PRODUCT REVIEW: NIVEA SOFT MIX ME COLLECTION

PRODUCT REVIEW: ESSENTIALS FROM NIVEA INCL NIVEA CREME, MICELLAR AND DEODORANTS

Growing up in Denmark, one of those brands I remember we always had in the house, was Nivea.... 

This was before the time of the cheap air fares and duty free shopping, but each summer, my family and I would drive the couple of hours south to cross the German border, and shop in the large supermarkets there, on our way south on our summer holiday. And one of the products we always stocked up on, was the Nivea Creme, which came in huge blue aluminium tins. Don't get me wrong, we could purchase these in Denmark, but just not that big, and they cost a lot more. We used it on everything.

The dry hands after a day in the garden, a thick layer on to the feet before putting on socks for an intensive foot treatment, or in the 80's I used to use it to calm down frizz and give my 80's perm a new life with intense moisture between washes.

It can be used as a face moisturiser too, but it is a little too intense for my combination skin prone to breakouts, but I do like using it on my body, and in particularly knees, elbows and feet, if its extra dry, especially during winter.

This thick creme was first introduced back in 1911 and has since then become a cult classic. And no wonder, as it really is amazing. I always have a jar handy, as it is such a great multi tasker. The creme is made using the world’s first stable oil-in-water cream created by pharmacist and owner of Beiersdorf, Dr.Oscar Troplowitz, and leading dermatologist, Professor Paul Gerson Unna, following their discovery of a new kind of emulsifier, called “Eucerit”. Together with chemist Dr. Isaac Lifschutz. In addition to Eucerit, the Crème also contains glycerine and a little citric acid, fragranced with rose and lily of the valley oils, which gives it a lovely subtle floral scent. An amazing cream that should be a stable in any beauty cabinet. 

But as years have passed, Nivea has launched new products, which are equally amazing. This includes their deodorants, which include the Nivea Invisible for Black and White Fresh Aerosol Spray and Roll-on deodorants. These deodorants have a unique formula that helps prevent those dreaded yellow deodorant and sweat stains from developing on your white clothes, and those annoying white powdery deodorant marks on your black clothes. 

The deodorant has a new technology that works by using aluminium salts to dissolve white residue in an emulsion, masked with oil, to form a protection and barrier around the textile fibres, before staining from sweat and deodorant can stick to the fabric, to make them easier to remove in the wash. At the same time the deodorant is very gentle on the skin, and offers a 48-hour protection against both odour and perspiration,

The deodorants have a powdery fresh scent from notes of bergamot, white tea and sandalwood, which lingers on the skin throughout the day, while still being so subtle that the scent wont clash with your perfume, and it really does leave me feeling fresh smelling and protected throughout the day. The deodorant is available in both an aerosol and a roll-on version, but I prefer to use a roll-on, but that's just personal preference. But overall, I really love these deodorants as they care and protect both me and my clothes!

For the skin, I am also currently enjoying the Nivea Daily Essentials Caring Micellar Water. This gentle miceallar water has tiny surface active agent molecules or micelles that are suspended in water, and when you apply the product to a cotton pad and wipe it over your face, the micelles break and help to pull dirt, grime and oil off the surface of the skin, and thereby gently removes all makeup, dirt and excess serum.

It feels gentle and lovely on my skin, and with a cotton pad, it easily removes my makeup, through I do feel it struggles a little when I'm wearing particularly long-wearing or waterproof makeup, but generally I feel that's the case for most micellar waters.

The Nivea Daily Essentials Caring Micellar Water has been enriched with Vitamin E, and it helps care for the skin and moisturise it, leaving it feeling soft and smooth, while also helping to alleviate the signs of sensitive skin including redness, tightness and dryness. I also love that it is made free from parabens and colours and it is fragrance free too.

This is a great micellar water, and the fact that it is now available in an even bigger size, makes it even more affordable than ever!


Nivea Creme - RRP: $4.20 / 60ml, $7.99 / 150ml
Nivea Invisible for Black & White Fresh Aerosol - RRP: $6.59 / 250ml
Nivea Invisible for Black & White Fresh Roll-On - RRP: $3.79
Nivea Daily Essentials Caring Micellar Water - RRP: $11.99 / 400ml

Available nationally from supermarkets, variety stores, Priceline selected pharmacies

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: BELLA BOX JUNE 2017

Yet another month has passed and I've yet again teamed up with Bella Box for the June Winter Wind-Up box, so let's get to what is in this month's box..

