PRODUCT REVIEW: PIXI RETINOL TONIC, JARVAL INFUSIONS SKIN BUTTER, ECO BY Sonya Driver EYE COMPOST AND SANTORINI HAIR BRUSH FROM BEAUTOPIA HAIR AND BEAUTY

A month has passed, and I am back with another amazing selection of products available from Beautopia Hair & Beauty , and if you’ve not yet shopped them, then you really must check out their website, as they stock so many cool brands within hair, skincare and makeup, and all at very affordable prices. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: ESPA SMOOTH AND FIRM BODY BUTTER

PRODUCT REVIEW: BIOLOGY SMART SKINCARE

Today I'm excited to share with you one of my newest discoveries, the Australian Made hair and body products from Biology Smart Skincare.

As well as being Australian and made using native ingredients, along with active plant DNA and pure essential oils, I love the fact that the products are free from all the nasties such as sulphates, parabens, chemicals and cheap fillers, but are made with Australian native ingredients, along with active plant DNA and pure essential oils.

Let's start with the Biology No 301 Pure Hydration Shampoo and the No 302 Pure Hydration Conditioner are designed for daily use as they are so gentle. The shampoo is sulphate free, and both the shampoo and conditioner contains among others a bio active complex, Wildberry Harvest, which consists of 3 naitive berries that stimulate hyaluronic acid within the follicle to replenish moisture levels, and enhance shine while relieving dryness. It also contains the pure essential oils of lavender, pink grapefruit, patchouli, and ginger, which combined help stimulate healing and hair growth, balancing oil production, and repair the hair, while having calming, uplifting, soothing and relaxing effect. Combined the pair help to gently cleanser the hair and balance the scalp, while helping to detangle and smooth the hair fibres and prevent split ends. These products have a very subtle natural scent you can only love, and from the first use, they leave my long hair clean, and feeling soft and smooth, and looking shiny and glossy too.

Then there's the Biology No. 305 Moisture Therapy Body Bar is a soap bar, which is free from palm oil and PH balanced. The soap bar contains the Wildberry complex so it gently cleanses the skin without affecting the skin's natural moisture barrier. It also contains Australian Kakadu Plum and Naitive Wattleseed to, which are tiny little particles that gently buff and exfoliate the skin, along with pure essential oils of lemon for its clearing and antibacterial properties and ginger verbena to brighten the skin. I am not usually fond of soap bars as I do find they can become a little messy, but this one really does leave the skin feeling so soft and smooth, that I am actually enjoying it. Plus it has a beautiful fresh and uplifting citrusy-herbal scent that is so divine. I also love that it comes in old-school brown paper wrapping which gives it a gorgeous charm.

Finally, there's the Biology No 353 Ultra Hydrate Body Butter, which is a beautiful cream also contains the Wildberry Harvest to rejuvenate and restore the skin's radiance. In addition, it also contains avocado, sweet almond, oregano and sunflower oils along with shea butter and aloe vera, as well as lavender, olive leaf, thyme and rosemary extract to give the skin an intense dose of fast acting moisture and hydration to combat dryness. The body butter absorbs into the skin so fast, and is non greasy, but leaves the skin feeling so silky soft and smooth all day. It has the most gorgeous slightly scent herbal that I really love as it is so natural, and also so subtle that it doesn't clash with my perfume. I so love this body butter, and as my skin is enjoying the intense moisture, which is also why it will be my go-to body care this winter!


The shampoo and conditioner simple cream coloured bottles with black writing, or for the body butter, a black plastic jar with a cream label and the black writing and logo. Simplistic and stunning, and just how I personally love it!

So overall, I really love these products, but there are so many more products in the range, which without a doubt will be worthwhile checking out too, which I'm very keen to!


Biology Pure Hydration Shampoo - RRP: $27.00 / 375ml
Biology Pure Hydration Conditioner - RRP: $27.00 / 375ml
Biology No. 305 Moisture Therapy Body Bar - RRP: $12.00 / 15g
Biology Ultra Hydrate Body Butter - RRP: $45.00 / 200g

Available from Biology Smart Skincare

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: SUNESCAPE SELF TAN AND ILLUMINATING BODY TINT

Where did summer go. I cannot believe that it I almost winter here, and how fast temperatures are dropping. The lovely warm summer sun seems but a faint memory ago, - and my gorgeous summer tan is long gone, and my skin is looking pale and pasty. Nothing wrong with that, nothing at all actually - but if you're anything like me, I certainly feel I look better and healthier when I've got a just a slight tan. And that's where Sunescape comes in handy… 

Sunescape is an Australian brand, developed in the world-famous Bondi. And to create and maintain a beautiful tan, you just cannot go past Sunescape’s best value ‘Take Home Gift Box’ includes; 

