PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE SHEA ULTRA SOFT CREAM

Today on the blog it is all about the Shea Ultra Soft Cream from L’Occitane en Provence;

 

 What They Say:

Nourish and protect your skin from head to toe with our Shea Ultra Soft Cream. Made with 10% Shea butter, this moisturizing formula is quickly absorbed. Scented with the tender and voluptuous fragrance of a rose heart, skin is left feeling soft and lightly perfumed.

This cream is made with shea butter from Burkina Faso, harvested in a sustainable and fair trade partnership with the women who produce it. Available in Rose Heart, Vanilla Bouquet, Zesty Lime

RRP: $34.00 each (100g) – Available from L’Occitane en Provence

 

What I Say:

If you’re a regular reader of my little blog, you’d know that I adore the products from L’Occitane en Provence, and these Shea Ultra Soft Creams are no exceptions. They are available in three different scents, Vanilla Bouquet, Rose Heart and Zesty Lime, and I’ve tried out the first two, and have my eyes on the Lime version as well as I just cannot resist a zesty citrus scented product!

Anyway, I don’t normally have particularly dry skin, but it always tends to become a little drier during the colder months of the year, and that’s when I particularly love to use the Shea Ultra Soft Cream.

The Creams come in cute metal jars with screw lids, and only the colour distinguishes them, the vanilla one is yellow, Rose is pink while the Lime one is green!

You might think that the cream is thick and heavy, but on the contrary, common for all of them is that the cream is light, almost whipped in consistency. This also means that the cream is easy to spread across the skin and it absorbs super quickly into the skin, and leaving the skin soft and smooth, and without any greasiness or stickiness. And the skin remains moisturised all day long so there is no need to reapply. But what’s even better is the creams leave the skin beautifully and lightly scented, and this scent lingers on the skin for hours afterwards, while still being so subtle that it doesn’t clash with your perfume.

Both the vanilla and the rose scents are gorgeous, although my favourite of the two wold have to be the vanilla. Still, I have to admit that I’m not normally a huge fan of rose scented products as I feel it can sometimes smell a little like potpourri, or a little like grandma, if you like – I have to admit that L’Occitane has got it just right, and even got the rose scent just right and not too heavy, but rather ‘young’ and fresh!

Regardless of the scent, it is a beautiful body cream, and I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to purchase again…especially that Lime version which I’ve got my eyes on….

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT FEBRUARY 2016

The January Lust Have It Box arrived yesterday, here's what was inside and my thoughts...

What They Say

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.

RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.
Available from Lust Have It 


What I Say:

Like previous months, this months’ products arrived in a mesh bag, although this month it is red and this month it included three full sized items and three deluxe sample sizes as well two shampoo and conditioner sachet samples. 


Be a Bombshell Mascara - Full Size (RRP: $21)
This mascara claims to be a richly pigmented volumising mascara that also offers a multidimentional look. This sound pretty good, so looking forward to trying it, and in spite of having countless other mascaras waiting to be used, another one certainly doesn't go astray.


Lanolips Everyday Hand Balm - Full Size (RRP: $22.95)
Love Lanolips so the mere inclusion of this makes this month's bag great value for me. There was the option of the hand balm or the ointment, but personally, although I've already gone through a few tubes of this cream, pleased to have received the hand cream, so win win.


Mellow Cosmetics Matte Lipstick - Full Size ($18)

I have, through Lust Have It, tried a few different products from Mellow by now, and generally I've liked it, so I should be pleased with the inclusion of a full sized lipstick, which is something I haven't tried from their range. However, unfortunately I got a shade called Candy Gloss, which is a bright blue toned fuchsia shade, which I unfortunately just don't feel suits me. There was also the alternative of receiving a blush, and naturally I wish I'd received one of those in stead!


The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream - Sample, 15ml (RRP: $24.95/50ml)

I can't remember the last time I actually tried any of the skin care products from the Body Shop, so do look forward to seeing how this one stacks up, although claiming to be an intensely moisturising cream, I can fear that it is too rich for my combination skin, but will certainly be putting it to the test.


