WINTER SKIN CARE FOR THE FACE

During winter when the temperatures drop, my skin reacts but getting so much drier than it usually is. That is sometimes a blessing for those of us with combination skin, as suddenly you do not have the dreaded afternoon shiny face – however, the joy is short lived, and soon the skin gets drier and drier, and often irritated too. So today I’d like to share with you some of the products I use on my face during winter to save it from drying out but rather keep it moisturised and looking healthy.

But before I start, have you been following my series of post with products to care for your skin and hair during the cold winter months? If not you can see the one on winter care for hair or for hands and feet, or maybe the one for the body or what about the one for lip care?

Anyway, here are my selection of winter saviours for the face…



Veet Face Precision Wax & Care*

 

I don’t have a lot of facial hair. Thank goodness! But do like to keep my eye brows neat, and that’s where the Veet Face Precision Wax & Care comes in handy. It comes in a small dual-ended pen with was in one end, and Soothing Aftercare Cream with aloe vera in the other end. And it is so easy to use, you simply pop the wax end into a cup of just boiled water and leave for a minute before you apply a thin layer to the desired area. You then pop a fabric strip over the wax layer, rub it a few times before you pull it back. And the final step is applying some of the soothing cream which quickly soothes the skin, taking away any redness, leaving the skin soft and moisturised. The wax end has a slanted nozzle which makes it easy to apply precisely, and giving you such a nice result that personally I prefer to do this from the comfort of my own home, and not have to venture out in the cold to salon to get it done – it is quick and easy to do, and I save quite a few dollars on the way too, as there is plenty of product in the pen for approx. 20 uses.

RRP: $15.99 – Available from supermarkets, Priceline and select pharmacies



La Mav Cranberry Bio Exfoliating Scrub*

 

When it’s in the midst of winter and warm summer days seems to be but a faint memory, and the face is looking pale and lifeless, nothing works better than using an exfoliating scrub to rid your skin of dead skin cells to leave your skin looking smooth, healthy and glowing. A great option is the certified organic Cranberry Bio Exfoliating Scrub from La Mav which is perfect for combination and oily skin types such as mine. It is a deep cleansing facial scrub which contains bamboo and ascophyllumnodosum extracts to not only gently buff away dead skin cells, but also deep cleanses your pores from excess oil, surface dirt and impurities, while regulating sebum production and improving circulation, to leave your skin more even toned and luminous. 

RRP: $29.95 (60ml) – Available from La Mav




Racinne Ultimate Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub*

 

Another option is the Ultimate Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub from Racinne. It contains super fine exfoliating beads, yet it so gently and efficiently scrubs away dead skin cells and impurities from the pores to help promote a more glowing a brighter skin. It also contains lemon grass, peach and seaweed extracts which helps promote the skin to renew itself in 28 days and increase its absorption of nutrients and hydration for a more luminous and radiant skin. The ingredients make it smell so lovely and fresh, and as it is so gentle it can be used daily, although just a few times a week is more than sufficient as it is so potent and efficient.

RRP: $24 (75ml) – Available from Racinne

 


Pure Fiji Eye Crème*

 

And of course you cannot forget the sensitive skin around the eyes also needing some extra TLC, and generally, eye cream is one of those products that I cannot live without. This eye crème from Pure Fiji contains a botanical blend of cold pressed nut oils, boosted with dilo and beach almond hydrosol, green coconut kinetin and a powerful of anti wrinkle peptide to help smooth fine lines and strengthen the delicate skin around the eyes. The light cream has a lovely delicate scent, and absorbs instantly into the skin, leaving it feel ever so soft and thoroughly hydrated. And it comes in the cutest little frosted glass pump bottle which makes it so easy to dispense and use.

RRP: $54.95 (15ml) – Available from Pure Fiji



Boots Laboratories Optiva Radiance Boosting Eye Balm*

 

If you’re on a budget this Optiva Radiance Boosting Eye Balm from Boots Laboratories is a great suggestion. It helps to soothe and brighten the delicate area around the eye, which is more vulnerable to puffiness and dark circles as the skin is so thin in this area. The light balm has next to no scent and helps make tired skin look more radiant and healthy looking in a short period of time. It is so easy to spread and absorbs into the skin instantly as it has a quite thin formula, yet it leaves the eye area thoroughly moisturised, and without irritating as it is so gentle. And because it absorbs so quickly, it is also perfect for using under makeup.

RRP: $22 (15ml) – Available from Amcal


Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream*

The words ‘maximum moisture’ is for someone with combination skin prone to breakouts enough to make me run away as fast as I can – but no need to worry with this day cream from Elemis. The cream has the consistency of a light fluid absorbing instantly into the skin, and in spite of its light formulation it is so moisturising, containing an adaptive technology that intelligently adjusts to your skin’s needs, leaving my skin moisturised, smooth and soft all day long, - and even though it is so moisturising, it never leaves my skin feeling greasy. This also means that it works perfectly under makeup too.

