Wednesday 31 December 2008

My favorite products from 2008

I try a lot of different products all the time, and rarely repurchase any of them. However, there are a few favorites that I've repurchased again and again. Here are my top five repurchases from 2008.

Moon Haven Soaps - These are my favorite soaps ever. They come in a great range of different fragrances, have no nasties in them and are reasonably priced.

My Lip Stuff Lip Balms - They come in a great range of flavours, are reasonably priced and do a great job of moisturising my lips.

Dove Energy Glow moisturiser - I've been using this moisturiser for over two years now, and it's the best. It's great for people with dry skin, it keeps the flaky bits away, but doesn't leave me looking oily.

Badger Balms - Great all natural lip balms. They do an amazing job of moisturising my lips and contain no petrolatum.

Monday 29 December 2008

Make-Up The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris


I look at make-up books all the time, but don't often buy them, however I couldn't resist this one. For a start Rae is Australian, and a lot of the models in the book are also Australian. And it only costs $39.95.

Rae Morris has been a make-up artist for 15 years. She got off to an interesting start, thanks to Naomi Campbell. She was working as a hairdresser at the miss Model of the World pageant when Naomi's make-up artist left the room in tears. Naomi looked around the room and demanded that Rae fix her lips. As Rae was setting to work on Naomi's lips, the paparazzi took photo's. The next day Rae's picture was all over the papers and that was the start of her new career as a make-up artist.

If you're looking for a how to book, then this is perfect. It starts with a list of essential products and tools, along with an explanation of why you need each item. It then goes on to brushes and includes a great tip on how to choose good quality brushes.

Then it's on to skin prep, brows, false eyelashes and eye colour charts. There are also chapters on eyes, asian eyes, over 40's, contouring, foundation, bronzing, highlighting, lips and cheeks and then 10 minute makeovers.

Each chapter has very details instructions with step by step photo's so you can see exactly how to recreate the looks yourself. This is one of the best make-up books that I've seen, it breaks everything down so that anyone can make themselves look like they've had their make-up professionally done.

Friday 26 December 2008

Becca Antique Gold Cream Eyeshadow


I find cream eye shadows to be hit and miss. Some of them are amazing, and others are creasy, greasy and horrible. I persist with them because when cream eye shadows work they're amazing. When I bought my Becca cream eye shadow I was hoping that it would fall into the amazing category, but it didn't.

No matter how I apply this it creases really badly. I've tried everything I can think of and it still creases. I've used primer and no primer. I've set it with powder, I've put powder eye shadow over the top, I've applied it very sheerly and very heavily. I've used a brush and used my fingers. Regardless of how I've applied it, it always creases within an hour. And it creases badly too, it's like all the eye shadow migrated up my eyelid into one horrible line of eyeshadow.

If I had oily eyelids I could understand why this shadow creases so badly, but I don't. I've used other cream eye shadows successfully. It's a real disappointment, because the colour is gorgeous.

Would I buy it again? No, it's a mess.

Ingredients: hydrogenated polyisobutene, cocoglycerides, caprylic/capric triglyceride, octyldodecanol, oxidized polyethylene, candelilla cera (euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax), hydrogenated castor oil, C20-40 alkyl stearate, stearalkonium hectorite, carnauba (copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax), magnesium stearate and may contain: [+/- titanium dioxide CI 77891, iron oxides CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, ultramarines CI 77007, carmine CI 75470, ferric ferrocyanide CI 77510, bismuth oxychloride CI 77163, mica].

Wednesday 24 December 2008

Pure Luxe April's Mix


I've never really been a fan of finishing powders, they seem pointless to me as they don't appear to do much. But now that I've met April's Mix my opinion of finishing powders has changed totally.

April's Mix is a blend of correctors, bronzers, radiance and glow powder. Because of this, it does a few different things. It gives my skin a healthy glow, hides pores and fine lines, and sets my make-up. When I wear this I get people telling me how well I look.

In the container it looks like an apricot colours, but it's undetectable when I'm wearing it. It gives my skin a healthy, luminous, glowing look. I use this over the top of my foundation when I want to look polished and glowing. I also find that it helps my make-up stay in place.

I also use April's Mix over moisturiser on no make-up days to even out my skintone and give me a healthy, glowy look.

This is one of those products that every one needs, and one I'll never be without again.

Monday 22 December 2008

Prestige Sun Baked Mineral Highlighter

When Prestige bought out their new mineral line I really wanted to try it, as everything looked so pretty. Mineral Highlighter reminds me of MAC's Mineralised Skin Finishes, so I just had to get one. At $24.95, these are a bargain.

I've used my Mineral Highlighter every day since I bought it and I'm so happy with it. It's great to use for an all over glow, either on it's own or over foundation. It also works wonderfully as a highlighter for cheeks, inner eye and on the brow bone.

Mineral Highlighter gives a soft, skin coloured sheen to my skin that's subtle and natural. The shimmer is not at all glittery or obvious, it's glowy and makes my skin look naturally healthy.

There's only one thing that I don't particularly like about this. Because it's a baked product, it's quite hard, so I have to really rub my brush or sponge into it to get the colour out.

Friday 19 December 2008

Pure Luxe Eraser

I believe that every beauty kit needs a few magic products that transform the skin. For me Pure Luxe's Eraser is one of those magic products.

Eraser comes in two formulas, original, which is a gel/cream and powder. I use and love both of them. The original Eraser comes in clear and colour correcting, and the powder comes in original (which goes on clear), medium and deep.

Eraser can be used in two ways, as a primer and as a finishing treatment, or it can be used as both. I prefer to use it after foundation as a finishing treatment.

Here's what Pure Luxe has to say about the original Eraser: Have you ever wished for a "magical" product that would erase large pores, "experience" lines, and leave your skin feeling like silk? WISH NO MORE! After months of formulating, I have captured magic in a jar!
This gel/cream base acts like a soft-focus diffuser. Think of "Glamour Shots" in a jar!
ERASER will soften the look of lines, large pores, and produce an all-over effect of perfect skin. This product applies like a creamy gel, then instantly dries to a soft, silky powder.
You have never felt anything so luxurious! I promise, one try, and you WILL be hooked!

Here's what Pure Luxe has to say about the powder version: The application slip is unbelievable. Brushes on like silk. This multi-purpose powder does it all. Apply before foundation as a primer adds an extra layer of water-resistancy Contains REAL pearl powder (not the cheaper versions such as mother of pearl or crushed shells), known for it's healing and nourishing powers. Achieves a gentle all over soft focus effect.

