and it only has a light coverage. I would personally have liked a slightly better coverage, but that said, it does even out the skin nicely, covering minor pigmentation and redness, while leaving a nice glow, thanks to the tiny shimmery particles.
I love that it has anti-ageing benefits, being infused with among others vitamin C, rosehip oil, aloe vera leaf juice, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, and avocado oil, so it cares and nourishes my skin while I wear it. It comes in a convenient pump bottle, and It has a mattifying effect, which I also really like, as it is perfect for my combination skin, as it makes it stay put looking matte all day.
Next up is the La Mav Eye Shadow, which is a loose pigment shadow, which I tried in the shade Champagne, a pale nude shade, with just a touch of fine shimmer - the perfect shade to use as a base for any other shade. These eye shadows are made with 100%natural pure earth minerals, and really are very pigmented. I personally prefer pressed eye shadows, mainly because I often end up spilling some and making a huge mess, but I do like this one -it is easy to apply with a brush, and blends really easily, and also stays put all day without settling into fine lines. There are just four shades in the range, but all looking gorgeous, so I certainly wouldn't mind getting hold of a few extra shades.
Finally, there's the La Mav Tinted Lip Treatment, which is a lip treatment and lip gloss in one, as it has been made with CoEnzyme Q10, Argan Oil, Vitamin E and Sea Buckthorn Oil to help fight the visible signs of ageing. The treatment feels so soft and moisturising on the lips, all while giving a touch of colour. I really love the fact that it is a multi-tasking product that treats your lips at the same time. I tried the shade, Sheer Pink which is a very pale pastel pink shade - a shade I normally wouldn’t select - but it does give a lovely colour on the lips with a nice sheen. I personally like using it on top of a lipstick for extra moisture and shine.
Overall these products from La Mav are really lovely. The standout for me was without a doubt the BB Cream, which I really love as it is so great for my combination skin, keeping it looking matte all day. But that said, the other products are really lovely, so I can certainly see myself checking out the rest of their makeup range, which also includes powder foundations, bronzers and makeup brushes, as well as an extensive skincare range.
La Mav Organic BB Cream - RRP: $39.95 / 50ml
La Mav Eye Shadow - RRP: $22.95 / 1g
La Mav Tinted Lip Treatment - RRP: $24.95 /8ml
Available from La Mav
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy
Which all sounds pretty good to me. I put a couple of different La Mav Mineral Makeup products to the test..
The La Mav Organic BB Cream, is made using 73% are certified organic ingredients, and it only has a light coverage. I would personally have liked a slightly better coverage, but that said, it does even out the skin nicely, covering minor pigmentation and redness, while leaving a nice glow, thanks to the tiny shimmery particles.
I love that it has anti-ageing benefits, being infused with among others vitamin C, rosehip oil, aloe vera leaf juice, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, and avocado oil, so it cares and nourishes my skin while I wear it. It comes in a convenient pump bottle, and It has a mattifying effect, which I also really like, as it is perfect for my combination skin, as it makes it stay put looking matte all day.
Next up is the La Mav Eye Shadow, which is a loose pigment shadow, which I tried in the shade Champagne, a pale nude shade, with just a touch of fine shimmer - the perfect shade to use as a base for any other shade. These eye shadows are made with 100%natural pure earth minerals, and really are very pigmented. I personally prefer pressed eye shadows, mainly because I often end up spilling some and making a huge mess, but I do like this one -it is easy to apply with a brush, and blends really easily, and also stays put all day without settling into fine lines. There are just four shades in the range, but all looking gorgeous, so I certainly wouldn't mind getting hold of a few extra shades.
Finally, there's the La Mav Tinted Lip Treatment, which is a lip treatment and lip gloss in one, as it has been made with CoEnzyme Q10, Argan Oil, Vitamin E and Sea Buckthorn Oil to help fight the visible signs of ageing. The treatment feels so soft and moisturising on the lips, all while giving a touch of colour. I really love the fact that it is a multi-tasking product that treats your lips at the same time. I tried the shade, Sheer Pink which is a very pale pastel pink shade - a shade I normally wouldn’t select - but it does give a lovely colour on the lips with a nice sheen. I personally like using it on top of a lipstick for extra moisture and shine.
Overall these products from La Mav are really lovely. The standout for me was without a doubt the BB Cream, which I really love as it is so great for my combination skin, keeping it looking matte all day. But that said, the other products are really lovely, so I can certainly see myself checking out the rest of their makeup range, which also includes powder foundations, bronzers and makeup brushes, as well as an extensive skincare range.
La Mav Organic BB Cream - RRP: $39.95 / 50ml
La Mav Eye Shadow - RRP: $22.95 / 1g
La Mav Tinted Lip Treatment - RRP: $24.95 /8ml
Available from La Mav
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy
26 January 2017
17 October 2016
PRODUCT REVIEW: BIODERMA SENSIBIO LAIT CLEANSING MILK, SENSIBIO TONIQUE SOOTHING MOISTURISING LOTION AND SENSIBIO AR BB CREAM
Who hasn't fallen in love with French skincare brand Bioderma's gentle skincare products, including their fantastic Micellar Water?! I know I have, so I was excited when a couple of newly launched products landed on my desk - the Bioderma Sensibio Lait Cleansing Milk, Sensibio Tonique Soothing Moisturising Toning Lotion and Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF30.
The Bioderma Sensibio Lait - or Cleansing Milk as it is also called, is designed for sensitive skin types, like the rest of the range. I don't have particularly sensitive skin, but believe that using gentle products certainly doesn’t hurt. And this cleanser is very gentle. I prefer to massage it into my skin with my fingers to remove my makeup, and then wiping it off with cotton pads. It removes my makeup, including long-wearing makeup easily, but does struggle with my waterproof mascara. I follow with a second clean, just to be sure that no makeup is left behind, and the subsequent cotton pad does show that the second cleanse is necessary. The formula doesn't need to be rinsed off, and I must admit I prefer splashing water in my face, so hence usually using gel type face cleansers. Afterwards my skin is left really soft and supple, and also feels calm and very moisturised.
I then follow with the Bioderma Sensibio Tonique Soothing Moisturing Lotion, which you can place a few drops in your hands and pad it into your skin, or do as I prefer, put it on a cotton pad and wipe it over your skin - using the soaked cotton pad is also a good test to make sure that absolutely all of your makeup has been removed. It is a moisturising formula which helps soothe and refresh the skin, and it is also very calming on the skin. I have to admit that I have gotten out of the habit of using a toner, but I do like the feel on my skin afterwards, and its perfect for prepping the skin before serums and moisturisers. I also like the fact that this one, unlike many other toners is so gentle and free from alcohol that dries out the skin.
Finally, there's the Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF30, which is also formulated for sensitive skin. It promises to even out the complexion and neutralise and conceal redness, while boosting radiance thanks to containing light reflecting powders and pigments . It contains ingredients to keep the skin soothed and hydrated throughout the day, yet promises to leave the skin with a velvety matte finish. It also contains SPF30 to help prevent UV damage.
This BB Cream really is moisturising, yet really does manage to stay looking matte throughout most of the day on my combination skin, although I do need to tad of powder to stop the shine on my t-zone area by mid-day, but that's pretty normal for my skin.
The BB Cream has a light coverage, and does even out my skin tone, covering some minor pigmentation, smaller blemishes and smaller areas of broken capillaries, in particularly around my nose and cheek area. It also does minimise the dark circles under my eyes, and while coverage can be built up slightly although only a little or it will end up looking a bit cakey. And I do feel that a concealer is necessary to cover completely here and also to cover larger areas of pigmentation and acne scars. The BB Cream has a slightly thick formula, but still blends quick easily. While I don't suffer with redness as such, I do like the evenness and the healthy radiant glow that this BB Cream gives my skin, while looking almost invisible on the skin. Perfect for those casual days where you want a no-makeup look! The only negative about this BB Cream is that it only appears to come in one shade - Light with a pink undertone - which admittedly is perfect for my skin tone, but others with paler or darker skin tones will inevitably struggle finding a match.
So there you go, a couple of new products in the Bioderma range - I particularly love the BB Cream, and can see that it will become a go-to during summer, as well as I also love the Toning Lotion, and the soothing effect that it has on my skin. That's not saying that I don't like the cleansing milk, I just prefer the feeling of splashing water in my face, but if you do have sensitive skin, you'll without a doubt love it!