The June 2017 box has the theme Winter Wind-Up - And how cold has it been lately, down to a chilling 4 degrees in Melbourne last night, Brrrr - and I don’t know about you, but my otherwise slightly oily skin always tend to get a little drier during winter, so I do need to change up my skincare products, and that's what this box is all about. 

Here's what was inside the box:


Sukin Australia Chia Seed Oil - Full Size (RRP: $19.95 / 25ml)
I love Sukin's products, so happy to see this full sized oil included. It contains among others hemp seed, olive fruit and baobab oils to promote intense skin hydration, and I'm sure my skin will love this extra TLC at the moment.


Nivea Crème - Sample tin, 10ml (RRP: $7.99 / 150ml)

I have grown up using this thick crème, on anything from hands, cuticles, feet, even into the dry ends of my hair, and I absolutely love it. And just how adorable is this little tin, and the tiny size is just perfect to pop into the handbag for applying on the go. 



USPA Tangerine & Rose Body Cleanser - Sample, 30ml

I have never heard of this brand before, but I love not just the unique bottle that this body cleanser comes in, it also smells gorgeous thanks to the added tangerine (as you know, I love anything citrusy!). Can't wait to put this one to the test.


Nutraplus Intense Anti Dryness Lotion - Sample, 10ml (RRP: $16.50 / 200ml)

I tried a hand cream sample that was included in a previous month's box, and really loved it, so happy to see the inclusion of this intense moisturising lotion too, to help restore the dry skin on especially my dry legs.


Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream - Sachet sample, 3ml - Bonus product

I've never heard of this brand before, and always excited to try a new brand. This claims to be a multi-purpose cream that can be used on both body, hands and face, and it contains natural ingredients and no chemicals, which does sound great, although I am unsure of the actual benefits of this product - so I can imagine that it will probably be tested as a hand cream - and honestly, the small sachet sample doesn’t allow for more anyway.

Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss - Full Size (RRP: $12.95 / 4.9g)

Needless to say that love these lipsticks, and already have quite a few in my collection, so happy to see one included in this months box. I got a pale pastel pink shade, which is so pretty, but I don't really feel suits me, - but luckily I now that my mum will absolutely adore this one, so it will be going to a good home. As per previous months, the contents of the various boxes this month will vary, but everyone will be getting a Rimmel lipstick!


So there you go, this months Bella Box. So what did I think… while I am not quite as impressed with this month's contents (I know, it would be hard to out perform that Colorpop lipstick inclusion), this is still a pretty darn good box. Value-wise, the two full sized products (Sukin Oil and Rimmel Lipstick), makes the box great value, and everything else can really just be considered bonus products - so al there's really left to say, is yet another well done to Bella Box!!


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

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

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BEST BARGAIN BEAUTY BUDGET BUYS - JANUARY 2015

After Xmas, and then followed by the Boxing Day Sales, most people are a little strapped for cash in January, I know I am! So I thought it was time for the first post on Best Budget Beauty Buys for the year;

Sunsilk Addictive Brilliant Shine Shampoo & Conditioner*

This shampoo and conditioner has been infused with a blend of 5 natural oils, including pearl extract and rich vitamin oils to deeply nourish the hair fibres and activate the hair’s natural shine properties to leave it shinier than you’ve ever seen it, yet without weighing it down. The products are a co-creation made with Jamal Hammadi and come in very girly bright pink bottles, and have the most stunning fresh fruity scent. The products are very concentrated so they will last you forever!
RRP: each, $4.79 (200ml), $6.29 (400ml), $10.99 (750ml) – Available from supermarkets, pharmacies, Variety stores and Priceline.



Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion Honey Indulgence*

When I am in a hurry in the mornings (mostly because my little toddler boy wants me to hurry when I’m in the shower, I just cannot go past this In-shower Body Lotion. It is used after your regular shower gel, and then you quickly apply it all over the body before rinsing it off. And once you are out of the shower and dried, your skin is so soft and smooth that you can completely skip applying body lotion. Saves so much time as you can in turn get dressed immediately. There are a few different versions available, but this newest one contains honey to deeply moisturiser sin for 24+ hours, so it is perfect even the driest of skins. And thanks to the honey contents, it smells divine too!
RRP: $6.49 (250ml) – Available from supermarkets, pharmacies, Variety stores and Priceline. 



