Product Review & NOTD: OPI, Liquid Sand, Bond Girls Collection, Vesper

A few months ago OPI launched the collection The Bond Girls Collection, a limited edition of six liquid sand colours, inspired by the Bond Girls. Having always been a huge James Bond fan, I was really excited about that, so here are my thoughts on *OPI Liquid Sand colour, Vesper;

What They Say:

The Bond Girls Collection nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.
RRP: $19.95 – Available from David Jones, Myer and selected beauty salons


What I Say:

I really love the OPI nail polishes, as you can always rely on the best quality and a continuous stream of amazing colours. And I really love, and give the polishes bonus points for being 3-free – that is, for not containing DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde.

The colour Vesper described by OPI as a "mysterious and intriguing deep purple" – and it really is a lovely very dark aubergine purple, which in a certain light almost looks black.

The nail polish is using OPI’s technology for a textured and gritty surface with tiny sand granules, along with a matte finish with reflective sparkle.

As other OPI liquid sand colours, the nail polish has a nice formula, and has the usual good quality wide brush that makes it easy to cover the nail in just a few strokes. I am wearing two coats for a solid coverage without streaks.

The nail polish does take a little longer to apply than normal OPI polishes, and I find that I need to add a thicker second coat for full coverage, which consequently means that it takes a little longer to dry. But as it has such a unique look it is well worth it.

As with all other OPI nail polishes, it doesn’t have a strong chemical smell either, which I’m sure is because it is free from DBP, Toluene, and Formaldehyde.

The nail polish lasts about three days before it starts to chip a little at the edges, but that is without wearing a top coat, as I feel that is a shame as it would ruin the special matte look and feel. And I have to admit that I so cannot stop touching my nails, which feels like a fine nail file or sanding paper.

All in all, OPI nail polishes really are of such fantastic quality, and absolutely worth their price tag. And although I am not usually a fan of purple, this dark purple colour is so lovely and unique, that I will enjoy wearing it again and again.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. 

What do you think Vesper? Are you a Bond Fan? What do you think of the Liquid Sand formula? Have you tried any?
 

Product Review: Best Bargain Beauty Buys – 23.08.2013

Last Friday I did a post on Best Bargain Beauty Buys, and while I have to be completely honest and admit that there are some products where I do splurge on higher end products, there are just as many products, that I use on a daily basis that are inexpensive, yet are very efficient and fantastic products that I enjoy using, so I thought I’d make the Best Bargain Beauty Buys a regular feature on my blog, so here are this week’s picks;

 

 

*Palmolive Collections Liquid Hand Wash in Grapefruit & Lime Tonic – RRP: $5.99 (420ml) – Available from supermarkets

 

 

Who else thinks that hand washes always come in daggy and cheap looking bottles? Often I will pour them over into a nicer pump bottle, but usually it’s a messy affair, and one I’d rather be without. And now Palmolive has launched the Collections range, which comes in beautiful bottles that will look stunning in the bathroom too. I have the Grapefruit and Lime Tonic, and let me tell you, it has the most gorgeous citrus scent (my favourite scent!), that lingers nicely on the hands after you’ve washed them, and without drying the hands out too. Hubby likes this one too, so it will definitely be replaced when it runs out, but with such a large bottle it will take some time!

 

Dove Colour Radiance Shampoo & Conditioner – RRP$6.79 (300ml) - Available from Priceline, pharmacies and supermarkets

 

 

This shampoo and conditioner have a "colour revitaliser" technology to help keep coloured hair look more vibrant. The shampoo has lower sulphate content than no usual Dove formulations. In spite of containing less sulphate, the she shampoo foams up easily making my hair feel clean and soft after just one wash. The conditioner is thick and creamy and absorbs quickly into my hair, and it is easy to rinse out, leaving behind no residue that weighs down my hair.

Once dry, my hair feels so soft that I can’t help but keep running my hands through it, and it is very shiny and looking so healthy. The annoying frizz is reduced and my dry ends have been given a moisture boost. Both have a nice sweet fruity scent, and once the hair is dry this scent still lingers faintly. And as for my colour, it has been quite a few months since I had my hair coloured, but the shampoo and conditioner has brought the shine again. These are fantastic products at supermarket prices.

