PRODUCT REVIEW: SUNESCAPE SELF TAN AND ILLUMINATING BODY TINT

Where did summer go. I cannot believe that it I almost winter here, and how fast temperatures are dropping. The lovely warm summer sun seems but a faint memory ago, - and my gorgeous summer tan is long gone, and my skin is looking pale and pasty. Nothing wrong with that, nothing at all actually - but if you're anything like me, I certainly feel I look better and healthier when I've got a just a slight tan. And that's where Sunescape comes in handy… 

Sunescape is an Australian brand, developed in the world-famous Bondi. And to create and maintain a beautiful tan, you just cannot go past Sunescape’s best value ‘Take Home Gift Box’ includes; 

• Sunescape Self Tanning Mouse - Available in two colour options, Week in Fiji, or Month in Maui
• Sunescape Hydrating Body Butter 
• Sunescape Hydrating Shower Gel 
• Sunescape Self-Tan Applicator Mitt 

The Sunescape Instant Self Tan Mousse, which is a lightweight, mousse that instantly give your skin a radiant bronzed look. It contains among others macadamia nut, coconut and avocado oils to keep the skin soft and hydrated, while the antioxidants from the added green tea, kakadu plum, grape seed extract and vitamin E help nourish and protect the skin. And while this mousse instantly gives your skin colour- which by the way, also helps make it easier to apply evenly as you can see where you've already applied it - the full tan takes 4-5 hours to fully develop. The mouse is very light, and absorbs quickly into the skin, but to avoid colour transfer onto your clothes, it is recommended that you want about 5-10 minutes getting dressed after you've applied it. 

To make application even easier and completely streakfree too, the kit also comes with an application mitt that you can use again and again - and it really is brilliant, and not to mention, saves you getting self-tanner under your nails and staining them! And as promised, after about four hours, your skin has the most beautiful glowing tan, that is not looking orange or fake, but rather healthy and natural. As if you've just spent the day at a tropical island.

One of the things I often don't like about self-tanners, and the reason I don't use them as often as I probably should, is that I generally just don't like the smell as they develop, but I have to say that I am beyond impressed with Sunescape. Yes, there is a scent, but compared to others that I've previously tried, this actually smells nice! I also like that once it fades, it does so evenly, like any normal tan would.

So after the 4 or so hours, you can have a quick rinse, but just a quick one as you do not want to wash everything off - but you don't have to, and if you don't the colour will continue to develop further. And for this shower, the Sunescape Hydrating Shower Gel is the perfect body wash. It contains among others kiwi, avocado, and passionflower and has been designed to extend the life of your tan. The shower gel is free from sulfates and soaps so it doesn't dry out the skin, but rather the added extracts from the tropical flowers along with the coconut oil, not only makes this smell incredible, it also gently cleanses the skin, keeping it soft and hydrated. 

To help you extend the life of your tan, the Sunescape hydrating Body Butter is perfect. This thick and rich body butter contains among others cocoa and shea butters, along with nut oils, mango fruit extracts and vitamin E to help nourish the skin, while also helping to reinvigorate and repair it. This body butter is thick, rich and creamy, and is so lovely on the skin. It does take a moment to absorb, but once it has, it leaves the skin feeling so soft and deeply nourished, and thus not only making your skin look healthier and younger, but also making your tan stay put for longer. It also has a divine coconut scent. 

In addition, I have also been loving the Sunescape Illuminating Body Tint, which is a wash-off instant tanner, that instantly gives your skin a beautiful radiant glow. This non-sticky body lotion contains among others a blend or argan, macadamia nut and coconut oils to hydrate and soothe the skin along with fruit extracts from guava and pomegranate to give it a lovely tropical scent. As the name suggests, it is slightly tinted, and is perfect to enhance your current tan, or use on its own of course, as it also helps smooth out uneven skin tones disguising smaller imperfections, and make the skin look more glowing and radiant thanks to containing just a touch of shimmer.

It is easy to apply evenly, though you do have to wait 10 or so minutes afterwards before getting dressed to avoid the colour transferring onto your clothes. And it quickly and easily washes off again with soap and water. 

Overall I have to say that I am beyond impressed with these products from Sunescape. The self tan is so super easy to use, and even a non-frequent user like me, managed to get a beautiful even and streak-free tan the very first time. Yes, the products do have a slight scent, but compared to most others, this is really so insignificant, that even I can put up with it.

You can naturally purchase all the products individually, but the Self-Tan Kit is perfect as it contains everything you need and even saves you a couple of dollars too. And the added Illuminating body tint, is such a great addition - perfect to give your skin an illuminated glow, so the ideal product to use on special occasion when you want to look even more radiant and healthy.

