BABY AND TODDLER SKINCARE ESSENTIALS

Today on the blog it is all about baby and toddler skincare that we are currently enjoying using on our 19 month old boy..

Billie Baby Soothing Baby Powder and Soothing Bubble Bath

My little boy loves bubbles. He has a bubble maker, and he loves it when he has lots of bubbles in his bath. Sadly bubble bath is often very drying on the sensitive toddler skin, so we have been limiting bubbles to every other bath, where possible.

However, this Billie Baby Soothing Bubble Bath is so gentle on baby skin as it contains a combination of nourishing Goats milk and Aloe Vera to soften skin and cleanse without drying or irritating the skin, as well as scents of Lavender, Lemon and Ylang Ylang essential oils help calm and comfort your baby. The Bubble Bath creates lots of soft bubbles, and it is free from sulphates, parabens, colour and synthetic fragrance, yet it has the most gorgeous natural scent, mainly from the lavender.

RRP: 13.95 (250ml) - Available from Priceline and Select Pharmacies and Billie Goat Soap Online 

We always use baby powder in the nappy area of our 19 month old boy, to make sure that he is dry, and so far he has never had any nappy rash, so I am convinced that it is worth it. The Billie Baby Soothing Baby Powder is made from 100% talc-free corn starch powder that helps to absorb any excess moisture. It also contains lavender that helps to soothe and calm the baby’s skin, while leaving a lovely light lavender scent behind. It powder is very concentrated, so you only need a tiny dusting, so the bottle will last you quite a while.

RRP: $8.95 (100g) - Available from Priceline and Select Pharmacies and Billie Goat Soap Online 

GAIA Natural Baby Mini Traveller

 I have raved about GAIA before, as their products truly are some of the best baby products I’ve come across and used on my little boy. The products are natural and organic and contain certified organic ingredients including wheat germ oil, evening primrose oil, shea butter, lavender, chamomile, aloe vera leaf extract, calendula and avocado oil. The products are formulated especially for delicate baby skin, and are suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitivities and irritations, making them eczema friendly.

The products are also free from all the chemical nasties such as artificial fragrances, soap, sulphates, petrochemicals, mineral oils, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol or phthalates, which I really like as these ingredients can often trigger dryness and irritations in baby skin. They have such a lovely natural scent that is not empowering either, so again perfect for a little baby

The GAIA Mini Traveller Kit contains Baby Shampoo, Baby Bath and Body Wash and Baby Moisturiser, in short, everything you need. The bottles may look small, but don’t be fooled, these products are so concentrated that they will last you a long time. I know that I will putting this small pack away to bring with me to hospital when our little baby arrives in May!

RRP: $16.95 (3 x 50ml) – Available from Priceline, select pharmacies and supermarkets and GAIA Online

Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash and Soothing Relief Moisture Cream

I have been enjoying the Aveeno skincare products on myself, so I am very pleased that there is baby range available too. My little boy hasn’t got particularly dry skin, although it does tend to get a little drier during winter, but sadly he has inherited dad’s sensitive skin.

The Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash is a very concentrated, thick and creamy wash that has been enriched with colloidal oatmeal to care for baby’s sensitive skin. Because the wash is so gentle it can be used as both a body wash, but I have also used it as a shampoo on his fine hair, and I love that it is non-irritating to his eyes, and hence tear-free! I also foams up well, so it can also double as a bubble bath. I also love that it is fragrance free, although it still has a lovely scent that reminds me a little of vanilla, that leaves my son’s skin smell beautiful for long after he is out of his bath. 

RRP: $10.99 (236ml) – Available from Priceline, Pharmacies and Supermarkets

This Soothing Relief Moisture Cream is enriched with colloidal oatmeal to care for baby’s sensitive skin, and t is so gentle that it is suitable for babies (and adults!) with dry skin and eczema. The cream is so thick and creamy, yet it absorbs so quickly into the skin, leaving it so moisturised and soft for hours, yet without leaving behind a greasy feel. My son doesn’t have particularly dry skin, but even so I have noticed that his skin is so much softer now that I am massaging this into his skin after he has had a bath at night. In saying that, occasionally he does have dry skin on his chin from the constant dribbling, but again, just a few applications of the Soothing Relief Moisture Cream and his skin is soft and smooth again. The cream has next to no scent, which I personally also prefer when it comes to baby and toddler skincare products. After massaging the cream into his skin, I’ve been massaging the remaining cream into my hands – they do tend to get a bit dry as I wash them a lot during the day, and the cream has also done wonders here too! The cream is very concentrated, so the large tube is very good value and will last you a while!