 

*Models Prefer Indefinite Colour Lip Liner - RRP $7.95 – Available from Priceline

 

 

This little beauty is amazing. Gone are the days of having countless lip liners to match every single lipstick in your collection. This lip liner from Modes Prefer goes on clear to the lips. It is so soft and smooth that it almost feels like it’s a lip balm in a pencil form. I have been using it will a variety of lipsticks and also lip glosses, and it helps them stay put for longer, and I avoid the unsightly bleed when wearing especially darker colours. A bargain must have. I wouldn’t be without it.

 

*St. Naturally Clear Ives Green Tea Cleanser – RRP: $9.95 (200ml) – Available from Priceline, pharmacies and supermarkets

This oil-free cleanser from St. Ives contains 2% salicylic acid to help treat and prevent acne breakouts, as well as green tea to help soothe the irritated skin. It easily removes all makeup, and leaves the skin feel clean and refreshed deep down every pore, clearly removing excess oils, dirt and grime, yet without making the skin feel tight or dried out. It has the most gorgeous fresh scent, and I love that it has been made without parabens or phthalates.

*Australis Voluptulash - RRP: $11.95 - Available from Australis Cosmetics, Priceline, Big W, Kmart and selected pharmacies nationally.

 

 

I love how this Voluptulash Mascara from Australis has a silicon-curved brush, or rather comb, which allow you to brush through the lashes building up the desired volume while separating the lashes nicely and avoiding clumps. And because of the curved shape of the comb, it easily gets into the hard to reach lashes too.

The comb also has a curling effect allowing you to ‘shape’ the lashes as you go. Two coats of this tubing mascara gives the lashes a nice day-time look, with long, thick and glossy lashes, that still looks very natural. It stays put all day without smudging or flaking, which is important to me with sensitive eyes that easily water, yet it is fairly easy to with water (although I still prefer to use an eye makeup remover).

It is great mascara that is perfect for wearing to work or during weekends for casual outings, and it won't break the bank.

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

 

What do you think of this weeks’ Best Bargain Beauty Buys? Have you tried any of these? Or keen to? Which products do you splurge on, and where do you opt for bargain buys?
 

Product Review: Arbonne RE9 Advanced Regenerating Toner

I have to be quite honest and admit that I don’t always use a toner after I’ve cleansed my skin. I always, religiously cleanse my skin every morning and evening, regardless of how tired I am, but for some reason I admit to sometimes skipping the toner. And that’s even realising that it does have some clear benefits, as well as getting rid of any makeup that may be left behind. Anyway, here’s my thoughts on the *Arbonne RE9 Advanced Regenerating Toner;

What They Say:

"An antioxidant-rich, pH-balanced mist with Vitamins A, C and E regenerates skin tone and firmness to deliver younger-looking skin."

RRP: $53 (50ml) – Available from Arbonne

What I Say:

The Arbonne brand is relatively new to me (where have I been!!), but I did recently trial the Perfecting Liquid Foundation, Blush and Bronzer, and loving them all, I was excited to be trialling this Advanced Regenerating Toner as well. 

The RE9 Advanced Regenerating Toner has its name from the 9 potent ingredients that have been used in the product range; algae extract, vitamin C, bio-hydria complex, vitaspheres, elhibin, stimu-tex, alpha lipoic acid, copper, peptide and alpha and beta hydroxyl acids. Combining these ingredients with botanical ingredients including pineapple and papaya enzymes, marine lavender extract, beech tree bud extracts and kudzu root extract claims to “help support collagen and elastin production, nurturing the skin, leaving it softer and hydrated”.

The Arbonne RE9 Advanced Regenerating Toner comes in a warm orange spray bottle with gold writing, which looks nice and stylish, and not to mention quite luxe.

 

 

And speaking of the spray, this is the first toner that I’ve ever tried that comes with a spray. Usually you have to pour toners onto a cotton ball/pad, but I do like the fact that you can spray it directly onto the face – it is not only very easy, but it also minimises any wastage of the toner which is otherwise absorbed by the cotton ball.

However, directly spraying the toner onto the skin means that it is not removing any makeup left behind on the skin.

