Product Review: Travel-friendly skincare packs from GAIA

As I write this I am having a relaxing time in a holiday house on the Mornington Peninsula just a few minutes from the beach. And after having just moved out of our house, with all the stress it brings to pack up a whole house, with a baby on arm, it is nice to sit back and chill, as there simply isn’t a lot to do around here, and with limited access to internet, I thought that I’d take the opportunity to get a few blog posts written up to keep for a rainy day… which is just around the corner, as end of next week we will be moving into the house where we will be staying while our new house is being built.

With all the stress of packing up a house, one thing that was nice, was not having to pack a plethora of different products to maintain the beauty routine, but simply rely on a skincare pack which includes all the products necessary. Here are my thoughts on the *GAIA Skincare Trio and GAIA Made for Men Overnight Pack;

What They Say:

"Keep the GAIA Skincare Trio pack products in your gym or 'carry on' bag & take them where ever you go. This kit comes in a re-usable zip lock "wet pack" & makes a great gift for women of all ages. The bottles can be refilled so you don't have to keep buying smaller sizes to take out with you."

"Take your favourite GAIA Made for Men products in small sizes when you travel and when they are finished simply re-fill from your regular sized tubes."

RRP: GAIA Made for Men Overnight Pack (4x50ml) $17.95, GAIA Skincare Trio (3x50ml)

– Available from Priceline, select Chemists and Health Stores, and GAIA Skin Naturals Online
 

What I Say:

I have previously reviewed products from GAIA, and I in particularly love the Belly Butter and Belly Oil that I used while I was pregnant, and now the GAIA Natural Baby products that I continue to use on my little boy. I simply love that the products have been made without any of the ingredients known to irritate the skin or suspected of being harmful, so consequently the products do not contain any sulphates, petrochemicals, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol, phthalates or artificial fragrances. 

As GAIA puts it “It’s not just the pure, naturel, organic ingredients we put in, it’s what we leave out that makes the difference…!”

And I also love that GAIA is an Australian owned company, and that the products Australian made, without being tested on animals. Gotta love that!

Let me start off with the GAIA Made for Men Overnight Pack. I’m lucky that my hubby cares about his looks, and happy to use moisturiser, facial scrubs etc. – and he has (luckily for me) realised that using products designed specifically for men, are not only more effective for his skin type, they obviously also smell masculine.

 

 

Not sure why this pack is called an Overnight Pack, - it contains four products, but each of the products contains 50ml of product, so there is sufficient product for several weeks!

 

The kit contains a Face & Body Wash, Face Crème, Shave Gel and a Face & Body scrub – so basically all your hubby needs. And it comes in a handy clear travel bag too.

All the products are very concentrated, and my hubby really likes that the products have a nice refreshing yet masculine scent no doubt due to the included orange, cedarwood and sandalwood.

The female Skincare Trio contains as the name suggests three products, a Pink Grapefruit & Jasmine Foaming Cleanser, a Rose Otto & Lavender Refreshing Toner, and a Lavender & Frankincense Facial Moisturiser.

I have combination skin, and these products are perfect for it. The Foaming Cleanser contains among others chamomile, green tea and gotu kola and it cleanses deep down my pores getting rid of excess sebum and grime, without stripping my skin of essential moisture. The Toner containing calendula, green tea and rose floral water helps tighten the pores and prepare the skin for moisturiser. And I love that it doesn’t contain alcohol to fry out the skin, and comes in a pump bottle so it can also be used as a facial spritzer during the day to freshen up the skin. Finally, the Facial moisturiser, which has been formulated with ginseng, jojoba oil and evening primrose thoroughly moisturises my skin without making it feel greasy or break out. The only thing I could have wished for is for the moisturiser to also contain SPF, but then on the other hand it would mean it wouldn’t be suitable as a night cream.

Like the pack for men, the products in the female pack contain 50ml of product, so there is sufficient product for several weeks!

Overall these are lovely travel packs from GAIA that include the key products needed for a trip away, and I love how efficient these products are while not containing any chemical nasties.so if you are planning a getaway, or you simply want to trial the GAIA products, I highly recommend these skincare kits.

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

 

Have you ever tried any of the products from GAIA? Do you use natural skincare products? Is your hubby into skincare? Does he use his own products or does he pinch yours?

