SKINCARE FOR HIM FROM CHARLES + LEE

XMAS GIFT IDEAS FROM THANKYOU THAT KEEP GIVING

XMAS GIFT IDEA: MURPHY AND DAUGHTERS BON BON SOAP

PRODUCT REVIEW: GRAMPIANS OLIVE CO SKINCARE

Today I'm super excited to share some local hand-made olive oil based skin care with you, from the Grampians Olive Co. 

As the name suggests, the Grampians Olive Co. Is a 100% family owned business that makes olive oil, infused olive oils, condiments, olives, artisan vinegars, as well as some hand-made olive oil based skincare too.

I've put the Grampians Olive Co. Organic Hand & Body Butter to the test, along with the lavender scented olive oil soap.

The Grampians Olive Co. Organic Hand & Body Butter is large, 400ml jar of rich un-fragranced and hand-crafted cream made using organic olive oil and organic shea butter. The cream is thick and rich and has a slightly whipped formula. And because it is so rich, it does take a few moments to absorb into the skin, but its worth the wait, as once it has, the skin is left feeling so soft and smooth and thoroughly hydrated, which lasts throughout the day with no need to reapply. It also works perfectly as a hand cream, or even on your feet with a pair of socks on top, if they need a little extra TLC. It is the perfect cream for those with dry skin, and as it doesn't any fragrance, it is also perfect for those with sensitive skin types. The large tub comes with a gorgeous golden lid, which makes it look simple, yet luxurious at the same time.

Then there's the Grampians Olive Co. Organic Lavender Olive Oil Soap. I admit here that I am not a huge user of soap blocks, as I feel they tend to become messy very quickly. But that said, I have enjoyed using this one, as the soft lather cleanses the skin so gently, without drying it out, and leaves it feeling soft. I also like that each time I go to the toilet, the gorgeous natural scent of lavender fills the room, and the uneven block shape of the soap, gives it character and makes it even more unique.

These products are seriously lovely, and I am especially addicted to the Hand & Body Butter, and love how soft and intensely moisturised it leaves my skin.


Grampians Olive Co. Skincare Pack - RRP: $50 / includes 1x Hand & Body Butter, 400g and 2 x organic olive oil soaps (unscented and lavender)

Available from Grampians Olive Co. and select stockists

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.


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PRODUCT REVIEW: BIOLOGY SMART SKINCARE

Today I'm excited to share with you one of my newest discoveries, the Australian Made hair and body products from Biology Smart Skincare.

As well as being Australian and made using native ingredients, along with active plant DNA and pure essential oils, I love the fact that the products are free from all the nasties such as sulphates, parabens, chemicals and cheap fillers, but are made with Australian native ingredients, along with active plant DNA and pure essential oils.

Let's start with the Biology No 301 Pure Hydration Shampoo and the No 302 Pure Hydration Conditioner are designed for daily use as they are so gentle. The shampoo is sulphate free, and both the shampoo and conditioner contains among others a bio active complex, Wildberry Harvest, which consists of 3 naitive berries that stimulate hyaluronic acid within the follicle to replenish moisture levels, and enhance shine while relieving dryness. It also contains the pure essential oils of lavender, pink grapefruit, patchouli, and ginger, which combined help stimulate healing and hair growth, balancing oil production, and repair the hair, while having calming, uplifting, soothing and relaxing effect. Combined the pair help to gently cleanser the hair and balance the scalp, while helping to detangle and smooth the hair fibres and prevent split ends. These products have a very subtle natural scent you can only love, and from the first use, they leave my long hair clean, and feeling soft and smooth, and looking shiny and glossy too.

Then there's the Biology No. 305 Moisture Therapy Body Bar is a soap bar, which is free from palm oil and PH balanced. The soap bar contains the Wildberry complex so it gently cleanses the skin without affecting the skin's natural moisture barrier. It also contains Australian Kakadu Plum and Naitive Wattleseed to, which are tiny little particles that gently buff and exfoliate the skin, along with pure essential oils of lemon for its clearing and antibacterial properties and ginger verbena to brighten the skin. I am not usually fond of soap bars as I do find they can become a little messy, but this one really does leave the skin feeling so soft and smooth, that I am actually enjoying it. Plus it has a beautiful fresh and uplifting citrusy-herbal scent that is so divine. I also love that it comes in old-school brown paper wrapping which gives it a gorgeous charm.

Finally, there's the Biology No 353 Ultra Hydrate Body Butter, which is a beautiful cream also contains the Wildberry Harvest to rejuvenate and restore the skin's radiance. In addition, it also contains avocado, sweet almond, oregano and sunflower oils along with shea butter and aloe vera, as well as lavender, olive leaf, thyme and rosemary extract to give the skin an intense dose of fast acting moisture and hydration to combat dryness. The body butter absorbs into the skin so fast, and is non greasy, but leaves the skin feeling so silky soft and smooth all day. It has the most gorgeous slightly scent herbal that I really love as it is so natural, and also so subtle that it doesn't clash with my perfume. I so love this body butter, and as my skin is enjoying the intense moisture, which is also why it will be my go-to body care this winter!