The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil - Sample, 7ml (RRP: $24.95/50ml)

This is a very little adorable bottle of facial oil that promises to rehydrate parched skin for an all day glow. I have heard and seen a lot about this new range from the Body Shop so look forward to trying it out.


The Body Shop Indian Summer Fig Eau de Toilette - Sample, 1.5ml (RRP: $36.95/50ml)
Wow, fragrances from the Body Shop have come a long way too, think its about time I go in-store and explore their new ranges! This is nice refreshing green scent, perfect for spring and summer wear. I'm notorious for not using small fragrance samples, as I simply always forget, but this one does smell lovely, so I'll be sure to actually try it on properly.


Garnier Fructis Full and Luscious Shampoo and Conditioner - Samples, 2 x 10ml (RRP: $5.95/250ml each)
I have already tried full sizes of this shampoo and conditioner, so as such these samples do not excite it. That said, I did enjoy using them as they not only smell incredible, they really also did make my hair look fuller and very shiny and healthy too, just as promised. The only reason I haven't repurchased is because I'm trying hard to use up the countless of bottles of shampoo and conditioner already in my stash first.


Overall, I am very impressed with this months Lust Have It box. Again, the inclusion of the Lanolips hand Balm did it for me, everything else included is just a bonus. Of the other products I will be looking forward to trying out the Be a Bombshell Mascara, the Body Shop Oil and Eau de Toilette. If I have to be negative, my only issue is that there are three products from the Body Shop, and while I clearly need to get up to speed with their current product offering, for the sake of exploring new brands and products, which these beauty boxes are all about for me, I would have loved to see a little more variety by a least one of the products replaced by another brand.

That said, well-done on what is already proven to be a great start to this year's Lust Have It boxes!
* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON THE ONLY 1 LIPSTICK

The last few years Rimmel has launched some amazing lipsticks and lipglosses, so I was thrilled when I received a handful of lipsticks from the newly launched Rimmel London the Only 1 range; 

These new lipsticks bears the name as they are supposedly the only lipstick you need in your life, and one of a kind as it is a multi-tasking lipstick that is both moisturising and longwearing, something that many other lipsticks fail at. The Only 1 Lipsticks claim to excel in the four must-have attributes for a lipstick;

Colour – High impact, vibrant, intense. Pre-coated pigments allow for fabulous full coverage in one easy swipe. The true-to-the-bullet colours are gloriously vibrant and luminous on application

Comfort – Lightweight, glides, not heavy or dry. The formula contains a blend of lightweight oils providing a gorgeous glide and a feather-light feel with an amazing cushioning sensation

Moisture – Vitamin infused moisture. Throughout wear, the formula with Rosa fruit oil leaves lips feeling moisturised. For extra TLC, the formula contains Vitamin e.

Wear – Stay true colour for hours. A fine blend of advanced polymers sets the formula and enhances skin-adhesion for outstanding staying power. Lips feel hugged by colour and moisture for hours.

And the formula of these The Only 1 Lipsticks really is amazing and so light. It glides easily onto the lips, at first a little wet, but after just a few moments it settles dries a little, but still without feeling dry on the lips at all, in fact, it feels very lovely and very moisturising on the lips, something that is very rare for long-lasting lipsticks. And just one swipe as claimed, is more than enough for intense colour, so they are definitely highly pigmented. They also have a quiet good wear of several hours, longest for the darkest shades, and not quite as long for the lighter/nude shades, but I think that is pretty standard. However, common for all shades is that they do fade evenly, so you are left with a touch of stain on the lips, which personally I like, often forgetting to reapply during the day.

Generally the shades stay put on the lips, and still looking vibrant, even after a drink of water, but did all have to be reapplied after eating, but again, I think that Is pretty standard too.

The Only 1 Lipsticks come in a black plastic tube with a slightly slanted lid and they all have a coloured band that shows the shade of the lipstick, which it does pretty accurately, which is a handy feature if you have several colours in your collection. The lipstick is also slanted inside, which I do like as it does help make application easier.

