25 February 2017
PRODUCT REVIEW: THE HARVEST GARDEN
I love when I come across new brands, so today I'm excited to share with you a new discovery, The Harvest Garden. The Harvest Garden is a family owned Australian Business that believes that you should be able to understand ingredients used in products and that what you put on your body is as important as what you put in it, so their products are made without using harmful ingredients or additives, including no synthetic fragrances or colours, no parabens, sulphates or palm oil.
I put a selection of products to the test, including the Herbal Facial Tea, which is described as a cup of tea for your face. The tea comes in a cute tin, and also comes with an adorable little timber spoon. And when you first open it, the most gorgeous scent awaits. The tea looks like a colourful floral potpourri, and it contains among others rose buds and rose petals, calendula flowers, peppermint leaves, lavender flowers, chamomile flowers, cornflower petals, aloe vera extract powder and sandalwood powder. All these ingredients have been put together, for their unique properties, such as being antibacterial to help fight acne and breakouts, soothe and calm irritated skin, speed up healing, reduce - scarring etc - and help give the skin a deep cleanse, deep down every single pore, removing dead skin cells and impurities, while detoxifying the skin.
The Facial Tea is used by putting two spoon fulls of the mix into a glass bowl with near boiling water, and then placing a towel over your head and breathing in the steam for 5 minutes. This leaves all the pores open, and it is then ideal to follow with a facial mask, which can then really work its magic.
This is a really relaxing experience, and the gorgeous floral scent that evaporates when you pour the hot water over the tea, is just incredible. And while it is warm being under the towel with the steam, sweating it out is really great for the skin (just don’t do it just before going out, as it may leave your skin a tad blushed). I did feel that I got an increased amount of breakouts after the first few uses, but I think they were simply accelerated due to the heat and stem, as they also cleared up a lot faster than usual.
I then follow with one of the Facial Masks from The Harvest Garden I've also been putting to the test. The Kaolin & Activated Charcoal Facial Masque is made with kaolin clay, activated coconut charcoal, licorice root extract and gotu kola extract, and has been designed to help rid the skin of toxins, drawing out impurities, while also purifying and tightening the pores, as well as it has antibacterial properties so it is great for oily and acne prone skin.
Alternatively I use the Zeolite & Pink Clay Facial Masque with pomegranate & passionflower, which contains Zeolite Clay, Australian Pink Clay, Pomegranate extract and Passionflower extract. It has been designed to help balance stressed and sensitive skin creating a youthful appearance, while also helping to refine the texture of the skin ,but it also draws out toxins and unclogs pores to combat breakouts and minimise scarring.
Unlike most other masks, these comes in powder form, and you need to mix them up yourself, with the liquid of your choice, such as diluted apple cider vinegar or honey, and then you simply apply the paste with the included brush and leave it to dry for 5-10 minutes before removing with warm water.
You only need to use one teaspoon-full mixed with around a teaspoon-full of liquid of your choice to make a paste sufficient for your whole face - so the bottle will last you forever - in fact, you'll get 16 uses in each bottle!
Once dry, you can rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, or use a face washer (just be cautious as they may stain, so be careful with your clothes, and use an old face washer).
Afterwards my skin is left soft and smooth, and clearly clean deep down every single pore, yet without feeling dried out of irritated. With my combination skin, both masks are great for my skin, but I do particularly love the Kaolin & Activated Charcoal Facial Mask, perhaps because my skin is particularly prone to breakouts at the moment, and it seems to draw them out a little better. That said, I do enjoy using both.
I love that they are made using nothing but natural ingredients, without chemicals or toxins, and the idea of making them up yourself is kind of novel, and I really like that too - though it can be a little tricky making sure you make up enough, and not too much, as well as there is a little mess associated with it. But again, knowing they're all natural, make it well worth it. I also love that they come with a dedicated brush to apply them with, with is a lovely touch.
Overall I have really enjoyed putting these products from The Harvest Garden to the test, and really enjoyed all of them, though the standout without a doubt was the Facial Tea, - mostly because it is a new product I am not used to using, and I can clearly see and feel the benefit the steam facial has.
The Harvest Garden Herbal Facial Tea - RRP: $22.50 / 50g
The Harvest Garden Kaolin & Activated Charcoal Facial Masque - RRP: $30 / 70g
The Harvest Garden Zeolite & Pink Clay Facial Masque - RRP: $30 / 70g
Available from The Harvest Garden
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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I put a selection of products to the test, including the Herbal Facial Tea, which is described as a cup of tea for your face. The tea comes in a cute tin, and also comes with an adorable little timber spoon. And when you first open it, the most gorgeous scent awaits. The tea looks like a colourful floral potpourri, and it contains among others rose buds and rose petals, calendula flowers, peppermint leaves, lavender flowers, chamomile flowers, cornflower petals, aloe vera extract powder and sandalwood powder. All these ingredients have been put together, for their unique properties, such as being antibacterial to help fight acne and breakouts, soothe and calm irritated skin, speed up healing, reduce - scarring etc - and help give the skin a deep cleanse, deep down every single pore, removing dead skin cells and impurities, while detoxifying the skin.
