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20 August 2021

PRODUCT REVIEW: SKINSTITUT - POTENT AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, YET SUPER AFFORDABLE COSMECEUTICAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES



I have previously talked about the Australian brand Skinstitut, and today I am very excited to be putting some further products from heir large range to the test…
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28 March 2019

PRODUCT REVIEW: AFFORDABLE YET HIGHLY EFFECTIVE COSMECEUTICAL SKINCARE FROM SKINSTITUT YOU MUST TRY


My skin has always been trouble some. Even today where I should be focusing on anti-ageing, warding off lines and wrinkles and reducing pigmentation, on top, I am forever battling hormonal breakouts. That can often be a tough cookie, as often anti-ageing products are simply too intense and rich for my combination skin.

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17 February 2019

PRODUCT REVIEW: ORGANIC NATION SUPERNATURAL8 REVOVERY OIL, BLACK RICE SCRUB, HYDRATION DAY CREAM WITH STEM-CELL AND VANILLAMINT BODY MOISTURISER




Some time ago I was lucky to go to an event introducing a range of new products, one of them was Organic Nation Bioactive, and while I immediately started using them and loved them, I for some reason only just got around to writing my through about them..

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13 April 2018

BUDGET FRIENDLY ACNE FIGHTING PRODUCTS FROM BIORE // PRODUCT REVIEW



I have all days suffered with a skin prone to breakouts, even today where I am so old I should be more focused on anti-ageing, my skin still has periods of being more temperamental than a teenager's skin. So when a batch of the newest anti-blemish products from Bioré landed on my desk, I couldn't wait to try them...

Let's start with the Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub, which is a face scrub formulated for combination, acne prone skin. The scrub has been formulated with natural baking soda, and also contains salicylic acid to gently and effectively exfoliate the skin and remove all the dead skin cells that are clogging up the pores, including excess sebum. At the same time, it is helping treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts at the same time. The scrub has small scrubbing particles, and doesn't feel coarse on the skin, but actually rather gentle, but after each use, it leaves my skin feeling soft and sooth, and without it feeling dry or irritated, and I can definitely both see and feel it is leaving my skin clearer and more refined too. It has a slight cooling feeling on the skin, which I quite like and find rather refreshing in the mornings. As it is so gentle, it can be used twice daily if needed, otherwise 2 or three times per week.


Then there's the Bioré Charcoal Acne Scrub, which is formulated for oily, acne prone skin. Along with the natural charcoal powder it also contains salicylic acid, and it promises to help exfoliate away any acne-causing dirt , clear away dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, to help give the skin a deep cleanse and help eliminate breakouts, all while being gentle on the skin, and not strip it from essential moisture or over dry it. It can also be used twice daily, or alternatively 2 or 3 times weekly as needed. The scrubbing particles in this seems slightly smaller than in the Baking Soda Acne Scrub, but regardless, after each use, my skin feels super clean deep down every pore. I keep both of these scrubs in the shower, and use them a few times a week.

Finally, there’s the Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser, which is a daily charcoal acne cleanser. It also contains Salicylic Acid deep to help clear up and penetrates pores to absorb oil and help stop breakouts from developing. I am sure the cleanser can be used to remove makeup with, but personally I prefer to use it as a second cleanse when I feel my skin needs a deep clean. I’ve also enjoyed using it with either my Clairsonic or my Foreo.

Common for the products is that I feel they can be a little drying on the skin, so if you have drier skin, or even sensitive skin, I don’t think they’d be for you. However, I do find that they are quite efficient for my combination skin, helping to make my skin feel less greasy, but clearly cleaning out deep down every pore, and as the salicylic acid also helps give the skin a gentle exfoliation and therefore also helps unclog the pores, while it is treating existing pimples too, I have found that I’ve experienced less breakouts, since using these products on a regular basis.

These products are also very well priced, so definitely worth trying out, if you like me struggle with breakouts.


Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub - RRP: $9.99 / 127g
Bioré Charcoal Acne Scrub - RRP: $9.99 / 127g
Bioré Charcoal Acne Clearing Cleanser - RRP: $10.99 / 200ml

Available from Chemist Warehouse and Priceline


* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.

Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx



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1 October 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: TREATING BLEMISH PRONE SKIN BIORE WITH ACNE SCRUB, PORE MINIMISER AND PORE STRIPS

I have all days suffered with a skin prone to breakouts, even today where I am so old I should be more focused on anti-ageing, my skin still has periods of being more temperamental than a teenager's skin. So when a batch of the newest anti-blemish products from Bioré landed on my desk, I couldn't wait to try them... 



Let's start with the Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub, which is a face scrub formulated for combination, acne prone skin. The scrub has been formulated with natural baking soda, and also contains salicylic acid to gently and effectively exfoliate the skin and remove all the dead skin cells that are clogging up the pores, including excess sebum. At the same time, it is helping treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts at the same time. The scrub has small scrubbing particles, and doesn't feel coarse on the skin, but actually rather gentle, but after each use, it leaves my skin feeling soft and sooth, and without it feeling dry or irritated, and I can definitely both see and feel it is leaving my skin clearer and more refined too. It has a slight cooling feeling on the skin, which I quite like and find rather refreshing in the mornings. As it is so gentle, it can be used twice daily if needed, otherwise 2 or three times per week. 

