Today I am very excited to be able to share with you a new brand that has just come to my attention, Nu Skin. Nu skin is an American marketing company which has several product ranges under its banner, including skincare, body care, dietary supplements including weight management and nutrition, as well as makeup. I admit to have never heard of the brand before, but do like the company's philosophy to include "all of the good, none of the bad” into their products. I've been lucky to put a selection of product to the test..
Let's start with a selection of the makeup products. And what I really like here, is that these products are designed as makeup with anti-ageing skincare benefits, and hence they contain a range of natural botanical ingredients, including;
- Sepilift - to help prevent wrinkles by stimulating collagen fibres and breaking down free radicals
- Mulberry Root Extract to brighten and improve uneven skin tone
- Kahai Oil, - rich in Vitamins E, F and Retinol, to restore radiance and provide hydration
- Hyalurosmooth, a botanical alternative to hyaluronic acid, to smooth and fill fine lines and wrinkles with high moisturising properties that bind to the skin’s surface
The Nu Skin Nu Colour LightShine 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Mocha Brick is a gorgeous silver and white compact in a stunning containing five shimmery eye shadows. The compact has a large internal mirror, and comes with two double ended applicators, one with a large sponge applicator in one end for the base colour and a smaller more pointed one in the other for the detailing, and the other one the same, but with a larger base brush in one end and a finer pointed one in the other end. Normally I am not too fussed with the included applicators, preferring to use my own makeup brushes, but these are actually of quite good quality, which is a refreshing change.
The colours in the palette include a pastel pink, a pale gold, a medium brown, a taupe and a dark mocha shade. And these shades really are stunning, and the perfect combination of colours if you like me prefer nude and neutral shades, and they complement each other well, and can of course be used individually on their own, or in any combination, from anything from a simple daytime look to an intense and bolder look for nighttime.
The shades have a good pigmentation, and you can apply them both as a sheer was of colour, or build them up to be quite intense, especially the darker shades, and they last well throughout the day, even on my greasy eyelids, as they do not fade or settle into creases or lines.
Then there's the Nu Skin Nu Colour Lipsticks, which come in stunning shiny silver packaging, in a stunning design and a magnetic closure, which I also really love. I tried the shade Red Elegant, which is a classic red shade with a touch of sheen. It does goes on sheer, as the name suggest, however it is still quite pigmented so you can actually apply a couple of coats for a more intense and bold coverage, and I really like that you have both options, kind of giving you the best of both worlds. The lipstick are very creamy and feels lovely and moisturising on the lips, but consequently it does mean that wear is somewhat compromised, yet it still manages to stay put for 4+ hours, and even when they fade, you're left with a slight tint on the lips.
Then there's the Nu Skin Nu Colour LightShine Lip Plumping Balm, which promises to make your lips look fuller, while helping to make them feel moisturised and soft. The lip balm has a pale pastel pink shade in the tube, but it goes on to the lips almost clear with just the tiniest touch of sheen. After a few moments on the lips, the balm starts to feel cooling on my lip, as well as my lips have a slightly tingling sensation, which does at first feel a little odd, but nothing that really bothers me, and it does disappear quickly. Somehow this balm actually does seem to make my lips look slightly fuller, and because it absorbs into the lips without any greasiness, you can actually use it underneath your usual lipstick or lipgloss.
Finally, there's the Nu Skin Enriching Cleansing Oil, which is a cleansing oil that promises to remove all traces of makeup, including waterproof mascara, all while adding hydration to the skin. The . And this cleanser really is effective, just a small pump massaged into my face, and thereafter rinsed off with water is all it takes to quickly remove all traces of my makeup. And afterwards my skin is left feeling soft and smooth, and without irritating my sensitive eyes. I love that it comes in a pump bottle, making it easier to use too.
Overall I've really enjoyed putting these products to the test, as the are lovely to use, and of high quality too. I have in particular enjoyed the eye shadow palette and the lipstick, both of which I know I'll be reaching for often in the coming months, so certainly wouldn’t mind trying more of their makeup. But that said, I am also liking that Cleansing Oil too, making me want to try more of their skincare products too. The products are slightly pricey, considering they are available online only and you haven't got the ability to view before buying, but again the products are of high quality and the fact that they are made with anti-ageing ingredients included, does kind of help justify the higher price.
