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23 May 2015

HOSPITAL BAG - SKINCARE & HAIRCARE

So now, as I write this, baby is due in just 8 days. Yesterday I posted about the makeup I’ll be bring to hospital, and today it is all about the skincare and haircare products that I’ll be bringing with me to the hospital. I actually started packing the a few weeks ago, slowly pulling things out as I remembered, but now time has come to get serious, to make sure everything is ready to go!

Apart from the clothing necessities such as comfy clothes, PJs, dressing gown, slippers, underwear and maternity bras, breast pads, maternity pads... these are the haircare and skincare essentials that will be going with me..






EVO Beauty Is Skin Deep Women’s Essential Kit

I’ve always loved the brand EVO for its quirky texts on its bottles, which can only bring a smile to your face. The Body Crème for instance reads, ‘if you can’t spend a week bathing in pools of dead-skin-eating fish while being served dinner by trained psychologists, then this hand and body lotion is for you!






This gorgeous travel pack makes packing a whole lot easier, as the pack contains small convenient bottles of many of the essential hair and skincare products you need – and let’s face it, my hospital stay will just be for a few days, so it is absolutely pointless dragging along full sized bottles. The kit contains cute 50ml bottles of Self Indulgence Body Crème, Soap Dodger Body Wash, Mane Prescription Hair Protein Treatment, Ritual Salvation Hair Care Conditioner and Ritual Salvation Hair Care Shampoo. The shampoo, conditioner and hair treatment are all designed for colour-treated hair, weak and brittle hair, so perfect for my hair that will need all the care it can get after giving birth. The body wash and body crème both smell divine and will quickly wash away the scent of hospital, and help add some much needed moisture to my skin which will no doubt be dried out from the chlorine bleached sheets and towels! $RRP: 29.95



bhave Riot Control Oil

As you may now, I absolutely love the haircare products from bhave, and the products have done wonders for my hair. One of the products I especially love is the Riot Control Oil, and I’m lucky to have a small travel sized bottle floating around. Just a pump or two or this oil instantly helps tame down any frizz, while giving the hair a healthy and natural shine. RRP: $48.95 (Full Size/100ml)





Lady Jayne Tangleze
While I know that I won’t feel like spending too much time styling m hair, of course I’ll also need to pack a hairbrush, and this compact Tangleze from Lady Jayne is the perfect choice, as it is simply so small and compact that it doesn’t take up much room. And it is so effective in detangling knotted tresses in both wet and dry hair, while being super gentle. And in addition, it has the most gorgeous black and white zebra design that makes it look stunning at the same time. RRP: $12.99

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Neon Lights Pomegranate & JasmineWith my long hair I never wash my hair every day, so I doubt this will be happening while I’m in hospital either, - and that’s when I rely on a good dry shampoo to refresh my tresses. And then I just cannot go past this new (and sadly limited edition) Neon Lights Dry Shampoo from Batiste with Pomegranate and Jasmine, as it simply leaves my hair smelling so good while leaving it clean and revitalised. RRP: $9.95

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion
One thing that I know I will need a little more off is body lotion, as again, my skin gets so horribly dry when in hospital, and moisturising lotion from Aveeno is perfect, as it has also helped me through the later stages of my pregnancy where my skin has become a little itchy. The thick cream has almost no scent and instantly provides instant moisture and relief to dry and irritated skin. RRP: $8.95






Uriage Eau Thermale D’UriageThis thermal water spray from Uriage is made from 100% natural thermal water, and just a fine spray across the face helps to moisture, and soothe the skin for hours, which I know it will be very quickly thanks to the constant airconditioning in the hospital. And it also instantly helps refresh the skin if it has become dry and irritated. RRP: 8.95


L’Occitane En Provence Shea Hand Cream in Zesty Lime
My hands always get horribly dry during winter, but this hand cream from L’Occitane has a high content of shea butter so it is extremely moisturising on the hands, yet absorbing quickly into the skin without any greasiness. Plus it leaves the most refreshing and zesty scent of lime lingering behind, which I just cannot resist! RRP: $13.00






Jurlique Hydra Gloss in Neutral
This gloss also acts as an extremely hydrating lip balm containing ingredients to soften, condition and smooth the lips, all while giving the lips a nice sheer glossy finish. RRP: $22.00


Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
This newly launched Micellar Cleansing Water from Simple is very gentle on the skin, and with just a few swipes over the face and eyes, it easily removes makeup (although struggling with waterproof mascara, without leaving a greasy residue behind. The Micellar Water is light and has a fresh scent, and doesn’t dry out my skin, and best of all, it is very gentle, so it doesn’t sting in my vey sensitive eyes! RRP: $9.99






Olay Wet Cleansing Towlettes
As I think I’ve mentioned many times before, I am not a huge user of facial wipes as I prefer to wash my face with a gel cleanser and splash water in my face afterwards, so I often just use them for when I’m in on long-haul flights, or swatching makeup products for the blog. But in saying that, I always have a pack handy, and will also be bringing these Wet Towlettes from Olay with me, as in case I am too drained and tired to wash my face, at least a wet towel is better than nothing. And I love the fact that these ones are alcohol and fragrance free so won’t dry out my skin. RRP: $6.95