The shampoo and conditioner simple cream coloured bottles with black writing, or for the body butter, a black plastic jar with a cream label and the black writing and logo. Simplistic and stunning, and just how I personally love it!

So overall, I really love these products, but there are so many more products in the range, which without a doubt will be worthwhile checking out too, which I'm very keen to!


Biology Pure Hydration Shampoo - RRP: $27.00 / 375ml
Biology Pure Hydration Conditioner - RRP: $27.00 / 375ml
Biology No. 305 Moisture Therapy Body Bar - RRP: $12.00 / 15g
Biology Ultra Hydrate Body Butter - RRP: $45.00 / 200g

Available from Biology Smart Skincare

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: DR. BRONNER'S PUMP SOAP, PURE-CASTILE SOAP AND SOAP BAR

Today I am going to introduce you to Dr. Bronner's. I have to be honest and admit that I'd never heard of the brand before, yet it has been around for over 150 years, since 1858 in Germany, although it didn't take it's current form and name, Dr. Bronner's until 1948 in America. Still, where have I been.

The brand is still family owned and run, by the old-world time-honored simplicity tradition dating back to the family’s German-Jewish soap-making tradition.

Dr. Bronner's, to this day helps promote and social change, and also pioneered USDA certified organic personal care products, to creating Fair Trade projects across the world that ensure fair and just treatment of farmers and workers, to creating a socially responsible workplace in the U.S., all while devoting profits to worthwhile causes and charities worldwide.

I have put a selection of products to the test, including the Dr. Bronner's 4-in-1 Sugar Lemongrass Lime Organic Pump Soap, which is suitable for anything from washing hands, face, body & hair. The soap is contains no synthetic detergents or preservatives, but is made with organic shikakai, which comes from the seed pods of the small South Asian tree Acadia Concinna, which is then extracted in organic sugar and organic grape juice and combined with pure-castile liquid soap base. The soap also contains lover oil, help oil jojoba oil along with lemon grass oil, lemon oil and lime oil, and it is smooth and soft, and while I've not tried it as a shampoo, I have used it as both hand wash and body lotion, and I love how gently it cleans my skin. I also love the scent from the lemon grass and lime, which is so refreshing and uplifting, as well as the gorgeous bright lime green pump bottle looks great by the sink or in the shower.

Then there's the Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soaps, which is nothing short of the ultimate multi-tasking product. This Pure-Castile Soap can be used for just about any cleaning task from face, body, hair, to dishes, laundry, mopping your floor, even washing your pet!! Yup, how incredible is that. You could literally just have this in the house, and it would do everything for you, well perhaps except for the actual mopping of the floors or doing the dishes. The soap doesn't contain a single drop of synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents, and as it is extremely concentrated and in fact claims to be 2-3x more concentrated than other soaps, you simply have to dilute, with anything from a few drops, a teaspoon-full, half a cupful, all depending on what you use it for. All the details and suggestions or use, clearly on the bottle. Personally love using this to clean my house, my sinks, my floors, and the Citrus version makes my house smell so clean and fresh, especially in the bathrooms and floors, but the Peppermint is great in bathrooms too. However, there are a massive 11 different varieties, so there is something for every taste and occasion.

Finally, there's the Dr. Bronner’s Bar Soaps, which are made with certified fair trade ingredients and organic hemp oil for a soft, smooth lather that won’t dry your skin. 100% biodegradable in a 100% post-consumer recycled wrapper. I admit that I am not usually fond of bar soaps, for the one reason that I find that they very quickly become messy by the sink or in the shower, and hence preferring a liquid soap, but that said, these are divine. The soaps also go under the name All-One, as they are a true versatile multi-tasker too that can be used for anything from washing the body, face and hair. The soap bars contain no added organic oils and there are 11 varieties available so again, there's something for everyone. I've put the Cherry Blossom to the test, which has a gorgeous floral scent, but admit to only having used it on my hands and body, and not as a shampoo. We've also tested the Unscented Baby version, which suitable for sensitive skin as well as babies (although it doesn’t claim to be tear free, so be careful if using it your baby's hair), - and regardless of the type, the bar soap creates a lovely soft lather that leaves your skin clean without drying it out.

I love that the products come in a large variety of different scents, the product come in gorgeous brightly coloured bottles, which look beautiful out on display - although if I have to be negative, I do find that there is a tad too much writing on the bottles - yes, it is an interesting read, all about what the products can be used for, tips and tricks, what benefits the added ingredients have, company history, fair trade information etc etc etc, there is not a corner of the labels, wrapping around the whole bottle that is not covered with text, and it is all in such a very tiny writing, and to be honest, I struggle reading it all, and quickly give up. For me, while I love that the information is readily available, I % would have preferred if 75% of this writing had been omitted and instead to be found on the company website. But again, that's just my opinion.