Then there's the Bioré Charcoal Acne Scrub, which has jumped on the bandwagon of using charcoal as an ingredient, which seems to be very popular in beauty products at the moment. It is a face scrub formulated for oily, acne prone skin. Along with the natural charcoal powder it also contains salicylic acid, and it promises to help exfoliate away any acne-causing dirt , clear away dead skin cells and absorb excess oil, to help give the skin a deep cleanse and help eliminate breakouts, all while being gentle on the skin, and not strip it from essential moisture or over dry it. It can also be used twice daily, or alternatively 2 or 3 times weekly as needed. The scrubbing particles in this seems slightly smaller than in the Baking Soda Acne Scrub, but regardless, after each use, my skin feels super clean deep down every pore.

The Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser is a facial exfoliator that contains natural charcoal powder along with micro crystals, and it promises to help draw out deep-down impurities, dirt and oil from the pores, to make them appear smaller, while leaving the skin feeling softer and smoother. Compared to other face exfoliators, this one has very tiny particles, so it does feel very gentle on the skin, yet it still feels like it is buffing away those dead cells clogging up the pores, as the skin is left soft afterwards, and I can clearly see that the excess oil, especially on my t-zone has been absorbed. The cleanser comes out dark grey, which is rather odd, but once you massage it into the skin with water, it does turn light grey/white. It is quite concentrated, so though it is recommended to use a full pump, I find that a little too much. It is recommended to use it 2 to three times per week, and unless you've got very oily skin, I'd stick to that, to ensure it doesn't dry out your skin. I have not really noticed that it has made any difference to the size of my pores. But that said, I quite like it as a deep clean once or twice a week, if I'm due for a face mask, or at that time of the month where my skin always feels a little greasier and tends to break out more often, as I do feel my skin is less greasy afterwards.

Finally, there's the Bioré Combo Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, which are long time favourites for both my husband and I. This box contains two types of pore strips, one type for the nose and one for the forehead. And they have been designed to unclog dirt and oil that can lead to blackheads, while helping to minimise the appearance of pores. The Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips for the face are designed to work like a magnet, and help lift out any dirt deep down the pores that can cause blackheads. The two types of strips in the box are slightly different, not only in shape, but also in the ingredients used. The Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips for the nose are shaped so they fit perfectly around the nose, and designed especially for the skin on the nose which tends to be greasier. And so they contain tea tree oil and witch hazel to remove twice the amount of dirt for fewer clogged pores and pores that will reduce in size.

The Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, on the other hand, are designed for the rest of the face, including the forehead, and help lift out the dirt in the pores that can cause blackheads and breakouts. I don't really have that many blackheads on my forehead, but have struggled with a few on my cheeks, which I've tried to use the strips.

The strips are so easy to use, you simply wet your face and apply, and leave it on for about 10 to 15 minutes before gently peeling it off. And you can immediately see their effectiveness, - a little bit gross, but also somewhat exciting that if you look at the used strip, you can actually see the dirt the strips have pulled out of your skin! Afterwards I like to wipe over my skin with a toner to close the pores. Using these on a regular basis definitely makes a difference to the amount of blackheads and breakouts on my nose, so we like to always keep a box handy, just in case.


So there you go, a selection of budget friendly products from Bioré for those who like me struggle with breakouts. Apart from the Pore Strips, favourite of the bunch would have to be the Charcoal Acne Scrub, as its super quick and easy to use a few times a week in the shower, and really makes a difference to the amount of breakouts on my skin.


Bioré Baking Soda Acne Scrub - RRP: $9.99 / 127g
Bioré Charcoal Acne Scrub - RRP: $9.99 / 127g
Bioré Charcoal Pore Minimiser - RRP: $10.99 / 92ml
Bioré Combo Deep Cleansing Pore Strips - RRP: $11.01 / 7+7 strips

Available from Coles, Woolworths, Variety Stores, Priceline, Chemist Warehouse and selected pharmacies 


* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.


Remember that in between my blog posts you can always keep up with me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin or Instagram

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1 September 2017

FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS - PERSONAL CARE

Just a few more days to go now, so In the next and final instalment of my father's day gift ideas, today it is all about personal care items... 


First up there's the Milkman Grooming Co Spring Rider After Shave Serum, which is a fragranced After Shave Serum that combines a daily moisturiser to hydrate, protect and nourish with an alcohol-free after shave to soothe, tighten and tone the skin. It contains among others witch hazel, aloe vera and allantoin, along with high-end moisturisers and anti-oxidants you would usually expect to see in a much more expensive day creams including hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum extract, beta glucan plus vitamins E and B5, and I love the fact that its made with out any chemical nasties such as parabens and sulphates, silicones, mineral oils or artificial colours. And its made with love in Australia.

The fragrance is a unique Spring edition, and is particularly scented to be relevant to spring, combining masculine notes of leather and musk, with the light floral scents so typical of spring.

Milkman Grooming Co plans on launching further seasonal fragrances throughout this year to coincide with Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Spring Rider leaves my hubby's skin feeling soft and smooth following his daily shave, and leaves it smelling fresh and masculine without irritating or drying out his sensitive skin.