Pantene PRO-V Dry Shampoo*

 

Having long thick hair, washing and drying my hair takes forever, and with a toddler, that is time I often haven’t got. Once I washed my hair daily, but over the last two years I have ‘trained’ my hair to get used to only being washed ever two to three days. Even so it doesn’t really look greasy any more (as it once did on day two), but still, if I go out on a day I don’t wash it, I still like to freshen it up a little by using dry shampoo, and these new options from Pantene are absolutely brilliant. The Volume Booster is also designed to both help absorb excess oil, while also helping to increase volume in the hair. The Original Fresh Dry Shampoo, on the other hand, also absorbs oil, but isn’t specifically designed to add volume, but I feel that it still is, as most other dry shampoos. It has a lovely fresh scent, so of the two that is my preferred option.
RRP: $9.99 (140g) each – Available from Supermarkets, Pharmacies, Variety Stores and Priceline



Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment Shaver*

I don’t normally have dry skin on my legs, but for some reason during summer, the skin does tend to become drier. Not sure why, maybe because I shave a bit more frequently seeing I wear dresses and skirts! And while I do admit to loving my trusted epilator, I do at times like to use a good old-fashioned shaver, especially when I am in a hurry as well as I always use on under my arms. And this Pure Nourishment Shaver from Schick comes with a thick moisturising bar infused with almond oil and coconut milk that not only means that you don’t have to use shaving cream, but it moisturises the skin while you use it, so you avoid razor burns. As it has four blades it is quick and easy to use and you only have to go over the area once for a close shave without any cuts. The actual design is a little larger than most other shavers, but I like that it sits well in the hand and is not too flimsy, so as it also has a rubber grip on the sides, you don’t risk dropping it.
RRP: $12.69 (kit with shaver, caddy, and two blades) – Available from Supermarkets, variety stores and select pharmacies



Impulse Perfume Sprays*

I always wear perfume. Well, that’s not quite true, now that I am pregnant I am trying not to wear it as much as I know it is full of chemicals that I really should avoid, so I am saving it for special occasions. When I am home, or simply just going grocery shopping, I’d like to go for something slightly lighter than a strong Eau de Parfum, such as the newly launched Perfume in an Aerosol Sprays from Impulse. There are a total of nine different scents in the range, so there is something for everyone. I have tried Illusions, Romantic Spark and Merely Musk. Illusions contains rose and sandalwood and has a light fresh scent, while Romantic Spark has a warmer floral scent thanks to containing earth woods and wild violets, while finally Merely Musk contains lime and sandalwood making it a fresh but warm scent as well. Of the three, Illusions is definitely my favourite, being the lightest and freshest scent of the three. The slimline spray cans have a nifty twist closure lid so you don’t have to fear that it will spray into your handbag, and they all have a surprising staying power, thanks to being created by the world-renowned fragrance expert, Ann Gottleib, who is among other behind some luxe scents including Calvin Klein’s Eternity and Obsession, Marc Jacobs and Christian Dior’s J’Adore – funnily enough all favourites of mine, and perfumes that I have in my collection, and have repurchased numerous times. These Impulse Perfume Scents are an amazing bargain buy!
RRP: $4.95 (75g) - Available from Pharmacies and Priceline



Dove Pink Anti-Perspirant Deodorant*

 

This little gem not only works to keep you dry all day, even on the hottest and most humid day, but it also contains Dove’s usual ¼ moisturiser so it cares for your underarms at the same time. It dries quickly, and has a beautiful powdery floral scent which is however still so gentle and subtle that it won’t clash with any perfume. And what’s even better is that buying one of these, means that you also help support National Breast Cancer Foundation, and in my opinion there is no better cause, so I always make sure to stock up on these!
RRP: $3.89 (50ml) – Available from Pharmacies, Supermarkets and Priceline



DermaSukin Daily Hydrating Wash and Daily Gentle Wash*


 

Being pregnant means that unfortunately some skincare ingredients are totally off limits, as they can potentially harm the unborn baby. Some of these ingredients are salicylic acid, which are present in the majority of blemish products – so suddenly not being able to use those, is not the greatest when you’ve always had blemish prone skin, and to top it off, your skin suddenly goes bonkers with raging hormones. But what I’ve learnt over the years is that nothing beats a gentle cleanser, and the Hydrating Wash and Daily Gentle Wash from DermaSukin are brilliant options. They are both soap and fragrance free, and are sulphate and paraben free too so they are perfect for even the most sensitive skin types. And as they are soap free they can both be used both with and without water. With water I love using them with my Clairsonic, and without water you can simply remove any excess with a dry clean cloth. Simply too easy. The hydrating Wash contains among others aloe vera and calendula to help keep the skin hydrated, while the Daily Gentle Wash contains aloe vera, cucumber, and chamomile and is designed to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
RRP: $8.95 (250ml) each – Available from Select Pharmacies