And overall, I have really enjoyed putting these products from Dr. Bronner's to the test, with my favourites being the Pump Soap, but also loving the Pure-Castile soap for cleaning my house, without all the chemicals. But there are so many other products in the product range including lotions, hair care and lip and body balms, that I am also very keen on putting to the test.


Dr. Bronner's 4-in-1 Sugar Lemongrass Lime Organic Pump Soaps - RRP: $17.95 / 355ml
Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure-Castile Soaps - RRP: $5.95 / 59ml, $12.95 / 237ml
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Bar Soaps - $7.95 / 140g

Available from Dr. Bronner's online, David Jones, select pharmacies and health food stores, as well as select online stores
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: EVODIA WHITSUNDAY COCONUT AND LIME BODY MIST AND SOAP BAR GIFT SET

Today I am continuing with the great Xmas gift ideas, and this gorgeous gift set from Evodia is the perfect pressie that everybody would love receiving.

This gift set contains a Body Mist and a Nourishing Soap Bar, both with the from Evodia's Whitsunday Coconut & Lime collection. These products contain:

• Top Notes: Lime, Lemon
• Middle Notes: Coconut, Verbena
• Base Notes: Vanilla, Coconut, Cream

And needless to say, they are the perfect scent for those who loves coconut. Containing coconut in both the middle and base notes, this is a strong coconut scent that does evoke memories of beach holiday, so the name of the range, Whitsunday is very appropriate.

The Nourishing Soap Bar also contains Gippsland Goats Milk & Organic Shea Butter. I am personally not a huge fan of soap bars, finding that they quickly become messy (and create extra cleaning in the bathroom too), but the soap bar looks and smells beautiful when left on display in my powder room, or alternatively it can of course also be popped into your lingerie drawer!

Then there's the Body Mist, which comes in a huge 200ml bottle - and because of the scent, it is perfect for using during a holiday, - or to remind you of a holiday! - and spritzed all over your body, will leaving you smelling fabulous.

If you're not familiar with Evodia, it is an Australian brand, where all products are made from floral, fruit and bush extracts, vitamins and essential oils sourced from the Australian environment. The products are also made using purified water, and with no harsh chemicals or preservatives, and they are of course cruelty free too.

The Evodia Whitsunday Coconut & Lime Nourishing Soap Bar and the Body Mist can naturally be purchased individually, but because of Xmas you can purchase them together in a gorgeous and festive red gift boxes, for just $24.95 (saving you almost $15!)


Evodia Whitsunday Coconut & Lime Body Mist and Soap Gift Set with
Body Mist and Soap Bar - RRP: $24.95

Evodia Body Mist - RRP: $200ml / 25.95
Evodia Soap Bar - RRP: $13.95 / 180g

Available from Myer stores, selected pharmacies, gift and homewares stores and from Evodia online.

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

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BRAND FOCUS: EVODIA

Today I'd like to talk about a band called Evodia. Evodia products are Australian owned and made from floral, fruit and bush extracts, vitamins and essential oils sourced from the Australian environment.

The Evodia products are also enriched with ingredients like lemon myrtle, Kakadu plum, Tasmanian lavender, jasmine, mango, lime and coconut to name a few. As well as using naturally derived ingredients, the products are also made using purified water, and with no marsh chemicals or preservatives in sight. The brand has been around for over 25 years, and prides themselves in making affordable, yet luxurious products at the highest quality, with the range including bath, body, fragrance and home lifestyle products. Today I'd like to put focus on a selection of the Evodia products..


But first, let me just run you through all the fragrance collections in the Evodia range; 

• Whitsunday Coconut & Lime
• Byron Bay Frangipani
• Adelaide Hills Jasmine
• Tasmanian Lavender
• Daintree Mango & Pink Grapefruit
• Barossa Grapefruit & Tuberose
• Australian Bush Lemon Myrtle

 

As a lover of all citrus products, the ranges that immediately caught my eyes, was the Barossa Grapefruit & Tuberose range and the Australian Bush Lemon Myrtle.

  

The Barossa Grapefruit an Tuberose range has the following ingredients;  

• Top Notes: Pepper, Grapefruit, Lemon, Passionfruit 
• Middle Notes: Water Lily, Ylang Ylang, Tuberose
• Base Notes: Musk, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Amber

  

 

 

 

The Barossa Grapefruit & Tuberose Nourishing Soap Bar also contains Gippsland Goats Milk & Organic Shea Butter, and comes wrapped in tissue paper inside a beautiful oval shaped tin box with a pinky-red lid. It smells absolutely divine, but I do have to admit to not being a huge fan of soap bars as I do find that they quickly become quite messy - so for now I've left it out on display, where it looks absolutely stunning in my powder room!