• Sunescape Self Tanning Mouse - Available in two colour options, Week in Fiji, or Month in Maui
• Sunescape Hydrating Body Butter 
• Sunescape Hydrating Shower Gel 
• Sunescape Self-Tan Applicator Mitt 

The Sunescape Instant Self Tan Mousse, which is a lightweight, mousse that instantly give your skin a radiant bronzed look. It contains among others macadamia nut, coconut and avocado oils to keep the skin soft and hydrated, while the antioxidants from the added green tea, kakadu plum, grape seed extract and vitamin E help nourish and protect the skin. And while this mousse instantly gives your skin colour- which by the way, also helps make it easier to apply evenly as you can see where you've already applied it - the full tan takes 4-5 hours to fully develop. The mouse is very light, and absorbs quickly into the skin, but to avoid colour transfer onto your clothes, it is recommended that you want about 5-10 minutes getting dressed after you've applied it. 

To make application even easier and completely streakfree too, the kit also comes with an application mitt that you can use again and again - and it really is brilliant, and not to mention, saves you getting self-tanner under your nails and staining them! And as promised, after about four hours, your skin has the most beautiful glowing tan, that is not looking orange or fake, but rather healthy and natural. As if you've just spent the day at a tropical island.

One of the things I often don't like about self-tanners, and the reason I don't use them as often as I probably should, is that I generally just don't like the smell as they develop, but I have to say that I am beyond impressed with Sunescape. Yes, there is a scent, but compared to others that I've previously tried, this actually smells nice! I also like that once it fades, it does so evenly, like any normal tan would.

So after the 4 or so hours, you can have a quick rinse, but just a quick one as you do not want to wash everything off - but you don't have to, and if you don't the colour will continue to develop further. And for this shower, the Sunescape Hydrating Shower Gel is the perfect body wash. It contains among others kiwi, avocado, and passionflower and has been designed to extend the life of your tan. The shower gel is free from sulfates and soaps so it doesn't dry out the skin, but rather the added extracts from the tropical flowers along with the coconut oil, not only makes this smell incredible, it also gently cleanses the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. 

To help you extend the life of your tan, the Sunescape hydrating Body Butter is perfect. This thick and rich body butter contains among others cocoa and shea butters, along with nut oils, mango fruit extracts and vitamin E to help nourish the skin, while also helping to reinvigorate and repair it. This body butter is thick, rich and creamy, and is so lovely on the skin. It does take a moment to absorb, but once it has, it leaves the skin feeling so soft and deeply nourished, and thus not only making your skin look healthier and younger, but also making your tan stay put for longer. It also has a divine coconut scent. 

In addition, I have also been loving the Sunescape Illuminating Body Tint, which is a wash-off instant tanner, that instantly gives your skin a beautiful radiant glow. This non-sticky body lotion contains among others a blend or argan, macadamia nut and coconut oils to hydrate and soothe the skin along with fruit extracts from guava and pomegranate to give it a lovely tropical scent. As the name suggests, it is slightly tinted, and is perfect to enhance your current tan, or use on its own of course, as it also helps smooth out uneven skin tones disguising smaller imperfections, and make the skin look more glowing and radiant thanks to containing just a touch of shimmer.

It is easy to apply evenly, though you do have to wait 10 or so minutes afterwards before getting dressed to avoid the colour transferring onto your clothes. And it quickly and easily washes off again with soap and water. 

Overall I have to say that I am beyond impressed with these products from Sunescape. The self tan is so super easy to use, and even a non-frequent user like me, managed to get a beautiful even and streak-free tan the very first time. Yes, the products do have a slight scent, but compared to most others, this is really so insignificant, that even I can put up with it.

You can naturally purchase all the products individually, but the Self-Tan Kit is perfect as it contains everything you need and even saves you a couple of dollars too. And the added Illuminating body tint, is such a great addition - perfect to give your skin an illuminated glow, so the ideal product to use on special occasion when you want to look even more radiant and healthy.

Yes, I would love nothing more than chilling a week in Fiji or even better a month in Maui, but that's not likely to happen anytime soon, but at least I can look forward to facing the first winter in a very long time with a beautiful healthy and natural looking tan, thanks to Sunescape.


Sunescape Self-Tan at Home Box, containing Instant Self Tan Mousse, 250ml, Hydrating Shower Gel, 200ml and Hydrating Body Butter, 250ml, Applicator Mitt - RRP: $79.80 (valued at $99.75)
Sunescape Illuminating Body Tint - RRP: $39.95 / 200ml

Available from Sunescape and select stockists

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

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MOTHERS DAY GIFT IDEAS - PART FIVE

Today I am continuing with yet another instalment of my Mother's Day gift ideas, which I hope you enjoy and feel make it a little easier to pick that special gift for Mum. If you've missed the previous parts, you can checkout out Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.

want to give her some thing cool, then just cannot get past this chic RRGB Toiletries and makeup bag from House of Tindale. The bag is made from super sturdy canvas and it has a heavy duty zipper that will stand the distance, and it has been hand crafted to ensure the highest of standard. The bag has the coolest white print all over it - REBEL - ROCKSTAR - GODDESS - BOSS, and it is large enough to carry skin and body care items, and thanks the large internal zipped mesh pocket you can also add makeup, or some personal items.

