PRODUCT REVIEW: BELLA BOX FEBRUARY 2018

PRODUCT REVIEW: BELLABOX MARCH 2017

Today I'm very excited to share with you my very first Bellabox. I have, needless to say, tried heaps of other beauty subscriptions over the years, but never Bella Box, though I've always been intrigued and so tempted, so when I was offered the opportunity for a colab, I naturally couldn't resist finding out what all the hype was about.

Now, I am sure you're probably already familiar with Bella Box, but in case you're not - it is a monthly subscription box, where you get 5+ samples delivered each month, with a value guaranteed to exceed the cost of the box! Perfect if you want to try out new products, and keep up with the latest and greatest, without having to fork out big money for full sized products, you may essentially not like, or that you perhaps would never have come across otherwise.

Well, enough of the babbling, let's get onto what was in this months goodies, which came in a little turquoise box with white dots. The box is rather sturdy, and would be great to use for other little knickknacks, but as I've often said before about beauty boxes, I don’t care much for the outer, its what's inside that counts! And here it is..

The theme of the items all go under 'Raw Beauty', and is all about body and skincare to treat the skin without any nasties.


Sukin Hydrating Facial Masque - 50ml (RRP: $15.95 / 100ml)

I love Sukin products. They are efficient, and super gentle and so affordable too. And this moisturising mask will be a perfect mask as we head into winter and the skin will need some more moisture. It contains among others mango seed butter, avocado oil and olive fruit extract, which all sounds pretty good to me, so I can't wait to try it out.


Colour By TBN Nail Polish x 2 - Full Size (RRP: $2.95 / 15ml)

I have tried a couple of these nail polishes before, and considering their low price, they are really good. I got a gorgeous metallic turquoise shade, which I haven't got in my collection, along with a clear shade, which never goes astray. So all happy days from me.


La Mav Gradual Tanning Moisturiser - 10ml (RRP: $39.95 / 200ml)

I am not the biggest user of self tanners, mainly because I don't like smell of them as they develop - but this one claims to not have the 'fake tan smell' so it may just be the products I've been looking for, so cannot wait to put it to the test and see if it stacks up.


Aime New Leaf Deep Pore Exfoliating Polish - 25ml (RRP: $8.99 / 100ml)

The first brand out of the lot that I haven't heard of or tried before, which I like, as for me, discovering new brands is one of the key attributes of a beauty subscription box. This cleanser claims to work deep down every pore, so it sounds like it will be the perfect product for my combination blemish prone skin.


Lily Anne Beauty Clean Purifying Cleanser - 10ml (RRP: $44.00 / 100ml)

Another brand that is new to me, yay. This cleanser is from an Australian brand, (yay again), and it is a deep cleansing and purifying cleanser, so again perfect for my skin type. I also love that the purchase of Lily Anne products help support empower women out of poverty, which is such a great cause.


Swisse Rose Hip Facial Moisturiser - 10ml (RRP: $9.95 / 125ml)

I have naturally heard of Swisse but only ever tried their vitamins, not their skincare, so it is kind of a new brand to me as well. This moisturiser is for normal skin, but claims to be non-greasy so it may just be great for my skin anyway. It includes rose water and smells so beautiful.


Palmer's Raw Shea Body Lotion - 5ml sachet - Bonus Sample

This is a bonus sample, so cannot really complain about it, but I would naturally have loved a larger size as the sachet hardly contains enough cream to cover my full body. That said, I do look forward to trying this 'cleaner' version and the intense moisture of this sounds like it will be the perfect moisturiser as we head towards winter.


So there you go, the contents of the March '17 Bellabox. Personally I am quite impressed with both the variety and amount of samples contained in this box. I would have loved the inclusion of a few more 'luxe' items as I am more likely to purchase full sized products of cheaper brands, knowing there is a risk I may not like them, the expense is not so high. But that said, a lot of my beauty staples are budget brands, so it is always great being exposed to some new ones.

My fave items in the box is without a doubt the Sukin mask, followed by the Lily Anne cleanser - and I'm surprising myself here, but although I am not a regular self-tanner, I am actually looking forward to testing this on from La Mav.


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

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


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BRAND FOCUS: PALMER'S COCOA BUTTER FORUMLA - PREGNANCY FRIENDLY BODY CARE

As you are probably all aware, I am pregnant with our second child. If you’ve missed you can read all about it here.

I am currently almost 20 weeks pregnant, and already doing what I can do avoid unsightly stretchmarks. I managed to get through my first pregnancy, in spite of gaining what I felt was a whopping 14 kilos without any stretchmarks. And I am determined to do what I can to avoid any from popping up this time!

Some of the products that helped me through my first pregnancy where some great products from Palmer’s, which again, not only helped in the fight against stretchmarks, but also as my tummy stretched and grew, against that annoying itchiness that you get. So I was very pleasantly surprised when a lovely pregnancy care package arrived for me from the lovely people at Palmer’s. 



Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula All Over Body Firming Lotion

 The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion is so thick and creamy and so moisturising so perfect for dry skin. It has furthermore been designed to tone and tighten the skin with its contents of cocoa butter, collagen, elastin, sweet almond oil, argan oil and shea butter, while ginseng and vitamin E and co-enzyme Q10 have been added to help smooth and revitalise the skin. This makes it not only perfect for treating the dry and stretching skin during pregnancy, but also afterwards to get the skin on legs, thighs and stomach and back to normal again. Because it is so thick, it is also very concentrated so it only takes a little. It does take a little while to absorb into the skin, and leaves it feeling a little greasy for a few moments, but shortly after you’re left with soft and smooth skin. $7.39 (250ml)



Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks

This massage cream is super thick, and very concentrated containing cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen and elastin, designed to help keep the skin moisturised and elastic to help prevent the stretchmarks from forming. It can be used on all problem areas such as legs, thighs, bum, stomach and breast. I personally I like to use particularly on my stomach, where I massage it in as I watch telly on the couch at night, as it also takes away that itchy feeling, and stops me from scratching my skin to bits during the night.



Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks

 

If you feel the Massage Cream is a little too thick and heavy, of if you are in a hurry and need to apply it quickly, then you cannot go past the Massage Lotion. It has a more lightweight consistency, and hence is easier to smooth over the skin as well as it absorbs quicker too. It contains cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen, sweet almond oil, argan oil and elastin, and shea butter and helps keep the skin soft and deeply moisturised, and will hence help the elasticity of the skin, as well as help prevent the appearance of stretchmarks. It comes in a convenient pump bottle that makes it easier to dispense. $15.99 (250ml)



Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Spray Lotion for Stretch Marks

 

Of the different Stretch Mark formulations, this Spray Lotion is by far the lightest one in consistency. It is a spray-on lotion that like the lotion and cream contains pure cocoa, shea butter, vitamin E, collagen, sweet almond oil and argan oil and elastin to deeply moisturise and protect the skin. Even though it is thinner, it still moisturises the skin for up to 24 hours! And the fact that it is a spray and that it is thinner, means that it absorbs super quick, and without any greasy residue, so if you are truly in a hurry, this is the one for you, only you do need to be careful not to get too much of the spray on the floor under you as it can make it very greasy and slippery! RRP: $15.99 (200g)


Common to all of the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter products is that they are free from parabens and phthalates, which can potentially be harmful to the unborn baby. All the products have the same cocoa butter scent that is typical for most Palmer’s products. This scent can be a little strong at first (maybe because when you’re pregnant your sense of smell seems to be stronger), but luckily this scent does fade rather quickly.

The products are all reasonably priced, and come in large bottles all at very budget friendly prices, conveniently available from Priceline and supermarkets. And as they are all so concentrated, they will last you quite a while too. Definitely must-have products both during pregnancy, after giving birth, but also if you just generally wish to tone your body and prevent those unattractive stretchmarks.

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

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PRODUCT FOCUS: FACE MASKS FOR ALL BUDGETS

Once upon a time I used to get regular facials at a salon. And by regular I mean every month. My skin was pretty crappy, and these facials at least kept breakouts to a minimum. But those were at a time when I was earning a nice wage, and didn’t have a mortgage. When I started University, I managed to keep up this habit by going to a beauty school where treatments were so cheap even a poor Uni student could afford the luxury. Today it is however an entirely different story, now a stay-at-home-mum with a mortgage and a baby, the budget rarely allow for such extravagances – and that’s when I reach for range of different masks for an at-home facial, so here are some of my face mask picks for all budgets;

 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Purifying Mask*

 

I have mentioned this mask before in one of my best budget bargain buys posts, as I really like this mask and is so great priced at under $10. It is clay based, so it helps draws out excess oil and sebum, so my skin feels less greasy and I hopefully stop a breakout or two from occurring. It also contains cocoa butter and shea butter to hydrate the skin, as well as aloe vera, chamomile and milk proteins to help soothe stressed skin. And I really like that it is so gentle that you can use it several times a week without drying out or irritating your skin, which is perfect, especially for the greasier t-zone area that is particularly prone to breakouts.

RRP: $9.99 (120g) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

Quick Fix Facials Anti-Blemish Mud Mask*

 

This mask is another great for those on a budget. It is perfect for those with oily and blemish prone and congested skin. It contains dead sea mud that helps draw out excess oil and sebum and help control oil production. It also contains salicylic acid that help draw out impurities and tighten pores, while tea tree oil helps treat and prevent blemishes. And just ten minutes with this mask, and my skin feels more refined and less greasy, and any breakouts that I have, seem to vanish quicker than normal.