RRP: $10.99 (140g) - Available from Priceline, Pharmacies and Supermarkets
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

So there you go, these are some of the products we currently enjoy using on our little boy.

Have you tried any of these products? Which skincare products do you use on your little ones? Or maybe you use baby skincare yourself??



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BEST BUDGET BARGAIN BUYS - MAY 2014

It has been a little while since I last posted my Best Budget Bargain Buys (if you missed the last one, you can see it here), and while I had planned on making this a regular feature, life with an 11 month old baby simply means you never know how much time you’ve got to yourself, and for blogging…  So I will try again to see if I can make this at least a monthly feature! So without further ado, here are my Best Budget Bargain Buys for May..

 

 

 

Ulta3 Nail Polishes in Tangelo Twist and Corsican Rose*      

 

 

 

I doubt these nail polishes from Ulta3 need any introduction. At just $2.00, yet with a surprising quality and a huge quality, and massive colour range, the nail polishes are amazing, and make it possible to have nails to match the latest trends, even on a tight budget. These two colours have brightened up my days lately as the days are getting shorter and colder too; Tangelo Twist is a bright flouro orange, while Corsican Rose is a lovely pastel green.

RRP: $2.00 each (13ml) – Available from Select Pharmacies

 

Billie Goat Soap Body Butter*

This body butter is suitable for sensitive skin, and while I do not have sensitive skin, I love this super gentle body butter which is made from goats milk, which is high in selenium (a natural antioxidant) and pH neutral, as well as highly moisturising and all-natural butters like cocoa and shea. These ingredients create a barrier on the skin protecting it from drying out, while leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. It is thick and creamy, but just little is sufficient for the softest and smoothest skin, without any irritations.  

RRP: 17.95 (230g) – Available from Select Pharmacies and from Billie Goat Soap Online

 

Dove Essential Nourishment Body Milk*

I will always love Dove products, including this Essential Nourishment Body Milk, which offers 24 hours of proven nourishment for the skin as it contains Dove Deep Care Complex as well as nutrients and essential oils – and it doesn’t just moisturise the skin on the surface, this body lotion works deep down the skin layers to hydrate and nourish the skin, making it feel soft and smooth. Compared to other Dove body lotions, this one is slightly thicker, yet still absorbs quickly without leaving the skin feeling greasy. It has a lovely gentle scent, which fades quickly and doesn’t clash with your perfume. And it comes in a huge bottle that will last you forever.

RRP: $8.39 (400ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Sunsilk Co-Creations Frizz & Weather Defence Shampoo and Conditioner with Teddy Charles*

 

 

This shampoo and conditioner works to works to control frizz and protects from dryness for 24 hours, it also contains weather shielding technology and a UV filter. It provides dual protection against the effects and changes in weather conditions and balances the level of moisture in the hair, helping to shield against damaging UV rays. The formula includes trehalose to reduce the effects of humidity on the hair fibre by controlling the interaction between water and proteins in the hair. Found in a variety of plants it also works to protect hair from dehydration by binding water in the hair fibres reducing damage caused by dryness, heat and cold. And as the days are sadly getting wetter – some days it is like it will never stop raining, the last few weeks have been the perfect time to put these babies to the test – an believe it or not, but they work. My hair is not only feeling soft and smooth, and looking super shiny, it is also significantly less frizzy. Even on a rainy day! And the products have the most gorgeous sweet fruity scent too, that lingers in the hair for a while.

RRP: each $4.79 (200ml), $7.79 (400ml), $11.99 (750ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle CC Daily Moisturiser with SPF15*

Even on ‘no makeup’ days I still like to wear at least a little makeup, including mascara so I don’t look washed out and sick, and a little tinted moisturiser to make my skin look a little more even. And lately I’ve been loving the new CC Cream from Nivea. Containing Q10, it has anti-ageing properties which is perfect (and sadly needed) for my skin, as I love that it not only instantly makes my skin look nicer and more even, it also helps fight wrinkles at the same time and leaves my skin thoroughly moisturised. It has a light coverage, which can be built up slightly, and stays put for a  couple of hours, but with the aid of a primer first and a setting powder afterwards, and a light dusting of powder by the afternoon, I manage to get though the days without the need for touch ups.