Yes, I would love nothing more than chilling a week in Fiji or even better a month in Maui, but that's not likely to happen anytime soon, but at least I can look forward to facing the first winter in a very long time with a beautiful healthy and natural looking tan, thanks to Sunescape.


Sunescape Self-Tan at Home Box, containing Instant Self Tan Mousse, 250ml, Hydrating Shower Gel, 200ml and Hydrating Body Butter, 250ml, Applicator Mitt - RRP: $79.80 (valued at $99.75)
Sunescape Illuminating Body Tint - RRP: $39.95 / 200ml

Available from Sunescape and select stockists

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: VTECH TELETUBBIES MY 1ST TABLET

I may have mentioned it before, but my little boy is so in love with Teletubbies. He was given a red Teletubbie, Po, and immediately fell in love with her, and it is without a doubt one of his favourite soft toys. And as all other toddlers, he is increasingly more and more interested in our computers and phones, so when the new Vtech Teletubbies My 1st Tablet landed on our desk for him to trial and review, we immediately knew it was sure to be a hit..

The Vtech Teletubbies Tablet is bright and colourful tablet suitable for 6 to 36 months olds. It has a touch screen that you can swipe and tap to encourage play with Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po, and you can tap on either of the four teletubbies and hear fun responses.

The tablet has 8 pretend app buttons to choose from to help your little one engage and learn topics such as numbers, shapes, letters, instruments, animals and nature sounds through imaginative play, while also encouraging speech through audio interaction with the fun phrases, sing-along songs and music - in fact, it has over 150 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases, so you'll never get tired of hearing the same ones over and over again. In addition, it also features light patterns and animations.

The tablet also ahs a cool camera feature, where you can zoom in and out and pretend to take photos with the app.

All in all thus is really a cool little toy for our little one, and I really love that while he is pretending to work on his tablet like daddy, he is in fact learning through play about music, words, phonics and numbers and so much more.

And because this table has so much to offer, it is also hours and hours of entertainment as he continues to discover more and more of its features.

Now, many of you will know that our little boy has been very sick and while he is thankfully doing really well, we still have frequent trips to the hospital for checkups, and we will for a long time to come - so this little table is also the perfect toy to keep him entertained during long trips to and from the hospital.

So regardless of if your little one is a Teletubbies fan or not, this Tablet is really a cool educational toy. We're impressed!


Vtech Teletubbies My 1st Tablet - RRP: $59.95
Available from Big W, Target, Myer, Toys R Us and Toyworld

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: KAREN MURRELL LIP PALETTE

I am sure you recall me raving about the Karen Murrell lip products - first the incredible lipsticks, which you can read all about here, and not very long ago some beautiful matching lip liners were launched, which you can read more about here. But I am not the only one who is in love, as a Karen Murrell lipstick is now sold every ten seconds globally, which says it all. They are nothing but incredible. And hence the new Lip Palette is added to the range. 

Like the lipsticks and lip liners, what's so incredible about these lipsticks - besides the beautiful colour range - is that they are natural and made without any of the chemical nasties or toxins. In fact, the lip palette is made from the same nourishing ingredients as the lipsticks, which include natural ingredients such as among others evening primrose oil to soothe and moisturise, avocado oil to nourish and hydrate, cinnamon oil to plump the lips, along with carnuba wax to make sure that the palette wont melt in the warmest of climates.

Like the rest of the lip range, the colours are made with naturally derived pigments enhanced with naturally derived titanium dioxide and iron oxides.

The Karen Murrell Palette itself is just beautiful. It comes in the most divine packaging featuring a beautiful painted floral 'sleeve' and the actual palette is just as stunning. The black slimline palette has a stunning floral design and the Karen Murrrell logo printed in gold on the top of the palette, along with gold edges, which makes it look so incredible luxurious. Inside you'll find a full sized mirror, and a double ended brush applicator to make application on the go super easy.

And then there's the colours - the Lip Palette contains five of the best selling shades including:

• Scarlet Blaze - a purple tinged red wine shade 
• True Love - a classic red 
• Coral Dawn - a bright coral-red shade 
• Poppy Passion - a bright pink 
• Carnation Mist - a pink toned mauve 

Like the lipsticks, these are lipsticks are beautifully soft and smooth, and feel so lovely and comfortable of the lips. The lip brush makes them easy to apply, and perhaps do make them last a little longer on the lips, I am not sure, but I generally get about 4+ hours wear, though a little longer with the darkest shades such as Scarlet Blaze and True Love. 

The range of colours in this pack is incredible, and it gives you a shade for every occasion and mood, which each one so beautiful, that it is near impossible to pick favourites, as I know I'll be using every single one of them - but if I must, I do currently really love a good bold lip, so needless to say that I've been reaching lot for Scarlet Blaze, True Love and Coral Dawn.