Often I've found that the claims that companies make about their products just aren't true, but in this case they are. I find the powder formula is great to use as a primer and finishing powder. It helps to minimise the appearance of my pores and fine lines. I have the original colour, which goes on clear.

As much as I love the powder Eraser, the cream/gel formula is my favorite. It truly is a miracle product. When I use this over foundation I literally see my pores and fine lines disappear before my eyes. As with the powder formula, I use this in the original colour, and it goes on clear.

Normally for a product like this you'd expect it to be expensive, but it's very reasonably priced, and the shipping to Australia is well priced and fast.

Would I buy it again? Yes, I've already gone through two pots of this.

Thursday 18 December 2008

Dr LeWinn's Line Smoothing Complex High Potency Treatment Mask

I've yet to meet a Dr LeWinn's product that I don't like. Everything I've tried from this range has been lovely, and Line Smoothing Complex High Potency Treatment Mask is no exception.

This is a really interesting product. It's a gel mask that comes in two pieces, one for the forehead and another for the rest of the face. You smooth it onto your face and then leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. What I love about this mask is that unlike other cloth type masks I've tried, this one adheres to my face, so I don't have to lie still the whole time I'm using it.

The texture is really unique. Dr LeWinn's calls it a hydro-gel, and on my face it feels soft and gel like.

According to Dr LeWinn's High Potency Treatment Mask is based on nano-technology delivery systems, the revolutionary anti-ageing Line Smoothing Complex hydro-gel mask delivers high potency peptides, anti oxidants and collagen into the layers of the skin. It is a convenient, ready to use one step treatment that leaves your skin feeling incredibly smooth and silky, whilst minimising the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. With results noticeable from the first application, your complexion will look and feel revitalised and more radiant.

Multi Action Benefits:
Instant smoothing and radiance - you will feel an instant boost to your skin. Lines and wrinkles are less visible, your complexion is dramatically smoother and hydrated, and skin appears firmer and plumped.
Anti wrinkle action - acetyl hexapeptide-3 (argireline) a unique peptide that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, especially expression lines.
Panax ginseng extract, and ancient herb, known for its skin tightening properties, it helps stimulate collagen synthesis, thereby reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Green tea extract, a powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger that calms and soothes the skin, while assisting in anti wrinkle action.
Hydrating and moisturising - sodium hyaluronate, known as nature's moisture magnet, it helps retain moisture, instantly softening and plumping the skin, whilst gently smoothing away wrinkles and fine lines.

I really love this mask. It's expensive, but well worth it. After I've used this my skin feels soft, smooth and the fine lines seem to have reduced.

Would I buy it again? Yes.

Wednesday 17 December 2008

The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream

Lately I've been trying to use more natural products, and I'd always thought that The Body Shop products fit that category, but when I did some research, I realised that they are all about Fair Trade, not natural. Despite that, I still love some of their products.

For me, Coconut Shower Cream is my daily dose of luxury. It's so rich and creamy, using it makes me feel very pampered. The coconut smell is just gorgeous.

I find this shower cream to be gentle and moisturising. My skin feels soft and moisturising after I've used it, it's very gentle and non drying. I've even used this when my skin is irritated and it hasn't caused any problems.

There's something about the smell of coconut that makes me feel soothed and happy. If you're looking for a lovely, rich shower cream, give this a go.

Ingredients: aqua (water), cocamidopropyl betaine, helianthus annuus (sunflower seed oil), PEG-5 cocamide, sodium laureth sulfate, coco-glucoside, acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, sodium cocoamphoacetate, cocos nucifera (Coconut) , acrylates/steareth-20 methacrylate copolymer, phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, parfum, sodium hydroxide, disodium EDTA, benzyl benzoate, tocopherol, coumarin, butylphenyl methylpropional

Tuesday 16 December 2008

Eco Tools Brushes



I strongly believe in the importance of using good quality brushes. They make such a difference to make-up application, they last a long time and feel nice on my face (which I think is the most important thing).

On a whim I bought an Eco Tools brush because they are earth friendly. The bamboo handles have a low impact on earth's resources, the synthetic taklon bristles are cruelty free and the ferrule is made from recycled aluminum.

I purchased an angled eyeliner brush and a shading brush. I'm in love with both of them. They are just as good as my expensive brushes and yet they cost about a quarter of the price. They're soft, great quality and don't shed at all. I've used them wet and dry without problems, they're easy to use and generally great products.

Eco Tools brushes are available from Priceline. You can get a set of five brushes for $24.95. If you are in need of new brushes and haven't tried Eco Tools, I highly recommend them!

Monday 15 December 2008

Lipstick Queen Pink Saint


Back in the 90's I was a huge fan of Poppy cosmetics. I was so disappointed when they were discontinued. You can imagine how excited I was when I heard Poppy King was launching a new range of lip products called Lipstick Queen. They've finally arrived in Australia and are sold throughout the country at Kit stores.

Naturally, I couldn't resist buying a few products. One of them was Pink Saint.
Lipstick Queen lipsticks come in two variations, Saints, which are shiny with 10% pigment and Sinners, which are matte and 90% pigment. Saints have a gold tube and Sinners have a black tube.

Saint lipsticks go on smooth and shiny. As they are sheer they don't last ages on my lips, but when Pink Saint wears off it leaves a stain of colour on my lips. On my Pink Saint looks very close to my natural lip colour, so it's great for those days I want the 'no make-up' look.

Would I purchase it again? Yes, I love these lipsticks and will definitely be getting more of them.

Friday 12 December 2008

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I love the way my skin feels after I've exfoliated, but due to my sensitive skin I have to be careful not to use a scrub that too rough, harsh or irritating. One of my favorite face scrubs is Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant.

According to Dermalogica; This unique, Rice-based enzyme powder activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. Our unique skin brightening complex of rice bran, salicylic acid, green tea, grapefruit and licorice helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation. Papain and other active agents derived from rice bran and rice extract help to regulate melanin production while micro-exfoliating dead cells. A super-soothing blend of green tea, ginkgo and colloidal oatmeal calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

How it works:
Rice bran and rice starch gently microfoliate skin surface to facilitate penetration of the skin brightening complex. Papain enzyme and salicylic acid help dissolve excess surface cells. Skin brightening complex of rice bran, salicylic acid, green tea, grapefruit and licorice helps even skin tone.