RRP: $19.55 (50ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets, and select pharmacies

 

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm*

 

 

With the change of the seasons and as it has suddenly gotten so cold outside, my lips are feeling a little drier than normal. But this cute little squeeze tube manages to get them back to feeling soft and healthy in no time, no matter how dry or cracked they’ve been – I simply apply it at night before bed, and wake to the softest of lips. The lip balm is enriched with menthol which makes it feel nice and cooling on the lips, while salicylic acid helps rid the skin of dry skin and cocoa butter and waxes help to condition and moisturise the lips.

RRP: $5.99 (10g) – Available from Supermarkets and selected pharmacies

 

MUD Eyeshadow Trio in cute camo*

 

 

This Eyeshadow trio in the colour Cute Camo contains as the name suggests three colours; a large pale peach/skin toned shade, and two smaller shades; a pale gold shade and a dark olive green.

 

 

In spite of the low $7.00 price tag, this Eyeshadow has quite good pigments making it easy to build up the colours, or they can be applied lightly for just a wash of colour. The colours work perfectly together, and can each be used on their own, or together for a more dramatic eye.

RRP: $7.00 – Available from Woolworths

 

Colour Theory Liquid Eyeliner in Black*

I have previously reviewed some of the Colour Theory products , and love the quality of their product and the low price points – just $6.00 for this eyeliner makes it an incredible bargain. This liquid eyeliner has a super fine felt tip that makes it easy to create a super fine, or you can retrace a few times for a bolder look. The eyeliner stays put quite well without fading or sliding.

RRP: $6.00 - Available from Amcal and Guardian Pharmacies

 

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Plush Mascara in Blackest Black*

 

 

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Plush Mascara is a gel-mousse mascara that has been formulated to volumise and lengthen lashes. It contains 40 per cent less hard waxes than traditional mascaras, which helps to prevent weak and dry lashes, and it leaves the lashes feeling soft too. Just one coat of this mascara nicely separates my lashes and gives them length and a natural look, while a few more coats gives you a more dramatic look. And I love that it doesn’t make my lashes clump or flake into my sensitive eyes.

RRP: $19.95 – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Sparkling Black*

This kohl eyeliner is so easy to use, and because it is soft and creamy, it glides onto the skin so easily without the need to drag or pull at the sensitive eye area. And it is so pigmented so it is easy to create a solid colour, and because it is waterproof it simply stays put all day, even when my eyes are watering or when it is raining outside!

RRP: $9.95 – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Jeanne Arthes - Love Never Dies*

 

 

Love Never Dies fragrance by Jeanne Arthes has been around for a while, but it is lovely nonetheless. It is made from star annis, lemon and black currant leaf in top notes, while the heart notes are rose, violet and lily. Finally, the base notes include vanilla, sandalwood and amber. And I really like the fresh fruity scent, with the hint of warm vanilla.

It has a gorgeous bottle and comes in a cute purple metallic box with a diamond and a heart cut out with a keyhole so you could see the pretty chain and jewel hanging on the neck of the perfume bottle through the keyhole!

RRP: $26 (60ml) – Available from Fragrance Choice

 

Boe Beauty Jumbo Wind Up Lips in Knockout Red*

 

 

I think everyone has fallen for the jumbo lipstains, now available from a lot of brands including Clinique and Revlon, - but at just a fraction of the cost, just $2, this Jumbo Wind Up from boe beauty is a good contender.

 

 

The Knockout red lovely and creamy gives a lovely red stain on the lips that last surprisingly long. And for that price, you just can’t go wrong!

RRP: $2 – Available from BigW

 

Schick Quattro Papaya & Pearl Disposable Razors*

I am not normally fond of disposable razors as usually the quality match the low price, but these Papaya & Pearl Disposable Razors from Schick Quattro have had me change my mind. The four blades are of high quality, and gives you a nice close shave, and without any cuts. And as it has a conditioning strip with papaya and pearl, it leaves the skin feeling soft too, and without the need for shaving cream or soap. The handle is well designed and even when you’ve got wet hands in the shower, it won’t slip out of your hands. In spite of being called a disposable razor you can easily use it for several weeks, so as the pack contains three shavers, it will last you quite a while.

RRP: $7.99 – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline, variety stores and select pharmacies

So there you go, my selection of Best Budget Beauty Buys for May.

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

 

Have you tried any of these products? Any you are keen on trying? Which budget buys have you been loving lately?

