PRODUCT REVIEW: GRAMPIANS OLIVE CO SKINCARE

Today I'm super excited to share some local hand-made olive oil based skin care with you, from the Grampians Olive Co. 

As the name suggests, the Grampians Olive Co. Is a 100% family owned business that makes olive oil, infused olive oils, condiments, olives, artisan vinegars, as well as some hand-made olive oil based skincare too.

I've put the Grampians Olive Co. Organic Hand & Body Butter to the test, along with the lavender scented olive oil soap.

The Grampians Olive Co. Organic Hand & Body Butter is large, 400ml jar of rich un-fragranced and hand-crafted cream made using organic olive oil and organic shea butter. The cream is thick and rich and has a slightly whipped formula. And because it is so rich, it does take a few moments to absorb into the skin, but its worth the wait, as once it has, the skin is left feeling so soft and smooth and thoroughly hydrated, which lasts throughout the day with no need to reapply. It also works perfectly as a hand cream, or even on your feet with a pair of socks on top, if they need a little extra TLC. It is the perfect cream for those with dry skin, and as it doesn't any fragrance, it is also perfect for those with sensitive skin types. The large tub comes with a gorgeous golden lid, which makes it look simple, yet luxurious at the same time.

Then there's the Grampians Olive Co. Organic Lavender Olive Oil Soap. I admit here that I am not a huge user of soap blocks, as I feel they tend to become messy very quickly. But that said, I have enjoyed using this one, as the soft lather cleanses the skin so gently, without drying it out, and leaves it feeling soft. I also like that each time I go to the toilet, the gorgeous natural scent of lavender fills the room, and the uneven block shape of the soap, gives it character and makes it even more unique.

These products are seriously lovely, and I am especially addicted to the Hand & Body Butter, and love how soft and intensely moisturised it leaves my skin.


Grampians Olive Co. Skincare Pack - RRP: $50 / includes 1x Hand & Body Butter, 400g and 2 x organic olive oil soaps (unscented and lavender)

Available from Grampians Olive Co. and select stockists

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.


Remember that in between my blog posts you can always keep up with me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin or Instagram

PRODUCT REVIEW: CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT LIP COMFORT OILS

As a beauty blogger, needless to say that I use a large variety of different beauty products, aimed at different areas from top to toe. But every so often you come across a new type of product that really gets you excited like no other - and that's exactly what the Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oils did to me.. 

These Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oils are infused with 100% pure plant oils to nourish, soothe and plump lips, while leaving them with a just a touch a colour, and giving them a gorgeous scent at the same time. They can be used on their own for soft and hydrated lips, before lipstick for a smoother look, or on top of lipstick for added shine and gloss.

There are 7 different shades in the range, of which 4 of them have just been added to the range;

• Honey Glam, for a pop of shimmer 
• Mint for a cool, natural look 
• Candy, which react to the PH of your lips creating a personalised shade of pink 
• Tangerine, which react to the PH of your lips creating a personalised shade of pink or coral 

The Lip Oils come in square lipgloss-style tube, with the signature golden Clarins lid. And what I really love, is the large foot doe applicator, which makes it so easy to apply the oil across the lips in a single stroke. 

As for the shades, each of them are not only different in terms of their shade, but also in their unique star ingredient, scent, and thus also in its benefits to the lips. 

Lets start with the Candy, which is also one my favourites. This one contains organic aramanth flower extract, which is a native South American flower, which not only smells gorgeous, as well as it has hydrating and nourishing properties. This shade also has the unique feature that it will react to the PH of your lips creating a very personalised shade of pink with varies from person to person. How cool! In the tube it looks a slightly fluro pink, but on my lips it turns a pale soft pink which is enhancing the natural shade of the lips. It has a slightly sweet, floral candy scent.

Then there's Tangerine, which is also a favourite. It has the same unique PH technology, and while it has a orangy-red tint in the packaging, it gives my lips a lovely coral tint. It contains buriti extract to enhance and nourish and maintain the moisture in the lips, and it has sweet orange, or guess I should say, tangerine scent.

Next is the Mint, which initially did make me pause for a second, as I am really not one for green lips, as it looks in the tube. But thankfully it doesn't make your lips green, it actually has next to no tint leaving the lips with just a glossy look. As the name suggests, the star ingredient is menthe des champ, or menthol, to stimulate blood flow, which gives a cooling sensation, but also leaves the lips nourished while also having a plumping effect. I personally didn't see a major plumping effect, but love mint, and also the cooling and refreshing feeling on my lips. Unexpectedly, it doesn't actually smell that minty, but is rather sweet too.