EcoTools Pure Complexion Deep Cleansing Facial Sponge*

 

When I feel like my skin needs a gentle deep clean, I cannot go past this Konjac Sponge which is handmade from 100 percent natural ingredients, including Konjac vegetable fibre and bamboo charcoal. When dry, it looks more like a pumice stone, but don’t be fooled, once soaked in water, it turns soft and fluffy, so you can wipe it over your skin to help wash away dirt, makeup and dead skin cells, all without irritating the skin, causing any redness or drying it out, rather it leaves your skin soft, smooth and glowing thanks to the gentle exfoliation I gives at the same time. And the best thing is that you can keep using it again and again over a period of one to three months before it needs to be replaced.
RRP: $14.99 – Available from the Beauty Office

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

So there you go, a selection of amazing products that are not only very effective, but also very kind on the bank account!

Have you tried any of these products? Which products do you turn to when the budget is tight?
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FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS 2014

Are you fed up with your other half using your precious skincare products, using way more product than they should and having no respect of the cost and value of your products? Well, with just a week left until Father’s Day I thought that I’d give you another handful of gift ideas for products he can call his own..

 

 

Molton Brown Razor-Glide Shaving Gel*

 

I prefer my hubby to be clean shaven, and luckily he does too. And this shaving gel, as promised gives him a very close shave. The gel is best used on wet skin and it takes just a little to froth it up to a soft foam that instantly softens any stubble making it easy for the razor to do its job.

It is so gentle that it doesn’t irritate the skin, and it doesn’t dry it out, rather it keeps the skins soft and moisturised. It contains African whitewood extract that helps prevent the skin from shining, and it has a nice yet gentle and not too overbearing masculine scent.

RRP: $40 (150ml) – Available from David Jones and Molton Brown

 
 

Wella SP System Professional Refresh Shampoo*

 

This shampoo is an everyday shampoo that has been specifically designed to cater for men’s hair issues. It gently cleanses the hair, removing all hairstyling products, while targeting oily scalp issues – all without drying out the hair or the scalp. The shampoo is concentrated so it only takes a little, and it leaves the hair soft and shiny. And it has such a lovely masculine scent that once he has tried it and smelt it, he won’t guaranteed never want to use your shampoo ever again.

RRP: $32 (250ml) – Available from select Salons

 

Wella SP System Professional Everyday Hold Strong Gel*

 

They may not want to admit it, but making sure that their hair stays put all where they want it, is important. The Everyday Hold Gel can be used in both dry and damp hair, and styles both short and mid-length hair, giving it strong hold with definition and a wet look while still leaving the hair flexible, and not feeling stiff or crusty, and with a nice shine too. And unlike other gels, it doesn’t ‘ooze’, so it doesn’t leave his forehead feeling greasy. It comes in a handy pump bottle, and like the shampoo, it has a nice masculine scent that remains in the hair.

RRP: $33.50 (100ml) – Available from select salons

 

Rusk Paste*

 

If he is more for a medium hold using a paste, you cannot go past this one from Rusk. It has a fibrous texture that makes it easy to manipulate the hair into even the craziest hairstyle. The coconut scented paste can be used in both wet and dry hair and comes in an easy to use tube.

And because it remains pliable, he can continuously reshape his hair throughout the day.

RRP: $29.95 (113g) – Available from Rusk

 

Rusk Putty*

 

If your man wants to do some serious hairstyling, then this Putty from Rusk will answer his prayer. The putty adds both volume, texture, definition and control to the hair all day long, all while keeping it flexible and without any stiffness, and without flaking during the day.

The milky-white paste has a thick consistency and is easy to dig out of the plastic tub. It leaves the hair with a matte look.