Now I'm not sure about all of that. What I do know is that this is a great, gentle face scrub. It's a softly gritty powder that's gentle enough to use every day, however I usually use it twice a week. I pour a little bit of powder into my hand, add a few drop of water then massage it into my face.

After I've used this my skin feels very smooth. I bought a large 75 gram bottle from Strawberrynet which I've had for a year now and have only used a third of it, so whilst this may seem expensive, I use so little that it will last for ages.

If you're interested in this I suggest buying it from Skin Care Store as they are often cheaper than Strawberrynet.


Would I buy it again? Yes, it's a favorite of mine.

Thursday 11 December 2008

Prestige Wonder-Full Lip Plumping Gloss


Never one to resist a gloss, I couldn't help buying one of Prestige's lip plumpers when they were on sale. I got the colour Chic LPG-03, which is a very pretty mauve pink with subtle silver shimmer. It's a colour that's very close to my natural lip colour.

This gloss contains maxi lip which is said to increase collagen and provide lip plumping effects when worn continuously for 30 days.

When I first apply this there is not tingle, but within a minute I can feel a tingle. The amazing thing about this gloss is that the tingle doesn't go away until the gloss has totally worn off. With other plumping glosses the tingle usually fades after a few minutes, but not with Wonder-Full.

As with most of the other plumpers I've tried, I don't think my lips look any bigger, but they do look full and pink.

The gloss is not sticky, it's smooth and creamy with a subtle shine. Texture and shine wise, this is similar to a light liquid lipstick. The colour is sheer and subtle. It looks great on it's on and over lipstick or pencil. It has a lovely, spicy scent with no flavour.

Would I buy this again? Yes.

Wednesday 10 December 2008

Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Eye Cream


This is what Simple has to say about Age Resisting eye cream:
"Natural antioxidant green tea in combination with oat-beta-glucan will help stimulate your skin's own immune system, reinforcing it's ability to renew itself.
Sodium hyaluronate and mushroom extract help firm and reduce puffiness around the eye area.
Natural gingko biloba, allantoin and pro-vitamin B5 helps to repair, protect and strengthen the skin around the delicate eye area."

Sounds good doesn't it? I used this eye cream for three months and am disappointed to say that I haven't noticed any difference in the condition of my skin. It is a good moisturiser for the eye area, but that's it.

I find this to be a light, easily absorbed cream that keeps the skin around my eyes hydrated. It's suitable for sensitive skin and didn't sting or irritate at all.

If you're looking for a basic, cream to keep your eye area hydrated this would be perfect, but if you want a cream that gives results then I wouldn't recommend this product.

Would I buy it again? No.

Tuesday 9 December 2008

Ganache for Lips Lemon Meringue


Lemon Mousse is the only non chocolate balm that Ganache makes. As I love my other Ganache balm, I assumed that I would love this balm just as much, so I'm very surprised to be saying that I'm not a huge fan of this balm.

The flavour and fragrance are lovely, like a beautiful, sweet lemon. Unlike the chocolate flavoured balms, Lemon Mousse is a hard balm. I have to put on plenty of layers before I feel like I'm wearing balm, and I'm reapplying every 15 minutes because I feel like I don't have any balm on. Even after applying several layers of this balm my lips look and feel bare.

I'm not sure why Lemon Mousse is different from the chocolate balms, perhaps it's because the chocolate versions have cocoa extract, although I wouldn't have thought that cocoa would make any difference.

Would I buy it again? No, I'll stick to the chocolate ones.

Ingredients: sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, beeswax, shea butter, vitamin E, vanilla extract in fractionated coconut oil, lemon oil, rosemary extract.

Monday 8 December 2008

Benefit Danelion


Dandelion is the first powder blush that I fell in love with. It's also one of the first Benefit products that I purchased.

I know that some people use this as an all over highlighting colour, but as I already have a pink tone to my skin this doesn't work for me. However, for people without pink toned skin it would make a great all over glow product.

This is what Benefit has to say about Dandelion: "Start your day the "perk-me-up" way, and keep them guessing how you look so pretty this early in the morning. Dust on our soft, pink, perk-me-up powder for instant radiance and a youthful appearance. It's the perfect shade of pink that brightens everyone's complexion without looking powdery or chalky.

Tips and tricks: Sweep the brush across the powder a few times, then tap off any excess. Brush lightly on to the apples of your cheeks in an outward motion. For the final touch, lightly brush all over your complexion."

Dandelion comes in a cute little box with a brush in the top, which is okay for use as a blush brush. I prefer to use a skunk brush so I don't use the brush that was provided (I threw it away). Dandelion is a beautiful soft pink colour with subtle shimmer in it which makes a beautiful sheer blush for pale skinned girls.

Would I buy it again? Yes!

Friday 5 December 2008

Bonne Bell Lip Lites Glossy Tint


Those of you who like flavoured lip balms need to get one of these. The flavours are so yummy, I usually end up licking most of the balm off my lips a few minutes after I've applied it.

As far as lip balms go this doesn't do much. It has a smooth, creamy texture that feels nice on my lips, but I don't find it moisturising at all.

Lip Lites Glossy Tints give a sheer wash of shimmery colour, so I use this like I would a gloss. It works very well applied over lip balm or lipstick. It has the same lasting power of a gloss, so needs to be reapplied regularly.

For me, the draw card of these balms is the flavour. If they weren't flavoured then I wouldn't use them.

I've tried; Cappuccino, Vanilla, Strawberry Gelati and Caramel Latte. They are all taste lovely.

Would I buy these again? No. They taste great, but aren't at all moisturising.

Thursday 4 December 2008

Earthly Possessions Fig and Cinnamon Lip Butter


I don't normally use lip products with cinnamon in them as it irritates my lips, but as Mr GlossQueen gave me this for valentines day I was determined to make it work. Surprisingly, the cinnamon in the lip butter doesn't irritate my lips. I don't find this to be a highly hydrating balm, but it's great for everyday use.

The fragrance is a lovely mix of fig with with a slight hint of cinnamon. There is no flavour. The texture is smooth and creamy with a shiny finish. It usually lasts around an hour before I need to reapply.

Fig and Cinnamon Lip Butter comes in a great pot that's wide enough for me to get the balm out without it getting stuck under my fingernails. The pot is a large 15 grams, which is about double the size of regular lip balm pots.

There are three flavours available, fig and cinnamon, frangipani and coconut and lime.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's a lovely balm.

