PRODUCT REVIEW: PUR COSMETICS AIR PERFECTION CC CUSHION FOUNDATION, STROBE PALETTE AND MINERAL GLOW

As a beauty fanatic I love trying out and discovering new brands - and recently I came across PUR Cosmetics, and tested out their Best Sellers Kit (which you can read all about here), and really loved their products - so needless to say that when some of their newer releases landed on my desk, I was naturally very excited. 

If you're not familiar with PUR Cosmetics, then you must know that it is a U.S mineral makeup range that harsh underlying purpose of making products formulated with good-for-your-skin ingredients that not only help cover skin imperfections but also help correct its overall appearance. 

First up there's the PUR Cosmetics Air Perfection CC Cushion Foundation. This foundation has a massive SPF50, which you can only applaud it for when you live in a country like Australia. The actual foundation is infused with anti-ageing amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins and advanced botanical problem solvers, and also contains Brazil Babassu Oil to soften and soothe irritated skin for a soft, dewy complexion.

The foundation has an extremely light mousse-like texture, and the included sponge makes it so easy to apply and blend. It gives the skin a sheer coverage, as you'd expect from a CC Foundation, but it can easily be build up to a medium coverage, while still looking very natural. This means that it does cover minor redness and pigmentation, although I do fee the need to use a concealer to cover the dark circles under my eyes, and larger areas of darker pigmentation. The actual foundation comes in a white compact with an internal mirror, and as such it looks like most other cushion foundations. It has a lovely, but subtle floral fragrance that you can only love.

Overall I really love this Air Perfection CC Cushion Foundation, it really is light as air, and as it also gives the skin a lovely matte finish, it is perfect for my combination skin too, also because it doesn’t contain any petroleum-based oils that can clog up the pores. My skin also loves the fact that while it does contain hydrating properties, it is still so light that it doesn’t make my skin look shiny or oily throughout the day. This is the perfect foundation for a casual every day makeup. At $59 it is at the higher end of the scale for a foundation - but then again, it actually comes with a full sized bonus refill, which then suddenly makes it very well priced.

Next there's the PUR Cosmetics Mineral Glow Bronzer, which like all other PUR products, is no ordinary bronzer. You see, this bronzer has added shea butter to help soothe and moisturise the skin, along with ceratin complex, AHA and retinol to help add hydrating ceramides to the skin and help to smooth lines and wrinkles. Normally I don't like shimmery bronzers - mainly because I find they are often too glittery, plus they make my combination skin look shiny and consequently greasy, so I was a little wary when I saw this bronzer. But I was pleasantly surprised. This bronzer gives the most gorgeous natural tan and healthy looking glow, and without looking orange or fake. It is super easy to apply and blend and works perfectly for contouring too. It goes on sheer, but you can easily build up the intensity if you like. It simply gives you the most gorgeous radiant glow. 

Finally, there's the PUR Cosmetics Sun-Kissed Strobe Palette. This gorgeous palette is quite different in packaging to the other products - I mean, the cushion compact is white, the bronzer silver, yet this palette comes in a sleek, slim black and gold compact with a magnetic closure and internal mirror and it simply that oozes luxury - and hence, without a doubt, my favourite packaging of the three. And I never can resist beautifully packaged products.

The palette contains three iridescent highlighting shades to illuminate, define and flatter your face and achieve the perfectly strobed look. The shades are light and creamy and all super concentrated, so you only need the tiniest amount. And they simply glide onto your skin, quickly and easily, and are super fast to blend seamlessly too, giving you such a gorgeous illuminated buildable dewy glow.

The palette contains three complementary self-setting cream-to-powder shades, Aurora, Solar, and Dusk. Aurora is the palest shade, a warm beige shade, while Solar is a dusty rosy pink shade, and Dusk is a golden bronze shade.

