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Review: Deep Steep Body Butter

I have super dry skin. SUUUPER dry skin. The kind that if not kept under control by various super emollient lotions and potions, will express it's discontent through extreme itchiness, tightness and flaking.
But, I think for once, that I have it properly under control *fingers crossed*.
And I have this product to thank.



Meet Deep Steep's Body Butter. I had been lusting over Deep Steep's product line for quite some time, until I realised that I could purchase it from iHerb. Deep Steep has an extensive all-natural body product line, including body washes, butters, lotions, oils and bubble bath. I was drawn to their attractive package design, and lured in further by their affordable prices. This body butter is only $7! 

Deep Steep's Body Butter is a luscious, thick consistency that impacts no greasy residue on my skin. As it is so thick it is harder to work into the skin than a lotion for example, but I love that, as I know that my skin will remain happily hydrated for the entire day. I have noticed over the time I have been using this Body Butter that I have had less ingrown hairs, and my dry skin stays away as long as I moisturise every day.

I have tried Deep Steep's Body Butter in Brown Sugar and Vanilla, Grapefruit and Bergamot, and Passionfruit and Guava. My current favourite is Brown Sugar and Vanilla as I find the vanilla scent to be sweet but comforting and calming.


This affordable natural Body Butter can also be used on dry feet and hands too, minus the greasy feel many creams leave behind. I can see this butter as a permanent staple in my body care arsenal, as it is effective, but extremely affordable.

You can get these Body Butter's from iHerb!

Have you tried Deep Steep? Do you have any favourite body moisturisers?

Review: Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Colour and Correct SPF 30



I brought Andalou Natural''s CC Cream in the shade 'sheer nude' online at iHerb after spending hours online researching natural face sunscreen options. It seemed to meet all my requirements; it gives SPF 30 coverage purely with zinc oxide, it is suitable for sensitive skin, and it only contains low amounts of coconut oil (an ingredient prevalent in so many natural sunscreens, and one that causes me to break out). I have been testing this cc cream for seven weeks now, long enough to have a fair idea of how my skin responds to it. Upon opening it and smearing it on my hand, I was initially worried about the yellow tone in the shade, as yellow shades don't tend to match my skin very well. However, it rubbed into my face quite easily, despite its thick consistency, and I found that you could hardly tell I was wearing it. I have found myself wearing this on an almost daily basis to protect my face from the elements. I love the beautiful rose fragrance it carries, although those with scent sensitivities and those that dislike the smell of rose should know that the scent is quite strong. As a rose lover though, I am in heaven!

I wear this on it's own underneath makeup, or over the top of moisturiser on days that my face is craving extra hydration. I have really dry skin, and although this CC cream has amazing hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera and Rose Oil, due to the high zinc content I find it a tad drying sometimes. As I mentioned above, I bought this product for the sole purpose of providing a sufficient sun screen, and I feel like I should mention that although it is marketed as a CC cream, I found that it didn't seem to cover any skin imperfections I had. Instead, it just gives this perfect healthy skin glow, so I'm not complaining!

Finally, I didn't experience any irritation or breakouts from this product, despite having extremely sensitive breakout-prone skin. I would recommend it to someone who is looking for a new face sunscreen to add to their arsenal, and someone who isn't fussed about skin coverage. Andalou Natural's 1000 Roses CC Cream will be a permanent staple in my beauty routine.

Ingredients:
Zinc Oxide 20%, Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) and Helianthus Annuus (Sun flower) Oils*, Sorbitan Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PhytoCellTec (Alpine Rose, Malus Domestsica, Solar Vitis) and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Soothing Complex: [Hyaluronic Acid, Magnolia Of cinalis Bark, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Leaf Cell and Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin) Extracts], Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Distillate*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) and Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Oils*, Algae and Cucumis Melo (Melon) Extracts, Iron Oxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea), Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) and Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extracts*†, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Oil*, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Oil

Review: Andalou Naturals Healthy Shine Sunflower and Citrus Shampoo


A few months ago I placed my first order at iHerb, and at a whim, added this shampoo to my cart because my current favourite shampoo has recently been reformulated (boo!), and now contains ingredients I try to stay away from, and I was/am still on the search for a replacement. Also, it didn't hurt that it was only around $3.

So. First. The Ingredients List is amazing. It boasts lush ingredients such as black cumin oil (which I have raved about here), hyaluronic acid, chamomile extract and pro-vitamin B5, to name a few. It features aloe vera juice as its first ingredient, instead of plain water like so many other shampoo brands, which I love as aloe is extremely healing and soothing to an area of skin as sensitive as a scalp. It is also cruelty free, fair trade, gluten free, non GMO and doesn't contain nasties like parabens or sulfates.

To shampoo, I squirted a generous dollop into my palms and massaged into my scalp. (I never shampoo the ends of my hair, and I recommend that all long haired folks out there avoid shampooing their ends as well, as all it does is dry them out.) At first it lathers into a thick foam, but as I keep massaging the foam starts to disappear, which is a little odd, but I figure its to do with the gentler cleansing agents found in this product.