Bioderma Sensibio Lait Cleansing Milk - RRP: $32.99 / 250ml
Bioderma Sensibio Tonique Soothing Moisturising Toning Lotion - RRP: $32.99 / 250ml
Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF30 - RRP: $43.99 / 40ml
Available from Adore Beauty, Priceline, RY, select pharmacies and Cosmetiques de France Online
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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The Bioderma Sensibio Lait - or Cleansing Milk as it is also called, is designed for sensitive skin types, like the rest of the range. I don't have particularly sensitive skin, but believe that using gentle products certainly doesn’t hurt. And this cleanser is very gentle. I prefer to massage it into my skin with my fingers to remove my makeup, and then wiping it off with cotton pads. It removes my makeup, including long-wearing makeup easily, but does struggle with my waterproof mascara. I follow with a second clean, just to be sure that no makeup is left behind, and the subsequent cotton pad does show that the second cleanse is necessary. The formula doesn't need to be rinsed off, and I must admit I prefer splashing water in my face, so hence usually using gel type face cleansers. Afterwards my skin is left really soft and supple, and also feels calm and very moisturised.
I then follow with the Bioderma Sensibio Tonique Soothing Moisturing Lotion, which you can place a few drops in your hands and pad it into your skin, or do as I prefer, put it on a cotton pad and wipe it over your skin - using the soaked cotton pad is also a good test to make sure that absolutely all of your makeup has been removed. It is a moisturising formula which helps soothe and refresh the skin, and it is also very calming on the skin. I have to admit that I have gotten out of the habit of using a toner, but I do like the feel on my skin afterwards, and its perfect for prepping the skin before serums and moisturisers. I also like the fact that this one, unlike many other toners is so gentle and free from alcohol that dries out the skin.
Finally, there's the Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF30, which is also formulated for sensitive skin. It promises to even out the complexion and neutralise and conceal redness, while boosting radiance thanks to containing light reflecting powders and pigments . It contains ingredients to keep the skin soothed and hydrated throughout the day, yet promises to leave the skin with a velvety matte finish. It also contains SPF30 to help prevent UV damage.
This BB Cream really is moisturising, yet really does manage to stay looking matte throughout most of the day on my combination skin, although I do need to tad of powder to stop the shine on my t-zone area by mid-day, but that's pretty normal for my skin.
The BB Cream has a light coverage, and does even out my skin tone, covering some minor pigmentation, smaller blemishes and smaller areas of broken capillaries, in particularly around my nose and cheek area. It also does minimise the dark circles under my eyes, and while coverage can be built up slightly although only a little or it will end up looking a bit cakey. And I do feel that a concealer is necessary to cover completely here and also to cover larger areas of pigmentation and acne scars. The BB Cream has a slightly thick formula, but still blends quick easily. While I don't suffer with redness as such, I do like the evenness and the healthy radiant glow that this BB Cream gives my skin, while looking almost invisible on the skin. Perfect for those casual days where you want a no-makeup look! The only negative about this BB Cream is that it only appears to come in one shade - Light with a pink undertone - which admittedly is perfect for my skin tone, but others with paler or darker skin tones will inevitably struggle finding a match.
So there you go, a couple of new products in the Bioderma range - I particularly love the BB Cream, and can see that it will become a go-to during summer, as well as I also love the Toning Lotion, and the soothing effect that it has on my skin. That's not saying that I don't like the cleansing milk, I just prefer the feeling of splashing water in my face, but if you do have sensitive skin, you'll without a doubt love it!
Bioderma Sensibio Lait Cleansing Milk - RRP: $32.99 / 250ml
Bioderma Sensibio Tonique Soothing Moisturising Toning Lotion - RRP: $32.99 / 250ml
Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream SPF30 - RRP: $43.99 / 40ml
Available from Adore Beauty, Priceline, RY, select pharmacies and Cosmetiques de France Online
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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12 October 2016
PRODUCT REVIEW: BURT'S BEES BB CREAM WITH NONI EXTRACT
Predominantly wearing casual makeup these days, I was excited to put the Burt's Bees BB Cream with Noni Extract to the test.
This BB Cream makes a massive 9 claims, promising that it moisturises, smoothes, visibly firms, illuminates, evens tone, conceals, reduces look of fine lines, perfects skin, while protecting with broad spectrum SPF15!!
The BB Cream has a slightly thick formula, but it still spreads easily, and it does, as promised help even out the skin tone, and leave my skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and moisturised, and with a nice radiant glow. It has a light coverage, and while minor imperfections and blemishes are evened out, it does struggle with major marks, pigmentation, and those annoying dark circles under my eyes from months of being sleep deprived thanks to having two toddlers, so I don't quite feel that it lives up to the claim of 'Concealing' which is pretty standard for a BB Cream, if only this one hadn’t made the promise.
Because it is such a moisturising formula, it does make my skin look healthier and also to a degree plumper, which I guess also creates the illusion of lines and wrinkles being reduced in size, but I have to admit that I've yet to see any permanent change from using this BB Cream.
The moisturising properties, unfortunately means that the wear on my combination skin is not as great as it could be, and by lunchtime I do feel my skin I becoming a little shiny especially in the t-zone area, but certainly using a primer first does extend the wear.
I tried the shade Medium, which is a tad dark for my winter pale skin, but hopefully come summer and I get a bit of a tan, it will be just right. But that said, the colour selection is unfortunately somewhat limited with only two shades in the range with a Light/Medium and a Medium.
I do like that it is made from 98.9% natural ingredients and is free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and SLS, and also that it comes with SPF15, although that said, I would have preferred it to be higher and more suitable for the harsh Australian environment.
All in all, I do like this BB Cream from Burt's Bees as it really does make my skin look healthy and glowing, but I could wish that a lighter version would also be available for those of us with greasier skin types. Also I do feel that it is not quite living up to its claim of 'concealing' and hence I'm deducting a star from my rating.
Burt's Bees BB Cream with Noni Extract - RRP: $29.95 / 48.1g
Available from Priceline, David Jones, RY, Select Pharmacies and Burt's Bees Online
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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This BB Cream makes a massive 9 claims, promising that it moisturises, smoothes, visibly firms, illuminates, evens tone, conceals, reduces look of fine lines, perfects skin, while protecting with broad spectrum SPF15!!
The BB Cream has a slightly thick formula, but it still spreads easily, and it does, as promised help even out the skin tone, and leave my skin looking and feeling soft, smooth and moisturised, and with a nice radiant glow. It has a light coverage, and while minor imperfections and blemishes are evened out, it does struggle with major marks, pigmentation, and those annoying dark circles under my eyes from months of being sleep deprived thanks to having two toddlers, so I don't quite feel that it lives up to the claim of 'Concealing' which is pretty standard for a BB Cream, if only this one hadn’t made the promise.
Because it is such a moisturising formula, it does make my skin look healthier and also to a degree plumper, which I guess also creates the illusion of lines and wrinkles being reduced in size, but I have to admit that I've yet to see any permanent change from using this BB Cream.
The moisturising properties, unfortunately means that the wear on my combination skin is not as great as it could be, and by lunchtime I do feel my skin I becoming a little shiny especially in the t-zone area, but certainly using a primer first does extend the wear.
I tried the shade Medium, which is a tad dark for my winter pale skin, but hopefully come summer and I get a bit of a tan, it will be just right. But that said, the colour selection is unfortunately somewhat limited with only two shades in the range with a Light/Medium and a Medium.
I do like that it is made from 98.9% natural ingredients and is free from parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and SLS, and also that it comes with SPF15, although that said, I would have preferred it to be higher and more suitable for the harsh Australian environment.
All in all, I do like this BB Cream from Burt's Bees as it really does make my skin look healthy and glowing, but I could wish that a lighter version would also be available for those of us with greasier skin types. Also I do feel that it is not quite living up to its claim of 'concealing' and hence I'm deducting a star from my rating.
Burt's Bees BB Cream with Noni Extract - RRP: $29.95 / 48.1g
Available from Priceline, David Jones, RY, Select Pharmacies and Burt's Bees Online
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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13 May 2016
PRODUCT REVIEW: THALGO BB CREAM PERFECT GLOW AND SILICIUM ANTI-AGEING FOUNDATION
Today I'd like to talk abut two different foundations from Thalgo - The BB Cream Perfect Glow and the Silicium Anti-Ageing Foundation.
First up is the Thalgo BB Cream, which offers a light coverage, however still manages to even out and soften minor imperfections and irregularities thanks to containing coated pigments, although I do feel that a concealer is necessary to cover up darker pigmentation, age spots and those dark circles under my eyes. And it leaves my skin looking more even toned, with a velvety finish and a healthy natural radiant glow.