RRP: $83 (50ml) – Available from The Facial Co



Ella Bache Paris Spirulines Intensive Wrinkle Smoothing Cream with Spirulina*

The constant change between the cold outside air, and the warmth inside with the heather going, is enough to leave my otherwise combination and slightly greasy skin craving extra moisture. One brilliant suggestion is the Spirulines Intensive Wrinkle Smoothing Cream from Ella Bache. This concentrated cream is rich in 220 life-essential elements including 70% protein, vitamins, trace elements, minerals, amino acids, which instantly recharges the skin, nourishes it and gives it intense moisture, while visibly improving the appearance of the skin and helps reduce any signs of ageing.

The slightly green cream smells seriously divine, and I love how velvety soft, smooth and glowing it makes my skin.

RRP: $118 (50ml) – Available from Ella Bache



Nutrimetics Ultra Care+ Vitamin Oil with Vitamins A & E*

If you want to give your skin a vitamin boost, then you just cannot go past the Vitamin Oil from Nutrimetics which contains a concentrated blend of oils from Soybean, Safflower, Wheat Germ and Avocado as well as Vitamins A and E, which combined delivers an intense treatment and nourishment to your skin, improving moisture retention and instantly restoring and relieving even extreme dryness. Just a few drops after cleansing and toning your skin is all that it takes, and the dropper bottle makes this quick and easy without any wastage.

And the beauty is that this small bottle of oil is a multi-tasking oil, also suitable to help improve dry areas on the body, for dry and flaky nails and cuticles, in your hair to tame down any fizz or use as an intensive hair treatment before washing it. A true little gem!

RRP: $47 (25ml) – Available from Nutrimetics




Thalgo Melt-Away Mask*

 

Sometimes not even a very moisturising moisturiser is enough, and you need to reach for a moisture mask to get your skin back to optimum health. I do not have sensitive skin, but a walk with my little boy in the pram in the cold and chilly Melbourne winter weather is enough to leave my cheeks flushed and wind burnt – but as soon as I pop on the Melt Away Mask my skin is instantly soothed and replenished. It is rich in Omega 3 and 6 and helps regulate skin flaking mechanisms, reinforce skin barrier to reduce excess water loss and stimulate cellular regeneration. Left on my skin for just 10-15 minutes and I am left with the softest and most glowing skin.

RRP: $48.95 (50ml) – Available from The Facial Co




Avene Thermal Spring Water*

 

Another fantastic option for irritated, blushed and red  skin is a quick spray of the Avene Thermal Spring Water, which is enough to instantly offer relief by soothing and calming my skin. And it is perfect for use too during summer when your skin needs cooling down in the hot weather. And the best part is that it is as perfect to use on both clean skin and on top of makeup, and also works like a dream as a makeup setting spray.

RRP: $13.99 (150ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies



Thalgo L’Oceane*

 

Sometimes applying moisture to your skin is just not enough, and you need to moisture from within. During summer I haven’t got an issue with drinking lots of water, but in winter when it’s cold, I just tend to forget to drink until I am actually really thirsty, or I reach for a cup of tea instead, neither of which is benefitting my skin, or my overall health for that matter.

Enter the Thalgo L’Oceane. These small ampoules contain hypertonic seawater collected in the pure water and are chock full of essential micro-nutrients for the physiological elimination and regeneration of cells, helping to relieve you from feeling of tired, stressed and dehydrated. Just  one or two of these ampoules a day taken before a meal, will give you an energy boost, while helping to detoxify, revitalise and hydrate the body and help you feel more energetic and less fatigued. And who doesn’t need that during winter. The water does taste slightly like salty sea water, and although I don’t particularly love this taste, I do like that these natural ingredients makes my skin look more glowing and radiant and gives me a little extra energy.


RRP: $29 (20 Ampoules) – Available from The Facial Co

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

 

So there you go, these are some of my winter saviours for my face.

Have you tried any of these? What do you think of this selection? Does your skin tend to get drier during winter? Which products do you reach for?

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WINTER CARE FOR LIPS

Have you been following my series of post with products to care for your skin and hair during the cold winter months? If not make sure to check out the one on winter care for hair, for the body and the one for hands and feet.
In the next instalment, I look into products that will keep your lips soft and supple during winter. I don’t generally have dry lips, but during winter my lips do tend to become dry and chapped, so I always need to up my lip care. And to make sure that I am not caught out, I tend to have a lip balm with me everywhere I go, which means that I have at least one in my handbag, one in the car, one on my desk, one on my bedside table…


 

And these are my current go-to choices;


Arbonne Lip Moisturiser with Sunscreen*


 

This lip moisturiser from Arbonne is a true lip saver. It contains chamomile, linden extract and vitamin E, which is not only extremely moisutrising and calming, but also soothes the lips. Just one swipe is all it takes to keep your lips soft and protect them from chapping, while leaving them with a nice sheen. And while you think that the sun is not strong in winter, believe me, its rays are still damaging, but the Arbonne Lip Moisturiser has you covered from both damaging UVA and UVB rays as it also contains SPF.

