PRODUCT REVIEW: 100% NATURAL LIPBALMS FROM CLEAN AND PURE

Winter-dry lips no more thanks to this beautiful delivery from Clean & Pure with a selection of their lip balms. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: LUK BEAUTIFOOD LIP NOURISH FROM ZIANI BEAUTY - 100% NATURAL NOURISHING SHEER LIPSTICKS

I am sure that you by now have heard of Ziani Beauty the online beauty store for non-toxic health and beauty products. All products on the site have been hand picked by a Dietitian and naturopath because of their non-toxic beneficial ingredients and tested to ensure they are of the highest quality and will deliver what they promise. I’ve put some Lip Nourish Sheer Lipsticks from Luk Beautifood. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT NATURAL LIP PERFECTOR IN PINK GRAPEFRUIT AND JUICY MANDARIN

The other day I told you about some new limited edition Clarins hand creams, which you can read all about here - so today I thought I'd share with you the limited edition Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors.. 

These Clarins Natural Lip Perfectors promises fuller-looking, well-hydrated, simply gorgeous lips. The soft gel-cream have lovely fruity scents and a touch of shimmer and colour, and leave the lips with a lovely sheer touch of colour, that can be used either on their own or with your preferred lipstick, though I personally prefer to use them on their own.

They contain among others Shea, Olive Tree and Rice to add moisture, nourish and soften the lips, while also healing and toning them and helping the skin on the lips renew itself. I addition, they also contain orange and mandarin peel oils, which no doubt help give them their gorgeous slightly sweet citrus scents.

This particular gift set comes with two new limited edition shades, Pink Grapefruit and Juicy Mandarin, and I've been so loving both, as they are such pretty easy to wear, subtle shades.

The Pink Grapefruit has a gorgeous natural light berry pink shade that looks very natural on the lips, while the Juicy Mandarin has a reddish coral shade that is so gorgeous and perfect for spring and summer too.

My immediately reaction was that I preferred the Pink Grapefruit shade, but the Juicy Mandarin is seriously so gorgeous too. Both shades have apply with sheer colour, and with a just a touch of sheen, but without any glitter or shimmer. And they are so lovely, creamy and lightweight, and without any stickiness.

These Lip Perfectors come in a squeeze tube with a slanted sponge applicator that makes them easy to apply, and they can be used on their own, but can also be applied on top of i.e. a matte lipstick for extra sheen. Considering they are glosses, I find they last quite well on the lips, needing to be reapplied every 2-3 hours or so.

These Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors from Clarins seriously feel so lovely and comfortable on the lips, and I love that they help treat my lips and keep them hydrated, while giving them a touch of natural colour at the same time.

There are 8 shades in the range, as well these two new limited ones in the gift set, and if you want to get your hands on them, you best hurry, before they sell out.


Clarins Giftset with 2x Instant Light Natural Lip Perfectors in no 13 Pink Grapefruit and no 14 Juicy Mandarin - RRP: $45 / 2 x 12ml

Available from Clarins

* 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.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: WELEDA TINTED LIP BALMS

It's no secret that I lately have been exploring some more natural beauty products, so when these new Tinted Lip Balms from Weleda landed on my door step, I couldn't wait to put them to the test.

These new lip balms are 100% certified natural, and combines colour & care in one. They are made using Shea butter, jojoba oil and olive oil to care for and protect the lips, while sunflower seed wax helps form a protective layer to protect the lips. They also contain rose and vanilla to help give them the most divine gentle scent.
The balms are light and soft on the lips, making them very comfortable to wear throughout the day, as they are non sticky. And I love that they give the lips a touch of tint and a subtle shimmer a the same time.

They are available in three shades, Nude, Rose, and Berry Red - and I put the first two to the test.

Nude has a very pale pearlescent pinky-nude that gives the lips a lovely look, and actually also would be perfect on top of any lipstick for extra sheen and dimension, as well as I can actually imagine that it could double as a highlighter on the top of your cheeks!!
Rose is a pale pink shade, that is a gorgeous shade for everyday casual wear.

I really enjoy using these, and love the fact that they are natural and give my lips a touch of tint while caring for them. I know I'll be reaching for these in the coming winter months as my lips tend to become drier, and I pretty keen to get my hands on the final shade, the Berry Red, the darkest of the shades available.

If you're looking for a very moisturising balm, that's natural, I definitely recommend that you check out these new Tinted Lip Balm from Weleda.