The BB Cream contains among others Seve Marine, an algae that acts to repair the skin barrier and restore and maintain optimum moisture levels. It also contains chondrus crispus which is another algae, rich in proteins and vitamins to moisturise and regenerate the skin. It is thus a very moisturising formula, and it therefore feels so lovely on the skin, and when you remove it at night, it almost feels like you've just taken off a moisture mask. It does, unfortunately also for my skin mean that I do have to touch it up half-way through the day when my skin gets too greasy looking, but on the other hand, I'm pretty used to that!
I really enjoy using this Thalgo BB Cream as a casual everyday makeup, on the days I don't need to be too made up, and I love that it cares for my skin while I wear it, and also offers SPF15 for some protection against the sun's rays. And it also has the most gorgeous fresh scent.
Next up is the Thalgo Silicium Foundation, which is a multi-tasking product combining anti-ageing ingredients with makeup. It contain among others redensifying marine silicium and hyaluronic acid complemented by radiance-enhancing pigments, provides an optical correction of wrinkles and other skin imperfections.
The foundation promises to feel smoother and over time, gradually also visibly firmer and more toned. I don't wear makeup every single day, and I do swap and change a bit, and consequently I also am yet to see any permanent improvement to my skin and any decrease in wrinkles from using this foundation.
That said, I do love the immediate effect and look it gives my skin. It easily covers imperfections, age spots, blemishes and redness, yet still has such a light formula that my skin is looking natural and with a nice glow. Used with a primer first, it has a long wear, and I only need to powder my t-zone area mid-day otherwise it stays put all day, without changing colour, sliding or settling into those fine lines. Unfortunately it doesn't smell quite as lovely as the BB Cream, but even so it has a subtle typical foundation scent. And unfortunately it also doesn't seem to contain SPF, which would have been ideal. On the other hand I do like that it comes in a stylish glass bottle with a convenient pump.
For women who are after a multi-purpose product that targets wrinkles while giving a smoothing finished to their complexion.
Thalgo Anti-Aging Foundation gives a glow for a natural-looking result in every light. Its anti-aging action meets the needs of mature skin making it gradually appear firmer, smoother and velvety-soft. Its indulgent texture, rich in redensifying marine silicium and hyaluronic acid complemented by radiance-enhancing pigments, provides an optical correction of wrinkles and other skin imperfections. The complexion appears flawless and the skin remains smooth all day long.
I really enjoy using this Silicium Foundation and the fact that it actually cares for my ageing skin while I use it, it simply makes my complexion more even and my skin look smoother, as if a few years have been shaved off my face, and for that it deserves extra bonus points!
But overall, I really like both the BB Cream and the Silicium Foundation, and pending the situation, I know I will be reaching for both in the coming months.
Thalgo BB Cream Perfect Glow - RRP: $48 / 30ml
Thalgo Silicium Anti-Ageing Foundation - RRP: $75 / 30ml
Available from Thalgo Online and select salons
* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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First up is the Thalgo BB Cream, which offers a light coverage, however still manages to even out and soften minor imperfections and irregularities thanks to containing coated pigments, although I do feel that a concealer is necessary to cover up darker pigmentation, age spots and those dark circles under my eyes. And it leaves my skin looking more even toned, with a velvety finish and a healthy natural radiant glow.
The BB Cream contains among others Seve Marine, an algae that acts to repair the skin barrier and restore and maintain optimum moisture levels. It also contains chondrus crispus which is another algae, rich in proteins and vitamins to moisturise and regenerate the skin. It is thus a very moisturising formula, and it therefore feels so lovely on the skin, and when you remove it at night, it almost feels like you've just taken off a moisture mask. It does, unfortunately also for my skin mean that I do have to touch it up half-way through the day when my skin gets too greasy looking, but on the other hand, I'm pretty used to that!
I really enjoy using this Thalgo BB Cream as a casual everyday makeup, on the days I don't need to be too made up, and I love that it cares for my skin while I wear it, and also offers SPF15 for some protection against the sun's rays. And it also has the most gorgeous fresh scent.
Next up is the Thalgo Silicium Foundation, which is a multi-tasking product combining anti-ageing ingredients with makeup. It contain among others redensifying marine silicium and hyaluronic acid complemented by radiance-enhancing pigments, provides an optical correction of wrinkles and other skin imperfections.
The foundation promises to feel smoother and over time, gradually also visibly firmer and more toned. I don't wear makeup every single day, and I do swap and change a bit, and consequently I also am yet to see any permanent improvement to my skin and any decrease in wrinkles from using this foundation.
That said, I do love the immediate effect and look it gives my skin. It easily covers imperfections, age spots, blemishes and redness, yet still has such a light formula that my skin is looking natural and with a nice glow. Used with a primer first, it has a long wear, and I only need to powder my t-zone area mid-day otherwise it stays put all day, without changing colour, sliding or settling into those fine lines. Unfortunately it doesn't smell quite as lovely as the BB Cream, but even so it has a subtle typical foundation scent. And unfortunately it also doesn't seem to contain SPF, which would have been ideal. On the other hand I do like that it comes in a stylish glass bottle with a convenient pump.
For women who are after a multi-purpose product that targets wrinkles while giving a smoothing finished to their complexion.
Thalgo Anti-Aging Foundation gives a glow for a natural-looking result in every light. Its anti-aging action meets the needs of mature skin making it gradually appear firmer, smoother and velvety-soft. Its indulgent texture, rich in redensifying marine silicium and hyaluronic acid complemented by radiance-enhancing pigments, provides an optical correction of wrinkles and other skin imperfections. The complexion appears flawless and the skin remains smooth all day long.
I really enjoy using this Silicium Foundation and the fact that it actually cares for my ageing skin while I use it, it simply makes my complexion more even and my skin look smoother, as if a few years have been shaved off my face, and for that it deserves extra bonus points!
But overall, I really like both the BB Cream and the Silicium Foundation, and pending the situation, I know I will be reaching for both in the coming months.
Thalgo BB Cream Perfect Glow - RRP: $48 / 30ml
Thalgo Silicium Anti-Ageing Foundation - RRP: $75 / 30ml
Available from Thalgo Online and select salons
* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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11 January 2016
PRODUCT REVIEW: PHYSICIANS FORMULA ARGAN WEAR
A little while ago I was lucky to be sent some of Physicians Formula’s newly launched products. Amongst these were a new range called Argan Wear. Here are my thoughts on the Physicians Formula Argan Wear Blush, Bronzer, BB Cream and Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil;
What They Say;
Physicians Formula Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil: 100% Pure Argan Oil, known as "liquid gold" for this its rich conditioning benefits, can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture and elasticity. Weightless multi-tasking miracle combines the benefits of a moisturizer, primer, brightener, protector & treatment in one! Use on face, body, hair, & nails. This magical ingredient from Morocco transforms skin, smoothing the appearance of fine lines, brightening dull skin and renewing suppleness, helping to enhance skin's youthful looking glow without ever leaving a greasy feel or finish. RRP: $29.95 (30ml)
Physicians Formula BB Cream: Luxurious, high performance formula evens out skin tone, vanishing flaws and imperfections and smoothing skin texture without ever leaving a greasy feel or finish. SPF 30. Infused with 100% Pure Argan Oil, known as liquid gold for its rich conditioning benefits that can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture, and elasticity. RRP: $25.95 (35ml)
Physicians Formula Argan Wear Blush: Ultra-luxe formula features luminous, light-reflecting pigments that deliver a skin perfecting effect for a youthful and glowing radiance. Infused with 100% Pure Argan Oil, known as liquid gold for its rich conditioning benefits that can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture, and elasticity. RRP: $21.95 (7g)
Physicians Formula Bronzer: Exotic bronzer treats skin with ultra nourishing ingredients and delivers a sunlit glow as if you've escaped to Morocco. Mirror & Brush included. Infused with 100% Pure Argan Oil, known as liquid gold for its rich conditioning benefits that can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture and elasticity. Smoothing the appearance of fine lines, brightening dull skin and renewing suppleness, helping to enhance skin's youthful glow. RRP: $29.95 (11g)
What I Say:
With the Argan Wear range all the products are enriched with 100% pure argan oil from Morocco that is intended to have a nourishing effect on the skin.
The Physicians Formula Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil comes in a very cute glass bottle with a gold lid, and contains 100% Pure Argan Oil, and I really like that it is completely natural. It is also a true multi-tasking product as it can be used on face, body hair and nails. Unfortunately I instantly felt that it was too greasy to use on my combination skin, as it simply made it feel greasy within a few hours, so I cannot really comment on how it performed on smoothing the appearance of fine lines, brightening the skin and give it a nice glow. I did however enjoy using it in my hair to smooth down frizz, and add extra moisture to dry ends, and also enjoyed using on my nails and cuticles, which are very dry and neglected and clearly benefitted from the rich oil. That said, I am not sure that I would repurchase this again, for the pure reason that I believe that there are hair and nail oils available, at a budget friendlier price.