Nu Skin Nu Colour LightShine 5 Colour Eyeshadow Palette - RRP: $65.55
Nu Skin Nu Colour LightShine Sheer Lipstick - RRP: $34.20
Nu Skin Nu Colour LightShine Lip Plumping Balm - RRP: $43.00
Nu Skin Nu Colour Enriching Cleansing Oil - RRP: $51.30 / 200ml
Available from Nu Skin
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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My skin is combination, but this time of year, when the temperature drops and I tend to spend more time indoors in the heating, or my skin gets a 'cold shock' every time I go outside, my skin actually tends to get a little drier and also more irritated. So when the new Kielhl's Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque landed on my desk, needless to say that I was excited putting it to the test.
This new mask is made with hand-picked Calendula Petals - as many as 150 petals per 100g jar!! The calendula along with the aloe vera offers inflammatory, healing and hydrating properties, which will provide soothing comfort to the skin, and intense hydration in as little as 5 minutes.
To use, you simply apply a generous layer onto cleansed, dry skin and leave it on for 5 minutes to do its magic. It can be used as often as three times as week, though I only feel once or perhaps twice a week is sufficient for my skin.
I personally found that about a tea spoon full is sufficient for my face and neck. The light gel mask is easy to apply onto the skin, and it gives it an immediate cooling and refreshing sensation, that also soothes the skin, and I can imagine also would make it perfect if you should have sun burnt, or perhaps wind burnt skin.
After rinsing it off with water and padding my face dry, my skin is left so soft, rejuvenated and glowing. With my combination skin, I am always concerned that a moisture mask will leave my skin feeling and looking greasy or perhaps even 'overwhelmed' and congested, but that has far from been the case. Rather it is leaving my skin looking and feeling so much more glowing and radiant, so it is also a perfect pick me up just before going out, or on days where you're perhaps tired and you feel your skin looks a little dull.
My first reaction was that the yellow tinged mask has the most gorgeous floral yet fresh zesty scent, not least thanks to the added Chamomile and Lemon Essential Oils, which I really like. I also love the fact that it is made free from parabens and artificial colours, and that the gorgeous golden-yellow colour comes naturally from the calendula petals infusing into the aloe gel base .
Overall, I really love this mask, and can see it become a staple in my bathroom cabinet, especially during the winter months, as it adds essential moisture to my skin, without leaving it soaked in oil, and also feels so calming and soothing on my skin, and literally gives it a wake up call, leaving it looking more healthy and radiant.
Kiehl's Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque - RRP: $67 / 100ml
Available from Kiehl's, Myer and David Jones
* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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Yet another month has passed and I've yet again teamed up with Bella Box for the June Winter Wind-Up box, so let's get to what is in this month's box..
The June 2017 box has the theme Winter Wind-Up - And how cold has it been lately, down to a chilling 4 degrees in Melbourne last night, Brrrr - and I don’t know about you, but my otherwise slightly oily skin always tend to get a little drier during winter, so I do need to change up my skincare products, and that's what this box is all about.
Here's what was inside the box:
Sukin Australia Chia Seed Oil - Full Size (RRP: $19.95 / 25ml)
I love Sukin's products, so happy to see this full sized oil included. It contains among others hemp seed, olive fruit and baobab oils to promote intense skin hydration, and I'm sure my skin will love this extra TLC at the moment.
Nivea Crème - Sample tin, 10ml (RRP: $7.99 / 150ml)
I have grown up using this thick crème, on anything from hands, cuticles, feet, even into the dry ends of my hair, and I absolutely love it. And just how adorable is this little tin, and the tiny size is just perfect to pop into the handbag for applying on the go.
USPA Tangerine & Rose Body Cleanser - Sample, 30ml
I have never heard of this brand before, but I love not just the unique bottle that this body cleanser comes in, it also smells gorgeous thanks to the added tangerine (as you know, I love anything citrusy!). Can't wait to put this one to the test.
Nutraplus Intense Anti Dryness Lotion - Sample, 10ml (RRP: $16.50 / 200ml)
I tried a hand cream sample that was included in a previous month's box, and really loved it, so happy to see the inclusion of this intense moisturising lotion too, to help restore the dry skin on especially my dry legs.
Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream - Sachet sample, 3ml - Bonus product
I've never heard of this brand before, and always excited to try a new brand. This claims to be a multi-purpose cream that can be used on both body, hands and face, and it contains natural ingredients and no chemicals, which does sound great, although I am unsure of the actual benefits of this product - so I can imagine that it will probably be tested as a hand cream - and honestly, the small sachet sample doesn’t allow for more anyway.
Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss - Full Size (RRP: $12.95 / 4.9g)
Needless to say that love these lipsticks, and already have quite a few in my collection, so happy to see one included in this months box. I got a pale pastel pink shade, which is so pretty, but I don't really feel suits me, - but luckily I now that my mum will absolutely adore this one, so it will be going to a good home. As per previous months, the contents of the various boxes this month will vary, but everyone will be getting a Rimmel lipstick!