Finally, there's Honey Glam, which contains tiny golden shimmer particles. On the lips it leaves a golden sheen with the glitter, and once it gloss wears off, the glitter particles tend to stay on the lips. I am not personally that fond of glitter, which is why this one is my least favourite of the bunch. That said, it is lovely to use on top of a lipstick for that extra radiance. Its star ingredient is hazelnut oil with the purpose of adding nourishment and hydration to the lips. It has a lovely warm honey scent.

Overall I am really loving these lip oils - not really because of their shades, as they are so subtle, but because they simply feel so lovely and non sticky on my lips and instantly make my lips feel so soft and smooth, and for hours after they've worn off. These lip oils have completely won me over, and I find myself reaching for them instead of my usual lip balm during the day, or in the casual situations when I'd usually use a neutral lip gloss. I can see myself repurchasing these again and again. So there are 7 shades in the range, the above four new shades along with existing Honey, Raspberry and Red Berry - I think I'll definitely need to go check out especially Raspberry and Red Berry... And you too should check them out, as they seriously are incredible, and as their name suggests, they really are so comfortable to wear.


Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil - RRP: $33.00 ea / 7ml

Available from Clarins, Myer, David Jones and select pharmacies
* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.

Remember that in between my blog posts you can always keep up with me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin or Instagram

TOY REVIEW: CROCODILE CREEK BUSY CITY FLOOR PUZZLE FROM CHILDSMART

CONFIDENT IN YOUR OWN SKIN WITH QV SKINCARE

One of those brands I've always loved, is QV Skincare. Their products are super gentle, so perfect for anyone with sensitive skin. 

And as my husband's skin easily gets irritated, and our two little boys, who both have very fair and sensitive skin, we pretty much always have a selection of QV Skincare products in the house. Our 2 year old has had some skin issues with rashes and skin irritation to the point we took him to hospital, and he following saw a dermatologist - and on top of their recommendation is always gentle skincare, with QV on the top of the specialists' list. 

But apart from sensitive skin, in a recent study undertaken by QV Skincare about how people feel about their skin and how it can impact them day-to-day, it was discovered that a massive 82% of Australian women lack the skin confidence and 67% aren't confident the products they use are the best for their skin type. The survey also revealed that 61% of women make changes to their lifestyle if they are having a bad skin day, lifestyle changes that respondents reported included wearing more makeup than usual, avoiding socialising or being in photos, wearing over-sized sunglasses and hats.

The survey also showed that only 33% of women can confidently say they know which products are best for their skin, while a massive 84% of millennials are unaware!

And frankly speaking, I can certainly nod at these findings, always struggling with my skin and breakouts, trying out a myriad of products over the years, and most definitely piling on the makeup to try to cover up! 

QV Skincare has acknowledged this, and has a range of different products to provide a variety of solutions, depending on your skins need at the time. And common for all, is that these products are super gentle for and suitable for both sensitive and dry skin types too. The products are all pH balanced and dermatologically tested, and do not contain potential irritants such as colour, fragrance, lanolin or propylene glycol. And what's more is that they are Australian owned and made - and very close to where l live in Melbourne too. 

I have put a selection of their products to the test, including both old favourites and others new to the QV Skincare range... 

First up is the QV Shower Milk, which is like a lightweight body lotion designed to work in the shower to gently cleanse dry skin while rehydrating it. It contains light liquid paraffin to promote rehydration and gelled paraffin to reduce epidermal water loss and is also designed to help relieve the symptoms of atopic eczema, psoriasis, ichthyosis, xerosis, dermatitis and sun-damaged skin. If you're feeling 'very dirty' after for instance being in the garden and is covered in dirt and oil, then I am not sure that it is intense enough, but for me it is certainly giving my skin sufficient cleanse on a daily basis - and the same or our two little boys.

The non-greasy formula contains light liquid paraffin to promote rehydration and gelled paraffin to reduce epidermal water loss. It is low-irritant and free from fragrance, colour, lanolin and propylene glycol.

Afterwards the shower, we use one of our trusted faves, the QV Skin Lotion. This is a very light moisturising lotion designed to soothe and repair dry skin, seal in the moisture and act as a protective barrier. The lotion absorbs super quick into the skin, without any greasiness, so you can get dressed immediately. This is one of my favourite moisturisers to use on my little boys, along with the slightly thicker and more intense version when their skin is extra dry.

On my face, new to me is the QV Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser, which is a soap-free liquid to foam cleanser designed to remove makeup and gently cleanse the skin, while preventing it from drying out. I love how gentle it is on my skin, leaving it so soft, but do find that it is struggling a little removing my long-wearing makeup, but I've been enjoying using it in the morning before applying my makeup, to remove the nights' oil build up.

