PRODUCT REVIEW: KOSMEA MUM AND BABY COLLECTION

Kosmea is one of those brands that is relatively new to me, and while the brand continues to receive rave reviews for their products, I still have only tried a few products from their large range, so today I'm excited to share with you the Kosmea Mum and Baby Collection.

But first, in case you're not familiar with Kosmea, let me quickly fill you in. The products is Australian owned and made and I love the fact that they are made using only the best certified organic rosehip oil and the finest herbal, plant and flower extracts, and they do not contain any mineral oils, artificial colours, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances or SLS or SLES. I also love that the products are so gentle that they are suitable for use on babies' sensitive skin too.

Now onto the Kosmea Mum and Baby Collection, which is a great starter pack containing some key products for mum and baby, including;

• Hydrating Rosewater Mist (25mL)
• Rose Hip Oil (10mL)
• Five Minute Facial Muslin Cloth
• Rescue Balm (50mL)
• Rescue Body Cream (20mL)

The Kosmea Hydrating Rosewater Mist is a cooling facial spray intended to be used as a toner to rehydrate the skin the skin throughout the day, or on top of makeup to help it set and look nice for longer. It has the most gorgeous rose scent, coming from the thousand delicately distilled rose petals that have been used, and I just cannot get enough of this gorgeous natural scent. As the spray is very hydrating (and non-aerosol too), it is also perfect for bringing with you on long-haul flights to help freshen up the skin and bring back some much needed moisturise.

Then there's the Kosmea Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil, which I have actually used previously and still do, and I've also posted about it a long time ago, which you can read about here.

My views on this Rose Hip Oil has not changed, it is an incredible oil, and I love using it on both my face and décolleté, at night before bed, and feel that it is helping make my skin look not only more plumb and moisturised with fine lines less noticeable, but also more even toned, with pigmentation reducing in size and appearance. So if you've not tried it, you really should!

Then there's the Kosmea Five Minute Facial™ Muslin Cloth, which is made from 100 per cent cotton and designed to purify and gently exfoliate the skin during cleansing.

I admit to using a facial cleansing brush daily, but I've been enjoying using this Muslin Cloth before and after using a face mask - first used with warm water to open up the pores, and after removing the mask, with cold water to remove any remaining product, and to close and tighten the pores again. So simple, yet so effective. I love it.

Next is the Kosmea Rescue Balm, which is a healing balm intended for a multitude of skin issues including sunburn, chapped lips, reduction in appearance of scars, cuts and grazes and nappy rash. It is made using among others certified organic everlasting oil, lavender and calendula oils to help soothe the skin and promote skin recovery with its anti-inflammatory properties, while the Certified organic rose hip butter helps the skin retain moisture. I love a good multi-tasker, and especially when it is as gentle as this one, again suitable for use even on a baby's delicate skin. I love having it at hand, and successfully used it on my big boy's grazed knees and on our little boy's bum to prevent nappy rash during teething.

Finally, the Kosmea Rescue Body Cream is yet another product suitable for even babies. The cream is intensely moisturisng and leaves my, and my little boys' skin soft and smooth all day long, without the need for reapplying - all thanks to containing everlasting oil, rose hip butter and shea butter will deeply moisturise skin and relieve itchy symptoms. Carrot oil and grape seed oil protect with antioxidants and restore skin elasticity, and chamomile soothes irritated and sensitive skin.

Overall, this is a great gift set, and a great introduction to the brand, as it gives you an opportunity to try several products from the brand.


Kosmea Mum and Baby Collection - RRP: $39.95 (valued at $78.75)
Available from David Jones, and selected 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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Product Review: Kosmea Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum

As I believe I have mentioned quite a few times lately, since being pregnant, I have taken an increasing interest in more natural beauty products, so when I was asked to trial the *Kosmea Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum by the lovely and talented makeup artist, Tammerly from Spoilt by Pink Diva, I naturally happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

"This revitalising facial serum that instantly ‘lifts’ dull and tired skin. Containing the unique hibiscus extract, this everyday facial serum has the effect of ‘freezing’ fine lines and wrinkles giving skin instant youthfulness and vitality. Combined with organic rose hip oil, this duo form nature’s answer to cosmetic surgery!"