The toner seems to be a thicker in consistency than the usual toners, so combined with spraying it directly onto the skin, I would actually say that I would find it more suitable if it was called a serum as opposed to a toner. Having the slightly thicker consistency I do find that I have to spread and dab the toner into my skin, but this has to be done rather quickly before it completely absorbs.

The toner has a fruity, but also slightly chemical scent, but it is still quite pleasant and does disappear almost instantly once absorbed into the skin.

Spraying it onto the skin feels nice and refreshing, and my skin is left feeling soft and moisturised. For a few minutes after my skin does feel slightly greasy, but then the greasiness disappears and I can add my makeup without issues.
As well as using the toner morning and evening, I have also been using this during the day, in particularly after I’ve been out walking my dogs, and come home and my face is a little wind burnt from the chilly winter winds – and the toner instantly soothes and make my skin feel  nice again.

At $53 for a small 50ml bottle this is rather expensive, but then again only a few sprays are needed – again, if this was in fact a serum, it would be considered a reasonable price for an anti-ageing product.

So how has the toner performed after using it for a few weeks? Well I have to be honest and say that I have not noticed any change in either skin tone, firmness or that my skin is looking any younger. But that also goes with saying that I am probably currently more tired than I have ever been with a newborn, I am still getting used to no longer getting a solid 8 hours sleep every night having to get up in the middle of the night to feed my little boy, and not to mention, listening out for him during the night as well. But what I am feeling is that my skin feels soft and smooth and so thoroughly hydrated.

What I like

• That it comes in a spray bottle, it is so easy to use, also during the day when I feel my skin needs an extra boost of nourishment.
• That it is very concentrated and a little goes a long way.
• That it is so gentle, and unlike other toners does not dry out the skin, but rather offers anti-ageing properties

 
What I don’t Like

• The price, it is a little expensive for such a small bottle.

• That you cannot see how much product is left in the bottle

Overall, this is a nice toner, and I like the anti-ageing properties, although I am yet to see any major results, I am sure that with continued and long-term use, and used in conjunction with the other products from the Arbonne RE9 product range it will show great results – I for one would be keen to try the other products in the range.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you ever used any of the products from Arbonne? Do you use a toner? Which one is your favourite?

Industry News: L’Oreal launches Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection

As most others  I love nail polishes, and have more different colours that I can count. But still I always get excited when new colours are launched every season. And right now it is also the signal that winter is finally coming to an end – bring on spring and summer.

Anyway, L’Oreal has just announced their Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection, and I thought it was too good not to share.

 

Play it loud with neon brights!

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection offers six on-trend shades to ensure the women of Australia have the very latest in global trends and colours. In fashion and beauty, neon is this summer’s essential accessory from the catwalk to the sidewalk. Ultra concentrated neon pigments provide vibrant, intense colours with high coverage.  The Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection allows every woman to mix and match her favourite Summer shades for every mood, look and occasion.

 

A truly innovative formula

The L’Oréal Paris Laboratories continue to innovate with Colour Riche Le Vernis.  This stunning nail polish collection incorporates the very latest in formula and design to offer a truly superior cosmetic offering.

The Colour Riche Le Vernis nail polish collection offers an exceptional formula rich in high-concentrate pigments and a built-in Top Coat. The Top Coat contains film-foaming polymers for shine and colour durability plus a “crystal acrylic” to ensure the purest and truest colour. The ultra-fine ingredients in the formula are combined in a liquid gel base, the Liquigel, so the polish glides on smoothly and easily during application and provides even coverage over the entire nail. The liquid gel base prevents the polish from spreading too thinly to avoid the runs drips and bubbles of classic polishes.

A patented brush designed by Jean-Louis Gueret

L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis comes with an innovative brush that includes three different patents in its design. Firstly, the stem was especially created to ensure the product adheres to the centre of the brush and delivers just the right dose of polish for a one-stroke application. Secondly, the internal and external capillaries of the bristles serve as reservoirs to ensure better polish applications.  And thirdly, flat and rounded, the splayed tufts make application more comfortable and control the flow of polish so that each stroke applies an even amount of product all along the nail.

