WINTER SKIN CARE FOR THE FACE

During winter when the temperatures drop, my skin reacts but getting so much drier than it usually is. That is sometimes a blessing for those of us with combination skin, as suddenly you do not have the dreaded afternoon shiny face – however, the joy is short lived, and soon the skin gets drier and drier, and often irritated too. So today I’d like to share with you some of the products I use on my face during winter to save it from drying out but rather keep it moisturised and looking healthy.

But before I start, have you been following my series of post with products to care for your skin and hair during the cold winter months? If not you can see the one on winter care for hair or for hands and feet, or maybe the one for the body or what about the one for lip care?

Anyway, here are my selection of winter saviours for the face…



Veet Face Precision Wax & Care*

 

I don’t have a lot of facial hair. Thank goodness! But do like to keep my eye brows neat, and that’s where the Veet Face Precision Wax & Care comes in handy. It comes in a small dual-ended pen with was in one end, and Soothing Aftercare Cream with aloe vera in the other end. And it is so easy to use, you simply pop the wax end into a cup of just boiled water and leave for a minute before you apply a thin layer to the desired area. You then pop a fabric strip over the wax layer, rub it a few times before you pull it back. And the final step is applying some of the soothing cream which quickly soothes the skin, taking away any redness, leaving the skin soft and moisturised. The wax end has a slanted nozzle which makes it easy to apply precisely, and giving you such a nice result that personally I prefer to do this from the comfort of my own home, and not have to venture out in the cold to salon to get it done – it is quick and easy to do, and I save quite a few dollars on the way too, as there is plenty of product in the pen for approx. 20 uses.

RRP: $15.99 – Available from supermarkets, Priceline and select pharmacies



La Mav Cranberry Bio Exfoliating Scrub*

 

When it’s in the midst of winter and warm summer days seems to be but a faint memory, and the face is looking pale and lifeless, nothing works better than using an exfoliating scrub to rid your skin of dead skin cells to leave your skin looking smooth, healthy and glowing. A great option is the certified organic Cranberry Bio Exfoliating Scrub from La Mav which is perfect for combination and oily skin types such as mine. It is a deep cleansing facial scrub which contains bamboo and ascophyllumnodosum extracts to not only gently buff away dead skin cells, but also deep cleanses your pores from excess oil, surface dirt and impurities, while regulating sebum production and improving circulation, to leave your skin more even toned and luminous. 

RRP: $29.95 (60ml) – Available from La Mav




Racinne Ultimate Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub*

 

Another option is the Ultimate Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub from Racinne. It contains super fine exfoliating beads, yet it so gently and efficiently scrubs away dead skin cells and impurities from the pores to help promote a more glowing a brighter skin. It also contains lemon grass, peach and seaweed extracts which helps promote the skin to renew itself in 28 days and increase its absorption of nutrients and hydration for a more luminous and radiant skin. The ingredients make it smell so lovely and fresh, and as it is so gentle it can be used daily, although just a few times a week is more than sufficient as it is so potent and efficient.

RRP: $24 (75ml) – Available from Racinne

 


Pure Fiji Eye Crème*

 

And of course you cannot forget the sensitive skin around the eyes also needing some extra TLC, and generally, eye cream is one of those products that I cannot live without. This eye crème from Pure Fiji contains a botanical blend of cold pressed nut oils, boosted with dilo and beach almond hydrosol, green coconut kinetin and a powerful of anti wrinkle peptide to help smooth fine lines and strengthen the delicate skin around the eyes. The light cream has a lovely delicate scent, and absorbs instantly into the skin, leaving it feel ever so soft and thoroughly hydrated. And it comes in the cutest little frosted glass pump bottle which makes it so easy to dispense and use.

RRP: $54.95 (15ml) – Available from Pure Fiji



Boots Laboratories Optiva Radiance Boosting Eye Balm*

 

If you’re on a budget this Optiva Radiance Boosting Eye Balm from Boots Laboratories is a great suggestion. It helps to soothe and brighten the delicate area around the eye, which is more vulnerable to puffiness and dark circles as the skin is so thin in this area. The light balm has next to no scent and helps make tired skin look more radiant and healthy looking in a short period of time. It is so easy to spread and absorbs into the skin instantly as it has a quite thin formula, yet it leaves the eye area thoroughly moisturised, and without irritating as it is so gentle. And because it absorbs so quickly, it is also perfect for using under makeup.