Physicians Formula BB Cream is a very light cream that has a light coverage, that however, can built up ever so slightly where needed, although I still find that I need to use a concealer to cover under eye circles, blemishes and darker areas of pigmentation. The BB Cream is easy to apply and blend with your fingers, although of course you can use a sponge or makeup brush too. And it leaves you with a nice natural finish and healthy glow. Personally I do prefer foundations with a slightly better coverage, but that’s probably mainly because I feel I’ve got a lot of pigmentation and scarring from past acne to cover. However, the BB cream is perfect for casual days or when you want a very natural ‘no-makeup’ look. It lasts fairly well on my combination skin although I do need to use a primer first to make it last the day.
Physicians Formula Argan Wear Blush
The first thing you notice when you see this Argan Wear Blush is the pretty Moroccan inspired design of the powder. Absolutely stunning with a mix of pink shades with gold glitter. The gold glitter on top is luckily just sitting on top of the powder and once you’ve used it a few times ,it is more or less gone, - although I have to admit to trying to scrape it off, as I have to say that I prefer it without the gold as I find it a little too much - well, at least I think it is on my ageing skin, and I much prefer just a subtle amount of shimmer and not the intense shine and glitter that the gold gives. The blush comes in two shades, Rose and Neutral with the Rose shade having slightly brighter shades of pink. At the moment I prefer the Neutral shade, but that is probably because I’m quite winter pale and hence find the more subtle shade suits my skin better, but come summer and I get a little more colour in my face, I’m sure that will change. The blush is fairly pigmented, so you can easily build up the colour, while also blend it out to be quite understated and sheer. Once you get rid of the golden glitter on top, the blush gives you a nice but subtle sheen and a healthy radiance thanks to light reflecting pigments
The blushes come in slightly bulky gold plastic compacts, which includes a mirror and also a small brush hidden in a compartment underneath the blush. Personally I prefer applying blush with my own better quality and larger brushes, and I rarely apply blush on the go, so I would have preferred to see a smaller more slimline packaging and not have the brush included.
Like the blush, the Physicians Formula Argan Wear Bronzer comes in a similar, although slightly larger, gold plastic compact with a mirror and a little brush hidden in a compartment underneath the powder. It comes in two different shades, light bronze and bronze, which are both warm toned, and at this point, having a winter-pale skin, I have preferred the lighter shade finding it a better match for my skin. The bronzer is also very pigmented, so you have to be cautious or you will be applying too much –but I find that easier to control with one of my own softer powder brushes, than one of the included brushes. And as with the blush, as I rarely apply makeup on the go, I would again prefer to see a slightly smaller compact and do without the brush – which by the way I also find a little stiff, so sadly I also found that it did scratch up the pretty pattern on the bronzer rather quickly.
But a light sweep gives your skin a nice healthy glow that still looks natural without looking too orange, unlike other bronzers. It also gives the skin a nice subtle sheen (once you get rid of the golden glitter overspray on the top of the bronzer), that gives you kind of a lit-from-within glow. The powder is also quite soft and fine, so it blends easily and sits nicely on the skin without looking cakey, and doesn’t tend to settle into fine lines during the day.
Overall these Argan Wear products from Physicians Formula are all quite lovely, and they not only look beautiful in their packaging, they also feel lovely on the skin and as a god wear. All the products are reasonably priced, on par with other drugstore products and they have a very high quality. While all four products are lovely, the standout products for me were definitely the blush and the bronzer – they are both very pigmented and I wouldn’t hesitate purchasing these again!
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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What They Say;
Physicians Formula Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil: 100% Pure Argan Oil, known as "liquid gold" for this its rich conditioning benefits, can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture and elasticity. Weightless multi-tasking miracle combines the benefits of a moisturizer, primer, brightener, protector & treatment in one! Use on face, body, hair, & nails. This magical ingredient from Morocco transforms skin, smoothing the appearance of fine lines, brightening dull skin and renewing suppleness, helping to enhance skin's youthful looking glow without ever leaving a greasy feel or finish. RRP: $29.95 (30ml)
Physicians Formula BB Cream: Luxurious, high performance formula evens out skin tone, vanishing flaws and imperfections and smoothing skin texture without ever leaving a greasy feel or finish. SPF 30. Infused with 100% Pure Argan Oil, known as liquid gold for its rich conditioning benefits that can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture, and elasticity. RRP: $25.95 (35ml)
Physicians Formula Argan Wear Blush: Ultra-luxe formula features luminous, light-reflecting pigments that deliver a skin perfecting effect for a youthful and glowing radiance. Infused with 100% Pure Argan Oil, known as liquid gold for its rich conditioning benefits that can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture, and elasticity. RRP: $21.95 (7g)
Physicians Formula Bronzer: Exotic bronzer treats skin with ultra nourishing ingredients and delivers a sunlit glow as if you've escaped to Morocco. Mirror & Brush included. Infused with 100% Pure Argan Oil, known as liquid gold for its rich conditioning benefits that can improve skin's brightness, tone, texture and elasticity. Smoothing the appearance of fine lines, brightening dull skin and renewing suppleness, helping to enhance skin's youthful glow. RRP: $29.95 (11g)
What I Say:
With the Argan Wear range all the products are enriched with 100% pure argan oil from Morocco that is intended to have a nourishing effect on the skin.
The Physicians Formula Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil comes in a very cute glass bottle with a gold lid, and contains 100% Pure Argan Oil, and I really like that it is completely natural. It is also a true multi-tasking product as it can be used on face, body hair and nails. Unfortunately I instantly felt that it was too greasy to use on my combination skin, as it simply made it feel greasy within a few hours, so I cannot really comment on how it performed on smoothing the appearance of fine lines, brightening the skin and give it a nice glow. I did however enjoy using it in my hair to smooth down frizz, and add extra moisture to dry ends, and also enjoyed using on my nails and cuticles, which are very dry and neglected and clearly benefitted from the rich oil. That said, I am not sure that I would repurchase this again, for the pure reason that I believe that there are hair and nail oils available, at a budget friendlier price.
Physicians Formula BB Cream is a very light cream that has a light coverage, that however, can built up ever so slightly where needed, although I still find that I need to use a concealer to cover under eye circles, blemishes and darker areas of pigmentation. The BB Cream is easy to apply and blend with your fingers, although of course you can use a sponge or makeup brush too. And it leaves you with a nice natural finish and healthy glow. Personally I do prefer foundations with a slightly better coverage, but that’s probably mainly because I feel I’ve got a lot of pigmentation and scarring from past acne to cover. However, the BB cream is perfect for casual days or when you want a very natural ‘no-makeup’ look. It lasts fairly well on my combination skin although I do need to use a primer first to make it last the day.
Physicians Formula Argan Wear Blush
The first thing you notice when you see this Argan Wear Blush is the pretty Moroccan inspired design of the powder. Absolutely stunning with a mix of pink shades with gold glitter. The gold glitter on top is luckily just sitting on top of the powder and once you’ve used it a few times ,it is more or less gone, - although I have to admit to trying to scrape it off, as I have to say that I prefer it without the gold as I find it a little too much - well, at least I think it is on my ageing skin, and I much prefer just a subtle amount of shimmer and not the intense shine and glitter that the gold gives. The blush comes in two shades, Rose and Neutral with the Rose shade having slightly brighter shades of pink. At the moment I prefer the Neutral shade, but that is probably because I’m quite winter pale and hence find the more subtle shade suits my skin better, but come summer and I get a little more colour in my face, I’m sure that will change. The blush is fairly pigmented, so you can easily build up the colour, while also blend it out to be quite understated and sheer. Once you get rid of the golden glitter on top, the blush gives you a nice but subtle sheen and a healthy radiance thanks to light reflecting pigments
The blushes come in slightly bulky gold plastic compacts, which includes a mirror and also a small brush hidden in a compartment underneath the blush. Personally I prefer applying blush with my own better quality and larger brushes, and I rarely apply blush on the go, so I would have preferred to see a smaller more slimline packaging and not have the brush included.