My hubby never ever leaves the house without doing his hair, so for him, quality hair care products such as these from MUK are brilliant choices too. I love the fact that MUK is a professional haircare brand that is local from Melbourne, Australia, and the products really are top notch. The styling range includes several different styling pastes, each different brightly coloured packaging, and each with the most gorgeous fruity scent. The MUK Raw MUK Styling Mud is a paste that gives the hair firm hold and with a nice gloss, that makes the hair look shiny, glossy and healthy. It has the most divine mango fragrance. Or there's the MUK Hard MUK Styling Mud, which gives the hair a brutal but flexible hold with a low sheen finish, and it has a beautiful fresh citrus orange scent. My husband particularly loves the Raw MUK as it makes his short hair stay put all day. And then there's our two little boys, aged 2 and 4, like their daddy, they insist on getting their hair done when we go out, but can never leave it alone, so the Hard MUK is perfect for their fine blonde hair, as gives a flexible hold so you can continue to re-style their hair throughout the day But regardless of which one you pick, they make styling the hair so easy and makes it look great all day without flaking and even surviving high humidity, all while making the hair look stylish and healthy.

For the skin, there's also the Ella Bache Men's Anti Fatique Espresso Detox Scrub, which is specifically designed for tired lack-lustre male skin. The detoxifying scrub contains among others bamboo fibres to give the skin a gentle exfoliation to smooth away rough dry skin. It also contains barley seedling extract to add proteins, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and phyto-nutrients to the skin to improve the metabolism, along with ginseng and guarana and green coffee to stimulate and improve micro-circulation and erase the signs of tiredness. The scrub has a slightly spicy and masculine scent, and it doesn't feel particularly gritty, but hubby happily says that leaves his skin feeling very soft and smooth, and with a refreshing glow, with the coffee clearly giving his skin a much needed wake-up call in the morning.

And Daddy is sure to love a handwritten personal card, such as one of the humorous greeting card from the Hallmark Shoebox collection. There are heaps of different cards to chose from, from naughty, witty, crude to pure daggy daddy cards, so there 's something for everyone and for every sense of humour too.

Milkman Grooming Co Spring Rider After Shave Serum - RRP: $40.00 / 100ml
Available from Shaver Shop and Milkman Grooming Co.

MUK Hard Muk Styling Mud - RRP: $21.95 / 95g
MUK Raw Muk Styling Mud - RRP: $21.95 / 95g
Professional hairdressing salons, Hairhouse Warehouse, and Price Attack

Ella Bache Men's Anti Fatique Espresso Detox Scrub - RRP: $39 / 50ml
Available from David Jones and Ella Bache

Hallmark Shoebox Greeting Card - RRP: $4.99ea
Available from Coles, Target, NewsXpress, The Lucky Charm and selected Kmart stores and independent retailers

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


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17 July 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: TRILOGY FACIAL EXFOLIANT, EXFOLIATING BODY BALM AND RADIANCE MASK

I admit that while I love the newer chemical scrubs that have flooded the market in recent years, I do love a good gritty scrub that you can actually feel working, although these can actually also irritate or damage the skin. But did you know that a single bottle of exfoliator can contain a massive Did you 2.8 million micro plastic ingredients per bottle, and these ingredients essentially end up in rivers and oceans, polluting them and putting sea life a huge danger too, and at some point, we may actually end up even eating them through the food we eat. Pretty horrible thought if you ask me. 



Good news is that these micro-plastic ingredients are in the process of being banned. The United States and Canada have already begun the process of banning microbeads, and Australia has threatened a ban if companies do not voluntarily remove them from their products. The New Zealand government likewise announced in January of this year that cosmetic products containing microbeads will be banned in July 2018. While this is a great step in the right direction, luckily some brands such as Trilogy are taking it even more seriously and not selling any products contain these plastic beads.


Still they have some amazing microbead free exfoliators include such as the Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant. This exfoliator is so super gentle even by those with very sensitive skin a few times a week. It contains natural, biodegradable, non-abrasive jojoba wax super-fine microspheres to gently polish the skin, refine texture and improve clarity without irritating or compromising the skin’s natural barrier function. It is also NATRUE certified product, which means that it has an internationally recognised accreditation that guarantees cruelty-free and environmentally friendly practices. Products bearing the NATRUE mark are non-GMO, made from entirely natural ingredients and do not contain synthetic fragrances, colors or preservatives, petroleum-derived ingredients, silicone oils or derivatives.
The scrub contains a base of sweet almond, evening primrose and certified organic rosehip oil, active honey enzymes and camellia oil that work to lift dead skin cells while conditioning botanical extracts of macadamia nut and calendula soften and soothe for a radiant glow. The scrub really is so gentle on the skin, but don't be mistaken, as you're left with a skin that is so super soft afterwards.

If you need a scrub for the body, then you need to try the Trilogy Exfoliating Body Balm. This tub of body polisher comes in a large tub that makes it easy to use in the shower, and like the face scrub, it is also NATRUE certified. The scrub of course also does not contain plastic micro beads, but finely ground rosehip seed powder, that are biodegradable and safe to environment. As the name suggests, it has the consistency like a body balm, thanks to containing rosehip oil, sweet almond oil and beeswax, to nourish, soften and protect the skin - and it really is like slathering on a moisturising treatment while giving your body a scrub at the same time - which in the end leaves your skin so silky soft and smooth that you can almost skip your usual body cream. It has a very gentle and natural scent.

Speaking of treatments, I also thought it worthwhile to speak of the Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask, which I've so been loving lately. This certified natural mask is made with a base of kaolin, to help purify and give the skin a deep clean drawing out excess sebum and impurities, adding radiance, a more even skin tone and improved circulation. It also contains evening primrose and certified organic rosehip oil to nourish and hydrate the skin, as well as native New Zealand pohutakawa and other botanical extracts help tone, soothe and regenerate skin

The creamy mask can be used once or twice a week on cleansed skin, leaving it on to dry for about 10 or so minutes before rinsing it. And it has really made a significant improvement to my skin. Immediately after use, it makes my skin feel so clean deep down every pore, and overall, I feel that it has made my skin less oily, and I also believe that it has reduced the amount of breakouts that I have been getting too, and all without drying it our or making it irritated.