  

Next to it, I've got the Barossa Grapefruit & Tuberose Hand Cream, which is also enriched with Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba and Avocado Oils as well as Cocoa Butter. This thick and rich hand cream is absolutely divine, and you can instantly feel its nourishing properties as it absorbs into the skin, leaving your hands feeling so silky and smooth, without any greasiness. And it has that same refreshingly divine Grapefruit and Tuberose scent that lingers on the skin for a long time afterwards, which I really love, although it does mean that I can't stop smelling my hands.

 

Then there's the Barossa Grapefruit & Tuberose Hand & Body Lotion, which comes in a very handy pump bottle, that makes it so easy to use in the bathroom. It is enriched with cocoa butter, grape seed oil and sweet almond oil, and yet it bears the same beautiful beautiful lasting scent. The consistency of the Hand & Body Lotion is somewhat thinner than the Hand Cream, but it still feels very moisturising on the skin, and I do not feel the need to reapply during the day.

  

Next there's the Australian Bush Lemon Myrtle Hand & Body Wash. This range has;

 

• Top Notes: Lemon, Orange, Lime 
• Middle Notes: Geranium
• Base Notes: Fresh Green Watermelon

 

And this range is so fresh, clean and zesty, and absolutely lovely, and hence the Hand & Body Wash from this range is the perfect body wash to use in the morning for the ultimate kick-start. The wash contains soothing aloe vera and gently cleanses the skin, without drying it out or irritating it, as it also protects the skin's natural PH balance. I also love the fact that this gorgeous scent spreads through my bathroom after my shower, and that I can just detect the beautiful scent on my skin, when I've dried.  

 

 

 

  

 

The Body Mist from the Australian Bush Lemon Myrtle Range is body mist that contains fine fragrance making it perfect to use as a perfume on a warm summers day as it is so energising and refreshing. As can be expected, it doesn't last all day on the skin, but it comes in a huge 200ml bottle, so you got enough to reapply during the day as you want.

 

Finally, there's the Fragrance Roll-On from the Byron Bay Frangipani range. I absolutely love frangipanis, but sadly, after a couple of attempts, I've come to realise that I just cannot get a tree to grow in chilly Melbourne. This range contains;  

• Top Notes: Lemon, Ylang Ylang 
• Middle Notes: Jasmine, Frangipani 
• Base Notes: Blackcurrant, Cinnamon

 

Like the rest of the ranges, this little Roll-On Fragrance has a beautiful floral frangipani scent. The cute Roll-On is the perfect perfume to pop into the handbag so you can reapply during the day, not that it is really needed as it actually, surprisingly, lasts quite well throughout the day. I think it is possibly just the frangipani scent, but it is actually quite strong smelling, so I've found that you only need to apply a tiny bit, otherwise I found it to be too overwhelming, but the fact that it is so concentrated is only a positive, so the small bottle will last you longer.

 

 

Overall I am really impressed with these products from Evodia. They feel so lovely to use and I love that the beautiful scents continue to linger on my skin and in my house after I've used them. The products also look beautiful in their white bottles and tunes with varying colours and floral designs depending on the ingredients range, so they also look fabulous on display in the bathroom and by the powder room sink, and are the perfect present too.

 

Personally I'm particularly loving the Hand & Body Wash, the Hand & Body Lotion and the Hand Cream, and I am very keen to get my hands on a Australian Bush Lemon Myrtle Hand & Body Lotion to pair with my Hand &Body Wash, as well as a Barossa Grapefruit & Tuberose Hand & Body Wash, so I can use the matching sets together without mixing different scents.

 

So all in all these products from Evodia really are lovely, and with so many different scents, there really also is something for every taste and preference, so definitely worth checking them out

 

 

Evodia Roll On Fragrance - RRP: $12.95 / 15ml 

Evodia Body Mist - RRP: $200ml / 25.95 

Evodia Soap Bar - RRP: $13.95 / 180g 

Evodia Hand & Body Wash - RRP: $18.95 / 400ml

Evodia Hand & Body Lotion - RRP: $18.95 / 400ml 

Evodia Hand Cream - RRP: $17.95 / 100ml

 

 

Available from Myer stores, selected pharmacies, gift and homeware stores and from Evodia online.

 

 

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: THE GOAT SKINCARE

Today I'd like to share with you a new brand that I've just come across, The Goat Skincare.. 

It has been known for years, - in actual fact, Cleopatra was said to bathe in goats milk - for the pure reason that goats milk has a PH level very close to that of the human skin, and consequently it is super gentle, as well as it helps provide skin with natural moisture and hydration, which in turn may relieve your skin from from dryness, itchiness or irritations caused by sensitive skin conditions.

In addition, goats milk is also naturally enriched with lactic acid, which can help gently exfoliate the skin by breaking down dead skin cells, as well as contains higher levels of natural vitamins, minerals and proteins than in cows milk.

The products from The Goat Skincare further more guarantee that there are no parabens, sulphates or harsh chemicals in their products, which are made from pure and natural ingredients, sustainable palm oil and fresh, permeate free ethically farmed goats milk, from Victoria, Australia. Gotta love local companies too!