It rinses out completely, with no residue, which I love, and my hair looked shiny. However to my disappointment, as my hair started to dry I noticed that my strands felt just a tad dry. Not overly dry, but enough for me to notice. To be fair though, Andalou Naturals does not make any claims about it being suited to dry hair, so I might be better trying one of their shampoos better suited to my hair type. Due to this, I will not be repurchasing this shampoo, but I recommend it to those that have oily hair and need a good cleansing shampoo.

Unfortunately it looks like I am still on the hunt for the perfect shampoo. Now I have started trialling a new way of cleansing my hair. More to come in a future blog post on that though.

Full Ingredient List: Aloe barbadensis juice*, sodium laurylglucosides hydroxypropylsulfonate, sodium cocoyl methyl taurate, helianthus annuus (sunflower) and linum usitatissimum (flax) oils*, vegetable glycerin, nigella sativa (black cumin) oil, cyamopsis tetragonolobus (guar) gum*, chamomilla recutita (chamomile) extract*, pyrus cydonia (quince) extract, fruit stem cell and bioactive 8 berry complex*, hyaluronic acid, panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), tocopherol (vitamin E), aspalathus linearis (rooibos) and hibiscus rosa-sinensis extracts*†, allantoin, sodium benzoate, citric acid, potassium sorbate, ethylhexylglycerin, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) and citrus tangerina (tangerine) oils*



Have you found your holy grail shampoo? Do you use natural shampoo/no poo? Let me know in the comments section.

Review: Flight Skincare Floating Hydration Serum



I was lucky enough to win a bottle of the Floating Hydration Serum by Flight Skincare several months ago. I was so excited to try it out, that I opened the bottle almost immediately after receiving it! The beautiful floral scent was the first thing that captured my attention, likely due to the beautiful floral waters of jasmine and neroli. Next was the colour and consistency; a thin, lightweight, milky coloured water-based serum. Also, I loved the stellar list of ingredients! Squalene, Honey and Glycerine stand out to me as tried and tested ingredients my skin loves.

I have been really enjoying using this serum on a daily basis. For a point of reference, I have super dry skin that is extremely prone to cystic acne, particularly in the chin and jaw area. This means that I am constantly on the painful hunt for products that hydrate my skin without clogging my pores. I have been using this serum under makeup as a primer, and patting it on to hydrate my skin if it feels dry at any point during the day. It spreads so easily onto my skin and disappears quickly, due to the lightweight consistency. It doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky or tight, like some serums can. It also didn't cause my skin to breakout! If you are someone with oily skin, you might find that this serum is perfect used alone to hydrate your skin. However, if your skin is dry, I recommend you pair it with an oil or moisturiser for optimal hydration.

This Floating Hydration Serum is the perfect product to use on the go when my parched, acne-prone skin needs some extra help. I highly recommend it!

Full Ingredients List: Water (Aqua) Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Gel, Vegetable Glycerine, Citrus aurantium (Neroli ) Water, *Jasminum nudiflorum (Jasmine) Water, Sorbitol, Squalene, Organic Honey, *punica granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, *Dioscorea villosa (Wild Yam) Extract, Syzigium australe (Lilly Pilly) Extract, Camelia synensis (Green Tea) Extract, *Citrus aurantium (Orange) Water, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam)Extract, Zanthomonas campestris (Xanthan) Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Parfum, Albizia julibrissin Durazz (Mimosa) Oil*Certified Organic Ingredients

Review: Mukti Macadamia and Honey Lip Balm


I wanted to give a quick shout out to a product that I have been using faithfully since last year. It has become a HG product of mine, and one that I find myself reaching for on a daily basis.

Mukti's Macadamia and Honey Lip Balm melts onto my lips, leaving them feeling plump and hydrated for hours. When the tube is kept under cold conditions, the product feels like smearing thick honey onto my lips (YUM). It also tastes delicious, thanks to the fantastic certified organic ingredients of Macadamia, Beeswax and Honey. It is non-sticky, can be used as a base under lipstick, and does a marvellous job of repairing my lips when they are cracked or sunburnt (whoops).

In my opinion, an all natural lip balm is the first product I believe that someone converting to a greener skincare routine should buy. This is because the majority of the product your apply is actually ingested- so the ingredients should be edible!

Mukti's Macadamia and Honey Lip Balm is the perfect size to pop in your pocket or in your handbag.

Full Ingredients List: Certified Organic Macadamia (Macadamia Ternifolia) Oil; Certified Organic Beeswax (Cera Alba); Certified Organic Raw Honey (Mel); Certified Organic Oils of Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), Calendula (Calendula Officinalis), Rosehip (Rosa Canina), Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis), Mandarin (Citrus Nobilis) & Orange (Citrus Sinensis).

Review: The Little Alchemist



I recently placed an order on the Little Alchemist website for some skincare goodies and was so excited when my order arrived beautifully wrapped in a vintage newspaper print with twine. As beautiful as the presentation was, I was so curious to see how the products worked with my skin. I was drawn to The Little Alchemist as it is an Australian skincare line which utilises amazing anti-ageing ingredients in its fabulous creations. It is also totally natural, so skincare purists can get in on the act too. I have composed this review of several products I have been using for a long enough time to make a judgement call about.

