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4 May 2017

MOTHERS DAY GIFT IDEAS - PART FOUR

Today I am continuing with another instalment of my Mother's Day gift ideas, which I hope you enjoy and feel make it a little easier to pick that special gift for Mum. If you've missed the previous parts, you can checkout out Part One, and Part Two and Part Three 


If she wants to look after her damaged locks a little better, than this Repair set from Schwarzkopf Bonacure will have her hair back to optimum health in no time. The gift set includes a shampoo and conditioner, which aims to treat hair that has been damaged from too much heat, colouring and straightening, thanks to containing a Cell Perfector and Reversilane technology. These products will helps repair hair at a cellular level, promising to reverse one to three years of damage with just one application, replenishing the inner structure of the hair, while sealing individual strands with anti breakage protection, for a stronger hair with up to 90% less breakage!

For my long and coloured hair the Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Repair products are the perfect fit, and I could immediately, from the very first tell how gentle the shampoo was, leaving my hair feeling soft and clean after easy wash. And following with the intensely nourishing conditioner, just a few moments with this treatment, which my hair immediately drinks up, and my hair is not only so much easier to comb out afterwards, but it is also left looking and feeling so much softer and not to mention shinier and healthier, also because ends seem less dry too, and frizziness significantly reduced - and all without leaving my hair feeling heavy or weighed down. 



If she is always on the go, and cares about being fit and healthy, then clothing from Svvet would be the ultimate choice. Svvet is the perfect gear, regardless if you are into yoga, running, the gym, or simply chilling at home, as this clothes simply stays put, no more clothes that hike up, or is uncomfortable due to annoying seams.

The Svvet Leggins are designed with a high waist that supports your shape (and tucks in those flabby mummy bits too!), and unlike other workout pants, these Svvet ones do not have the middle seam, but rather the stitching is directed away from the centre to make them both more flattering and also more comfortable. Plus the more heavy duty, thicker and stretchier material means that it simply moves with your body, and offers support where you need it most. The pants are available in both full length, 7/8 length, 3/4 length and short length and are made from moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you dry and fresher for longer, while the mesh behind the knees helps the skin breathe. The seamless design also has silicone bands inside the legs to make them stay in place as you move, double layer around the waist and pant area as well as a higher waist for extra support and stability. Heading towards the cooler months, my pick would be the full length pants, which are really comfortable and really makes me feel good.

The Svvet range also includes grey or red tank tops, sleeveless tops or short sleeved tops, made from the same high quality materials, that helps support where needed and keep you dry and fresh. I particularly love the short sleeved top, which has a gorgeous high cut raglan sleeve, and a scoop neck. It also features a double-layered bra area for extra support, as well as it is tighter around the bottom to keep it in place and stop it from riding up, while it is a little looser around the middle to make it more comfortable, and not to mention it means it won't draw attention to any mummy-muffin-top either. The red shade is so stunning and this is truly so comfortable to wear, and it looks so stylish too, that I can see myself wearing with a pair of jeans too! You really haven't tried active wear until you've tried Svvet, which sets a whole new bar for comfort and functionality!


If your loved one is always on the go, then she'll love this tiny and compact, yet super advanced portable bluetooth speaker from Altec Lansing. This Mini H20 II, is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and even floats should you drop it in the pool, and it is so slim, and lightweight that it fits easily into your handbag without weighing it down. Or if you're like me, the carabineer makes it easy to attach to pram or the handbag when you're out and about too. And as it has 6 massive 6 hours battery life, you'll be bobbing away to your music for hours on the go. But wait, that's not all - the Mini H20 II naturally plays your music very clearly, but it also features voice confirmation and an onboard microphone for clear, hands-free communication when you pair it with your mobile, and the simple control panel makes it easy to both adjust the volume as well as navigating tracks. So brilliant that you'd never want to be without it again. Available in red, turquoise-blue, black and cool grey.

 

A new perfume will never go astray, so how about this new Roberto Cavalli Paradiso Assoluto, which includes Pink Pepper and Wisteria in the top notes, Wild jasmine and Red Lily in the middle notes, and Pachouli, Sandalwood and Vanilla in the base notes. This is a such a gorgeous floral scent thanks to the jasmine, lily, patchouli and wisteria, while the sandalwood and vanilla leaves a creamy softness and sweetness that is however not too sweet either thanks to the Pink Pepper. I am not personally fond of too sweet nor too spicy scent, but this one has it just right, with its floral blend with just a touch of sweetness and a hint of spiciness. This is such a gorgeous scent, and while it is strong, for me, it is a perfect day time scent too as it lasts all day. I also love the stunning bottle which is shaped like a faceted diamond, shaded in colours of red and orange, so beautiful that it will look incredible on any dresser.


