Product Review: Nvey Eco Powder Blush in 957

With a three month old baby, even though he is such a good boy and sleeps though the night, and has been for many weeks already, I no longer get as much sleep as I need, and what I do get seem to be a little interrupted – not because he is crying out for me, but simply because I, as other mums would know, simply now sleep a lot lighter than I used to, waking at every tiny sound! That means that I am often looking a little tired and drained, and that’s where makeup, and in particularly a good blush can make all the difference. Here are my thoughts on *Nvey Eco Eye Powder Blush in 957;

What They Say:

"Easily applied, the ECO blush delivers a soft, natural and seamless finish, formulated using a unique blend of Corn Silk, Chamomile and Jojoba Oil. Vitamins A, C, E help protect the skin from harmful free radicals, and the organic elements from nature are great for sensitive skins. Available in 8 shades."

 

RRP: $29.95 (2.5g) – Available from Nvey Eco Online

What I Say:

As I have previously banged on about, I love the fact that Nvey Eco is an Australian owned and made makeup line that is certified organic by the Australian Government as well as the Organic Food Chain. Nvey Eco is paraben free, SLS free, GM free, cruelty free, talc free, and contains no propylene glycol or petroleum based ingredients, or synthetic fragrances, and not tested on animals. It simply doesn’t get much better than that!

The colour 957 is a dusty rose, and it has the tiniest touch of shimmer, yet while still being subtle, which I like, as having combination skin there is nothing worse than too shimmery makeup making your skin look even greasier! It gives a nice and natural glow to the face.  

 

 

The eye shadows are using finely milled pigments with a base of organic Corn Silk, Chamomile and Jojoba Oil. Vitamins A, C, E, which creates a blush that is soft and easy to apply, yet is so caring for the skin at the same time.

The powder blush lives up to its claims and it really does give a natural and seamless finish. It is easy to blend and is also very pigmented, and, so you have the choice of applying just a wash of colour, or build up the colour for a more intense and dramatic look if desired. And being such a natural dusty rose tone, it would also be suitable for use as a base eye shadow.

 

 

Like the Nvey Eye shadow that I recently reviewed, the powder blush come in a sleek round black case with a full-sized mirror inside, making it easy to do touch-ups on the go. And like the eye shadows, it doesn’t come with a brush, honestly I’d also rather not pay for having a brush included as I rarely use them anyway, preferring to use my own larger and better quality brushes – but in saying that, some may find this a negative, also having to carry a separate brush around in the makeup purse.

 

The powder blush has a surprising staying power, even on my combination skin, and in the end of the day the blush still looks freshly applied, without having faded.

The RRP for the Nvey Eco powder blush is $29.95, which I personally find reasonable for a blush, and especially seeing it is made from certified organic ingredients without chemical nasties.

What I Like:

• That it is made from certified organic ingredients and it is free from parabens and other chemical nasties
• The stylish slim black packaging
• Australian owned and made products
• Available in 8 neutral shades so there should be a match for everyone

What I Don’t Like:

• That it is only available for purchase online          

Overall, Nvey Eco has yet again confirmed that the products are amazing, and as I have mentioned before, the more products that I try, the more keen I am on adding even more to my collection!!

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

 

Have you ever tried any of the products from Nvey Eco? Do you use organic makeup? What is your favourite blusher?

Product Review: Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose & Almond Night Cream

Having ageing skin it can be quite a challenge finding products suitable products, especially when you also have combination skin prone to breakouts. Here are my thoughts on the *Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose & Almond Night Cream;

What They Say:

"To restore skin's natural balance and encourage daily regeneration. Suitable for all skin types."

RRP: $41.95 (30ml) – Available from David Jones and Neal’s Yard Remedies Online

What I Say:

I recently tried the Neal’s Yard Frankincense Hydrating Facial Mist and love the fact that it is made from 98% organic ingredients.

Neal’s Yard Remedies was established in the UK over thirty years ago and has the largest certified organic range of skin care products in the UK, with nearly every one of the products is handmade in the company’s eco-factory in Dorset, England, using home grown and sustainably sourced, certified organic ingredients.

The Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose & Almond Night Cream contains 78% organic ingredients including aloe vera, precious rose otto, lavender, rosehip oil, evening primrose and almond oils to restore the skin’s natural balance and encourage regeneration from the day’s environmental stresses.

 

 

As well a being made from organic ingredients, the cream is also free from chemical nasties including parabens, silicones, phthalates, mineral oils, or synthetic colours or fragrances, which always gives the thumbs up from me.

The actual cream comes in a lavender and navy coloured metal tube, and has a lovely and natural subtle scent, no doubt coming from the rose and the lavender.

The actual cream is a little thick, but spreads easily, although it does take a little while to absorb into the skin, but being a night cream, I don’t mind that – it is a different story when it comes to day creams and you need to apply your makeup on top!!

