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25 August 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: GOLDWELL DUAL SENSES RICH REPAIR SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER AND TREATMENT

Today I’d like to share with you my thought on the *Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and 60 Sec Repair Treatment;






What They Say:

Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair Shampoo: Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Shampoo is formulated with repair system technology and pashmina silk proteins for dull, dry, stressed or damaged hair. Instant microfluid technology ensures faster, more even distribution of active ingredients. It has a calming scent based on vanilla, cedar, sandalwood and jasmine.

RRP: $20.95 (300ml) – Available from Goldwell Salons and HairHouse Warehouse


Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair Conditioner: Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair Conditioner treats dull, dry, stressed or damaged hair with pashmina silk proteins and repair system technology. It is also formulated with instant microfluid technology for quicker and more even distribution of key ingredients. It has a scent of vanilla, cedar, sandalwood and jasmine.

RRP: $20.95 (300ml) – Available from Goldwell Salons and HairHouse Warehouse


Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair 60 Sec Repair: Goldwell Dualsenses Rich Repair 60s Treatment is a quick intensive treatment for dull, dry, stressed or damaged hair. Repair system technology and pashmina silk proteins work to strengthen and repair hair structure while instant microfluid technology ensures quicker and more even distribution of key ingredients. This treatment has a scent of vanilla, cedar, sandalwood and jasmine.

RRP: $20.95 (20ml)- Available from Goldwell Salons and HairHouse Warehouse



What I Say:

I have long thick hair that has been coloured countless times (and currently desperately due for a re-colouring and cut), and due to the sheer length, it is naturally often a little dry at the ends, so I do rely on good quality products to keep it healthy, and not least tangle free.

The Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair products promises to repair hair that is dull, dry, stressed or damaged thanks to the included pashmina silk proteins, so it sounds absolutely perfect for my hair.





The shampoo is thick and creamy and it only takes a little, even in my thick long hair, to lather it up into a thick soft foam. It cleanses my hair easily, and just one wash is sufficient, also even though I only wash my hair every two to three days. It is easy to rinse out, and while my hair feels soft and clean, it doesn’t feel like it has been stripped from essential moisture.





I follow with the Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair Conditioner, which has a nice consistency, neither too thick or too thin, and it spreads easily into the hair. I leave it in for a few moments while I finish the rest of my shower routine, before I rinse it out. And I can instantly feel it adding moisture and nourishment to me hair.

After towel drying my hair, it is easy to comb without too many knots, and once it has dried naturally, it is soft smooth and looking so healthy and shiny. Even the dry ends are feeling a looking healthier, and the annoying frizz has reduced too.




 Other days when I feel my hair needs a little extra TLC, I use the Rich Repair 60s Treatment, which as the name suggests, is a hair mask that works in just 60 seconds. To be honest I didn’t think that it would do much for my hair, and certainly not as much as those treatments you have to leave in your hair for 15-20 minutes – and I guess it doesn’t.





However, in saying that, it is so much more intense than using the conditioner, and truth is that I rarely seem to have the time these day to use those treatments that you have to leave in forever. So this one really is brilliant. It is thick and creamy, and even though I have pretty straight hair, it gives my hair so much ‘bounce’ as it deeply moisturises my hair without weighing it down.

All the products have the most amazing gentle floral scent thanks to containing vanilla, cedar, sandalwood and jasmine, although the scent of jasmine and vanilla is (luckily) the most dominating. And I really like that this scent remains in the hair long after it has dried.

Overall this is a great range of products, and considering these are salon quality, the price for each of the products is incredibly cheap at just $20.95 each, so I’ve already got my eyes on the matching leave-in treatment..

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

Ever tried any of the products from Goldwell? What is your go-to haircare products?