RRP: $69.95 (50ml) – Available from Select Pharmacies

What I Say:

I have previously tried the Rosehip Oil from Kosmea, and as I absolutely loved it, I naturally also had very high hopes for the Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum.

Kosmea is an Australian brand, and in fact the first company to bring Rosehip oil to Australia. How many other brands have since followed troop! All the Kosmea products are all free from mineral oils, artificial colours, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, sodium lauryl sulphate, and animal ingredients. The products have not been tested on animals, and all products come in recyclable packaging. I love the sound of that!

Currently over 37 weeks pregnant and struggling getting a good night’s sleep, I cannot deny that I am often tired, and well that shows up on my skin too, making it look more dull than normal, and existing lines and wrinkles seem more pronounced.

Kosmea claims that the Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum has “the effect of ‘freezing’ fine lines and wrinkles giving skin instant youthfulness and vitality. Combined with organic rose hip oil, this duo form nature’s answer to cosmetic surgery!” Sounds just what my skin needs!!

Being pregnant, I am naturally more conscious of the ingredients of the skincare products that I use, but I need not worry as the Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum contains mainly natural ingredients. As well as organic rosehip oil, the serum also contains among others hibiscus extract, Pea Extract, Rose Geranium Oil, which combined are to be give the skin the anti-ageing benefits through the essential antioxidants and vitamins.

The Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum does not contain artificial fragrance, but rather it has a very natural lovely scent, which is no doubt coming from the natural ingredients in the serum. The scent is quite subtle, although it does hang around a little, even after the serum has absorbed into the skin – but as I like the scent, it doesn’t bother me at all. And it is such a nice change from products with strong artificial scents.

Kosmea recommends using the serum morning and night, and to add extra daytime hydration during the day, while at night-time no extra moisturiser should be needed. To me, that sounds a little in reverse, as I find that my skin needs more moisture at night than during the day, when too much moisture can interfere and mean that my makeup won’t stay put for as long.

Unlike rosehip oil, the Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum has a consistency and texture like a cream, and it is not as greasy either. In fact, it absorbs instantly into the skin leaving it soft and without feeling or looking greasy. Probably because it absorbs into the skin so quickly without leaving any residue at all, I feel I need to add my usual day cream on top, which I also decide to do as the serum unfortunately does not contain any SPF.

During the day, it my makeup stays nice throughout the day – in fact, nicer than normal, it as if the serum as a normalising effect on my skin, making it feel and look less greasy, and it seems to stop the makeup from settling into fine lines too.

At night time, I also decide to use my usual night cream on top, as again, I simply feel that my skin needs the extra moisture, and the next morning I wake with soft, and thoroughly moisturised skin, which again doesn’t feel or look greasy, which it often does if I use a too concentrated or heavy anti-ageing product.

After now having used the Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum for several weeks, my skin looks and feels softer and is well hydrated, yet without making my skin congested or making it break outs, but rather it seems my skin’s oil production has normalized. And it is as if some of my age spots/pigmentation is slowly starting to fade so my skin tone seems a little brighter and more even and consequently also more radiant. Fine lines, in particularly around the eye area and on my forehead, seems to have minimised as well.

The actual Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum is quite concentrated and it spreads easily, so just one pump is more than sufficient to cover my whole face, so although the serum is not the cheap at $69.95 for 50ml, the bottle will last you quite a while.

It comes in a simple slim bottle with a pump, which I really like, as it is not only easy to use and dispense exactly the amount needed, it is more hygienic than having to constantly dip your fingers into a jar. Although, at times it can be a little tricky to completely use up products that come in pump bottles, but only time will tell how the Eighth Natural Wonder Revitalising Facial Serum will fare.

My only negative about this serum, is a minor one - the fact that you cannot see how much product is left in the bottle, as I do prefer to be prepared and have a backup at hand before running out.

