PRODUCT REVIEW: RETREAT YOURSELF MYSTERY BOX OCTOBER 2O19

If there is one subscription box that always impresses me, it is the Retreat Yourself Boxes. Their boxes have essentially been designed for self-pampering, and are loaded with a selection of seasonally selected natural and organic beauty, health and lifestyle products, and with the majority of the products full sized.

PRODUCT REVIEW: ECOTOOLS PERFECTING BLENDER DUO AND ENHANCING BRUSH SET

Today I'm excited to share with you some recent releases from Eco Tools, The Perfecting Blender Duo and the Enhancing Eye Brush Set. 

First up there's the Perfecting Blender Duo, which is a pack containing two makeup sponges, a small one and a large one. The large sponge is soft and flexible and has been designed to help blend your liquid foundation to help create the perfect, even look, while the smaller sponge has been designed to be a little firmer, to make help make precision coverage easier.

The sponges have various edges, including a larger flat surface to help apply product to large surface areas, a round base to seamlessly blend lines, and a wedge tip to get into smaller areas such as under the eyes etc, and like other makeup sponges, these can be used either wet or dry.

The makeup sponges are made from a unique EcoFoam technology that is made up of 70% plant based-materials, and they are also latex free, 100% vegan, and dermatologist tested - and I also love their green colours, as I think, like most others, I have enough pink makeup sponges, so it is such a refreshing change.

Of the two sponges, I am particularly enjoying the larger one, and find that it gives my skin a lovely even finish, but I am not quite sure about the smaller one, which I do find a tad hard - probably because I am used to softer sponges, so it probably just takes a little more getting used to. The sponges appear to be of a good quality, and great value for money too, although I am yet to wash them, so cannot speak of how they perform afterwards. But regardless, definitely worth a try.

Then there are the new makeup brushes, including the Enhancing Eye Set, which contains two double ended brushes, so four brush heads in total, designed to shade, define, blend and smudge.

One brush contains a Shade Brush with soft tapered bristles in one end to apply eye shadow all over the lid with, and a Define Brush in the other end, which is angled to help line and define the eye shape.

The second brush contains a Blend Brush in one end which has a rounded edge to eliminate streaks and harsh lines, and in the other end a Smudge Brush which has short bristles to help smudge the shadow and liner along the lash line.

The brushes are handcrafted and have the trademark timber shafts and are so soft and gorgeous. For travelling purposes the double ended brushes are super convenient, but for every day use, I generally store my brushes in a brush holder, which is thus not possible with these - so I would essentially prefer if they weren't double ended - but that said, they are so soft and gorgeous that I still wouldn’t' mind adding a few more to my collection.

EcoTools Perfecting Blender Duo - RRP: $19.95
EcoTools Enhancing Eye Set - RRP: $17.99

Available from EcoTools


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



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XMAS GIFT IDEAS UNDER $50

How's that Xmas gift shopping coming along. Personally I just have a few pressies for our little boys to go (and maybe to usual pressie for myself too ;-) But in case you're not faring as well, today I've got a selection of great gift ideas all under $50…  

 

 

Let's start off with the EcoTools Boho Luxe Travel Set. This makeup brush set is a gorgeous gift set containing three travel double ended makeup brushes, and a convenient and cute boho inspired cosmetic bag for storage of the brushes. The brushes are super soft, and the usual high quality that EcoTools is known for. The gift set includes;

 

 

 

• Foundation Brush
• Concealer Brush
• Powder Brush
• Blush Brush
• Eye Shading Brush
• Angled Crease Brush
• Cosmetic Bag 

The brushes also have the same cute boho printed design on the shafts to match the cosmetic bag, and really include all the necessities making it the perfect travel companion, and the perfect gift for any makeup lover.

 

 

For the body, you just cannot go past this Revitalizing Gift Set from Weleda, containing Age Revitalising Evening Primrose Body Wash (200ml) and an Age Revitalising Evening Primrose Body Lotion (200ml), which thanks to the added evening primrose helps strengthen the skin and increase its resilience all while adding essential and intense moisture and nourishment.

The Body Wash is a very gentle and plant based, and the added macadamia nut oil and evening primrose leaves your skin feeling clean and ever so soft after use. Following with the Body Lotion, which is perfect for mature skin, as the evening primrose, sesame oil, shea butter and gotu kola extract helps stimulate the restorative processes of the skin. The Body Lotion has a nice thick consistency, yet it absorbs quickly and easily into the skin, leaving it soft and feeling so nice. Both products are 100% certified natural and organic, and free from any synthetic ingredients including preservatives, colourants, fragrances of raw materials derived from mineral oils.

Both products have the most divine scent from the added cardamom, magnolia and sandalwood, and will leave you smelling beautiful for hours.

  

 

For the feet, there's this limited edition Into The Garden Pedicure set from Mary Kay. This gift set contains absolutely everything you need for fresh pampered feet, all ready for all the New Year's parties, including;  

• Satin Feet Foot Scrub, 85g
• 10 foot fizzies  
• One pair toe separators
• Emery board
• White mesh cosmetic bag

 

The Foot Fizzies are perfect to add to a foot bath, to not only freshen up tired feet, but they also help soften the feet, ready for a go with the foot scrub, which then helps gently buff away all dead skin cells, to leave your feet feeling soft and smooth. Both product have the most gorgeous floral scent. The gift set also includes an emery board to file and buff your nails and a pair or toe separators to make polishing your toe nails that little bit easier. Everything comes packaged in white mesh cosmetic bag that makes storage of the products super easy too.

