PRODUCT REVIEW: SHAVING WITH SCHICK HYDRO SILK AND SCHICK INTUITION

With just a month left of winter, spring and summer is thankfully heading our way soon and if you're anything like me, its soon time to prep that body for some lighter clothes, and bare legs, which means time to de-fuzz that body - so today I am going to talk about all types of shaving thanks to Schick... 

I am sure you have heard about Schick, but if not, they are a market leading brand of shavers for both men and women, and they've got so many different types available, so there is literally one for every area and not least preference, so today I am going to run you through a few different options..
Let's start with the Schick Hydro Silk Disposables. I always have this thing about disposable shavers that the quality is average and that the blades are blunt, but I have to eat my words, as I am seriously impressed with these shavers.

They have a handle that sits well in the hand, and the head has 5 curve-sensing blades with skin guards to smooth skin as you shave, helping reduce irritation while providing an incredibly close shave. It also has a water-activated moisturising serum that really does hydrate skin throughout each shave and leave it soft and smooth for up to 2 hours after shaving. The shavers come with a protective cap to cover the blades, so it is the perfect shaver to bring with you when travelling too.

The Schick Hydro Silk Limited Edition Pink Handle has the prettiest girlie pink handle, and like the disposables, it has 5 curve sensing blades for a closer shades, along with skin guards to make sure the skin is protected. It also has the water-activated serum, which helps add moisture to the skin. It also comes with a nifty little plastic holder with a suction cup that is so convenient in the shower.

Then there's the Schick Hydro Silk Trimstyle, which is slightly different as it is battery operated shaver intended as not only a razor, but also a bikini trimmer. In one end, the double ended shaver has a 5-blade shaver in one which has water-activated serum to help moisturise and keep the skin silk soft and smooth, as well as it has skin guards to protect the skin from nicks. At the other end, it has an adjustable 4-length trimmer comb that allows you to customise your look.

the only waterproof bikini trimmer and hydrating razor in one. The Hydro Silk blade cartridge promises to hydrate longer than any other razor & goes beyond an incredibly close shave to actually care for your skin. The battery operated, shower-safe bikini trimmer has an adjustable 4-length trimmer comb that allows you to customise your trim length and desired look. I love a good multi-functional tool, and this is no exception. It is so easy to use, and I also love the fact that it is waterproof so you can use it both in or out of the shower, whatever you prefer. 

Finally, my pick of the bunch for shaving under my arms is the Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment Razor, which has now been updated so it now has visible ribbons of moisture. This shaver is a little bulky with a larger than normal head, but that thanks to it having a block of skin moisturiser infused with hydrating coconut milk and sweet almond oil to help replenish the moisture in the skin. It also has am added coconut scent. Often in a rush in the shower, I used to 'dry shave' using shower gel, but since using this razor, the skin in my armpits haven't been healthier, softer and smoother. The moisture block makes the shave easier, and prevents the skin from drying out, and also the skin from getting nicks and cuts, as it lathers as you shave. The razor also has four blades for a closer shave, and it has pivoting head that follows the contours of the skin, to make it even easier and gives a more precise shave. It also comes with cap to protect the blade and moisturisng block when not in use, as well as a handy suction cup holder so you always have your shaver within reach in the shower.


Schick Hydro Silk Disposables - RRP: $9.99 / includes two shavers
Schick Hydro Silk Trimstyle -RRP: $21.95
Schick Hydro Silk Pink Handle - RRP: $14.95 /includes handle, holder and two replacement blades
Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment razor - RRP: $12.69 / includes handle, protective cap, holder and two replacement blades

Available from Priceline, Variety Stores, Coles, Woolworths and select pharmacies

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


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HAIR REMOVAL FOR EVERY PREFERENCE AND AREA

Today I'm going to talk a little about hair removal. I am lucky that I don’t have facial hair to struggle with, but I still hate the feeling of hairs on my legs, under arms and in the bikini line. And for different areas, I use different types of products…