All in all, this really has made an improvement on the condition and look of my skin, and in such a short period of time, so you can truly call it a wonder product. I will enjoy using the rest of the serum, and consider purchasing again in the future.

*This product was kindly provided for trial by Spoilt by Pink Diva, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you tried any of the products from Kosmea? Do you use a serum? Which one is your favourite?

 

 

Product Review: My Must-Have Skincare Products during Pregnancy

Being pregnant my skin has changed more than I had ever thought possible, and along with the long list of products which are a no-no to use while pregnant, it has been a little bit of a jungle having to venture into a for me, new area of skincare that I’d never previously had explored. Here is a run-down of some of the key skincare products that I've been using during my pregnancy;

 
That itchy skin...

I’ve never before suffered with dry skin and only ever used heavy body butters during winter – but suddenly my skin turned dry and itchy. They say that the itchiness is cause by a combination of the skin stretching and hormones.

When you suddenly gain a lot of weight – and when the majority of it sits on your tummy, no wonder the skin stretches so much that stretchmarks often appear. I don’t think that there are any 100% guaranteed preventions for stretchmarks, but making sure to keep the skin soft and hydrated is said to help reduce the risk.

To help with both the itchiness and to try to prevent stretchmarks - and at over 39 weeks pregnant I still haven’t got any – I have used a combination of products..


On my tummy...; 

*Gaia Belly Oil (RRP $17.95/95ml) and *Belly Butter (RRP $17.95/150g)

This Belly Oil and Belly Butter from Gaia is truly godsend. Both products have been made without Vitamin A, steroids, petrochemicals or mineral oils, making it very gentle and completely safe to use during pregnancy without any fears of harming the unborn baby. In fact, it is so gentle that it is also recommended for use to smooth caesarean scars. The products contain organic rosehip oil, organic jojoba oil, organic wheat germ oil, to help rehydrate and rejuvenate the skin on the belly, breasts, thighs and bottom areas stay soft and thoroughly moisturised during pregnancy and after to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and avoid new ones from coming.

The Belly Oil is easy to use as it comes in a spray bottle, but it does take a little longer to absorb, so I’ve been using it at night time (to stop myself from scratching my tummy during the night!), or if I’ve been home and just wearing some of hubby’s old t-shirts where any staining hasn’t mattered so much. While if I’ve been going out, and dressed up in my nicer clothes, I’ve been using the Belly Butter as it absorbs into the skin instantly. These products deserve a medal, as I am convinced that the products are one of the main reasons I still haven’t got any stretchmarks!


Palmers Tummy Butter (RRP: $15.69/125g)

This Tummy Butter from Palmers is incredibly greasy, and it is so concentrated that you need to use the tiniest amount, and still it feels greasy! It takes a while to absorb into the skin, and consequently I have only been using this at night time when I’ve been relaxing in front of the telly, and my tummy has gotten very itchy, as it has helped calm it down. And besides, the little boy seems to really enjoy and respond to this massage, so it has become a nightly routine. It has a light cocoa butter scent, and is free from parabens and phthalates, intended for use during pregnancy. It also contains vitamin E, collagen, elastin and lavender to soothe the skin.


On my body, including thighs and bum...;

*Clarins Stretchmark control (RRP: $90/200ml)

I’ve never ever been as heavy as I am right now, and no longer being able to do any vigorous exercise, of course I have been worried about developing a severe case of stubborn cellulite on my thighs and bum.

The Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Smoother limits fat storage and activates fat destocking to reduce the most stubborn cellulite and block the formation of early cellulite at its origin. And it works to not only visibly reduce cellulite, Body Lift Cellulite Smoothers specific active ingredients reinforce the skin’s firmness, micro-circulation and hydration and has an immediate lifting and tightening effect.


I love how the Cellulite Smoother absorbs into the skin immediately, leaving my skin feel soft and smooth, and I love the slight tingling and warming sensation, as the cream works to tone and tighten the skin. And at 39 weeks pregnant, and the heaviest weight I’ve ever been, the little bit of cellulite I already had before I got pregnant, hasn’t gotten any worse, and I am yet to see any new cellulite appear, so to me this is an absolute wonder cream.

