PRODUCT REVIEW: L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE PEONY PIVOINE SUBLIME PERFECTING CREAM

As you probably know, I adore many of the products from L'Occitane en Provence, so happy to also be putting this Peony Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream to the test.

I have always loved the Immortelle Divine range from L'Occitane, so I naturally had very high hopes for the Peony Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream too.

This cream contains among others Peony extract that acts on skin cells to help correct skin texture irregularities, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin. It furthermore also contains horse chestnut extract to help give the skin a fresh glow and further reduce complexion irregularities.

In addition, the moisturiser has a patented formulation that adds moisture to the skin for 24 hours, while also making the skin look fresher and more rested, more and radiant and luminous, soft and smooth, as well as it helps reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections.

The pale pink cream is very light, and certainly doesn't feel as heavy on my combination skin, so as such it is perfectly suited to my combination skin, and I would therefore also imagine that it wouldn't quite offer sufficient moisture to those with drier skin types.

Because it is so light, it also means that it absorbs quickly and easily into skin, leaving it immediately soft and smooth, and with a nice gloooth, and with a nice glow. It doesn't contain any SPF, which some may find a negative, however, I actually don't mind, as I often prefer to add my chosen SPF on top as needed anyway. The moisturiser also works perfectly under makeup.

After having used the moisturiser daily for some time, I do admit that I enjoy using it, and how it is providing my skin with moisture around the clock, without making my skin feel congested or make it break out. I am not sure it has actually 'perfected' my skin tone, or minimised pores, lines and wrinkles, but it clearly has given my skin nice glow and radiance to it.

I also absolutely love the floral fragrance, although some may find it too strong, but personally i find it gorgeous, and cannot stop smelling my hands after I've applied it. Also worth mentioning is the moisturiser comes in the most beautiful girly pink glass jar with a silver lid that will look stunning in any bathroom.

So would I purchase this moisturiser again....? Compared to my favourite L'Occitane moisturiser, Immortelle Divine, this does seem like a more 'basic' moisturiser - and sadly I am at the age where I starting to need all the help I can get, and the Immortelle Divine does give my skin that, while it (unfortunately) also does come at a more premium price. However, if you are not quite at the age where you need intense anti-ageing products, then this Peony Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream is certainly a great alternative.


L'Occitane en Provence Peony Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream - RRP: $65
Available from L'Occitane en Provence

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

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KEEPING COLDS AND FLU'S AWAY WITH DEMAZIN AND COMVITA OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

As many of you are probably aware, our little boy Jake has been very sick - actually extremely sick, diagnosed with a life-threatening illness with the only cure strong chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant. Luckily he is now doing really well, and the new bone marrow, which is also where your immune system stems from, is slowly taking control. However, building up a new immune system takes time, so with no immune system yet, we have been and still are forced to live in isolation, not being able to see friends or go to crowded areas such as cafes and shopping centres, as the smallest of bugs can make him extremely sick. Not great when it's winter and there are colds and flu's in the air everywhere. 

Isolating ourselves for the sake of our little boy has been tough, not least for our 3 year old Oliver, who cannot see any of his friends, but neither can we, as it has simply been too risky. Luckily most of our friends seem to understand.

Yet, my husband has of course had to go to work, with the risk of being exposed to colds - but somehow we've all managed to get through without any colds or flus, since our little boy came home from hospital in November. Until a few weeks ago, where first the 3 year old, and a few days later Jake sadly got it too. Needless to say that we were very worried..
 

To help the 3 year old get over the cold more quickly, we gave him Demazin Kids Cold & Flu Relief Liquid twice a day. This Demazin Kids Cold & Flu Relief Liquid contains herbal ingredients that help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms.

As anyone with kids know, kids are often very affected from colds, and can be for weeks on end - but Oliver was able to get over what appeared to be a bad cold in less than a week - and apart from loading him up on vitamin C rich foods, I am convinced that the Demazin Kids Cold & Flu Relief Liquid helped speed things along, minimising symptoms such as blocked nose, sore throat, cough, aches and pains, and fever.

The Relief Liquid contains among others Black Elderberry, Zinc and Vitamin C, and are free from gluten, lactose, dairy, yeast, artificial flavours and colours. The red liquid, has a berry flavour, and reminds little of very strong cordial, - and our Oliver took it without any fight or drama, and even commented, 'nice'!!