 

Product Review: Best Bargain Beauty Buys 21.09.2013

A few weeks ago I started doing a posts on Best Bargain Beauty Buys, and while I have to be I do splurge on some higher end products, I also love discovering budget products as I use so many of them on a daily basis which are very efficient and fantastic products. I did plan on making this post a regular weekly feature, but life has been a bit busy the last weeks, so I unfortunately had to skip the post last week, but here are my beauty budget picks this week;

 

*Le Tan Daily Face Sheer Tint – RRP: $10.99 (75ml) – Available from supermarkets, discount department stores, pharmacies and Priceline

 

 

This tinted face cream can be used both on its own, as well as under makeup, but I have to say that I prefer just using on its own. It contains SPF30+ and gives the skin just a hint of tint to even out the skin tone, although the coverage is sheer, so it doesn’t cover darker imperfections. It gives the skin a nice glow, without being too shiny or shimmery. It has a nice light scent, and blends easily, giving the skin a nice dewy matte finish – which in spite of my combination skin stays matte that for most of the day. And as a bonus, it’s got anti-ageing properties too, which (sadly) my skin needs. Amazing!

*Suvana Organic Paw Paw & Honey Balm - $6.95 (25g) – Available from Priceline and pharmacies

 

 

This balm is a true lifesaver. It is made from 100% natural ingredients, and 98.1% of those are certified organic. It contains among others paw paw, which heals cuts and rashes, and honey which anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and not to mention makes the balm smell and taste nice. The balm is extremely moisturising and offers instant soothing relief for dry and chapped lips, and can also be used on cracked nipples (if you’ve not had kids and breastfed, let me tell you, it is not an enjoyable experience!), as well as nappy rash! While so far our little boy has not had any major nappy rash, he little bum has been a little irritated and red after his immunisation vaccinations affected his little tummy, - and when you realise that you’ve gone out without a ‘barrier cream’ how handy is that you can simply use this multi-purpose balm! I also love using it on my nails and cuticles, but make sure you apply it when you’re not planning on doing anything for a while, or when you’re heading to bed as it is a little greasy.

 

*Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Cleanser – RRP: $13.99 (175ml) – Available from Supermarkets, pharmacies and Priceline

 

 

I have always struggled with breakouts, and still do to this day. My skin never looked better or healthier while I was pregnant, but lately my skin has started to play up a little again. One of my saviours is the Rapid Clear Oil Eliminating Foaming Cleanser from Neutrogena, which helps my skin be less greasy, so my makeup stays put for longer during the day. While this doesn’t give you ‘rapid’ results, the AHA it helps clear up breakouts and cleans deep down every single pore to avoid future breakouts, and over time help reduce breakouts as well.

 

*Palmolive Ultra Divine Blends Dishwashing Liquid – RRP: $3.49 (375mL) or $4.99 (700mL) - available at Woolworths

Who is not tired of the same old same old dishwashing liquid scents? Well, technically not a beauty product, I still thought that I’d include these new dishwashing liquids from Palmolive, simply because they smell so beautiful that they are a such a pleasure for the senses, which is nice distraction when you’re doing a tedious chore. Actually that I’m doing the dishes very often – hubby often comments that I don’t ‘do the dishes very well’, so he usually ends up doing them. Score!! And believe it or not, as soon he saw these new dishwashing liquids, he got excited, “can I use them now?”

There are to two new fragrances available including; Violet & Apple Blossom and Vanilla & Berries. Along with their unique aromatic experience, Palmolive Ultra Divine Blends contains a rich formula which cuts through hard to move grease with ease – leaving your dishes sparkling clean, while still being gentle on the hands. The Dishwashing Liquid come in beautiful bottles, and they both smell amazing, although I especially love the freshness of the Violet & Apple Blossom. And hubby loves them too, which is the most important seeing he is the 'dishwasher'..

Billie Goat Soap Lip Balm – RRP: $5.95 (15ml) – Available from David Jones, pharmacies and Priceline.

 

 

I got this Lip balm from Billie Goat Soap in the recent Beauty Tote from David Jones. I had never tried any products from Billie Goat before, but let me tell you, I’ve fallen in love with this lip balm. It is made with goats milk and Essential nutrients and vitamins including Vitamin C, B1, B6, B12 and E, Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Jojoba oil and Cocoa Seed butter for added moisture, and I love that it doesn’t contain any chemical nasties including no parabens, SLS, fragrance or colours. It is extremely moisturising, and it has a delicious (and natural) scent of sweet peach. At just $5.95 this is a bargain, and I will definitely be purchasing this again.