This bag is just so stylish with its monochrome design, that it makes such a such a statement, that I actually think it is such a shame to hide it away with your toiletries, so I can actually easily see myself use it a s clutch when going out, where it will be perfect for holding both your purse, mobile and keys, along with a few makeup items in the internal pocket.


If she is always on the go, who not team her up with a bottle from S’Well - these reusable bottles from the New York company, have taken the world by storm, so much so that the company has been listed at the very top of Forbes 2016 list of fastest growing women-owned or led companies.

And it is not hard to see why as the bottle is pure genius. It not only support charitable organisations such as WaterAid, but the mere using and reusing the bottle helps prevents unnecessary waste from polluting the environment.

The insulated stainless steel bottle not only look amazing - I particularly love the Onyx, which has a matte black design with a silver cap, but what's so great is that piping hot drinks stay hot for 12 hours, and cold drinks stay cold for more than 24 hours. How good is that. The bottle features a double wall construction prevents condensation, and it is made from high quality 18/8 stainless steel is taste neutral, non-porous, non-leaching & BPA free. It has a wide mouth so you can also use ice cubes, and the seal is air tight so it wont accidentally leak into your bag, as well as our drink will stay fresh. This bottle is seriously super stylish, and will look as good in board room or the office as it will in the gym or on the go, so regardless if she is into cold or hot drinks, this is a gift she'll keep treasuring for a long time. I personally also like that it, unlike many other bottles, doesn’t leak, so I can pop into my bag and not worry about it spilling its contents.


Alternatively how about one of the super cool reusable cups from JOCO. JOCO is an Australian brand of reusable cups, made from sturdy, yet lightweight glass that is resistant for thermal shock, heat retention. It is wrapped in an ergonomic thermal silicon sleeve to help ensure your drink stays hot and your hands cool. It also has a splash safe lid, that has a unique 'nose clearance' to make drinking easier.

The cups have a unique base shape that is barista certified as it pulls the contents of the cup to the center and thus improves the taste and drinking experience too. The cup is of course both microwave and dishwasher safe, and perfect for use both at home, in the office, or even take it to your café for your take-away coffee, as it has the perfect size for a medium coffee. And by using a reusable cup, you will also help reduce the amount of waste - there's a massive 2.25 billion paper cups used worldwide each year, which s over 50 million trees cut down every year, so re-use and help the environment too - all while drinking from a super stylish cup. This particular cool monochrome bird design print is a limited edition version as a part of the artist series collaboration with the Australian artist Adrian Knott - it is so cool, and I love using it - I often get distracted by my little boys and forget to drink my coffee, but this cup helps keep my drink warm longer, all while looking amazing. And my husband is very jealous of this cup, so I may have to get my hands on another one for him too.


If she's into homewares you cannot go past this stunning Hein Tray from Mojito Homewares. It is hand made from bamboo, and renders a connection to the land and culture of the Vietnamese people, with the brand supporting environmental sustainability, fair trade and promoting ethical consumerism.

The tray can be used as a tray to keep all your special things on display, - I'm considering putting mine in my large ensuite for display of some of my favouorite perfumes. But you can also use it when serving tea outside on the patio, or even as a cheese platter. I love the raw beauty of the timber, mixed with the glossy painted edge, and the quality is second to none, and while it sis super simple, it is so super modern too, and not to mention very timeless. And the best thing is tat you can have it in so many different colours, from solid bamboo, to a variety of beautiful colours such as white, lemon, orange, aqua, crimson, or a classic black such as this one. It also comes in two different sizes, 30cm and 40cm.

If she loves music and a bit of boogie as she's plotting around at home, you cannot go past this incredible Wonderboom speaker from Ultimate Ears. This speaker is about the size of a large coffee mug, but don't be fooled by its little size, as this portable wireless speaker has incredible big sound that is so clear and crisp, and with a big and full bass too - and it easily gets the beat going in my huge family room - and it has an incredible blue tooth reach too, easily connecting with my phone at the other end of the house too. It comes with a little hook, so you can take it with you every where and hang it just where you need it, such as in the garden, or even in the shower as it is also completely waterproof, or perhaps a trip in the pool where it will float! The Wonderboom is so simple to operate, turning the volume up or down, or play pause or skip till you get to your favourite song. It is also quickly and easy to charge, and once you have, you have a massive 10 hours of music. It is available in a cool range of colours including an adorable pink, purple, grey and black. This is seriously an incredible speaker, with such a great sound, and it looks pretty awesome too, so she'll absolutely love this one.