Event: Support Cancer Research with GAIA Skin Naturals on a Girls Night In

Love catching up with your girlfriends and the ladies in your family? Then why not bring everyone together for a very special event, and raise much-needed funds to help beat women's cancers at the same time?  It's all about bringing women together, celebrating, and raising money to help Cancer Council fight against breast and gynaecological cancers.   When a group of women come together for a girl’s night-in to raise money for cancer research, it’s a powerful example of the great things a local community of caring women can achieve.

On Friday, October 18th, the third annual Emerald Community Girls Night In will be held at the Emerald Performing Arts Centre, once again giving local women the chance to enjoy a great night out with friends while raising money for the Cancer Council of Victoria.

 

 

Proudly supported each year by GAIA Skin Naturals, last year’s event was attended by 260 women and raised approx. $12,000. The efforts of the organising committee were honoured by a research award being named after them: "The Emerald Community Research Award", as well as the opportunity to nominate which clinical trial was to receive the grant.

Head organiser, Stephanie Cox, explains she decided to hold the event after her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer. "I felt so helpless and wanted to do something. I saw the campaign for the Girls Night In and realised that this was something I could do to help," she said. "I originally planned to have a few of girlfriends over at my place, but my little idea had wings and with the help of friends and the support of companies like GAIA it has grown to into a major community event."

Local Resident and Managing Director of GAIA Skin Naturals, Michelle Vogrinec, is proud of the company’s long-standing support of the evening. "For us this is all about supporting the local community and all the families who have been touched by cancer," said Michelle. "One of our staff members has been directly affected by breast cancer which has made us even more aware and really brought the issue closer to home."

 

Tickets are available from Ritchies IGA in Emerald or online

Tickets are $10 which includes a glass of champagne or juice and finger food on arrival.

The night will be hosted by Warwick Merry with entertainment from Mood Swings Choir and local artists and there will be refreshments throughout the night, plus the opportunity for a massage and professional beauty treatments provided by HUSH Cosmetics Beauty Studio for a small donation.

There will be raffles, door prizes, heaps of new, second hand items, vouchers and services available in a silent auction that will go on throughout the evening and more donations are welcome. All proceeds from the auction will go to the Cancer Council’s women’s cancer projects. The first 200 ticket holders will also receive a GAIA gift bag.

All sales of GAIA products on the night will be donated to cancer research.

"As wives, mothers, sisters and friends we can turn our compassion from feeling powerless to doing something really powerful by focusing our efforts on funding research," said Michelle.

For further information about the event, please visit the Facebook page or www.emeraldcommunitygirlsnightin.org or phone Stephanie on 0458 995 504.

 

 

And in case you are new to GAIA – the GAIA Natural Baby was born out of a need by Melbourne mum, Michelle Vogrinec, when she couldn’t find suitable skincare products to care for her baby’s skin, who suffered from eczema and sensitivities - so she created them.

Designed to keep baby skin care simple, GAIA Natural Baby provides the basic items to gently care for baby’s everyday needs, without too much fuss. The products are also free from harsh soaps, sulphates, petrochemicals, phthalates, lanolin, talc, mineral oil, propylene glycol, paraben preservatives and artificial fragrance, making them eczema friendly. Not only are the products tailored for sensitive skin, they are made using certified organic ingredients to minimise dryness, calm sensitivities and provide gentle care for your little one’s skin at bath time and beyond.

Other GAIA brands include pure pregnancy, made for men and Skin+Body. And Let me tell you, the products are amazing, the GAIA Belly Butter and Belly Oil saw me though my recent pregnancy without a single stretchmark, and I am loving using the GAIA Baby products on my little baby boy, and the Grapefruit & JasmineBody Wash and Body Moisturiser smells absolutely divine.   

Do you live in the area, and going to attend the event and support this great cause? And please do share the details of this event with your friends.

Have you tried any of the products from GAIA?

Product Review: GAIA Pink Grapefruit & Jasmine Body Wash and Body Moisturiser

I love taking a shower and indulging in some amazing smelling products both while showering and the body lotion I use afterwards. I am lucky to have a large shower, with a very large shelf – but still it is jam-packed with numerous shower gels, as I like to swap and change depending on my mood in the morning. And my bathroom cabinet is as crowded with different types of body lotions. Here are my thoughts on the *GAIA Grapefruit & Jasmine Body Wash and Body Moisturiser;

What They Say:

Body Wash: "A glorious soap and sulphate free body wash that is gentle enough to use every day in the shower or bath without stripping your skin’s natural protective oils or creating dryness. Containing organic avocado oil and organic gingko biloba to nourish and rejuvenate, and organic chamomile extract to purify and soothe. These washes are an ideal soap replacement to care for your skin and leave it fresh, clean and silky soft."
Body Moisturiser: "A luxurious body moisturiser perfect for ‘locking in’ moisture after your shower or bath, or to hydrate and soften throughout the day. Made with skin-softening organic oils to help skin maintain its suppleness without leaving a greasy residue."


