Up and Close with…. Jade from Australia’s Next Top Model – The new ambassador for Colgate Optic White

Are you watching Australia’s Next Top Model and following all the antics in the mansion?

Last week's the challenge on Australia’s Next Top Model was to attend a casting for Colgate Optic White where the prize is a paid national Colgate campaign, where the girls had to dazzle everyone on the set. And to no surprise Jade came out the winner with her positive her fantastic attitude and incredible smile.

I’ve had a chat with Jade to discuss her time on Australia's Next Top Model..

Firstly congratulations on winning the challenge on Australia's Next Top Model 2013 - What inspired you to enter the Australia's Next Top Model competition? Have you always wanted to model?

Jade: I have always had a dream to model, however it also seemed so unattainable to me! After lots of encouragement from friends and family, I took the plunge and auditioned! Never thought I would be even given a chance, but look at me now! This opportunity has fast tracked my dream career by giving me the chance to be in a national campaign for Colgate Optic White!



What it like being a part of the show? And what was the biggest challenge you faced during your time on the show?

Jade: It’s really quite unstable and unpredictable, and we were surprised with new challenges and tasks daily! They wanted to keep us on the edge of our seats, and we were definitely all very nervous and uptight as well as excited and thrilled to be a part of the show. The biggest challenge is definitely having to adjust to a completely different world and daily schedule, even the way I trained and ate changed, and to not have much contact with my family was also very difficult for me and most of the girls.

 

How does it feel to have been named a new ambassador for Colgate Optic White?

Jade: I cannot even express my happiness in words, being the face of Colgate Optic White is such a brilliant opportunity and I am so grateful to the Foxtel and Colgate Team for giving me the privilege to be their ambassador! I honestly feel on top of the world!


And what are your hopes for the future? What is the ultimate job you’d like to book as a model? 

Jade: I would love to continue on modelling and building my own empire and brand, as well as finishing of my University double degree of International Studies and Law. I believe education is extremely important but I am ambitious and want to make sure I continue to pursue modelling as it is one of my great loves. The ultimate job would definitely be a covergirl for Vogue Australia, but I would also love to walk in The New York and Paris Fashion weeks next year.

 

What are the best tips you picked up by the stylists or make-up artists working behind the scenes on the show?

Jade: I honestly suck at doing my own hair! When I am at home I just put it up in a pony or a bun. At work, it’s constantly being moulded into a new hairstyle though, so I avoid using heat or products on it when I’m not doing a modelling job.


How do you keep your body in such tip-top condition - do you follow a special exercise regime or eat a special diet?

Jade: I drink LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of tea! I am a tea freak! And I eat clean most of the time! However it is important to allow yourself to have treats (I love chocolate and homemade pizzas!) J I take a multi vitamin and fish oil in the morning also to make sure I am getting all the good stuff I need. I am also a vegetarian so I need to make sure I get all my vitamins and minerals and macro nutrients.

What’s your beauty regime?


Jade: My beauty Regime is pretty minimal, I use organic facial and body products that are free from animal testing and all the nasty stuff that some companies put in their products. I moisturise every day (or try to). The truth is, I don’t really get my nails done weekly and I cannot remember the last time I sat in a hairdresser seat! Should probably go for a visit sometime soon…

Tell me about some of your beauty secrets?

Jade: I Keep it simple and natural! The secret to being beautiful on the outside is definitely taking care of your insides, so I exercise daily and make sure I only put the best foods in my body


What's on your bathroom shelf? And what are your make-up and skincare must haves?

• Sukin Skin care range – friendly on your skin and to the environment
• Palmers coco butter moisturizer
• Paw paw is a must
• BB Cream
• Colgate Optic White

  

 

 

What's one fashion accessory you couldn't live without?

Jade: A backpack! I take a backpack everywhere with me!

 

Do you watch Australia’s Next Top Model? What do you think of Jade’s Colgate campaign?
Have you tried Colgate Optic White (check out my review here!)? Or what about Sukin Skincare (see one of my reviews here) or Palmers Coco Butter Moisturiser (see one of my reviews here)?
What are your beauty secrets?

*Images courtesy of Foxtel, Palmer's Australia, Colgate and Sukin.