The Facial Tea is used by putting two spoon fulls of the mix into a glass bowl with near boiling water, and then placing a towel over your head and breathing in the steam for 5 minutes. This leaves all the pores open, and it is then ideal to follow with a facial mask, which can then really work its magic.
This is a really relaxing experience, and the gorgeous floral scent that evaporates when you pour the hot water over the tea, is just incredible. And while it is warm being under the towel with the steam, sweating it out is really great for the skin (just don’t do it just before going out, as it may leave your skin a tad blushed). I did feel that I got an increased amount of breakouts after the first few uses, but I think they were simply accelerated due to the heat and stem, as they also cleared up a lot faster than usual.
I then follow with one of the Facial Masks from The Harvest Garden I've also been putting to the test. The Kaolin & Activated Charcoal Facial Masque is made with kaolin clay, activated coconut charcoal, licorice root extract and gotu kola extract, and has been designed to help rid the skin of toxins, drawing out impurities, while also purifying and tightening the pores, as well as it has antibacterial properties so it is great for oily and acne prone skin.
Alternatively I use the Zeolite & Pink Clay Facial Masque with pomegranate & passionflower, which contains Zeolite Clay, Australian Pink Clay, Pomegranate extract and Passionflower extract. It has been designed to help balance stressed and sensitive skin creating a youthful appearance, while also helping to refine the texture of the skin ,but it also draws out toxins and unclogs pores to combat breakouts and minimise scarring.
Unlike most other masks, these comes in powder form, and you need to mix them up yourself, with the liquid of your choice, such as diluted apple cider vinegar or honey, and then you simply apply the paste with the included brush and leave it to dry for 5-10 minutes before removing with warm water.
You only need to use one teaspoon-full mixed with around a teaspoon-full of liquid of your choice to make a paste sufficient for your whole face - so the bottle will last you forever - in fact, you'll get 16 uses in each bottle!
Once dry, you can rinse off the mask with lukewarm water, or use a face washer (just be cautious as they may stain, so be careful with your clothes, and use an old face washer).
Afterwards my skin is left soft and smooth, and clearly clean deep down every single pore, yet without feeling dried out of irritated. With my combination skin, both masks are great for my skin, but I do particularly love the Kaolin & Activated Charcoal Facial Mask, perhaps because my skin is particularly prone to breakouts at the moment, and it seems to draw them out a little better. That said, I do enjoy using both.
I love that they are made using nothing but natural ingredients, without chemicals or toxins, and the idea of making them up yourself is kind of novel, and I really like that too - though it can be a little tricky making sure you make up enough, and not too much, as well as there is a little mess associated with it. But again, knowing they're all natural, make it well worth it. I also love that they come with a dedicated brush to apply them with, with is a lovely touch.
Overall I have really enjoyed putting these products from The Harvest Garden to the test, and really enjoyed all of them, though the standout without a doubt was the Facial Tea, - mostly because it is a new product I am not used to using, and I can clearly see and feel the benefit the steam facial has.
The Harvest Garden Herbal Facial Tea - RRP: $22.50 / 50g
The Harvest Garden Kaolin & Activated Charcoal Facial Masque - RRP: $30 / 70g
The Harvest Garden Zeolite & Pink Clay Facial Masque - RRP: $30 / 70g
Available from The Harvest Garden
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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17 December 2016
XMAS GIFT IDEA: SPA AND WELLNESS GIFT CARD
If you're stuck for Xmas gift ideas for your girls in your life, maybe because she (or he??) has got absolutely everything she needs, or maybe you're just running out of time to go shopping, then why not give a gift of pampering with gift card from Spa & Wellness.
You simply purchase a digital Spa & Wellness gift card, and add a personalised message, and after you've paid, the gift card is automatically emailed to the recipient. But if you prefer, you can also purchase an actual gift card at any of the participating places. The gift card is valid for use at 100's of different experiences ranging from beauty treatments such as facials, waxing, spray tans, hair cuts, and manicures, spa treatments such as massages, but there also places you can go for things such as hypnotherapy, physiotherapy and kinesiology or even gym glasses such as yoga, Pilates, swimming and various other activities, or you can simply search here.
And needless to say that there are also 100s of participating spa and wellness places Australia-wide, (which you can search through here).
Regardless if it is an actual gift card or a digital one, you can always go online and check the gift card balance and also the expiry.
This is really a brilliant idea. Not just as an Xmas gift idea, but all year round when you feel like you need or want to pamper someone special - I really love that treatment options and experiences are literally endless, you not limited to just one particular salon or place, so there really is no risk associated with this, as she is sure to love it as she can do whatever she wants with it.
I've been kindly gifted a Spa & Wellness gift card, and was booked in for a much needed facial at a local salon, but sadly had to cancel as I had the worst cold - but as soon as I've managed to reschedule my appointment, I'll be sure to let you all know about it.
Spa & Wellness Gift Card - RRP: as much or as little as you like, you decide!
- But if you purchase before the 19/12/2016 at 11.59pm you can get 20% by entering code WISHLIST at the checkout. Full T&Cs on their website.
