THREE OF A KIND: HAIR TREATMENT OILS

I have quite long and also thick hair, which I only wash every second or sometimes even every third day. My hair is used to it, so it is never greasy, and when I feel it needs a ‘pick me up’, there’s always dry shampoo. However, on the days that I don’t wash my hair, I do feel that it can look a little frizzy, and also a little dry at the ends. And that’s when I rely on a good hair oil. So today I’d like to put focus on three different Hair Treatment Oils; 

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil for Hair

This Pure Care Dry Oil from Dove contains African Macadamia Oil and just a few drops spread through my hair is giving it much needed moisture boost, while leaving it feeling incredibly soft and shiny, and without weighing it down or making it feel greasy. It is great to use after washing your hair as a leave-in treatment, and also on the days you don’t wash your hair for extra moisture and to tame frizz. And you can even use it before washing your hair as a treatment, by applying a generous amount and leaving it in for up to 30minutes before washing, so overall a great multi-tasking product. It absorbs quickly into the hair, leaving it feel lovely and soft, and it has a lovely floral scent and in spite of the bargain price of $19.95 the glass bottle makes it feel more luxe.
RRP: $19.95 (100ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets and select pharmacies



NFuzion Zero Frizz Serum

This Zero Frizz Serum from Nfuzion is also a multi tasking product as it both adds moisture and shine to the hair, while controlling flyaway frizzy dry hair, and it can be used both before and after styling. You see, you can add a few drops to your styling product to add additional shine, as well as after styling as a finishing product to smooth and control frizz, seal the hair cuticles and split ends as well as add shine. T

The serum is extremely concentrated so just a few drops is more than sufficient. It comes in a cute little pump bottle that makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of product. It has a scent of coconut, which personally I am not too fond of, but if you like coconut scented products you’ll love this. But in saying that, it makes such a significant difference to the look of my hair that I can certainly put up with the coconut scent.
RRP: $18.95: (60ml) – Available from Salon Supplies

Kevin Murphy Young.Again Immortelle Infused Treatment Oil

This Young.Again Treatment is the most expensive of today’s products, costing almost $50, however, it is also an amazing product. The Treatment Oil has been infused with Immortelle to counteract the oxidization and ageing process, caused by heat styling and hair colouring. When using the nutrient rich oil daily it not only helps add shine to the hair and control frizz, it also helps moisturise and condition dry and damaged hair, help it regain elasticity, and protect it from further damage. Young.Again can be used both in damp hair after washing it, before any styling products, as well as it can also be used in dry hair to add further nutrients to the hair and further smooth down the hair and remove any fly-aways. The lightweight oil has a slightly spicy floral scent that is quite lovely, and it is very concentrated so you need to be cautious not to use too much.
At $49.95 for 100ml, it is not cheap, but I love how it makes my hair feel incredibly soft and smooth, and without weighing it down, so to me it is worth the spend if you can afford the splurge!
RRP: $49.95 (100ml) – Available from Adore Beauty and Select Hair Salons
So there you go, three different Hair Treatment Oils, at different price points so there is something for everyone and every budget! 

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

Do you use hair treatment oils? Any recommendations?
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BEST BARGAIN BEAUTY BUDGET BUYS - JANUARY 2015

After Xmas, and then followed by the Boxing Day Sales, most people are a little strapped for cash in January, I know I am! So I thought it was time for the first post on Best Budget Beauty Buys for the year;

Sunsilk Addictive Brilliant Shine Shampoo & Conditioner*

This shampoo and conditioner has been infused with a blend of 5 natural oils, including pearl extract and rich vitamin oils to deeply nourish the hair fibres and activate the hair’s natural shine properties to leave it shinier than you’ve ever seen it, yet without weighing it down. The products are a co-creation made with Jamal Hammadi and come in very girly bright pink bottles, and have the most stunning fresh fruity scent. The products are very concentrated so they will last you forever!
RRP: each, $4.79 (200ml), $6.29 (400ml), $10.99 (750ml) – Available from supermarkets, pharmacies, Variety stores and Priceline.



Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion Honey Indulgence*

When I am in a hurry in the mornings (mostly because my little toddler boy wants me to hurry when I’m in the shower, I just cannot go past this In-shower Body Lotion. It is used after your regular shower gel, and then you quickly apply it all over the body before rinsing it off. And once you are out of the shower and dried, your skin is so soft and smooth that you can completely skip applying body lotion. Saves so much time as you can in turn get dressed immediately. There are a few different versions available, but this newest one contains honey to deeply moisturiser sin for 24+ hours, so it is perfect even the driest of skins. And thanks to the honey contents, it smells divine too!
RRP: $6.49 (250ml) – Available from supermarkets, pharmacies, Variety stores and Priceline. 



Pantene PRO-V Dry Shampoo*

 

Having long thick hair, washing and drying my hair takes forever, and with a toddler, that is time I often haven’t got. Once I washed my hair daily, but over the last two years I have ‘trained’ my hair to get used to only being washed ever two to three days. Even so it doesn’t really look greasy any more (as it once did on day two), but still, if I go out on a day I don’t wash it, I still like to freshen it up a little by using dry shampoo, and these new options from Pantene are absolutely brilliant. The Volume Booster is also designed to both help absorb excess oil, while also helping to increase volume in the hair. The Original Fresh Dry Shampoo, on the other hand, also absorbs oil, but isn’t specifically designed to add volume, but I feel that it still is, as most other dry shampoos. It has a lovely fresh scent, so of the two that is my preferred option.
RRP: $9.99 (140g) each – Available from Supermarkets, Pharmacies, Variety Stores and Priceline



Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment Shaver*

I don’t normally have dry skin on my legs, but for some reason during summer, the skin does tend to become drier. Not sure why, maybe because I shave a bit more frequently seeing I wear dresses and skirts! And while I do admit to loving my trusted epilator, I do at times like to use a good old-fashioned shaver, especially when I am in a hurry as well as I always use on under my arms. And this Pure Nourishment Shaver from Schick comes with a thick moisturising bar infused with almond oil and coconut milk that not only means that you don’t have to use shaving cream, but it moisturises the skin while you use it, so you avoid razor burns. As it has four blades it is quick and easy to use and you only have to go over the area once for a close shave without any cuts. The actual design is a little larger than most other shavers, but I like that it sits well in the hand and is not too flimsy, so as it also has a rubber grip on the sides, you don’t risk dropping it.
RRP: $12.69 (kit with shaver, caddy, and two blades) – Available from Supermarkets, variety stores and select pharmacies



Impulse Perfume Sprays*

I always wear perfume. Well, that’s not quite true, now that I am pregnant I am trying not to wear it as much as I know it is full of chemicals that I really should avoid, so I am saving it for special occasions. When I am home, or simply just going grocery shopping, I’d like to go for something slightly lighter than a strong Eau de Parfum, such as the newly launched Perfume in an Aerosol Sprays from Impulse. There are a total of nine different scents in the range, so there is something for everyone. I have tried Illusions, Romantic Spark and Merely Musk. Illusions contains rose and sandalwood and has a light fresh scent, while Romantic Spark has a warmer floral scent thanks to containing earth woods and wild violets, while finally Merely Musk contains lime and sandalwood making it a fresh but warm scent as well. Of the three, Illusions is definitely my favourite, being the lightest and freshest scent of the three. The slimline spray cans have a nifty twist closure lid so you don’t have to fear that it will spray into your handbag, and they all have a surprising staying power, thanks to being created by the world-renowned fragrance expert, Ann Gottleib, who is among other behind some luxe scents including Calvin Klein’s Eternity and Obsession, Marc Jacobs and Christian Dior’s J’Adore – funnily enough all favourites of mine, and perfumes that I have in my collection, and have repurchased numerous times. These Impulse Perfume Scents are an amazing bargain buy!
RRP: $4.95 (75g) - Available from Pharmacies and Priceline



Dove Pink Anti-Perspirant Deodorant*

 

This little gem not only works to keep you dry all day, even on the hottest and most humid day, but it also contains Dove’s usual ¼ moisturiser so it cares for your underarms at the same time. It dries quickly, and has a beautiful powdery floral scent which is however still so gentle and subtle that it won’t clash with any perfume. And what’s even better is that buying one of these, means that you also help support National Breast Cancer Foundation, and in my opinion there is no better cause, so I always make sure to stock up on these!
RRP: $3.89 (50ml) – Available from Pharmacies, Supermarkets and Priceline