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

So there you go, these are my budget beauty picks this week. Have you tried any of these products? Which budget beauty products do you currently love?

 

Product Review: David Jones Delux Sampler Tote – Winter 2013

As many others I can’t resist at good beauty gift with purchase, and so I got drawn in to getting the current beauty sampler tote from David Jones.

But thing is, I really didn’t need anything, so I was wondering around in the beauty department, looking at what I could get that that I needed... And so I got a nail polish remover, which I was actually basically out of - fantastic, and at just $4.95!

 

So what did this Deluxe Sampler Tote include…

David Jones Beauty Natural Regeneration Day Cream (30ml) and Deeply Purify Facial Cleanser (30ml)

 

 

I have never tried any of the David Jones products, I have no idea what to expect, but I am looking forward to trying these.

SKII Facial Treatment Essence (30ml)

 

I have heard a lot of good things about this treatment essence, but I have never tried it. I have heard some say that it has made their skin break out, so I am a little concerned that will also be the case with my combination skin prone to breakouts, but this 30ml sample will at least give me a good chance to try it, and see what it is like on my skin without spending up big to buy a full sized product.

The bag also contained a voucher giving you a free SKII Facial Treatment Mask with your first consultation and purchase.

Molton Brown Toko Yuzu Bath & Shower Gel (30ml)

 

 

Another brand that I’ve never tried before, although I’ve heard so much about it, so can’t wait to try it. The shower gel is only small, but at least I can use it once or twice and get a good idea of what it is like.  

There was also a voucher giving you 20% off Molton Brown products when you spend $80 or more.

Circa Home Scented Soy Candle in Vanilla Bean & All Spice (mini size)

 

 

I love scented candles – with two dogs living inside the house, I frequently burn scented candles so that our house wont smell too much of dog. And this Circa candle not only looks so nice, but it smells absolutely divine. The candle was one of the reasons why I selected this particular bag.

OPI Nail lacquer in 37 (3.75ml mini size)

 

I love OPI polishes; they are 3-free, easy to apply, last well, and have a nice colour range, so I’m loving the inclusion of this mini size. In the bottle it looks dark brown or black, but once on the nail it is actually a very dark eggplant/purple colour – I love it!

Billie Goat Soap Lip Balm (Full size, 15ml)

 

 

Yet another brand that is new to me, yet I was aware of. I knew Billie Goat made soaps, but never knew that they made lipbalms too. I love that this one contains no chemical nasties including no parabens, SLS, colour, fragrance etc, yet it still has the most delicious scent of peach.

Roger & Gallet Bois D’Orange Perfumed Soap (25g)

I have seen this brand around before, but again, one I’ve not tried, mainly because I don’t really use soap bars – but in saying that, it smells fantastic so for now it can sit and look pretty in my powder room making it smell nice at the same time, before possibly making into my underwear drawer.

 

Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion (7g)

 

 

I love Burt’s Bees, in particularly the lipbalms and the citrus cuticle balm. This day cream smells fantastic, so I look forward to trying it, although I could worry that being intensely hydrating it will be a little too rich for my skin, but time will tell.

Dermalogica Precleanse (30ml)

 

 

Now this is another product that made me select this bag. I have seen so many positive reviews on this cleanser, so I’ve been so keen on trying it. And again, the generous 30ml sample will give me a good chance to see what it’s like on my skin before making a full-sized purchase.

BioElixia Body Shaper body Lotion (20ml)

There was so much hype when Elixia launched their Body Shaper lotion, but sadly it isn’t cheap, but this 20ml sample will again be a good chance to try it, although it is probably too small to expect to see any results.

 

Everything came in a black plastic tote, which to be honest I'm not really sure what to do with as its not really my style.

 

 

 

Inside the tote was a see-through plastic cosmetic back holding all the samples, and while I have lots of better quality cosmetic and toilet bags, I do like this see-through one and can see myself using it to store samples so I can easily find what I am looking for.

 

 

 

On the whole I think that this bag is extremely good value for just $19.95 – and in my eyes better value than any of the monthly beauty boxes that I’ve seen – also because you can actually see in advance what you are getting.

 

What do you think? Did you go to David Jones and take advantage of this offer too? Which products are you most excited about trying?