 
You're probably used to give Dad a bottle of 'grog' for Father's Day, but why not also give her something indulgent she’ll enjoy too. The Solerno blood orange liqueur made from Sicilian Blood Oranges would be a perfect choice. It is zesty and refreshing, and so delicious. You can drink it on the rocks over just ice, or mixed with soda-water and adding ice, and perhaps a slice of orange for a refreshing change> or you can even enjoy it as an orange affogato by taking a capful or two of Solerno and pour it over a scoop of vanilla icecream, and spooning over a shot of espresso, topping it off with a sprinkling of chocolate and perhaps a touch of orange zest for a restaurant worthy look. This would have to be my fave way to 'drink' Solerno.

 
And don't forget to add a personalised handwritten card for her. This premium card featured is an acrylic board with a card on the back from the Hallmark's Signature Collection, and along with the "LOVE YOU MORE" has the beautiful writing inside "More than yesterday, More than anything, More every single day", simple yet beautiful. She'll absolutely love this.


Schwarzkopf Bonacure Repair Set - RRP: $28.95
Available from select haircare salons 

Svvet Full Length Tight Pants - RRP: $89.00
Svvet Short Sleeve Top - RRP: $65.00
Available from Svvet

Altec Lansing Mini H20 II - RRP: $59.95
Available from Target, Big W, Anaconda and The Good Guys 


Roberto Cavalli Paradiso Assoluto EDP - RRP: $110 / ml
Available from select stockists: 1800 812 663


Solerno - RRP $69 / 700ml 

Available from all good liquor stores

Hallmark's Signature Collection Cards - RRP: From $9.99
Available from Target, NewsXpress, The Lucky Charm and select independent retailers 

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


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3 May 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: ROBERTO CAVALLI PARADISO ASSOLUTO EDP

People who know me, will know that I love perfumes. I am not one of those to have a signature scent, simply because I believe that there are too many gorgeous scents out there, with new ones added so often, and that it is such a shame to restrict yourself from all of those gorgeous scents. And whenever new fragrances hit the shelves, I always get excited. One such new launch is the Roberto Cavalli Paradiso Assoluto Eau de Parfum. 



This new Roberto Cavalli Paradiso Assoluto, which includes: 

  • Top Notes - Pink Pepper and Wisteria
  • Middle Notes - Wild Jasmine and Red Lily 
  • Base Notes - Patchouli, Sandalwood and Vanilla

This is a such a gorgeous floral scent thanks to the Jasmine, lily, patchouli and wisteria, while the sandalwood and vanilla leaves a creamy softness and sweetness that is however not too sweet either thanks to the Pink Pepper. I am not personally fond of too sweet nor too spicy scent, but this one has it just right, with its floral blend with just a touch of sweetness and a hint of spiciness.

This is such a gorgeous scent, and while it is strong, for me, it is a perfect day time scent too as it lasts all day. I also love the stunning bottle which is shaped like a faceted diamond, shaded in colours of red and orange, so beautiful that it will look incredible on any dresser.


Roberto Cavalli Paradiso Assoluto Eau de Toilette - RRP: $110 / 50ml
Available from select stockists - to enquire, call 1800 812 663

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




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2 May 2017

PRODUCT REVIEW: KEVIN MURPHY SMOOTH.AGAIN.WASH, SMOOTH.AGAIN.RINSE, DOO.OVER AND LEAVE-IN.REPAIR

With long chemically treated hair, I am always looking for great hair care products to keep my hair healthy and shiny. One of those brands I really enjoy for its incredible results is Kevin Murphy (you can find all my previous reviews via the labels to the left of the blog), so I was excited to put the newest offerings to the test.. 


The new shampoo and conditioner from Kevin Murphy, SMOOTH.AGAIN.WASH and SMOOTH.AGAIN.RINSE has been designed to help the hair tame frizz, by using naturally derived ingredients and biomimetic technology.

The Kevin Murphy SMOOTH.AGAIN.WASH contains among others monoi oil from gardenia flower to smooth and tame he hair, sunflower seed extract to protect the hair, and murumuru seed butter for healthy hair and growth, and olive fruit oil to imitate the natural oils of a healthy scalp.

The Kevin Murphy SMOOTH.AGAIN.RINSE contains among others a keratin protein to give the hair extra strength and shine, along with cocoa seed butter to heal damaged ends and improve flexibility, along with Brazil nut oil to help protect, nourish and protect the hair from future damage.