RRP: $22 (15ml) – Available from Amcal


Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream*

The words ‘maximum moisture’ is for someone with combination skin prone to breakouts enough to make me run away as fast as I can – but no need to worry with this day cream from Elemis. The cream has the consistency of a light fluid absorbing instantly into the skin, and in spite of its light formulation it is so moisturising, containing an adaptive technology that intelligently adjusts to your skin’s needs, leaving my skin moisturised, smooth and soft all day long, - and even though it is so moisturising, it never leaves my skin feeling greasy. This also means that it works perfectly under makeup too.

RRP: $83 (50ml) – Available from The Facial Co



Ella Bache Paris Spirulines Intensive Wrinkle Smoothing Cream with Spirulina*

The constant change between the cold outside air, and the warmth inside with the heather going, is enough to leave my otherwise combination and slightly greasy skin craving extra moisture. One brilliant suggestion is the Spirulines Intensive Wrinkle Smoothing Cream from Ella Bache. This concentrated cream is rich in 220 life-essential elements including 70% protein, vitamins, trace elements, minerals, amino acids, which instantly recharges the skin, nourishes it and gives it intense moisture, while visibly improving the appearance of the skin and helps reduce any signs of ageing.

The slightly green cream smells seriously divine, and I love how velvety soft, smooth and glowing it makes my skin.

RRP: $118 (50ml) – Available from Ella Bache



Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Vitamin Oil with Vitamins A & E*

If you want to give your skin a vitamin boost, then you just cannot go past the Vitamin Oil from Nutrimetics which contains a concentrated blend of oils from Soybean, Safflower, Wheat Germ and Avocado as well as Vitamins A and E, which combined delivers an intense treatment and nourishment to your skin, improving moisture retention and instantly restoring and relieving even extreme dryness. Just a few drops after cleansing and toning your skin is all that it takes, and the dropper bottle makes this quick and easy without any wastage.

And the beauty is that this small bottle of oil is a multi-tasking oil, also suitable to help improve dry areas on the body, for dry and flaky nails and cuticles, in your hair to tame down any fizz or use as an intensive hair treatment before washing it. A true little gem!

RRP: $47 (25ml) – Available from Nutrimetics




Thalgo Melt-Away Mask*

 

Sometimes not even a very moisturising moisturiser is enough, and you need to reach for a moisture mask to get your skin back to optimum health. I do not have sensitive skin, but a walk with my little boy in the pram in the cold and chilly Melbourne winter weather is enough to leave my cheeks flushed and wind burnt – but as soon as I pop on the Melt Away Mask my skin is instantly soothed and replenished. It is rich in Omega 3 and 6 and helps regulate skin flaking mechanisms, reinforce skin barrier to reduce excess water loss and stimulate cellular regeneration. Left on my skin for just 10-15 minutes and I am left with the softest and most glowing skin.

RRP: $48.95 (50ml) – Available from The Facial Co




Avene Thermal Spring Water*

 

Another fantastic option for irritated, blushed and red  skin is a quick spray of the Avene Thermal Spring Water, which is enough to instantly offer relief by soothing and calming my skin. And it is perfect for use too during summer when your skin needs cooling down in the hot weather. And the best part is that it is as perfect to use on both clean skin and on top of makeup, and also works like a dream as a makeup setting spray.

RRP: $13.99 (150ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies



Thalgo L’Oceane*

 

Sometimes applying moisture to your skin is just not enough, and you need to moisture from within. During summer I haven’t got an issue with drinking lots of water, but in winter when it’s cold, I just tend to forget to drink until I am actually really thirsty, or I reach for a cup of tea instead, neither of which is benefitting my skin, or my overall health for that matter.