All over my body...;

*Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil (RRP: $69.95/100ml)

Although I have been lucky and most of my pregnancy weight gain is sitting on my tummy, and hasn’t ‘spilled’ out to the rest of my body, I have naturally a little weight all over, I don’t think that can be avoided. And to avoid stretch marks from creeping in and ensure that my otherwise normal skin – which suddenly during pregnancy has gotten a lot drier, - has remained moisturised, I have been using the Clarins Tonic Body Treatment.

The body oil has the most amazing and relaxing natural scent, which however quickly fades. The oil feels so luxurious to use, and it absorbs into the skin instantly, and unlike other body oils, it doesn’t leaving behind any greasy feeling. Rather it immediately gets rid of any dry skin, and leaves the skin feeling so soft, smooth and thoroughly moisturised, and after just a few days use, I can really telly that my skin both feels and looks nicer, and appears more toned. And it helps soothe any itchy skin immediately too. And again, I am yet to see any further stretch marks, so this is another miracle product.


*Lanolips Herbal Treatment Body Oil (RRP $18.95/60ml)

The Lanolips Herbal Treatment Body Oil is a Ultra Pure Grade Lanolin oil with pine and eucalyptus oils to create a specialist treatment oil for stretch marks, scars, dehydrated skin & rough skin. The rich, nourishing oil keeps the skin moist and supple, providing the ultimate level of skin elasticity, during times of rapid growth such as pregnancy. Also contains violet leaf, coriander & copaiba balsam – leaving skin soft, silky, fragrant & healthy, and it has an absolutely amazing and natural gentle scent from all the natural ingredients.

It comes in a small hard plastic bottle with a flip lid, which makes it easy dispense just a few drops at a time. The bottle may look small for a body oil, but it is so concentrated that just a few drops is more than sufficient, so the small bottle will last you forever. I’ve been using this body oil all over after my shower, and it absorbs quickly leaving the skin feel incredibly soft and deeply moisturised. This oil is fantastic value for money, and a great alternative to body lotion.



*Johnson’s Baby Lotion (RRP $5.49/200ml)

When I have been using a body lotion on my increasingly sensitive skin, I’ve been using the Johnson’s Baby Lotion. Yep, it is not just for baby skin, it also perfect for adult skin. This moisturiser is so super gentle that it is gentle enough to use on a newborn baby, leaving a thing protective film on the skin, while being soothing and moisturising.

The body lotion which comes in a cute pale pink bottle has a pleasant gentle scent. The moisturiser is light and very easy to rub over the skin, and it absorbs into the skin immediately, without leaving the skin feeling greasy. And it instantly leaves the skin feeling thoroughly hydrated, a feeling that lasts all day. And it is so gentle that it doesn’t irritate even the most sensitive of skin, but rather it has an instantaneous soothing effect. I’ve made sure to stock up on this for our little baby boy, and lucky it comes at such a bargain price, as I am enjoying using this myself too!!


Pigmentation

Another thing many pregnant women often experience during pregnancy is an increase in pigmentation due to the change in hormones. I usually love being outdoors during summer, but this year, being pregnant I just couldn’t stand the hot weather we’ve been experiencing here in Melbourne, so consequently being less outside in the sun, than I otherwise would during summer has no doubt benefited my skin, as while I have seen a slight increase in the pigmentation, this is still not major. Sadly many of the conventional products targeting pigmentation are a big no-no during pregnancy, so I have been using


Kosmea Rosehip Oil (RRP $24.95/20ml)

The Kosmea Rosehip Oil has without a doubt helped me avoid me getting the 'mask of pregnancy'. In spite of thinking my combination skin wouldn’t like using a facial oil, my skin is loving it, and it is almost as if the oil production in my skin has normalised, and my skin is no longer as oily. In saying that, it is still too oily for my skin to use during the day, as it simply makes my makeup slide off, so I’ve only been using it at night time before bed. You can read my full review of the Kosmea Rosehip Oil here.


