BRAND FOCUS: AVEENO BABY

Today I’m putting focus on a range of baby products from Aveeno Baby;

Aveeno Baby Fragrance Free Soothing Relief Creamy Wash with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal
 

I love this Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash is a tear-free creamy wash, specially formulated to gently cleanse and soothe dry skin. Aveeno's baby Wash is enriched with colloidal oatmeal to care for baby's sensitive skin. In spite of being fragrance free, it has a soft gentle scent that is perfect for both babies and adults. The wash is paraben free, which is always great, and it is also soap-free and has been clinically shown to help relieve dry skin, when used in a daily routine with Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief moisture Cream. And you can tell it gently cleans the skin leaving it feeling soft afterwards, and it is also great to use as a bubble bath, so it is also perfect that it is a tear-free formula so no need to worry too much about it getting into your baby’s eyes. RRP: $10.99 (236ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets & Pharmacies



Aveeno Baby Fragrance Free Soothing Relief Moisture Cream

I absolutely love this Aveeno Baby Soothing Relief Moisture Cream, and I’ve been using it on my own body and hands in the last few weeks of my pregnancy when my skin was particularly irritated. The thick cream is enriched with colloidal oatmeal to care for the skin, and provide moisture for up to 24 hours, and it is so gentle that it is suitable for baby's sensitive skin too. It absorbs so quickly into the skin, without leaving behind any greasiness, and instantly provides relief to even the driest of skins. Like the creamy wash, it is also fragrance free, yet has a lovely gentle scent. RRP: $10.99 (140g) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets & Pharmacies



Aveeno Baby Fragrance Free Daily Lotion



 

This is another moisturiser that I really love thanks to its gentle and fragrance-free formula. Like the rest of the range, the Aveeno Baby Daily Moisturising Lotion Fragrance Free is enriched with colloidal oatmeal that adds intense moisture while it soothes even the driest of skins, and protects chafed, chapped or cracked skin. I’ve also been enjoying using this non-greasy lotion on my own skin, which tends to become extra during winter, but I happy knowing that the formula is gentle enough to use on even my newborn’s skin. RRP: $10.99 (227g) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets & Pharmacies


Aveeno Baby Lightly Scented Wash & Shampoo

 

Unlike the other products, this Wash and Shampoo is lightly scented, so I’ve only been using it on my toddler, at this stage preferring to avoid fragranced products where possible on my newborn. In saying that, it is still a hypoallergenic formula that is so gentle that it is suitable for everyday use. I love the fact that it is a two-in-one formula that can be used as both a body wash and shampoo, making bath time so much easier, and of course it can be used by adults with sensitive skin or those preferring gentle products too. I also love that it is tear-free. It has lovely very light and fresh scent. Like the rest of the range, it contains natural oat which cleanses without drying out the skin or the hair. RRP: $10.99 (236ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets & Pharmacies
For me the standout products are the Fragrance Free Soothing Relief Creamy Wash with Natural Colloidal Oatmeal and the Fragrance Free Soothing Relief Moisture Cream, and would certainly consider repurchasing.


Have you tried any of the Aveeno Baby products?

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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PRODUCT REVIEW: ARBONNE SEASOURCE DETOX SPA RENEWING BODY GELEE

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’d know that I love the products from Arbonne. They are simply of such a high quality and always live up to their promise, so when I was asked to trial the Arbonne Seasource Detox Spa Renewing Body Gelee, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

After the beach or a long run, cool off with this refreshing gel that hydrates for soft, smooth-feeling skin. The formula, with hydrating sea and botanical extracts, help revitalise, renew and restore skin’s moisture barrier.

RRP: $68 (354ml) – Available from Natalie Xylas, Independent Arbonne Consultant

Ph: 0414 465 944 / Email: nataliexylas@y7mail.com / Facebook 


What I Say:

This Renewing Body Gelee from the Arbonne Seasource Detox Renewing, which is designed to detox the skin from the impurities it encounters and accumulates during the day. The actual gelee is a cross between cream and gel and it is so light. Arbonne recommends that it is perfect to use after being in the sun, but I didn’t get this until summer was basically over, and besides being pregnant, I’ve been avoiding extended time in the sun this summer as it simply made me feel uncomfortable and dizzy. But that doesn’t meant that I haven’t been enjoying using the Body Gelee.
- The Body Gelee contains a mixture of botanical ingredients, including Bladderwrack Extract to soften, detox and soothe the skin

- Sea Plant Extract, an antioxidant and humectant that provides hydration to the skin

- Sea Algae that naturally re-mineralises and exfoliates the skin

- Sea Fennel to add moisture to the skin

- Micro-Algae, which is high multivitamin, protein and amino acid content to restore the skin

- Laminaria Digitata, a hydrating antioxidant that encourages efficient functioning of the body


The Body Gelee has the most beautiful and refreshing and slightly zesty scent too, that continues to linger on the skin for some time.