Weleda Tinted Lip Balm - RRP: $15.95 / 10ml
Available from David Jones and selected pharmacies and health food stores, and Weleda Online * Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 
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XMAS GIFT IDEAS AND STOCKING FILLERS UNDER $10

Today I've got a couple of great budget Xmas gift ideas for you, which are just as perfect as little stocking fillers or even Kris Kringle Pressies...

Revo Lip Balm Twist - The same lip balm as you know it that smells so delicious from coconut, watermelon, cherry or strawberry - and it's loaded with conditioning ingredients such as natural oils, aloe vera, and vitamin E to keep your lips super soft and smooth. And now it's available in a super easy twist up tube.

The Body Fantasies are a new brand of fresh, light fragrance body sprays made with fragrance oils to keep you smelling divine all day long, and trust me when I say that they really do have lasting power. There are six gorgeous scents to choose from, including Vanilla, Twilight Mist, Kissing in the Rain, Sweet Pea, Japanese Cherry Blossom and Pink Vanilla Kiss Fantasy.

Fancy a new hair colour, but haven't got the courage for something a bit different - well then these Brite Organix Liquid Hair Chalks would be a perfect choice. These pen style hair colours simply paint on to the hair for an intense and vibrant streak of colour and then easily washes off again when you next wash it. And they're suitable for both blonde and brunettes too.


Revo Lip Balm Twist - RRP: $4.99ea
Available from Woolworths

Body Fantasies - RRP: $7.99 / 94ml
Available from Chemcorp
  
Brite Organix Liquid Hair Chalk - RRP: $9.95 / 14ml
Available from Brite Organix and Woolworths

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

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RED LIPS WITH MAX FACTOR

I've always been a huge fan of Max Factors products, in particularly the foundations and mascaras, and it wasn't until recently that I came across their lipsticks and glosses. Today I'd like to share with you four different lip products from Max Factor for the perfect red pout. 

First up is the Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss, which combines smoothing mineral oil, nourishing candelilla wax, shine enhancers and considering this a lip gloss, it has a considerably high pigmentation so you can wear it on its own, naturally, but you can also use it on top of a lipstick for added shine. It leaves the lips with a super glossy non-sticky finish. It does need to be re-applied every few hors, but that's pretty standard for a lip gloss. The shade Polished Fuchsia is a dark pink almost red shade, that is super wearable, and as the colour isn't as intense as a lipstick, it is also perfect for everyday casual wear, feeling very comfortable on the lips.

Next is the Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick, which is a moisturising lipstick that has been enriched with SilkTherapy™ complex with Silk Protein that helps sustain moisture levels for smoother lips, and it really does feel incredibly soft, creamy and moisturising on the lips. The shade Ruby Tuesday is the perfect bright red lipstick. It is super pigmented, giving full colour payoff, and it last hours and hours on the lips without fading or wearing off. The red shade does tend to bleed a little, but that's nothing using a lip liner first won't fix. 



L-R: Colour Elixir Gloss in Polished Fuchsia, Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday,
Colour Intensifying Lip Balm in Classy Cherry,
Lipfinity Long Lasting Lipstick in Evermore Sublime 

Then there's the Max Factor Colour Intensifying Lip Balm, which is a lip balm that has a buildable colour, so for each layer you apply, the colour intensifies, thanks to containing micro-fine mica particles to gradually build colour to the lips. One layer with give the lips a tiny touch of tint and a sheen, while five coats will give the most intense level of colour, and I really like this, so I can control the colour intensity according to my mood and the occasion. The balm is also a very moisturising formula containing among others mango, shea and cocoa butter. The Classy Cherry appears dark red in the tube but once applied it does have a slight dark fuchsia tinge. For everyday use this is one of my favourites, as I really love how I can build up the shade.

Finally, there's the Max Factor Lipfinity Long Lasting Lipstick, which a longwearing lipstick that delivers moisturising, intense colour that lasts for up to eight hours. And unlike many other longwearing lipsticks, which are often very drying on the lips, this one actually is a moisturising formula containing over 60 per cent skin conditioners and emollients fused together with two film formers that improve strength and long-wear. It also contains shea butter, squalane and acetylated lanolin to add intense moisturisation. The shade Evermore Sublime is a gorgeous classic red shade, and it really does have incredible pigmentation, and even when it wears off, it does so evenly leaving a nice red stain on the lips, so when I want to make sure my lipstick stays put and I have no time for touch ups, this one never fails. Also perfect for a night out! 