Product Review: Best Bargain Beauty Buys 21.09.2013

A few weeks ago I started doing a posts on Best Bargain Beauty Buys, and while I have to be I do splurge on some higher end products, I also love discovering budget products as I use so many of them on a daily basis which are very efficient and fantastic products. I did plan on making this post a regular weekly feature, but life has been a bit busy the last weeks, so I unfortunately had to skip the post last week, but here are my beauty budget picks this week;

 

*Le Tan Daily Face Sheer Tint – RRP: $10.99 (75ml) – Available from supermarkets, discount department stores, pharmacies and Priceline

 

 

This tinted face cream can be used both on its own, as well as under makeup, but I have to say that I prefer just using on its own. It contains SPF30+ and gives the skin just a hint of tint to even out the skin tone, although the coverage is sheer, so it doesn’t cover darker imperfections. It gives the skin a nice glow, without being too shiny or shimmery. It has a nice light scent, and blends easily, giving the skin a nice dewy matte finish – which in spite of my combination skin stays matte that for most of the day. And as a bonus, it’s got anti-ageing properties too, which (sadly) my skin needs. Amazing!

*Suvana Organic Paw Paw & Honey Balm - $6.95 (25g) – Available from Priceline and pharmacies

 

 

This balm is a true lifesaver. It is made from 100% natural ingredients, and 98.1% of those are certified organic. It contains among others paw paw, which heals cuts and rashes, and honey which anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and not to mention makes the balm smell and taste nice. The balm is extremely moisturising and offers instant soothing relief for dry and chapped lips, and can also be used on cracked nipples (if you’ve not had kids and breastfed, let me tell you, it is not an enjoyable experience!), as well as nappy rash! While so far our little boy has not had any major nappy rash, he little bum has been a little irritated and red after his immunisation vaccinations affected his little tummy, - and when you realise that you’ve gone out without a ‘barrier cream’ how handy is that you can simply use this multi-purpose balm! I also love using it on my nails and cuticles, but make sure you apply it when you’re not planning on doing anything for a while, or when you’re heading to bed as it is a little greasy.

 

*Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Cleanser – RRP: $13.99 (175ml) – Available from Supermarkets, pharmacies and Priceline

 

 

I have always struggled with breakouts, and still do to this day. My skin never looked better or healthier while I was pregnant, but lately my skin has started to play up a little again. One of my saviours is the Rapid Clear Oil Eliminating Foaming Cleanser from Neutrogena, which helps my skin be less greasy, so my makeup stays put for longer during the day. While this doesn’t give you ‘rapid’ results, the AHA it helps clear up breakouts and cleans deep down every single pore to avoid future breakouts, and over time help reduce breakouts as well.

 

*Palmolive Ultra Divine Blends Dishwashing Liquid – RRP: $3.49 (375mL) or $4.99 (700mL) - available at Woolworths

Who is not tired of the same old same old dishwashing liquid scents? Well, technically not a beauty product, I still thought that I’d include these new dishwashing liquids from Palmolive, simply because they smell so beautiful that they are a such a pleasure for the senses, which is nice distraction when you’re doing a tedious chore. Actually that I’m doing the dishes very often – hubby often comments that I don’t ‘do the dishes very well’, so he usually ends up doing them. Score!! And believe it or not, as soon he saw these new dishwashing liquids, he got excited, “can I use them now?”

There are to two new fragrances available including; Violet & Apple Blossom and Vanilla & Berries. Along with their unique aromatic experience, Palmolive Ultra Divine Blends contains a rich formula which cuts through hard to move grease with ease – leaving your dishes sparkling clean, while still being gentle on the hands. The Dishwashing Liquid come in beautiful bottles, and they both smell amazing, although I especially love the freshness of the Violet & Apple Blossom. And hubby loves them too, which is the most important seeing he is the 'dishwasher'..

Billie Goat Soap Lip Balm – RRP: $5.95 (15ml) – Available from David Jones, pharmacies and Priceline.

 

 

I got this Lip balm from Billie Goat Soap in the recent Beauty Tote from David Jones. I had never tried any products from Billie Goat before, but let me tell you, I’ve fallen in love with this lip balm. It is made with goats milk and Essential nutrients and vitamins including Vitamin C, B1, B6, B12 and E, Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Jojoba oil and Cocoa Seed butter for added moisture, and I love that it doesn’t contain any chemical nasties including no parabens, SLS, fragrance or colours. It is extremely moisturising, and it has a delicious (and natural) scent of sweet peach. At just $5.95 this is a bargain, and I will definitely be purchasing this again.

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

So there you go, these are my budget beauty picks this week. Have you tried any of these products? Which budget beauty products do you currently love?

 

Product Review: Nvey Eco Eye Shadow in 151

As I may have mentioned once or twice, I am quite conservative when it comes to my eye makeup, and usually just wear neutral shades. The Nvey Eco Eye Shadow Palette, which is still on the list of 10 items would I repurchase immediately if I lost all my makeup, so keen to explore more of their products here are my thoughts on the *Nvey Eco Eye Shadow in colour 151;

What They Say:

"Talc free and formulated using soothing organic elements such as chamomile and jojoba oil, with added Antioxidants Vitamins A,C & E, to create a smooth and soft formula, excellent for dry sensitive skins. Available in 24 shades."