Wednesday 3 December 2008

The Body Shop Lip Butter

If you're a fan of potted lip balms, then you should give one of these a try. They're hydrating enough to soothe rough, dry lips and are great to use in winter. The texture is like butter, soft and smooth. They have a slightly glossy finish and need to be rubbed in well so that they don't leave a white tint to my lips (never a good look).

Being the lip balm addict that I am, I've tried the following flavours; nut, shea, papaya and coconut. I also have an unopened guarana one waiting to be used. My favorite is papaya (which is a fancy word for paw paw). It smells and tastes amazing.

Would I buy it again? Yes. Out of all of them papaya is the one that I would buy again.

Ingredients: butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), ricinus communis (castor oil), brassica campestris/aleurites fordi oil copolymer, cera alba (beeswax), carica papaya, lanolin, PEG-8 beeswax, hydrogenated castor oil, benzyl benzoate, aroma, silica, limonene, tocopheryl acetate, hexyl cinnamal, ammonium glycyrrhizate, linalool, citronellol, tocopherol, citral, methyl 2-cctynoate, geraniol, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 19140.

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Miessence Organics Tahitian Breeze Deodorant

I've been hunting for a natural deodorant that is effective and non irritating for a few years now. I'd given up the hunt when on impulse I decided to try Miessence's deodorant. I chose the Tahitian Breeze fragrance which is beautiful. It's a lovely mix of floral and citrus. In fact if there was a perfume that smelled like this I'd buy it.

I'm very happy to report that this deodorant works really well, even on very hot days. It keeps me odour free all day. The fragrance is subtle and light.

And added bonus is that this deodorant does not leave white marks on my clothes. I have noticed that it leaves yellow marks under the arms on my white tops, but the marks come out in the wash.

The other great thing about this deodorant is that it does not irritate my skin at all. I find that a lot of deodorants make me break out in a rash, but this doesn't happen with my Miessence deodorant. I can even apply it straight after shaving without any stinging or irritation.

There are two different fragrances, Tahitian Breeze and Ancient Spice, and there is also an unscented version available.

Would I buy it again? Definitely, it's a lovely product.

Ingredients: purified water (aqua), organic aloe vera (aloe barbadensis) leaf juice, sodium bicarbonate, non-gmo xanthan gum, honeysuckle (lonicera japonica) extract, organic bergamot (citrus bergamia) essential oil, lime (citrus aurantifolia) essential oil, organic ylang ylang (canaga odorata) essential oil, organic patchouli (pogostemon cablin) essential oil, organic geranium (pelargonium graveolens) essential oil.

Monday 1 December 2008

Atopalm MLE Face Cream


This is a moisturiser that everyone with sensitive skin needs. If you only buy one skin care product this year, make it Atopalm cream. It comes in a face and body version, so it's great for people who suffer from eczema.

I discovered Atopalm after reading The Skin Type Solution. Dr Baumann recommends this product for people with sensitive skin. Atopalm moisturiser is proven to mimic the same three dimensional structure that the natural skin barrier has. This means that it helps to restore and rebuild the skin barrier.

This is the only moisturiser I can use when my skin is irritated. It's fragrance free and does not sting or cause irritation and redness. It only takes a week of once daily use for my skin to feel moisturised and no longer irritated. I can even use this when I have eczema and rashes. As it doesn't contain sunscreen I use it as a night cream.
Atopalm is my go to product when my skin is red and irritated.

As a moisturiser it is very hydrating without being greasy. It sinks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling hydrated, soothed and soft.


 
According to Atopalm their MLE Face Cream works to replenish the skin's own barrier function by providing essential lipids, allowing the skin to repair itself. Antioxidants, Vitamins B and E provide protection from free-radical damage, while other ingredients soothe irritation and inflammation.
Side-effect-free and highly effective, ATOPALM MLE Face Cream will leave your skin rejuvenated and sheltered against everyday harmful environmental factors, harsh cleansers and moisture-stripping products.
ATOPALM MLE Face Cream is ideal for all skin types, including dry or sensitive skin and those with sun-damage. Those with even the most extremely dry and sensitive skin conditions, including rosacea and eczema, will find there is no longer a need to rely on steroidal products.

Benefits:
Aids in skin healing and repair. Suitable for all skin types. Soothes extremely dry, flaky or sensitive skin. Ideal for those with sensitive skin conditions including Rosacea and Eczema. Free of side effects. Compliments any skin care regimen to combat the often harsh drying effects of other skin care products. Soothes skin after cosmetic procedures including microdermabrasion, laser treatments and facial peels.

You can buy Atopalm MLE cream from Skin Care Store.

Would I buy it again? Yes, I'll always have some of this in my house.

Ingredients: water (aqua), butylene glycol, glycerin, myrisyl/palmityl oxostearamide/arachamide MEA, PEG-10 glyceryl stearate, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, cetyl alcohol, glyceryl stearate, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, qqualane, biosaccharide gum-1, PEG-10 glyceryl stearate, portulaca oleracea extract, sodium lactate, dimethicone, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, tocopheryl acetate, sunflower oil decyl esters, carbomer, methylparaben, propylparaben, allantion, stearic acid, BHT, essential oil, fragrance,

Friday 28 November 2008

Sally Hansen Maximum Growth


Before I discovered silica gel I used to have horrible, soft, flaky, weak nails and this product is the only one out of the many that I tried, that actually worked. With once daily application I would have longer stronger nails within two weeks.

All I had to do was apply Maximum Growth once a day and after two weeks my nails would be long, strong and healthy. As soon as I stopped using it my nail would go back to their bad condition, so I'd just use this constantly and it'd give me nice nail.

I have strong nails now, but I still use this to help keep them strong and healthy.

Ingredients:
butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, SD alcohol 40-b, nitrocellulose, tosylamide/formaldehyde resin, n-butyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, triphenyl phosphate, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate, ethyl tosylamide, camphor, benzophenone-1, silk.

Thursday 27 November 2008

Le Couvent des Minimes Nutritive Lip Balm

When I first got this balm I was on a chocolate kick so didn't like it. But now that my chocolate kick is over I'm really enjoying this balm.

It has a beautiful soft honey fragrance and flavour. The texture is soft and very smooth, almost creamy. I find this balm to be very moisturising even when my lips are very sore and dry. In the winter it can get a little lumpy due to the shea butter, but the lumps disappear quickly when rubbed in, or I just melt it in the microwave for about thirty second and that does the trick too.