Colour Elixir Gloss in Polished Fuchsia, Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday, Colour Intensifying Lip Balm in Classy Cherry,
Lipfinity Long Lasting Lipstick in Evermore Sublime 

So there you have it, four different red lipsticks from Max Factor, each with a different feel, shade and look, from a gloss, to a tint, to a solid bold colour. Something for every mood and occasion, and as each is lovely in its own right, I consequently also struggle picking favourites!
 

Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss - RRP: $19.95
Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick - RRP: $20.95
Max Factor Colour Intensifying Lip Balm - RRP: $17.95
Max Factor Lipfinity Long Lasting Lipstick - RRP: $23.95

Max Factor is available from Myer, Priceline, 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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PRODUCT REVIEW: lUST HAVE IT JUNE 2015

The June Lust Have It box arrived on my doorstep on the 29th June, and after running delays for the past many months, and also skipping the April box, its great to see that LHI seems to be back on track and the box actually being delivered in June! Here’s my thoughts on this month’s box;

What They Say

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.

RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.

Available from Lust Have It 


What I Say:

Like the last couple of months, the products this month came in a plain, foldable plain gift box, this month in a silver box, and this is what was in the box;


Teeez Trend Cosmetics Eve’s Ready to Wear Lipstick in Classy Caramel – Full Size (RRP: $35.00)

I ready got one of these lipsticks from another beauty box last year, so as such it is not a new item for me. But in saying that, I did get a different shade, this one a warm deep orangy red shade, which is quite lovely. The lipsticks claims to nourish, hydrate and repair cracked or dry lips, and it does indeed feel very lovely on the lips. I look forward to using this one!


NAK Thermal Shield – Full Size (RRP: $25.95/150g)

This spray is designed to help weatherproof the hair and protect it from harsh styling and thermal heat, making it less prone to frizz and damage. This sounds great, only I rarely heat style my hair, let along hair dry it, sadly with a newborn and a toddler that becomes a thing of luxury, only possible for special occasions – but I’ll certainly look forward to trying it out! Chapstick Hydration Lock – Full Size (RRP: $4.95/4.4g)

This is a dual-ended lipbalm that has a hydration part in the one end and in the other a part that locks in the moisture for up to 8 hours. My husband is addicted to Chapsticks, and never leaves the house without his trusted lipbalm in his pocket –he can even be 30mins away from home and he will either turn around to go home and get it if he has forgotten it, or stop at the nearest chemist to get a new one, so I think this one will be passed on to him, with the argument that if you apply before you leave home, you should more or less be able to make it home from work again before you’d need to apply again. Brilliant ideal Chapstick!



The Cosmetic Kitchen Peppermint Foot Mask – Full Size (RRP: $24.95/50g)

I’ve tried a few other products from the Cosmetic Kitchen thanks to being included in beauty boxes, but luckily I haven’t yet tried this foot mask. It contains peppermint and tea tree and promises to ‘say goodbye to sad winter toes’. Sounds pretty good to me, after being pregnant and not able to reach my feet, my feet are a tad neglected, only issue is finding the time – but when the day comes, I’ll look forward to trying it.

The Cosmetic Kitchen Wake Up Body Scrub – Full Size (RRP: $29.95/60g)

Another product from the brand that I’m yet to try. This body scrub contains raw sugar, coffee and alkalising salts, pink organic clay and essential oils, to help slug away dead skin cells. As a coffee lover, this sounds pretty good to me, so another product I’ll look forward to testing out!

So there you are, the contents in the June Lust Have It box. It contains a total of 5 products, of which are full-sized, which is pretty impressive, - and hence so is the total value of the products which comes to $117 – not bad for a $20 box!!

Overall I am quite happy and impressed with both the value and the selection of products this month, even if I feel I haven't really got the time to lock myself in the bathroom and pamper myself with the body scrub and foot mask, or have time to style my hair, and passing on the Chapstick to my husband, all there is left is the Teeez Lipstick – but that is not Lust Have It’s fault – and hopefully that will change as my boys grow older! And even so, the Teeez lipstick still has a higher value than the cost of the box!

If I have to be negative, it is that there are two products from The Cosmetic Kitchen,and for the sake of variety and surprise factor too, I would have loved if one of the products had been replaced by a product from another brand.But overall, well done Lust Have It, I cannot wait to see what you’ve got in store for next month!