Alternatively how about some certified organic skincare from Australian Agape Skin, which is made by ingredients that you can actually read understand.

The Agape Skin The Scrub is a body scrub made with Himalayan rock salt and bicarb soda, as well as coconut milk powder, cocoa butter, corn flour and lavender essential oils, and it is loaded with vitamins A and C as well as proteins and amino acids. The body scrub has a powdery consistency that you add water to, before massaging it onto your body, or even your face as it is so gentle. This body scrub is kind of reminding me of the Microfoliant from Dermalogica, only this is for the body, and again, made only with ingredients that you can actually understand. It gentle exfoliates the skin - in fact, while using it the first time, I doubted that it was doing anything at all, as I am so used to gritty scrubs, and I didn't feel a think using The Scrub - but after rinsing off and drying my skin, I could immediately feel how soft and smooth my skin was. The powdery does mean you have to be careful not to waste any, but it truly worth. And the added lavender essential oils means that it smells absolutely divine too.

The Agape Skin The Elixir would have to be the hero. It is a very light oil for the body, containing among others camellia oil, macadamia nut oil, hazelnut oil, evening primrose oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil. This body oil is designed to help hydrate and moisturise the body, while smoothing the skin tone and supporting healthy skin cells. The oil comes in a gorgeous black and white pump bottle that makes it so easy to use. And as it is so concentrated you only need to use the smallest amount. Best used when you are just out of the shower and your skin is still warm, it easily absorbs into the skin, and after a few moments it is so soft and silky smooth, and with a gorgeous gentle natural scent lingering on your skin.

Finally, there's the Agape Skin The Balm, which is a balm for your lips. This natural lip balm is made using camellia oil, beeswax, coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, cocoa butter and avocado oil. These ingredients are a rich source of fatty acids to help keep lips soft and smooth and intensely nourished and moisturised, while also creating a barrier and protect the lips from external forces such as the sun. This lip balm so lovely on the lips, you can immediately feel how moisturising it is, yet without feeling greasy, so it is also perfect to use under lipstick. I also love that it has next to now scent, so it has already found a permanent home in my handbag!

Or what about a selection of Australian made hair and body products from Biology Smart Skincare. These products are free from all the nasties such as sulphates, parabens, chemicals and cheap fillers, but are made with Australian native ingredients, along with active plant DNA and pure essential oils.

The Biology No 301 Pure Hydration Shampoo and the No 302 Pure Hydration Conditioner are designed for daily use as they are so gentle. The shampoo is sulphate free, and both the shampoo and conditioner contains among others a bio active complex, Wildberry Harvest, which consists of 3 native berries that stimulate hyaluronic acid within the follicle to replenish moisture levels, and enhance shine while relieving dryness. It also contains the pure essential oils of lavender, pink grapefruit, patchouli, and ginger, which combined help stimulate healing and hair growth, balancing oil production, and repair the hair, while having calming, uplifting, soothing and relaxing effect. Combined the pair help to gently cleanser the hair and balance the scalp, while helping to detangle and smooth the hair fibres and prevent split ends. These products have a very subtle natural scent you can only love, and from the first use, they leave my long hair clean, and feeling soft and smooth, and looking shiny and glossy too.

The Biology No. 305 Moisture Therapy Body Bar is a soap bar that is free from palm oil and PH balanced and contains the Wildberry complex so it gently cleanses the skin without affecting the skin's natural moisture barrier. It also contains Australian Kakadu Plum and Naitive Wattleseed to, which are tiny little particles that gently buff and exfoliate the skin, along with pure essential oils of lemon for its clearing and antibacterial properties and ginger verbena to brighten the skin. This soap has a fresh and uplifting citrusy-herbal scent that is so divine, and it comes in old-school brown paper wrapping which gives it a gorgeous charm.

A great addition would be the Biology No 353 Ultra Hydrate Body Butter, which is a beautiful cream also contains the Wildberry Harvest to rejuvenate and restore the skin's radiance. In addition, it also contains avocado, sweet almond, oregano and sunflower oils along with shea butter and aloe vera, as well as lavender, olive leaf, thyme and rosemary extract to give the skin an intense dose of fast acting moisture and hydration to combat dryness. The body butter absorbs into the skin so fast, and is non greasy, but leaves the skin feeling so silky soft and smooth all day. It has the most gorgeous slightly scent herbal that I really love as it is so natural, and also so subtle that it doesn't clash with my perfume. This body butter will become my go-to body care this winter!

The shampoo and conditioner simple cream coloured bottles with black writing, or for the body butter, a black plastic jar with a cream label and the black writing and logo. Simplistic and stunning, and just how I personally love it!