I am seriously loving these products from Trilogy, and highly recommend that you check them out too.


Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant - RRP: $38.95 / 75ml
Trilogy Exfoliating Body Balm - RRP: $35.95 / 185ml
Trilogy Radiance Mask - RRP: $31.95 / 60ml

Available from Trilogy Online, Pricelline, Chemist Warehouse, Myer and select pharmacies and Health Food Stores

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


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26 June 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: HYDROSKIN SKINCARE

I have combination skin, which is always slightly greasy, and with a tendency to break out too, but each winter it does become a tad drier. It simply doesn't like the constant change of temperature from chilling winter winds, to being inside with the heater going - so in spite of its greasiness, I always have to up my skincare and use something that is more hydrating. So when I was offered to trial a selection of products from HydroSkin Skincare, I naturally said yes. 


HydroSkin is an Australian boutique skincare range that believes less is more and consequently the products are made without all the unnecessary toxins including no parabens, sulphates, fragrances or other chemical nasties that can irritate the skin. Rather the products contain beneficial ingredients, of which 95% have been sourced locally from Australia.

One of HydroSkin key ranges, is the 3, which aims to soothe, plump, hydrate and brighten skin, reduce redness, fade age spots, reduce little wrinkles and refresh healthy skin tone, - and essentially HydroSkin says that these are the only products you need, no need for 'eye creams, neck creams, rejuvenating creams'.

The 3 Steps Set contains:
  • Hydro Mist for brighter, less pigmented skin 
  • HA Serum for increased collagen production and plump, wrinkle-free skin 
  • C Moisturiser to lock in hydration, fade age spots and defend skin from free radical 
In addition to the 3 Step range of products, I was also sent the HydroSkin Cleanser, which is a very gentle no-fuss cleanser, that still removes all my makeup (except for my waterproof eye makeup, but I always prefer to use a specific eye makeup remover anyway!), without drying out my skin or making it feel irritated. It contains among others Chamomile Roman to calm acne, rashes, eczema, wounds, dermatitis, and dry and itchy skin, as well as water-soluble olive oil to hydrate and prevent the skin from becoming dry or tense after cleansing. Polyglucosen derived from sugar starch, which is an alternative to sulphates, only it is very mild and non-toxic.

After cleansing you follow with the first step of the 3 Steps routine, which is the Hydro Mist, which contains among others Vitamins B3 and B5 to help lightening the skin and fading age spits, while humectants penetrates deep into the skin to help retain moisture. It also contains aloe vera to help soothe and calm the skin, and hyaluronic acid to help nourish the skin, preventing moisture loss and improving hydration. Overall, the Hydramist aims to help reduce hyper-pigmentation, hydrate, brighten and lighten the skin, and also fade age spots, reduce red blotchiness, improve hydration and soften wrinkles.

The Hydro Mist is used morning and evening after cleansing by applying 10-12 pumps to the face, neck and chest, personally I find that a bit much, and have feel about 6 or so pumps is sufficient. The Hydro Mist feels lovely and cooling on the skin, and leaves the skin lovely to touch, and I love that it has next to no scent. While the skin is still damp from the Hydro Mist, you apply the next step, the HA Serum,

The HydroSkin HA Serum contains miniHA™ and Hyaluronic Acid, to help add rapid hydration and increased plumpness, firmness and luminosity to the skin. You apply 3-4 pumps to the palm of your hand, rub together an apply evenly to the damp. The serum is very light in consistency (so perfect for my combination skin!), and spreads easily, and absorbs very quickly into the skin, without any greasiness. Again, it has next to no fragrance.

While the skin is still damp from the HA Serum, you apply the final step, the C Moisturiser. This moisturiser contains a stable form of vitamin C that helps reduce redness and minimises fine lines and wrinkles, increase collagen, lightens the skin and defends against free radicals, all, without irritating the skin. In addition, the moisturiser among others also contains Vitamin B3, and hyaluronic acid to help lighten the skin and fade age spots as well as add increase skin hydration.
The C Moisturiser is to be used twice daily, morning and night, after they Hydro Mist and HA Serum, by applying 3-4 pumps to face, neck, and chest. Follow with UV protection in the morning. 

This moisturiser is slightly thicker than I personally prefer for my skin type and it consequently also take a few moments to absorb into the skin. But once it has, it does leave the skin feeling soft and smooth. It has a slightly odd scent, but it is very faint, and fades quickly, so certainly nothing that bothers me. 


Finally, I also tried out the HydroSkin Salt Scrub with Alaea Red Clay, a volcanic red clay that is a purifying, all natural exfoliant. This facial scrub helps give the skin a deep cleanse, and detoxify the skin from pollutants and toxins, encouraging the production of new skin cells, to leave the smoother, brighter and more glowing.

From the infusion in the volcanic pools, it contains up to 80 natural minerals and electrolytes, including potassium and magnesium, as well as it has an added base of avocado oil and olives.

It is super quick and simple to use, just take a scoop and massage gently into the dry face, neck and decollete for 30 seconds, before rinsing it off, although if you want a deeper cleanse, or have oily/problem skin you can leave it on for up to five minutes, which I have been doing.