Ultra C Radiance Serum

I am someone who is really particular about the oils I put on my face, due to my fussy skin, which demands not only moisture but acne scar lightening and blemish prevention properties. As a result, I only have a few face oils in my arsenal, and I am happy to share that this is one of them! Reading through the ingredients list, it's not hard to tell why I am crushing hard on this beauty. It contains coq10; a key ingredient in fighting cell damage, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (vitamin C ester) to brighten acne marks and promote even tone and texture, and date seed to delay the signs of ageing. It has such a light, silky texture that sinks into my skin readily after a facial mist. I also pat a few extra drops around my eyes, and on my lips, and find that my skin just feels so soft.

Ingredient; Rosa rubiginosa (Rosehip) Oil*, Argania Spinsosa(Argan) Oil*, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil*,Squalane(Olive),Lycium Barbarum (Goji)Fruit Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl  Ascorbate (Vitamin C ester), Ubiquinone (Co Enzyme Q10), Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Seed Extract, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed CO2 Extract, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract*, Pascopyron Smithii (Wheatgrass) Extract*,Hippo phaerhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Oil, Malpighia Glabra (Acerola) Fruit Extract*, Lycium Barbarum (Goji)Fruit Extract*,Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) CO2 Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Kelp) Extract*,Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract*, Sambucus nigra Fruit Extract, Rentinol Palmitate(Vitamin A), Mixed Vitamin E Tocopherols
*Denotes certified organic

Kyella Rose Antioxidant Mist

It is only recently that I have come to appreciate the benefits of adding toners to my skincare routine. For such a long time, I thought that they were an unnecessary and expensive product. I'm so glad that this toner was added to my order, and I had the chance to try it. It was perfect for the dryness I experience around midday, and for misting pre face oil application at night. I noticed a decrease in forehead dehydration lines while using this regularly, and a brighter complexion, likely due to the bearberry and licorice extracts.

Ingredients: Rosa Damascena (Rose) Hydrosol*, Leuconostoc/Aloe barbadensis Leaf/ Sorbus Aucuparia Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Lycium Barbarum, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Extract*, (Goji Berry) Extract*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract*, Arctostaphylos uva ursi (Bearberry) Extract*, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract*, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract*, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry Leaf) Extract*
*Denotes certified organic

Cacao and Banana Face Glow Mask

I have found myself reaching for this mask over my others lately. It is the easiest powder formulation that just requires liquid of your choice- I'm partial to honey, or just plain water- to turn it into the most incredible chocolately-smelling pudding. I use this once a week, smearing the goodness all over my face, leaving for ten minutes, then removing before it hardens. This is crucial for all masks containing clay, because if you leave it to completely dry, the clay can suck all of the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dehydrated. The glow and softness that I gain from this mask is comparable to May Lindstrom's The Problem Solver, and can probably be used on more sensitive skins.

Ingredients: Kaolin (Ivory clay), Theobroma cacao (raw)*, Musaacuminate (Banana)*, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai )*, Lycium barbarum (Goji Berry 40% Polysaccharides), Morinda citrifolia ( Noni Fruit)*,Garcinia mangostana (Mangosteen )*, Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon(Maca Root )*, Emblica Officinalis (Amla )*, Arthrospira Platensis (Spirulina)*, Punica granatum (Pomegranate )*, Cordyceps Sinensis (Cordyceps Mushroom ), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn ), Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorella - Thin Cell Wall), Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa Leaf)*, Carica Papaya (Green Papaya ), Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha )*, Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack )*, Pink Clay, Yellow Clay, Zeolite, Cocos nucifera (coconut juice)*, Curcuma Longa (Turmeric Root)*
*Denotes certified organic

Lime and White Tea Body Serum

Although this body oil has not yet launched, I couldn't help but share my thoughts on it! Leaving me reminiscent of childhood days filled with sun and lime cordial, but with a more sophisticated edge, I have looked forward to applying this every morning. I never thought that I would find a lime scented body serum appealing, but consider me a convert! The serum is in the form of an ultra-light oil consistency, which applies really easily on damp skin and leaves you feeling hydrated without that oil slick feeling. Ingredients like the Acai, Wheatgrass and Goji Berry in this really do make this a powerful potion for your skin to drink up- without the bad aftertaste of taking Wheatgrass internally ;)

Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut) Oil, sambucus nigra fruit (elderberry) oil*, Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Extract*, Pascopyron Smithii (Wheatgrass) Extract*, Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract*, natural and organic fragrance, vitamin E.
*Denotes certified organic

Review: Schmidt's Deodorant in Ylang -Ylang + Calendula


First, apologies for the lack of regular posts lately. It seems life has been getting in the way of blogging, as it has a habit of doing. I have been busy adjusting to having a new member in the family (see here), and she appears to be taking most, if not all, of my time.