Being so light, the Gelee absorbs instantly into the skin, leaving it so soft and smooth, and feeling so deeply hydrated, with no greasiness or stickiness in sight. And I really love the cooling and soothing feeling the gelee gives the skin immediately on application, and can only imagine how lovely it would be after a day on the beach – but I have also been enjoying it to massage into my growing pregnant bump, which as the weeks has gone on, has gone more and more itchy as it has grown and the skin stretched! I don’t normally suffer with skin irritations, but for some reason I do in the ladder months of pregnancy, which I also did when expecting our first! But this Renewing Body Gelee simply instantly provides soothing relief, so it has become a habit for me to massage it in to especially my tummy after not only my shower in the morning, but also at night as I sit on the couch and watch a bit of telly before bed – and well, so far, it has stopped me from scratching the skin on my tummy to bits during the night!

The light green cream comes in a heavy duty plastic tub with a blue metallic lid, and at $68 it is on the expensive side – but that said, the tub also contains a generous 354ml, and is quite concentrated too, so you don’t need to apply a lot at the time!

Overall I am really enjoying using this Renewing Body Gelee, which again is no surprise as so far I’m yet to try an Arbonne product I didn’t like – so if you can afford the splurge, I certainly wouldn’t hesitate recommending it to you, as well as I wouldn’t hesitate trialling any of the other products in the Seasource Detox Spa Range!

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

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BRAND FOCUS: SKINSTITUT

Today I’d like to put focus on some amazing products from the brand, Skinstitut, including the L- Lactic Cleanser, Even Blend Serum, 100% Vitamin C and Moisture Defence;

What They Say:




L- Lactic Cleanser: Cleanser that deeply hydrates and nourishes, exfoliates and decongests, reduces irritation and sensitivity, and strengthens skin integrity.




Even Blend Serum: Reduces the appearance of uneven tone caused by sun exposure, skin inflammation or hormone imbalance. Exfoliates and smooths for a softer & more refined skin texture. Addresses age spots, skin discolouration and brightens uneven skin tone resulting in a more luminous and radiant complexion




100% Vitamin C: Protects against free radical damage. Assists with collagen production and skin firmness. Improves skin colour, radiance and tone




Moisture Defence: Lightweight, non-pore clogging moisturiser for normal skin to hydrate, smooth and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Ideal for a combination skin condition




RRP: Each: $45.00 – Available from Adore Beauty, Skincare Store, RY, Absolute Skin, and select Stockists


What I Say:

While I’ve heard a lot of good things about the brand Skinstitut, I’ve never actually tried any of the products, so I was very excited when I was asked to. The brand claims to be Australia’s most effective cosmedical range using top-quality potent ingredients at reasonable prices, as they believe that high-end skincare should be accessible to everyone, and you certainly complain about the $45 price tag for all products.




Let me start with the L- Lactic Cleanser. I was very keen on trying the glycolic cleanser as I’ve always had issues with breakout, but being pregnant, and my skin consequently more sensitive, the choice fell on the the L- Lactic Cleanser. This cleanser is more gentle on the skin than the glycolic cleanser, yet promises to deliver the same results – that is clearing the skin of breakouts by exfoliating and decongesting the skin, brightening the skin and reducing dullness, all while hydrating and nourishing the skin.

I’m not sure how effective this cleanser is at removing makeup as I actually used it as my second cleaner, instead using my usual makeup remover to first remove my makeup, so that the L- Lactic Cleanser could work its magic deep down every pore.




The actual cleanser is quite concentrated and I found that I only needed to use the tiniest amount and massage it over my damp face for 30 seconds to a minute before rinsing off my face. And as soon as I’d dried my face, I can instantly feel that my skin feels so much softer and smoother, and more clarified, yet without being dried out. My skin simply looks and feels healthier. I generally have been using the cleanser both morning and night, and on occasion some nights, I’ve actually massaged some of the cleanser into my dry clean skin, and left it there for the two minutes while brushing my teeth, and hereafter followed by massing it a little further adding a little water, before rinsing it off. And let me tell you, afterwards, your skin is simply glowing, as if you’ve just had a facial!