Like the blush, the Physicians Formula Argan Wear Bronzer comes in a similar, although slightly larger, gold plastic compact with a mirror and a little brush hidden in a compartment underneath the powder. It comes in two different shades, light bronze and bronze, which are both warm toned, and at this point, having a winter-pale skin, I have preferred the lighter shade finding it a better match for my skin. The bronzer is also very pigmented, so you have to be cautious or you will be applying too much –but I find that easier to control with one of my own softer powder brushes, than one of the included brushes. And as with the blush, as I rarely apply makeup on the go, I would again prefer to see a slightly smaller compact and do without the brush – which by the way I also find a little stiff, so sadly I also found that it did scratch up the pretty pattern on the bronzer rather quickly.
But a light sweep gives your skin a nice healthy glow that still looks natural without looking too orange, unlike other bronzers. It also gives the skin a nice subtle sheen (once you get rid of the golden glitter overspray on the top of the bronzer), that gives you kind of a lit-from-within glow. The powder is also quite soft and fine, so it blends easily and sits nicely on the skin without looking cakey, and doesn’t tend to settle into fine lines during the day.
Overall these Argan Wear products from Physicians Formula are all quite lovely, and they not only look beautiful in their packaging, they also feel lovely on the skin and as a god wear. All the products are reasonably priced, on par with other drugstore products and they have a very high quality. While all four products are lovely, the standout products for me were definitely the blush and the bronzer – they are both very pigmented and I wouldn’t hesitate purchasing these again!
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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18 May 2015
PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT MARCH 2015
On Friday I received the March edition of the Lust Have It beauty Box. Yes, you did read it correctly, the March edition arriving on the 15th May! Two months late!! No quite sure what has been happening at the LHI HQ with such a long delay. If I was a paying customer I would no doubt be very disappointed, but as the box has been sent to me for consideration, I really cannot complain! But here’s my thoughts on this month’s 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:
Unfortunately my box didn’t contain the info card, but I did manage to find all the details online on the Lust Have It website. Unlike previous months, the products this month didn’t come in the usual mesh zip bag, but rather in a foldable plain black gift box. I would have loved to get the info card, but personally I don’t really mind the box it came in as I have heaps of the mesh bags by now, and if it came down to it, I’d prefer an additional product each month instead of the bag! But as the box was just plain, it also meant that I really had no way of telling that the box was from Lust Have It, but to look at the sender on the postage bag!
Anyway, this is what was in the box;
ModelCo BB+ Cream – Full Size (RRP: $22.00)
I believe that Lust Have It sent our surveys to its paying subscribers so they could pick their preferred shade – but I didn’t get that offer. In saying that, I was lucky to get the BB Cream in a light shade, which is perfect for my skin tone during winter. I do predominantly wear tinted moisturisers or BB Creams these days, so I look forward to testing this one out!
Appelles Blackseed Shampoo & Tamanu Conditioner – Samples x 2 35ml (RRP: S68.00/500ml each)
I have previously received shampoo and conditioner samples from Appelles in another subscription box, so as such, they don’t excite me. But ins saying that, I did enjoy using the products, and love the smell of them, so they certainly wont go to waste. Unfortunately the seal on both of the products had clearly been broken, and I obviously would have preferred if they hadn’t!
Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing Water & Tolederm Hydra Soothing Cream –Samples, 3mls each (RRP: $29.95/250ml, $39.95/30ml)
I’ve only just recently tried my first products from Uriage, and really like them, but I have to say that these tiny samples are a bit of a disappointment. They are just so tiny. If the full sized product had been really expensive, then it would have explained it, but unfortunately in this case it doesn’t.
Urban Skincare Co Daily Body Cleanser – Sample, 35ml (RRP: $26.95/500ml)
Another brand that I’ve sadly seen repeatedly in subscription boxes lately. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the products, in fact, I really love them as they smell amazing – in this case the body cleanser has the most gorgeous citrus scent, so I’ll really enjoy using it – but unfortunately it just excites me more when I see brands that are new to me!
Lonvitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask – One Mask (RRP: $9.95)
At the fear of sounding repetitive, unfortunately Lonvitalite face masks seems to be popping up in every single type of subscription box these days, so again, it doesn’t really excite me that much – but yet again, not saying that I don’t like the Lonvitalite masks, because I do, I love them – so again I would have preferred to see a product from a brand that was new to me. In saying that, of all the Lonvitalite masks I’ve tried so far, I’ve never tried this one with Coconut Milk before, so I do look forward to putting it to the test.
So there you go, the contents in the March Lust Have It box. It contains a total of 7 products, of which two were full-sized, three were deluxe samples and two were mini samples.
There was a good variety of products including makeup from ModelCo, haircare from Appelles, bodycare from Urban Skin Co, and skincare from Uriage and Lonvitalite – and I do think that this is a nice combination of products with something for everyone.
In terms of value, the box doesn’t have an as high value as previous boxes, but still the two full sized products alone, are worth more than the cost of the box, so no complaints there. But still, unfortunately I have to say that this month’s box didn’t really excite or wow me – and that in spite of all the products really being very lovely, and in the case of most, products that I’d use or have used previously, and hence wouldn’t hesitate purchasing – but for that very same reason, they just didn’t bring me that novelty and excitement factor, which is what I am really hoping to see in a subscription box – yet while not being a complete disappointment either, if that makes sense!
I have my fingers crossed that Lush Have It will both get back on track and get their shipping issues under control soon, and that future boxes will also bring so new products and brands to add to the excitement.
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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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:
Unfortunately my box didn’t contain the info card, but I did manage to find all the details online on the Lust Have It website. Unlike previous months, the products this month didn’t come in the usual mesh zip bag, but rather in a foldable plain black gift box. I would have loved to get the info card, but personally I don’t really mind the box it came in as I have heaps of the mesh bags by now, and if it came down to it, I’d prefer an additional product each month instead of the bag! But as the box was just plain, it also meant that I really had no way of telling that the box was from Lust Have It, but to look at the sender on the postage bag!
Anyway, this is what was in the box;
ModelCo BB+ Cream – Full Size (RRP: $22.00)
I believe that Lust Have It sent our surveys to its paying subscribers so they could pick their preferred shade – but I didn’t get that offer. In saying that, I was lucky to get the BB Cream in a light shade, which is perfect for my skin tone during winter. I do predominantly wear tinted moisturisers or BB Creams these days, so I look forward to testing this one out!
Appelles Blackseed Shampoo & Tamanu Conditioner – Samples x 2 35ml (RRP: S68.00/500ml each)
I have previously received shampoo and conditioner samples from Appelles in another subscription box, so as such, they don’t excite me. But ins saying that, I did enjoy using the products, and love the smell of them, so they certainly wont go to waste. Unfortunately the seal on both of the products had clearly been broken, and I obviously would have preferred if they hadn’t!
Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing Water & Tolederm Hydra Soothing Cream –Samples, 3mls each (RRP: $29.95/250ml, $39.95/30ml)
I’ve only just recently tried my first products from Uriage, and really like them, but I have to say that these tiny samples are a bit of a disappointment. They are just so tiny. If the full sized product had been really expensive, then it would have explained it, but unfortunately in this case it doesn’t.
Urban Skincare Co Daily Body Cleanser – Sample, 35ml (RRP: $26.95/500ml)
Another brand that I’ve sadly seen repeatedly in subscription boxes lately. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the products, in fact, I really love them as they smell amazing – in this case the body cleanser has the most gorgeous citrus scent, so I’ll really enjoy using it – but unfortunately it just excites me more when I see brands that are new to me!
Lonvitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask – One Mask (RRP: $9.95)
At the fear of sounding repetitive, unfortunately Lonvitalite face masks seems to be popping up in every single type of subscription box these days, so again, it doesn’t really excite me that much – but yet again, not saying that I don’t like the Lonvitalite masks, because I do, I love them – so again I would have preferred to see a product from a brand that was new to me. In saying that, of all the Lonvitalite masks I’ve tried so far, I’ve never tried this one with Coconut Milk before, so I do look forward to putting it to the test.
So there you go, the contents in the March Lust Have It box. It contains a total of 7 products, of which two were full-sized, three were deluxe samples and two were mini samples.
There was a good variety of products including makeup from ModelCo, haircare from Appelles, bodycare from Urban Skin Co, and skincare from Uriage and Lonvitalite – and I do think that this is a nice combination of products with something for everyone.
In terms of value, the box doesn’t have an as high value as previous boxes, but still the two full sized products alone, are worth more than the cost of the box, so no complaints there. But still, unfortunately I have to say that this month’s box didn’t really excite or wow me – and that in spite of all the products really being very lovely, and in the case of most, products that I’d use or have used previously, and hence wouldn’t hesitate purchasing – but for that very same reason, they just didn’t bring me that novelty and excitement factor, which is what I am really hoping to see in a subscription box – yet while not being a complete disappointment either, if that makes sense!