There is a very slight shine to it, depending on how much I've put on. Due to the creamy texture it usually lasts a few hours before I need to reapply.

Le Couvent des Minimes (the Convent of the Minims) stands on the hillside by the village of Mane. The recipes follow in the traditions of the Sisters of the Convent and combine over 50 ingredients of natural origin, carefully selected for their time tested benefits. The ingredients are carefully measured and blended to create effective skincare products and pleasant and comfortable textures. Every Le Couvent des Minimes formula is developed according to strict rules in order to obtain very high quality skincare and well being products.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's a gorgeous product, in fact, it might even become a favorite of mine.


Ingredients: ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, tribehenin, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), octyldodecanol, castor isostearate succinate, cera alba/beeswax, parfum/fragrance, hydrogenated vegetable oil, propolis cera/propolis extract, mel/money extract, tocopherol, royal jelly, olus/vegetable oil, lycopene, polysorbate 80, glyceryl stearate, tocopherol.

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Yes to Carrots Berry Lip Butter

Never one to pass up a new lip balm, I just had to buy this when I saw it at David Jones.

Firstly, I'm not sure why they call it a lip butter. To me lip butters are thick, rich and super moisturising. I'd call this a lip balm. I don't think any stick balms can be called butters, because butters are a lot softer and come in pots. So I'm calling this a lip balm.


As far as balms go, this one is nice but not amazing. I currently use it as my night time balm. It does a fairly good job of keeping my lips hydrated. If my lips were really dry I'm not sure that this would be moisturising enough. It's quite a firm balm, so I have to layer lots on to get the coverage that I want. It has a very slight shine to it, but it's so slight as to be barely detectable, and that shine is only there because I've applied so many layers of it.

The fragrance is very subtle, I can only smell it when I'm holding the balm up to my nose, and there is no flavour.
Texture wise this is similar to chapsticks, just a little harder. It'd be perfect to use as a primer under lipstick.

Would I buy it again? No. It's a nice lip balm, but it's not flavoured and it's a little hard.

Ingredients: cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, cera alba (beeswax), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, flavor, helianthus anuus (sunflower) seed oil, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), tocopherol, linalool, limonene, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel extract, cucumis melo cantalupensis (melon) seed extract, cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed extract, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, citral, geraniol, eugenol.

Tuesday 25 November 2008

Everyday Minerals Blush in Natural


It's only in the last few years that I've started using mineral make-up. I tend to be a bit of a klutz with loose powder products, but I'm slowly getting the hang of them, and realising how lovely some mineral products are. The great thing about mineral companies is that a lot of them ship to Australia, and samples ship cheaply, so I can try a lot of different products without it costing me a fortune. Plus, it's exciting getting packages in the mail.

One of the products that I've bought a full size of (after trying a sample), is Everyday Minerals blush in Natural. According to EDM Natural Blush is absolutely gorgeous on fair to medium skin tones, Natural blends beautifully to enhance your own natural radiance with a healthy, translucent, shimmer. Used as a blush or an all over face color, to brighten and revive your complexion!

When I wear this I don't look like I'm wearing blush, I just look glowing and healthy. Natural is great to use as a highlighter over darker blushes, or alone to brighten up my face. It's a gorgeous nude pink colour with a subtle silver shimmer.

Ingredients: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

Monday 24 November 2008

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

When I was younger I didn't see the point of foundation primers. I tried a few different ones and didn't notice any difference, so stopped using them. But as I've grown older I've realised the value of a good primer.

I really love this primer. It makes my foundation apply smoothly, stops it sinking into fine lines, and helps it to last all day without fading or creasing. It only takes one pump to cover my whole face, so a bottle lasts me around six months. I have dry skin, and don't find this primer to be drying. It's not hydrating either, it's the perfect texture. I'd highly recommend this to someone looking for a new primer to try.

I purchased the original primer, however there are other versions available that contain antioxidants, colour correctors and there's a light version.

Would I buy it again? Yes, it's a great product.

Ingredients: Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Safflower Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Water, Grape Seed Extract, Kolanut Seed Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract

Friday 21 November 2008

My Lip Stuff Shipping

You all know how much I love My Lip Stuff balms, they're my favorite balms ever, and the customer service is brilliant. In one of my previous posts I commented on the shipping costs, and this is the information that I've received from MLS.

If you were charged $14 by the shopping cart for a "sample" order then you had too many items by weight in your sample order.


All the details about how many sample items allowed in each package can be read on each items page in the samples section. The glosses are heavy and only allow for a few balms in the package with them. On the gloss page it says: "Shipping increments are based on the weight of the samples, you may purchase up to 3 SAMPLE glosses before it automatically rolls over to Priority rates. "

So you were above the weight limit, & the cart charged you as a regular priority order & you did not receive the shipping discount.

The max charge for "samples" is only $8 for 9 tubes of balm.
$14 is where "priority" shipping starts.

The shipping is based on actual charges incurred by the USPS, and in many cases customers even pay less than the actual charge.

Apologies for the confusion & thanks for the review.

Makes sense to me, thanks for clarifying it! Like I've said before, regardless of the shipping costs, MLS balms are worth it.

Thursday 20 November 2008

Beauty and the Bees Cream Cleanser


I'm terrible for buying products, using them for a few weeks then forgetting about them for a few months, then rediscovering them again. I recently did this with my Beauty and the Bees cream cleanser, which was really silly cause it's a beautiful cleanser.

Leatherwood Honey and Coconut Cream Cleanser is suitable for all skin types, but specifically for dry, sensitive skins. It cleans without stripping moisture from my skin, and without leaving me with an oily residue. I find that I can use this even when my skin is going through a dry, irritated stage.

I put some on a face flannel or cleansing pad and gently wipe it over my face, then spray with facial water. After I've used this my skin doesn't feel dry or tight.
It does a wonderful job of removing my make-up, even eye make-up.

The cream is gorgeous, soft, beautifully scented thick and rich. You can have it unscented, or choose from Rose Geranium or Patcholi and
Orange. I chose Rose Geranium and it smells gorgeous.

I purchased a 60ml jar which with once daily use lasted me for 4 months.

Beauty and The Bees products are available online at their website, at their store in
Hobart, and throughout the world. A full list of stockists is on their website.

Ingredients: mountain spring water, coconut oil, certified (BFA) organic olive oil, vegetable wax, tasmanian leatherwood bees wax, certified (BFA) sunflower oil, organic (OPA) sesame oil, palm oil, castor oil, siam benzoin resin, leatherwood honey, sodium borate (borax), rose geranium essential oil.