Luckily my husband and I didn't get the cold. Breastfeeding Jake still, I am restricted to what I can take to both prevent and relieve a cold, but again, I've been lucky to go free this winter.

Again, having to work, and hence exposed to 'bugs' my husband has been taking the Comvita's Fresh-Picked High Strength Capsules. These one-a-day capsules are very high in antioxidants, which has proven to have free-radical scavenging properties, which among others help relieve the symptoms of the common cold, sore throats and coughs in western herbal medicine, as well as help support and maintain the immune system. And again, it is pretty rare to get through a winter without getting several colds, so these may have done the trick for hubby - so lucky he hasn't had to resort to the Comvita Fresh-Picked™ Olive Leaf Extract Liquid. 

The Comvita Fresh-Picked™ Olive Leaf Extract Liquid is used to relive symptoms of coughs, colds and flus, including sore throats and upper respiratory tract infection. This liquid is taken once or twice a day (if twice, just half the dose each time), and can be taken by children as young as 2 years too.

For both the Comvita Fresh-Picked™ Olive Leaf Extract Liquid and the Fresh-Picked High Strength Capsule, it is recommended that pregnant and lactating women consult a health care practitioner before use, so not having had the need, I decided not to use these.

Comvita also makes The Original Olive Leaf Drops with Manuka Honey, which are delicious tasting drops that help soothe a sore throat, while having a refreshing taste that helps mask that typical bad taste you always seem to have when you've got a cold. Now, again we've not had the need to use these, so they'll also be stored away for a rainy day (lucky they have long shelf-life, not expiring until near the end of 2017!). But I have previously used these when I've had colds as I always struggle with a sore throat, and really like them, and have to try really hard to not just keep eating them as lollies, but restrict myself to the max of five drops per day.


Now, getting back to our little Jake. Yes, he did get the cold, and with all his other medicines we didn't find it suitable to give him anything else on top. And apart from some sleepless nights because he was simply so snotty that he was obviously scared of sleeping on his back and only wanted to sleep in our arms, - he did manage to get over the cold completely in just over two weeks - which is pretty good for any little one year od, but considering his condition, is absolutely amazing.

We were dreading winter knowing that a bad cold or worse, a flu for our little Jake could quickly turn very serious, and just the slightest fever would likely mean him being admitted to the Royal Children's Hospital again, but goes to show that common sense, isolating yourself to avoid being exposed, and a few different quality remedies have proven a winning combo!


Demazin Kids Cold & Flu Relief Liquid - RRP: $18.99 / 200ml
Comvita Fresh-Picked™ High Strength Capsules - RRP: $29.80 / 60 capsules
Comvita Fresh-Picked™ Olive Leaf Extract Liquid - RRP:$31.95 / 200ml
Comvita Fresh-Picked™ The Original Olive Leaf Drops - RRP: $8.95

Demazin is available from select pharmacies
Comvita Comvita Fresh-Picked™ Olive Leaf Extract is available from Comvita Online, as well as select pharmacies and Health Food Stores
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.



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PRODUCT REVIEW: THE GOAT SKINCARE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Available from The Goat Skincare, Priceline and select Pharmacies 

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT! JULY 2016

Today ,the 1st August the July Lust Have It Box arrived. Yes, late, but Lust Have It has openly communicated this delay, so I feel this is fine, also it is really just by a few days.. Here's what was inside and my thoughts... 

As per the last many many months, this month's contents arrived in a mesh bag, only this month it's black, which is a nice change. However, as I've said a few times now, yet again with the fear of sounding a little repetitive, I'm starting to not know what to do with these, and would love to see an alternative. Well, now on to the contents..

Teeez Cosmetics Desert Metals Mascara - Full Size (RRP: 32.50)

This mascara contains silk proteins to nourish and protect the lashes, and promises a fuller flirtier look. This sounds great, and as I've enjoyed the Teeez Cosmetics products from previous boxes, I was excited when I saw this... But... Unfortunately I got the shade Sapphire Nights which is a dark blue shade, and sadly I'm just a little conservative (and probably too old too), to wear a shade like that. What a bummer.