I have my fingers crossed that Lush Have It will both get back on track and get their shipping issues under control soon, and that future boxes will also bring so new products and brands to add to the excitement.
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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14 May 2015
PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON BB RADIANCE CREAM
Since BB Creams were launched a few years ago, they’ve taken the world by storm, and new ones seem to be popping up constantly. The newest one to hit the shelves is the Rimmel London BB Radiance Cream, here are my thoughts;
What They Say:
Rimmel London BB Radiance Cream is a nine-in-one BB cream that works to prime, smooth, conceal, moisturise and illuminate skin while minimising the appearance of pores. It offers natural coverage and a radiant finish to awaken skin. It is also formulated with SPF 20, a vitamin C complex and shea butter to nourish skin. Available in Very Light, Light and Medium.
RRP: $12.95 (30ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets, Variety Stores and Select Pharmacies
What They Say:
Rimmel London BB Radiance Cream is a nine-in-one BB cream that works to prime, smooth, conceal, moisturise and illuminate skin while minimising the appearance of pores. It offers natural coverage and a radiant finish to awaken skin. It is also formulated with SPF 20, a vitamin C complex and shea butter to nourish skin. Available in Very Light, Light and Medium.
RRP: $12.95 (30ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets, Variety Stores and Select Pharmacies
What I Say:
This new BB Radiance Cream from Rimmel claims to be a 9-in-1 skin perfecting cream, with a massive 9 benefits, including;
- Primes
- Smoothes
- Conceals
- Helps minimise the appearance of pores
- Provides natural coverage
- Moisturises for 24 hours
- Awakens tired skin
- Brightens the skin, with Vitamin C complex
- Gives a Radiant Finish
Sounds pretty good to me! And as claimed, this BB Cream really dos give the skin a good medium coverage, easily covering and concealing minor pigmentation, redness and blemishes, as well as smaller bags under the eyes – which is a first for a BB Cream, which I usually find only to have a very light coverage.
The BB cream has a thick consistency, but it is easy to apply and blend to the skin, making it look more even in a very natural way, and yes, also as promised also more radiant, thanks to tiny shimmer particles which are however so tiny that it is still a subtle glow.
With combination skin, unfortunately it doesn’t stay shine-free all day on my skin, but with the help of a primer first (in spite of it supposedly including a primer), and with a setting powder on top of the BB Cream, it stays put all day. But I could imagine that normal or dryer skin types wouldn’t have that issue. I suspect that it may have something to do with the BB Cream containing SPF 20, as SPF often does make my skin greasier, but on the other hand, I think it is great that it is included, so I wouldn’t want to be without the SPF!
The BB Cream also includes Shea Butter to nourish the skin, as well as Vitamin C to help brighten your skin, and my skin certainly feels soft and smooth when I remove my makeup at night. And as for the Vitamin C, I also love the inclusion of that, although I am yet to see any permanent brightening effect from using the BB Cream.
I used the BB Cream in the medium shade, which in this case is called Light, and it is a perfect match for my medium beige skin tone, especially now during the colder months as the winter paleness sets in. So come summer I can imagine that I would need the darkest shade, Medium, to be able to match my skin tone. This unfortunately means that if you have a darker skin tone, or a very very pale one too, I doubt that you’d be able to find your perfect match for these three shades, so it would be lovely if more colours where introduced.
But all in all this is a lovely BB Cream that is easy to apply, feels comfortable to wear and gives my skin a touch more coverage than your usual BB Cream, and it comes at a great price too, so I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to purchase it again!
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
2 March 2015
BRAND FOCUS: SORME TREATMENT COSMETICS
Today I’d like to put focus on a brand that I have just been introduced to; Sormé Treatment Cosmetics, testing out the Extreme Volumising Mascara, Treat & Tint Skin Perfecting BB Cream and the LipThick Super Plumping Gloss;
What They Say:
The Sormé Extreme Volumising Mascara: Get the thickest, lushest looking lashes ever with this maximum glam mascara! Defines and separates lashes, as it strengthens and conditions with Vitamin E, Aloe Vera & Hyaluronic Acid. Safe for clients with contact lenses. Non-Polymer based mascara for less dehydration and damage of lashes. Smudge and smear resistant formula.
RRP: $32.95 – Available from select Stockists and Dynamic Skin Solutions
Sormé Treat & Tint Skin Perfecting BB Cream: This all-in-one treatment provides instant luminosity, even skin tone, hydration and sun protection (SPF 30). BB Cream contains Pure Argan Oil, which is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which will not clog the skin but provide essential nutrients. Aloe and Chamomile calm sensitive skin and help to prevent redness. Antioxidant botanical complex of Panax Ginseng, Rosemary, Passion Fruit and Papaya preserve healthy skin.
RRP: $55.95 (50ml) – Available from select Stockists and Dynamic Skin Solutions
Sormé LipThick Super Plumping Gloss: Get sexy, starlet lips, without injections! Maxi-Lip Peptide helps to stimulate natural collagen to increase fullness. Contains Cinnamon, Fennel, and Clove to increase the blood circulation (and give a delicious flavour) and Citrus oil to provide a topical dose of Vitamin C, which promotes the natural production of collagen. Also contains Aloe Vera and Vitamins A, C & K to smooth lips and keep them kissably soft.
RRP: $23.95 – Available from select Stockists and Dynamic Skin Solutions
What I Say:
Sormé (pronounced saw-may) is an American brand and the name is the Egyptian name for the natural black ‘Kohl’ substance used by queens and princesses to enhance their eyes; ‘the mirror of the soul.’ Gotta love a bit of history!
The brand was created over two decades ago in connection with makeup artists to combine advanced anti-aging technology with makeup using active plant botanicals, natural minerals, healing vitamins and clinically proven peptides to help protect and improve your skin as rich colour pigments enhance your natural beauty.
I have very sensitive eyes that easily water, so trying out a new mascara always concerns me as any small drop of particles or too much fragrance is enough to irritate my eyes for hours! So I love that the Sormé Extreme Volumising Mascara is a very gentle formula that is even suited for those wearing contact lenses. Many mascaras dry out or damage lashes, but not the Sormé mascara thanks to containing among others Vitamin E, Aloe Vera & Hyaluronic Acid help care for your lashes, strengthening and conditioning them while you wear it. The large soft brush easily helps coat and define every single lash, even the tiniest ones, while it separates them nicely too without any clumping. For a simple daytime look, which I seem to sport most days as a stay-at-home mum, one coat is sufficient, but of course, an extra coat or two does always provide even more volume and length, leaving you with thick lashes.
And I love that regardless of how many coats you apply, this mascara does not make your lashes feel stiff or uncomfortable. As promised it is smudge and smear resistant, and does stay put all day, even surviving a humid day.
As the name suggests, the Sormé Treat & Tint Skin Perfecting BB Cream is not just a BB Cream, it is also caring and treating the skin at the same time. It contains among others Argan Oil to provide the skin with nutrients without clogging up the skin, as well as botanicals for a healthy skin.
The BB Cream also comes with SPF30 which is fantastic under the harsh Australian sun. It promises luminosity, and even skin tone. The pearlescent cream and it provides the skin with a light coverage that does even out minor pigmentation, redness and blemishes, leaving the skin with a lovely luminous and healthy glow, without too much shimmer. It does even out my skin tone a bit, but unfortunately I have increasing pigmentation, which is not helped by being pregnant, as well as scarring from past acne, and unfortunately the Treat & Tint Skin Perfecting BB Cream fails to cover this up, but in saying that, I also didn’t expect it to, as BB Creams never provide you with a full coverage. But that’s also why concealers were invented!
The cream feels very comfortable and very moisturising on the skin, and unfortunately I do feel that it is a little too moisturising, especially on the hot and humid days, as I feel my face looks and feels very greasy and shiny by the early afternoon. The BB Cream does stay put longer, and also nicer when I use either the Sormé Fresh Start Anti-Ageing Under Foundation Makeup Enhancer or the Fresh Start Oil-Free Anti-Ageing Under Foundation Makeup Enhancer first. The Oil-Free version is definitely better or my skin type, especially during summer, as it contains oil-blotting ingredients to help make combat shine while making diminishing the look of discolourations and the size of pores, so perfect for combination and oily skin types. The Fresh Start Anti-Ageing Under Foundation Makeup Enhancer, on the other hand, is better suited to normal, dry and mature skin types, containing vitamins A, E and E to help reduce the depth of lines and wrinkles.