I follow by applying the Even Blend Serum to my freshly cleansed skin, morning and evening. This serum promises to help reduce the uneven skintone and pigmentation, leaving the skin more refined and more radiant. The actual serum is quite light, and it only takes a few drops to cover my full face, making sure to concentrate on those areas where my pigmentation is darkest. The serum absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving the feeling soft and non-sticky. After using the serum for a month, I can definitely both seen and feel that my skin is looking clearer, smoother and brighter and more glowing too. Minor pigmentation seems to have fades, while larger clusters are still prominent and need a little more time. I also found that when used on top of breakouts, it not only helped clear any blemishes faster, and without drying out my skin, as well as it has helped fade the red marks you get after having a spot.

The Vitamin C is a fine powder that can be mixed with various other Skinstitut products such as the Hydrating Mask, Even Blend Serum, SFP50+ or the Moisture Defence to help speed up the correction of pigmentation concerns, and improve skin colour and radiance, as well as assist with collagen production and skin firmness. It can be used twice daily. I personally preferred to use it in the Even Skin Tone Serum and simply added a tiny shake of the powder to the serum, before spreading it onto my face as well as my chest where I’m also suffering from increasing pigmentation. It would obviously also be a lot easier if it was already mixed into say the Even Skin Serum, but I do understand that the Vitamin C is a very unstable ingredient, and that would not be technically possible So alternatively, I’d wish that the Vitamin C to come in a more user friendly packaging such as for instance a tall slim shaker with less holes, as I do find that it is difficult to shake out the powder without any wastage

I finish off by applying the Moisture Defence for Normal skin, which is a lovely light and non-greasy moisturiser that is perfect for my combination skin. It gives my skin just the amount of moisture it needs, yet without making my skin feeling greasy or congested or clogging up my pores – and what I really like too is that it keeps my skin shine-free all day too, and helps make my makeup stay in place too. The moisturiser also contains synthetic snake venom so it is also a perfect anti-ageing cream helping to smooth the skin and reduce wrinkles. It is perfect to use both morning and evening – especially as it doesn’t contain any SPF – some may find that a huge negative, but I do find it is easy that I can use the same moisturiser twice a day, plus I do have a suspicion that SPF is often the reason my skin breaks out, so for that reason I do actually prefer to apply it separately on top of my moisturiser when I really need it.




Overall I am so enjoying using these products from Skinstitut, as promised they are of a very high quality, and really do live up to their promises. And you really cannot argue with the low price of just $45 per product, as you’d be hard pressed to get such effective products elsewhere for that price. I can definitely see myself purchasing these products again, as well as I’m pretty keen on trying a few more including the Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser, the Peels and Scrubs, The Eye Cream, and the Retinol Serum to mention just a few…

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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PRODUCT REVIEW: SHU UEMURA BLANC:CHROMA BRIGHTENING & POLISHING GENTLE CLEANSING OIL

Apart from my trusted eyelash curler, I’ve never actually tried any of the products from Shu Uemura. Not even the cleansing oils which have claimed cult status around the world. Until now when I was offered to trial the Shu Uemura Blanc:Chroma Brightening & Polishing Gentle Cleansing Oil that comes in a limited edition2015 artist collaboration with the bottle designed by Paris based accessory and jewelry designer Yaz Bukey. Here are my thoughts; 

What They Say:

Moving beyond stubborn makeup removal, blanc:chroma brightening & polishing gentle cleansing oil is the first volcanic clay cleansing oil that works to gently exfoliate and polish away accumulated melano-stains* for brighter, transparent and smoother skin

RRP: $98 (450ml) – Available from Shu Uemura Counters


What I Say:

The design on the collection is based on Yazbukey's imagination, when once upon a time Yaz Bukey and her friends all fell head over heels for the same man! The witty designer shares her tale of feminine intrigue that co-stars a cast of lovable, competitive, and unsettlingly beautiful characters. Yaz Bukey herself playfully performs each character as the campaign model. Her girlfriends are a colourful complimentary clique: British lawyer Lola is a well off blue blood; actress Betty exudes positive California vibes and lives life to the fullest; the worldly Tina is fashion editor of a magazine, creative and daring as they come on one unforgettable night in Paris these girls’ lives will take a dramatic turn. can you predict who will cross the finish line to Mr Shu Shu first?

The cleansing oils are available in 4 limited edition designs, including POREfinish, Anti/Oxi, ultime8 and blanc:chroma.

I tried the blanc:chroma, which is a cleanser designed to make your skin brighter, smoother and more transparent, by polishing away the dead cells containing melanin on the skin surface that cause uneven and dull skin tone.