Available from Spa & Wellness or from participating salons
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
You simply purchase a digital Spa & Wellness gift card, and add a personalised message, and after you've paid, the gift card is automatically emailed to the recipient. But if you prefer, you can also purchase an actual gift card at any of the participating places. The gift card is valid for use at 100's of different experiences ranging from beauty treatments such as facials, waxing, spray tans, hair cuts, and manicures, spa treatments such as massages, but there also places you can go for things such as hypnotherapy, physiotherapy and kinesiology or even gym glasses such as yoga, Pilates, swimming and various other activities, or you can simply search here.
And needless to say that there are also 100s of participating spa and wellness places Australia-wide, (which you can search through here).
Regardless if it is an actual gift card or a digital one, you can always go online and check the gift card balance and also the expiry.
This is really a brilliant idea. Not just as an Xmas gift idea, but all year round when you feel like you need or want to pamper someone special - I really love that treatment options and experiences are literally endless, you not limited to just one particular salon or place, so there really is no risk associated with this, as she is sure to love it as she can do whatever she wants with it.
I've been kindly gifted a Spa & Wellness gift card, and was booked in for a much needed facial at a local salon, but sadly had to cancel as I had the worst cold - but as soon as I've managed to reschedule my appointment, I'll be sure to let you all know about it.
Spa & Wellness Gift Card - RRP: as much or as little as you like, you decide!
- But if you purchase before the 19/12/2016 at 11.59pm you can get 20% by entering code WISHLIST at the checkout. Full T&Cs on their website.
Available from Spa & Wellness or from participating salons
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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2 June 2016
PRODUCT REVIEW: HOMEDICS RADIANCE MICRODERMABRATION
Microdermabration is one of those skin treatments that has been reserved as salon only treatments, but it was only a matter of time before at-home DYI options became available. Today I'd like to talk about the HoMedics Radiance Microdermabration.
The HoMedica Microdermabration device uses salon grade diamond tips to exfoliate, whilst the vacuum massage removes dead skin and stimulates regrowth of the new layer of skin underneath, leaving you with a healthier more radiant looking complexion. The dual action device claims to;
- Increase skin firmness by 70% in just 3 weeks
- Increase skin hydration by up to 170% after 5 weeks use
- Helps rejuvenate the skin
- Helps improve overall skin texture
- Helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles
- Decrease the appearance of superficial pigmentation
- Helps treat oily and enlarged pores
- Decreases blackheads
- Can help improve acne scarring
The Microdermabration device comes with;
- Two salon grade diamond tips for normal and sensitive skin.
- Charging base
- 50 replacement filters
- Cordless usage
- 2 year warranty
The device has four speed settings, which are shown on the LED level indicator so you can adjust the treatment to suit your individual skin needs
At $249 this is not a cheap beauty device, however, compare that to the cost of a salon treatment, and it is suddenly quite reasonable. But are the results comparable...
Now, I have never had a salon microdermabration, so in that respect it is difficult to completely compare - but even just the standard facial will leave you paying in excess of $100 so it will pay for itself after just a few treatments.
So the actual microdermabration is a non-surgical procedure where you remove the outer layer of dead skin cells to reveal a glowing layer of fresh skin underneath. Basically it exfoliates the skin with diamonds while vacuuming up the dead skin cells and simulates the new skin.
First you wash and dry the skin, and then turn on the devise, carefully referring to the included guide to make sure to use the correct levels for the various skin zones.
As with anything new, I'd suggest that you start slow, at a low setting, and maybe just once or twice a week, before increasing the setting and frequency.
You simply then move the diamond tip flush against the skin until you feel the suction and move it slowly across the skin in a smooth motion, being careful not to press too hard.
Afterwards you need to wash your face with water to rinse off any remaining skin cells and then apply a moisturiser, but avoiding anything with AHA, as well as avoiding direct sun exposure as it can leave the skin extra sensitive. And of course as always, do make sure to always use an SPF!
When done, you then clean the diamond tip and replace the filter, so its all ready for the next treatment!
So what are my thought - well, after the very first use I have to say that was very impressed, as it simply left my skin incredibly soft, smooth and firm and with an unreal glow. Yes, my skin was a tad red and felt a little warm too, but an hour later you really wouldn't know at all - so that said, I don't recommend that you use it just before going out, maybe just before going to bed is the ideal time.
And after now having used it three times per week for about a month, I am excited to say that my skin is definitely much smoother and softer. Pores seem noticeably smaller, and my skin in general less greasy and clearer, but I also seem to be getting less breakouts since I've been using it. I am unsure if it has made any significant difference to my old acne scars, but I can say that my skin definitely also brighter and has such a nice radiant glow.
Another bonus is also that I feel that after use serums and creams absorb quicker and better into my skin, and with my skin being soother, clearer and also more glowing, I need to use less foundation, and it stays looking fresh for longer as my skin is less greasy too. So bonus all around!!
This HoMedics Radiance Microdermabration is so quick and simply to use, and using it for just a few minutes a few times a week, has made such a huge difference to the look and feel of my skin that I definitely recommend this, well worth the spend!
HoMedics Radiance Microdermabration - RRP: $249
Available from Shaver Shop, Myer and electrical retailers
*Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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