The shades can be used to high points of the face, such as top of the cheeks, brow bone, or above the cupids bow for an instant glow. I have a medium beige skin tone, and these shades all work so well with my skin tone, but I believe the shades will work well with most skin tones as the shades simply melt onto the skin, and simply leave the skin looking more radiant and glowing, without depositing too much colour.

So yet again I am super impressed with these products from PUR Cosmetics. They are simply of such high quality and I love the fact that they contain skin caring ingredients as well. Definitely highly recommended.


PUR Cosmetics Air Perfection CC Cushion Foundation - RRP: $59 / 2 x 10ml
PUR Cosmetics Mineral Glow - RRP $42 / 12g
PUR Cosmetics Strobe Palette RRP $45 /

Available from select MYER Stores

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: L'UNICO LABORATORY PHYTO FRUIT PEEL, VITAMIN C SERUM, FIRMING EYE THERAPY, DAY CREAM AND NIGHT CREAM

Today I'd like to introduce you to a new luxury skincare brand that has just been launched in Australia, L'Unico Laboratory. L'Unico Laboratory is an Australian range that uses European engineered peptides and organic extracts for products that absorb instantly into the skin to help give immediate effective and visible results, protecting, rebuilding and addressing signs of ageing. 

Some other key facts about this new brand is that L'Unico is Italian and means THE ONLY ONE, and the key advantages of the products are;

• L'Unico uses nano-sized ingredients that are handcrafted to allow for 100% skin penetration and instant absorption. 
• All products have an aqueous base with a minimal use of 0.1% of natural oils or plant extract, which allows the formula to be instantly absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin. 
• L'Unico uses advanced variations of peptides to act as a signal to skin cells to make new collagen, improve wrinkles and firmness and reduce pigmentation. 
• Packaging is 100% light-resistant to guarantee stability within every drop of the formula, protecting against oxidation and deterioration by light. 

Now onto the actual products. I've put a selection to the test, and here are my thoughts..

The L'Unico Neuropeptide Firming Eye Therapy is a nourishing eye cream that promises to decrease the appearance of puffiness around the eye area and help to improve skin elasticity while restoring and correcting the delicate skin around the eyes. It also helps eliminate the appearance of dark circles.

And this eye cream seriously is incredible, as after just a few uses I could start to see that the skin around my eyes looked and felt both firmer and brighter, as well as dark circles remarkably reduced too. The cream absorbs immediately into the skin, and without any greasiness, so it is also perfect for using under makeup. The cream does take a few moments to absorb, but once it has, it leaves no residue and the eye area feels soft and smooth after application. It has a lovely fresh fruity scent and I also love that it is a hypoallergenic formula that is super gentle around my sensitive eyes.

Then there's the L'Unico High Potency 30% Vitamin C Serum, which contains a highly stable form of Vitamin C, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, or, more specifically, the tetraester of ascorbic acid and isopalmitic acid. This works as a powerful antioxidant and is a potent oil-soluble form of Vitamin C ester, which helps prevent cellular ageing by inhibiting the cross-linking of collagen, oxidation of proteins and lipid peroxidation - or in other words, it helps to boost collagen in the skin, and aids with the skin's hydration and density, help reduce the appearance of dark circles and spots as well as provide UV protection.

The serum has a gorgeous orange scent, and I did initially find it slightly oily on my combination skin, but overcame this by simply using less of this super concentrated serum. Just a few drops is sufficient, so while it may not be cheap, the bottle will last you forever, and as it can last up to 18 months without oxidising, that is not an issue. The light serum absorbs fairly quickly into the skin, and is to be used morning or night after cleansing and prior to moisturiser. And it seriously didn't take long for me to fall in love with this, as already after a few uses, I could tell how soft and glowing it made my skin feel and look. While my combination skin doesn't seem to lack moisture, it has still given it a visible boost, and I am also convinced that it is helping to reduce the appearance of some marks from recent breakouts. I could certainly get used to using this as a part of my regular skincare routine.