The Only 1 Lipsticks are available in 12 shades, of which I tried the following;

L-R: 120, 200, 510, 600, 700

• 120 You're All Mine is a cool toned pink. It's a mid-toned pink with a cream finish and... Well, it would suit people who like basic pink lipsticks, unfortunately I don’t find this shade suits me that well, but I’m sure others will love it.
• 200 It's A Keeper – a pink mauve and not quite as solid in the colour as some of the other shades. It has a subtle shimmer which gives it a bit of a metallic look on the lips, which I’m personally not a fan of in this shade.
• 510 Best Of The Best - a rich deep red, one of these shades that should be in every lipstick collection, as it can take you from drab to fab in just one swipe!
• 600 Peachy Bleachy – a bright peachy coral. It's a very summery shade, and not a shade I'd normally go for, but as they say, change is as good as a holiday!
• #700 It's A Keeper - a soft mauve pink. This shade is very similar to shade #200, Its a Keeper, only this one is not quite as pink and a little warmer in the shade as well as it doesn't contain the shimmer. So of the two shades, this is the shade that I personally prefer.

L-R: 120, 200, 510, 600, 700

Overall I have to say that I am enjoying using these lipsticks, as they really do live up to the claim of colour, comfort, moisture and wear. There are 12 shades in the The Only 1 range, and I certainly wouldn’t mind checking out the rest of the shades.

The Rimmel The Only 1 lipsticks have an RRP $15.95 each and are available from Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Target, Kmart, Big W, selected pharmacies and selected Coles and Woolworths.

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: BOBBI BROWN TELLURIDE COLLECTION

Mid Last year Bobbi Brown launched a limited edition range called Telluride. I was kindly sent a few of the products for trial and feature - but sadly, just a few weeks later our newborn ended up at the Royal Children's Hospital where he was to stay the next 4.5 months. Blogging therefore, naturally took a backseat during this period, and review of these products simply had to wait... Until now..

The Telluride Collection was inspired by the warm tawny glow by the later afternoon sun in one of Bobbi Browns favourite destinations, Telluride, which is nestled amongst soaring mountains in Colorado. Each product in this collection is designed to deliver the gorgeous glow that the late afternoon sun in Telluride casts on the skin. Featuring the luminous shades of tawny nude, rose gold, and pink bronzy, this collection makes it easy to achieve that sought-after natural, sun-kissed glow.

The Telluride Collection includes among others;

Bobbi Brown Telluride Eye Palette

This palette contains sunset-inspired eye shadow shades that deliver a range of brilliant eye looks. Featuring seven earthy eye shadows in a variety of brown, soft blush, beige, rose and mauve hues, in a variety of both matte, shimmery and sparkling shades. In short, this pallet contains every hue needed to create the perfect neutral eye, both in subtle shades suitable for daytime wear, but also with darker shades so you can turn up the volume for a night out.

 

All the shades are incredibly soft and smooth and have a vey high pigmentation, so its easy to build up that intense look. The pallette is narrow and thin so its easy to pop into the handbag or cosmetic bag without taking up too much room. And I love that it features a full sized mirror and also a good quality Dual-Ended Eye Shadow/Eye Liner Brush for on-the-go application.

 

The shades in the palette includes; 

 

• Cream
• Woodrose
• Velvet Plum Metallic
• Blazing Star Sparkle
• Heather Rose Shimmer Wash 
• Antique Rose
• Smokey Brown

  

Bobbi Brown Telluride Shimmer Brick in Sunset Pink

 

Who doesn't love the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick. This edition in Sunset Pink contains shades that instantly gives the skin a pick-me-up shade by warming the complexion. The brick contains five different shades from a very pale nude peach, two different shades of rose, and two different shades of brown. And from you apply it all over your face, you immediately get a beautiful glow and radiance thanks to the ultrafine pure pearl pigments that reflect radiant and light. It is perfect for sweeping all over your face as well as shoulders and décolleté, but also works a treat used as an eyeshadow or even on your lips with a touch of clear gloss on top. A must-have in every makeup kit!