House of Tindale RRGB Toiletries Makeup Bag - RRP: $39.00
Available from House of Tindale

S'Well Bottle, 500ml - RRP: $59.95
JOCO Reuable Cup - RRP: $29.95
Available from Biome Stores

Mojito Hein Tray - RRP: $35 (30cm), $40 (40cm)
Available from Mojito Homewares

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom - RRP: $129
Available from JB Hifi, Apple Stores and Harvey Norman

Agape Skin The Elixir - RRP: $95.95 / 200ml
Agape Skin The Scrub - RRP: $59.95 / 300g
Agape Skin The Balm - RRP: $10.50 / 4.5g
Available from Agape Skin

Biology Pure Hydration Shampoo - RRP: $27.00 / 375ml
Biology Pure Hydration Conditioner - RRP: $27.00 / 375ml
Biology No. 305 Moisture Therapy Body Bar - RRP: $12.00 / 15g
Biology Ultra Hydrate Body Butter - RRP: $45.00 / 200g
Available from Biology Smart Skincare

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: TREACLEMOON BATH AND SHOWER GEL, HAND AND BODY LOTION AND BODY BUTTER

Today I'm going to talk about a UK brand, Treaclemoon, which has been around for a while, but has just arrived in Australia. Treaclemoon makes a beautiful selection of Bath, Shower and Body with delicious scents. 

The Treaclemoon Bath & Shower Gels come in a large selection of scents including Iced Strawberry Dream, The Raspberry Kiss, My Coconut Island, Dusted Cocoa Heaven, One Ginger Morning - and I tried the Those Lemonade Days, Warm Apple Pie Hugs, and That Vanilla Moment.

 

The shower gels come in a large 500ml clear bottles that show the brightly coloured shower gel. The bottles have a flip lid on them, and as the only negative, I would have loved to see them come with a pump, especially considering their large size. The bottles have quirky and funny texts on them, which I think is really cute - you find things like this on the Warm Apple Pie Hugs bottle "memories of a cozy kitchen where sunlight danced and played… it felt like the whole world was cocooned in glorious apple pie heavenliness".

 

The actual shower gel has a nice consistency, not so runny that you waste half as it runs out of your hands, and not so thick that it feels like a lump on your skin, but just right! They create a lovely soft lather, especially if used with a loofah, and the scents are just gorgeous and so fresh, and without being too overpowering or sickly sweet. They gently cleanse the skin, and without drying it out too, something fragranced shower gels often do. And I love how the scents continue to linger in both my bathroom and on my skin after each shower.

 

• The Warm Apple Pie Hugs is a peachy-pink bottle and it smells like fresh apples mixed with vanilla, just delish!
• The Vanilla Moment is a pale peach bottle and it smells like vanilla
• The Those Lemonade Days is a yellow bottle and it has a refreshing citrus scent

 

Of the three, my favourite is without a doubt the Those Lemonade Days, but only because I've got a thing for citrus scents, so it really hits the notes, but the other scents are lovely too.

 

Then there's the Treaclemoon The Raspberry Kiss Hand & Body Lotion, which is a also a clear bottle, showing the pink body lotion. The lotion has a light consistency and absorbs quickly and easily into the skin without greasiness, and does leave the skin feeling soft and smooth, and with the scent lingering behind. This works great for my normal skin, and also throughout the day on my hands, although if my hands are dry, I do find I need something richer. I like that this comes in a pump bottle as it makes so much easier to use.

 

And when you do need something Treaclemoon Body Butter is perfect. I also tried it in the Raspberry Kiss, which only has an every so faint pink colour. The scent is the same as the Hand & Body Lotion, though I don't find it quite as strong, which I actually prefer. It comes in a tub with a pink label, and the actual moisturiser is thick and creamy, and really good for those dry legs. Considering its thicker consistency, it absorbs surprisingly quickly into the skin without any greasiness or tackiness. I've personally like using the Body lotion on my upper body, and the Body Butter on my legs, as they seem a little more moisture.

  

The products are also very well priced, and even more so when you consider the super-sized bottles, and the bright colours look great in the bathroom too.

And actually the shower gels have won awards overseas for best budget shower gels, which goes to show how lovely they are!!

So overall these are really lovely products, and I love their fresh scents - though again my fave without a doubt was the Those Lemonade Days, simply due to its zesty and uplifting scent - but that said the other scents were lovely too, and with so many different scents, there's something for everyone and every preference. I certainly can certainly see myself purchasing the Lemonade Shower Gel and a few other products in that range, as well as I wouldn’t mind putting a few more different scents to the test as well..