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



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PRODUCT REVIEW: SISLEY PARIS PHYTO LIP SHINE

Sisley Paris is one of those beauty brands I’ve been aware of for as long as I can remember. Yet, for some reason I have never actually tried any of their products. Not really sure why, just for some reason haven’t! So when I was asked to trial the Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Shines*, I excitedly agreed. Here are my thoughts; 

What They Say:

A treatment lipstick with more colour than a gloss and more shine than a lipstick. Creamy, invisible, and very comfortable, the texture of Phyto-Lip Shine is both light and nourishing, with its treatment formula that provides brilliant shine and total softness. Kokum and mango butters leave lips hydrated, protected, and comfortable, brilliant, sheer filmogenic polymers create a smoothing, coating, and plumping effect. They ensure a brilliant and luminous finish, while sucrose esters ensure softness, comfort, and shine.

RRP: $50 – Available from David Jones
What I Say:

I got to try the shades Sheer Papaya and Sheer Berry, and have to admit that I at first was a little intimidated by the tangerine/orange shade, as I am not normally one to wear such bright bold shades, and especially not orange. But I hadn’t need to worry, as the name suggests, it does go on sheer, and in more or a coral tangerine shade.

The lipstick glides on easily, but is not as creamy as I would have thought considering it is also called a treatment lipstick. However, regardless it is very lovely on the lips and you wouldn’t even know it is there.

And although it is sheer, it actually gives off more colour than I would have otherwise thought, and especially the Sheer Berry Shade, which has a lovely sheer red shade. Again it looks very dark in the but it goes on as a lovely stain, so it is very wearable, even for everyday casual use. And common for both shades, is that you can build up the colour a touch by adding an additional coat, so it definitely holds true that it adds more colour than your typical lipgloss. As for the shine, it adds a lovely sheen, but I wouldn’t go as far as calling it glossy, but it is also not claiming to be. Personally I really the satiny shine it gives, as sometimes I feel that a gloss can be a bit too much, so this is a more subtle shine, more grownup if you like.

Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Berry

The Paris Phyto Lip Shine claims to have a plumping effect, but I have to admit that I struggle to see that, but maybe it is just because I need to wear it, and reapply more frequently.

Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Papaya

The Phyto Lip Shine has a wear of a couple of hours for the Sheer Papaya Shade, and as the Sheer Berry shade seems to have a little more pigmentation, it also lasts a little longer on the lips, approx. 3-4 hours, also surviving drinks of water and a snack, leaving behind a touch of a stain on the lips.

But even when it has worn completely off, my lips feels so soft and smooth, so the included mango butter clearly works its magic on the lips.

L_R: Sheer Papaya, Sheer Berry

At $50 each the Phyto Lip Shines are at the higher end of lipsticks, but they are also not only feels like luxury on the lips, they also scream luxury with the Sisley ‘S’ on the silver packaging and the red velvet pouch that they come in.

It is simply the perfect lipstick when you are after a sheer finish with just a touch of a shine, and if you can afford the splurge, you won’t be disappointed. I certainly wouldn’t mind getting hold of a few more colours, especially of the darker shades.
 
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


Ever tried any of the products from Sisley Paris? What do you think of these Phyto Lip Shines?

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INDUSTRY NEWS: RIMMEL LONDON LAUNCHES THE RITA ORA COLLECTION



Who doesn’t love Rimmel London cosmetics? Always on trend with great quality products at fantastic prices. And now Rimmel has teamed up with Rita Ora to bring you the new Colour Rush Lip and Nail Collection by Rita Ora.


 

The collection includes Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm, which is a long-lasting jumbo crayon style lip colour balm that twists up for a fast and precise application. The hi-voltage shades are rich and intense, and provides an all-day super charged sand out lip look. And you can get Rita’s provocative ‘Hot Right Now’ signature red lip with The Redder The Better #500. But there are 6 show stopping and sexy colours in the range, including a candy pink shade ‘Give Me a Cudddle’, a dusty rose pink ‘Keep Mauving’, a fuchsia ‘Rumour Has It’, a crimson ‘The Redder The Better’, a coral shade ‘On Fire’ and a neutral toned ‘Drive Me Nude’

For the nails Rita Ora has created six new shades of the iconic one-coat quick-dry nail polish for Rimmel. These Colour Rush 60 Seconds Nail Polishes features Rita Ora’s portrait picture on the cap along with her signature on a British stamp. The six nail polish shades include a white ‘White Hot Love’, an ice pink ‘Lose Your Lingerie’, an ice green ‘Breakfast in Bed’, a fuchsia ‘Don’t Be Shy’, a teal ‘Do Not Disturb’ and a purple “Midnight Rendezvous’, with Rita’s own hero shade being the White Hot Love, the white nail polish with a pearl effect. 