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22 August 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: NATIVE BOX CLASSIC AUGUST 2014

Another month has passed, and it is yet again time for the arrival of the monthly boxes, first up is the *August edition or the Classic Native Box; 


 





What They Say:

We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen! 5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples)

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)
3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)
6 months: $134.70 (shipping included)
12 months: $264.00 (shipping included)

– Available from Native Box

 

What I Say:

The Native Box is committed to connecting its members with Australian businesses that provide exceptional organic and sustainable products, as they believe that each dollar spent on such products cast for a better world – and believe that they can help shift the balance towards a better Australia and safer planet. The Native Box has several different boxes available including the Mum & Bub, the Beauty Box, a Vegan Box, A Men’s Box, and of course the Classic Box. But here are my thoughts on the August Box. These were the goodies included in the box;



Essentially Natural Organic Coconut Oil – Sample Size,







This pure and natural coconut oil can be used for both cooling as well as keeping your skin soft and nourished. I have heard a lot of people rave about coconut oil, so I am probably a little behind when I say that I am still not really into it. I think it is because I am not very fond of the coconut scent, but one of these days I will have to give it a go so see what all the fuss is about..

Available from Essentially Natural



Essentially Natural Dried Figs – Sample Size






I love snacking on fresh and dried fruits, and I love dried figs too, although I have to admit that it has been ages since I have had any, for some reason lately I’ve been reaching for dates or apricots instead. But I look forward to digging into these, and the fact that they are organic makes them even better. Just sad that the sample pack only contains three figs, as I can imagine that once I get started that won’t be quite enough..

Available from Essentially Natural




Native Box Sustainable Party Pack







I love the thought behind this plate, cutlery and napkin. The plate is made from fallen palm tree leaves, the cutlery of plantation birch and the napkin of bamboo and sugar cane. And I love the use of natural timbers, and how it is shaped and formed. This is a brilliant idea if you are planning a party, which I do not have any plans of in the near future, but I will certainly keep it in mind for the next one, as it is not only better for the environment, also looks so much more stylish and stunning.

Available from Native Box

 

Anerah Skincare Rejuvenating Mineral Mask – Sample







This is the first I’ve ever heard of Anerah Skincare, and it always excites me coming across a new beauty brand. This mask is made from a blend of kaolin, montmorillonite, green tea and chamomile, and it has lots of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps exfoliate, tone and soothe the skin. Simply use the powder with a few drops of purified water to work into a paste and leave on the skin for 10-15mins before rinsing off. I look very forward to trying this one out! Now, just gotta find some time for some pampering..

Available from Anerah Skincare



Pure by Phytocare Pure Papaya Ointment with Lip Applicator - Full Size







Another brand I’ve never heard of before. YAY! This ointment helps to soothe, moisturise and protect your lips with its petrochemical free formula. And I love that it is so gentle that it can even be used as a nappy cream, so this one is going straight to the nappy bag!!

Available from Phytocare



Koala Pocorn – Full Size, 25g







I love popcorn, but as I am the only one in the family, so I rarely have them as I do like to pop them myself and eat them warm, but there is no way I can eat a whole pack on my own. These popcorns are made using corn from Australian farms, and are both low in sugar and high in fibre. These will be so handy to have in the pantry next time I have a snack attack…

Available from Koala Korn


Finally, to thank its members, Native Box has included two extra treats to help get though the last bit of winter and say thanks for supporting the cause of a greener world.



Vabori Olive Leaf Extract – Sample, 100ml







This is a food supplement and you are supposed to take 5ml, 3 times each day to help reduce the severity and length of a cold or flu, relieve a sore throat, help cardiac and circulatory health, digestive health and joint inflammation. This sounds very interesting, and right now having massive pain in my shoulder, and trying to manage it and defer an operation, this sounds quite interesting, although I am not too sure that the small bottle will be sufficient to notice any difference.



Meditree Organics Blemish Control Gel – Full Size, 15g






Another beauty brand that is new to me! And going through a stage with more breakouts than normal, this couldn’t have come at a better time. It contains tea tree oil and willow bark extract which has antibacterial properties while cleansing and healing blemished skin. It is made from 100% natural ingredients and of those 70% are organic. Sounds pretty good to me, I have my fingers crossed that it will be efficient.