 

 

Treaclemoon Bath & Shower Gel - RRP: $12.95 / 500ml each

Treaclemoon Hand & Body Lotion - RRP: $14.95 / 350ml each

Treaclemoon Body Butter - RRP: $14.95 / 250ml each 

 

Available from iglamour

 

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

 

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PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE SHEA ULTRA SOFT CREAM

Today on the blog it is all about the Shea Ultra Soft Cream from L’Occitane en Provence;

 

 What They Say:

Nourish and protect your skin from head to toe with our Shea Ultra Soft Cream. Made with 10% Shea butter, this moisturizing formula is quickly absorbed. Scented with the tender and voluptuous fragrance of a rose heart, skin is left feeling soft and lightly perfumed.

This cream is made with shea butter from Burkina Faso, harvested in a sustainable and fair trade partnership with the women who produce it. Available in Rose Heart, Vanilla Bouquet, Zesty Lime

RRP: $34.00 each (100g) – Available from L’Occitane en Provence

 

What I Say:

If you’re a regular reader of my little blog, you’d know that I adore the products from L’Occitane en Provence, and these Shea Ultra Soft Creams are no exceptions. They are available in three different scents, Vanilla Bouquet, Rose Heart and Zesty Lime, and I’ve tried out the first two, and have my eyes on the Lime version as well as I just cannot resist a zesty citrus scented product!

Anyway, I don’t normally have particularly dry skin, but it always tends to become a little drier during the colder months of the year, and that’s when I particularly love to use the Shea Ultra Soft Cream.

The Creams come in cute metal jars with screw lids, and only the colour distinguishes them, the vanilla one is yellow, Rose is pink while the Lime one is green!

You might think that the cream is thick and heavy, but on the contrary, common for all of them is that the cream is light, almost whipped in consistency. This also means that the cream is easy to spread across the skin and it absorbs super quickly into the skin, and leaving the skin soft and smooth, and without any greasiness or stickiness. And the skin remains moisturised all day long so there is no need to reapply. But what’s even better is the creams leave the skin beautifully and lightly scented, and this scent lingers on the skin for hours afterwards, while still being so subtle that it doesn’t clash with your perfume.

Both the vanilla and the rose scents are gorgeous, although my favourite of the two wold have to be the vanilla. Still, I have to admit that I’m not normally a huge fan of rose scented products as I feel it can sometimes smell a little like potpourri, or a little like grandma, if you like – I have to admit that L’Occitane has got it just right, and even got the rose scent just right and not too heavy, but rather ‘young’ and fresh!

Regardless of the scent, it is a beautiful body cream, and I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to purchase again…especially that Lime version which I’ve got my eyes on….

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

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XMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM THE BODY SHOP

With Xmas fast approaching, I’ve got another few great gift suggestions for you, these ones from the Body Shop;

What They Say:

Schoolbook of Joy: Light up the life of someone special with this delightful Schoolbook of Joy. Proudly made by our Community Fair Trade supplier in Nepal, and full of some of the world’s finest ethically sourced ingredients, this gift has been hand-crafted in book-shaped packaging in honour of our Children in Education initiative with War Child.

RRP: $36.95 – Available from The Body Shop


Enchanting Eye Palette Dolly Pastels: Dazzle in delicate feminine shades inspired by the latest colour trends! This eye palette comes with a double-ended brush for easy application and the packaging has been designed with a special edition Nordic Christmas theme. Suitable for contact-lens wearers.

RRP: $36.95 – Available from The Body Shop


Geisha Doll Lip & Cheek Stain: This season, our iconic Lip & Cheek Stain comes in a new red shade and the cutest special edition packaging. This dual-purpose liquid stain gives a natural-looking, rosy glow to lips and cheeks.

RRP: $32.95 – Available from The Body Shop 


What I Say:

Let me start out with the School Book of Joy. This gift set is now only made by a Community Fair Trade supplier in Nepal, it is also packaged in honour of our Children in Education initiative with War Child. The gift set contains;


 

  

• Vanilla Brûlée Body Butter, 50ml
• Vanilla Brûlée Shower Gel, 60ml
• Vanilla Brûlée Lip Balm, 20ml
• Vanilla Brûlée Heart Soap, 25g

  

And as the name suggest, every single product has the most gorgeous vanilla scent. I know The Body Shop’s Body Butters and Shower Gels are very popular, so these vanilla scented goodies will be a hit under any Xmas tree as well. The Shower Gel lathers up to the most beautiful scented foam, while the thick and creamy Body Butter deeply hydrates the body in an instant without leaving the skin feeling greasy. The hand soap is so cutely shaped like a little heart. I am personally not that fond of hard handsoaps, finding them a little messy, and hence preferring liquid hand soap, but it is also perfect to pop into your clothes drawer to make it smell lovely. Finally, the Lip balm comes in the cutest little tin, and is perfect for the handbag or your bedside table, keeping your lips soft all day and night long.

 

The Enchanting Eye Palette Dolly Pastels is the cutest little slim line notebook-sized compact. It is black and comes with a adorable pink lace-style design on the cover.