Both products have a slight smell of coconut, which I wish they didn’t, as it is not my preferred scent, however, as the results speak for themselves, I can certainly put up with this smell - which by the way, I know others will absolutely love. And the products really do leave my hair feeling so soft and smooth, from the very first use. The dry ends of my hair, seem healthier, and frizz is definitely minimised to the point where I don't feel that I absolutely have to use an oil serum to smooth it down.

I also love the square upside-down bottles, which are not only super funky, but also makes it possible to completely empty the bottles without any wastage.

The Kevin Murphy LEAVE-IN.REPAIR is as the name suggests a leave-in treatment which helps treat hair damaged by colouring, harsh sun or everyday pollutants. This treatment can be used in either damp or towel dried hair, and is using anti-ageing skincare research to help nourish and protect the hair and prevent further damage and breakage. It is free from parabens and contains among others rose geranium, clove leaf oil, jojoba seed oil, green tea protein and bamboo leaf extract as well as pineapple and papaya enzymes to help repair the hair and increase moisture retention, for a reconstructed and revitalised hair, that is shinier and healthier.

The actual treatment is thin and light, and absorbs quickly and easily into the hair, without making it look or feel greasy, or weighing it down, and like all other Kevin Murphy products, it is a lovely natural scent from the natural ingredients. I really love how soft and smooth this treatment makes my hair, and I love that I can use it in both wet and dry hair, so I can also give my hair an extra moisture boost and protection on the days I don’t wash it. It comes in a gorgeous, and architecturally shaped pastel blue bottle that looks stunning in the bathroom, and is easy to use thanks to the pump.

I have also really been loving the Kevin Murphy DOO.OVER, which is a dry powder finishing hairspray, designed to be used on dry hair to remove any excess moisture and oil, and give the hair more volume at the same time, to help revive and refresh, or you can say 'doo' over your hairstyle, and this extending the period between hair washes.

The DOO.OVER contains among others tapioca starch to help keep the hair soft and remove excess oil and moisture, as well as Virginian cedar wood for its astringent and antiseptic properties, along with silica to increase the hair's volume and shine, while providing just a tiny bit of hold, sufficient to stop those frustrating flyaways.

DOO.OVER smells kind of like most hairsprays, but I really like this one, as it has helped add so much volume into my heavy and flat long hair by spraying it onto the roots, all while being such a lifesaver when I'm in a rush in the mornings and haven't got time to wash my hair. Other sprays like this also often make the hair look white and dull, but not this one, which does give it a touch of sheen, which is a refreshing change. Yes, a little pricey, but absolutely worth it. And besides, who can resist that pretty pink can!!


Kevin Murphy SMOOTH.AGAIN.WASH - RRP: $38.95 / 250ml
Kevin Murphy SMOOTH.AGAIN.RINSE - RRP: $39.95 / 250ML
Kevin Murphy LEAVE-IN.REPAIR - RRP: $49.95 / 200ml
Kevin Murphy DOO.OVER - RRP: $42.95 / 250ml

Available from select salons - for stockist details, visit Kevin Murphy

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

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1 May 2017

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT IDEA - FOREO LUNA MINI 2 WITH BONUS FOREO LUNA PLAY FROM THE SHAVERSHOP

Today I've got the ultimate gift idea for Mother's Day - a FOREO LUNA Mini 2 from the Shaver Shop, which right now comes with a bonus FOREO Play. If you've never heard of a FOREO before, it is a sonic tool that cleanses your skin by the use of transdermal sonic pulsations along with tiny nubby silicone touch-point bristles, which combined helps to gently cleanse the skin while refreshing the look and feel of it.


In more details, the FOREO LUNA Mini 2 is an enhanced T-Sonic™ face brush that has up to 8;000 T-Sonic™ pulsations per minute for a powerful cleansing, promising to lift 99.5% of dirt and oil. It also has eight adjustable intensities for a fully customisable cleansing experience.

The FOREO LUNA Mini 2 has an updated 3-zone face brush is optimized for all skin types, as it has thinner touch-points on one side to gently cleanse sensitive or normal skin, thicker touch points on the tip for precision cleansing on the front and broad touch-points on the other side to refresh oilier skin on the back.

The FOREO has a silicone brush head, which is not only nonabrasive, it also has non-porous silicone bristles that won't have a build-up of dead skin cells or bacteria, so it is more hygienic as well as you course won't have to change brush heads.