*Clarins White Plus Intensive Brightening Serum (RRP: $95/30ml)

The Clarins White Plus range is a relatively new skincare range from Clarins, targeting dull skin, and reduces dark spots and prevents their reappearance. It is super lightweight serum enriched with natural extracts of alchemilla, red sandspurry, gink-go biloba and white tea, and it has next to no scent. It absorbs instantly into the skin, making it feel incredibly soft and smooth and with a matte feel.

After just a few weeks of using the serum I started noticing larger pigmentation spots that I’d had for years, start to fade and give my skin a more even skin tone and a healthy glow – and that in spite of the up-hill battle with cream would have had in a period of likely pigmentation increase! This is truly amazing, and I look forward to seeing the results the serum will give after I’ve given birth and it has more favourable conditions to work its magic!!


Fragrance & Well-being

I always wear perfume. Always! And if I leave the house having forgotten to put some on, I feel as naked as not wearing my watch. It is simply a habit that I would not be without. Some girls have a signature perfume, - not me…there are simply too many great perfumes out there, to limit what I wear to just one, or even just a few. But I also have to be honest, and admit that while I’ve been pregnant, I have cut down dramatically on the perfume I use. In fact I have only been wearing it for very special occasions, simply because they say that perfumes generally are so loaded with chemicals, that I thought they surely wouldn’t be the greatest for our unborn baby boy either!

But on the few occasions where I have been wearing a perfume, I’ve wanted it to be special – and then I’ve turned to Clarins Eau Dynamisante..


*Clarins Eau Dynamisante Treatment Fragrance (RRP: $65/100ml)

You see, Eau Dynamisante is no ordinary fragrance, it is a treatment fragrance, that helps keep the skin soft, smooth and moisturised, and help tone and revitalise the skin, and of course at the same time, it has a lovely fresh feminine spicy yet citrusy scent – and if there’s something I love, its citrus scented products! It is such an uplifting and refreshing scent, and it lasts all day, while still being very subtle.

 Eau Dynamisante was launched in 1987…yeah, that right, how many fragrances are still going strong and are as popular after that many years on the market!! Shows that it really is a true classic.

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

So there you have it, some of key products that I’ve been relying on to get me through my pregnancy. And I’ve loved them all so much that they are sure to stay on my favourites list!


What about you, have you tried any of these products? And if you are, or have been pregnant, which products did you rely on during your pregnancy?

My Top 5: Favourite Beauty Oils

Years ago I couldn’t imagine using oil for anything but cooking, and with combination skin, often prone to breakouts, definitely not on my face.

Fast track a few years, and I have countless of beauty oils in my bathroom cabinet, as I have realised how beneficial these oils are for skin, body, hair and nails, and yes even for my face.

Here are my favourites.. 

Kosmea Rosehip Oil

I have tried a few other brands of rose hip oil, and I can honestly say that this one from Kosmea so far is the best one of them all!! If you haven’t seen my full review, you can see it here.

I use it only at night, as I feel it is too intense to use during the day under makeup. Just a few drops before my moisturiser, even around the eye area, and the next morning I wake to a skin that is soft, smooth and thoroughly moisturised. It is just glowing and radiant.

My pigmentation has started to fade, and the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes, look as though they have softened in appearance, as have the scarring from past acne.

Using just a few drops at a time, the 20ml bottle will last you a long time so it is very affordable for such an effective product.

RRP: $24.95 (20ml) – available from Priceline, chemist and Kosmea

Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil

I absolutely love this body oil, which comes in a handy pump bottle. It has a gorgeous yet subtle powdery floral scent of rose hip. It absorbs quickly into my skin leaving without leaving my skin sticky or greasy, rather it leaves soft and thoroughly moisturised, and with a nice sheen. And as it has significantly reduced the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

This oil is also perfect to add into a running bath, and afterwards my skin is left hydrated and silky soft.

RRP: $17.95 (150ml) - Available from Priceline and chemists.