The compact contains four eyeshadows; three shimmering, an off-white, a beige, and a warm peachy-apricot, as well as a matte brown shade. The off-white shade is perfect for using as a highlighter, while the beige and the peachy-apricot shades are perfect for using on the lid, and finally the dark brown shade is perfectly suited to use to line and define the eye, and use on the corner of the eye for a smoky effect.

The compact has a large mirror on the inside, as well as it comes with a double ended brush, with a sponge in one end and a brush in the other, so it’s perfect to pop into the handbag for applications on the go as well.

 

 

 

However, the cutest of them all is no doubt the Geisha Doll Lip & Cheek Stain, as it comes in the cutest little bottle designed like an adorable Geisha girl.

The lip and cheek stain is a warm red shade, but just a few drops on either your lips or cheeks, lives the most beautiful and natural flushed pink cheeks. The stain is very concentrated so you just need the tiniest amount, and you have to blend it out fast or you will end up with darker stains.

Unfortunately it also stains your fingers a little, but luckily it does disappear once you’ve washed your hands a few times. The Geisha Doll is not the most convenient of packaging to cart around in your handbag, but it looks so gorgeous on your dresser.

 

 

So there you go, some great Xmas gift ideas from The Body Shop.

 

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

 

 

Have you tried any of the products from The Body Shop? Which ones are your favourites? Can you recommend any?

 

  

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XMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM LUSH

As its getting closer to Xmas, today it is time for another round of gift ideas, today from Lush. And actually, below I will show you several options so there are both suggestions for stocking fillers, small budget friendly presents, or of course another option is making up a gift consisting of a selection of different products;

What They Say:

Lush Santa’s Lip Scrub:

Prime your pout with this moisturising cola-flavoured lip scrub that leaves your lips buffed and ready for Santa Baby – or any other Lush lip tint or balm. Caster sugar, dates and cherries scrub and soften, giving them a taste of Christmas. Dab a little on and buff, licking off the excess. RRP: $9.95 (25g) - Available from Lush

Lush Santa Baby Lip Tint: A Christmassy red lip tint made with cherries and dates for sweet, kissable lips. Made with Fair Trade shea butter and nourishing carrot oil to soften and moisturise, and a cinnamon-sweet, cola-flavoured taste of Christmas, Santa will be hurrying down the chimney tonight. RRP: $9.95 (8g) - Available from Lush

Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel: Let your skin be kissed by a rose with this sweetly floral shower gel. Wrap yourself in a comforting embrace with nourishing Moroccan argan oil, organic rose absolute and rose oil together with a Fair Trade vanilla pod infusion. This is an indulgent wash that lifts the spirits. RRP: 29.95 (100ml) - Available from Lush

Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel: Add some Christmas sparkle to your day with this candy-sweet shower gel. Snow Fairy is back again this year, bringing its fairy dust magic into your shower, now with the addition of skin-softening seaweed. RRP: $29.95 (100g) - Available from Lush

Lush Celebrate Body Lotion: Give your skin cause for celebration by smoothing on this intoxicatingly citrusy body lotion with a splash of cognac. Lime oil and Brazilian orange oil lift the spirits, while cocoa butter and almond oil hydrate the skin - it's the perfect lotion to wear for a festive night out. RRP: $22.95 (225g) - Available from Lush 


Snowman Fun: Build your own snowman in the bath with our festive Fun kit. Can anyone smell carrots? This is fragranced with a refreshing and sweet blend of buchu, bergamot and Sicilian lemon essential oils. Mould the white, orange, and black pieces into a snowman and then use it as a bubble bar, soap or shampoo when you've finished playing with him. RRP: 9.95 (200g) - Available from Lush



What I Say:

The Lush Santa’s Lip Scrub, is as the name suggests a scrub for the lips made with sugar. All it takes is a tiny bit of this lip scrub, and gently scrubs away dry flaky bits and leaves your lips feeling so soft and smooth.

The scrub has the most gorgeous sweet cherry cola scent that that is so lovely that you are almost tempted to eat it. The scrub is red in colour and also contains cute little red hearts that dissolve.

This Lush Santa Baby Lip Tint has a beautiful scent although I cannot quite detect a supposed cola flavour!! It leaves the most beautiful red stain on your lips, and from just the tiniest dab into the cute little tin, but be vary that it does stain your finger as well, so you may want to use a little brush to avoid that.

You can also use it as a cheek stain if you like, but in that case, you need to blend it out quickly or you will end up with red clowns cheeks! And as it is made from shea butter and carrot oil, it leaves your lips feeling so soft at the same time. The tint lasts surprisingly long on the lips.

Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel and the Lush Snow Fairy Shower Gel are so lovely to use in the shower, easily lathering up to the softest foam that gently cleanses your skin without drying it out.