Then there's the QV Face Cleansing Wipes, and I have to admit that I am not a huge user of facial wipes, mainly because I just love splashing water in my face, and regardless of how tired I am or how late I get to bed, I will always remove my makeup and cleanse my face with a 'proper' facial cleanser. So the only time I will usually use facial wipes is when I am on the go, or on long-haul flights, and feel my skin needs a cleanse and a pick-me-up mid-flight. That said, I do like that these are designed with vitamin E and safflower oil to replenish moisture levels, and are claim to be strong enough to remove waterproof makeup. I'll keep these handy for my next overseas trip.

Then there's the QV Face Ultra Calming Moisturiser, which is a moisturiser made with oat kernel extract, vitamins B3 and E, pro-vitamin B5 and glycerin to leave the skin feeling fresh and hydrated for up to 24 hours. The moisturise is quite lightweight and specifically designed to calm and soothe sensitive skin. I don't really have sensitive skin on my face, but my husband has really taken to this moisturiser, as it helps calm his skin after his morning shave, and keeps his skin soft and hydrated throughout the day, without giving him that greasy look. Being sensitive to strongly scented products on his face, he also loves the fact that this is non-fragranced.

Finally, onto another one of my favourites, the QV Face Purifying Mask. This mask is made with kaolin, panthanol, safflower oil and vitamin E, and it is designed to smooth, hydrate, purify and cleanse skin, and thanks to the clay base it helps draw out excess oils and dirt from the pores. The mask is so gentle that it can be used daily, which is pretty rare for a clay mask - but this one manages to give the skin a deep clean, while leaving the skin soft and moisturised. The mask is to be left on the skin for 5-10 minutes, and after being rinsed off, I can both see and feel that my skin is looking less greasy and my skin is simply more clearer. I don't usually need to use a mask daily, but at that special time each month, my skin always gets greasier and is more blemish prone, and using the mask daily during this period, always helps keep my skin healthier.

QV Skincare Shower Milk - RRP: $11.20 / 250ml 
QV Skincare Skin Lotion - RRP: $11.20 / 250ml 
QV Skincare Face Gentle Foaming Cleanser - RRP: $13.50 / 150ml 
QV Skincare Face Cleansing Wipes - RRP: $7.15 / 25wipes 
QV Skincare Face Ultra Calming Moisturiser - RRP: $17.95 / 75g 
QV Skincare Face Purifying Mask - RRP: $13.95 / 75g 

Available from Priceline and selected pharmacies

* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice.


Remember that in between my blog posts you can always keep up with me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin or Instagram

BOBBI BROWN PINK PEONY ILLUMINATING BRONZING SET FOR BREAST CANCER // PRODUCT REVIEW

October marks the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and as always, there are an increasing number of companies that bring out pink products, and donate a large percentage of the proceeds of their sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). One brand that is huge supporter, is Bobbi Brown Cosmetics who continues to empower women and as a part of the Estée Lauder Companies group, and over the years, the group has raised over $US70 million globally to support breast cancer education and research. This year, Bobbi Brown is honouring Breast Cancer Campaign’s 25th Anniversary. So this year Bobbi Brown supports the campaign, with the Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzing Powder Set... 

The limited edition Bobbi Brown Pink Ribbon Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzing Set is available from today, September 25th, and 20% of the purchase price, equivalent to $16 will be donated to NBCF. 

The Bobbi Brown Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzing Set includes a rosy pink shade of Illuminating Bronzing Powder and a cute pink mini Face Blender Brush. And the powder is seriously pretty. The round black signature compact has a large internal mirror and the pretty powder is embossed with the symbol for breast cancer awareness, the ribbon. The actual powder is super soft and fine.

I am not really sure why it is called a bronzer.. Yes, you can dust it lightly over the skin for a shimmering look, but in my opinion it serves better as a blush. And I absolutely love it as a blush. The pink shade is a medium shade, and on the lips, it gives a gorgeous natural rosy pink flush, with a nice shimmering glow, yet without being too shiny or glittery. It is quite pigmented, so you can either sweep it on for a light look, or build it up as you like. 

This ultra-soft and smooth pressed powder delivers a shimmering, sun-kissed glow and flatters a wide range of skin tones. It is such a gorgeous shade that is perfect for everyday use.

The cute little brush has a pink handle and super soft white hairs, and it is just such a gorgeous addition to the set.

I am so in love with this set, and I already know it will be my go-to blush as we head towards summer. You can get your hands on one too, but hurry, as remember that this is limited edition, and they will without a doubt sell out fast, as who can resist a pretty blush that support an amazing cause at the same time.


Bobbi Brown Pink Ribbon Pink Peony Illuminating Bronzing Set - RRP: $80.00 - of which Bobbi Brown will donate $16.00 National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Available from Bobbi Brown


* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice. Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx


Remember that in between my blog posts you can always keep up with me on Twitter, Facebook, Bloglovin or Instagram