As the products are so gentle, it also means that they are suitable for everyone, including including newborns and pregnant women, and those with very sensitive skin types. I don't particularly have dry or sensitive skin, but my two boys do - so I've been using these products on our 3 year old, with great success.

The Goat Skincare Moisturising Wash comes in a huge 500ml pump bottle and the soap is perfect for gently cleansing his skin and hair, without any skin irritations. He loves that it lathers up into a gentle foam that he can then play with in the bathtub afterwards.

Also available from the range is soap bars in several varieties. We tried out The Goat Skincare Soap Bar with Chia Seed Oil and the one with Chamomile, and have been using them for his bath too. And while again, the soft foam gently cleanses his skin, in general I just find that soap bars are so messy, so much prefer the liquid variety these days.

After his bath, I've always made sure to add some additional moisture into his skin, following with The Goat Skincare Moisturising Lotion. This lotion also comes in a huge 500ml convenient pump bottle, and the actual lotion is very light in consistency, and absorbs quickly into the skin without any greasiness, leaving the skin very soft and with a velvety feel, and I can tell that the moisture is long-lasting as I don't feel the need to re-moisturise his skin again later in the day. The lotion leaves behind a gentle milky fragrance lingering on the skin, which is lovely and quite subtle, and also perfectly suitable for a little toddler - however, if I would ideally have seen the products also be fragrance free, and any added fragrance be from natural essential oils in stead.

The products are all well priced, and also feature the cutest drawing of a goat, which looks adorable in the kids bathroom too! There are several other products available in the range, including massive 1 litre bottles, shampoo and conditioner, as well as products with manuka honey and lemon myrtle, however, unfortunately, while the company website does provide detailed descriptions of ingredients of all products, it does not provide any details of benefits of the various products. 

That said, I have enjoyed using the products on my little boy, and can see myself repurchasing both the Moisturising Wash and Moisturising Lotion for him again in the future.

The Goat Skincare Moisturising Wash - RRP: $9.95 / 500ml
The Goat Skincare Moisturising Lotion - RRP: $14.95 / 500ml
The Goat Skincare Soap Bar with Chamomile - RRP: $3.60 / 100g
The Goat Skincare Soap Bar with Chia Seed Oil - RRP: $3.60 / 100g

Available from The Goat Skincare, Priceline and select Pharmacies 

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE AROMACHOLOGIE COLLECTION

As you are probably aware if you regularly tune into my blog, I love the products from L'Occitane, so I always get very excited when I hear of new product launches. One of the most recent ones is the L'Occitane Aromachologie Collection. This range has been developed to awaken the senses, restore balance and bring well-being and harmony to the body of the mind.

Today I'd like to talk about a few of the products from the range, the Rebalancing Exfoliating Shower Gel, The Rebalancing Black Soap and the Rebalancing Infusions for Bath.

Starting with the Rebalancing Shower Gel. This shower gel is made with purifying essential oils including thyme, cypress, juniper and eucalyptus to help review the skin. It also contains particles of olive and lemon to gently scrub away dead skin cells and impurities from the skin to leave it soft, clean and smooth, as well as re-oxygenated. The actual scrubbing particles are very small, so it is very gentle, yet still very efficient. And as it is also foaming cleanser, it is a great option for daily use to give your kick start in the mornings.

The Rebalancing Black Soap is a not your usual soap, rather it is a thick olive oil based gel soap that comes in a plastic tub, however, you still use it as you would your normal body wash, although it is only recommended to use it once or twice a week. It is best used after a warm shower or bath when the skin pores are open, as it thereby the soft lather helps to cleanse the skin and clear it from impurities, refine it's texture and leave it feeling silky soft and smooth, while the delicate herbal scent fills your bathroom and leaves the skin smelling beautiful too. 

Finally, the L'Occitane Rebalancing Infusions Bath Soaks, which is a pack of five individual sachets filled with bath revitalising bath salts with citrus fruit peel to gently exfoliate the skin and reinvigorate the mind. I don't often have, or take the time for a bath, but have to say that these not only very luxurious to use, but smell do divine too that it makes me want to work a little harder to get that much needed time to take a good relaxing soak.


L'Occitane Aromachologie Rebalancing Exfoliating Shower Gel - RRP: $29 / 250ml
L'Occitane Aromachologie Rebalancing Black Soap - RRP: $28 / 170g
L'Occitane Aromachologie Rebalancing Infusions For Bath - RRP: $26 / 5 x 20g

Available from L'Occitane en Provence

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

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MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS FROM LUSH

Next in line of Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day is a selection of products from Lush;

 Yummy Mummy Body Conditioner

This body conditioner is intended to be used in the shower after using shower gel. You simply smooth it over your body, and then rinse off, and afterwards you are left with the softest smoothest skin. The Body Conditioner contains blended fresh strawberry juice with murumuru and Fair Trade Organic cocoa butter to leave the skin deeply nourished. Personally I find it has a slightly odd scent, and I’d like it to smell a little more of strawberries, however, the results are well worth it, and it’s the perfect product when you are in a hurry, as it saves you having to apply body lotion once out of the shower.