The FOREO has a cool design, and comes in some gorgeous colours, - just check out this bright pink! - and I also love that once you have fully charged it, it can last up to 300 uses, which is basically 5 months if you use it twice a day - and as it is so light, it is also perfect when you go travelling. I also love that it is fully waterproof, so that I can easily use it in the shower, while I wait for my conditioner to do its magic.

I really really love this FOREO LUNA Mini 2, as it makes such a difference to the health of my skin. I have combination skin, and always suffered with breakouts, but using the FOREO just a minute twice a day, makes my skin not only less greasy, and more refined, I am also convinced that it helps minimise breakouts. I also feel that subsequent skincare absorbs much better and faster into my skin, and my makeup stays looking nicer for longer.




And again, now is the perfect time to buy , either for yourself, or treat your mummy, as if you purchase any full price FOREO over $179. you will get a bonus FOREO LUNA Play, valued at $59.

The tiny FOREO LUNA Play has basically the same features as the bigger model, except it is tiny, the size of a macaroon, so it is ideal to take with you when you go travelling, or perhaps to pop into your gym bag. The LUNA Play bristles on one side of the device, with thinner touch-points to gently cleanse sensitive or normal skin, thicker touch points on the tip for precision cleansing. Also important to note is that it is NON-RECHARGABLE, so essentially it is disposable, but it does promise to last up to 100 uses, which is still close to two months of use twice daily, - so this really is the perfect tool to bring with you when you go travelling. It comes in five new colors, including this stunning and bright Sunflower Yellow.


Foreo Luna Mini 2 - RRP: $179 - with bonus Foreo Luna Play valued at $59
Available from The Shaver Shop

Note - Colours may vary, and offer available while stocks lasts. Offer ends 14th May 2017.


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


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MOTHERS DAY GIFT IDEAS - PART THREE

Today I am continuing with my Mother's Day gift ideas, which I hope you enjoy and feel make it a little easier to pick that special gift for Mum. If you've missed the previous parts, you can see Part One, and Part Two


It may be on the brink of Winter here in Australia, but who doesn't want to hang onto the feeling of summer for a tad longer. And with this Summer candle from Sydney Fragrance she can do just that.

The Sydney Fragrance candles have been hand made in Australia with the aim to represents the many facets of Sydney style, and this particular Summer candle has been inspired by Sydney's beachside summer with a mojito with a twist of lemon in the hand, vanilla scented in the house, and a bouquet of fresh cut orchids in a vase. This premium and luxury candle is made in a high quality glass with a black timber lid, and with the highest quality soy-blended wax and with the best of fragrances including among others lime, pineapple, lemongrass, apple, white jasmine, mush and vanilla. The soy contents means that the candle will burn cleaner and better, and not cover your walls (and even worse, your insides!!), with black smoke, so its much better and healthier for you too.

The huge candle, not only looks stunning, it will instantly fill your home with the most gorgeous fresh floral and zesty scent that will take you right back to summer, even on a cold winter's night, and burn for a massive 80 hours.

Another suggestion would be some premium skincare from Gensen Japan, such as the Sun Age Control Day & Night Repair Serum, and the Sun Age Control Day & Night Revitalising Moisturiser.

These Japanese products are made with Onsen water from Japanese Hot Spring Waters which originate deep in the volanic earth, as these waters are rich in minerals and iodine, which have skin healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, restoring, and rejuvenating properties. As well as the products contain Plat Ceria, which is a non-greasy base that helps protect the skin from UV rays. The Gensen Japan Sun Age Control Day & Night Repair Serum aims to penetrate deep into the layers of the skin to help hydrate, while protect the skin, as well as it helps restore and rejuvenate the skin at night, to help prevent and reverse skin ageing for a combined more luminous and younger looking skin, promising to also smooth fine lines, repair past sun damage, regenerates ageing skin, accelerate skin renewal, which providing hydration to the skin. This serum is so light and gorgeous that it absorbs immediately into the skin, and in spite of its intense moisture, it leaves the skin soft and smooth and silky soft.

The Gensen Japan Sun Age Control Day & Night Revitalising Moisturiser, is a very light, almost gel-like consistency, which absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it soft and smooth, and with a velvety matte finish. It is the perfect moisturiser to use under my makeup, making it say looking nicer all day. It helps lock in moisture into the skin, repair the skin and promote skin renewal, and all while giving the skin a soft and healthy glow. Combined these two products are perfect for anyone concerned with fighting the signs of ageing, and because the products are so gentle they are also suitable for sensitive skin, and their light and non-greasiness makes them perfect for greasier skin types too.