RRP: $29.95 (113g) – Available from Rusk

 

Nivea Men Clear Effect Volcanic Mud Foam Face Wash*

 

This face wash offers more than any other face wash. It is a ten in one formula that cleanses the skin leaving it feeling cool and refreshed. And thanks to containing salicylic acid, menthol and volcanic mid, it cleanses deep down every pore offering oil control, preventing and reducing acne and clears breakouts, tightens pores, prevents white and black heads, and evens out the skin tone – all while being so gentle that he can use it once or twice a day.

 

RRP: $9.99 (100ml) – Available from Supermarkets and Priceline

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

So there you go, some skincare treats for your dad or the man in your life..

Have you purchased your father’s day present yet? Any great gift ideas?

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BEAUTYDIRECTORY EXPERT PANEL - NIVEA Q10 ANTI-WRINKLE DAY CREAM SPF30+

As you may have seen a little while ago, I have been selected to be a part of the beautydirectory Expert Panel, which is such an honour as out of all the amazing Australian blogs, there are only a total of Australian 10 bloggers and vloggers who are a part of this Expert Panel. For those of you who don’t know, beautydirectory is an online resource for the Australian and New Zealand beauty industry, providing beauty editors, including beauty bloggers and vloggers with essential industry news and new product information. Here is my first review of the *Nivea Q10 Anti-wrinkle Day Cream SPF 30+;

 

What They Say:

The Nivea Q10 plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream SPF 30+ promises to provide the skin with defence against sun-induced premature ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. The included Coenzyme Q10 works supports the skin cells’ own energy source to naturally repair and renew it self.

RRP: $19.55 (50ml) – Available from supermarkets, Priceline and select pharmacies

What I Say:

I have always loved Nivea. I grew up using the thick cream in the blue metal tub, and as well as on my face and body, I also used it as an intense hair treatment, and in smaller quantities to tame my 80’ies perm. Those where the days when the choice in haircare products wasn’t as great as it is today. But anyway, I do have fond memories of Nivea offering products of such great value.

Fast forward a few decades – and I’ve now got combination skin (and would today never dream of using that thick Nivea cream in my face!) – and sadly my skin is also ageing with all that comes with it, including beginning lines and wrinkles (including a frown line between my brows that is particularly starting to bother me), and not to mention increasing pigmentation and hence more and more uneven and dull skin, I was quite excited to be trialling this cream that promises to help correct these issues, and especially seeing it comes with a purse-friendly price tag of under $20.

 

 

Having combination skin that easily breaks out, and especially if using heavy and concentrated creams and serums, – and having just been through a period where my skin has been crazy with horrible breakouts, I am always a little concerned when I trial new moisturisers and in particular anti-ageing creams.

The cream is quite thick and concentrated, so I only need to use the tiniest amount on my combination skin, and it does absorb into the skin quite quickly, leaving it feeling soft and moisturised, without leaving behind a greasy feeling. So it’s also suitable for use under foundation, which you’d on the other hand would also expect.

After just a few weeks use I noticed that my skin started feeling more moisturised. After the four weeks of using the cream, I am relieved to say that I have so far not experienced any increase in the amounts of actual breakouts that I have had, but on my chin, which is where I recently experienced the main breakouts, my skin is feeling a little greasier so I am unsure if it is due to the cream or just the current state of my skin.

As for living up to its claims, my skin is looking more plumb, and consequently fine lines and wrinkles seems to have minimised, although only marginally, but it does mean that my skin is looking healthy. As for reducing the appearance of dark spots I am not so sure, a few minor spots and pigmentation may have marginally reduced in size, but it is really difficult to tell. I am also getting paler and paler, and any pigmentation consequently also seems less noticeable, as the summer sun is a faint memory, which may also explain it. But it is also important to note that those spots have taken years to develop, so I also didn’t expect to see them gone after just 4 weeks – as with all creams, it will take a more long term approach to see any significant changes.

 

The cream has the typical and pleasant floral Nivea Scent, which disappears quickly once absorbed into the skin, and it comes in a small heavy glass jar, with a white lid. And while I do like jars, because you can see exactly how much you have left, and you can use every last bit of cream, I do find it a little unhygienic, also because having combination skin, I use a very small amount of cream so a jar will last me a very long time, (I’ve hardly used a ¼ of the cream during the test period) so it would surely be much better if the cream was better sealed to avoid long term contamination, or alternatively came with a small spatula.

The cream comes SPF30+ to help protect the skin against future external damage caused by the sun, which is also a bonus as it saves me using an additional cream with SPF on top, but on the other hand the added SPF is also an absolute requirement when you live under the harsh Australia sun.