 

 

Bobbi Brown Telluride Lip Trio in Sunset Pink

 

The collection also contains a Lip Trio that includes a Sher Lip Colour, a Lip Pencil and a Lip Gloss, all in complementary shades, that makes it as simple and fool proof as 1-2-3, achieving that perfect polished lip look.

 

The Sunset Pink Lip Trio includes

  

• Sunset Pink Sheer Lip Color  
• Pink Guava Lip Pencil  
• Sunset Lip Gloss

  

These products have the perfect peachy pink shade that is perfect for use during summer. The Lipstick has the tiniest touch of shimmer and feels so beautiful and moisturising on the lips. In spite of its relative pale colour, it has a very good wear of a few hours, and when it does fade, it does so evenly, leaving a nice stain behind. The Sunset Lipgloss has a higher gloss finish, and can naturally be used both on its own, as well as on top of the lipstick, if you feel like you want the more intense colour, but with the gloss. Personally, however, I do prefer to use them individually. The lipliner, naturally matches both the lipstick and the lipgloss, and helps make both stay put longer all while making your pout looking full and perfect!

  

Overall this is an incredible collection, and I'm so in love with every single product, although the standout is the Eye Palette closely followed by the Shimmer Brick. I will cry the day I hit the pan of these products, as they are so beautiful wearable and of such a high quality, but hopefully by then, Bobbi Brown will have launch a new range of equally beautiful products.. Here's hoping!

  

Telluride Eye Palette - RRP: $95 

Telluride Shimmer Brick in Sunset Pink - RRP: $72

Telluride Lip Trio - $82

 

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

  

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PRODUCT REVIEW: ESTEE LAUDER RESILIENCE LIFT FIRMING SCULPTING OIL-IN-CREME INFUSION

As you may know, one of my favourite luxe department store skincare (and makeup) brands is without Estee Lauder, so I am always extra excited when new products are launched. Today I'd like to share with you the newly launched Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting Oil-in-Creme Infusion.

This moisturiser is an extra rich moisturising creme that contains 20% oil to help add extra nutrients to dry skin and help break the cycle of dryness and re-ignite the skin's natural lifting power with an intensive infusion of deep hydrators and ultra restorative lipids. The creme also helps the skin boost its natural collagen and elastin to reveal a more sculpted, defined look and restrengthens the skin's protective barrier.

The creme contains among other coconut, avocado, olive, lady thistle, mango, macadamia nut, jojoba, almond grape seed, soybean and sunflower seed oils, which combined helps add intense moisture to the skin, all while also giving it nutrients and strengthening the skins barrier helping it to retain moisture. The Advanced Lifting Complex in the creme also helps support the skin's natural collagen and elastin, so the skin over time will have a firmer and more lifted look.

The moisturiser does not contain SPF, which some may see as a negative, but personally I don't mind, as I have several days where I hardly go outside, as my little baby, due to his strong medications, simply cannot be in the sun - and so on sunny those days we stay indoors where possible, and so I actually prefer not to wear SPF on those days as I feel it always clogs up my pores. Then I'd rather add SPF on top on the days where I do go outside in the sun.

I don't exactly have dry skin, rather my skin is combination, and actually it is even greasier during the warmer summer months. So I have also found that this moisturiser is simply too heavy and rich for my skin to use during the day, but I'm loving it as a night cream now and again, and as we sadly head towards autumn and winter, my skin will no doubt love the intense formula.

But what I actually like most at the moment is that the Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Firming Sculpting Oil-in-Creme Infusion can also be used as a moisture mask to give your skin a weekly dose of intensive hydration. A thin layer left on the skin for about 10 minutes before tissuing it off will leave your skin feeling so incredibly soft, plumb, hydrated and glowing. Well worth it.

At RRP: $150 / 50ml, this is not exactly a cheap moisturiser, but if you have dry skin you will without a doubt adore this cream. For now I enjoy using it as a luxurious moisture mask.

Available from Estee Lauder Counters in Myer and David Jones and select pharmacies, and Estee Lauder Online

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

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