A vibrant shade range to brighten up Summer

The Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection consists of the following shade palette:

Acid Watermelon 827

 

Flashing Lilac 828

 

Atomic Purple 829

 

Neon Turquoise 830

 

Wasabi Hint 833

 

Banana Pop 834

L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Le Vernis Summer Collection will be available from October 2013 to February 2014 ONLY at selected pharmacies, department and variety stores for RRP $6.95

I particularly love the Wasabi Hint and the Banana Pop - I’ve been lucky to be sent a couple of these colours to play with, including those, so stay tuned for my reviews shortly.

What do you think of these new colours? Which colours do you prefer? Will you be hitting the shops when they become available in October?

 

Product Review: Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Hydrating Facial Mist

Having a newborn baby, and a dog that just had surgery to remove cancer from her leg and hence need to rest as much as possible for the wound to heal, this winter I have so far been indoors a lot more than I otherwise would. Normally I don’t have dry or sensitive skin, but I have to admit that constantly having the heater running in the house is sending my skin into havoc. That’s when a hydrating products are required. Here are my thoughts on the *Neal’s Yard Frankincense Hydrating Facial Mist;

What They Say:

"A light refreshing blend of fragrant and toning essential oils, anti-oxidant and collagen stimulating herbal extracts, combined with moisture boosting hyaluronic acid. Recommended for all skin types."

RRP: $20.95 (45ml) – Available from Neal’s Yard Remedies

What I Say:

Having never before tried any products from Neal’s Yard Remedies I decided to look into the brand, and discovered that it was established over thirty years ago. The company started as an all-natural apothecary, and was based in Neal’s Yard in a corner of Covent Garden in the heart of London. Neal’s Yard Remedies has the largest certified organic range of skin care products in the UK, and nearly every one of the products is handmade in the company’s eco-factory in Dorset, England, using home grown and sustainably sourced, certified organic ingredients. And now the products are available in Australia too!

Neal’s Yard Frankincense Hydrating Facial Mist is 98% organic, and contains organic herbal extracts of gotu kola, mahonia and calendula with pure frankincense and neroli oils, which are to tone, refresh and rejuvenate. And of course it is made without using synthetic fragrances, colours, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, silicones, which I do like the sound of.

 

The instructions says to shake well before use, and then close eyes and lightly spritz over your skin, either before or after applying makeup.

The first time I used it, I kept pumping and pumping the spray and nothing came out, so I was starting to get a little disappointed, but suddenly it worked. Big smile!

It has a spicy scent, which is a little too strong for my liking, but as it is coming from the natural ingredients, it is still very nice and natural, and it does fade once the mist has absorbed into the skin.

The Hydrating Facial Mist comes in such lovely packaging with a two-toned purple box, and inside reveals a simple but lovely apothecary style blue glass bottle with a silver pump. It is definitely too nice to be put away in the bathroom cabinet.

 

Spraying the mist onto the face feels nice and refreshing, and it really does leave the skin feeling soft and refreshed. It works brilliantly as a toner after cleansing your face, but it is also fantastic as a hydrating spray to use during the day over your makeup when your skin needs a pick-me-up and your makeup needs to be revitalised. And when I have been out for a walk with my dogs in the cold and I come home and my face is blushed from the cool winds, it is fantastic to soothe skin, and I can only imagine that it will be just as perfect come summer and the skin is a little dehydrated and needs to cool down from being outside in the sun.

Although the bottle is small with just 45ml, at $20.95, I still find it reasonable priced considering it is such a high quality product made from almost nothing but natural organic ingredients. And besides, it is so concentrated that just 2-3 small sprays is more than sufficient, so the bottle will last you a while.

What I Like: 

 

• The gorgeous packaging and the blue glass bottle with the pump

• That it is made from 98% organic ingredients and doesn’t contain chemical nasties including synthetic fragrances, colours, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oils, or silicones.

• It is very hydrating and feels soothing on the skin

• Multi-functional and can be used both as a toner, a hydrating spritz during the day, and on top of makeup.

What I don’t like:

• The Spicy scent is a little too strong for my personal liking

All in all, this is a lovely hydrating spray and I will certainly enjoy using it. As for repurchasing, I have already seen that there is also a White Tea version available, so I will definitely be checking that one out, thinking that the scent may be a little less spicy.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you ever heard of Neal’s Yard Remedies? Are you concerned with the use of chemicals in your skincare? Do you use a toner or maybe a facial spritzer? Which one is your favourite?