DermaSukin Daily Hydrating Wash and Daily Gentle Wash*


 

Being pregnant means that unfortunately some skincare ingredients are totally off limits, as they can potentially harm the unborn baby. Some of these ingredients are salicylic acid, which are present in the majority of blemish products – so suddenly not being able to use those, is not the greatest when you’ve always had blemish prone skin, and to top it off, your skin suddenly goes bonkers with raging hormones. But what I’ve learnt over the years is that nothing beats a gentle cleanser, and the Hydrating Wash and Daily Gentle Wash from DermaSukin are brilliant options. They are both soap and fragrance free, and are sulphate and paraben free too so they are perfect for even the most sensitive skin types. And as they are soap free they can both be used both with and without water. With water I love using them with my Clairsonic, and without water you can simply remove any excess with a dry clean cloth. Simply too easy. The hydrating Wash contains among others aloe vera and calendula to help keep the skin hydrated, while the Daily Gentle Wash contains aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile and is designed to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
RRP: $8.95 (250ml) each – Available from Select Pharmacies



EcoTools Pure Complexion Deep Cleansing Facial Sponge*

 

When I feel like my skin needs a gentle deep clean, I cannot go past this Konjac Sponge which is handmade from 100 percent natural ingredients, including Konjac vegetable fibre and bamboo charcoal. When dry, it looks more like a pumice stone, but don’t be fooled, once soaked in water, it turns soft and fluffy, so you can wipe it over your skin to help wash away dirt, makeup and dead skin cells, all without irritating the skin, causing any redness or drying it out, rather it leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing thanks to the gentle exfoliation I gives at the same time. And the best thing is that you can keep using it again and again over a period of one to three months before it needs to be replaced.
RRP: $14.99 – Available from the Beauty Office

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

So there you go, a selection of amazing products that are not only very effective, but also very kind on the bank account!

Have you tried any of these products? Which products do you turn to when the budget is tight?
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BEST BUDGET BEAUTY BUYS - OCTOBER 2014

It has been a little while since I’ve done one of my Best Budget Beauty Buys posts, and I actually planned to do this feature monthly, and well now we already half way into the next month.... ups! Anyway, slight late, I thought it was about time to share some amazing products that I came across last month, that won’t send you broke...

anatomicals the seven deadly skins melon body scrub*

Love anatomicals. Their bright packaging and quirky texts on the bottles is such a refreshing change, and of course, then there’s the amazing scents.

And this melon body scrub doesn’t fail to impress either. It simply smells so fresh and divine. The scrub gently scrubs away any dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft, smooth and glowing, and leaving your bathroom smelling like a fruit orchard meanwhile. And as anatomicals puts it “If you're dissatisfied we'll eat our 100 hats. Sorry for our gluttony.”

RRP: $8.99 (200ml) – Available from Target and Priceline



Herbal Essences Naked Shampoo & Conditioner*

In a time where silicones, parabens and dyes are a big no-no, this shampoo and conditioner from Herbal Essences is a great choice. The shampoo contains white tea and mint extracts and leaves your hair clean without drying it out, and with a naturally silky shine, while the conditioner a stimulating herbal and mint infusion for hydrated and nourished, smooth hair that is light and not weighted down. The products are great for everyday use as they simply leaves your hair feeling and looking shiny and healthy, and with a gorgeous fresh fruity scent.
RRP: $6.99 each (300ml) – Available from Supermarkets and Priceline



Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Damage and Colour Repair*

When my hair and scalp need some extra TLC, a good pick is this Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Damage & Colour Repair Treatment Mask from Clear. It contains a rich blend of vitamins and nutrients that work to nourish the scalp and hair, leaving it look healthy and shiny and without being weighted down or feeling greasy.

And the best thing is that it is super quick to use, working in just three minutes. It comes in a cute lavender coloured tub and has a nice floral scent – and if using this every couple of days will give me glossy and healthy locks like some Miranda Kerr, than I’m all for it.