 

The new Rimmel London Lasting Finish Colour Rush Intense Colour Balm will have an RRP of $12.95 each, while the Colour Rush 60 Seconds Nail Polish with have an RRP of $7.95 each.

The collection will be available from August 2014 from Priceline, Kmart, BigW, selected Coles and Woolworths and selected pharmacies. 

 

 

 

What do you think of this new collection from Rimmel? Keen on getting your hands on some of the products when they launch next week? Personally I love look of those Colour Balms...

 

Brand Focus: Burt’s Bees

As a fanatic beauty blogger I love it when I get the opportunity to trial new products, and I get excited and am very appreciative when products arrive at my doorstep, no matter if they are expensive or cheap – I do admit to having loving luxurious products, but in my everyday routine, I use just as many budget products! But every so often a parcel arrives that really takes my breath away, one where a lot of attention and thought have gone into – and last week I received one of the best put together parcels that I’ve received in a very very long time, this one from Burt’s Bees.

What was so amazing about this package was that the products arrived in a replica cardboard house of were Burt’s Bees started. The inside the box was full of detailed information about the products. The box also contained a booklet – well actually a little more than a booklet, as when I opened it, a video about Burt and how the company started, started playing inside the booklet. Amazing! Previously working as a marketing and brand manager, and being used to putting point-of-sale material together, I can only imagine the work, and not to mention cost, that has gone into producing this. I’m impressed.

The package also contained a USB cord, so you could connect the booklet so you computer and watch the video from there – or as I’ve done, put it into this post, so you can enjoy it too..

 

The box also contained some of Burt’s Bees classic products we well information cards about all the products. But before I start running you through the products, let me first quickly introduce you to Burt’s Bees;

 

Burt’s Bees was founded almost 30 years ago when a beekeeper was selling honey from the back of his truck, and he decided to use the leftover beeswax from the honey bees to make candles, and since then more products were quickly added to the product range.

All the products from Burt’s Bees are developed with the idea that ‘Nature knows best’ in mind, and consequently the ingredients used are all natural – 100% natural – which means that they of course are free from all the chemical nasties including phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS.

Now let me get onto the classic Burt’s Bees products which were included in the box:
 

 

 

Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

I honestly don’t know why I haven’t posted about this cuticle cream before. I have gone through several of these jars. I love it, so no complaints from me now having a backup! It not only has the most amazing zesty lemon scent – my favourite scent, but it is also so effective at keeping your cuticles soft and hence your nails looking nicer. The small tin looks tiny, but it is so concentrated, that it will last you forever. No wonder this product has won so many awards! RRP: $14.95 (17g)

 

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - Tube and Tin

I have previously declared my love for Burt’s Bees Lip Balm in my Top 5 Favourite Lip Balms, but this tube with Vitamin E and Peppermint is new to me, and I already love it. And the tin is absolutely perfect for keep keeping at the bedside table. Can you believe it, but the tube of lip balm is so popular that a tube is sold every 2 seconds!! RRP: Tube: $7.95 (8.5g), Tube: $6.95 (4.25g)
 

 

Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Crème

This foot crème is very thick, and does leave the feet feeling a little sticky, so it is definitely one of those products that are best used at night with a pair of old socks on top.  But it is totally worth it, as the next morning you wake with the softest feet ever. I am not the greatest fan of coconut scented products, but on my feet I can certainly accept it, especially when the results are this good. And the added peppermint has a nice cooling effect so perfect for tired legs too. RRP: $24.95 (123g)

 

 

 

 

Burt's Bees Hand Salve

This Hand Salve is thick and quite greasy, so it really is perfect for super dry and damaged hands, including after a day in the garden. It contains sweet almond oil, beeswax, vitamins and botanical oils to help deeply nourish the skin. It has a nice herbal scent, which lingers for quite a while, which I like as it is so natural. As it is greasy, it is not ideal for use during the day, but absolutely perfect just before going to bed. RRP: $24.95 (85g)

 

Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand Cream

This hand cream is so much lighter than the Hand Salve, so it is better suited for use during the day as it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave the hands feeling greasy. It contains shea butter, cocoa butter and sesame oil to help keep hands soft and moisturised. And thanks to the added essential oils, it has a light lovely natural scent, which does linger for a while. RRP: $29.95 (90g).

Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème

This hand cream is slightly thicker than the Shea Butter Hand Cream, but not as thick as the Hand Salve. The concentrated cream takes a little bit to absorb into the skin, but once it has, you can feel the goodness of the ingredients immediately. It contains among others beeswax, almond milk, and glycerin to soothe and relieve dry and cracked hands. Thanks to the almond milk, it has a really strong and sweet scent of almonds, which some may find a little sickening, but personally I think it is quite lovely. It comes in a super cute old style glass jar. RRP: $19.95 (57g)

 

Burt’s Bees products are available for purchase from David Jones, Myer, Priceline, Target, Selected Pharmacies and from Burt’s Bees Online

So there you have it, a selection of Time-tested Burt’s Bees Classics! If you haven’t already tried these products, I highly recommend that you do!

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

Have you ever tried any of the products from Burt’s Bees? Any you are keen on trying? Or maybe you’ve tried others you can recommend?

February Favourites 2014

I have not done of these posts before. But I really like reading other beauty bloggers favourites posts. And trialling a fair share of products every month, while I genuinely love by far the majority of the products I trial, there are obviously products that I for one reason or another like more than others, and that I continue to use after a trial period, or keep going back to – and so I thought that it was time that I started doing a monthly favourites post too.

And yep, I am a little late, very late actually, posting the February post, but moving house and our internet provider stuffing up so now almost three weeks after moving in, we are still without internet in our new house (plus for the almost three weeks prior to that while we were living in a holiday house), explains all of that. And as I’ve had the post ready to go live, I thought that I’d go ahead and post it, even in spite of being almost a month late!!! So without further ado, here are the products that I have continuously reached for during February..

Neutrogena Rapidly Clear Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub*

I have always struggled with my skin breaking out, but luckily have managed to get it under control. Well most of the time. Having recently moved house, twice in a month, and the stress that came with it, and add to that we also in the process of getting a new house designed, has stressed my out skin a bit. Actually probably a little more than I like, as my skin has gone bonkers this last month. But I have found some help in the Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub from Neutrogena. This scrub is so gentle that it can be used daily. The small exfoliating beads helps remove dead skin cells, while the salicylic acid, helps clean deep down every pore removing excess dirt and oil, leaving my skin feeling less greasy, and simply soft and smooth.
RRP: $13.99 (125ml) - Available from Priceline and supermarkets

Palmer's Purifying Mask*

To further help clean my skin, I have also been relying on the Palmer’s Purifying Mask a few times a week. This mask contains kaolin clay to help draw out impurities and purify the pores, and after leaving it on for just 10 minutes, my skin free from all the excess oiliness that is otherwise plaguing it at the moment, and it is left looking healthy and smooth. Yet at the same time it also contains among others cocoa and shea butters, vitamin E and sweet almond oil, to help moisturise and nourish the skin. Used regularly, it simply helps makes my makeup stay put for longer without sliding off my face. It comes in a handy tube, and has the most gorgeous scent floral scent

RRP: $9.99 (120g) - Available from Priceline and supermarkets

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer*

With all the breakouts, this past month I’ve also been relying on the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer. The concealer is a unique two-toned concealer that allows you to custom-blend your own perfect shade to match your skin. And it easily covers redness, blemishes and age spots. And as it is so pigmented you only need to use so little, which also means that the result is very natural. And my combination skin also loves that it is an oil-free formula that stays put all day. Not cheap, but worth every cent!

RRP: $49 – Available from David Jones and Adore Beauty

Wella SP Color Save Mask*

I usually get my hair coloured at the salon 3 to 4 times a year. And I hate it. Well, I love the result, that’s why I keep getting it done, but I hate actually getting it done. I have very long and thick hair, and usually have very fine strands of hair coloured throughout my hair, which makes it look quite natural, but it is a process that takes several hours, and that’s what I hate. So I’ll do anything to protect the colour and prevent it from fading too quick and that’s where the Wella SP Color Save Mask is so brilliant. It not only helps keep my hair looking healthy but this hair mask has been created to protect coloured hair providing long-lasting colour brilliance and care against fading. It also includes UV Filters to shield against sunlight damage, beeswax for increased shine and olive leaf extract for its colour-retaining benefits, and of course, not forgetting ingredients to  moisturise and protect the hair from drying out.