Overall, at just $19.55 this is an anti-ageing cream is great value for money, and a great multi-tasking product too, providing the skin with intense moisture whilst protecting it from the sun at the same time. If you’re on a budget, then you’ve got nothing to lose by giving this Q10 Anti-wrinkle Day Cream SPF 30+ a go.

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

 

Do you use anti-ageing creams? Ever tried any of the products from Nivea? How much are you willing to spend on an anti-ageing cream?

BEST BUDGET BARGAIN BUYS - MAY 2014

It has been a little while since I last posted my Best Budget Bargain Buys (if you missed the last one, you can see it here), and while I had planned on making this a regular feature, life with an 11 month old baby simply means you never know how much time you’ve got to yourself, and for blogging…  So I will try again to see if I can make this at least a monthly feature! So without further ado, here are my Best Budget Bargain Buys for May..

 

 

 

Ulta3 Nail Polishes in Tangelo Twist and Corsican Rose*      

 

 

 

I doubt these nail polishes from Ulta3 need any introduction. At just $2.00, yet with a surprising quality and a huge quality, and massive colour range, the nail polishes are amazing, and make it possible to have nails to match the latest trends, even on a tight budget. These two colours have brightened up my days lately as the days are getting shorter and colder too; Tangelo Twist is a bright flouro orange, while Corsican Rose is a lovely pastel green.

RRP: $2.00 each (13ml) – Available from Select Pharmacies

 

Billie Goat Soap Body Butter*

This body butter is suitable for sensitive skin, and while I do not have sensitive skin, I love this super gentle body butter which is made from goats milk, which is high in selenium (a natural antioxidant) and pH neutral, as well as highly moisturising and all-natural butters like cocoa and shea. These ingredients create a barrier on the skin protecting it from drying out, while leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth. It is thick and creamy, but just little is sufficient for the softest and smoothest skin, without any irritations.  

RRP: 17.95 (230g) – Available from Select Pharmacies and from Billie Goat Soap Online

 

Dove Essential Nourishment Body Milk*

I will always love Dove products, including this Essential Nourishment Body Milk, which offers 24 hours of proven nourishment for the skin as it contains Dove Deep Care Complex as well as nutrients and essential oils – and it doesn’t just moisturise the skin on the surface, this body lotion works deep down the skin layers to hydrate and nourish the skin, making it feel soft and smooth. Compared to other Dove body lotions, this one is slightly thicker, yet still absorbs quickly without leaving the skin feeling greasy. It has a lovely gentle scent, which fades quickly and doesn’t clash with your perfume. And it comes in a huge bottle that will last you forever.

RRP: $8.39 (400ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Sunsilk Co-Creations Frizz & Weather Defence Shampoo and Conditioner with Teddy Charles*

 

 

This shampoo and conditioner works to works to control frizz and protects from dryness for 24 hours, it also contains weather shielding technology and a UV filter. It provides dual protection against the effects and changes in weather conditions and balances the level of moisture in the hair, helping to shield against damaging UV rays. The formula includes trehalose to reduce the effects of humidity on the hair fibre by controlling the interaction between water and proteins in the hair. Found in a variety of plants it also works to protect hair from dehydration by binding water in the hair fibres reducing damage caused by dryness, heat and cold. And as the days are sadly getting wetter – some days it is like it will never stop raining, the last few weeks have been the perfect time to put these babies to the test – an believe it or not, but they work. My hair is not only feeling soft and smooth, and looking super shiny, it is also significantly less frizzy. Even on a rainy day! And the products have the most gorgeous sweet fruity scent too, that lingers in the hair for a while.

RRP: each $4.79 (200ml), $7.79 (400ml), $11.99 (750ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle CC Daily Moisturiser with SPF15*

Even on ‘no makeup’ days I still like to wear at least a little makeup, including mascara so I don’t look washed out and sick, and a little tinted moisturiser to make my skin look a little more even. And lately I’ve been loving the new CC Cream from Nivea. Containing Q10, it has anti-ageing properties which is perfect (and sadly needed) for my skin, as I love that it not only instantly makes my skin look nicer and more even, it also helps fight wrinkles at the same time and leaves my skin thoroughly moisturised. It has a light coverage, which can be built up slightly, and stays put for a  couple of hours, but with the aid of a primer first and a setting powder afterwards, and a light dusting of powder by the afternoon, I manage to get though the days without the need for touch ups.