 
So there you have it, this was the contents in the August Classic Native Box. And as per previous months, the box is chock full of goodies, of a great variety. This month I particularly love the inclusion of the dried figs, the mineral mask, the blemish gel and the paw paw ointment, although the popcorn will certainly also be enjoyed!

So again, I am very pleased with month’s contents and I look forward testing out the new beauty brands included.

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

What do you think of the products in the Native Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products? And eat healthy snacks?

 
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21 August 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: ELES WINTER MAKEUP UP LOOK - THE BIG SMOKE

Each season ELES Mineral Makeup launches in an amazing new makeup look, and this winter the theme is The Big Smoke, which is all about soft, sultry and city chic. Make sure to also check out the autumn look here.
I have been lucky to be sent a few of the components from this look, so here are my thoughts on the ELES Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe* and the Super Gloss in Pomegranate*;






What They Say:

Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe: Matte pigments fused with the pearlescence of minerals impart a modern “matte glow”. This revolutionary, skin-smoothing blush floats over skin to impart a soft, imperceptible finish while deflecting light away from flaws. Free of chemical “nasties” it allows skin to “breathe” freely while natural minerals shield against age aggressors.

RRP $45.00 (3.4g) – Available from ELES Mineral Makeup, and select stockists


Super Gloss in Pomegranate: An ultra-brilliant formula that delivers transparent shine with sensuous colour. Enriched with vitamins A & E to soothe and protect dry lips while delivering a beautiful transparent shine.

RRP $33.75 (11.4g) – Available from ELES Mineral Makeup and select stockists



What I Say:


I have previously been so lucky to try several other products from the ELES product range, and they all remain some of my most reached for items as I am so in love with all of those products as their quality is simply second to none so they are such a joy to use and wear.
Some of the products that I in particularly love is the Signature Quad in Naturalist, and the Mineral Blush in Coral Sun, and of course not forgetting the amazing nail polishes.
And these new products are no exception.







The Mineral Matte Blush in Adobe applies and blends so easily giving you a natural flushed look with a nice matte look with just enough sheen to make a difference and give you a nice glow, and without being over the top. The colour Adobe is a lovely pale but dusty warm apricot shade that is perfect for giving pale winter cheeks a bit of life and colour. And although I personally suck at it, the shade is perfect too to contour and define the cheek bones, when used on the lower part of your cheek bone, in connection with other ELES Blushes used on the apples of your cheeks.





The blush is so high in rich pigments and minerals that the colour payoff is incredible, and you can get anything from just a sheer wash of colour, or due to the rich pigments, also easily build up the colour to a more intense look. And the blush simply stays put all day, without fading or sliding.
I absolutely adore this Adobe shade, and it is a refreshing change, although I do think that nothing will ever replace my beloved ELES Coral Sun blush!





The Super Gloss in Pomegranate is the perfect way to finish off any winter look, as it simply leaves the lips so moist, hydrated and voluminous.





The colour pomegranate is a lovely transparent pink shade that looks so lovely on the lips and would suit any skin tone, and is as perfect to use during summer as it is to liven up a pale winter face. And while it is transparent it still offers sufficient colour to wear on its own, while it also adds a lovely shine when used on top of a lipstick.




The lipgloss is enriched with vitamins A & E to keep your lips nourished and soft, and moisturised and protected from the chilly winter winds. It comes in a sqeezy tube with an angled nozzle which makes it quick and easy to apply.





It is a little more expensive than most lipglosses, but believe me, it is so lovely to wear, that you won’t mind spending that little bit extra.

Once again ELES has managed to impress me with their beautiful high quality products. If you haven’t yet tried any of the products, I highly recommend that you check them out!

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


Have you ever tried any of the mineral makeup from ELES? What do you think
of these products?