RRP: $9.99 - Available from Priceline, Supermarkets and select pharmacies



TRESemme Platinum Strength Leave-In Treatment*

This leave-in treatment claims to “visibly repairs up to 2 years of damage in just 5 uses”, and while am not so sure I can see that in my hair, the treatment instantly helps make my hair softer and more manageable. It leaves a protective layer on each hair, locking in moisture and protecting it from future damage, and consequently my otherwise dry ends look and feel so much healthier. And all without making it feel greasy or weighed down. It has a gentle floral scent that quickly fades once it has absorbed into the hair, and it comes in a convenient pump bottle.
RRP: $10.99 (125ml) – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline and select Pharmacies



essano Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser*

Even though I have combination skin prone to breakouts, it is important to use a gentle cleanser this Rosehip by essano Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser is perfect, easily removing all my makeup, although I do need an eye makeup remover to help with the waterproof mascara. I love that it is free from all chemical nasties including parabens, sulphates, phthalates, colours or petrochemicals, and it is also soap free to cleanse the face without drying out the skin or causing any irritations. It also contains active natural botanicals and certified organic rosehip oil that helps replenish the skin’s moisture barrier, repair the skin and help promote firmness.
RRP: $19.99 (140ml) – Available from Priceline and selected Woolworths


Quick Fix Facials Mask Exfoliating Scrub*

This is not just a exfoliating scrub, it is a multi-tasking mask, designed to both exfoliate the skin to help remove dead skin cells, while it also contains clay designed to draw out excess oil and impurities from the skin as well as it also contains pomegranate, goji berry, vitamin E and pink rose clay to renew and revive the skin.

You simply put a thin layer onto your skin, and leave for about 10 minutes to dry and absorb all the excess sebum, and then I like to dampen my hands gently massage and exfoliate my face, before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. The mask is quite concentrated and the exfoliating beads are a little coarse, so this is not a mask to use on a daily basis, but for a weekly deep treatment it works a treat.

RRP: $8.95 (100ml) – Available from Woolworths



Dove Invisible Dry Anti-Perspirant Deodorant*

Don’t you just hate it when your deodorant leaves white marks on your clothes. It looks so horrible too, when you pull a top over your head and end up with the white marks on the outside of the top. The good news is that the new Dove Invisible Dry Anti White Marks Roll-on really keeps its promise and doesn’t leave these dreaded white marks. And add to that, it is free from alcohol and contains a quarter moisturising cream, so it keeps your underarms soft and hydrated, all while offering you anti-perspirant protection all day. And it has a gentle scent that won’t clash with your perfume either.

RRP: $5.47 (100g) – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline, variety stores and pharmacies



People for Plants Eye Cream*

When I am in a hurry, I admit to skipping using certain products, but one thing I never ever forget, it an eye cream. I simply couldn’t live without it. My eyes are very sensitive, and easily water, so I love that this eye cream from People for Plants is fragrance-free eye, and I love too that it is made in Australia using no parabens, sulphates, synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, silicones or phthalates – but rather it has been made using 91.4% certified organic ingredients. It contains Kakadu plum, calendula, and chamomile to brighten and revitalise the eye area, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture and aloe vera hydrates the eye area. It comes in a small tube with a nozzle, making it easy to use without contamination, and it thick and creamy, although it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving it feeling greasy. And while I don’t think it has done much to the bags under my eyes, I love that it is so gentle and has a cooling effect, and that it works so perfectly under makeup too.

RRP: $19.95 (15ml) – Available from Priceline, David Jones and Select Pharmacies



Olay Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid Powered Contour Cleansing System*

I have to admit to owning a couple of the more expensive electrical cleansing brushes, but when I am going away, they are just to big and bulky, and that’s where I love this the Fresh Effects Va-Va-Vivid Powered Contour Cleansing System from Olay. Long term it naturally doesn’t offer the same results, or longevity for that matter, but for the low price, it is worth it, also if you don’t want to or cannot afford to splurge on an expensive brush.