RRP: Body Wash: $14.95 (250ml), Body Moisturiser: $14.95 (250ml) – Available from Available Gaia Skin Naturals Online, Terry White Chemists, Priceline, major baby stores, independent chemists, and health stores.


What I Say: 

I have recently trialled the GAIA Belly Oil, which I absolutely love, if you’ve missed my review, you can see it here. I have also recently trialled the GAIA Lavender & Frankincense Body Wash and Body Moisturiser, and the GAIA Skincare Bergamot & Sandelwood Facial Exfoliant, and these products are so amazing too.

Common for all the GAIA ranges, including their pregnancy and baby ranges are that they have been made without any of the ingredients known to irritate the skin or suspected of being harmful, so consequently the products do not contain any sulphates, petrochemicals, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol, phthalates or artificial fragrances. And of course the company is Australian owned, and the products Australian made, without being tested on animals.

 

The Grapefruit & Jasmine Body Wash is furthermore free from soap, and contains organic extracts of ginkgo biloba, ginseng and chamomile to calm and revitalise tired, stressed skin, organic avocado, organic evening primrose and organic wheat germ oils to nourish and soften, even dry or flaky skin, as well as it contains Vitamin E and essential omega 3 good oils for healthy skin.
This is fantastic, as although I have never had particularly sensitive skin, while being pregnant my skin suddenly seems to have gotten more sensitive, and I get small itches and irritations if my skin doesn’t like the ingredients in the products or if they are too perfumed.

Soaps and body washes that do not contain soap, are often difficult to lather up, but this is not the case with the GAIA Body Washes. Used on its own it is easy to froth up into a nice light lather, while using a bath sponge creates even more foam.

Smoothing it over my skin, it feels soft, a little like a body oil is being used. And after the shower my skin feels soft and clean, and without being dried out or feeling tight. Rather it feels soft and smooth, although I still feel the need to follow with a body moisturiser (as I always do!).


While using the Body Wash a nice refreshing and uplifting scent of Grapefruit and Jasmine spreads through my bathroom. It is a very natural and very female scent, which is still quite subtle – yet still too female for my hubby’s liking, (and no complaints from me, as then I won’t have to share!). Once rinsed dried off from the shower, this scent more or less fades.

 

The GAIA Grapefruit & Jasmine Body Wash Body Moisturiser
Like the Body Wash, the Body Moisturiser of course free of all the chemical nasties, and it contains Enriched with organic rosehip, organic evening primrose and organic wheat germ oils to nourish and soften dry or flaky skin and reduce the visible signs of aging as well as organic calendula and organic ginseng extracts soothe irritation and revitalise the appearance of the skin for a youthful healthy glow. It also contains Vitamin E and essential omega 3 good oils for healthy skin

The Body Moisturiser has a nice light consistency which quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving the skin soft , smooth and thoroughly hydrated, yet without making the skin feel sticky.

Like the Body Wash it has a lovely refreshing scent of grapefruit and jasmine, which linger for a little longer. But it is such a lovely natural scent, which really like, so I don’t mind at all. In fact, I actually prefer this Grapefruit & Jasmine scent over the Lavender & Frankincense products that I recently tried (although don’t get me wrong, they were lovely too!)

After having used both products together for several weeks, I am happy to say that I feel that the Grapefruit & Jasmine products – like the Lavender & Frankincense products have helped soothe my irritated skin, without causing further irritations and have helped keep my skin soft and thoroughly moisturised.

Both the Body Wash and the Body Moisturiser come in simple frosted plastic bottles with a flip lid, which makes them easy to use, and both are very concentrated so a little goes a long way, making them great value for money at just $14.95 each. 

I really enjoy using the GAIA Body Wash and the Body Moisturiser, they are gentle and effective, and smell amazing too – and the fact that they do not contain any chemical nasties, just makes me like them even more! I will definitely be purchasing these products again in the future.

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


Have you tried any of the products from GAIA? Are you concerned with the use of chemical nasties in your skincare products? What is your favourite body wash and body moisturiser?