For my legs, I just cannot go past an epilator, and I have been using one for as long as I can remember, literally decades. And the Braun Silk-epil 9 SkinSpa is my current fave. The Silk Epil 9 is a 4-in-1 model that works both wet and dry, and it has pulsating active vibrations to stimulate the skin for a more gentle epilation. It also has 40 micro-grip tweezers to catch even more hair, even very short hair as short as 0.5mm, while the head of the shaver rotates to adapt to the body's contours. It also comes with two exfoliation brushes, a blue one for deep exfoliation to help avoid those dreaded ingrown hairs, and a purple exfoliation head for more sensitive areas, and for a more refined and silky soft skin.
But that's not all - there's also a standard shaver head, a trimmer cap, a high frequency cap and a sensitive skin contact cap included, a total of 6 extras. The shaver has two speed settings for your personal preference (if you're new to using an epilator, the lower setting may be a little less 'painful", and it takes only 1 hour o fully charge, and then it has up to 40 minutes of battery life, which is more than sufficient to shave both legs.
Compare to other epilators I've used over the past decades, I really love that this one is a wet/dry one, as I find it even quicker and easier to use in the shower, not only can I easily wash away all the small hairs, but I also find that the warm shower helps open the pores in my skin, so it is not only quicker to shave, but also less painful. This really is the ultimate shaver for super-soft hair free skin!

For the bikini line I like using wax - I know I can use the epilator, which also comes with a special cap for sensitive areas, but once upon a time an epilator grabbed my skin as I was shaving, and it hurt like nothing else, which has scared me off, so I always either use an old fashioned blade or wax. Now speaking of wax, I also have to admit that I am not a huge lover of using wax and for the one reason that I've had some pretty bad skin reactions in the past after using it - but luckily that has not been the case with the Marzena, which is also designed for sensitive skin.

The Marzena Large Wax strips are super easy to use. The strips are covered in wax, and you simply warm it up b y pressing your warm hands onto the strips on the skin, and then peel off, and the same time removing all the unwanted hair. The strips are made with aloe vera and essential oils and have a gentle fresh scent, and after the initial slight redness, my skin is left soft and smooth for weeks, and without further irritation or reactions.

Alternatively there's the Marzena Sensitive Hair Remover Lotion, which is my favourite. It is a hair removal lotion intended specifically for sensitive areas, including the face, bikini line, and underarms. It has a gorgeous fresh scent and is also made with aloe vera and vitamin E, as well as it also contains a unique growth inhibitor that helps reduce the reappearance of body hair. To use, you simply apply a generous layer to the clean dry skin, and leave it on for 3 minutes, and check on a small area if it has removed the hair, and if not, leave on for a further 2-3 minutes (but no longer than 6 minutes in total), and clean off with plenty of water. And voila, you're left with the softest, smoothest skin. And this time without any redness, and with no irritation or skin reactions. I am yet to see any reduction in hair growth, but I like how this Hair Remover Lotion make my skin softer and smoother than using a shaving razor, and I find that the re-grown and stubble is less noticeable.

Under my arms, I rarely use anything but the Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment razor. What I really like about this shaver is that shaving head that it comes with, is surrounded by a large block of skin moisturiser infused with coconut milk and sweet almond milk. Often in a rush in the shower, I used to 'dry shave' using shower gel, but since using this razor, the skin in my armpits haven't been healthier. The moisture block makes the shave easier, and prevents the skin from drying out, and also the skin from getting nicks and cuts. The razor also has four blades for a closer shave, and has pivoting head following the contours of the skin, to make it even easier.


Braun Silk-epil 9 SkinSpa - RRP: $299
Available from The Shaver Shop, Harvey Norman, Myer, David Jones and selected national retailers

Marzena Large Wax Strips - RRP: $10.59 / 20 strips
Marzena Sensitive Hair Remover Lotion - RRP: $8.99 /
Available from Priceline, Coles and selected pharmacies

Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment razor - RRP: $12.69 / kit including handle and two replacement blades
Available from Priceline, Variety Stores, Coles, Woolworths and select pharmacies

* 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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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?

 

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?