RRP: $13.00 (4.75g) – Available from Arbonne Independent Consultant & District Manager, Natalie Xylas, Ph: 0414 465 944, email; nataliexylas@y7mail.com



Burt’s Bees Hydrating Lip Balm with Coconut & Pear*

This clear lip balm from Burt’s Bees is super hydrating thanks to containing coconut oil and sheer butter, and the pear extract gives it the most divine and fresh scent that will take you right back to summer at a fruit orchard. It smooths easily onto the lips, and is perfect for use at night time, but also under your favourite lipstick to avoid it settling into dry areas of your lips. It doesn’t contain any SPF, but as I use it at night before bed, it also doesn’t need to.

RRP: $6.95/4.25g – Available from Department Stores, Priceline and selected pharmacies

 

Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Grapefruit and Apricot*

 

These new Lip Shimmers from Burt’s Bes are enriched with vitamin E, sunflower and coconut oils as well as fruit oils to ensure your lips are moisturised and lush, and they also have a hint of peppermint oil which gives your lips a nice cooling feeling. They give the lips a subtle sheer tint of colour and a nice luminescent sheen. Grapefruit is pale cool pink shade, while Apricot is a warmer coral shade. And the sheer tint is perfect for no-make up days or for casual days out. 

RRP: $9.95/2.55g – Available from Department Stores, Priceline and selected pharmacies


Lanolips Lip Ointment SPF15 in Rose*

 

Speaking of colour, this Lanolips Lip Ointment is made from 100% pure medical lanolin and also includes vitamin E and natural oils that will leave your lips feeling the love this winter. They will be super moisturised and the pure high quality pigments will give your lips a nice colour with a high gloss at the same time. It has next to no scent, and the colour rose is a lovely dusty rose colour that is perfect for every day casual wear. It comes in a lip gloss style tube, and the angled nozzle makes it easy to apply on the go.

RRP: $13.95/12.5g – Available from Priceline, David Jones, Adore Beauty and select pharmacies


Carmex Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm in Peach Sheer Tint*

 

Another tinted lip balm is the Moisture Plus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm in Peach Sheer Tint from Carmex. It contains shea butter, vitamin E, aloe to offer lips long lasting hydration and moisture, and I love that it also contains SPF 15, so you can protect your puckers from harsh UV rays, which again, we all have to remember also are prevalent during the winter months. It has a nice delicate vanilla scent and leaves a nice tingling feeling on the lips, while giving the lips a delicate sheer natural looking tint with a nice subtle glossy look, so it’s another one that is perfect for casual daytime wear when you don’t feel like being too made up. It has a slanted tip that makes it easy to apply, and the slimline tube is convenient for popping into your handbag or pocket.

RRP: 8.99 (2g) – Available from supermarkets, Priceline and selected pharmacies


So there you go, these are my current lip savers? 

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


Have you tried any of these? What do you think of this selection? Do you get dry lip during winter? Which products do you reach for?

WINTER CARE FOR BODY

In the next instalment of products to provide extra care during winter, I look at the products that have so far helped me through the first part of winter;

 

 

Premium Spa Frangipani & Coconut Body Wash*

Everything starts in the shower. Firstly start with an amazing scented body wash such as this Frangipani & Coconut Body Wash from Premium Spa. I am not the biggest lover and not the biggest fan of coconut scented products but luckily the frangipani is the dominating scent here, and I love the scent of frangipani, one of my favourite flowers (that I despite of several attempts still have been unable to grow in my garden in Melbourne). This Australian made body wash is free from chemical nasties including parabens, mineral oils and SLS, and it instantly transforms my bathroom into a tropical paradise, and leaves my skin feeling clean without drying it out.

RRP: $9.95 (300ml) – Available from Priceline and BigW

 

Dove Soft Peeling Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Cream Bar*

 

On the days you are in a hurry you cannot go past the Dove Soft Peeling Gentle Exfoliating Beauty Cream Bar. The soap bar contains not only 1/4 moisturising cream it also contains tiny beads, so it not only cleanses your skin, it also gently polish the skin and moisturises it at the same time. A true multi-tasker. It works into a nice soft later, that rinses off easily, and it leaves the skin feeling lovely smooth and soft. It is so gentle on the skin that it is perfect for everyday use, even on the most sensitive skin. And having a delicate and gentle scent, its perfect for your hubby to use too!