Enter the Thalgo L’Oceane. These small ampoules contain hypertonic seawater collected in the pure water and are chock full of essential micro-nutrients for the physiological elimination and regeneration of cells, helping to relieve you from feeling of tired, stressed and dehydrated. Just  one or two of these ampoules a day taken before a meal, will give you an energy boost, while helping to detoxify, revitalise and hydrate the body and help you feel more energetic and less fatigued. And who doesn’t need that during winter. The water does taste slightly like salty sea water, and although I don’t particularly love this taste, I do like that these natural ingredients makes my skin look more glowing and radiant and gives me a little extra energy.


RRP: $29 (20 Ampoules) – Available from The Facial Co

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

 

So there you go, these are some of my winter saviours for my face.

Have you tried any of these? What do you think of this selection? Does your skin tend to get drier during winter? Which products do you reach for?

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WINTER CARE FOR BODY

In the next instalment of products to provide extra care during winter, I look at the products that have so far helped me through the first part of winter;

 

 

Premium Spa Frangipani & Coconut Body Wash*

Everything starts in the shower. Firstly start with an amazing scented body wash such as this Frangipani & Coconut Body Wash from Premium Spa. I am not the biggest lover and not the biggest fan of coconut scented products but luckily the frangipani is the dominating scent here, and I love the scent of frangipani, one of my favourite flowers (that I despite of several attempts still have been unable to grow in my garden in Melbourne). This Australian made body wash is free from chemical nasties including parabens, mineral oils and SLS, and it instantly transforms my bathroom into a tropical paradise, and leaves my skin feeling clean without drying it out.

RRP: $9.95 (300ml) – Available from Priceline and BigW

 

Dove Soft Peeling Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Cream Bar*

 

On the days you are in a hurry you cannot go past the Dove Soft Peeling Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Cream Bar. The soap bar contains not only 1/4 moisturising cream it also contains tiny beads, so it not only cleanses your skin, it also gently polish the skin and moisturises it at the same time. A true multi-tasker. It works into a nice soft later, that rinses off easily, and it leaves the skin feeling lovely smooth and soft. It is so gentle on the skin that it is perfect for everyday use, even on the most sensitive skin. And having a delicate and gentle scent, its perfect for your hubby to use too!

RRP: $4.49 (100g) - Available from Supermarkets, Priceline and select pharmacies

 

People for Plants Papaya, Quillaja & Apricot Body Scrub*

Another option is the Papaya, Quillaja & Apricot Body Scrub from People for Plants. It is made from 85.4% organic ingredients, and contains micro beads of apricot in a formula made from apricot kernel oil, macadamia seed oil, shea butter and aloe vera, which helps moisturise and soothe the skin. It is loaded with vitamin A, minerals, and Omegas 9 and 6, and the anti-oxidants from the papaya help to protect the skin, while lime, lemon and orange peel essential oil helps tone and uplift the skin and make it smell amazingly zesty and refreshing. And while it contains physical granules to exfoliate the skin and slough away dead skin cells, it is so gentle on the skin, yet it leaves it feeling soft and smooth and radiant. I love that it is Australian made and owned, and has been made without sulfates, and you know exactly how large percentage of certified organic are used in the product.

RRP: $19.95 (150ml) – Available from People for Plants and Priceline, David Jones and select pharmacies
 

Premium Spa Frangipani & Coconut Sugar Body Scrub*

 

What better way to give your skin some glow and rid it from all the dead skin cells than give it a good scrub. And this Frangipani & Coconut Sugar Body Scrub Premium Spa is the perfect choice. It is made with certified organic jojoba oil, and naturally exfoliating cane sugar, as well as coconut and frangipani oils, and smells absolutely divine – The scrub has just the right amount of sugar to give the skin a good buff getting rid of dead skin cells, but without being too harsh, and once rinsed off, it is soft, smooth and glowing, and luckily you can still smell the beautiful frangipani lingering on your skin.

RRP: $14.95 (250g) – Available from Priceline and BigW

 

Boots Laboratories Serum7 Protecting Body Serum*

Serums are usually intended for the face and eye area, but not this Protecting Serum for the Body from Boots. It has been designed with an antioxidant complex with includes active anti-ageing ingredients including lipo-peptides and white lupin that promises to help boost and maintain the skin’s elasticity and leave it visibly smoothed. And after using it for just a week, I can already see and feel how much softer and more radiant my skin is. In spite of being called a serum, the serum has the consistency of a light lotion, and it is quick and easy to spread over the skin, and instantly leaving it feeling soft and with a nice sheen. It has next to no scent which I quite like too, so it won’t clash with my perfume.