The cleansing has a beautiful light and fresh scent that you can only love. In spite of it being a cleansing oil, it is surprisingly light. The actual oil is quite concentrated and I find that I only need two pumps to cleanse my face. I start by massaging the oil into my face, to loosen and break down any makeup, and follow by adding a little bit of water to emulsify the oil into a milky cleanser. I then massage my face for a little longer before rinsing thoroughly with water.

Of course you can follow with a second cleanse of the skin with the oil, but personally I prefer to use either a ‘treatment’ cleanser or alternatively a basic cleanser along with my Clairsonic or Foreo Luna as the second cleanse to cleanse deep down every pore.

And the cleanser is so efficient, easily removing even the longest wearing stubborn and waterproof makeup, and in just one go. Of course you can also use it in the mornings when you wake up to get rid of the excess sebum produced during the night, but personally I prefer to use just a basic cleanser in the shower, and find that is more than sufficient too.

I love that the oil cleanser is so easy to use and leaves my skin feeling so clean, but without any greasy residue as you could expect from an oil cleanser, but rather it leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. And I love that it is very gentle too, so even when used to remove eye makeup, it does this easily and without stinging in my sensitive eyes.

I am yet to see my skin looking clearer or brighter as a result of using the cleanser, but in all honesty, years of build up of pigmentation, also isn’t going to fade that quickly,

The bottle doesn’t come cheap at $98, but it is also a huge bottle that will seriously last you forever, especially if you as me only use two small pumps every night to remove makeup, and as I really enjoy using this cleanser, plus the cute bottle looks amazing in the bathroom too, I find it is well worth the money if you can afford it.

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

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THREE OF A KIND: HAIR TREATMENT OILS

I have quite long and also thick hair, which I only wash every second or sometimes even every third day. My hair is used to it, so it is never greasy, and when I feel it needs a ‘pick me up’, there’s always dry shampoo. However, on the days that I don’t wash my hair, I do feel that it can look a little frizzy, and also a little dry at the ends. And that’s when I rely on a good hair oil. So today I’d like to put focus on three different Hair Treatment Oils; 

Dove Pure Care Dry Oil for Hair

This Pure Care Dry Oil from Dove 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 great 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, so overall a great multi-tasking product. It absorbs quickly into the hair, leaving it feel lovely and soft, and it has a lovely floral scent and in spite of the bargain price of $19.95 the glass bottle makes it feel more luxe.
RRP: $19.95 (100ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets and select pharmacies



NFuzion Zero Frizz Serum

This Zero Frizz Serum from Nfuzion is also a multi tasking product as it both adds moisture and shine to the hair, while controlling flyaway frizzy dry hair, and it can be used both before and after styling. You see, you can add a few drops to your styling product to add additional shine, as well as after styling as a finishing product to smooth and control frizz, seal the hair cuticles and split ends as well as add shine. T

The serum is extremely concentrated so just a few drops is more than sufficient. It comes in a cute little pump bottle that makes it easy to dispense just the right amount of product. It has a scent of coconut, which personally I am not too fond of, but if you like coconut scented products you’ll love this. But in saying that, it makes such a significant difference to the look of my hair that I can certainly put up with the coconut scent.
RRP: $18.95: (60ml) – Available from Salon Supplies

Kevin Murphy Young.Again Immortelle Infused Treatment Oil

This Young.Again Treatment is the most expensive of today’s products, costing almost $50, however, it is also an amazing product. The Treatment Oil has been infused with Immortelle to counteract the oxidization and ageing process, caused by heat styling and hair colouring. When using the nutrient rich oil daily it not only helps add shine to the hair and control frizz, it also helps moisturise and condition dry and damaged hair, help it regain elasticity, and protect it from further damage. Young.Again can be used both in damp hair after washing it, before any styling products, as well as it can also be used in dry hair to add further nutrients to the hair and further smooth down the hair and remove any fly-aways. The lightweight oil has a slightly spicy floral scent that is quite lovely, and it is very concentrated so you need to be cautious not to use too much.
At $49.95 for 100ml, it is not cheap, but I love how it makes my hair feel incredibly soft and smooth, and without weighing it down, so to me it is worth the spend if you can afford the splurge!
RRP: $49.95 (100ml) – Available from Adore Beauty and Select Hair Salons
So there you go, three different Hair Treatment Oils, at different price points so there is something for everyone and every budget! 

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

Do you use hair treatment oils? Any recommendations?
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