RRP: $4.49 (100g) - Available from Supermarkets, Priceline and select pharmacies

 

People for Plants Papaya, Quillaja & Apricot Body Scrub*

Another option is the Papaya, Quillaja & Apricot Body Scrub from People for Plants. It is made from 85.4% organic ingredients, and contains micro beads of apricot in a formula made from apricot kernel oil, macadamia seed oil, shea butter and aloe vera, which helps moisturise and soothe the skin. It is loaded with vitamin A, minerals, and Omegas 9 and 6, and the anti-oxidants from the papaya help to protect the skin, while lime, lemon and orange peel essential oil helps tone and uplift the skin and make it smell amazingly zesty and refreshing. And while it contains physical granules to exfoliate the skin and slough away dead skin cells, it is so gentle on the skin, yet it leaves it feeling soft and smooth and radiant. I love that it is Australian made and owned, and has been made without sulfates, and you know exactly how large percentage of certified organic are used in the product.

RRP: $19.95 (150ml) – Available from People for Plants and Priceline, David Jones and select pharmacies
 

Premium Spa Frangipani & Coconut Sugar Body Scrub*

 

What better way to give your skin some glow and rid it from all the dead skin cells than give it a good scrub. And this Frangipani & Coconut Sugar Body Scrub Premium Spa is the perfect choice. It is made with certified organic jojoba oil, and naturally exfoliating cane sugar, as well as coconut and frangipani oils, and smells absolutely divine – The scrub has just the right amount of sugar to give the skin a good buff getting rid of dead skin cells, but without being too harsh, and once rinsed off, it is soft, smooth and glowing, and luckily you can still smell the beautiful frangipani lingering on your skin.

RRP: $14.95 (250g) – Available from Priceline and BigW

 

Boots Laboratories Serum7 Protecting Body Serum*

Serums are usually intended for the face and eye area, but not this Protecting Serum for the Body from Boots. It has been designed with an antioxidant complex with includes active anti-ageing ingredients including lipo-peptides and white lupin that promises to help boost and maintain the skin’s elasticity and leave it visibly smoothed. And after using it for just a week, I can already see and feel how much softer and more radiant my skin is. In spite of being called a serum, the serum has the consistency of a light lotion, and it is quick and easy to spread over the skin, and instantly leaving it feeling soft and with a nice sheen. It has next to no scent which I quite like too, so it won’t clash with my perfume.

RRP: $19 (150ml) – Available from Amcal

 

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion*

You probably recall me declaring my love for the Aveeno body products, and this Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion is no exception. Compared to the other Aveeno body lotions this one is extra thick and creamy, targeting extra dry and itchy skin (where were you when I was pregnant, and that belly as so annoyingly itchy!!) , and it does take a little while to absorb into the skin, but it instantly soothes the skin. And it is so perfect for winter, and already after just a few uses the dry skin on especially my legs and shins is back to its healthy self. And the cream makes sure to leave the skin feeling soft and moisturised all day, without the need to reapply.

RRP: $12.99 (354ml) – Available from supermarkets, Priceline and selected pharmacies

The Jojoba Company Tuberose + Clementine Body Souffle*

 

This body cream has the most gorgeous light and airy whipped texture that is so lovely and luxurious to use. It contains hydrating Pure Australian Jojoba, which is rich in antioxidant and Vitamins A, D+E, softening cocoa butter, clementine and rose geranium to calm and soothe the body and mind, tuberose Oil to stimulate blood circulation as well as camellia seed oil for its anti-ageing effects.

The soufflé spreads so easily, and absorbs instantly into my skin, yet in spite of being so light in consistency, it is extremely moisturising, leaving my skin feeling smooth and velvety soft and all day. The souffle is Australian made and free from chemical nasties, and it comes in an attractive frosted plastic tub that you can easily mistake for being made of glass, so it looks quite deluxe. It has a gorgeous fresh floral scent from the tuberose and you can also just detect a slight hint of citrus from the clementine, and this scent lingers on your skin for hour after you use it, so it’s perfect for those days where you don’t want to use a perfume.

RPP: $39.95 (250ml) – Available from select pharmacies and health stores

 

Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Lotion*

 

This body lotion is no ordinary body lotion, is an anti-ageing body lotion for mature skin that thanks to organic pomegranate seed oil, apricot kernel oil and shea butter that prevents premature aging and stimulates cell renewal and protects skin from damaging external factors. I really like that, using anti-ageing products on my face for decades, I think it is about time to start using some on that old body too! It comes in easy to use pump bottle and the thick cream makes the skin extremely moisturised and feeling so velvety soft and smooth. It has a beautiful gentle and fruity scent of pomegranate that continues to linger on the skin for long after the cream has absorbed. After just a few days of use, my skin feels incredible soft and subtle.