Overall I really like the healthy glowing look this BB Cream gives my skin, and in spite of the light coverage, it is perfect for casual days when you don’t want to be too made up, and I love that it contains SPF30 to protect my skin from the harsh sun. But unfortunately my skin is just getting oilier during the summer months, so consequently it is not staying put for as long as I like during the day, and hence an ideal match. But I will definitely give it another go come winter when my skin tends to become more dry.
Finally, the Sormé LipThick Super Plumping Gloss is a lipgloss that contains peptides to help stimulate collagen production to increase the fullness of the lips, as well as among others vitamins A, C and K and aloe vera for smooth soft lips. Sormé recommends using the lipgloss 3 times a day for 7 days and then once a day thereafter for fuller, smoother lips.
The lipgloss has a minty scent, which reminds me a little of toothpaste, and once on the lips, it also has a slightly cooling and tingling sensation, which I quite like. The gloss does, on application make your lips seem fuller, which I think is mainly due to the shimmering gloss effect. But I am yet to see any permanent plumping effect or fuller lips, but in saying that, I also haven’t been using the lipgloss three times a day for a full week – simply because as a stay at home mum, I have several days during the week where I go completely makeup free.
Regardless, the lipgloss feels quite lovely on the lips, without feeling sticky or tacky. And you can feel its moisturising properties, and even once the lipgloss has worn off after a few hours, your lips remain soft. I tried the shade Gloss Heaven, which is a warm medium pink shade. It has a fairly good colour payoff, and a high gloss shimmering effect, the perfect shade for everyday use. There are a massive 16 colours as well as a clear in the range, and I certainly wouldn’t mind picking up a few more shades!
Overall, I am quite impressed with these products, and certainly wouldn't hesitate adding more to my collection. I love that they are 'treatment' cosmetics, and hence works to care for the skin as you wear the products.
Have you ever heard of Sorme Treatment Cosmetics? Tried any of the products?
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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What They Say:
The Sormé Extreme Volumising Mascara: Get the thickest, lushest looking lashes ever with this maximum glam mascara! Defines and separates lashes, as it strengthens and conditions with Vitamin E, Aloe Vera & Hyaluronic Acid. Safe for clients with contact lenses. Non-Polymer based mascara for less dehydration and damage of lashes. Smudge and smear resistant formula.
RRP: $32.95 – Available from select Stockists and Dynamic Skin Solutions
Sormé Treat & Tint Skin Perfecting BB Cream: This all-in-one treatment provides instant luminosity, even skin tone, hydration and sun protection (SPF 30). BB Cream contains Pure Argan Oil, which is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which will not clog the skin but provide essential nutrients. Aloe and Chamomile calm sensitive skin and help to prevent redness. Antioxidant botanical complex of Panax Ginseng, Rosemary, Passion Fruit and Papaya preserve healthy skin.
RRP: $55.95 (50ml) – Available from select Stockists and Dynamic Skin Solutions
Sormé LipThick Super Plumping Gloss: Get sexy, starlet lips, without injections! Maxi-Lip Peptide helps to stimulate natural collagen to increase fullness. Contains Cinnamon, Fennel, and Clove to increase the blood circulation (and give a delicious flavour) and Citrus oil to provide a topical dose of Vitamin C, which promotes the natural production of collagen. Also contains Aloe Vera and Vitamins A, C & K to smooth lips and keep them kissably soft.
RRP: $23.95 – Available from select Stockists and Dynamic Skin Solutions
What I Say:
Sormé (pronounced saw-may) is an American brand and the name is the Egyptian name for the natural black ‘Kohl’ substance used by queens and princesses to enhance their eyes; ‘the mirror of the soul.’ Gotta love a bit of history!
The brand was created over two decades ago in connection with makeup artists to combine advanced anti-aging technology with makeup using active plant botanicals, natural minerals, healing vitamins and clinically proven peptides to help protect and improve your skin as rich colour pigments enhance your natural beauty.
I have very sensitive eyes that easily water, so trying out a new mascara always concerns me as any small drop of particles or too much fragrance is enough to irritate my eyes for hours! So I love that the Sormé Extreme Volumising Mascara is a very gentle formula that is even suited for those wearing contact lenses. Many mascaras dry out or damage lashes, but not the Sormé mascara thanks to containing among others Vitamin E, Aloe Vera & Hyaluronic Acid help care for your lashes, strengthening and conditioning them while you wear it. The large soft brush easily helps coat and define every single lash, even the tiniest ones, while it separates them nicely too without any clumping. For a simple daytime look, which I seem to sport most days as a stay-at-home mum, one coat is sufficient, but of course, an extra coat or two does always provide even more volume and length, leaving you with thick lashes.
And I love that regardless of how many coats you apply, this mascara does not make your lashes feel stiff or uncomfortable. As promised it is smudge and smear resistant, and does stay put all day, even surviving a humid day.
As the name suggests, the Sormé Treat & Tint Skin Perfecting BB Cream is not just a BB Cream, it is also caring and treating the skin at the same time. It contains among others Argan Oil to provide the skin with nutrients without clogging up the skin, as well as botanicals for a healthy skin.
The BB Cream also comes with SPF30 which is fantastic under the harsh Australian sun. It promises luminosity, and even skin tone. The pearlescent cream and it provides the skin with a light coverage that does even out minor pigmentation, redness and blemishes, leaving the skin with a lovely luminous and healthy glow, without too much shimmer. It does even out my skin tone a bit, but unfortunately I have increasing pigmentation, which is not helped by being pregnant, as well as scarring from past acne, and unfortunately the Treat & Tint Skin Perfecting BB Cream fails to cover this up, but in saying that, I also didn’t expect it to, as BB Creams never provide you with a full coverage. But that’s also why concealers were invented!
The cream feels very comfortable and very moisturising on the skin, and unfortunately I do feel that it is a little too moisturising, especially on the hot and humid days, as I feel my face looks and feels very greasy and shiny by the early afternoon. The BB Cream does stay put longer, and also nicer when I use either the Sormé Fresh Start Anti-Ageing Under Foundation Makeup Enhancer or the Fresh Start Oil-Free Anti-Ageing Under Foundation Makeup Enhancer first. The Oil-Free version is definitely better or my skin type, especially during summer, as it contains oil-blotting ingredients to help make combat shine while making diminishing the look of discolourations and the size of pores, so perfect for combination and oily skin types. The Fresh Start Anti-Ageing Under Foundation Makeup Enhancer, on the other hand, is better suited to normal, dry and mature skin types, containing vitamins A, E and E to help reduce the depth of lines and wrinkles.
Overall I really like the healthy glowing look this BB Cream gives my skin, and in spite of the light coverage, it is perfect for casual days when you don’t want to be too made up, and I love that it contains SPF30 to protect my skin from the harsh sun. But unfortunately my skin is just getting oilier during the summer months, so consequently it is not staying put for as long as I like during the day, and hence an ideal match. But I will definitely give it another go come winter when my skin tends to become more dry.
Finally, the Sormé LipThick Super Plumping Gloss is a lipgloss that contains peptides to help stimulate collagen production to increase the fullness of the lips, as well as among others vitamins A, C and K and aloe vera for smooth soft lips. Sormé recommends using the lipgloss 3 times a day for 7 days and then once a day thereafter for fuller, smoother lips.
The lipgloss has a minty scent, which reminds me a little of toothpaste, and once on the lips, it also has a slightly cooling and tingling sensation, which I quite like. The gloss does, on application make your lips seem fuller, which I think is mainly due to the shimmering gloss effect. But I am yet to see any permanent plumping effect or fuller lips, but in saying that, I also haven’t been using the lipgloss three times a day for a full week – simply because as a stay at home mum, I have several days during the week where I go completely makeup free.
Regardless, the lipgloss feels quite lovely on the lips, without feeling sticky or tacky. And you can feel its moisturising properties, and even once the lipgloss has worn off after a few hours, your lips remain soft. I tried the shade Gloss Heaven, which is a warm medium pink shade. It has a fairly good colour payoff, and a high gloss shimmering effect, the perfect shade for everyday use. There are a massive 16 colours as well as a clear in the range, and I certainly wouldn’t mind picking up a few more shades!
Overall, I am quite impressed with these products, and certainly wouldn't hesitate adding more to my collection. I love that they are 'treatment' cosmetics, and hence works to care for the skin as you wear the products.
Have you ever heard of Sorme Treatment Cosmetics? Tried any of the products?