Today I wanted to introduce you to a natural deodorant that has made my daily line-up. I had been wanting to try a natural deodorant cream since I first went green. Schmidt's has received great praise from many bloggers and green beauties, so I was so excited when it was finally stocked in an Australian store and I was able to pick it up!

(For regular readers of my blog, I am still in love with this deodorant I reviewed recently, but as a product junkie, I found that I just HAD to find another deodorant that I could alternate with, so that I didn't become immune to the effects of just one. My underarms have this nifty talent of becoming used to a deodorant so that it doesn't work as well as it did in the beginning.)

Schmidt's Deodorant is housed in a clear glass container, and is affordably priced, at $9 for 56.7 grams. The Ylang-Ylang and Calendula scent smells beautiful, although it is not quite as strong as I thought it would be. This formula is soothing to the skin thanks to the Calendula, and offers additional antibacterial protection.


To apply this deodorant, I scrape a pea-sized amount out of the jar with the provided spatula, and work it between my fingers, softening it before applying to my underarms. It leaves the skin with a relatively dry finish, likely due to the arrowroot powder and baking soda.

The only gripe I have with this deodorant, although it is small, is that due to the really hard consistency of the product, and my eternally cold fingers, I have some difficulty softening it before applying to my underarms. This means that it can feel a bit abrasive on my sensitive skin, likely due to the particles of baking soda within it. However, saying that, I have not experienced any irritation whatsoever from this deodorant- I've applied it straight after shaving, and day-after-day without any reaction. I find I need to apply this at least twice a day to negate any odour, which is okay because most days I am at home anyway.

The full ingredient list: Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Calendula officinalis (calendula) essential oil, Cananga odorata (ylang-ylang) essential oil, Humulus lupulus (hop) extract

I am quite pleased with this deodorant, and in future would love to try it in Bergamot and Lime, and Cedarwood and Juniper.

Review: Lily Lolo Foundation and Blush Away Concealer


I have been searching for a great mineral foundation and concealer ever since I began to cut out toxic ingredients several years ago.
Over the past few years, I have tried so many of the foundations that green beauty has to offer, from the affordable to the luxe, but none have lived up to my old foundation. Until now.


From left to right: Porcelain, Blondie, Candy Cane and In The Buff

I initially purchased three Lily Lolo foundation sample pots from AMORGANICA in Blondie, Candy Cane, and In The Buff. I quickly established that Blondie was my closest match, as the other two were too dark, but over time, I wondered if Blondie was a tad too dark as well. AMORGANICA were kind enough to send me the lightest shade available: porcelain, and I had finally found a perfect colour match! I was surprised that I was the lightest shade, but I guess I am pale!

Swatches from left to right: Porcelain, Blondie, Candy Cane, Into The Buff

Why do I love Lily Lolo's foundation?

  • It offers buildable coverage (I would say medium when paired with a concealer), without feeling like you are wearing makeup at all.
  • It keeps me shine-free all day long, and I don't have to reapply at all
  • It is mineral-based so will not clog your pores and your skin is able to breathe
  • It is affordable, $27 for a huge 10g of product
I use the foundation after I have applied moisturiser or tinted moisturiser. I tap some of the powder into the lid and apply with a kabuki brush to my face, buffing the powder into my face with circular motions.

You can buy sample pots of the Lily Lolo foundation for $4.95 to determine your perfect colour match on AMORGANICA's site.


AMORGANICA also sent me the Blush Away Corrector by Lily Lolo to try. Blush Away comes as a green powder to effectively conceal blemishes and cancel redness. This was my first time using a green product to cover my acne, and I was curious to see how it would perform. I applied it in soft layers to my acne spots with a kabuki brush, and then applied the porcelain foundation over the top. The Blush Away instantly took away the redness in my skin, and made it so much easier to conceal blemishes. I love it, and it will now be a daily staple, along with the foundation, in my makeup routine!

The Blush Away Corrector is only $16 and available at AMORGANICA

If you want to try Lily Lolo out:

AMORGANICA are now offering 10% off Lily Lolo products with orders over $40. Enter the code: LOLO10 at checkout.*

*Make sure you click ‘Proceed to Checkout”, enter the code in the box and CLICK on the ARROW icon of the box.Valid through Thursday 10 July 2014. This offer is valid with the free shipping over $65 offer.
               

*GIVEAWAY*

Amorganica has also offered to give away 3 sample size foundations and one full size lipstick – both your choice. One lucky winner will be announced on Friday 11 July, 2014. Australia residents only. To enter:

1.     Become a fan on the AMORGANICA Facebook page

2.     Follow AMORGANICA on Instagram and/or Twitter
 
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*Samples kindly provided

Review: Lily Loves Pearl Replenishing Body Oil

 
 
I tell you, I don't think there is anything that Lily Loves Pearl can't nail. From my holy-grail moisturiser (you have to try this one!), to their gentle but effective cleanser, to this body oil, I am in certified organic product heaven!
 
A few months ago now I started really getting into the use of oil as a body moisturiser. For those of you interested, oil can completely replace your body moisturisers, and is a budget-friendly option too. My secret for easy application is to apply straight after showering, before you have towelled off. Applying oil to wet skin allows it to spread much more easily then if your skin were dry, which means you use less oil. It also apparently increases the absorption rate of the oil, meaning your skin is left better hydrated.
 