RRP: $24.95 (200ml) – Available from Weleda Online and select stockists

 

Luminesce Essential Body Renewal*

 

I have previously reviewed this body cream, and absolutely adore it (check out my full review here). This body cream is another anti-ageing body product, that not only gives your skin intense moisture, but it also works as an anti-ageing treatment for the body at the same time. It targets wrinkles, age spots and sagging skin, containing antioxidant botanicals that help stimulate cellular renewal and protect the skin’s cells and encourage the body’s natural processes to produce more collagen and elastin to make it look younger. It absorbs instantly into the skin, leaving it feel incredibly soft and smooth, and over time with continued use, skin does look significantly younger and more even toned too. It comes in a gorgeous silver tube with a nifty twist lid that makes it so easy to use.

RRP: $48.35/150ml – Available from Jeunesse Global

 

Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend*

 

If you want to splurge a little more and like to use a body oil, this Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend from Elemis is nothing short of amazing. The aromatherapy oil is the ultimate multi-tasking product, suitable for absolutely everything from caring for your nails and cuticles, to taming and adding moisture to hair and scalp and keep your skin soft and moisturised, and not to forget, it may help reduce the appearance of scars and assist in the prevention of stretch marks – and as it is free from chemical nasties and contains no parabens, SLS or SLES, DEA, mineral oil, artificial colours or silicones, it is perfectly suitable for use during pregnancy too. I so wish I’d come across this before, and especially while I was pregnant. It has the most gorgeous and gentle floral scent from the camellia, and the lightweight oil absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it so incredibly soft and with a nice sheen. And as I love the scent so much, I do enjoy using it as a cuticle oil too, so I can smell it on my hands, and when I’m done, I simply smooth any remaining oil over my hair to tame any frizz and give my hair a moisture boost too. It comes in a beautiful red glass bottle that looks stunning in the bathroom, and it has a small spout allowing you to get just the amount of oil without any wastage. Just beautiful!

RRP: $62 (100ml) – Available from FacialCo

 

ModelCo Everyday Gradual Tan*

 

I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I have to admit, that I am not the biggest fan of self-tanners, and the main reasons are that I rarely have time to take the time to apply it to make sure it is streak-free, and secondly, that I am just not that fond of the smell that develops along with the tan. But in saying that, there is no denying that in the midst of winter and my skin gets paler and paler, I do feel that I consequently also look more washed out and consequently more tired too. And that’s when I give in and reach for a good self-tanner. A good suggestion is the Everyday Gradual Tan from ModelCo that is like a body moisturiser that goes on clear, and within a few hours a tan is gradually developing – and as it is a gradual tanner, where you can slowly build up the colour by using it every day, or ever few days once you’ve got the desired colour and to maintain the colour, there is no risk of getting a streaky look either. And you get such a nice natural looking colour that doesn’t look orange of make you look like an oompa loompa. And the beauty is that you technically can skip using your usual body lotion to save time, although I do recommend using a cream on dry areas of the body first. The cream has a fresh fruity scent and while slight scent does develop during the day along with the tan, the scent of the cream does somewhat mask this.

RRP: $14.95 (230ml) – Available from Priceline, Woolworths, Target, selected pharmacies and ModelCo Online

So there you go, these are the body products that helps keep the skin on my body healthy this winter.

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

 

Have you tried any of these products? Do you feel you need to step up your skincare regimen for your body during winter? Which products do you use?

WINTER CARE FOR HAIR

The cold winter temperatures often leaves skin, hair and body feeling and looking worse for wear, so in a series of posts I will running you though some of the products that help me get though the cold months. In the first part I was concentrating on hands, nails and feet, and today I will be focusing on products that will help keep your hair looking healthy this winter;  

 

Unico Intense Shampoo & Conditioner*

 

These products are designed for hair that has been chemically treated, and perfect for straight hair, so they are the perfect for my long straight-ish coloured hair. The shampoo is lathers up easily to a soft lather that gently cleanses your hair and scalp while the conditioner is rich and so moisturising, yet without weighing my hair feel heavy. After use, hair is easier to comb and it looks shiny and healthy, and with minimal frizz. The products come in simple, yet modern lime green bottles which will look amazing in any bathroom, and they have an incredibly gorgeous minty scent with a slight citrusy undertone from the added essential oils used, and this scent also lingers in your hair once washed and dry.

I also love that the products have added UV protection so they help protect my coloured hair from fading, as it is so rare these days that I can be bothered to sit half a Saturday in the chair at the hairdresser to get it coloured, that I want to ensure the colour stays bright and vibrant for as long as possible. The UV protection is also perfect to protect your locks from drying out under the harsh Australian summer sun.