RRP: $8.95 (100ml) – Available from Woolworths

Ultraceuticals Ultra Energising Mask*

My little boy has just gone through a bad period with teething, and consequently not sleeping through the night, waking several times, clearly uncomfortable, as he has been difficult to settle again. Days in a row with lots of interruptions during the night, and you start to feel it. I have not only been feeling tired, I have also looked it, with huge bags under my eyes, and my skin drab and dull. And that’s where this Ultra Energising Mask from Ultraceuticals have been a blessing as it has been the perfect pick-me-up. IT contains a potent blend of anti-oxidants including caffeine, Persian silk tree extract and salicin to wake and energise the skin, as well as vitamins E, A and B5 to help moisture the skin. And left on for just 5-10minutes and my skin is left with the most amazing glow, as if you’ve just had 8+ hours of beauty sleep. And I love that it is from an Australian and owned brand. Aussie, Aussie….

RRP: $65 (75ml) – Available from David Jones and Ultraceuticals Online

Sukin Purifying Facial Mask

 

I fell in love with this mask while I was pregnant, and trying to avoid to harsh skincare, including those containing salicylic acid, which is a big no-no when you’re pregnant, and this mask was a natural and great alternative. It is based on kaolin clay which gently draws out impurities, while aloe vera soothes the skin, and rosehip oil helps keep the skin nourished. And I love that it is free from synthetic fragrances and colours, and it is free from parabens, SLS, and mineral oils.

RRP: $15.95 (100ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

Ultraceuticals Ultra Clear Purifying Mask*

Lately my skin has been extremely temperamental. A lack of sleep due to a teething baby, along with the stress of moving house, twice within a month, getting a new house designed and built, has no doubt stressed me out a little more than I like – and sadly I feel that it is also showing on the condition of my skin.  I have simply had more and larger breakouts than I have for a long time. And to help get my skin back to normal again, I’ve reached for this purifying mask, which contains a BHA to exfoliate and support the skin’s natural regeneration cycle, Vitamins C, E and B to help promote healthy skin, as ell as Natural Clove, Sandalwood and Eucalyptus Oil to provide essential antioxidants to the skin. The mask is free from benzoyl peroxide, so it is non-drying on the skin and so gentle that it can be used up to three times a week without an issue. I have been using it as a spot treatment, for 10 minutes a few times a week, especially on my chin where the worst culprits have emerged, and immediately after removing the mask, I can see that my skin is clearer, less greasy, and any blemish is already less angry and smaller in size. Yet another Aussie beauty!

RRP: $65 (75ml) – Available from David Jones and Ultraceuticals Online

 

Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask

This mask is another fantastic option if you’re strapped for cash. It is seriously deep cleansing, and reaches deep down every single pore, thanks to sea salt that cleanses, and bergamot that helps rebalance the skin, while orange oil helps to recharge the skin – and make the mask smell lovely too. It is a little drying on the skin, so I wouldn’t recommend it for sensitive skin types, but perfect for those with combination or oilier skin types, as a weekly treatment when your skin needs a good clean.

RRP: $8.99 (100ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

So there you have it – these are some of the face masks that I reach for when I give my face a facial at home.

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

 

Have you tried any of these masks? Do you give yourself facials at home? And which masks do you recommend?

 

BRAND FOCUS: PALMER'S COCOA BUTTER FORMULA BODY CARE

Today I’d like to share with you the Body Care products from the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula range;

 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Moisturising Cocoa Butter Body Wash*

 

This body wash contains pure cocoa butter and is so thick, rich and creamy and creates a thick soft lather, and it is so gentle on even the most sensitive of skin. And after the shower, the skin is left soft and smooth. And I love that t is free from sulfates and parabens, which is a rare thing for such an inexpensive product. I will definitely be purchasing this again. RRP: $5.99 (400ml)

 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Cocoa Body Scrub*

This Body scrub contains natural crushed cocoa beans and is enriched with shea butter and vitamin E to ensure skin is moist. It contains just the right amount of scrubbing particles to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth, and without being too harsh or drying out the skin. Perfect to use before self-tanners. Has the typical Palmer’s cocoa scent. RRP: $9.99 (150g)

 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Body Moisturiser*

The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion is so thick and creamy and so moisturising so perfect for dry skin. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue. It contains cocoa butter and vitamin E, and smoothes marks and scars and tones skin. I also used this during my recent pregnancy to soothe itchy skin on my tummy, and afterwards to help with stretchmarks and get my skin back to normal again. It is paraben free and has the typical Palmer’s Cocoa scent, which lingers on the skin for some time. RRP: $7.40 (250ml)

 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Fragrance Free Moisturiser

This is very similar to the original version as above, thick and creamy, and absorbs into the skin quickly leaving the skin soft and moisturised - only it is fragrance free as it has added  botanical extracts mask the natural cocoa butter fragrance. It is also paraben free, and of the two, I much prefer this unscented version, which I particularly like to use during winter when my skin feels drier. RRP: $7.40 (250ml)