Wednesday 19 November 2008

Chicken Poop Lip Junk

The only reason I bought this lip balm is because of the name. Who can resist a lip balm called Chicken Poop? Okay, I suppose most people could, but I couldn't resist the thought of being able to tell people, "I've got chicken poop on my lips".

I hunted around for ages trying to get hold of this, and finally found it on ebay. I see that they now have international shipping on the Chicken Poop website, and there is a shop in Melbourne that stocks Chicken Poop.

The extensive hunt for this lip balm was well worth it, as it's a lovely balm. It smells like lavender and has no flavour. The balm is moisturising enough for daily use. I don't use it if my lips are really chapped, but for everyday use it's perfect. It has a smooth, soft texture with a very slight shine.

The legend of the poop: The Name....Chicken Poop comes from Jamie’s goofy grandpa replying to her complaint of having dry lips. He’d say, “I know how to fix those dry lips, I’ll rub some chicken poop on ‘em so you won’t be lickin’ ‘em.” Brilliant, don’t you think?

How it all began..Jamie Tabor Schmidt began making Chicken Poop after her best friend Claudia took her to Sephora, a cosmetic store lined from floor to ceiling with all kinds of make up goodness. She decided then and there she would have a product line by the age of 25. Good gravey, a hair pomade,was the first product she came up with. Requests came flying in for a tube version. So, in 2000 Jamie developed Chicken Poop. She has seven other products in the making. The next to market will be Kill It Dead, a natural spray deodorant.


Would I buy it again? No, but only because it's not easily available in Australia. If I could get it locally, then I would buy it again.

Ingredients: soybean oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, lavender essential oil, sweet orange essential oil.

Tuesday 18 November 2008

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

This is one of my all time favorite lip balms. It's even in my top five favorite lip balms of all time. Why do I love this so much? It's all natural, reasonably priced and does a great job of healing my lips. It has a little tingle due to the peppermint oil, and a pleasant, light flavour.

Burt's Bees Beeswax lip balm is a clear balm with a matte texture, so it's great to use as a lip primer and under lipstick. It's also perfect for men. I used to use a great primer that was really expensive, but now I've replaced it with my Burt's Bees balm, which is a lot cheaper and does just as good a job.

Would I buy it again? Yes, I've already gone through several tubes of this, it's a product I'll never be without.

Ingredients for the tube balm are: cera alba (beeswax, cire d'abeille), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, lanolin, tocopherol, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, glycine soja (soybean) oil, canola oil (huile de colza) and limonene.

Ingredients for the tin balm are: cera alba (beeswax, cire d'abeille), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, lanolin, tocopherol, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, glycine soja (soybean) oil, canola oil (huile de colza) and limonene.

Monday 17 November 2008

MooGoo Skincare Oil Cleansing Method

You've probably noticed MooGoo products in your local health food store, I know I did. I've been looking at them and wondering about them for a while now, so thought that I'd give some of them a go. I purchased four products; the skincare oil cleansing method for normal skin, anti ageing face cream, cow lick balm and honey tingling lip balm. I'll report on the other products soon.

Skincare Oil Cleansing Method cost me $24.95 for a 100ml bottle. I would have liked to purchase the dry skin version, but the shop I was at only had the normal skin version. I've been using this for three weeks now and I really like it. The texture is a lot thicker than I thought it would be, which is good as it makes it very easy to use. The scent is pleasant and subtle.

I use this to remove my make-up at the end of each day. It removes all my make-up, including eye make-up with just one application, and I don't need to use toner afterwards. I just massage it into my skin then wash it off with a face cloth. Unlike other oil cleansers that I've used, this isn't hard to remove and doesn't get into my eyes.

Will I purchase it again? Definitely, it's a lovely cleanser.

Ingredients: jojoba oil, rice bran oil, organic sunflower oil, avocado oil, castor oil, vitamin e, tea-tree, rosewood, lavender, cedarwood and geranium essential oils.

Friday 14 November 2008

Pout Plump

Being a lip gloss addict, when I saw this at Myer, I just had to buy it! And I'm very glad that I did, because it is a really nice gloss.

It contains the Maxi-Lip ingredient which is supposed to hydrate the lips, increase collagen and improve lip plumpness by 40% (with repeated use). It is also designed to enhance the natural lip colour. The gloss is peppermint infused and cooling.

Whilst it didn't give me really plumped lips, it did make them appear fuller and rosier. Due to this effect, it can be worn alone, or over a lip pencil or lipstick. I normally wear this on it's own, as it makes my lips look rosy enough that it looks like I've got lipstick on as well.

I found this to be a long lasting, moisturising gloss. It's a thick gloss that is not sticky, it's more creamy. Because of the peppermint, it gives a tingly, cool feel to the lips. The peppermint fragrance and flavour is quite strong, and lasts for about 1/2 an hour, so this might not be a good purchase for those who are sensitive to fragrance.

It comes in a cute puffy packet that you have to pierce and deflate to get the gloss out.

Pout products have now been discontinued, but they're readily available on Ebay.

Thursday 13 November 2008

Dr Hauschka Lip Care Stick


I have to admit that the only reason I bought this lip balm is because I read that Brad Pitt uses it. I suppose that's as good a reason as any to buy a new lip balm, not that I need a reason. But as far as reasons go, that one was pretty silly, cause I'm not even a fan of Brad Pitt.

Dr Hauschka's Lip Care Stick has a pleasant, natural scent very similar to Carmex lip balm. The scent is very light and doesn't linger. There is no flavour.

The balm applies clear and leaves a beautiful shine to the lips. The texture is medium to thick without being waxy and it has a nice smooth consistency on the lips. I find that this is very moisturising, and is great to use during winter when my lips are dry and chapped. It is available in a 4.9 gram tube or a 4.5 gram pot. I've heard that the pot version is more moisturising, but I haven't tried it so can't comment on that.

This is what Dr Hauschka has to say about the Lip Care Stick; The natural waxes of candelilla and carnauba make the Dr.Hauschka Lip Care Stick firm enough and sufficiently resistant to warmth to produce in stick-form. This makes it very practical for use away from home. Of course it also cares for your lips, and with a sun protection factor of 3, protects them from the sun. Additional protection is provided by beeswax, rose wax, shea butter, almond oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil and extracts of rose, rose-hip, kidney vetch and carrot.

Would I buy it again? Yes. At around $20 (AUD) for a 4.9g tube it's a little pricey, but it is a really nice balm.