RRP: $21 (250ml) each – Available from Adore Beauty
 

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Beautyfying Oil Masque*

 

This intense hair masque contains from maize, pracaxi, argan and camellia oils, and also contains moisturising serum and lipidic compounds to give the hair extra nourishment. It is so thick and creamy, and extremely concentrated, so about two table spoons full is more than sufficient for my long (below my bra strap) and very thick hair. And after leaving it in for 5-10 minutes or so, or for even more intense nourishment, I leave it in my hair for 20-30 minutes with either a shower cap (those disposable ones you find in hotel rooms are so brilliant for this), or alternatively use cling wrap – and once rinsed out, my hair is left feeling extremely smooth and so soft to touch, and so incredibly shiny and healthy looking – and with the most beautiful and delicate scent which no doubt comes from the added Camellia oil. The hair Masque comes in a plastic tub with a gold screw lid, which makes it look as luxurious as it makes your hair feel. 

$60 (200ml) – Available from selected hair salons


Kevin Murphy Fresh.Hair*

 

Having so long hair, means that washing it takes quite a while, and drying it afterwards even longer – time which I haven’t got with a toddler. Obviously I wash my hair, usually every second day, and when I do, I generally let it dry naturally instead of using the hair dryer, which I am sure is quite beneficial for the health of my hair. But on the days I don’t wash my hair, I generally rely on a dry shampoo to make my hair feel, look and smell fresher, and the Fresh.Hair from Kevin Murphy really does make my hair feel almost as clean as washing it, almost, and a couple of seconds and a few sprays is all that it takes.

Fresh.Hair has a gentle subtle scent, and unlike other dry shampoos, it doesn’t leave my hair looking matte with the tell-tale sign that a dry has been used, but rather it leaves my hair with a nice shine, and some much needed body and volume too. Absolutely brilliant must-have item, including for those mornings when you’ve hit the snooze button once too many times.  

RRP: $32.95 (250ml) – Available from Adore Beauty



evo happy campers hard-working moisturiser*

 

I love evo’s philosophy of being ‘a manufacturer that speaks the truth’, and ‘desire to produce an exclusive salon range (and not sell it as the answer to life, love and other woes), evo steps outside the normal realm of truth-stretching invention in a ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ crusade of twisted honesty – designed to make people think’. Sulfate, paraben and glycol free, with added sun protection, ‘happy campers allows a little bit of healthy, sun-protecting, moisturising maintenance while you go about your dailies, especially for those of you lucky enough to be spending time at the beach in the next couple of days (this isn’t a hint for the holiday we weren’t giving away; give you an inch and you take a mile!!! You already get two products in one and now you want more…greedy mother #&*%$%!!!!).’ – reads the text on the packaging, hahaha. I love a company that has a bit of humour, such a refreshing change. And especially when the lighweight leave-in treatment leaves my hair feeling so soft, quickly transforming dry ends to feeling and looking so much healthier, smoothing down any frizz, and simply just makes my hair so soft and healthy and easier to manage, while leaving behind the most gorgeous fruity scent.

RRP: $25.95 (150ml) – available from RY and The Facial Co

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil For Hair*

 

With the wet weather during winter, my hair always tends to become more frizzy, and feel drier too, so I always rely on hair oils, and the Pure Care Dry Oil from Dove a good suggestion. It contains African Macadamia Oil and just a few drops spread through my hair is giving it much needed moisture boost, while leaving it feeling incredibly soft and shiny, and without weighing it down or making it feel greasy. It is fantastic to use after washing your hair as a leave-in treatment, and also on the days you don’t wash your hair for extra moisture and to tame frizz. And you can even use it before washing your hair as a treatment, by applying a generous amount and leaving it in for up to 30minutes before washing. It has an exquisite warm floral scent and the heavy glass bottle makes it feel more luxurious than the $ it costs

RRP: $ 100ml – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Wella Professional SP Luxe Oil*

If you can afford to splurge a little more, you really cannot go past this hair oil from Wella that can be used in both wet and dry hair. As the name suggests it really is luxurious thanks to a blend of three oils; argan, jojoba almond oil to help provide nutrition and hydration to the hair, while protecting the keratin in the hair, and locking in moisture and strength by forming a protecting layer around each hair strand. Just a few pumps makes my long hair so smooth and look incredibly shiny and healthy, yet without making the hair feel greasy or weighing it down, and it leaves behind the beautiful sweet almond scent.

RRP: $42 (100ml) – Available from hair salons and RY

 

bhave Fresh Ends*

I have previously declared my devoted love for the amazing products from bhave, including this Fresh Ends Leave-In Crème (check out my full review here), which contains among others certified organic argan oil, macadamia oil, aloe vera and replicine functional keratin not only moisturise, nourish and add shine, but also give the hair strength and elasticity to help prevent hair breakage. 
Fresh Ends is free from chemical nasties including parabens, sulphates and sodium chloride, and comes in a luxurious and stylish looking silver jar, with a nifty pump function. And it is the perfect product for using in the ends of the hair, both when wet and when dry, to prevent split ends, smooth down frizz, prevent heat damage when using hot styling tools, and simply add moisture to the hair to leave it looking healthy and shiny. 