Lily Loves Pearl's Body Oil is a delightful certified organic concoction that carries the light scent of mandarin.  I love to use it in the morning as the citrusy scent is very uplifting and is a great pick-me-up.
 
Let's see what else is inside this delicious product (you will notice that every single ingredient is certified organic):

Ingredients: Certified Organic Sunflower oil, Certified Organic Rosehip Seed oil, Certified Organic Jojoba oil, Certified Organic Mandarin Essential oil, Certified Organic Avocado oil, Certified Organic Lavender Essential oil, Certified Organic Cedarwood Essential oil, Certified Organic Calendula Essential oil, Certified Organic Chamomile Essential oil, Love.
 
This body oil is lightweight but leaves my skin comfortably hydrated, and not needing anything extra. It comes in a cute brown mist bottle, and sprays the oil out, which makes it easy to use. I use three sprays (pumps) for both of my legs, two for both of my arms, and three for my chest/stomach area. I don't use it on my face, but it contains beautiful ingredients that would be safe anywhere.
 
I am just verging on my first empty bottle of this, and you bet it will be on my repurchase list!

The Replenishing Body Oil retails for $42 for 100ml. Buy it here.

Review: Trilogy CoQ10 Booster Serum

 
I began searching for a face oil containing tamanu oil and CoQ10 after I had great success with this oil. Due to illness, I haven't been working lately and as a result, my budget for skincare has become less flexible. As much as I love May Lindstrom's The Youth Dew, my current budget just doesn't allow for it. Enter Trilogy's CoQ10 Booster Serum, a product I have just fallen head over heels for!
 
Trilogy's CoQ10 Booster Serum contains a powerhouse of oils that combine to create an intense treatment that will leave your skin radiant and glowing. I have been using a few drops of this after misting my face with a toner, and I find it to give sufficient hydration without applying a moisturiser, which says something, as I am completely prone to dry, flaky skin. I actually believe this is a perfect oil for dry acne-prone skin like mine, as while it hydrates, it also helps heal acne scars thanks to tamanu, and prevent bacterial growth with nigella sativa oil. These two oils lend to the herbal, nutty smell and the thick consistency of the serum as well.
 
---------------------------

I have provided a breakdown of the ingredients to show you how special this oil is:

 
Macadamia Seed Oil & Jojoba Oil - similar composition to the oils our skin naturally produces, hydrates without clogging pores
 
Vitamin E - Vital for healthy skin, antioxidant properties that defend against free radical damage
 
Black Caraway (Nigella Sativa) Oil - Shows promise with acne due to anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects; studies show significant decrease in acne lesions following use
 
Tamanu Oil - Antibacterial and fungal properties, skin regeneration properties making it helpful for burns, cuts and wounds, reduces scarring
 
CoQ10 - Stimulates collagen production, potent antioxidant, protects against photo-ageing, increases cell energy production which naturally declines with age
 
Acai oil - Rich in antioxidants and Omega 3, 6 and 9, stimulates new collagen production
 
Other Ingredients: Lecithin, Parfum, Citral, Geraniol, Citronellol, Limonene, Linalool. 
 


 
 
I encourage you to try this oil out, and hope you love the results as much as I do. As a side note, it also makes a fantastic hair oil! I warm a few drops in my palms and apply to the ends, and it leaves my hair feeling really soft.
 

The CoQ10 serum retails for $43.95 per 20ml and can be found here.

Review: Mukti Age Defence Collection


Mukti were kind enough to send me samples of their Age Defence range, which lasted me a month with twice daily use of the eye serum, and daily use of the day and night serums. This was long enough to give me an indication of how the products work and the results they give. Mukti's Age Defence Collection combines science and nature to counteract the effects of ageing. This range isn't for purely ageing skin, though. It is beneficial for all skin types, and Mukti have received great testimonials from people with combination/acne prone skin who have reported that their skin has balanced and cleared. I love this collection for the fact that if you already have an established skincare routine, you don't have to change it. The serums are made to be used with your current routine.

I applied the serums of a morning and night before using moisturiser, and found that their thin consistency allowed them to be absorbed really quickly. The day serum assists elasticity by penetrating the deeper dermal layers and encourages collagen production by plumping, toning and hydrating the skin and as an alternative to Botox, while the night serum is a corrective skin lightening serum designed to assist with age related damage by evening out the skin tone and creating a complexion that exudes luminosity and brightness.

The day and night serums contain ingredients that seem to keep featuring in favourite products of mine. These ingredients are proven to work on addressing skin clarity, tone, ageing and brightness, and include super-stars such as Kakadu Plum, CoQ10, Sea Buckthorn, Rosehip, Peptides, Vitamin C and Niacinamide.

I noticed a subtle decrease in the fine lines on my forehead, and a brighter and even tone to my skin using the day and night serums. I also noticed that the pores on and around my nose were no longer clogged, and appeared smaller.