RRP: $32.50 (250ml) – Available from Lush


Mother Superior Bubble Bar

This bubble bar is has been designed with the cutest little face that is so hard not to smile at. The body bar has been scented with Cherry Blossoms and smells divine. You simply crumble the body bar under the running water, and you are left with lots of beautifully scented bubbles, that will not only gently cleanse your skin, but leave it feeling soft and smooth too!

RRP: $9.95 (180g) – Available from Lush


Rose Bombshell Bath Bomb

This bath bomb is shaped like a round ball, and is full of rose petals, as well as it contains orange flower absolute, rosewood and Turkish rose oils and soya milk powder, and consequently smells like, well roses. The scent any mother will love! And the soya milk means that the bath will not only be a beautiful scented experience, it will also pamper the skin, leaving it incredibly soft and smooth.

RRP: $6.25 (165g) – Available from Lush



Yummy Mummy Shower Gel

This Yummy Mummy Shower Gel has got a lovely lilac colour that makes me think of a paint pot!!! The shower gel, which can actually also be used as a shampoo has been scented with lilac and orange oil, which gives it a very sweet smelling scent. It also contains seaweed to leave the skin extra soft, and also contains tiny shimmer particles that give your skin (and hair!) and nice radiant glow

RRP: $9.95 (100g) – Available from Lush


Love You Mum Soap

The soap bar is designed as a red flower and it is scented beautifully with mimosa, jasmine absolutes and bergamot oil, so it not only smells absolutely divine with its floral scent, it looks absolutely gorgeous too, almost too pretty to use!
Note that this floral shape is a special PR sample, and that the Love You Mummy Soap soap you can purchase instore and online has a full floral pattern, whilst still being the same soap!

RRP: $6.95 (100g) – Available from Lush

So there you go, a selection of beautifully scented pampering products from Lush that any Mum will love and adore. My personal picks of the bunch would have to be the Mother Superior Bubble Bar, The Rose Bath Bomb and the Love You Mum Soap, simply because I prefer the scents of these products!!

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

Do you use Lush products? Any recommendations?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIO UPLIFTED MOTHER'S DAY GIFT SET

Today I’d Like to share with you another beautiful gift idea for Mother’s Day, this time the Uplifted Gift Set from Natio; 

This stunning gift set comes presented in a gorgeous floral gift box that has a magnetic closure, so it is perfect for using afterwards to store other items such as jewellery and other little things.

 

The gift set contains;

 

• Spa Pep-Up Body Cleanser, 210ml
• Spa Heavenly Hand Cream, 90ml
• Spa Hydrating Body Soap, 130g

As soon as you open the gift set you can smell the gorgeous refreshing scent of the products. The Spa Pep-Up Body Cleanser is a gel body cleaner, which has been enriched with certified organic ginkgo biloba, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass and basil. It smells so beautiful, with its zesty scent that has been mixed up with a touch of natural spice from the eucalyptus and basil, and it is so uplifting and refreshing in the shower, while also having a slightly cooling sensation on the skin thanks to the peppermint!

  

 

 

 

 

 

The Spa Heavenly Hand Cream has been enriched with certified organic Aloe Vera, Ginseng and Coconut Water to soothe tired hands. The light non-greasy formula absorbs quickly into the skin leaving them feeling silky soft, but I also love that it has been formulated to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and age spots as well as strengthen the nails at the same time. The cream has a lovely gentle scent of warm scent of the natural coconut water, a scent that lingers on the skin for quite a while.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, the Spa Hydrating Body Soap, is a soap bar that is olive oil based and designed to cleanse, purify, moisturise and condition dry skin. The soap is triple milled, and enriched with plant extracts and botanical oils including olive leaf to make it gentle and creamy, jojoba, almond, carrot and sesame oils to hydrate, and lemongrass and lime to refresh and stimulate the circulation. It has such a beautiful zesty scent that uplifting and refreshing.

  

 

 

 

 

 

So all in all this is another perfect gift idea for Mother’s Day, and at just $24.95 so it won’t break the budget.

 

 

Natio is available from Myer, David Jones, Natio Online and select pharmacies 

 

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

 

 

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LUSH EASTER 2015

If you want to treat yourself or a friend to a healthier option this Easter, why not check out Lush’s limited edition Easter Treats. These treats are made with ethically sourced ingredients, and made locally by hand.

Lush Golden Egg

I have to admit that I am yet to have a bath and use any of the bath bomb melts mentioned. We have a very small bath, which is very low too, and there is no way I’m going to try to get my almost 32 week pregnant body in and out of that, so trialling out these goodies will have to wait until I’ve given birth, and we’ve moved into our new house in a few month’s time. I couldn’t think of any better way to christen out new bath either!