Then there's the L'Unico Youth Essence Day Cream and Regenerative Neuropeptide Night Formula, which both promises to help prevent the formulation of fine lines and wrinkles.

The Youth Essence Day Cream contains a mixture of vitamins, amino acids and the powerful peptides Acetyl Glutamyl Octatapeptide and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, which helps reduce wrinkle depth and in reducing surface muscle tension, while also protecting the skin and boosting collagen synthesis, helping to inhibit enzymatic destruction and to minimise unscheduled collagen degradation. But that's not all, it also helps maintain the skin's moisture balance, tone, elasticity land density, and counter the damaging effects of UV exposure.

The cream has a very subtle scent and is very light, absorbing immediately into the skin without any residue, but leaving it so soft and smooth, so again perfect for use under makeup during the day.

The Regenerative Neuropeptide Night Formula contains among others a encapsulated retinol (vitamin A), which helps to reverse the chronological signs of ageing including the appearance of fine wrinkles and expression lines, while boosting keratin, protein and collagen and minimising photo damage. The cream has a thicker and richer consistency, which you'd expect for a night cream, and it does take a few moments to absorb into the skin, but like the day cream, it also uses a nano technology to ensure it absorbs quickly and into the deeper layers of the skin for improved efficiency. I was initially concerned that it would be too rich for my combination skin prone to breakouts, as it is also so hydrating, but thankfully that has not been the case.

These two moisturisers do not come cheap, but they are highly concentrated, so you seriously only need to use a little, and I have to say that these products really do live up to their claims, and I am so impressed with the results, as my skin has been looking so much nicer, brighter, and I'd almost dare say, younger, in the time I've used them, so definitely worth their high price tag if you can afford them.

Finally, there's the L'Unico Phyto Fruit AHA Micro Peel, which is the perfect solution to an at-home-pampering session. These peel pads are to be used weekly after cleansing, by simply wiping them over your face for 10 minutes avoiding the sensitive eye and lip area before washing it off. The pads are soaked in fruit acids, with a concentrated blend of five botanical extracts including sugar cane, apple, orange, lemon and camellia oleifera leaf, - which combined offer lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid, to gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, exposing new skin layers that appear brighter, radiant and more even. The pads are available in three different strengths for different skin types, and promise to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and leave the skin fresher and more glowing and with a more even skin tone. I tried the level 1 Peel, which is the lowest strength, recommended for fair skin tones.

These pads are so super easy to use, and I love that they are so moist that you can continue to wipe the over your face, unlike other wipes that seem to dry out more or less immediately. I did feel a slight tingle at the first use, but only ever so slightly, and to be honest I think my skin would probably be ok with a slightly higher strength, being used to more intense skincare products. That said, I am so loving the effects of these, as the leave my skin looking so much brighter and more radiant and glowing too, and as a bonus, I actually also feel that they help clear up any breakouts that I may have. I am unsure exactly how many pads the pack contains, as the actual packaging doesn’t say, but considering that you are only supposed to use these weekly, I can already tell that these are going to last a long time. Thankfully, as I am so in love with these that I never want the jar to empty out.


So overall I am seriously impressed with these L'Unico Laboratory products - no they are not cheap, but they are seriously efficient, and really do live up to their claims, so if you can afford it, I highly recommend that you splurge and try out some of the products - I know that I'll be saving to repurchase when I run out of especially those Peel pads!