RRP: $32.95 (50ml) - Available from select hair salons 


Scrunci Detangle Brush*

My hair is also often quite tangled when I have washed my hair –especially right now as I am extremely overdue for a haircut, so my long hair tends to get a little knotty at the dry ends. I must admit that when I saw the brush, and felt the soft bristles, I thought that there was no way it would be able to comb through my thick long hair. But how wrong was I. My hair is so easy to comb with this Detangle Brush, and it easily removes knots without pulling or tugging as much as my normal paddle hairbrush would, so there is simply less damage and breakage to my hair when I brush it. It looks so simple, but it is simply brilliant. And being so lightweight, it is perfect to pop into the handbag too!

RRP: $14.95 – Available from Priceline


Kevin Murphy Session.Spray*

Having so long and thick hair, I don’t use a lot of styling products in my hair as often I find that they simply just make my hair tangled and difficult to comb out at the end of the day, - so the products I usually use on a daily basis apart from a leave-in moisturiser, and a shine serum or oil treatment, is a hair spray to help tame those annoying flyways around especially my face. And the Kevin Murphy Session.Spray is weightless, yet offers both a flexible finish and hold, that doesn’t make your hair clump together or feel stiff, and it also makes your hair look incredibly shiny and glossy at the same time, and while hairsprays usually don’t smell very nice, this one ticks all boxes too!

$29.95 (337ml) – Available from Adore Beauty
 

So there you have it, these are my choices for keeping my hair in top condition this winter…
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

Have you tried any of these products? Does your hair look worse for wear during winter? Which products do you reach for to get it back to top health?

 

 

WINTER CARE FOR HANDS, FEET AND NAILS

When the temperature drops during autumn and winter, so does the humidity in the air outside, while the indoor heating leaves the air drier, with the result that the skin on your body, including your hands and feet and not to mention your nails and hair, are often left dry, dehydrated and looking worse for wear. In a series of posts over the next few weeks I’ll give you my selections and suggestions of products that will help you keep your skin, nails and hair a little bit healthy this winter..

Let’s start with the hands, nails and feet..

 

 

Between having two dogs that both like to give me ‘kisses’ on my hands, and a baby with frequent nappy changes, I wash my hands a lot during the day, which in itself is enough to leave my hands and nails dry. But add to that a baby with a cold, and you’d need to wash your hands even more frequently not to spread the bacteria.

And the best way to care for dry, parched and chapped skin and nails, is simply to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise to replace any moisture that the skin is missing.

 

Dirty Works You Soft Touch Hand Cream*

 

 

 

Dirty Works You Soft Touch Hand Cream has a gorgeous but gentle floral scent and comes in such a cute retro style blue tube, and it is made with cocoa butter and jojoba oil to help nourish and smooth very dry hands. It is thick and creamy, yet it absorbs quickly into the hands leaving the silky soft for hours, even after you next wash your hands. And just $5.95 it is such a bargain too so you can afford to stock up and keep on your desk, in your car, and in your handbag...!

RRP: $5.95/100ml – Available from Coles

 

Molton Brown Desert Bloom Intense Hand Rescue*

 

 

This intense hand rescue is scented with myrrh, which to be quite honest, I cannot recall coming across before, and OMG , it smells absolutely aaaaahmazing, with its fresh fruity and floral scent, - it is so lovely that I cannot stop smelling my hands after use. It contains African desert plant extract helps to lock in moisture, candletree leaf extract to deeply moisturise and help fight UV induced age-spots, myrrh to help improve the appearance of skin and nails (plus add that gorgeous scent!), and shea butter to condition and repair dry and overexposed hands, nails and cuticles. It’s is thick and creamy, yet absorbs rapidly, and although it leaves a protective barrier on the skin, it is in no way greasy or stick, but rather it leaves my skin feeling every so soft and clearly so deeply hydrated, ready to face another cold winters day. This is the first product from Molton Brown I’ve ever tried, and I am so in love, that it definitely won’t be the last!

RRP: $50 (75ml) – Available from Molton Brown and David Jones

 

Orly Rich Renewal Pucker Ultra Hydrating Creme for Hands, Feet and Body*

 

 

This cream is a fantastic multi-tasking product suitable for both hands, feet and body, and it really is ultra hydrating thanks to containing shea and cocoa butter, aloe vera, vitamins E and A, to sooth, condition and revitalise and heal dry and chapped skin and protect it for the harsh and cold winter winds. And even though the cream is so thick, it is a non-greasy formula that is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving behind a fresh and refreshing fruity scent of red grapefruit and papaya. And before you ask, the tube may be small for a body product, but it is seriously concentrated so it will dry areas such as elbows and knees back to being soft and subtle in no time.