This golden egg contains has a sweet scent of honey and toffee that will instantly satisfy any cravings for sweets, and is made from Fair Trade Colombian cocoa butter that will leave your body soft and smooth and delicious smelling. It is also completely covered in golden shimmer that will leave your skin with a lovely sheen.

RRP: $6.50 each - Available from Lush



Bunch of Carrots

These carrots have to be my favourite products from these limited edition products. I mean, how cute, and how real do they look! The carrots are in fact bubble bars that can be re-used several times. You simply swish them in your bath water, or alternatively hold them under the running water, to release the bubbles. They smell fresh and zesty from the buchu, lemon and grapefruit oils, and will give you a nice refreshing bath! I can easily see myself becoming addicted to these!

RRP: $9.95 /each/bunch of three carrots - Available from Lush

Pot O’ Gold

This literally is a pot of gold. The golden shimmering shower gel literally has the consistency of jelly. It contains At the end of every rainbow lies sweet, sweet orange oil, myrrh resinoid, fresh pineapple juice and vanilla absolute and has a lovely sweet yet fruity scent. It leaves the skin delicately scented after use, and with a lovely subtle sheen as well. Perfect for use before a special night out!

RRP: $6.95/per 100g, $12.95 /per 240g - Available from Lush

Somewhere over the Rainbow

The soap bar I receive didn’t exactly look like a rainbow with one half of the soap bar being pink and the other one blue, but that doesn’t mean it is not beautiful. It contains rose absolute, Sicilian mandarin and neroli oils and has the most gorgeous fruity floral scent. I do admit to usually preferring liquid soap, but with a soap bar smelling this nice, I may just be converted!

RRP: $6.95 /per 100g - Available from Lush


Hoppity Poppity

 How cute is this little buddy!! Normally an Easter bunny would leave you feeling guilty for eating too many calories, but this little fellow will give you a refreshed and uplifted, thanks to containing fresh herbs. It also contains popping candy to give you a fun experience in the bath. Shame it is almost too cute to use!

RRP: $5.50 /each - Available from Lush

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


What do you think of these limited edition Easter Products from Lush? What's your favourite Lush product?

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INDUSTRY NEWS: LUSH PRODUCT LAUNCHES JANUARY 2015

Today I’d like to share with you some brand new product just launched by Lush*;

Zest hair gelly



 

This hair gelly is has a lovely zesty scent (and as loyal readers may know, I LOVE zesty citrus scents), thanks to containing Sweet Wild Orange Oil, Pettigrain Oil from the twigs of the bitter orange tree and Neroli Oil from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. Sounds also good enough to eat. In addition it also contains extracts from Irish moss seaweed to help create texture while the sugar from the orange juice boosts the holding power. I have long hair so I won’t be needing this, but it is perfect for my little toddler boys fine hair, as it will help give his hair a cheeky hairstyle, all without making his hair look or feel greasy! RRP $18.95 (100g) – Available from Lush



Granny takes a dip Bath Bomb


 

Oh I love the name of this bath bomb that has been designed to leave phychedelic swirls of colour in the bomb with its fizzy centre that dissolves, as you lay back and relax. It contains ginger, pepper, and lemon (YAY!), so while it is slightly spicy, it has a lovely zesty scent as well. Unfortunately the bath bomb had not survived in one piece during the transit, as you can see from the photo, but regardless, the effect was same! RRP $6.75 – Available from Lush


African Paradise Body Conditioner

This is a body lotion that is to be used in the shower after shower gel, but then rinsed off, to leave the skin soft and moisturised. I love these types of moisturisers as they are so much quicker to use than a standard body lotion as you don’t need to wait for it to absorb into the skin. This body conditioner contains Shea Butter, Moringa Oil, Aloe Vera, Ylang Ylang, and has a nice fresh scent that lingers, even when you are out of the shower. RRP $37.50 (245g) – Available from Lush



D'Fluff Shaving Cream

 

I have to admit that I usually use an epilator for shaving my legs, but this shaving cream is also perfect for shaving under my arms where I use a standard shaver. The shaving cream has, as the name suggests, a fluffy consistency, and leaves your skin feeling so silky soft and smooth, and without any irritations or shaving rash thanks to containing moisturising and nourishing ingredients including coconut oil. It also contains Strawberries, Maple, Rose, and Sweet Wild Orange Oil, and has the most gorgeous sweet strawberry scent, that is so delish that you almost feel like eating it. RRP $9.95 (100g), $18.50 (250g) – Available from Lush



Parsley Porridge Soap


 

I love porridge, and eat it for breakfast several times a week, but have to admit that that the description of this soap along with the green colour didn’t leave me lusting for it. Not very tempting at all. But then I realised that it is an antibacterial soap that is suitable for both face and body and it contains bacteria fighting ingredients including thyme and tea tree oil along with fine milled porridge oats and aloe gel, and I saw it in a different light. That is just what I need. I have combination skin that is always prone to breakouts, and during summer when I use sunscreen, also on my shoulders. And it is even more perfect now that I am pregnant and not able to use conventional blemish fighting products that often contain salicylic acid which is a no-no when you’re pregnant. And so far I am really enjoying using it, as it makes my skin feel clean and clear, yet without making it feel dried out. RRP $6.95 (100g) – Available from Lush