The mask also has a slightly odd scent, but again, nothing you can't tolerate, and it has a gorgeous red colour from the clay, which also means that it is slightly messy, so personally I prefer to simply rinse it off in the shower!! And afterwards my skin is definitely feeling and looking clearer and brighter, with my skin less greasy and pores clearly refined.

But what were my overall thoughts on the skincare range… I have to say that I am really enjoying them. My skin is clearly loving the intense moisture, and thankfully it has tolerated it without breaking out, something it often does when exposed to new and rich skincare products. It did take a little getting used to that you have to apply the next step while the skin is still damp from the previous product. I do have quite a bit of increasing pigmentation and also more and more lines and wrinkles, and while neither has reduced dramatically, I can tell a difference and that my skin generally is looking and feeling softer, smoother and plumper, and dare I say also more radiant.

I've enjoyed using all the products, and they are definitely perfect to help combat any winter dryness, but come spring and summer when my skin again tends to become a little greasier, I could suspect that especially the moisturiser will become a little too rich and heavy for my skin.

The products come in stylish silver and white bottles with pumps that makes them easy to use too - and they look so stylish and luxurious, and I do love that the products are not only Aussie, but also free from all the nasties too. If you want to up your skin care this winter, then you really should check out these products.


HydroSkin 3 Step - RRP: $193 /Hydro Mist 150ml, HA Serum 30ml, C Moisturiser 50ml
HydroSkin Hydro Mist - RRP: $39 / 150ml
HydroSkin HA Serum - RRP: $79 / 30ml
HydroSkin C Moisturiser - RRP: $75 / 50ml
HydroSkin Cleanser - RRP: $35 / 120ml
HydroSkin Salt Scrub with Alaea Red Clay - RRP: $30 / 125g

Available from HydroSkin

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


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29 March 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: AGENTO SKIN FACE SCRUB

My skin has always been trouble some, but one of those things that I know keep breakouts and excess grease and shine at bay, is regular exfoliation, and lately I've been enjoying the Agento Face Scrub. 



Often skincare products are absolutely loaded with ingredients, and most of them you have no idea what are. But Agento skin is different. It is a completely natural face scrub, that is made with natural ingredients, free from artificial fragrances, colourants, harsh solvents and detergents. And also free from those tiny, yet very nasty micro beads which wreck havoc with our marine life. 

Actually, Agento Face scrub is Australian made and owned, and it is designed to remove the layers of dead skin, and then remove oil and grease leaving your skin smooth and clean, and it is made with just four natural ingredients;

  • Pumice - to exfoliate and skin cleanser. Being a volcanic stone it is all natural
  • White Australian clay - for its natural cleansing and healing properties. The Clay draws out grease and dirt from the skin and leaves it feeling soft, and smooth as silk.
  • Sea Salt - to cleanse pores deeply, balance oil production and thwart bacteria that can instigate breakouts and acne. Salt is a gentle natural exfoliate that sloughs off dead skin. It also has minerals to soften skin and restore hydration.
  • Activated Carbon - absorbs dirt and oil and deeply cleanses the skin. Because activated charcoal removes toxins, it can help reduce the instances of acne and other skin impurities you might suffer from. It also works wonders for completely removing makeup

So there you go. Four simple ingredients, that you can actually understand. 


The scrub is powder based, and to apply to wet your face and hands, and then take a spoonful of the scrub (the pack comes with a spoon!), and mix it in your hands into a paste which you then massage into the damp face for about 3o seconds, then leave for about a minute before rinsing off.

Having to mix it up yourself can be a little messy (or perhaps its just me!), but I consequently do like to use it just before the shower, so I can rinse it off there.

The actual scrub is quite grainy, so I would suggest you'd only use it a few times a week, if not just one. And while it feels like a scrub on the skin, the clay contents also means that it doubles as a face mask drawing out any impurities. And always short of time, I do love how quick it is to use, not like one of those masks that you need to leave on for 15+ minutes, which I sadly never seem to have the time for. So that this is so super fast is just perfect for me.

And while it is so quick to use, the results are actually pretty good, as it really leaves my skin feeling so soft and refreshed after each use. And after using it twice a week for a few weeks, what I have particularly noticed is that a couple of areas where I've been struggling with breakouts lately, have cleared up significantly, as well as some scarring and marks from past acne have reduced in appearance too.

My only gripe is the packaging, as I do find the bag the scrub comes in a little tricky to use, which will only get worse as the product is emptying out, so I would have preferred if it had come in a little plastic jar instead.

But apart from that, this really is a great product. It is Aussie, made from natural ingredients that you can actually understand, and it is well priced too. Definitely worth trying.


Agenty Skin - RRP: $20 / 100g
Available from Agento


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

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24 March 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: BELLABOX MARCH 2017

Today I'm very excited to share with you my very first Bellabox. I have, needless to say, tried heaps of other beauty subscriptions over the years, but never Bella Box, though I've always been intrigued and so tempted, so when I was offered the opportunity for a colab, I naturally couldn't resist finding out what all the hype was about.




Now, I am sure you're probably already familiar with Bella Box, but in case you're not - it is a monthly subscription box, where you get 5+ samples delivered each month, with a value guaranteed to exceed the cost of the box! Perfect if you want to try out new products, and keep up with the latest and greatest, without having to fork out big money for full sized products, you may essentially not like, or that you perhaps would never have come across otherwise.