Mprincess Mineral Blush - Full Size ($15.45 / 1.2g)

Yay, new brand I've never heard off before, which is always exciting. This is a tiny pot of loose minerals and at first sight I actually took it for a loose mineral eye shadow. But it is supposedly a blush. I got the shade Peach Fuzz, which is an orange shade with golden sheen. And although it appears quite bright in the tub, it does blend out to more of an apricot/coral shade which is quite lovely. I am however not that fond of the high sheen/glitter, so unsure how much I will actually use this one. Bummer again!

 
GOSH Mat Duo Eyeshadow - Full Size (RRP: $14.95)

I grew up in Denmark using Danish brand as a teenager, so it is a bit of a blast from the past getting this eyeshadow duo. I liked the brand, which I'd rate quality wise in the same category as L'Oreal and Revlon, and I've always wondered why it has never made it to Australia. I got this eyeshadow duo in the shade Dusty Purple, which contains a dusty lavender shade as well as a darker dusty aubergine shade. Both shades are really lovely - but again, sadly, conservative old me rarely reach for shades like this, but rather neutrals, so yet again, unsure how much this one will get used. Particularly upset this one is not in my ideal shades. Bummer yet again!

Essenzza Fuss Free Naturals The Masquerade Artisan Mask Series - Full Size (RRP: $4.95)

This sheet mask contains cherry blossom to repair the skin's natural barriers to promote a smooth, supple skin, while the argan oil helps leave the skin silky smooth and moisturised. I love that these masks are using natural preservatives and are free from parabens, and sulfates. The idea with the masquarade print on the mask is also very cute, although the suggested 'fun girls night in' is no longer applicable for me with two little toddlers! I do look forward to trying this one out, just need to find the required 20-30 minutes to kid free to actually relax while trying it out.

 Ardell Self-Adhesive False Lashes - Full Size (RRP: $?)

These lashes are classified as a mystery item picked by the Lust Have It team, so I appreciate that it is very random which product you'll get. However, sadly for me, I just don't like false lashes. I am hopeless at applying it, and my nights are spent sans-makeup on the couch snoozing, exhausted from chasing around two little boys all day.

 
So there you have it, the contents of the July edition of the Lust Have It. Unfortunately, due to personal preference I am a little disappointed this month, as essentially I will actually only use the sheet mask, when I can find the time! Valued at just $4.95, it is hence really not worth its cost for me this month. I do appreciate that it is difficult to accomodate everyone's tastes and preferences, - I don't know if I'm particularly picky or conservative, but unfortunately for me, I just feel that I was unlucky all around - such a shame as I would have loved the GOSH eyeshadow had it only been in different shades, and likewise the mascara and the blush.

Fingers crossed next months edition will be hitting preferences a little better.
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 $10 off your first box from Lust Have It, - so you essentially will be able to get your first box for just $9.95! Bargain. When using this code, 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 

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 HYDR8 NIGHT CREAM AND HYDR8 NIGHT EYE CREAM

Lately I've been really enjoying some of the products from Medik8 so whenever new products from the brand are launched, I do get excited. So today I'd like to share with you my thoughts the Medik8 Hydr8 Night Advanced Antioxidant Cream and the Hydr8 Night Eye Vitamin-Rich Eye Cream; 

This Hydr8 Night Cream is intended for those aged 30+ and above, and it is supposedly suitable for all skin, from dry, to normal, combination, oily and redness prone too, so perfect for my ageing combination skin!! The cream claims to be a rich, yet fast-absorbing restorative moisturiser that provides ultimate hydration for tired or environmentally compromised skin.

 

The cream contains anti-ageing ingredients including;  

• Resveratrol - supports cell longevity, and has strong antioxidant and lightening properties to help improve the appearance of tired skin overnight.
• Vitamin E - antioxidant, helps to protect the skin from free radical damage.
• Beta-Glucan - ideal for night-time skin texture renewal.
• Passionflower and Valerian - two powerful botanical antioxidants with calming and soothing properties, and to help reverse the signs of skin ageing and restore a healthy, radiant complexion overnight

 

The Night Cream claims to;

• Help maintain the firmness and density of upper skin layers
• Support repair of daily damage
• Make lines and wrinkles appear smoother
• Protect the skin from free radicals
• Help brightens pigmentation marks
• Improve the uncomfortable feeling of tight skin

Now, again, with my combination skin, I have never experienced the feeling of dry or tight skin, but that said, my skin is always getting a tad drier during the colder winter months. Using intense and rich night creams always worry me, as prone to breakouts, rich creams simply often make my skin feel congested.