SKII Facial Treatment Essence
I’ve been using the SKII Facial Treatment Essence for the past few weeks as a kind of toner, after cleansing my skin, but before my serum. The Essence contains the wonder ingredient, pitera, which SKII claims helps boost the collagen production and encourage new cell turnover. And within just a few short weeks, of using this odd-smelling Essence, my skin is not only more deeply moisturised and hence looking more plumb with fine lines and wrinkles reduced, but my skin also seems to have a more healthy glow. RRP: $100 (75ml)





 
MyChelle Dermaceuticals G2 Instant Firming Serum
This serum from MyChelle is pack full of super anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients and peptides that promises to instantly help improve the firmness of the skin and minimise the depth of wrinkles instantly, while refining skin texture too. And I’m impressed to say that you really do both see and feel that this serum has an effect on the skin, instantly making my skin looking more refreshed and plum, so it helps make you look more rested too when you wake up in the morning, even after a bad night’s sleep, and you can see the lifting results too when you use it under your foundation, so it’s just as perfect for daytime wear too. RRP: $62.50


SkinInc Pure Nano Hydrating Gel
I’ve only been using this gel moisturiser for a very short time, but I am already in love. The light gel is a true multi-tasker helping to hydrate, repair, tone, protect and prime, and not to mention brighten the skin all at the same time. It is super moisturising and nourishing on the skin, yet perfect for my combination skin as it is so light and non-greasy and leaves my skin feeling velvety soft and matte. And as it is suitable for use both morning and evening, I only need to bring this one moisturiser with me. RRP: $163.00


Antipodes Kiwi Seed Eye Cream
One thing that I can never be without is a good eye cream, and this Kiwi Seed Eye Cream from Antipodes will provide my (more than likely) very tired looking eyes with some much needed cooling and soothing care, while adding moisture and softening fine lines. And I love the fact that the cream has been shown to scientifically shown to stimulate collagen production by up to 82%, so hopefully it can help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay for a little longer! $44.99





 
 
Sisley Paris Eye Contour Mask
This amazing mask from Sisley will help refresh and soothe tired looking eyes instantly, and I love that it goes on clear so I can actually wear it during the day, and nobody would ever know. Or pop on a thin layer at night before bed, and wake up to eyes that are less puffy and looking more refreshed and younger. RRP: $150.00

 

Vanessa Megan Birth Ease Natural Labour Spray 
I was given this when I first announced my pregnancy, and since then it has been sitting in waiting to be put to the test. It is specifically designed for the hours of labour, to help assist with tensions, promote contractions and help build confidence during labour – and as the birth of our first boy was long, drawn out and a painful one too, I’m willing to give anything a try to make it faster and more comfortable too! Fingers crossed! RRP: $29.95






Weleda Nipple Care Cream

Oh dear how I vividly remember how sore and cracked my poor nipples were when I started breastfeeding our little boy when he was born almost two years ago. I had to send hubby to the nearest chemist pronto to get me something that would give me some much needed relief. This time I’ll come prepared with the Weleda Nipple Care cream that is designed to both prepare for breastfeeding, as well as soothe and care for cracked nipples. RRP: $27.95



So there you go, these are the skin and haircare products that I'll be taking with me, again, no doubt a lot more than I will actually need, but these are some of my current favourites, and in the end of the day, so much easier to simply bring it along than have hubby try to find what you want at home!!

*Some products may have been provided for consideration, but would still be reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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8 May 2015

PRODUCT REVIEW: SKII FACIAL TREATMENT MASK

While I’ve always had issues with my combination skin breaking out and hence loved using exfoliating and deep cleaning masks, I am now at the age where I’ve come to realise that a good moisturising treatment mask does my ageing skin a world of good. Here are my thoughts on the SKII Facial Treatment Mask;


 
 

What They Say:
A luxurious facial mask with an indulgent concentration of Pitera in a single application. Your skin is immediately and exceptionally immersed in moisturization, resulting in a visibly radiant and crystal clear complexion.

RRP: $28 each, or $140 (6 masks) – Available SKII counters from Myer, David Jones and select Pharmacies
 

What I Say:
The  SKII Facial Treatment Masks are cotton cloth masks that have been soaked in the key ingredient used in SKII products, Pitera.

Pitera is a unique yeast strain that is full of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids that work together to allow the skin’s natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime. This means that it works to deeply hydrate and nurture the skin, giving the skin a pick me up.
I like to use a mask before a special day out, or whenever I feel I look extra tired. The Cloth mask comes in a little foil sachet that keeps the mask fresh and seals in all the liquid.

It is a little awkward and difficult to apply, but once you got the hang of it, it is not too difficult. You simply spread it over your face, and pat it into the skin, leaving there for 5-15 minutes, although I’ve often found myself leaving it there for 30 minutes or so.