Well, enough of the babbling, let's get onto what was in this months goodies, which came in a little turquoise box with white dots. The box is rather sturdy, and would be great to use for other little knickknacks, but as I've often said before about beauty boxes, I don’t care much for the outer, its what's inside that counts! And here it is..

The theme of the items all go under 'Raw Beauty', and is all about body and skincare to treat the skin without any nasties.


Sukin Hydrating Facial Masque - 50ml (RRP: $15.95 / 100ml)

I love Sukin products. They are efficient, and super gentle and so affordable too. And this moisturising mask will be a perfect mask as we head into winter and the skin will need some more moisture. It contains among others mango seed butter, avocado oil and olive fruit extract, which all sounds pretty good to me, so I can't wait to try it out.


Colour By TBN Nail Polish x 2 - Full Size (RRP: $2.95 / 15ml)

I have tried a couple of these nail polishes before, and considering their low price, they are really good. I got a gorgeous metallic turquoise shade, which I haven't got in my collection, along with a clear shade, which never goes astray. So all happy days from me.


La Mav Gradual Tanning Moisturiser - 10ml (RRP: $39.95 / 200ml)

I am not the biggest user of self tanners, mainly because I don't like smell of them as they develop - but this one claims to not have the 'fake tan smell' so it may just be the products I've been looking for, so cannot wait to put it to the test and see if it stacks up.


Aime New Leaf Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish - 25ml (RRP: $8.99 / 100ml)

The first brand out of the lot that I haven't heard of or tried before, which I like, as for me, discovering new brands is one of the key attributes of a beauty subscription box. This cleanser claims to work deep down every pore, so it sounds like it will be the perfect product for my combination blemish prone skin.


Lily Anne Beauty Clean Purifying Cleanser - 10ml (RRP: $44.00 / 100ml)

Another brand that is new to me, yay. This cleanser is from an Australian brand, (yay again), and it is a deep cleansing and purifying cleanser, so again perfect for my skin type. I also love that the purchase of Lily Anne products help support empower women out of poverty, which is such a great cause.


Swisse Rose Hip Facial Moisturiser - 10ml (RRP: $9.95 / 125ml)

I have naturally heard of Swisse but only ever tried their vitamins, not their skincare, so it is kind of a new brand to me as well. This moisturiser is for normal skin, but claims to be non-greasy so it may just be great for my skin anyway. It includes rose water and smells so beautiful.


Palmer's Raw Shea Body Lotion - 5ml sachet - Bonus Sample

This is a bonus sample, so cannot really complain about it, but I would naturally have loved a larger size as the sachet hardly contains enough cream to cover my full body. That said, I do look forward to trying this 'cleaner' version and the intense moisture of this sounds like it will be the perfect moisturiser as we head towards winter.


So there you go, the contents of the March '17 Bellabox. Personally I am quite impressed with both the variety and amount of samples contained in this box. I would have loved the inclusion of a few more 'luxe' items as I am more likely to purchase full sized products of cheaper brands, knowing there is a risk I may not like them, the expense is not so high. But that said, a lot of my beauty staples are budget brands, so it is always great being exposed to some new ones.

My fave items in the box is without a doubt the Sukin mask, followed by the Lily Anne cleanser - and I'm surprising myself here, but although I am not a regular self-tanner, I am actually looking forward to testing this on from La Mav.


Bellabox - RRP: $17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime.
Available from Bellabox

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


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14 December 2016

XMAS BEAUTY GIFT IDEAS UNDER $25

Today I've got a selection of Xmas gift ideas suitable for any beauty lover, and the best part, none of them will break the bank as they are all under $25, so they're great stocking fillers too.




First up is the Olive Hands Gift Set, which contains a Pomegranate Hand & Nail Cream (50ml) as well as a Blackcurrant Hand & Nail Cream (50ml). Inside the purple gift box you'll find the two tubes of hand and nail cream, the purple Blackcurrant and the Pink Pomegranate one, and I really love these brightly coloured tubes.




Each of the creams have the most gorgous fresh and natural fruity scents, with my personal favourite being the Pomegranate as it is slightly fresher. The cream has a lovely consistency and absorbs quickly and easily into my dry hands, leaving them silky soft and smooth, without any stickiness and with the gorgeous scent lingering for quite some time. Olive is a New Zealand brand, known for their natural skincare made from active and botanical ingredients and which are all free from parabens, mineral oils, colourants, artificial fragrances and silicones.




Next up there's the Evodia Byron Bay Frangipani gift set, which contains a Hand Cream (100ml) and Fragrance Roll-On (15ml). The Hand Cream is made with among others Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba and Avocado Oils as well as Cocoa Butter. It is a thick and rich hand cream, which naturally takes a few moments to absorb into the skin but the wait is worthwhile as is super nourishing and moisturising, and leaves you hands silky soft for hours. It has the most gorgeous frangipani scent, that is quite strong for a hand cream, which I really love as it means the beautiful scent lingers for a long time.

The gift set also includes a frangipani Roll-On fragrance - and don't be fooled by the little roll-on bottle, as this one really packs a punch. It is a very concentrated fragrance designed to roll onto your pulse points for a lasting floral scent - and should you want to touch-up throughout the day, it has the perfect size to pop into the handbag.