It is very moisturising, and you see and feel the skin benefitting from the natural ingredients as the skin is left soft and smooth.

The cream is recommended for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, and in spite of being used very sparingly, I found that that I would wake in the morning to a skin that felt greasy and shiny. And unfortunately after just a few days use my skin started to get a little congested and it started to break out – so I naturally decided to immediately stop using the cream.

At $41.95 for a small 30ml tube, the cream is a little expensive, but personally  find that the fact that it is made from organic ingredients makes it worth it, and not to mention that it is so concentrated that just a tiny bit goes a very long way.

What I Like:

• That the cream is made with a high percentage of organic ingredients
• That it does not contain chemical nasties including parabens, silicones, or artificial colours or fragrances
• It is very concentrated and a little will go a long way
• That it has a gorgeous and natural scent

What I Don’t Like:

• That it unfortunately was a little too rich and heavy for my skin, making it congested and start to break out after just a few days use
• It is a little pricey, but again it is very concentrated

Overall, this is a great cream, and it pains me it is not suitable for my skin type – being such a natural product and without all the chemical fillers, I so wanted my skin to love it, but unfortunately it is simply too rich for my combination skin – which is sadly the case for many night creams. But I won’t be wasting this cream as my chest and my hands, are thoroughly enjoying the intense moisture boost. Having said that, if you have a dry and sensitive skin, and possibly heading towards winter, then I am sure that it will be perfect for you.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you ever tried any of the products from Neal’s Yard Remedies? Do you use a night cream? Which one is your favourite? And are concerned with chemical nasties in your beauty products?

Industry News: Free OPI Nail Lacquer

Who doesn’t love nail polishes – and even more so when they come from the quality brand OPI. OPI has long been available for purchase in David Jones, and to celebrate the long weekend – for those lucky ones in NSW – as a one-off exclusive offer for those shopping over the Long Weekend, OPI would like reward you with a complementary bottle of OPI lacquer, with every purchase – simply purchase any OPI Nail Lacquer 15ml and be rewarded with a second lacquer complimentary from OPI.

What a great offer is that!! And of course this offer is also available to the rest of Australia (although we unfortunately have to make do without the long weekend), but note that this offer is exclusive to David Jones.

Are you going to take advantage of this offer from OPI offer? Which colours will you be getting?

Pink Ribbon Products for Breast Cancer Awareness 2013

October marks the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and as always, there are an increasing number of companies that bring out pink products, and donate a large percentage of the proceeds of their sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). This is such a great cause, so I always make sure to stock up on certain products during October – I remember one year when pink M&Ms were released, but I am unfortunately yet to see those in the shops, which is such a shame as it did give me a guilt free reason to stock up on M&Ms! Anyway, here are some of the special and limited edition products that are available;

Sukin Limited Edition Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil – RRP: $19.95 (25ml), $32.95 (50ml)
 

Check out this cute pink bottle of rose hip oil from Sukin. I think everyone by now as discovered the benefits of rosehip oil, and I absolutely love this cheap but efficient version from Sukin – if you have missed my review, you can see it here. The rosehip oil can be used to soothe skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and rosacea and assists in skin renewal to help maintain healthy skin. The rose hip oil features rosa eglanteria seed oil to soothe, soften and hydrate skin, feeding the skin essential vitamins and nutrients to promote radiance. The pink packaging with the ribbon design supports the McGrath foundation.

ModelCo & Ecoya Limited Edition Metro Jar – RRP: $29.95

 

I love it when my house smells nice, and with two large dogs living inside, nothing is better at freshening up the smell, thank a gorgeous scented candle. The ModelCo & Ecoya Limited Edition Metro Jar is a soy wax candle that is scented with fragrant notes of sweet pea and jasmine. Both brands have combined in a bid to raise awareness and funds for The National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Goldwell Super Hold Hair Lacquer – RRP: $7.95
 

With my long hair, one of the styling products I always use is hairspray to control those flyaway hairs around the face, and one of my go-to brands is Goldwell. The Goldwell Super Hold Hair Lacquer provides mega hold to give lasting control and manageability to any hairstyle. The hair lacquer features a micro-fine spray system that delivers hold effects evenly over the hair. It has a hold factor eight and brushes out easily. The packaging is pink to support the McGrath foundation.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum II – RRP: $95 (30ml), $140 (50ml)

This serum from Estee Lauder has long been a favourite of mine, and now an improved version recently been launched – the Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II is a facial serum that supports the natural night-time anti-ageing purification process. The silky serum slows down the look of premature ageing, dramatically reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and significantly improves the appearance of skin radiance and evenness of skin tone. The Night Repair Serum features a Pink Ribbon Bracelet charm in support of the McGrath Foundation.