What about spoiling her to this gorgeous Essential Gems Gift Pack from Dr LeWinn's, which contains a Sensitive Cleansing Milk and Hand & Nail Cream.

The Sensitive Cleansing Milk is a mild cleansing lotion is designed for sensitive skin, and contains among others sweet almond protein to regenerate and moisturise the skin, as well as aloe and orchid extract and white tea to soothe and soften the skin, all while being free from common skin irritants such as parabens and sulphates. The cleansing milk comes in a stunning white pump bottle and it has the most divine floral scent. And it quickly and easily removes all traces of makeup, and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

The Hand and Nail Cream is a long time favourite of mine as it is truly incredible. It contains among others aloe, and multi vitamins including A, B and E and it helps add intense moisture and nourishment to the hands, and leave them with protected from damage by creating an invisible protection layer on the skin. The rich cream absorbs quickly and easily into the hands and leaves them so much softer and smoother, and younger looking too, and continued use, will also help improve the condition of nails and cuticles leaving them looking so much healthier too.

The products come packaged in the most gorgeous and so useful silver cosmetics bag, and it is such great value too as you literally get the hand cream and cosmetics bag for free!


Well, if you're considering giving her a gift, then she must be a mum - and hence having undergone a pregnancy and probably breastfeeding, would probably mean that her boobs are not as perky as they once were - so what about bust lift in a tube - by giving her a tube of Alpha Keri Body Slimfit Bust Lift and Firm Cream. Used twice a day, this cream promises to help improve breast filling and shaping and create lifting and push-up effect by up to 5mm in 4 weeks. The cream contains among others African “Tree of Life” which help tighten the skin and improve shape, as well as marine collagen lipid-filler microsphere technology that helps plump up the breast. The cream has a gorgeous fragrance, and it is easy to get into the habit of massaging it into the breast and décolleté, and after using for a few weeks, I have to admit that it can be difficult to say exactly to what extent it has actually lifted my breasts which have been through two pregnancies and two rounds of breastfeeding - however, I have definitely noticed that the my skin is not only looking softer and smoother, and more plumb too, but small lines also appear to have mininised somewhat, as well as the skin in general looks more youthful and glowing. So definitely worth a try, I know I’ll be using this as a part of my body skincare regimen from now on.


If she's into makeup, then why not gift her one of Real Techniques's Bold Metals Collection's newest products, the Miracle Diamond Sponge. This new makeup sponge is designed to make achieving a flawless look even easier. Unlike a beauty blender sponge, this one, as the name suggests, is shaped like a sponge, and has a unique white and grey marble swirly design.

With this Miracle Diamond Sponge you can use the larger flat sides to apply makeup and buff and blend larger areas of the face, and the smaller sides for better and more precise contouring on areas such as eyes, mouth and brows. The pointed tip is great to use for covering small imperfection such as blemishes, or in the corners of the eyes. As with any other makeup sponge, it can used dry for a full coverage, or damp for a more dewy look. The new shape does take a little getting used to, but it is such a great tool, and I personally really like how good it is at working on smaller areas thanks to the pointy tip.


If you really want to spoil her, then this stunning Volante Silver Watch from Klasse 14 is sure to make her happy. The beautiful watch has a 36mm stainless steel face, with, and features an applied index dial, with a Quartz analog movement - and with its sleek silver mesh band it is simple and simply stunning - like a piece of classic and timeless jewellery, that will never go out of fashion.

This watch is the essence of style and quality, and will look incredible regardless if she is wearing casual clothes or dressed up to go out.

  

Sydney Fragrance Candle - RRP : $39.95 / 360g
Available from Sydney Fragrance and select stockists


Gensen Japan Sun Age Control Day & Night Repair Serum - RRP: $$110 / 35ml
Gensen Japan Sun Age Control Day & Night Revitalising Moisturiser - RRP: $86 / 60ml
Or Mother's Day Special, save 20% and purchase both for $156
Available from Gensen Japan


Dr. LeWinn’s Essential Gems Gift Pack - RRP: $34.95
Available from Priceline and select pharmacies

Alpha Keri Slimfit Bust Lift and Firm Cream - RRP: $49.95 / 200ml
Available from Priceline and select pharmacies, and Alpha Keri Online 


Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection Miracle Diamond Sponge - RRP: $24.99
Available from Priceline and Real Techniques online 
 

Klasse 14 Disco Volante Silver Watch - RRP: $338 with free delivery worldwide
- and if you enter the discount code BEAUTYANDLIFESTYLEHUNTER, you can get a cool 12% off (note this is not an affiliate link, just saving you some money!)
Available from
Klasse 14

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



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