Then there's the Goodness Grab & Go Try-Me Kit. As Goodness says, "this pack smooshes, drips, squeezes and scoops all your natural skincare needs. Packed with mega-omega boosting certified organic chia seed oil, your skin, your mates or your carry-on will love you for it". This means that this skincare kit really contains everything you need for a trip away, including a Certified Organic Seed Oil (5ml), which is a light oil containing high doses of Omega 3 and Omega 6. it also contains an Every Day Cream Cleanser (20ml), which is a super gentle cream cleanser that removes all makeup, dirt and grime that has built up on your skin throughout the day (and night). It contains apple extract, chia seed, avocado and coconut oils. It also contains an Every Week Face Scrub (10ml), which as the name suggests is a facial scrub to be used weekly. It is packed with powdered pumice, chia seed, avocado and coconut oils, and it gently helps buff away dead skin cells to help reveal as clearer and smoother skin. Then there's the Every Morning Moisturiser (20ml), which is a lovely light, yet very hydrating cream that apart from the chia seed, avocado and coconut oils, also contain bilberry and hibiscus extracts. Finally, the gift set also includes an Every Evening Cream, which is a jar with a very thick and nourishing cream, while it is still non greasy and absorbs into the skin quickly. It contains the chia seed, avocado and coconut oils aw well as honeysuckle flower extract. Goodness is a New Zealand brand, and I love the pastel coloured tubes and jars, and the humorous comments printed on the labels such as 'apply to clean face. Admire your awesomeness (and check your teeth for kale), and Remove Makeup. Apply. Sleep. Wake. Repeat after 15-18 hours".


 

If you're after makeup, Sugarbaby has got a the most stunning nude eye shadow palette called Amplif-eye Natural Eyeshadow Palette. This palette contains 14 beautiful neural shades ranging from soft nudes to intense chocolate and charcoals, and even a black. The top row of the palette contains 7 shimmering shades, while the bottom row contain 7 matte shades. The shades are soft and easy to apply and blend, and they are also, especially considering the very low price of this palette, very pigmented and wear very well during the day. This means that you can easily build up the intensity of the shades (and even more so if you apply them with a damp brush!), or of course just apply them as a wash of colour. All the shades in the palette are beautifully coordinated so you'd use every single shade, and they are very wearable for both a day-time 'no- makeup look, or a more intense nighttime look. If you cannot afford or justify the hefty price tag of some of the branded nude eye palettes, then this one from Sugarbaby is a great alternative. I also love the packaging, the white leather look, with the large internal mirror and the double ended brush applicator, makes it look very sleek and stylish, and also more expensive than it really is.


 
 

Designer Brands also have countless gift sets that you cannot miss, including the Nude Pout Perfection Gift Set. This set is a 3 piece lip kit that contains just what you need to enhance your natural lip shape and achieve a full luscious lip, including a nude shaded lip pencil to use to outline your lips. It also includes a velvet lipstick in a nude soft mauve shade, that is giving you full colour intensity in just one swipe, and a matte look that lasts hours, while still feeling soft and non-drying on the lips. Finally, there's also a pale golden shimmery lip gloss that you can use on top for a plumper and fuller looking lips. Or of course, you can use both the lipstick or the gloss individually on their own. This kit is also available in a Ruby Red option for those preferring a bolder lip.


 

For the brows, Designer Brands has this great Brow Perfection Set, which contains absolutely everything you need for the perfect brow, including tweezers to pluck the brows, and Angled Brush and a Spoolie to shape and fill in the brows, a brow powder kit with three different powders so you can custom select your perfect shade for filling in the brows. It also contains a bro pencil to add shape and definition, while the 5 stencils helps you shape your brow like a pro, and gives you different looks to try too.


Olive Hands Gift Set - RRP: $19.95
Olive Skincare is available from Olive Online and select pharmacies

Evodia Byron Bay Frangipani Gift Set - RRP: $19.95
Available from Myer stores, selected pharmacies, gift and home wares stores and from Evodia online.

Goodness Grab & Go Try-Me Kit - RRP: $24.95
Available from Goodness

Sugarbaby Amplif-eye Natural Eyeshadow Palette
Available from Sugarbaby Online and Myer

DB Designer Brands Nude Perfection Lip Kit - RRP: $14.99
DB Designer Brands Brow Perfection Kit - RRP: $12.99
Available from Designer Brands

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


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7 December 2016

PRODUCT REVIEW: ALPHA-H GENTLE DAILY EXFOLIANT

Alpha-H is one of those brands that I've heard so many rave reviews about, but haven't really gotten around to trying out that many products myself, so I was naturally excited when the Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant landed on my desk.




Alpha-H reveals that uneven skin tone and pigmentation can add or subtract as much as 12 years to a woman's age, but that the right SPF product and exfoliation can help press pause on this ageing process.

The Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant is a powdered exfoliant that is so gentle on the skin that it can be used daily, even on sensitive skin types, as it offers a zero-abrasion micro-exfoliating treatment.

To use you simply dispense a little bit of the fine powder into the palm of your hand, and then mix it with a bit of water to create a paste. This part is a little tricky until you get the hang of it, as you can easily dispense too much, as well as it is easy to add to much water making it too runny. But it is worth it! The powder contains a combination of fruit enzymes from green papaya and pineapple which are activated by the water, and they help gently buff away dead and dull skin cells, leaving your skin soft and smooth - and by exfoliating daily, it also helps speed up the renewal process of new healthy skin cells, and in turn helps the skin look healthier and younger.