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20 August 2014

BRAND FOCUS: ELLIE MAKEUP

Have you ever heard of éllie Makeup? Neither had I. But when I heard that it was developed and launched by Makeup Artist Ellie Gia, which has been awarded the best Makeup Artist in Victoria, Australia for two years in a row, I got very curious, as a makeup artist always knows what makes the best quality makeup product. And even better when you know it is a local Melbourne brand. So I was also excited when I was asked to trial some of the Ellie Makeup products, here are my thoughts: 


 





What They Say:

5 Eye Palette Collection: éllie’s popular colour palettes have been carefully selected and created in a 5 Eye Palette collection. These gorgeous highly pigmented palettes have been designed with the latest colours in mind to suit every woman keeping up with the trends. Rich pigment and long lasting in beautifully designed packaging; a must for your makeup bag. Available in 6 shade combinations

RRP: $58 (15g) – Available from éllie Makeup and select stockists




Bronzer Blush Duo Glow : éllie’s convenient formula, the Bronzer Blush Duo Glow, in a pressed powder is ingenious. Triple-milled to leave a light, velvety finish that looks real. Streak proof formula. éllie’s illuminating Bronzer can be brushed on cheeks, for contouring, shoulders and décolletage for a sun-kissed radiance. Blush can be applied to apples of cheeks for radiant definition. Comes in a black bi level exclusive compact with mirror and convenient brush applicator for easier application. Available in thee colour combinations

RRP: $48 – Available from éllie Makeup and select stockists

 


Trio Teinte Allure: A must have for your handbag, go anywhere, wear anywhere! Create Luxurious Luminous Skin with our new Teinte Créme for cheek, eye and lip. The water-resistant, lightweight formula will glide on smoothly giving you the perfect pop of fresh and dewy colour. Apply with our Foundation brush or fingers. Available in 3 gorgeous shades

RRP: $36 (5g) – Available from éllie Makeup and select stockists




What I Say:

I admit it, I am extremely conservative when it comes to my makeup. Not too fond of brights, or even too much colour for that matter, I tend to reach for the nudes, brown and taupe colours all the time – and this 5 colour eye palette in Radiant Bride contains absolutely everything I need. It includes a peachy-nude, a slightly darker/warner peachy-coral shade, a taupe and a chocolate brown, all which have just the right amount of shimmer without being too shimmery. Finally the palette also contains a matte black shade.

 




And I absolutely love these shades, and in particular the first four shades. I am not overly fond of the black shade, but do admit that it is handy to have at hand to darken other shades and to line the eye, but if I could swap it for another shade, I would prefer a very dark brown shade instead.

 




But having said that, all the colours are so balanced and well put together, so the palette simply contains all the shades you need for either a very simple look, using each of the shades on their own, or mixed in any combination for a lovely smoky eye.



 

The shadows are all very pigmented, so you can easily built up the colours to be very intense, and as they are of such high quality, they simply stay put without fading or without any dropouts.






The long black palette is slimline and very stylish, and comes with a large handy mirror, the size of the palette, which makes it perfect for the handbag for touch ups on the go, using the included double ended brush which has a sponge applicator in one end and a brush in the other.

 

The Bronzer Blush Duo Glow in the shade Dusk is a dual bronzer and blush, and it has the perfect combination of a fresh pink for the cheeks and a bronze for contouring and giving you a nice natural sun-kissed look. The blush has a touch of fine shimmer throughout which when applied to the apples of your cheeks gives radiant look with just pinched cheeks. In the compact the bronzer on the other hand appears to be more matte, but once applied, it also gives the skin a nice sheen and a natural look without looking orange.






Thanks to the finely milled powder, both the blush and bronzer are easy to apply and blend. It comes in a round compact with a mirror, and under the blush/bronzer you’ll find a handy little brush, which again makes application on the go possible.






Compared to the Eyeshadow palette, the blush/bronzer compact is more bulky, which I guess is due to the bi-level design of the compact to make room for the brush. However, personally as I rarely do touch ups on the go, and also prefer to use my own larger makeup brushes, I would have preferred to see a more slimline compact, even if it meant that the brush had to be excluded.







Finally, the Teinte Créme Allure is a multi-tasking cream suitable for using on both lips, cheeks and eyes. The colour Peach Parfait is a lovely peach-pink shade that gives the loveliest and very natural touch of colour.