 

 

Then there's the new fragrance from Elizabeth Arden, Always Red Femme EDT, which is a lighter and fresher version than the previous Always Red. The fragrance contains;  

• Top Notes: Top Notes: Blackcurrant Bud, Pear, Lemon
• Middle Notes: Peach Blossom, Muguet, Jasmine
• Base Notes: Vanilla, Moss, Cedar Wood and Patchouli

 

It is a gorgeous fruity scent where you can instantly smell the blackcurrant, but as it dries down, the pear and vanilla and not least lemon, makes it fresher. The added jasmine and patchouli adds a lovely fresh floral touch too. The fragrance, in spite of 'only' being an EDT, has a very long wear, and in fact, I don't feel the need to reapply all throughout the day to maintain the scent. It comes in the most gorgeous bottle, which is a new version of the Elizabeth Arden Red door, only it is a stunning matte black on one side, and decorate with the most beautiful pink and red flowers on the other.

 

So there you go, a selection of gift ideas under $50 that your mum, auntie, bestie, or any beauty loving female for that matter, would love getting for Xmas.

 

EcoTools Boho Luxe Travel Set - RRP: $49.99

Available from Priceline

 

Weleda Revitalising Body Wash & Lotion Pack - RRP: $39.95

Available from Weleda Online and select stockists  

 

Mary Kay Into The Garden Pedicure Gift Set - RRP: $45
Available from Mary Kay 

Elizabeth Arden Always Red Femme EDT - RRP: $50 / 50ml, $69 / 100ml
Available from Elizabeth Arden Counters in Myer and David Jones and select pharmacies

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

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BEST BEAUTY BUDGET BUYS - MAKEUP EDICTION - FEB 2015

This month I thought that I’d do an edition of my Best Beauty Budget Buys, focusing on makeup buys that I find are particularly great value..

Colour Theory Nail Polishes Pastel Collection

When your hands and toes are slightly summer tanned, nothing beats a slick or two of a pastel nail polish, and these cute nail polishes are a brilliant choice. There are over 20 different colours in the Colour Theory Nail Polish Collection, but I at the moment I am particularly fond of the range of pastels including, It’s a Boy, It’s a Girl, Minted, Lilac-A-Lovely, and Crème de la Crème – in fact, I cannot really decide which one is my favourite, but then its lucky they are so cheap you can afford them all. The formaldehyde free polishes are easy to apply and dry quickly, although two coats are required for a solid colour, but I think that is the case with most pasted coloured polishes anyway. They have a wear of a few days, which can be extended by the use of a base and top coat, but I think is decent, also considering the low price. I also love that there are so many more colours in the range, so even if you are not into pastels, there’s still a colour for you.

RRP: $4.00 – Available from Amcal and Guardian Pharmacies




EcoTools Skin Perfecting Brush

Good makeup brushes at a reasonable price can be hard to come by, but lately I have been loving this Skin Perfecting Brush from EcoTools. The brush has been specifically designed for use with BB and CC Creams, which is what I tend to wear most days, especially during summer.

The brush has cut dense angled yet soft bristles to give you a smooth application with an even look, without transferring oil from the hands to the face. The angled bristles also make it easy to get to hard to reach areas, including around the eyes and in the corner of the nose. A great quality brush at a low price.

RRP: $15.99 – Available from The Beauty Office




Essence Lash Princess Mascara

This mascara has the cutest packaging ever, featuring a corset/dress design. It has a slim wand that makes it easy to get to and cover even the tiniest of lashes. It coats evenly and gives your lashes both nice volume and length, while also adding a touch of curl, and you can build it up by adding another coat or two, all without clumping – although you do have to make sure to do it before it dries to avoid clumping.

The Mascara is not waterproof, but it still lasts all day without flaking, even surviving my sensitive watery eyes. A good mascara for everyday use, at a brilliant price!

RRP: $6.75 - Available from Target and Priceline 




Essence Silky Touch Blush

This blush in the shade Autumn Peach is a lovely pinky-peach shade with a touch of golden sheen, that is still subtle without being over the top shimmery. It initially goes in quite sheer, but you can easily build up the coverage as much as you like, as it is surprisingly pigmented, yet while still looking quite natural.

The blush is has a lovely soft finish, and it lasts all day on the cheeks without fading or sliding. A fantastic blush at a bargain price!

RRP: $5.10 – Available from Target and Priceline



Colour by TBN Moisturising Lipstick

These lipsticks from Colour by TBN are a serious bargain buy. They contain vitamin E and aloe vera and not only lightweight but also feel moisturising on the lips. They apply easily and leave a lovely semi-matte finish on the lips. The are very pigmented, and especially the darker colours, and they lasts fairly well on the lips. There is a massive 20 different shades in the range, so there is sure to be a colour to match every preference and occasion. I also love that the covers are colour matched to the shade of the lipstick as at just $2.50 there’s no excuse to pick out several from the large.

RRP: $2.50 – Available from select pharmacies




DB Designer Brands Lightweight Oil-Free Foundation SPF15

This foundation offers you a light to medium coverage that is easy to apply and blend easily covering minor blemishes, redness and pigmentation. It contains among others sericite mica as well as vitamin C and E and aloe vera to care for your skin as you wear it, which means that it feels so lovely and moisturising at the skin too. I also love that it is so lightweight and also is oil-free, and contains no talc, bismuth that can clog up pores.

It has a natural looking dewy finish that stays put all day, even on a hot day, without too much shine, and without settling into fine lines too. I also love that it has SPF15, although a higher SPF wouldn’t go astray. It comes in a heavy-duty glass bottle with a pump that is both easy and convenient to use!

RRP: $12.95 (30ml) – Available from Priceline and Designer Brands Online

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


So there you go, a collection of makeup at bargain prices!


Have you tried any of these products? Keen on trying any of them? Which bargain makeup products would you recommend?

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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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