Alpha-H promises that it helps brighten the skin, minimise pores and make skin less greasy - and while I am not sure my skin is brighter, after using this exfoliant daily for a few weeks, my skin is definitely more refined and appears to be less greasy, and as a result, I feel I'm getting less breakouts - and being less greasy also means that my makeup seems to stay put looking nice for longer. So in general my skin really is looking a lot healthier, and I love that it is so gentle that I can use it every morning, definitely highly recommended.

So overall I really love these products and would now hate to be without both, so certainly keen on exploring more products from their large range.

Any Alpha-H products that you can recommend that are must-haves?


Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant - RRP: $62 / 50g
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+ - RRP: $62 / 50ml

🖤 If you’re keen on trying, shop from Alpha H and use my code KARINA20 for 20% off (Affiliate) 

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice. Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx


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8 November 2016

PRODUCT REVIEW: GARNIER SKINACTIVE PURE ACTIVE INTENSE 3 IN 1 CHARCOAL ANTI-BLACKHEAD WASH, SCRUB AND MASK

I've always struggled with my skin, and even today where blemish products should be a thing of my past, they are sadly not. But sometimes fining the time to properly pamper my skin with facials and masks, can be a tricky when you have two small toddlers. So when the PureActive Intense 3 in 1 Charcoal Anti-Blackhead Wash, Scrub and Mask from Garnier SkinActive landed on my desk, I was naturally excited.




PureActive Intense 3 in 1 Charcoal Anti-Blackhead Wash, Scrub and Mask promises an intense and very deep clean of the pores to help reduce even the most resistant blackheads and prevent their appearance. Now I don't actually really suffer with black heads, but rather general breakouts, but still I've found this cleanser useful.

It can be used as a gentle and daily wash to help purify the skin and remove dirt and impurities thanks to containing salicylic acid. But it can also be used as a scrub as it contains natural exfoliating particles to help unclog pores and hence prevent the skin from becoming congested and black heads and breakouts from occurring in the first place. Finally, it can also be used as a mask. It has been enriched with charcoal which is an absorbent ingredient that soaks up all excess oil and impurities in the pores, to help neutralise shine and keep the skin soft and smooth, while the added blueberry extract helps keep the skin more balanced. Used as a mask, it just needs to be left on the skin for about 5 minutes to work its magic.

I like to use the dark grey cleanser when I'm in the shower and wash my hair - after I've washed my hair and am waiting for my conditioner or hair treatment to soak in, I apply a thin layer to my damp skin on my face, and leave it on as I scrub my body or shave my legs or armpits. And just before I start rinsing my hair, I start gently massaging the mask, to rinse it off, while I let the gentle particles exfoliate my skin at the same time. And then I can simply wash it all off as I rinse my hair. Speak about multi-tasking!

And I love how this is a multi-tasking product, and works as a mask too by being left on the skin, and it is gentle enough for everyday use. And after use, my skin is left soft and clear, and without being dried out or irritated. And I am convinced that frequent use of this will not only help my skin be less greasy but also help control the amount of breakouts that I get.

So all in all I find that this is a brilliant product that does exactly what it promises, and on top, its pretty budget friendly too. I'll definitely be repurchasing this one again and again!


Garnier SkinActive PureActive Intense 3 in 1 Charcoal Anti-Blackhead Wash, Scrub and Mask - RRP: $12.75 / 150ml

Available from Priceline, supermarkets, variety stores and select pharmacies

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



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28 August 2016

FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEA: RITUALS SAMURAI MEN'S SKINCARE COLLECTION


Today I've got a few more great Father's Day gift ideas to share with you, these ones from Ritual... 



My husband is luckily not afraid to use grooming products (lucky when he's married to an obsessed beauty blogger!), and I have caught him over the years using my products, until I realised that it was worthwhile making sure he had his own so he would leave mine alone!

That said, he does enjoy a quick routine, although he still frequently use a face wash and scrub. The Rituals Samurai Face Scrub & Wash, is a foaming 2-in-1 wash and scrub that has been enriched with purifying properties of Japanese Wakame, Bamboo as well as exfoliating scrubbing particles to remove dead skin cells and excess oil, dirt and grime from the skin.

Sometimes my husband complains that facial scrubs seem to do little for his skin (usually when he has pinched a squirt one of my gentle ones) , but he has said that he is impressed with this one, as it grainy but without being to harsh on the skin, and it clearly makes his face feel so much softer, smoother and brighter when he has used it. While he is blessed with really good skin, he does suffer with some blackheads on his nose, but since starting to use this scrub a few times a week, these have clearly reduced in appearance and quantity. He also loves that it has a nice masculine scent.

He has also really enjoyed using the Rituals Samurai Refreshing After Shave Gel with Basil and Tiger Grass, as shaving his face ever morning seems to have a drying effect on his face, and he found that this After Shave Gel has helped add moisture back into the skin, and relieve any dryness and irritation from shaving.

He also really likes the scent, which is totally different to anything else he has in his (growing) aftershave collection, as it does not appear to be a man-made scent, but rather a natural, fresh, and spicy masculine scent, that lingers on the skin for the day. 

The Face Scrub & Wash come in grey tube, while the After Shave Gel comes in grey glass bottle with a timber lid, making both look very stunning with their simple, yet masculine design.

Overall my hubby is really impressed with these products from Ritual, so can definitely recommend that you check them out, and they're the perfect gift for Father's Day too!


Rituals Samurai After Shave Gel - RRP: $37 / 100ml
Rituals Samurai Face Scrub & Wash - RRP: $22 / 125ml

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

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