The Rose Jam Shower Gel, has, as the name suggests, the most stunning rose scent that smells a little like old-fashioned potpourri, while the Snow Fairy Shower Gel has a very sweet and sugary lolly scent.

The Lush Celebrate Body Lotion smells seriously amazing – it may be because it contains my favourite ingredient – citrus scents, including lime oil and orange, which gives it a beautiful zesty scent.

The whipped cream is thick and rich, yet it absorbs fairly quickly into the skin, leaving it soft and moisturised, and with that gorgeous scent lingering behind for hours.

Finally, the Snowman Fun, was just that – so much fun…

I had so much fun playing with the soft soap moulding the different colours into my own little snowman, - although as you can see I am not that creative, and I also did have a few issues with the colours seeping together. And afterwards leaving him by the kitchen sink to use as a hand soap, while making the whole kitchen smell nice just sitting there on display - although he sadly did get to close to the sun in the window one day, and basically melted down like a real-life snowman. 

 
So there you go, a range of different products that are perfect to use as Xmas gift ideas – both on their own as stocking fillers or combined in a beautiful hamper for someone who deserves a little pampering.

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

What do you think of these products form Lush? Are you a fan of Lush products? Which of their products would you recommend?


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PRODUCT REVIEW: THE BODY SHOP LIMITED EDITION VINEYARD PEACH COLLECTION

It has been years since I last tried any of the products from The Body Shop. Actually more like a decade. I have really no idea why, as when I was living in London in the early 90s, I didn’t use anything but The Body Shop. So naturally when I was asked to trial *The Body Shop Limited Edition Vineyard Peach Collection, consisting of Shower Gel, Body Scrub, Body Lotion, Body Butter and Body Mist, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

Shower Gel: Transform your shower into an intensely fragrant experience, evocative of a Mediterranean vineyard escape. RRP: $9.95 (250ml)

Body Scrub: Containing ground peach seeds, our Vineyard Peach Body Scrub gentle exfoliates, leaving your skin velvety smooth, soft and fragrant. RRP: $23.95 (200ml)

Body Lotion: This light and divine smelling body lotion is perfect for daily moisturisation. RRP: $16.95 (250ml)

Body Butter: Our Vineyard Peach Body Butter is our pick of the season for skin that’s peachy soft, deeply moisturised and smells as good as it feels. RRP: $23.95 (200ml)

Body Mist: A light burst of this fresh peachy scent will have your skin smelling like a warm summer’s day. RRP: $16.95 (100ml)

Available from The Body Shop for a limited time

 

What I Say:

As soon as I opened and smelled these Vineyard Peach products from the body shop, I was, as promised transformed to a peach vineyard. The smell is that intense and incredible, and in spite of the products no doubt contain some artificial fragrances, The Body Shop has really managed to bottle a very natural scent.

 

I start the experience with the Body Scrub which has a lovely creamy texture, and with just enough ground peach seeds to make it very effective, whilst not making it feel too harsh on the skin. It rinses off easily, leaving the skin feel soft and smooth and with a nice glow. Perfect for shedding that old winter skin, and preparing for a self-tan! My only negative on the scrub is the fact that it comes in a tub, as I always find that it gets a little watered down in the shower (naughty me for letting the water run while I use it!!), so I would much prefer if it came in a tube!

 

The Shower Gel Has a lovely peachy-pink shade and it lathers up easily, and especially if you use a loofah or sponge. It gently cleanses the skin, yet without drying it out of stripping it of essential moisture.

 

Depending on how my skin feels and if I am in a hurry, I use either the Body Lotion or the Body Butter. The body lotion is light and naturally absorbs quicker into the skin than the Body Butter, but regardless it does generally deliver sufficient moisture to my normal skin. The Body Butter, on the other hand, is thick and creamy so it does take a little longer to absorb and if offers intense moisture so perfect for those with drier skin types.

 

Common for both the body Scrub, Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Body Butter, is that they leave a lovely fresh and fruity scent lingering on the skin for hours. And again, it seems quite natural and is not too overbearing.

 

Still, I cannot help but also add a squirt of the Body Mist in much the same way as I would normally apply perfume. I generally prefer fresh and zesty citrus scents, and must admit that I at first, once  smelt it in the bottle, thought that this Peach Body Mist would be too over the top sweet for me. But after trying it on, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was actually not. It does naturally have a fruity sweetness to it, but at the same time, it also has an almost vanilla warmth lingering in the background, which makes it a lovely day time spring fragrance.

 

Overall, this is a lovely fruity range from the Body Shop, and I have thoroughly enjoyed being reacquainted with their products again, and will enjoy using these throughout spring and summer. I know it is a limited edition range, but I can easily see it becoming quite popular!

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

What you do think of these Vineyard Peach products from the Body Shop? Fan of the Body Shop? Which of their products would you recommend.

 

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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?