Product Review: GAIA Skincare Bergamot & Sandelwood Facial Exfoliant

I have always been interested in natural skincare products, but have to admit that since being pregnant, I have been even more aware of the ingredients in the products that I use, as many harsh ingredients are simply not recommended for use during pregnancy! Here’s what I think of the *GAIA Skincare Bergamot & Sandelwood Facial Exfoliant;

 

 

What They Say:
"This deep cleansing scrub gently polishes, smoothes and refines your skin's surface, removing excess oil and impurities, resulting in a clean, clear complexion and is ideal for deep cleansing blemishes and spots."

RRP: $10.95 (95ml) – Available from Priceline, selected pharmacies, and Gaia Online.

What I Say:

I have recently trialled the GAIA Belly Oil, which I absolutely love as so far I am convinced that using it is the reason why I at 36 weeks pregnant still haven’t got any stretchmarks. If you’ve missed my review, you can see it here. I have also recently reviewed the GAIA Lavender & Frankincense Body Wash and Body Moisturiser, which are equally amazing products. If you’ve missed those reviews, you can see them here)

Common for all the GAIA ranges, including their pregnancy, baby ranges and skincare ranges, are that they have been made without any of the ingredients known to irritate the skin or suspected of being harmful, so consequently the products do not contain any sulphates, petrochemicals, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol, phthalates or artificial fragrances.  And of course the company is Australian owned, and the products Australian made, without being tested on animals. And that is just music to my ears!

The GAIA Skincare Bergamot & Sandelwood Facial Exfoliant is made from super-fine crushed walnut shells to stimulate the skin;s surface without scratching, the anti-oxidant properties of organic gingko biloba and organic ginseng help to improve skin tone and texture. It is enriched with the organic oils of avocado, evening primrose and wheat germ to provide essential fatty acids to nourish and moisturise, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and it contains a pure essential oil blend of organic sandalwood, bergamot, geranium and lavender known for their beneficial skin care properties, creates the perfect revitalising 'day spa' aroma, while organic chamomile leaves your skin feeling calm and soothed.

The first thing that struck me about the GAIA Skincare Bergamot & Sandelwood Facial Exfoliant, was how runny a formula it was compared to other facial exfoliants that I have previously used. It has a runny oily consistency with tiny crushed and powdered walnut shells. I thought it would mean I would spill it everywhere, and consequently waste half the product, however once I got used to the more runny formula, I actually loved it, as it actually just made it so much easier to massage over the face, neck and décolletage, without the need to dilute the cleanser by adding a lot of water.

After massaging the exfoliant into the skin for a few minutes, the ingredients absorb into the skin, only leaving the small scrubbing particles visible on the surface of the skin. Afterward, the cleanser is very easy to rinse off with warm water, and instantly my skin feels so soft and my skin feels thoroughly cleaned deep down every single pore. My skin is glowing and radiant.

And in spite of all the essential oils used in the formula, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy either, or leave behind any greasy residue.

The facial exfoliant comes in a small grey plastic bottle with a flip lid, which makes it very easy to use. It has an absolutely gorgeous natural scent, no doubt coming from all the natural ingredients and essential oils used in the product, including the bergamot and sandalwood.

It is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way, so in spite of the bottle being just 95ml, it will last you for a very long time.

All in all this is a fantastic exfoliant, and I really love the fact that this exfoliant is natural, and doesn’t contain any nasties, it is so nice knowing that you are not drowning your skin in damaging chemicals. And because the walnut shells in the scrub are so fine, it is so gentle on the skin, so it would be perfect even for those with sensitive skin.

for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you ever tried any of the products from GAIA? Are you concerned with the use of chemicals in your skincare? Which facial exfoliant is your favourite?

 

 

Product Review: GAIA Body Care Lavender & Frankincense Body Wash and Body Moisturiser

I have never had sensitive skin. My skin has put up with most things from hash masks to over-fragranced products. But while being pregnant all of that has changed, and I now seem to get small itches and irritations if my skin doesn’t like the ingredients in the products or if they are too perfumed. Here are my thoughts on the *GAIA Body Care Lavender & Frankincense Body Wash and Body Moisturiser;

 

What They Say:

Body Wash: "A glorious soap and sulphate free body wash that is gentle enough to use every day in the shower or bath without stripping your skin’s natural protective oils or creating dryness. Containing organic avocado oil and organic gingko biloba to nourish and rejuvenate, and organic chamomile extract to purify and soothe. These washes are an ideal soap replacement to care for your skin and leave it fresh, clean and silky soft."