So there you go, this months Bella Box. So what did I think… while I am not quite as impressed with this month's contents (I know, it would be hard to out perform that Colorpop lipstick inclusion), this is still a pretty darn good box. Value-wise, the two full sized products (Sukin Oil and Rimmel Lipstick), makes the box great value, and everything else can really just be considered bonus products - so al there's really left to say, is yet another well done to Bella Box!!
Bella Box - RRP: $17.95 ($15.00+ $2.95 P&H) on a subscription plan, billed monthly, but you can cancel anytime
Available from Bella Box
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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Natio has long been one of my favourite Australian brands, and now, due to popular demand, they are bring back another limited release of the Naturally You Eyeshadow Palettes.
These eyeshadow palettes are so beautiful and come in two colour combination, each containing 12 complimentary shades inspired by nature.
The Bloom Palette contains a spectrum of blushing shades from nude, soft pinks, to dusty rose hues, copper, rich plums, and dark chocolate, while the Earth shade contains a selection of subtle nudes, beiges, mauves, and mochas, through to golden and copper tones, and deep graphite hues.
Each of the palettes are so versatile containing natural selection of matte and shimmery shades, which I really like as you can create any look you like, from a super simple every day look, using just a shade or two, to an intense smoky eye for a night out.
Taking the low price of just $19.95 into account, these eyeshadows are very good value, as the silky soft shades are also very easy to apply and blend with the included double ended applicator which has a sponge in one end and a brush in the other.
The shadows are also quite pigmented, so you can quite easily build up the colours to be quite intense, as well as they are all fairly long wearing, although the darker colours seem to be both more intense both with pigments as well as longevity - But generally they do wear quite well throughout the day, even on my slightly greasy eyelids.
The palette comes in a sturdy clear compact, that is simple, yet stunning. The compact doesn't come with a mirror, but personally I don't mind as I never apply eyeshadow on the go anyway.
Both of these palettes are stunning, and I am actually finding it hard to pick a favourite, as they are both contain shades that I reach for on a daily basis, and I will actually use every single colour in both palette, which is pretty rare for me. So if you're into nude looks, they I highly recommend that you get your hands on one, you won't regret it - but you better hurry, as they are limited edition and sure to sell out fast!
Natio Naturally You Eyeshadow Palette in Bloom - RRP: $19.95
Natio Naturally You Eyeshadow Palette in Earth - RRP: $19.95
Available from David Jones, Myer, selected Pharmacies and Natio Online
*Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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Today it is all about the new Matrix Total Results Brass Off is a collection of haircare products, which has been designed for brunettes with highlights, whether it be balayage or highlights - as who hasn't quickly seen their beautiful highlights turn warm and brassy - and well, to maintain the lightened locks looking fresh, this range helps banish the brass.
The Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo is a purple-blue shade, and at first a little scary, and note that it is recommended that you use gloves prior to use so you don't stain your hands or nails. These coloured pigments help neutralise the orange and yellow brassy tones that occur, when the warm underlying pigments from darker brunette shades are exposed, and thereby returning the highlights to their favourable creamy tones.
I have brunette hair with highlights, so this new range is perfect for my hair - I spend not only a long time at the hair dresser getting my hair done, it also costs a substantial amount of money each time, so if there are products which can help extend the life of my hair colours, I'm all for it.
And the Brass Off Shampoo is not only super gentle on my coloured hair, but it really has helped bring my highlights back to life, making them look almost 'freshly made', and consequently making my hair look so much better too, all while leaving it soft, smooth and shiny.
This Brass Off Shampoo joins the best-seller So Silver Color Obsessed Shampoo, which is created for blonde highlighted hair. I haven't tried So Silver as it doesn't suit my brunette hair, but my hubby has been enjoying it (though also initially a little apprehensive of the colour!). He doesn't have highlighted hair, but greying, and while he (typical male!) wont admit it, I feel it has made his hair look healthier and shinier.
Both the Brass Off and the So Silver can be used a few times a week, and you first wash your hair as you usually would, and rinse out, and for best results, reapply and leave the shampoo in the hair for 3-5 minutes, before rinsing and following with conditioner or treatment. Both have gorgeous, yet subtle floral scent.
So if you have hair with highlights which don't quite look right any more, then you really should try these products, you'd be surprised at the difference they can make!
Matrix Total Results So Silver Color Obsessed Shampoo - RRP: $19.95 / 300ml
Matrix Total Results Brass Off Color Obsessed Shampoo - RRP: $17.95 / 300ml
Available from select hair salons
* Products have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
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