 


The cream is light, yet it is very pigmented, so while you can easily blend it to just a sheer wash of colour, you can also build it up for a more intense look. And it is so easy to apply and blend, with either a brush or your fingers, although personally I find using the fingers is both easier and gives a more natural look.





The formula is water-resistant, so it stays put on your cheeks and eyes all day, while it lasts a few hours on the lips before you need to reapply.




Overall, I am so happy to have been introduced to éllie Makeup as I am really enjoying using the products, and the natural look they give. I have already got my eyes on a few more items from the large product range!
 

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

Ever heard of éllie Makeup? Keen on trying?
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19 August 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: MARC JACOBS DAISY DREAM


I am a huge fan of Marc Jacobs and have quite a few of his fragrances in my collection including Lola, Honey, Kumquats and of course Daisy. And while I love them all, Daisy remains my favourite, so when a new Daisy was released, I was very excited. Here are my thoughts on the Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette*;






What They Say:

Light and airy, Daisy Dream is both floral and fruity. The fragrance captivates with delectable top notes of blackberry, fresh grapefruit and succulent pear. The heart imparts a rich, feminine jasmine, notes of lychee and blue wisteria. A dreamy drydown of white woods, musk and coconut water.

Inspired by boundless esprit of Daisies and blue sky, Daisy Dream is Marc’s newest dream girl – ethereal, innocent and free.







Channelling Daisy’s easy charm and reverie, Daisy Dream embodies a new take on being youthful, spirited and romantic. Daisy Dream reflects Marc’s irresistible mix of intricate details, elegance and femininity for a fresh interpretation of the iconic Daisy motif.

RRP: $60 (30ml, Limited edition), $90 (50ml), $120 (100ml) – Available from Myer, David Jones and select pharmacies


What I Say:

As soon as I saw the bottle of the Daisy Dream, I was in love. I love the previous bottles of all Marc Jacobs perfumes, as they are all stunning, but I have to say that I feel that Marc has outdone himself with Daisy Dream. The bottle will look so stunning in any bathroom or on any dresser. It may also be something to do with my love of Daisies. I have a fairly large jewellery collection, and my all-time favourite piece is a large Georg Jensen Brooch that I use as a necklace. It was a present from my parents many years ago, so it is very close to my heart, and of course, being from Georg Jensen makes me send fond memories of my home country Denmark too.





The Daisy Dream is made up from:


  • Top Notes: Blackberry, Grapefruit, Pear
  • Heart Notes: Jasmine, Lychee, Blue Wisteria
  • Base Notes: White Woods, Musk, Coconut Water


As soon as I saw the notes in the fragrance I was a little worried. I really wanted to love this new fragrance, but then I read that it contains coconut water. I am not very fond of the smell of coconut, actually, in most cases I really dislike it, so a coconut scented fragrance would really put me right off. But luckily you would never ever know it contains coconut water. Phew!







The fragrance is as mentioned both floral and fruity at the same time, and I like the zesty freshness that no doubt comes grapefruit (I love citrus scented products), while the pear and lychee gives it a lovely sweetness, but luckily without it being too sickly sweet. It is simply light and fresh, and the perfect fragrance for spring and summer. It is like a summer version of the original Daisy fragrance.


Compared to for instance Lola and the original Daisy, unfortunately the lasting power of Daisy Dream is not as good, lasting about 4-5 hours before you need to respray.







If I had to pick, the original Daisy will remain my favourite , however I really the clean, fresh and fruitiness of Daisy Dream, so it is sure to become one of my favourites fragrances this summer. There are times when it is nice and more appropriate to wear a lighter scent, and then Daisy Dream is absolutely perfect. And I think it is a fantastic addition to the Daisy family, and it is perfect for anyone who prefers light and perfumes, as well as a younger audience.

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




Have you tried any of the Marc Jacobs fragrances? Which one is your favourite? What do you think of Daisy Dream?
 
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