Body Moisturiser: "A luxurious body moisturiser perfect for ‘locking in’ moisture after your shower or bath, or to hydrate and soften throughout the day. Made with skin-softening organic oils to help skin maintain its suppleness without leaving a greasy residue". 

RRP: Body Wash: $14.95 (250ml), Body Moisturiser: $14.95 (250ml) – Available from Available Gaia Skin Naturals Online http://www.gaiaskinnaturals.com, Terry White Chemists, Priceline, major baby stores, independent chemists, and health stores.

 

What I Say:

I have recently trialled the GAIA Pure Pregnancy Belly Oil, which I absolutely love, if you’ve missed my review, you can see it here.

And common for all the GAIA ranges, including their pregnancy and baby ranges are that they have been made without any of the ingredients known to irritate the skin or suspected of being harmful, so consequently the products do not contain any sulphates, petrochemicals, lanolin, paraben preservatives, propylene glycol, phthalates or artificial fragrances.  And of course the company is Australian owned, and the products Australian made, without being tested on animals.

 

The Lavender & Frankincense Body Wash is furthermore free from soap, and contains organic extracts of ginkgo biloba, ginseng and chamomile to calm and revitalise tired, stressed skin, organic avocado, organic evening primrose and organic wheat germ oils to nourish and soften, even dry or flaky skin, as well as it contains Vitamin E and essential omega 3 good oils for healthy skin.

When a body wash doesn’t contain soap, it makes me think that it will be difficult to lather up, but that is far from the case. Just a small amount used on its own, and a nice light lather is made, although the result is even better when using a bath sponge. Smoothing it over my skin, it feels soft, a little like a body oil is being used. And after the shower my skin feels soft and clean, and without being dried out or feeling tight. Rather it feels soft and smooth, although I still feel the need to follow with a body moisturiser (as I always do!).

While using the Body Wash a nice relaxing and calming lavender aroma spreads through my bathroom. It is a very natural and very female scent, which is still quite subtle. Once rinsed dried off from the shower, this scent more or less fades.

Like the Body Wash, the GAIA Lavender & Frankincense Body Moisturiser is of course free of all the chemical nasties, and it contains Enriched with organic rosehip, organic evening primrose and organic wheat germ oils to nourish and soften dry or flaky skin and reduce the visible signs of aging as well as organic calendula and organic ginseng extracts soothe irritation and revitalise the appearance of the skin for a youthful healthy glow. It also contains Vitamin E and essential omega 3 good oils for healthy skin.

The Body Moisturiser has a nice light consistency which quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving the skin soft , smooth and thoroughly hydrated, yet without making the skin feel sticky.

Like the Body Wash it has a lovely natural calming scent of lavender – however, while the scent from the Body Wash fades once out of the shower, the scent from the Body Moisturiser does linger for a little longer, although it does eventually fade completely. But again, as it is a natural scent, and as it is still so subtle that it doesn’t clash with my perfume, I don’t mind at all.

After having used both products together for several weeks, I am happy to say that I feel that they have not only helped sooth my irritated skin, but also reduced the irritations and itchiness that I get on my skin. As for the claim of reducing signs of ageing, I am not so convinced that I have seen any noticeable results. But to be honest, I also wasn’t expecting to see any major results.

Both the Body Wash and the Body Moisturiser come in simple frosted plastic bottles with a flip lid, which makes them easy to use, and both are very concentrated so a little goes a long way, making them great value for money at just $14.95 each.

Yes, the products are more expensive than the average drugstore/supermarket brand – but the ingredients used speak for themselves.

 

Overall I really like the GAIA Body Wash and the Body Moisturiser, and I have enjoyed everything from the feel to the scent of the products – and the fact that they do not contain any chemical nasties, just makes they even better.

And then there is the fact that GAIA have adopted an orphaned baby orangutan, "Carlos", as part of The Australian Orangutan Project's many undertakings to conserve orangutans and their habitat, providing shelter, food, veterinary and nurse care to the orphans 24 hours a day – that just makes me love the brand and products even more, so I will definitely be purchasing these products again in the future.

 

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

 

Have you tried any of the products from GAIA? Are you concerned with the use of chemical nasties in your skincare products? What is your favourite body wash and body moisturiser?