RRP: $19.55 (50ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets, and select pharmacies

 

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm*

 

 

With the change of the seasons and as it has suddenly gotten so cold outside, my lips are feeling a little drier than normal. But this cute little squeeze tube manages to get them back to feeling soft and healthy in no time, no matter how dry or cracked they’ve been – I simply apply it at night before bed, and wake to the softest of lips. The lip balm is enriched with menthol which makes it feel nice and cooling on the lips, while salicylic acid helps rid the skin of dry skin and cocoa butter and waxes help to condition and moisturise the lips.

RRP: $5.99 (10g) – Available from Supermarkets and selected pharmacies

 

MUD Eyeshadow Trio in cute camo*

 

 

This Eyeshadow trio in the colour Cute Camo contains as the name suggests three colours; a large pale peach/skin toned shade, and two smaller shades; a pale gold shade and a dark olive green.

 

 

In spite of the low $7.00 price tag, this Eyeshadow has quite good pigments making it easy to build up the colours, or they can be applied lightly for just a wash of colour. The colours work perfectly together, and can each be used on their own, or together for a more dramatic eye.

RRP: $7.00 – Available from Woolworths

 

Colour Theory Liquid Eyeliner in Black*

I have previously reviewed some of the Colour Theory products , and love the quality of their product and the low price points – just $6.00 for this eyeliner makes it an incredible bargain. This liquid eyeliner has a super fine felt tip that makes it easy to create a super fine, or you can retrace a few times for a bolder look. The eyeliner stays put quite well without fading or sliding.

RRP: $6.00 - Available from Amcal and Guardian Pharmacies

 

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Plush Mascara in Blackest Black*

 

 

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Plush Mascara is a gel-mousse mascara that has been formulated to volumise and lengthen lashes. It contains 40 per cent less hard waxes than traditional mascaras, which helps to prevent weak and dry lashes, and it leaves the lashes feeling soft too. Just one coat of this mascara nicely separates my lashes and gives them length and a natural look, while a few more coats gives you a more dramatic look. And I love that it doesn’t make my lashes clump or flake into my sensitive eyes.

RRP: $19.95 – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner in Sparkling Black*

This kohl eyeliner is so easy to use, and because it is soft and creamy, it glides onto the skin so easily without the need to drag or pull at the sensitive eye area. And it is so pigmented so it is easy to create a solid colour, and because it is waterproof it simply stays put all day, even when my eyes are watering or when it is raining outside!

RRP: $9.95 – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Jeanne Arthes - Love Never Dies*

 

 

Love Never Dies fragrance by Jeanne Arthes has been around for a while, but it is lovely nonetheless. It is made from star annis, lemon and black currant leaf in top notes, while the heart notes are rose, violet and lily. Finally, the base notes include vanilla, sandalwood and amber. And I really like the fresh fruity scent, with the hint of warm vanilla.

It has a gorgeous bottle and comes in a cute purple metallic box with a diamond and a heart cut out with a keyhole so you could see the pretty chain and jewel hanging on the neck of the perfume bottle through the keyhole!

RRP: $26 (60ml) – Available from Fragrance Choice

 

Boe Beauty Jumbo Wind Up Lips in Knockout Red*

 

 

I think everyone has fallen for the jumbo lipstains, now available from a lot of brands including Clinique and Revlon, - but at just a fraction of the cost, just $2, this Jumbo Wind Up from boe beauty is a good contender.

 

 

The Knockout red lovely and creamy gives a lovely red stain on the lips that last surprisingly long. And for that price, you just can’t go wrong!

RRP: $2 – Available from BigW

 

Schick Quattro Papaya & Pearl Disposable Razors*

I am not normally fond of disposable razors as usually the quality match the low price, but these Papaya & Pearl Disposable Razors from Schick Quattro have had me change my mind. The four blades are of high quality, and gives you a nice close shave, and without any cuts. And as it has a conditioning strip with papaya and pearl, it leaves the skin feeling soft too, and without the need for shaving cream or soap. The handle is well designed and even when you’ve got wet hands in the shower, it won’t slip out of your hands. In spite of being called a disposable razor you can easily use it for several weeks, so as the pack contains three shavers, it will last you quite a while.

RRP: $7.99 – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline, variety stores and select pharmacies

So there you go, my selection of Best Budget Beauty Buys for May.

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

 

Have you tried any of these products? Any you are keen on trying? Which budget buys have you been loving lately?