RRP: $34 - Available from hair salons

L'Oreal Luminosity Code BB Cream*

I love multi-tasking products and this Luminosity Code BB Cream from L'Oreal is no exception. It is not only a BB Cream that helps cover imperfections, but it also works to helps to even out the skin tone. It contains Lumi-Gen technology, which is designed to regulate the skin’s pigmentation so the skin is more even day after day. The BB Cream doubles as a moisturiser and it is oil free and extremely lightweight has well as it is non-comedogenic, so perfect for my combination skin for wear on a hot summers’ day for a casual outing. It only has a very light coverage, but it is enriched with pearlescent light reflectors, so it leaves the skin with a lovely healthy glow, without being too shimmery or making the skin look shiny. And it is perfect to be used in combination with the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer. The cream has a gorgeous gentle floral scent, and as a as an added bonus offers protection from harmful UV rays.

RRP: $29.95 –Available from Priceline, variety stores, selected pharmacies, department stores and supermarkets

Schick Quattro Papaya & Pearl*

I have to be completely honest and admit that I normally use an epilator to shave my legs, although I don’t use it under my arm pits, as I’m way too much of a chicken to do that. But moving house, I completely forgot to pack the epilator with the stuff I was taking with me to the holiday house, and that’s where this new shaver from Schick came in so handy. It has a whole four blades for a closer and smoother shave, and the tip is enriched with papaya and pearl to leave the skin feeling so incredibly soft. It comes with a handy suction cup holder for the shower and it has a cute coral colour. And I have to admit that I do love the smoothness of shaving my legs with a blade, especially now that it is still warm and I generally wear skirts or dresses, - the shave just doesn’t compare to using an epilator…. So I may just give my epilator a little holiday for a while..

RRP: $11.99 - Available from Priceline, variety stores, selected pharmacies, department stores and supermarkets

Palmer's Natural Bronze Instant*

I love summer and feeling the sun warm up my body, but having a baby means that this summer I’ve been less outside and in the sun than I normally am. That means my legs are somewhat paler than they usually are at this time of year, and that’s where the Palmer's Natural Bronze Instant is so brilliant. It is not only an instant tanner, it is also a self-tanner that gradually builds up a nice and natural looking tan, so it looks like I too have spent the summer at the beach.

RRP: $9.39 (250ml) - Available from Priceline, variety stores, selected pharmacies, department stores and supermarkets

Advanced Cosmeceuticals Magnifibres Brush-On False Lashes*

Once upon a time I had long lashes. No so anymore. These days I am so envious of my little 9 month old boy, whose lashes seems to grow longer and longer by the day. But lucky there is help to be found. These Magnifibres Brush-On False Lashes from Advanced Cosmeceuticals is brush on false lashes in the shape of a mascara wand. Simply apply a coat of your normal mascara, then follow by applying the brush with the cotton wool-like fibres onto your lashes, and finish off with a final coat of your normal mascara – and you are left with an incredible false lash effect, with lashes that are both longer and has more volume, yet looks natural. Perfect for someone like me who has not yet mastered applying false lashes! But I do have to admit that I did worry using the Magnifibres on my sensitive eyes, as they easily get irritated and water, and I feared that it would drop particles into my eyes, but I had no need to worry as that has not been the case. Combined with the casual look of the BB Cream, these Magnifibres takes my everyday makeup look to a complete new level.
RRP: $59.95 – Available from select stockists, or from Advanced Cosmeceuticals

FAB First Aid Beauty Lip Therapy*

During summer my lips always get so dry from the sun and from air conditioners too, but this summer, the Lip Therapy from FAB has come to the rescue. This little wonder product has kept my lips soft and hydrated, and after a day of sailing which resulted in chapped and dried out lips from the wind, it got my lips back to top shape in no time. It has a lovely fresh minty smell and feels cooling on the lips, and what’s even better is that it contains absolutely no chemical nasties, including no parabens or colourants.
RRP: $12.95 (14.8ml) – Available from Priceline

So there you have it – some of the products which I have particularly loved using in February. And stay tuned… I will be posting about my March favourites before you know it!!

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

Have you tried any of these products? Or any you’d love to try? Did you discover any new products in February?