The soft plastic bristles vibrate to help deep cleanse your skin, getting rid of any dirt, excess oil and sebum and makeup that’s clogging up your pores. Used with either the included Olay Shine, ShineGo Away Cleanser, it quickly leaves your skin feeling clean deep down every single pore, leaving it soft, glowing and healthy looking.
RRP: $16.99 – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

So there you go, a selection of great budget beauty buys that will cost you less than $20!

Tried any of these? Keen to? What’s your go to budget buys?

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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?

WINTER CARE FOR HAIR

The cold winter temperatures often leaves skin, hair and body feeling and looking worse for wear, so in a series of posts I will running you though some of the products that help me get though the cold months. In the first part I was concentrating on hands, nails and feet, and today I will be focusing on products that will help keep your hair looking healthy this winter;  

 

Unico Intense Shampoo & Conditioner*

 

These products are designed for hair that has been chemically treated, and perfect for straight hair, so they are the perfect for my long straight-ish coloured hair. The shampoo is lathers up easily to a soft lather that gently cleanses your hair and scalp while the conditioner is rich and so moisturising, yet without weighing my hair feel heavy. After use, hair is easier to comb and it looks shiny and healthy, and with minimal frizz. The products come in simple, yet modern lime green bottles which will look amazing in any bathroom, and they have an incredibly gorgeous minty scent with a slight citrusy undertone from the added essential oils used, and this scent also lingers in your hair once washed and dry.

I also love that the products have added UV protection so they help protect my coloured hair from fading, as it is so rare these days that I can be bothered to sit half a Saturday in the chair at the hairdresser to get it coloured, that I want to ensure the colour stays bright and vibrant for as long as possible. The UV protection is also perfect to protect your locks from drying out under the harsh Australian summer sun.

RRP: $21 (250ml) each – Available from Adore Beauty
 

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Beautyfying Oil Masque*

 

This intense hair masque contains from maize, pracaxi, argan and camellia oils, and also contains moisturising serum and lipidic compounds to give the hair extra nourishment. It is so thick and creamy, and extremely concentrated, so about two table spoons full is more than sufficient for my long (below my bra strap) and very thick hair. And after leaving it in for 5-10 minutes or so, or for even more intense nourishment, I leave it in my hair for 20-30 minutes with either a shower cap (those disposable ones you find in hotel rooms are so brilliant for this), or alternatively use cling wrap – and once rinsed out, my hair is left feeling extremely smooth and so soft to touch, and so incredibly shiny and healthy looking – and with the most beautiful and delicate scent which no doubt comes from the added Camellia oil. The hair Masque comes in a plastic tub with a gold screw lid, which makes it look as luxurious as it makes your hair feel. 

$60 (200ml) – Available from selected hair salons


Kevin Murphy Fresh.Hair*

 

Having so long hair, means that washing it takes quite a while, and drying it afterwards even longer – time which I haven’t got with a toddler. Obviously I wash my hair, usually every second day, and when I do, I generally let it dry naturally instead of using the hair dryer, which I am sure is quite beneficial for the health of my hair. But on the days I don’t wash my hair, I generally rely on a dry shampoo to make my hair feel, look and smell fresher, and the Fresh.Hair from Kevin Murphy really does make my hair feel almost as clean as washing it, almost, and a couple of seconds and a few sprays is all that it takes.

Fresh.Hair has a gentle subtle scent, and unlike other dry shampoos, it doesn’t leave my hair looking matte with the tell-tale sign that a dry has been used, but rather it leaves my hair with a nice shine, and some much needed body and volume too. Absolutely brilliant must-have item, including for those mornings when you’ve hit the snooze button once too many times.  

RRP: $32.95 (250ml) – Available from Adore Beauty



evo happy campers hard-working moisturiser*

 

I love evo’s philosophy of being ‘a manufacturer that speaks the truth’, and ‘desire to produce an exclusive salon range (and not sell it as the answer to life, love and other woes), evo steps outside the normal realm of truth-stretching invention in a ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ crusade of twisted honesty – designed to make people think’. Sulfate, paraben and glycol free, with added sun protection, ‘happy campers allows a little bit of healthy, sun-protecting, moisturising maintenance while you go about your dailies, especially for those of you lucky enough to be spending time at the beach in the next couple of days (this isn’t a hint for the holiday we weren’t giving away; give you an inch and you take a mile!!! You already get two products in one and now you want more…greedy mother #&*%$%!!!!).’ – reads the text on the packaging, hahaha. I love a company that has a bit of humour, such a refreshing change. And especially when the lighweight leave-in treatment leaves my hair feeling so soft, quickly transforming dry ends to feeling and looking so much healthier, smoothing down any frizz, and simply just makes my hair so soft and healthy and easier to manage, while leaving behind the most gorgeous fruity scent.