 

Grown Body Serum with Ylang Ylang, Tamanu & Omega 7

The Grown Body Serum  is very light in texture, and it absorbs quickly into the skin without staining my clothing with oil marks, leaving my skin feeling thoroughly moisturised, soft and glowing , yet without making it feel greasy or sticky.

It is beautifully scented with essential oils rather than synthetic perfume, and it has a gorgeous and natural citrusy/woody/floral fragrance.

And I love that it is made from 100% certified organic ingredients, which are free from lauryl sulphate, glycols, petrochemicals, artificial fragrance, animal derivatives, T.E.A., D.E.A, synthetic colours, silicones and parabens. 

RRP: $43.95 (100ml) - Available from Grown

 

David Babaii Miracle Oil

Having now tried several different hair oils, ranging in price from $9.95 to over $60, I have now concluded that the Miracle Oil from David Babaii is my absolute favourite. If you haven’t seen my full review, you can see it here.

The Miracle Oil is one of the few hair oils that I have come across that does not contain harmful toxins, silicone, sulphates, parabens and petrochemicals.

Just a few pumps of the oil after washing my hair, it is so much easier to comb my long and thick hair, and it leaves it soft, shiny and very moisturised. 

I also use the oil as both as a protector prior to heat styling my hair, but also as a shine serum on the days that I do not wash my hair, and the product is making my hair look shiny and healthy while it smooths down any frizz.  

RRP: $29.95 (120ml) - Available from Priceline and David Babaii

Jojoba Oil

The Jojoba oil is such a versatile oil that can be used to It moisturise and nourishes ageing skin, as as a massage oil. It easily removes all traces of even waterproof make-up, without rubbing or pulling and leaving the delicate area soft and moisturised. 

It also works brilliantly as a hair treatment to condition dry hair, and as a nail and cuticle oil, it leaves cuticles hydrated and healthy. 

The best part is that Australian made 100% Natural Australian Jojoba contains no harmful detergents, chemicals, parabens, artificial fragrances, colours, PEGs, mineral oils, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), or animal products. This Jojoba oil is truly an essential multi-tasker that should be kept in every bathroom.

RRP: $29.95 (30ml) - Available from The Jojoba Company

 

Have you tried any of these oils? Which one is your favourite one?

 

 

 

 

Product Review: Kosmea Rose Hip Oil

I have tried quite a few other brands of rose hip oil. Here are my thoughts on the Kosmea Rose Hip Oil:

 

What they say:

"Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, this easily-absorbed oil is a real treat for the skin. It may help smooth wrinkles, even out skin tone, reduce appearance of scars, moisturise and soothe dry skin, nourish and hydrate ageing skin, balance oily skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Great for giving that glow to dull, tired skin!"

Price: $24.95/20ml, $44.95/42ml – Available from Kosmea

What I say: 

Having combination skin prone to breakouts, I am always worried that a new intensive cream or serum will make my skin breakout, and I’m even more worried when it comes to using oil on my skin. But no need to worry, as it has not made my skin break out, actually it has helped make my skin feel less oily.

I use it only at night, as I feel it is too intense to use during the day under makeup. I apply a few drops before my moisturiser, even around the eye area. And the next morning my skin feel so soft and smooth and thoroughly moisturised. It is just glowing and radiant.

My pigmentation has started to fade, and the fine lines on my forehead and around my eyes look as though they have softened in appearance, as have the scarring from past acne, so I have very high hopes for what this wonder serum will do to my skin with continued use.

Of all the rose hip oils I have tried, Kosmea has the most beautiful scent, it is so divine and pure, I just love it. This product comes in a handy pipette type bottle, which I love as it is not only hygienic, but it also makes it easy to control how much product comes out.

Using just a few drops at a time, the 20ml bottle will last you a long time, so at $24.95 it is so affordable for such an effective product.

I can honestly say that this Rose Hip Oil from Kosmea so far is the best Rose Hip Oil that I have tried.

Do you use Rose Hip Oil? Which one is your favourite?