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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27 January 2015
BRAND FOCUS: BOE PROFESSIONAL
Today I would like to put focus on a relatively new Australian Brand, BOE Professional. BOE Cosmetics has been around for a while, selling makeup at the variety store Big W for a meagre $2 – and well recently, the company launched a more up-market range, called BOE Professional*, here are my thoughts;
BOE Professional Base Primer
With combination skin I rely on a good primer when I want my makeup to last. The BOE Professional Base Primer has white creamy texture, and containing squalene, sweet almond oil and aloe vera, it hydrates and conditions the skin at the same time as it helps make your makeup stay looking nicer for longer. It is very lightweight and leaves a nice feel on the skin. Worn after moisturiser but before foundation, the Primer helps to absorb any excess oil in the skin, while also blurring the appearance of blemishes and imperfections so that your makeup applies not only more easily, but you also end up with a more even and flawless. RRP: $9.95 (25ml) – Available from Big W
BOE Professional BB Cream and Concealer
This is a true multi-tasking product, as a BB Cream with a built-in Concealer in the cap, and it even has a small mirror too! Absolutely brilliant! The BB Cream contains among others aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter and vitamin E and helps hydrate and condition the skin. It gives the skin a medium coverage, while still leaving the skin with a nice natural finish and a lovely glow.
And while you can still build up the coverage by adding a touch more, I still feel that it is not fully covering larger areas of redness, pigmentation, blemishes or bags under my eyes, and that’s where the in-build concealer comes in handy. The Concealer is very creamy , and has a great coverage, picking up where the BB Cream stopped. Both lasts well on the skin throughout the day, although my skin does get a bit shiny by midday, but that’s where the Finishing Powder comes to the rescue! RRP: $12.95 (35ml)/ (1.2g) – Available from Big W
BOE Professional High Definition Finishing Powder
Having combination skin I always struggle to get my makeup to stay put, and in particularly during summer, so I love transparent setting powders. This powder is super-fine and finishes your makeup, mattifying your skin and absorbing surface oil, and hence extending the life of your makeup, making your skin look shine-free for longer – and instead leaves you with a nice demi-matte look. And as the powder is translucent it doesn’t add any extra coverage, so it is perfect to use on top of all types of foundation from tinted moisturisers, BB creams and even full coverage foundations, or even on bare skin! It comes in a clear plastic jar with a black lid, and is best applied with a large powder brush. RRP: $9.95 (15g) – Available from Big W
BOE Professional Radiant Face Illuminator
With a teething toddler I rarely get a good nights sleep these days, and that’s where using a highlighter can make all the difference. The Radiant Face Illuminator has a creamy texture and the beige-white pearlescent tint gives dull skin a nice luminous and radiant glow, without making it too over the top shimmery. You can use it on its own, or you can mix it into your usual foundation, and apply too your cheekbones, cupids bow and anywhere else you’d like to highlight. It is very concentrated, so you only need to use a little, so the tube will last you forever. RRP: $9.95 (25ml) – Available from Big W
BOE Professional Big Kiss Lip Gloss
This lip gloss has a larger than normal wand applicator, that you at first think surely is too big, but it makes it surprisingly easy to apply the gloss to your lips. The lipgloss has a nice consistency and adds intense colour to the lips with a nice shine, and it has a reasonable wear of a few hours, although you do have to reapply after eating.
BOE Professional Perfect Pout Lip Cream
The lip cream is almost like a lipstick in a tube form, that also comes with a foot doe applicator. It is soft and creamy, and leaves a nice colour on the lips, which you can both build up or apply more sheer, depending on preference, all while leaving your lips with a semi-matte finish. The lip cream lasts fairly well on the lips, (although now as well as the Big Kiss Lipgloss) and it contains vitamin E, so again, it feels lovely and moisturising on the lips. Available in four shades. RRP: $6.95 (15ml) – Available from Big W
Overall, I really like these products from BOE Professional, and I am surprised at their high quality considering their affordable prices. Of the products I tried, the stand-outs were the definitely the Finishing Powder, the BB Cream and Concealer and the Big Kiss Lipgloss, although I would not hesitate to repurchase any of the products again – as well as I plan to check out the rest of the range when I am next near a Big W store, I especially got my eyes on the Eye Bright Pen, the Blush Duo, the Full Coverage Concealer, and the Eyeshadow Quads..
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Have you tried any of the products from the BOE Professional range? What did you think of the products?
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BOE Professional Base Primer
With combination skin I rely on a good primer when I want my makeup to last. The BOE Professional Base Primer has white creamy texture, and containing squalene, sweet almond oil and aloe vera, it hydrates and conditions the skin at the same time as it helps make your makeup stay looking nicer for longer. It is very lightweight and leaves a nice feel on the skin. Worn after moisturiser but before foundation, the Primer helps to absorb any excess oil in the skin, while also blurring the appearance of blemishes and imperfections so that your makeup applies not only more easily, but you also end up with a more even and flawless. RRP: $9.95 (25ml) – Available from Big W
BOE Professional BB Cream and Concealer
This is a true multi-tasking product, as a BB Cream with a built-in Concealer in the cap, and it even has a small mirror too! Absolutely brilliant! The BB Cream contains among others aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter and vitamin E and helps hydrate and condition the skin. It gives the skin a medium coverage, while still leaving the skin with a nice natural finish and a lovely glow.
And while you can still build up the coverage by adding a touch more, I still feel that it is not fully covering larger areas of redness, pigmentation, blemishes or bags under my eyes, and that’s where the in-build concealer comes in handy. The Concealer is very creamy , and has a great coverage, picking up where the BB Cream stopped. Both lasts well on the skin throughout the day, although my skin does get a bit shiny by midday, but that’s where the Finishing Powder comes to the rescue! RRP: $12.95 (35ml)/ (1.2g) – Available from Big W
BOE Professional High Definition Finishing Powder
Having combination skin I always struggle to get my makeup to stay put, and in particularly during summer, so I love transparent setting powders. This powder is super-fine and finishes your makeup, mattifying your skin and absorbing surface oil, and hence extending the life of your makeup, making your skin look shine-free for longer – and instead leaves you with a nice demi-matte look. And as the powder is translucent it doesn’t add any extra coverage, so it is perfect to use on top of all types of foundation from tinted moisturisers, BB creams and even full coverage foundations, or even on bare skin! It comes in a clear plastic jar with a black lid, and is best applied with a large powder brush. RRP: $9.95 (15g) – Available from Big W
BOE Professional Radiant Face Illuminator
With a teething toddler I rarely get a good nights sleep these days, and that’s where using a highlighter can make all the difference. The Radiant Face Illuminator has a creamy texture and the beige-white pearlescent tint gives dull skin a nice luminous and radiant glow, without making it too over the top shimmery. You can use it on its own, or you can mix it into your usual foundation, and apply too your cheekbones, cupids bow and anywhere else you’d like to highlight. It is very concentrated, so you only need to use a little, so the tube will last you forever. RRP: $9.95 (25ml) – Available from Big W
BOE Professional Big Kiss Lip Gloss
 |
| Big Kiss Lipgloss in shades Manhattan and Crystelle |
This lip gloss has a larger than normal wand applicator, that you at first think surely is too big, but it makes it surprisingly easy to apply the gloss to your lips. The lipgloss has a nice consistency and adds intense colour to the lips with a nice shine, and it has a reasonable wear of a few hours, although you do have to reapply after eating.
 |
| Big Kiss Lipgloss in shades Manhattan and Crystelle |
The lipgloss feels so lovely and moisturising on the lips thanks to containing vitamin E and jojoba oil, and even after the lipgloss has worn off, your lips are left feeling nourished and soft. Available in four shades. . RRP: $6.95 (15ml) – Available from Big WBOE Professional Perfect Pout Lip Cream
 |
| Perfect Pout Lip Cream in shade Divine |
The lip cream is almost like a lipstick in a tube form, that also comes with a foot doe applicator. It is soft and creamy, and leaves a nice colour on the lips, which you can both build up or apply more sheer, depending on preference, all while leaving your lips with a semi-matte finish. The lip cream lasts fairly well on the lips, (although now as well as the Big Kiss Lipgloss) and it contains vitamin E, so again, it feels lovely and moisturising on the lips. Available in four shades. RRP: $6.95 (15ml) – Available from Big W
Overall, I really like these products from BOE Professional, and I am surprised at their high quality considering their affordable prices. Of the products I tried, the stand-outs were the definitely the Finishing Powder, the BB Cream and Concealer and the Big Kiss Lipgloss, although I would not hesitate to repurchase any of the products again – as well as I plan to check out the rest of the range when I am next near a Big W store, I especially got my eyes on the Eye Bright Pen, the Blush Duo, the Full Coverage Concealer, and the Eyeshadow Quads..
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Have you tried any of the products from the BOE Professional range? What did you think of the products?
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