Mangnificent Soap
 

The Magnificient Soap on the other hand sounds and looks so appealing that you almost want to eat it, and especially when you know that it contains a blend fresh and dried mango. It also contains Tunisian Neroli Oil, Sicilian Lemon, Mandarin Oil, and smells so divine, that it awakens your senses immediately. It is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and helps cleanse the skin while leaving soft and nourished at the same time. RRP $6.95 (100g) – Available from Lush

So there you go, some new product releases from Lush. Personally I am particularly enjoying the Magnificent Soap, the African Paradise Body Conditioner and the D'Fluff Shaving Cream, although I, surprisingly also think that I will be repurchasing the Parsley Porridge soap to keep my skin clear, and I do enjoy using the Zest hair gelly in my little boy’s hair as well…. So overall big thumbs up from me for some great new releases from Lush that are sure to be a big hit!

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

 What do you think of these new products from Lush? Fan of Lush? Which of their products would you recommend?

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PRODUCT REVIEW: VIOLET BOX AUGUST 2014

Yesterday the *August edition of the Violet Box arrived at my doorstep, here are my thoughts;

 

 

What They Say:

Violet Box brands promises to every month include 4-6 premium beauty and lifestyle samples from well-known and trusted Australian beauty brands as well as exciting new International brands, one in particular is a revolutionary product currently trending in New York and has been featured in Vogue and on the Today Show!

RRP: You can subscribe to Violet Box for:

1 month – $22.95
3 months - $66.00
6 months - $130
12 months - $250

Available from Violet Box

 

What I Say:

As last month, this month’s box arrived in a the new box design with the lose slide lid, and this is what was included in this month’s box:
 

 
 

Evelyn Iona Lipgloss – Full Size (RRP: $20.50)

I have never heard of the brand Evelyn before so straight away I am excited. And when I then read that the product is certified organic, and preservative free too. I got the colour Susan, which is a lovely pale pink shade that gives the lips a nice colour with a fairly good colour payoff, while blended out, it can be applied quite sheer too. The colour is lovely, and I will certainly use it, but if I had to be picky, I would have preferred one of the darker shades as shown on the info card.



Foltene Eyelash Treatment – Full Size (RRP: $20.95/10ml)

This is a treatment to use on your eyelashes and brows to restore dry , thin fragile lashes that easily fall and promote natural growth. My lashes are ok, and don’t really fall out that often I feel, but I wouldn’t mind some fuller brows, as they were victims to over-plucking decades ago, and growing them out, just doesn’t seem to happen – so I am looking forward to putting this treatment to the test and seeing how effective it is.



Be A Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad – Full Size (RRP: $ 22.00)

It was mentioned as a teaser in last month’s box that the August box would contain this quad, so it is not a major surprise, although it is of course a nice addition. Going by the info card there were three shades, and I got the shade New York which contains grey shades. The colour in the compact are all lovely and complement each other perfectly. But again, if I had to be picky, I would have preferred to get the compact with the golden shades as shown on the info card, but again that is just me being picky, and really, I have plenty of the golden shades, but next to no grey shades, so it is probably not a bad thing after all..



Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy – Sample Size, 7.1g (RRP: 18.95)

Again a brand that I have never heard of, so that excites me. And being addicted to a good hand cream, especially during winter, I always welcome a new one. This one comes in a cute little black pot with a little silk rose glued to the lid, which is such a lovely touch. The cream is thick and rich, and very concentrated, so you only need to use a little, so even though the sample pot looks tiny, there’s enough for several goes, so it’s perfect to pop into the handbag.



Apelles Rosemary Body Bar Soap – Full Size (RRP: $5.95/100g)

I have heard of Apelles before but never tried any of their products, so I do welcome the inclusion of this soap in the box. The soap is a pure vegetable soap bar and it contains Australian essential oils of among others eucalyptus, rosemary and lemon myrtle, and ladder of which gives it the most refreshing citrus scent. I am personally not the biggest fan of soap bars, generally preferring liquid soap, but this one smells so nice that I cannot wait to use it.


So there you go, the contents of the August Violet Box. And yet again I am impressed with the contents of the box, containing a whole four out of five full sized products, and with a value of almost $70, and while the shades of the lipgloss and the eye shadow quad are not colours that I would probably have picked myself, they are still very wearable and far from so out there that I wouldn’t use them, on the contrary, they are very lovely, and it is just me being picky. And while I say I would have preferred the other shade, I am sure there are just as many box receivers out there wishing they had received the colours I did – and I do understand how difficult it would be to please everyone. But overall, Violet Box has impressed me yet again with an outstanding box with a nice variety of products.

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


What do you think of the products of this month’s Violet Box? Did you get this months’ box too? What did you think? And if not, would you consider subscribing?

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