 

Clinique Pink with a Purpose – RRP: $36
 

I have long had a love affair with the Clinique Almost Lipsticks –especially in the colour Black Honey, which was discontinued at some stage, but luckily it was relaunched due to popular demand. The Clinique Pink with a Purpose is a limited edition lipstick and cosmetic case. The comes with an Almost Lipstick in the limited edition shade in Pink Ribbon Honey, and which is housed in a pin cosmetic carrying pouch. $5 from every sale of this Almost Lipstick goes towards The National Breast Cancer Foundation while supplies last.

 

Bobbi Brown Pink Blush Set – RRP: $85

 

How gorgeous is this pink blush set from Bobbi Brown – it will be sure to add some glow to those pale winter cheeks! The Bobbi Brown’s Pink Blush set has been designed to introduce Breast Cancer Awareness. The limited edition blush set contains a Pink Blush and Brush. 20 per cent of sales go to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

 

Jane Iredale Compact – RRP: $36

I have recently fallen for the amazing makeup from Jane Iredale, and now the limited edition Bright Future compact has been launched.  The mirrored compact features five timeless favourite eye shadow shades from the PurePressed range (Peach Sherbet, Pink Glaze, Red Carpet, Pink Cloud, and Dusk) along with a travel-sized eye shadow brush, for on-the-go application and touch ups. It comes with a cute small chain attached to the compact set which attaches the brush. Jane Iredale Australia will donate $1 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation

So there you have it, my top picks for amazing products that at the same time support a fantastic cause. Do you plan to support this great cause by buying any of these products?

 

Product Review: Calvin Klein DownTown Eau De Parfum

I have always been a huge fan of Calvin Klein perfumes.  I think I have every single one ever released, and several of them – including Eternity, Escape and Euphoria I have repurchased several times, something I rarely do with perfumes. I think even hubby has got all of the male fragrances from Calvin Klein as he is a huge fan too. In fact, when we got married, we both wore Eternity! So I was excited when I was asked to join the Down Town challenge, but more about that later in another post – here is my thoughts on the *Calvin Klein Downtown EDP;

What They Say:

"Downtown Calvin Klein is a fragrance for women that live by their own rules. She leads a lifestyle that is authentic and defies expectations. The Downtown Calvin Klein fragrance balances feminine woods with soft floral notes that make it confident and modern with a unique signature and an unexpected edge."

RRP: $60 (30ml), $90 (50ml), $120 (90ml) – Available from Myer and David Jones

What I Say:

Being one for simple, modern and classic designs, I love the look of the Downtown perfume bottle, as the clear bottle simply has a minimalistic classic look, allowing you to see the pale pink perfume. The bottle has a stunning silver cap with a bright pink glossy lining.

Downtown contains notes of Italian cedrat, bergamot and Tunisian neroli along nuances of fresh green pear and dewy watery plum. It also contains Gardenia petals and Texan cedarwood, Lao benzoin, and warm musk. However, in spite of the Texan cedarwood and musk notes, it is – luckily for me, not too heavy or musky, as that is really not my type of fragrance. Rather it is light, fresh and fruity – my preferred type of scents. You can smell the gardenia, which is one of my favourite flowers, along with the green pear giving it a lovely green freshness.

 

Top notes: Italian cedrat, bergamot, Tunisian neroli, green pear, watery plum

Middle Notes: Pink peppercorn, violet leaf, gardenia petals

Dry Notes: Texan cedarwood, incense, vetiver, velvet musks
 

As with all other Calvin Klein perfumes, it is a good quality, and It has a fairly longevity, although it does fade as the day goes on – and more so than other Calvin Klein fragrances that I find tend to be very strong, even after a full days wear. But in saying that, I can still detect it at the end of the day, and so can hubby – so it serves the purpose of being a gorgeous spring perfume, perfect for day wear or a lunch date. Being so light, it would also be perfect for a younger girl.

The face of the perfume is Rooney Mara, who has been seen in movies such as The Social Network and Side Effects, but it was the role Lisbeth Salander in the Hollywood version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo that rose her to international fame – and if you haven’t seen the movie, I can highly recommend that you watch it – although I do prefer the original Swedish version – Sorry Rooney! 

The black-and-white advertising campaign that tells the story of a young woman living in her own world, breaking away from the ‘expected.’ set in New York City, the short film portrays the multi-faceted life of a globally recognisable actress who always remains true to herself.

What I Like:

• That it is fresh, light and fruity
• The simple yet modern bottle

What I Don’t Like:

• In spite of being an Eau de Parfum, It doesn’t last as long as other Calvin Klein perfumes, it would be nice if it was slightly stronger and with a longer longevity.

Overall, this is a lovely perfume and I will enjoy wearing it as we head towards summer, and as it is so different to my other Calvin Klein purposes, it has already found its spot in my perfume wardrobe, perfect for the days where I want to wear a light and fresh fragrance.

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

 

What do you think of this new perfume from Calvin Klein? Keen on getting it? Do you have any other Calvin Klein perfumes? Which perfume is your favourite?