RRP: $29.95 – Available from Nvey Eco Online

What I Say:

I love the fact that Nvey Eco is an Australian owned and made makeup line that is certified organic by the Australian Government as well as the Organic Food Chain. Nvey Eco is paraben free, SLS free, GM free, cruelty free, talc free, and contains no propylene glycol or petroleum based ingredients, or synthetic fragrances, and not tested on animals.

The eye shadows are using finely milled pigments with a base of organic corn starch and organic jojoba seed oil, as well as the eye shadows also contain chamomile, vitamins A, C, and E to make for a smooth and soft formula that is excellent for dry and sensitive skin.

 

The eye shadow come in a sleek round black case with a full-sized mirror inside, making it easy to do touch-ups on the go. The colour is a dusty pink, with just a tiny touch of shimmer. This colour is perfect to use on its own for a simple day time look, or it can be used as a base for other colors.

 

As claimed, the eye shadow is extremely pigmented, and just a quick sweep will give a nice wash of colour, while the colour can easily be built up to a more intense colour if wanted.

With combination skin, I am used to makeup not staying put for long, but as promised, this eye shadow is long wearing, especially when using a primer first does it stay put all day without fading or creasing.

The eye shadow doesn’t come with an applicator, which to be honest I don’t mind one bit, as I always prefer to use my own brushes anyway, but some may find this a negative.

 

 

The RRP for the Nvey Eco eye shadow is $29.95 which is a little pricey for a single eye shadow, but as it is of such good quality, made from certified organic materials and free from chemical nasties, I feel that it is worth the money.

What I Like:

• That it is made from certified organic ingredients and it is free from parabens and other chemical nasties
• The stylish slim black packaging
• Australian owned and made products
• Available in 24 shades so there should be a match for everyone

What I Don’t Like

• At $29.95 it is a little pricey for a single eye shadow
• That it is only available for purchase online           

All in all I really love this Nvey Eco eye shadow as much as I love the palette, it simply ticks all boxes for me, and I’d be keen to add further colours and start a collection! 

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

 

Have you ever tried any of the products from Nvey Eco? Do you use organic makeup? What is your favourite eye shadow?

 

 

Industry News: ORLY launches the Limited Edition Surreal Nail Lacquer Collection

Like most girls, I love nail polishes, and even more so when they come from Orly, so I’m excited to be able to share the news of ORLY’s new spring collection, the Surreal Collection.

A digitally saturated palette, the six-piece collection includes bold duo-chromatic shimmers, soft crèmes and bold hues. A truly rich collection of ethereal and electric tones, these bold shades can transform your manicure from the real to a world of fantasy.

The six magical shades in the Surreal Collection include:

 

Purple Poodle: Fuchsia duo-chrome shimmer

Digital Glitter: Metallic duo-chrome glitter

Angel Rain: Light blue duo-chrome

Pink Waterfall: Pink crème

Teal Unreal: Teal crème

Pixi Powder: Light purple and gold shimmer

ORLY Australia Ambassador and celebrity manicurist, Fiona Hay says: "This collection is a twist on your favourite nail lacquer shades with a variety of finishes. With its iridescent metallics and bold statement colours, each colour in Surreal adds an electric edge to your spring manicure or nail art design."

 

 

I love that all ORLY nail lacquers are 4 free – free from DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Tolulene, and that they are always so easy to apply without streaks – even for someone as clumsy as me!

The new Orly Surreal collection is available in November 2013 will have a RRP of $18.95 each and be available from select pharmacies and from ORLY Online.

I love the look of these new Surreal polishes, and especially love the look of the Angel Rain and Teal Unreal, and….

What about you, what do you think of this new range from ORLY? Which colours do you like the most?

 

Product Review: L’Oreal Paris NutriLift Gold Anti-ageing Serum Foundation

Over the years I have tried a lot of different foundations, and best as I have found my perfect match, it is often discontinued – don’t you just hate it when that happens!! After moisturiser, foundation is for me the most important makeup item, making such a huge difference to your look. Here are my thoughts on the L’Oreal Paris NutriLift Gold Anti-ageing Serum Foundation; 

 

What They Say: 

 

"NutriLift Gold Anti-Ageing Serum Foundation is the first foundation by L’Oreal Paris that offers a concentration of powerful anti-ageing ingredients stabilised in a beautiful foundation formula. The revolutionary formula provides the immediate and visible correction of signs of ageing combined with long-lasting anti-ageing effects. On application, the formula’s pigments plus pure gold micro particles provide ideal coverage and amazing radiance. Lasting anti-ageing benefits are provided by the formula’s 30% precious oils and anti-ageing actives - including Pro-Xylane which stimulates the synthesis of collagen in the skin – which offer intense hydration and a smoother skin surface long-term."