 

But thankfully this has not been then case with this cream, which has a rather light, almost gel like watery consistency. Unlike many other night creams, it absorbs ultra fast, and completely into the skin, without leaving the skin feel greasy or sticky, but rather with a velvety soft feeling. Often night creams also make my skin feel and look incredibly greasy when I wake in the morning, but again, this is not the case when I use this Hydr8 Night Cream - which does make me feel that it is possibly better suited to at least those with normal, combination and oilier skin types, and that it possibly wouldn't offer sufficient moisture for those with drier skin types.

 

After having used the Hydr8 Night Cream for well over a month now, and I am not sure if it has made any significant difference to my increasing pigmentation, or lines and wrinkles have really minimised in size, however, I do feel that my skin is feeling very soft and smooth, and it is definitely pumper too making my face look less 'drawn', clearly benefitting from the intense moisture as well as it is simply looking healthy and radiant.

 

It is the first time in a very long time that I have been able to use a night cream, as again, they are sadly often too heavy and rich for my skin, so consequently I often resort to using a 'day' moisturiser without SPF as a night cream as well - but as I am at the age where my skin is starting to need more intense anti-ageing products, this has bothered me - and now using an actual night cream, I can really tell that my skin is clearly benefitting from it, as the added intense moisture is clearly giving my skin a new found glow.

 

The mosisturiser comes in a heavy duty clear plastic jar that you could easily mistake for being made of glass, and it has a simple, yet gorgeous silver lid. I often comment that I don't like moisturisers in jars, as it is not really very hygienic constantly dipping your fingers into the jar, but thankfully this one also comes with a handy little spatula to overcome that issue. It has a gorgeous fresh scent, which come may find too overwhelming, but I really enjoy this scent.

 

 

 

 

Then there the Medik8 Hydr8 Night Eye Vitamin-Rich Eye Cream, and here I'd like immediately add that it is the first time ever that I've used a specific night eye cream - often a night cream for my face, but as for my eyes, it has always been the same one that I've been using morning and night.

 

This Night Eye Cream is loaded with intense anti-ageing ingredients also specifically designed to for use at night, when the body is in resting mode and the skin is regenerating.

 

The key ingredients in the Hydr8 Night Eye Cream are among others;

 

• Vitamin A - 0.1% encapsulated retinol to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and help improve the thickness of the epidermis which is vital for the thin skin around the eye area.
• Hesperidin - helps improve under-eye puffiness and improve dark circles.
• Hyaluronic Acid - helps to draw moisture to the eye area and provides long-lasting hydration.
• Niacinamide and Vitamin E - (antioxidant) provides overnight conditioning and protection from free radical damage, helps improve both the skin barrier and the appearance of fine lines.

 

The Night Eye Cream promises to;  

• Targets all visible signs of under-eye ageing
• Provides intense hydration to the delicate eye area
• Protects the delicate skin barrier around the eye area
• Helps improve the appearance of dull, tired eyes

 

So how did this one fare.. Well I have to say that once again, it is obvious that my eye area is clearly loving getting a more intense dose of hydration and added TLC at night. The Eye Cream is also, considering it how nourishing it is, and the fact that it is a night cream, still quite light in consistency - and like the night cream, it absorbs into the skin immediately without any greasiness, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.

 

After using the Hydr8 Night Eye Cream for over a month, I wonder why I have never actually used a specific night eye cream before, as again, the extra nourishment is clearly doing the area around my eyes the world of good. Yes it does mean that you will need to have yet another beauty product in the cupboard, but it is worth it, as the skin around my eyes is definitely looking smoother and plumper and consequently my eye area also looks more well rested and youthful.

 

It also comes in the same packaging as the Night Cream, only much smaller, and again it looks very stylish. However, unfortunately this one does not come with a spatula included, but luckily I've got a spare one myself.

 

Unlike the Night Cream it actually has a slightly odd scent, but luckily it does fade rather quickly.

 

So all in all I am yet again very impressed with Medik8 as they've once again come up with some great products. I have no doubt that I will continue to use these products and repurchase again.

 

   

Medik8 Hydr8 Night advanced Antioxidant Cream - RRP: $129 / 50ml

Medik8 Hydr8 Night Eye Vitamin-Rich Eye Cream - RRP: $89 / 15ml

 

Available from Adore Beauty, Active Skin and RY

   

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

 

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