I love the day and night serums, but for me, the stand-out for me in the collection is the eye serum. I am constantly on the hunt for an eye cream that will help fine lines and brighten, without irritating or causing milia. This eye cream may be worthy of holy-grail status. The mousse-like cream easily spreads around the eye area, leaving a luminous glow instead of an oily sheen. It seems to tackle the lines around my eyes head on, most likely due to star ingredients like Shea Butter, CoQ10 and Peptides.While I am wearing this eye cream, its like my fine lines disappear! Can't be sad about that.

I will definitely be buying the full-size products to add to my skincare collection.
I would highly recommend trying out Mukti's Age Defence Collection via the sample packs, which cost $14.95 for a weeks worth of product. Buy one here!

Have you tried Mukti products before? What did you think?



* I was sent these products for review, but as always, opinions are honest and my own.

An Introduction to Amorganica + Offer!




I am excited to introduce you to an amazing new Australian online store carrying some of the best affordable natural beauty products around. I have been waiting for their launch for what seems like months now, and the day has officially arrived!
AMORGANICA brings you a fine selection of clean proven and responsible natural & organic beauty without the high price tag. They stock beauty products that are clean, truly natural and organic; proven to deliver results; and created by responsible and inspiring brands.

Let’s face it, choosing to adopt a greener lifestyle is sometimes frustrating and overwhelming when you factor in the often higher price of natural skincare, the research you have to do to determine if an ingredient is safe, and the struggle to find stores that sell truly natural products. Amorganica is that one-stop shop (that I wish existed when I first went green) that stocks affordable effective products that don’t contain any nasty ingredients.

Amorganica are just getting started and have introduced to Australia brands such as O.R.G Skincare, Evolve Beauty, Skin Blossom and Shea Terra Organics. They offer other brands such as Lily Lolo, Studio 78 Paris and there are more exciting brands to come.

Amongst all the products I am lusting over, I am eager to try O.R.G Skincare's Mineral Peel. It is a product you spray onto your skin and massage in, and watch as dead skin literally balls up under your fingers. It is a change from manual exfoliators which contain scrubby particles which could potentially irritate your skin.


***OFFER EXPIRED***I have also been in contact with AMORGANICA and we are super excited to share a special offer with you, my dear readers:


 




*Secret Offer of the ORG Skincare Mineral Peel applies only when added to an order made on 23rd April- 25th April. The Coupon Code is: WJUNKIE. This offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Customers will have to ensure they click “PROCEED TO CHECKOUT”, rather than the ‘checkout with paypal’ button, so they are given the option to enter the code. Any orders over $75 will immediately receive free standard delivery; this is available for a limited time only as well.

Shop this offer at Amorganica’s website:
here

Review: Fresca Natural Deodorant


I had been eyeing these products for over a year now and finally pushed the 'buy' button when my last natural deodorant stopped working for me. That's right folks, I don't know if I have funky body chemistry or what exactly is happening, but my experience is that a natural deodorant will work great initially, but will lose effectiveness over time, and my former stinky pits return. I have a chronic health condition that (simply put) causes my nervous system to be out of whack, and excessive sweating for no particular reason is just one of the perks I face on a daily basis. Due to this, I find it extremely important that a natural deodorant is effective as I am one of the biggest sweaters 'o' em all!'

I purchased two deodorants; the rose and the citrus, and I have been loving the results so far. I have been using these deodorants since November (yes, the review is way overdue...), and they haven't pooped out on me yet. They haven't stopped me from sweating- something a deodorant isn't meant to do anyway- but I have noticed my underarms are a LOT drier than they were. The only slight wetness I experience is the perspiration I get normally, not any sticky product residue from some deodorants that never seems to dry...
It keeps me mostly odour-free too, the only time I have odour is when I'm not letting my skin breathe, and using synthetic fabrics around my armpit area. I am completely stink-free after a session on my rowing machine. Love it!

The valley rose deodorant contains certified Bulgarian Rose essential oil; the most expensive oil in the world, known for its beautiful fragrance and balancing effect on the female reproductive system. The valley rose deodorant isn't recommended for pregnancy due to these qualities, however the Citrus Fresh can be used before, during, and after birth. The citrus fresh contains citrus oils such as mandarin, grapefruit and neroli. I absolutely love the scents of both these products. Fresca offer several unisex deodorants too, including a wooden spice fragrance which I am sure many males would like.

I feel a bit weird recommending one particular brand of deodorant, because everyone has different body chemistry, and what works for one, doesn't for another, but if you are interested in trying out a lovely product handmade in Australia, at a great price, and made by a company that have great customer service, check Fresca out. Fresca's website has so many great testimonials, it seems I'm not the only one that is in love with these deodorants.

I purchased the Valley Rose deodorant, and the Citrus Fresh deodorant for $18, and $15, respectively.