 

  

RRP: $39.95 (25ml) – Available from department stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and Priceline. 

 

  

What I Say: 

 

The NutriLift Gold Anti-Ageing Serum Foundation contains six anti-ageing ingredients, which include Pro Retinol, Pro Lastyl, Hyaluronic Acid, Pro-Xylane, Vitamin C and Collagen. Together these ingredients, stabilised in a serum foundation claims to long-lasting benefits including reduced imperfections and wrinkles, smoother and more radiant skin. 

 

Having ageing skin, I was very excited to trial this foundation, but with combination skin, also worried, as many anti-ageing products are simply too rich or heavy for my skin, leading to congestion and skin breakouts. But I didn’t need to worry, as I experienced no breakouts whatsoever. 

 

I was lucky to trial a few different colours; Creamy Beige (150), Rose Beige (160), Beige Glow (170) and Golden Beige (180) – and of those, Rose Beige, Beige Glow were both perfect matches for my medium beige and winter pale skin.



Left to right: Creamy Beige (150), Rose Beige (160),
Beige Glow (170) and Golden Beige (180)

 

But in spite of the foundation being available in seven different colours, and the colour Creamy Beige is the second pales colour, I can imagine that those that are very fair would struggle finding a perfect match. 

 

I have a fair bit of pigmentation (not exactly helped by my recent pregnancy), as well as I have some dark spots and scarring from marks from past acne, but the NutriLift Gold Anti-Ageing Serum Foundation has a medium coverage and does an amazing job at covering everything up, while still looking natural and not caked on.

 

According to L’Oreal, the foundation contains pure gold micro particles, which did make me worry that the foundation would be too glittery and shiny, which is not great on ageing skin as it is only highlighting fine lines and wrinkles. But again I needn’t worry, as the foundation simply gives a nice, healthy glow and radiance, which is subtle and very natural looking. 

 

The NutriLift Gold Anti-ageing Serum Foundation is easy to apply, and blends quickly and easily using my fingers, although I still feel that I get a much nicer and more even look when I use a foundation brush. 

 

The foundation is very moisturising, another great feature for ageing skin, and yet it wears very well, without changing colour, or settling into fine lines or wrinkles. With combination skin, I usually have to touch up my lunch time, but when using a primer underneath, I can wear this all day, without the need to touch up. And that is without using a powder on top to set it with, as I find it such a shame to hide the beautiful radiant glow. 

 

Some long wearing foundation are quite difficult to remove, but using my regular cleanser, and double cleansing as I always do, I find it easy to remove the foundation. And once the foundation has been removed, my skin feels so extremely soft, smooth and moisturised, clearly having benefited from the included anti-ageing serum in the foundation. 

 

The foundation comes in a glass bottle with a pump, which I really love, as it is so easy to get just the amount of foundation you need without any wastage. But I am yet to see how easy it will be to completely empty the foundation, I have my fingers crossed that there won’t be too much wastage. The glass bottle does make the foundation feel a little more luxurious, but it does make it a heavy, especially if you’re planning on carrying it around in your cosmetic purse in your handbag. And of course you will need to be extra careful of not dropping it on the bathroom floor!

 

The NutriLift Gold Anti-ageing Serum Foundation has a nice gentle scent floral scent, which quickly fades once the foundation has been applied to the skin. 

 

I also love that it contains SPF20, although I am not sure why this fact can only be seen by tiny writing on the label on the back of the bottle. 

 

At $39.95 for 25ml, this foundation is a little more expensive for a drugstore foundation, also seeing it only contains 25ml as opposed to the (I think) standard 30mls of most other foundation. However, considering that this is an anti-ageing foundation, which is always more expensive than regular foundations, and as this one also has the added benefit of being a multi-tasking products doubling as a serum, I still find it great value. 

 

  

What I Like:

 

• That it has anti-ageing properties through the added serum
• It contains SPF20
• It is reasonably priced
• It contains anti-ageing properties
• It wears well, even on my combination skin

 

What I Don’t Like:

• I really don’t have any negatives to say about this foundation!

 

Overall, this is a fabulous foundation, and I love how it gives my skin a good coverage and a nice glow, while still looking natural and cares my skin at the same time. What’s not to love, so I think I’ve found my perfect foundation, so I will without a doubt purchase this again! If you too have mature skin, I’m sure you’ll love it too! 

 

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

 

 

  

What do you think of this NutriLift Gold Anti-ageing Serum Foundation? Do you use anti-ageing foundations? Which foundation is your favourite? How much money do you usually spend on a foundation?