Ingredients: ricinus communis, rosa canina, buxus chinensis, lanolin, cera flava, daucus carota, butyrospermum parkii, candelilla cera, carnauba, rosa gallica, prunus dulcis, anthyllis vulneraria, cetyl alcohol, prunus armeniaca, parfum, limonene, citronellol, geraniol, citral, linalool, farnesol, lecithin.

Wednesday 12 November 2008

Fab Face Food Peach and Elderflower Exfoliating Face Mask


When I'm travelling I like to take small packets of products so that I don't have to worry about carting around my full sized products.

One of the great travel products that I have discovered is the Fab Face Food Peach and Elderflower Exfoliating face mask. I bought it at Priceline for around $3. It's a skin revealing face mask that is suitable for all skin types. Due to my sensitive skin I'm often wary of products that claim to be suitable for all skin types, but this one actually lived up to it's claim.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the sachet was the beautiful, fresh peach scent. It smelt just like a ripe peach. It is a lumpy, scrub type mask that you gently massage into the skin for a few minutes, then leave on for 10 minutes before washing off.

After I wash it off my skin feels very soft, smooth and moisturised. The mask was very gentle and didn't irritate my sensitive skin.

It comes in a 15 gram sachet which is perfect for travelling. I only got one use out of this, but if I'd used it more sparingly there would have been enough for two uses.

Would I buy it again? Definitely, I've purchased it at least 20 times already.

Tuesday 11 November 2008

Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub and Facial

Before lip scrubs became popular I had to hunt high and low to find a lip scrub, and the only one that I could find was this one by Philosophy. I'm really not sure why it's called a lip scrub and facial, I suppose they mean that it's like a facial for the lips.

This is what Philosophy has to say about it:

enriched with natural butters and oils, kiss me exfoliating lip scrub was created to help keep your lips in impeccable kissing condition by exfoliating dull, dry, flaky skin for a super-soft, super-smooth result. kiss me exfoliating lip scrub is ideal for anyone with dry, flaky lips that seeks smoothness and moisture.

you need this product if...
  • you have dry, wrinkled and sometimes flaky lips
  • you seek smoothness and moisture for your lips
  • you want to gently exfoliate your lips
  • you suffer from vertical lines around the lip and seek a treatment that softens the appearance of those lines
  • you seek an instant and dramatic lip makeover


  • Now, I don't agree with all of those statements. This is a nice product, but it is not an instant and dramatic lip makeover, and it does nothing at all for the fine lines around my lips.

    However, it is a really nice product. It has a great peppermint flavour and fragrance, and it's very moisturising, so after I've scrubbed my lips I'm left with moisturised, shiny lips. It has a slant tip applicator, so can be applied straight from the tube. I usually put it on my fingers first, then give me lips a good scrub. The exfoliating particles are very fine and don't scratch or irritate my lips. I use this twice a week to leave my lips soft and flake free.

    The texture of this is like a lip balm, and it can be a little runny, so I normally use it in the shower otherwise I often end up with it all around my mouth, not a good look!

    Would I buy it again? Probably not. It's a nice product, but I'd prefer if it came in a pot. I find that the product gets stuck in the tube and can be difficult to get out. If it came in a pot I would buy it again.

    Ingredients: fructose, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, polybutene, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, beeswax, sesamum indicum (sesame) seed oil, prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, mineral oil, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, microcrystalline wax, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, ethylhexyl hydroxystearate, polysorbate 20, triethylhexyl trimellitate, paraffin wax, c30-45 olefin, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, tocotrienol, tocopherol, phenoxyethanol.

    Monday 10 November 2008

    Innoxa Ultra-Moist Plumping Lip Creme

    One product that I can't resist (other than lip balms), is lip plumpers. I'm obsessed with finding one that actually works. So far I haven't been very successful in the search, but I'm still trying. I've tried Innoxa's Skin Specialist Ultra-Moist Plumping Lip Creme on myself and my Mum and am disappointed to say that it didn't work for either of us.

    I used this three times per day until the tube was finished, which took about two months, and didn't notice any difference in my lip size. I even took a photo to compare, and there was no difference.

    As a balm it's okay, but nothing special. It is the same texture as a body lotion, and it's white, so needs to be rubbed in really well. It sinks straight into the lips and has a matte finish. It's fragrance free, but has a strange, lotion like flavour. I'm not sure if I like or dislike the flavour, it's just strange. I don't notice any tingling on application.

    According to Innoxa, this lip creme is specifically formulated to help restore lip condition for lusciously smooth, moist, plump lips. Maximum results occur after using three times a day for 29 days.

    Would I buy it again? No, it doesn't work and has a bizarre flavour.

    Friday 7 November 2008

    Kiehl's Lip Balm #1


    It is said that this lip balm has a cult following, but I really don't understand why. It's a nice balm if you like balms containing petrolatum, but it's nothing amazing.

    Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 is very moisturising, with a pretty, shiny gloss to it. There is a slight, strange fragrance, but no flavour. The texture is smooth, with no stickiness and it has an SPF of 4.

    It comes in a screw top tube, but as it doesn't have a slanted end it cannot be applied straight from the tube.

    The balm is very moisturising so great for really dry lips. It can be layered on as much as is needed. It doesn't have much slip to it so lasts fairly well, for about an hour or two. When applied thinly it sinks in fast.

    You can buy Kiehl's products from Mecca Cosmetica.
    There is also an SPF 15 version and a coloured version.

    Would I buy it again? No, it's an okay balm, but not a favorite, and I prefer not to use products containing petrolatum.

    Ingredients: petrolatum, octinoxate, squalane, lanolin, tinitcum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, tocoperol, allantoin, propylparaben, butylparaben, aloe barbradensis leaf extract.

    Thursday 6 November 2008

    Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Vitamin E Lip Gloss


    I am a huge fan of Palmer's Cocoa Butter products, they smell like chocolate and do an amazing job. I've tried nearly everything in the range and I love each and every one, except for this.

    Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Vitamin E Lip gloss comes in a twist up pen with a sponge tip applicator. It contains pure Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter to moisturise and soften lips.

    The gloss is clear and has a high shine finish. It's quite a thin textured gloss with a lot of slip, so doesn't last long. There is a faint, pleasant chocolate smell, but no fragrance.

    One of the things that I really liked about it was that it was very moisturising and so left my lips feeling soft and smooth. However it's not a gloss that I would buy again as I prefer a stickier, longer lasting gloss.