Karen Murrell is a New Zealand brand, although the lipsticks are made in Melbourne, Australia.

If you're not already familiar with Karen Murrell, you really need check out her products, you won't be dissapointed.


Karen Murrell Lip Palette - RRP: $65 / 9.85g
Available from Karen Murrell Online and select stockists in 21 countries around the world

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: BELLABOX MAY 2017

Another month has very quickly passed, and I've teamed up with Bellabox yet again for this months Futureproof box, and here's what was in it… and yes, you may have noticed that contents in the Bellaboxes often vary from subscriber to subscriber, but make sure to read all the way to the end for a very exciting inclusion for all receivers… 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (+) - Sample size, 3ml (RRP: $29.90 / 40ml) 
I absolutely love this moisturiser that helps correct the appearance of imperfections, unclog blocked pores and fight against redness and blemishes. This non greasy moisturiser makes such a significant difference to my skin, and I love that it is non-greasy too, as it is designed for oily and acne prone skin, so it is also perfect as a base for makeup. I have just run out, and not had a chance to purchase a new tube, so this little tube will help until I can get my hands on a new one, but naturally I wouldn’t have minded a slightly bigger sample. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (+) Unfiant - Sample size, 3ml (RRP: $29.90 / 40ml) This is a new addition to the range, which now also comes with a light sheer tint available in two different shades. I immediately fell in love with this one too, a corrective cream that gives you coverage, doesn't get better than that, so I cannot get my hands on a full sized tube fast enough. Again, I would naturally have loved a bigger sample, but there is sufficient in the tube to try out a few times, so you can really get a feel for what it is like.


Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SKinScent - Sample size 1.5ml (RRP: $95 / 50ml)
This is such a gorgeous warm citrus scent that immediately takes you back to the warm summer days. A beautiful fragrance that I wouldn't mind getting a full sized bottle off.


Kerastase Disipline Spray Fluidissime - Sample, 45ml (RRP: $46 / 150ml)
This is a leave-in anti-frizz spray that is so good. The spray is so easy to spray and work into damp hair, and the results are amazing. It simply leaves the hair so soft and shiny, while it keeps frizz at bay too and protecting it during heat styling too. And all while leaving the hair smelling absolutely amazing. I already have a full sized bottle of this, and have been loving it so much that I have been considering a repurchase, that's how good this stuff is. 


Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleaner - Sample, 30ml (RRP: $25.70 / 1litre) 
Who doesn't love this super gentle cleanser, which is perfect for even the most sensitive of skins. I actually also like using this to clean my makeup brushes, as I know it will also be gentle on them too.

Colourpop Hello Kitty Ultra Glossy Lip - Full Sized
Now for the exciting news - everyone will be getting a Colourpop lip product in their May Bellabox. This incredible LA brand has a huge cult following - and I for one has been keen to try out some of their products - and now I can. And I have to say that I am already in love too and can understand what all the hype is about. I got the shade Hello Pretty, which is a bright darker fuchsia pinky-red shade with micro shimmer, and feels lovely on the lips, being non-sticky and with a nice high gloss. Very excited to have tried something from the brand, finally - though now just even keener to try more of their products..


So there you go, the contents of the May '17 Bellabox. And again I am very impressed - in fact, I think this is one of the best boxes (albeit only few so far) I have received. I love and will use every single item. Yes, I already know several of them, such as the Cetaphil Cleanser, La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (+) and the Kerastase Disipline Spray Fluidissime, so I guess you can say that from that point of view, there is not much new to the box, but regardless, it is products that I truly love, so I honestly don't mind, and that said, the fact that I know I will use every single item, makes this month's box great value. And on top, I am so excited about the new tinted version of the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo (+), and needless to say, the Colourpop Lip Gloss as well. Well done Bellabox, you've really hit the mark this month!


$17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime - However, right now there's an offer where you can get $5 off your first box, making it a total of $12.95 by using this link from Bellabox
Note this is not an affiliate link, just saving you a few dollars.

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


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MOTHERS DAY GIFT IDEAS FROM HARD TO FIND

Have you ever struggled finding that perfect gift. Searched high and low in every store in every shopping centre you have access to, and still can't find just what you're looking for? Well then you haven't visited the cool online store Hard to Find.

This unique store, is loaded with amazing and product sourced from around the world, all from individual and independent crafts people and manufacturers. And through Hard to Find, you can thus buy pretty much your heart desires, direct from Australia, Paris, England, you name it - and while products will b sent direct from the seller, the whole purchase is via and service from Hard to Find, so you've always got that local support if needed. 