RRP: $19 (150ml) – Available from Amcal

 

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion*

You probably recall me declaring my love for the Aveeno body products, and this Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion is no exception. Compared to the other Aveeno body lotions this one is extra thick and creamy, targeting extra dry and itchy skin (where were you when I was pregnant, and that belly as so annoyingly itchy!!) , and it does take a little while to absorb into the skin, but it instantly soothes the skin. And it is so perfect for winter, and already after just a few uses the dry skin on especially my legs and shins is back to its healthy self. And the cream makes sure to leave the skin feeling soft and moisturised all day, without the need to reapply.

RRP: $12.99 (354ml) – Available from supermarkets, Priceline and selected pharmacies

The Jojoba Company Tuberose + Clementine Body Souffle*

 

This body cream has the most gorgeous light and airy whipped texture that is so lovely and luxurious to use. It contains hydrating Pure Australian Jojoba, which is rich in antioxidant and Vitamins A, D+E, softening cocoa butter, clementine and rose geranium to calm and soothe the body and mind, tuberose Oil to stimulate blood circulation as well as camellia seed oil for its anti-ageing effects.

The soufflé spreads so easily, and absorbs instantly into my skin, yet in spite of being so light in consistency, it is extremely moisturising, leaving my skin feeling smooth and velvety soft and all day. The souffle is Australian made and free from chemical nasties, and it comes in an attractive frosted plastic tub that you can easily mistake for being made of glass, so it looks quite deluxe. It has a gorgeous fresh floral scent from the tuberose and you can also just detect a slight hint of citrus from the clementine, and this scent lingers on your skin for hour after you use it, so it’s perfect for those days where you don’t want to use a perfume.

RPP: $39.95 (250ml) – Available from select pharmacies and health stores

 

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Lotion*

 

This body lotion is no ordinary body lotion, is an anti-ageing body lotion for mature skin that thanks to organic pomegranate seed oil, apricot kernel oil and shea butter that prevents premature aging and stimulates cell renewal and protects skin from damaging external factors. I really like that, using anti-ageing products on my face for decades, I think it is about time to start using some on that old body too! It comes in easy to use pump bottle and the thick cream makes the skin extremely moisturised and feeling so velvety soft and smooth. It has a beautiful gentle and fruity scent of pomegranate that continues to linger on the skin for long after the cream has absorbed. After just a few days of use, my skin feels incredible soft and subtle.

RRP: $24.95 (200ml) – Available from Weleda Online and select stockists

 

Luminesce Essential Body Renewal*

 

I have previously reviewed this body cream, and absolutely adore it (check out my full review here). This body cream is another anti-ageing body product, that not only gives your skin intense moisture, but it also works as an anti-ageing treatment for the body at the same time. It targets wrinkles, age spots and sagging skin, containing antioxidant botanicals that help stimulate cellular renewal and protect the skin’s cells and encourage the body’s natural processes to produce more collagen and elastin to make it look younger. It absorbs instantly into the skin, leaving it feel incredibly soft and smooth, and over time with continued use, skin does look significantly younger and more even toned too. It comes in a gorgeous silver tube with a nifty twist lid that makes it so easy to use.

RRP: $48.35/150ml – Available from Jeunesse Global

 

Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend*

 

If you want to splurge a little more and like to use a body oil, this Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend from Elemis is nothing short of amazing. The aromatherapy oil is the ultimate multi-tasking product, suitable for absolutely everything from caring for your nails and cuticles, to taming and adding moisture to hair and scalp and keep your skin soft and moisturised, and not to forget, it may help reduce the appearance of scars and assist in the prevention of stretch marks – and as it is free from chemical nasties and contains no parabens, SLS or SLES, DEA, mineral oil, artificial colours or silicones, it is perfectly suitable for use during pregnancy too. I so wish I’d come across this before, and especially while I was pregnant. It has the most gorgeous and gentle floral scent from the camellia, and the lightweight oil absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it so incredibly soft and with a nice sheen. And as I love the scent so much, I do enjoy using it as a cuticle oil too, so I can smell it on my hands, and when I’m done, I simply smooth any remaining oil over my hair to tame any frizz and give my hair a moisture boost too. It comes in a beautiful red glass bottle that looks stunning in the bathroom, and it has a small spout allowing you to get just the amount of oil without any wastage. Just beautiful!