Review: Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Vitamin E Active Moisture Eye Balm

 
I felt it necessary to give a little shout out to this little gem after trying a sample that lasted me 9 weeks. Yes. 9. WEEKS. Twice daily use.
I brought a sample pack of the Elizabeth Dehn products (A few more reviews coming your way..), but I admit I was most excited to try this eye balm due to the love it has received in the green blogging area, and the ingredient list. If I am honest, the ingredients read to me like my ultimate dream team of botanicals. The list includes superstar shea butter, one of my favourite ingredients of all time, known for its intense hydrating properties and high vitamin A and E content. It also contains fennel to reduce puffiness, and eyebright, pomegranate and ginseng to lift and plump the skin. It is also worth mentioning that the balm is waterless, which I love, as it means it is highly concentrated and you aren't paying for any useless fillers.
 
I lavishly applied this balm of a night like it was an eye mask, but of a morning I applied less so that my under eye area wasn't left shiny. Any traces I had left on my pinky fingers after applying, I used on my lips to give them a hydration boost. I didn't find this eye product to be irritating at all, unlike others I have used, and I didn't develop milia, something I am extremely prone to. I noticed a subtle brightening of my eye area, and also something unexpected. My lower lashes are now longer after using this consistently, which I can't complain about! 
 
 
One of the biggest tips I have for this balm is to warm your fingers under warm water before applying, if you have notoriously cold hands like I am known for. The warmth of your skin allows the balm to turn into a oil for easy application, to prevent tugging and increase absorption of the active ingredients.
I would highly recommend buying a sample pack of the Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics products, if not just to try this balm out. Hey, if you only used it once a day, it could last you 18 weeks (4 1/2 months)!
 
 
 
Full Ingredient List: raw organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, organic helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, punica granatum (pomegranate) sterols, polyhydroxystearic acid, tocopherol (vitamin e), raw virgin rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, organic euphrasia officinalis (eyebright) extract, organic panax quinquefolius (american ginseng) extract, organic glycrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, organic lavandula angustifolia (bulgarian lavender) essential oil, organic foeniculum vulgare dulce (fennel) oil
 
The full size of the Vitamin E Active Moisture Eye Balm retails for $48 for 15 ml, or you can try out a sample pack for $5
 
* Opinions above are honest, and my own, as always.*  

Review: Argentum Apothecary La Potion Infinite


ARgENTUM ~ la potion infinie


I was recently lucky enough to try the luxurious La Potion Infinite by Argentum Apothecary.
Argentum Apothecary are a company that have spent many years researching anti-ageing ingredients to create this super-luxe anti-ageing potion. For a skincare line to only consist of one product, to me, means they have perfected that one product.

What sets this anti-ageing cream apart from others is the inclusion of two remarkable ingredients; silver hydrosol and DNA HP. Silver hydrosol has a refining and purifying effect on skin due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Silver hydrosol also claims to have the ability to regenerate skin tissue and fight free radicals.  I personally have noticed benefits in using skincare products infused with silver hydrosol, particularly in regards to my acne. The other ingredient, DNA HP, is a natural marine sourced ingredient that works by trapping a toxic free radical called hydroxyl. Hydroxyl is reactive to collagen and elastin, causing oxidation and degradation, which causes visible ageing. DNA HP can also penetrate cutaneous intercellular space, promoting and increasing water hydration.

I am definitely impressed with the results I have noticed during the time period of two weeks nightly use.  I am in my twenties, so although I don't have any deep set wrinkles yet, I do have some visible sun damage already due to my negligence in applying sunscreen in my early teen sun worshipping days. I was curious to see if it could make any difference to the fine lines on my forehead, or under my eyes due to sun damage, but I was most excited to see if it would help my seemingly never-ending battle with acne. I noticed that my skin reacted well to the cream, as when I woke up in the morning I noticed my fine lines looked softer, and my acne less irritated and inflamed. I love the silky-soft feel of the cream going on, and the matte finish it provides. It is rare to find a natural moisturiser that provides a shine-free finish. I am curious to see what the long-term benefits would be.

I was so impressed with this cream that I am biting the bullet and saving up the $245 to buy myself the full-size.
Are you hesitant about outlaying such a large amount of money on La Potion Infinite? If so, you should know that it can also be used under your eyes, and your neck too. When you consider that you only need this one product, and won't need to buy multiple moisturisers, face/neck serums, oils, or eye creams, then you might be amazed to find you are actually spending less. And saving plenty of time as well!

Ingredients: Colloidal Silver (Hydrosol), Cetearyl Alcohol (Coconut Oil Wax), Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides (Palm Oil), Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Vegetal Origin), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (Sweet Almond Oil), Glycerin (from Karanja Tree), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argan Oil), Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (from Coconut Oil), Aqua, Cetearyl Glucoside (Sugar and Coconut Extract), Caffeine, Sodium DNA (DNA HP), Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate (from Vegetal Oil), Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (Sunflower Oil), Xanthan Gum (Vegetal Origin), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe Vera Extract), Parfum (Essential Oils), Potassium Sorbate (Soil Association / Ecocert Preservative), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Benzoate (Soil Association / Ecocert Preservative), Citric Acid (Vegetal Origin), Limonene (Essential Oils), Linalool (Essential Oils), Eugenol (Essential Oils)


*Sample gratefully provided for review purposes, but as always, opinions are my own.*

Review: Flight Skincare


Flight Skincare is a family-owned Australian business in picturesque Gracetown, WA, which creates amazing infusions that really help create healthier, glowing skin.
I was recently fortunate enough to be sent some samples of Flight Skincare products by the lovely owner, Kym. I have been eyeing several of Flight's products for many months and was so excited for the opportunity to try them out. My thoughts are below...