 
The sachet contains a lot of liquid, more than you really need, so I like to pad the excess onto my neck and décolleté to give it a good treatment too, or alternatively put it into a little jar to use in the day or two following the treatment.

When I’ve removed the mask, I’d like to just leave the excess liquid to soak into my skin, and leave it there to further treat my skin, so generally I like to use the mask at night before going to bed, to let my skin benefit from the treatment during the night. In saying that, I also like using one before a special event to give my skin that glow, so if I am going out shortly after, I do remove any excess with a tissue, before applying makeup.
And immediately after you remove the mask, you can see that your skin looks not only tighter and plumper, but also fresher and brighter too, and with a lovely healthy radiant glow.

At $28 each they are not the cheapest cloth masks on the market, but are without a doubt the best I’ve tried to date, so well worth the higher price tag if you really want to treat your skin!
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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27 August 2013

Product Review: David Jones Delux Sampler Tote – Winter 2013

As many others I can’t resist at good beauty gift with purchase, and so I got drawn in to getting the current beauty sampler tote from David Jones.

But thing is, I really didn’t need anything, so I was wondering around in the beauty department, looking at what I could get that that I needed... And so I got a nail polish remover, which I was actually basically out of - fantastic, and at just $4.95!
 



So what did this Deluxe Sampler Tote include…

David Jones Beauty Natural Regeneration Day Cream (30ml) and Deeply Purify Facial Cleanser (30ml)
 
 
I have never tried any of the David Jones products, I have no idea what to expect, but I am looking forward to trying these.


SKII Facial Treatment Essence (30ml)
 



I have heard a lot of good things about this treatment essence, but I have never tried it. I have heard some say that it has made their skin break out, so I am a little concerned that will also be the case with my combination skin prone to breakouts, but this 30ml sample will at least give me a good chance to try it, and see what it is like on my skin without spending up big to buy a full sized product.



The bag also contained a voucher giving you a free SKII Facial Treatment Mask with your first consultation and purchase.

Molton Brown Toko Yuzu Bath & Shower Gel (30ml)
 
 
Another brand that I’ve never tried before, although I’ve heard so much about it, so can’t wait to try it. The shower gel is only small, but at least I can use it once or twice and get a good idea of what it is like.  



There was also a voucher giving you 20% off Molton Brown products when you spend $80 or more.

Circa Home Scented Soy Candle in Vanilla Bean & All Spice (mini size)
 
 
I love scented candles – with two dogs living inside the house, I frequently burn scented candles so that our house wont smell too much of dog. And this Circa candle not only looks so nice, but it smells absolutely divine. The candle was one of the reasons why I selected this particular bag.

OPI Nail lacquer in 37 (3.75ml mini size)


 
I love OPI polishes; they are 3-free, easy to apply, last well, and have a nice colour range, so I’m loving the inclusion of this mini size. In the bottle it looks dark brown or black, but once on the nail it is actually a very dark eggplant/purple colour – I love it!

Billie Goat Soap Lip Balm (Full size, 15ml)
 
 
Yet another brand that is new to me, yet I was aware of. I knew Billie Goat made soaps, but never knew that they made lipbalms too. I love that this one contains no chemical nasties including no parabens, SLS, colour, fragrance etc, yet it still has the most delicious scent of peach.

Roger & Gallet Bois D’Orange Perfumed Soap (25g)



I have seen this brand around before, but again, one I’ve not tried, mainly because I don’t really use soap bars – but in saying that, it smells fantastic so for now it can sit and look pretty in my powder room making it smell nice at the same time, before possibly making into my underwear drawer.

 
Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Day Lotion (7g)
 
 
I love Burt’s Bees, in particularly the lipbalms and the citrus cuticle balm. This day cream smells fantastic, so I look forward to trying it, although I could worry that being intensely hydrating it will be a little too rich for my skin, but time will tell.

Dermalogica Precleanse (30ml)
 
 
Now this is another product that made me select this bag. I have seen so many positive reviews on this cleanser, so I’ve been so keen on trying it. And again, the generous 30ml sample will give me a good chance to see what it’s like on my skin before making a full-sized purchase.

BioElixia Body Shaper body Lotion (20ml)




There was so much hype when Elixia launched their Body Shaper lotion, but sadly it isn’t cheap, but this 20ml sample will again be a good chance to try it, although it is probably too small to expect to see any results.
 
Everything came in a black plastic tote, which to be honest I'm not really sure what to do with as its not really my style.
 
 
 
Inside the tote was a see-through plastic cosmetic back holding all the samples, and while I have lots of better quality cosmetic and toilet bags, I do like this see-through one and can see myself using it to store samples so I can easily find what I am looking for.
 
 
 
On the whole I think that this bag is extremely good value for just $19.95 – and in my eyes better value than any of the monthly beauty boxes that I’ve seen – also because you can actually see in advance what you are getting.

 

What do you think? Did you go to David Jones and take advantage of this offer too? Which products are you most excited about trying?

 

 
 

 

 

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