RRP: $62 (100ml) – Available from FacialCo

 

ModelCo Everyday Gradual Tan*

 

I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I have to admit, that I am not the biggest fan of self-tanners, and the main reasons are that I rarely have time to take the time to apply it to make sure it is streak-free, and secondly, that I am just not that fond of the smell that develops along with the tan. But in saying that, there is no denying that in the midst of winter and my skin gets paler and paler, I do feel that I consequently also look more washed out and consequently more tired too. And that’s when I give in and reach for a good self-tanner. A good suggestion is the Everyday Gradual Tan from ModelCo that is like a body moisturiser that goes on clear, and within a few hours a tan is gradually developing – and as it is a gradual tanner, where you can slowly build up the colour by using it every day, or ever few days once you’ve got the desired colour and to maintain the colour, there is no risk of getting a streaky look either. And you get such a nice natural looking colour that doesn’t look orange of make you look like an oompa loompa. And the beauty is that you technically can skip using your usual body lotion to save time, although I do recommend using a cream on dry areas of the body first. The cream has a fresh fruity scent and while slight scent does develop during the day along with the tan, the scent of the cream does somewhat mask this.

RRP: $14.95 (230ml) – Available from Priceline, Woolworths, Target, selected pharmacies and ModelCo Online

So there you go, these are the body products that helps keep the skin on my body healthy this winter.

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

 

Have you tried any of these products? Do you feel you need to step up your skincare regimen for your body during winter? Which products do you use?

Product Review: Product Review Boots Laboratories Optiva Radiance Renew Foaming Cleanser, Comforting Day Cream & Radiance Boosting Eye Balm

A few decades ago I lived in the UK. And I very quickly discovered the Boots stores, and I think the majority of my spare money was sent there. The stores were amazing. So many products and brands that I had not previously seen or had access to in the small town in Denmark where I grew up. Oh, how I have missed those stores since leaving the UK. And when I’ve flow from Australia to Denmark on my annual trip to visit family and friends, I’ve been looking so forward to the duty free shopping during the layover in Asia or the UK, and although the shops in the airports are tiny, and only carry a very small range, I always still have to go in there, and get something, for old times sake. One of those ranges that I have fond memories off, is Boots own products, which are of such high quality, yet at so low prices. So when I was told that some Boots Laboratories products were becoming available in Australia, and I was asked to trial some, I immediately and excitedly accepted. Here are my thoughts on the *Boots Laboratories Optiva Radiance Renew Foaming Cleanser, Comforting Day Cream & Radiance Boosting Eye Balm;

What They Say:

Radiance Renew Foaming Cleanser: "A gentle foaming wash that leaves your skin feeling fresh, clean and invigorated with a healthy glow. It gently washes make-up and grime away, leaving skin clean and soft. The oil free formula".

Comforting Day Cream: "A rich formula for normal to dry skin. Easily absorbed, Comforting Day Cream helps fight dehydrated, dull looking skin by strengthening and protecting it leaving skin feeling softer, looking smoother, and more radiant. Contains SPF15 and UVA filters for added protection."

Radiance Boosting Eye Balm: "Soothes and brightens your skin with this delicate eye balm. The delicate area around your eye is especially vulnerable to puffiness and dark circles. It uses the Althaea officinalis extract to restore radiance and the skin around the eye will be left more supple, soft and healthy looking."

RRP:

Radiance Renew Foaming Cleanser: $14 (150ml)

Comforting Day Cream: $22 (40ml)

Radiance Boosting Eye Balm: $22 (15ml

- Available from Guardian and Amcal Pharmacies

What I Say:

The Boots Laboratories Optiva promises to help strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, hydrating it for up to 24 hours, quenching free radicals and help revitalise skin leaving it velvety smooth and glowing with health!