 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Anti-Ageing Smoothing Lotion

I love the fact that this body lotion contains anti-ageing ingredients, including cocoa butter with vitamin E to nourish the skin and alpha and beta hydroxy acids to exfoliate dry and dead skin cells to reveal healthier, more youthful looking skin also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The body lotion instantly makes the skin feel softer, and over time, it helps prevent dry patches on shins, knees and even on feet, as well as it does help to minimise the appearance of marks and any scarring. Unfortunately it has a slightly strange scent that I am not overly fond of, however as I really love the effects, so I can certainly put up with the scent. RRP: $7.40 (250ml)

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E Skin Therapy Oil

 

This intensely hydrating body oil contains vitamin E and cocoa butter and is enriched with rosehip oil. It very concentrated so you only need a little and it absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving even the driest of skin feeling soft and smooth. Over time, it also helps to improve the appearance of stretch marks, scars, uneven skin tone. And once you’re finished applying it to your skin, massage a little into your cuticles as well, as it works a treat for that too!

RRP: $9.95 (60ml)

So there you go, a selection of great body products from Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula range, which all are fantastic products in their own right, and especially considering their budget price you just can’t go wrong. If you haven’t tried these products, I highly recommend that you do!

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

 

Have you tried any of these products from Palmer’s? Any you are keen on trying? Or maybe you use other products from their range?

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?

Product Review: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Perfecting Cream

Throughout my childhood and as a teenager I was outside in the sun all day long during summer. Growing up in Scandinavia where the summers are short and you can never trust the weather to be nice, you simply make the most of it when the sun is finally out. Sadly it now means that I have far more sun damage than I’d care to admit, so I am constantly looking for products that can help minimise its appearance. Here are my thoughts on the Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Perfecting Cream;

What They Say:

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Tone Perfecting Cream has been designed to give a brighter, more even-toned complexion while reducing the appearance of unwanted discolouration, age spots, dark spots, freckles caused by the sun, ageing skin, and scarring.

RRP: $12.99 (75g) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

What I Say:

I have combination skin prone to breakouts, especially when using too heavy or concentrated products, and at the age of 40, I have increasing pigmentation as well as some acne scars.

Normally I use a serum and a day cream, and at night a serum followed by a night cream, so I started replacing my usual day cream/night cream with the Eventone cream.

The Eventone cream has the most gorgeous scent – very perfumed, but this also worried me a little as I’m not used to using so perfumed moisturisers in my face. The second thing I noticed was how thick the cream was. It is very concentrated and only a little is needed. It is a little difficult to spread on the skin and it does leave the skin feeling a little greasy for a while, but it did leave my skin feeling very moisturised, and soft.

Because of the greasy, I found that it was simply too thick for me to apply makeup over, and my makeup would not last as long as it normally does, but start to slide off my face already at lunch time. So consequently I started only using it as a night cream as well as on my decollate where I also have quite a bit of pigmentation. Sadly after just a few nights of using it, I felt that my skin was starting to break out, with more breakouts than I had seen for a while, and consequently I immediately stopped using it on my face, but continued to use it on the pigmentation on my decollate.

After using the full jar of cream, the skin on my decollate is slowly getting a more even appearance and sunspots/age spots are slowly getting a bit lighter in colour, and my skin also feels very soft and thoroughly moisturised.

The cream comes in a large 75ml glass jar with a peach coloured lid. I must admit that I always prefer moisturisers in tubes, as I find it a little unhygienic constantly dipping your fingers into the pot. At just $12.99, and being so concentrated, I think it is great value.

As mentioned above the cream has an absolutely gorgeous floral scent which I absolutely love – and I can’t stop smelling my fingers after I have applied it – but sadly it is just a little too perfumed for me to use as a face cream, although I do not have sensitive skin. I could also imagine this being too perfumed for sensitive skin types.

What I Like:

• Gorgeous scent
• Well priced
• Very concentrated
• Thoroughly moisturising
• Makes my skin appear more even toned
• Readily available in supermarkets too

What I Don’t Like:

• Too greasy for my combination skin
• That it comes in a glass jar, as I prefer creams that come in tubes
• Too perfumed for me to use in the face

While I loved what this cream has done to the skin on my decollate, I am not sure if I will be repurchasing – if only the cream was available in a lighter unscented version! However, regardless, this Eventone Tone Perfecting Cream is well worth a try if you love strong scents, and maybe if you have dry skin on your face used to a thicker and heavier cream. At just $13 you can’t go wrong in the fight for a more even toned skin.

Do you have sun damage? Which products do you use to try minimise the damage? Have you ever tried any of the products from Palmer’s?