L'Unico Laboratory Neuropeptide Firming Eye Therapy - RRP: $160 / 30ml
L'Unico Laboratory High Potency 30% Vitamin C Serum - RRP: $100 / 15ml
L'Unico Laboratory Youth Essence Day Cream - RRP: $240 / 50ml
L'Unico Laboratory Regenerative Neuropeptide Night Formula - RRP: $340 / 50ml
L'Unico Laboratory Phyto Fruit AHA Micro Peel - RRP: $90 / 118ml

Available from L'Unico Laboratory

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: DR HAUSCHKA EYE AND BROW PALETTE AND MOISTURISING LIPSTICK

One of those brands that I used a lot growing up in Denmark was the German brand Dr Hauschka - but when moving to Australia, I didn't really see it anywhere. Last year, I put some of their new products from their limited edition Spectacular Comeback Makeup Collection Autumn/Winter 2016 to the test, which you can read more about there. And I have really enjoyed using these products, and still reach for them, so I was excited when some of the products from the revised makeup range landed on my desk.

The new range consists of a massive 82 products, which are all based on medicinal herbs to help activate the skin's natural abilities, plant waxes and oil including jojoba, avocado, and macadamia nut oils for intensive nourishment and smooth skin, silk and minerals for naturally radiant colours and nourrishment and reduced shine - and all these ingredients are of course 100% natural and NATRUE certified, and contain no mineral oils, parabens, silicones, phthalates and PEGs and of course no synthetic chemical fragrances, dyes or preservatives.

The Dr. Hauschka moisturising Lipstick is made with mineral pigments and botanical ingredients such as rose petals, almond oil and carnauba wax, and it has a gorgeous floral scent. It feels so lovely on the lips, and the soft formula glides on easily, and as it is quite pigmented, just one swipe is sufficient for a full coverage, with a slight sheen. The shade Paeony is a rich dark red shade, that is so stunning, - a dark classic red shade that is perfect for a night out, or simply to brighten up your everyday makeup. Due to the pigmentation and dark shade, it also has a good wear of several hours, though a little less if you eat or drink, but even when it fades, it does so evenly, leaving behind a nice stain on the lips. 

Then there's the Dr. Hauschka Eye & Brow Palette in the Stone combination, which contain four beautiful shades. All shades are matte, and ranging from an off-white, a taupe, a chocolate brown and a very dark brown that combined help create depth and the perfect smoky eye, and perfectly shaped eye brows. The mineral eye shadows contain silk powder and nourishing botanicals such as black tea to moisturise and soothe the delicate skin around the eyes - and they are so soft and easy to work with. You can naturally use shades individually for a more simple every day look, or easily build up the intensity as they are so pigmented. The eye quad comes in a gorgeous round shaped black compact, which has a large internal mirror, and also comes with a double ended applicator with a soft rounded brush in one end to be used for the eyes and a tapered brush in the other end, to use on the eyebrows. The eye shadows also have a gorgeous floral scent, that you can only adore. 


I really enjoy using these products. The lipstick has a gorgeous shade and is beautiful to wear, so I can see myself checking out the rest of the range, and also checking out the sheer lipstick range, as well as the pretty blush duo's and the colour correcting powders.

If you're looking for beautiful 100% natural makeup, then I highly suggest that you check out this new range from Dr Hauschka.


Dr. Hauschka Eye & Brow Palette - RRP: $70.00
Dr. Hauschka Lipstick - RRP: $49.01

Dr. Hauschka is available from David Jones, Active Skin, Adore Beauty, Facial Co, and Dr. Hauscha Online

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


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PRODUCT REVIEW: ORIBE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER FOR BEAUTIFUL COLOR

I admit it, I am a total sucker for beautifully packaged beauty products - so imagine my squeal when these incredibly stunning bottles with the Shampoo for Beautiful Color and the Conditioner for Beautiful Color from Oribe landed on my desk… 

These deep red glossy bottles are just beyond anything I've ever seen in shampoo bottles before, with their gold writing,and the logo that protrudes from the bottle. And what about that odd shaped shampoo bottle that looks more like a perfume bottle!!

But I guess, as they say, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, so let's find out what the products are like..

The Oribe Shampoo and Conditioner for Beautiful Color is a super gentle products that are designed to protect your hair colour making it look nicer and brighter for longer.