RRP: $25.95 (150ml) – available from RY and The Facial Co

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil For Hair*

 

With the wet weather during winter, my hair always tends to become more frizzy, and feel drier too, so I always rely on hair oils, and the Pure Care Dry Oil from Dove a good suggestion. It contains African Macadamia Oil and just a few drops spread through my hair is giving it much needed moisture boost, while leaving it feeling incredibly soft and shiny, and without weighing it down or making it feel greasy. It is fantastic to use after washing your hair as a leave-in treatment, and also on the days you don’t wash your hair for extra moisture and to tame frizz. And you can even use it before washing your hair as a treatment, by applying a generous amount and leaving it in for up to 30minutes before washing. It has an exquisite warm floral scent and the heavy glass bottle makes it feel more luxurious than the $ it costs

RRP: $ 100ml – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Wella Professional SP Luxe Oil*

If you can afford to splurge a little more, you really cannot go past this hair oil from Wella that can be used in both wet and dry hair. As the name suggests it really is luxurious thanks to a blend of three oils; argan, jojoba almond oil to help provide nutrition and hydration to the hair, while protecting the keratin in the hair, and locking in moisture and strength by forming a protecting layer around each hair strand. Just a few pumps makes my long hair so smooth and look incredibly shiny and healthy, yet without making the hair feel greasy or weighing it down, and it leaves behind the beautiful sweet almond scent.

RRP: $42 (100ml) – Available from hair salons and RY

 

bhave Fresh Ends*

I have previously declared my devoted love for the amazing products from bhave, including this Fresh Ends Leave-In Crème (check out my full review here), which contains among others certified organic argan oil, macadamia oil, aloe vera and replicine functional keratin not only moisturise, nourish and add shine, but also give the hair strength and elasticity to help prevent hair breakage. 
Fresh Ends is free from chemical nasties including parabens, sulphates and sodium chloride, and comes in a luxurious and stylish looking silver jar, with a nifty pump function. And it is the perfect product for using in the ends of the hair, both when wet and when dry, to prevent split ends, smooth down frizz, prevent heat damage when using hot styling tools, and simply add moisture to the hair to leave it looking healthy and shiny. 

RRP: $32.95 (50ml) - Available from select hair salons 


Scrunci Detangle Brush*

My hair is also often quite tangled when I have washed my hair –especially right now as I am extremely overdue for a haircut, so my long hair tends to get a little knotty at the dry ends. I must admit that when I saw the brush, and felt the soft bristles, I thought that there was no way it would be able to comb through my thick long hair. But how wrong was I. My hair is so easy to comb with this Detangle Brush, and it easily removes knots without pulling or tugging as much as my normal paddle hairbrush would, so there is simply less damage and breakage to my hair when I brush it. It looks so simple, but it is simply brilliant. And being so lightweight, it is perfect to pop into the handbag too!

RRP: $14.95 – Available from Priceline


Kevin Murphy Session.Spray*

Having so long and thick hair, I don’t use a lot of styling products in my hair as often I find that they simply just make my hair tangled and difficult to comb out at the end of the day, - so the products I usually use on a daily basis apart from a leave-in moisturiser, and a shine serum or oil treatment, is a hair spray to help tame those annoying flyways around especially my face. And the Kevin Murphy Session.Spray is weightless, yet offers both a flexible finish and hold, that doesn’t make your hair clump together or feel stiff, and it also makes your hair look incredibly shiny and glossy at the same time, and while hairsprays usually don’t smell very nice, this one ticks all boxes too!

$29.95 (337ml) – Available from Adore Beauty
 

So there you have it, these are my choices for keeping my hair in top condition this winter…
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

Have you tried any of these products? Does your hair look worse for wear during winter? Which products do you reach for to get it back to top health?