Below I've got a selection of uber-cool gifts suitable for Mother's Day, or any other gift of course… 

What this cool Travino Spillproof Wine Tumbler, which is essentially a wineglass inside tumbler, both made from BPA free acrylic so it won't break, and it is therefore the perfect travel companion when you feel like a little sneaky wine when you're on the go. It has a removable lid with a double seal with a closable opening so you can sip much like you would a cup of coffee. And tumbler makes you feel like you're actually wine glass, so you can still enjoy with a touch of style. Just too clever! 

Or how about this gorgeous Koa by Kaitlin stoneware cup from a design brand based on Melbourne's Mornington Penisula. The unique design on the cup is hand carved by a group of artisans from urban and rural communities in Bali, and is absolutely gorgeous, with its pink and white outer and blue inner glazing. The is perfect for that special relaxing moment with your favourite cup or tea (or coffee for that matter), as well as it is just as perfect to use as a snack bowl, or even a little vase, the options are endless - and with such a gorgeous design, you'll want to keep it out on display. 

Then there's these beautiful Pink Golden Star Earrings from Laviandbelle London - which has been handmade in their studio in Noting Hill, UK. These delicate and unique little earrings are so gorgeous, made from pink resin with gold surround, and they are simply perfect to dress up any outfit.

And how adorable is this cosmetic bag from Gemima London, with its unique printed design and tassel, and not to mention its hot pink lining. Just too pretty, and will make you smile every time you pull it out to do your makeup.

Or what about the Tinting Fluid from Madara Organic Skincare from Latvia, which is certified organic and entirely natural, and free from all the chemical nasties such as synthetic perfumes, synthetic preservatives like parabens, mineral oil, propylene glycol and other synthetic ingredients. This Moon Flower Rose Beige Tinting Fluid tints, illuminates and evens out the skin tone, thanks to rosehip, sunflower, chamomile and calendula extracts along with natural pigments that add instant hydration and luminosity to the skin for a healthy, glowy and flawless finish. It easily covers minor imperfections and fine lines, while looking natural, so I'm sure she'll fall in love with this as much as I have! 

For the hair, she'll love this gorgeous smelling Botanical Signature Healthy Glow Hair Oil Serum, which is a Sydney based brand who makes natural plant-derived remedies and organic products, make from the best ingredients. The Hair Oil contains among others morrocan argan certified oil to revitalise the hair for a healthier, smoother and silkier soft hair, along with seabuckthorn berries to add nutrients to the hair. It also contains rosemary leaf extract to promote growth. It is to be used in dry hair by applying a few drops after styling to help maintain natural moisture and keep the hair silky and shiny. The oil is very concentrated, but the glass bottle has a little dropper so you can dispense the tiny amount needed without any wastage. 

Then there's this 100% natural soy candle, Cannabis from Code Manly Original, which is designed for anyone 'looking to find their inner man beard". The soy candle is blended with some 'code-manly fragrance and poured by a human into a perfect white enamel tin, makes this wicked cool and awesome smelling burning wax thingy… slash candle. The tin the candle comes in, is inspired by the WW1 Military Issued Ration Tin. This candle has the scent of 'Fresh Cannabis Plant' and as stated on the tin, this is the 'only bud you can legally burn". Ok, this is so cool - and which male would love this idea - I'm sure most males are like my hubby and find scented candles too girly and overwhelming, but this one, is sure to appeal to his masculine side, - and as it actually smells rather lovely too, it is a win-win!

And just how gorgeous is this tea towel from Roofus Australia. It is made from Belgian Cotton/linen and is from a Melbourne based designer who loves portraying the beautiful Australian landscape in a fresh, bold and energetic way. This stunning and high quality bold orange tea towel will look amazing in any kitchen, and perhaps even make up look forward to doing the dishes.

Finally, how cool is this One in a Melon tote bag from Ellie Ellie, which is a designed and made in Sussex in the UK. And wouldn't this just be the perfect gift for that very special person. This high quality stylish and unique tote bag is so trendy, and can be used for absolutely everything from your gym gear to the shopping, or as me, for the back up clothes I am always carting around for my toilet-training toddler. I love the monochrome design, and the text is fun and eye-catching too.

 
Travino Spillproof Wine Tumbler - RRP: $22.90
Koa by Kaitlin Tea Bowl - RRP: $49.95
Laviandbelle London Pink Golden Star Earrings - RRP: $42.00
Gemima London Cosmetic Bag
Madara Organic Skincare Tinting Fluid - RRP: $48 / 50ml
Botanical Signature Healthy Glow Hair Oil Serum - RRP: $43.95 / 25ml
Code Manly Original Cannabis Soy Candle - RRP: $36 / 220g
Roofus Australia Flowering Gum Tea Towel - RRP: $35
Ellie Ellie Tote Bag - RRP: $37

All products available from Hard to Find 

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

 
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