The products contains a mix of gorgeous ingredients including the Oribe Signature Complex, which is Watermelon, Lychee and Edelweiss Flower Extracts, which helps to defend the hair from oxidative stress, photo-aging and the deterioration of natural keratin as well as protect it from any drying, damaging and color-depleting effects of the elements. In addition, it also contains bioflavonoids, responsible for giving fruits their fantastic hues, to protect hair’s own color fro fading and discoloration, along with Baobab Tree Extract,to provide superior moisture to the driest areas of the hair. The products also have a Multi-Layered UV Protection System to give the hair long-lasting UV protection.

The Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color is very concentrated, and I only need to use the smallest amount, even in my long thick hair, and I can immediately feel how the soft lather is so gentle on my hair. The conditioner is rich, thick and creamy, and immediately absorbs into my dry hair. And after rinsing, my hair is left so incredibly soft, and is easier than ever to comb out. Once dry, my hair is left looking so soft and smooth that I cannot stop running my hands through it, and generally it also looks very shiny, glossy and healthy, with dry ends seemingly in much better condition as well as my frizz also seems to be minimised. And that was after just the very first use!! It is difficult to say what effect the products have had on my coloured hair, as it has been some time since it was coloured, but I do know that the products make my hair so easy manage and style and generally both feels and looks better than it has in a long time, which makes it all worth it.

Also worth mentioning, along with the stunning bottles, is that the products have the most divine fruity scent - not artificial or overwhelming like many haircare products, but so natural and just beautiful, so I am also very pleased that this gorgeous scent lingers in my hair after each wash.

So overall, I really am impressed with these products, they are as luxurious on the inside as they look on the outside. Yes they are pricey, but if you like me, spend hours upon hours at the hairdresser paying a fortune to get your hair coloured, then in my opinion, it is worth inventing in haircare products that will help maintain the colour and the health of your hair - so if you want to treat your hair to something extra nice, then you simply must try these products fro Oribe.


Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color - RRP: $56 / 250ml
Oribe Conditioner for Beautiful Color - RRP: $59 / 200ml
Available from select salons - call 1300 725 122 for stockists

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

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PRODUCT REVIEW: DUCARE LUXURY MAKEUP BRUSH SET FROM MISS ALLURA

Which makeup fanatic doesn't love good makeup brushes - after all, decent tools can make the whole difference to your makeup look. And lately I've been loving these beautiful brushes from Ducare which are available from the online shop Miss Allura. 

This 8-piece brush set contains all the brushes you'd need to do your makeup.

The brushes have gorgeous white shafts with gold accents, that makes them simply stunning. The black bristles are made of synthetic hair, and they are so soft and beautiful.

The brush set among others includes; 

• Eyeliner Brush - with a fine tip for a precise line 
• Lip Liner Brush - with tapered bristles 
• 3 Dual-Ended Eye Brow Brush - with agled brush in one end for defining brows with powder, and a spindle brush in the other end for grooming the brows 
• Small Eyeshadow Brush - slightly angled and rounded 
• Large Eye shadow Brush - with a rounded tip for applying eye shadow to the lid area 
• Smokey Eyeshadow Brush / Smudger Brush - with a rounded tip 
• Shaped Foundation Brush - for applying and blending liquid foundation 
• Large Powder Brush - that can also be used for any other powder including mineral foundation, blush, and bronzer 

This means that this set includes a brush for absolutely everything. The brushes have a rounded design, that makes blending so super easy. I really love these brushes, as they not only look amazing, they also feel super luxurious, and in the time I've used them, they have not shed a single hair, not even during or after washing them.

I also love that they come in a cute little golden bag, that makes storage and transportation so much easier.

These brushes are available from Miss Allura - and while they may be based on the other side of the world, they still offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, as well as free shipping on most of their items - and need I mention, super fast too.


Du Care Makeup Brush Set - RRP: AUD $47.99 - but currently on special for just USD $32.99
Available from Miss Allura

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


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