The Optiva is formulated with Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow root) extract, which works as an effective active ingredient by helping rejuvenate the deterioration of the skin and strengthening skin structure. A compound present in althaea officinalis helps to reduce the levels of hyaluronidase and this in turn minimizes swelling and acts as an anti-aging compound. In addition, the products also contain Allantoin, which increases water content, helps shed dead skin cells to increase smoothness of the skin. Helps to heal sensitive and irritated skin, Shea Butter to moisturise the skin to leave it looking and feeling softer and smoother, and help build a better lipid barrier.  And finally it also it also contains Glycerin, which with a combination of other moisturising ingredients, glycerine works throughout the day to give prolonged, all day moisturisation.

Having combination skin prone to breakout, yet having ageing skin too, I am always on the lookout for a products which will care for my skin, while not drying it out. And while I do not have sensitive skin, I love the fact that the Optiva range is suitable for sensitive skin, is hypoallergenic and paraben free too.

The Radiance Renew Foaming Cleanser uses the liquid-to-foam formula that has also recently been so popular in hand soaps – basically, it is a liquid in the bottle, but once you pump it out into your hand, you get the softest foam.

And as promised it easily, and gently cleanses the skin, and clears away any makeup too, even long-wearing, although it does struggle a little with my eye makeup, but I don’t mind that, as I prefer to use a specific eye makeup remove around my sensitive eyes anyway- although it is such a gentle formula, that it could easily be used around the eyes too. And after rinsing off the cleanser, my skin is left soft and smooth, and not at all dried out. But while it does look clean and healthy, I am not really seeing any increase in the radiance of my skintone as the name of the product suggests. The cleanser has a very faint floral scent.

The Comforting Day Cream is formulated for normal to dry skin, so with my combination skin I was a little concerned that it would be too rich for my skin. But that was not the case.

The cream is light and absorbs easily and quickly into the skin without leaving behind any greasy residue, and without making my skin feel like it is drowning in moisture either. This means that as I find that it is still suitable for my combination skin, I could imagine that it wouldn’t provide sufficient moisture for those with drier skin types.

The cream leaves my skin feeling soft and thoroughly moisturised, and with a nice sheen too, and it works perfectly under makeup, and I like that it contains. SPF15 and UVA filters so I know my skin is protected from the sun’s harmful rays, although I would have liked to see this increased to SPF30+. Like the cleanser, it has a very faint floral scent.

Of the three products, the Radiance Boosting Eye Balm is by far my favourite one.

The light eye cream is extremely light and feels both soothing and moisturising on the eye area, without irritating my sensitive eye area. And it is sufficiently moisturising without being too heavy and cause bags under the eyes. After just a few uses, I can see that the area around my eyes is more supple and soft, while unfortunately, as claimed, I have not noticed any reduction in puffiness and dark circles – but that would also have been too good to be true, seeing I hardly get any nights’ sleep at the moment, as I am up several times during the night to comfort our teething little boy.

Unlike the cleanser and the moisturiser, the Eye Balm has next to no scent.

 

What I Like:

• These products are very gentle, and perfect for those with sensitive skin types
• Products are hypoallergenic and paraben free
• Has SPF15
• Well priced
• Now readily available through Amcal & Guardian pharmacies

What I Don’t Like:

• Moisturiser claims to be for normal to dry skin types, but I am not sure it would be sufficiently moisturising for dry skin
• Personally, having combination skin, I’d love the moisturiser to be slightly lighter in consistency

Overall, these are lovely products, and of such a great quality, especially considering their low price (and right now Amcal has $5 off all products too!!). Being at the age where anti-ageing is a concern and I would like to see a few more anti-ageing properties added to the cream and the eye balm, but then again, Boots Laboratories does have a range available, Serum7, which covers this, so really this cannot be seen as a negative. So if you are after some gentle, yet effective products to care for your sensitive skin, then I highly recommend that you check out this Optiva range. And me, I’m just hoping that this is the start of Boots products available here in Australia, and that many more will be launched in the near future. Fingers crossed!

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

 

What do you think of this new skincare range from Boots? Ever tried any Boots products? Been to one of their stores?