    With daily use, a 0.5 fl oz tube only lasted me 7 days, so it's not really good value for money when compared with other glosses.

    Wednesday 5 November 2008

    Ambre Solaire Gloss Bronzer


    I've always been a little bit afraid of self tanners. The few times I tried tanning when I was younger it always turned out badly. But now I'm older I've realised that it is possible to get a good, natural looking coverage. Unfortunately, that didn't happen with this bronzer. I really wanted to like it, truly I did, so I tried and I tried and I tried, but it just doesn't work for me. No matter how careful I am with my application, how well I exfoliate beforehand and how well I apply, it just will not go on evenly.

    There are a few things I like about this bronzer. It doesn't smell much, and the scent that it has doesn't linger. It also has a pretty shimmer to it which looks really nice.

    Now for the things that I didn't like about it. No matter what I tried, it did not apply evenly. Every time that I used this I had to touch up areas that where still white. I'd apply it really carefully, but a few hours later I'd have patches where there was no colour at all.

    Also, it really irritated my skin. The next day I'd have lots of small, itchy red spots all over me and my skin would be really dry. This is not a product that I'd recommend for those with sensitive skin.

    Tuesday 4 November 2008

    Jurlique Rose Body Oil


    When I purchased this it was called Pure Rose Body Oil. I'm glad to see that they've now renamed it Rose Body Oil, because it's certainly not pure rose, as you can see from the ingredients listed below. Despite this, it's a lovely product.

    It has a gorgeous fresh rose fragrance and is very moisturising. I use this when my skin is really dry as a body moisturiser, and also as a face moisturiser. When my skin is really irritated, Rose Body Oil is a wonderfully soothing make-up remover. I find this to be a great product for those with dry skin, as it can be used so many different ways. It also makes a lovely bath and shower oil.

    Would I buy it again? No, at $48 for a 100ml bottle, it's expensive, considering I could buy apricot, almond or jojoba oil much cheaper, and they would do the same job.

    Ingredients: Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, macadamia ternifolia seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, herbal extract mixture from: rosa galicia (rose) rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut), lavandula angustifolia (lavender) chamomilla recutita (matricaria), calendula officinalis, betula alba (birch), rosa centifolia (rose) flower oil, tocopherol (vitamin e), cinnamyl alcohol, eugenol, geraniol, linalool, citronellol.

    Monday 3 November 2008

    Nivea Sun Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion

    Nivea's Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion is my favorite everyday sunscreen. As I am very pale, I use sunscreen every day. I don't like the greasy feeling that I get from most sunscreens, and I need something that's moisturising, so the Nivea version is perfect. It's light, non greasy and sinks in quickly.

    It has an SPF of 30+ with UVA and UVB filters and is water resistant for four hours. I find this to be lightly moisturising, perfect for summer. It's available in 200ml or 400 ml bottles. This is one of those products that I always have. I've gone through at least 5 bottles so far, and I'll continue to buy it.

    Active Ingredients: octyl methoxycinnamate 80mg/g, titanium dioxide 50mg/g, octyl triaxone 40 mg/g, butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 30 mg/g, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid 20 mg/g. Also contains ethanol, phenoxyethanol, hydrozybenzoates.

    Friday 31 October 2008

    Kit Cosmetcs Lip Sheen


    I'm going through a peppermint phase at the moment. In fact, I've been going through it for a few years now, I'm in love with lip products with a peppermint flavour and fragrance.

    Kit Cosmetics Lip Sheen is one of my favorites. It's a lip balm with the shine of a lip gloss. To my amusement the Kit website says that this is a unisex product, but unless there are guys out there wanting glossy lips, I don't see how this would be a unisex product. There is a clear and a pink tinted version available. I bought the clear balm.

    As a balm this is really effective. It has a smooth, thick, almost ointment like consistency, that spreads well without being waxy or balling up. The peppermint flavour and fragrance are lovely, giving a tingling feeling for a few minutes after application. I love to use this balm when my lips are sore and chapped as it's very moisturising.

    Kit Cosmetics can be purchased a Kit stores or online at their website. A 15ml tube costs $15.95.

    Would I buy it again? Definitely! Next time I'm going to get the tinted version.

    Ingredients: polybutene, ethyl hexyl palmitate, tricontanyl, pvp, beeswax, mentha piperita (peppermint oil), menthol, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), persea gratissima (avocado oil), simmondsia chinensis (jojoba oil), saccharin.

    Thursday 30 October 2008

    Tinderbox Headache Balm

    Tinderbox is a gorgeous little store in Balingup that sells a great range of herbal products, from skin care to gourmet food seasonings. I'm a huge fan of their skin and body products.

    Headache Balm is a wonderful product that works just as well as pain killers do. To use, I rub it onto my temples and the back of my neck and within a few minutes it starts to work it's magic and my headache disappears. It also works well to help relieve the tension caused by a sore neck. It has a lovely, soft scent that is not overpowering.

    I always have a few pots of this around, one at work, one at home and one in my hand bag. A 15ml pot costs $8.00 and usually lasts me at least a year.

    Tinderbox products can be purchased online or at most health food stores.

    Ingredients: rosemary, lavender, camphor, peppermint and chamomile essential oils in a sunflower oil and pure beeswax base.

    Wednesday 29 October 2008

    Origins Make a Difference rejuvenating hand treatment

    I'm really not a fan of this hand cream. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but it's quite sticky, so I can't use it during the day. As a night treatment it does a pretty good job, but nothing amazing. After I've used it I don't notice that my hands are super hydrated or soft.

    I find this cream is best to use as a daily moisturiser. When my hands are dry I don't use this as it isn't moisturising enough, but as a daily treatment it works fine. One thing I do love is the smell. All Origins A Perfect World products smell amazing.

    According to Origins:
    The resurrection plant rose of Jericho, plus skin-reviving trehalose and sea haricots work hand-in-hand to help hardworking skin rebound and recover from dramatic dehydration. An ancient oceanic flora helps repair damage due to UV exposure, daily use and constant abuse. Scutellaria extract helps even out skin tone. Meadowfoam seed oil lavishes hands that have it rough with long-lasting smoothness that's never greasy. Chapped, cracked, splotchy skin resumes a softer, brighter, more evenly toned, more youthfully textured look and feel. Leaves an elegant, silky feel on skin. Forms an undetectable barrier. Dermatologist Tested.

    Would I buy it again? No. There are other hand creams that I like much better than this one.