RRP: $10.95 (60ml) – Available from Select Stockists

 

Lanolips Intense Rose Hand Balm*

 

 

This Intense Hand Balm from Lanolips is made from 98% natural ingredients and is free from parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils and sulfates. It is based on medical grade lanolin, with added shea butter, cocoa seed butter and wheat germ oil, as well as it has rose flower oil added to add a lovely and natural gentle rose fragrance. As you’d expect from an intense cream, it is very thick in consistency, and it consequently takes a little longer to absorb into the skin than a normal hand cream – but once it has, any signs of dry hands immediately disappear, and my hands are left incredibly soft, and surprisingly, also without feeling greasy, so it is as perfect for use during the day, as it is for applying just before bedtime for an intense treatment for hands and nails while you get some beauty sleep.

RRP: $15.95 (50ml) – Available from Adore Beauty, David Jones, Priceline and select pharmacies

 

And even though it will still be a while until you’ll get your tootsies into open-toed sandals again, don’t neglect your feet – if you look after them during winter, they will be ready for show at the first sign of spring.

 

Scholl Eulactol Heel Balm Gold*

 

 

If your feet are really suffering from neglect, and are rough and dry and your heels are cracked, you cannot go past the Scholl Eulactol Heel Balm Gold. The cream is thick, yet it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving the skin feel greasy, and using it twice a day, you start to see results already after a few days, and soon after your feet are feeling hydrated and soft again, with no cracks in sight. With limited time to file my feet, I really like that it works on its own, and so fast too. And once your baby soft feet have been restored, used just a few times a week, will ensure they stay that way. A pedicure in a tube. Simply too easy!

RRP: $13.49 (60ml) – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline and pharmacies

 

Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion*

 

 

Often foot creams are thick and leaves the feet feeling so greasy that you can only use it at night and with a pair of old socks on top. Not with this Peppermint Foot Lotion from Burt’s Bees. The lotion absorbs quickly into the feet without leaving them feeling greasy or tacky so you can get on with your day straight away. It contains among others menthol, witch hazel and peppermint and parsley oils which has a lovely cooling effect on the feet so perfect if you’ve been on your feet all day. It also contains ingredients to help odour at bay, so it's like a deodorant for the feet, yet it moisturises at the same time. And I love that it is made from 100% natural ingredients with absolutely no chemical nasties.

RRP: $24.95/100ml – Available from Department Stores, Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream*

 

 

I have long been a fan of the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream that I always use as a barrier cream to protect my hands when I am gardening or doing other hands-on work, such as moving house (which I am sadly very experienced at having moved twice already this year!!). And this Norwegian Formula Foot Cream doesn’t fail to impress either. The thick concentrated formula has pleasant gentle scent and instantly delivers long-lasting and intense moisture to dry feet and cracked heels, making them feel softer all day long. It has a slightly greasy formula, which makes it perfect to use before bedtime with an old pair of socks, but the effort is worth it as the next morning you wake to the softest and smoothest feet you’ve ever seen.

RRP: $7.99/56g – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline and select pharmacies

 

And while you’re giving your hand some moisture, don’t forget to also rub some into your cuticles and nails on both your hands and feet, as nails are also prone to being dry, breaking and flaking during winter.

 

Scout Cosmetics 5-Free Nail Polishes*

I admit it, I like dark clothes, and have A LOT of it. Many of them classic pieces that I use season after season and simply update with accessories. One of the things that is sure to brighten up a dull outfit, is some colourful nails, and the nail polishes Scout Cosmetics are a fantastic option. At the moment I am really loving these berry shades, including Walk of Life and Never Tear Us Apart, and you can never get too much of a classic French manicure using Just Like Heaven. They are not just  3-free like so many other nail polishes, they take it a step further and are 5-Free Nail Polishes containing no potentially harmful ingredients including Formaldehyde, DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor or Parabens.



Scout Cosmetics Nail Polish in Never Tear Us Apart

These days I rarely apply nail polish during the day when I am home alone with our little boy, as even when he is down for a nap, it would be my luck to just have applied nail polish for him to wake up needing a cuddle. But these polishes from Scout do make it possible as they are so quick and easy to apply streak-free and dry pretty quickly too. And the finish is salon quality with an amazing intense colour and high gloss, and by using the Scout Dual Top and Base Coat, you’ll not only get extra shiny nails, but also a good wear of 5+ days from your manicure.

RRP: $19.95 (12ml) – Available from Scout Cosmetics

 

So there you have it, these are my choices for keeping hands, feet and nails in top condition this winter…

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

Have you tried any of these products? Do your hands and nails suffer during winter? Which products do you reach for?