Sheer Luxury Milk Cleanser
I was blown away by this cleanser. I am generally not a fan of milk/cream cleansers as they always seem to leave residue and aren't very effective at removing makeup. This cleanser certainly changed my mind. It has a very light fragrance and thin consistency, and removes makeup and sunscreen with ease. Also, no residue! It contains so many hydrating ingredients- shea nut butter, macadamia oil and camellia oil to name a few, and two of my favourite skincare ingredients; honey and white willow bark. I was initially worried that the inclusion of coconut oil would cause my skin to break out, as it normally does, but I am happy to report that this cleanser has actually helped keep my skin clear. As I massage it into my skin I notice it seems to pull any gunk out of my skin, similar to an oil cleanser but gentler. This is a definite purchase for me once I use up a few of my other cleansers.

Ingredients: Water(Aqua), Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate – natural emulsifier from olives. Citrus aurantium (Orange) Water Vegetable Glycerine, Decyl Glucoside- natural fatty alcohol derived from coconuts. Macadamia integrifolia ( Macadamia) Oil *Camellia oleifera(Camellia) Oil *Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Nut Butter) *Simmonsis chinensis (Jojoba) Oil Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil *Organic Honey *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice *Salix Alba (White Willow Bark) Extract Santalum acuminatum (Quandong) Seed Extract Parfum-  a organic preservative, naticide is a broad-spectrum anti-microbial vegetable based fragrance. Sorbitol-  is an alcohol that occurs naturally in fruits and berries. Persea americana (Avocado) Oil * Goats Milk PowderTocopherols (Vitamin E) Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) Oil *Xanthan Gum Carrageenan Extract – seaweed gum Citrus aurantium (Orange) OilCitrus aurantifolia (Lime) Oil Cananga odorata (Ylang,Ylang) Oil **Certified Organic Ingredients

Silk Protein Hydrating Day Cream
I admit that I have always been terrible at using a moisturiser underneath my daily sunscreen, and as a result, my skin is not as happy as it should be and dehydration lines are starting to increase on my forehead and around my eyes. I believe that everyone should pair a moisturiser with a zinc-based sunscreen, as zinc is notorious for being drying. Flight's day cream is luxurious and hydrating, and it appears to plump my skin, making my dehydration lines less noticeable. It contains ginseng, to stimulate cell growth, silk peptides to hold moisture in, and papaya which is antibacterial and full of antioxidants. The cream carries a faint scent of beautiful palmarosa and geranium, which I love. I would highly recommend this moisturiser to everyone.

Ingredients: Water(Aqua), Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate Aloe barbadensis Leaf Gel *Vegetable Glycerine Macadamia integrifolia (Macadamia) Oil *Acanthopanax senticosus (Siberian Ginseng) Root Extract * Rubus idaeus (Raspberry ) Seed Oil Althea officinalis, (Marshmallow) Root Extract *Camellia oleifera (Camellia) Oil *Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter) * Simmonsis chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Camelia synensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract *Carica Papaya (Papaya) Extract * Cocos nucifera(Coconut) Oil * Organic Honey * Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice* Parfum Sorbitol Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil *Hydrolised Silk (Silk Peptide) - natural silk fibres, consists of 18 amino acids(building blocks of protein and holds moisture in skin)Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Sclerocarya birrea (Marula) Oil *Xanthan Gum Carrageenan Extract Aniba rosaeodora (Rosewood ) Oil Cymbopogon martini var (Palmarosa) Oil Pelargonium roseum (Geranium)Oil Santalum spicatum (Sandalwood) Oil *Certified Organic Ingredients

Nourishing Night Cream
I never honestly thought I would find a moisturiser to rival my beloved Lily Loves Pearl, but the day has come. This moisturiser is hydrating, and seems to lightly tighten the skin, which is likely due to the amazing anti-ageing ingredients it boasts. It leaves a matte finish, which is great for those that are 'over' the oily residue that some moisturisers can leave. It contains marine collagen and olive leaf; which penetrate deeply into the skin, repairing connective tissue, watermelon seed; which is hydrating and rich in omega 6 + 9 and lycopene, and one of my favourite anti-ageing ingredients; coq10, which helps protect skin cells from damage. One thing I have noticed when using this moisturiser is that sometimes my face can be temporarily a little flushed after using. I think this is a great thing as I have only experienced this happen in one other product before (a face oil), and my skin responded fantastically to the increased blood flow that flushing causes, leading to increased healing and anti-ageing effects. I love this moisturiser and will definitely purchase in the future.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua)Cetearyl Olivate Sorbitan Olivate Lavandula angustifolia(Lavender) Water * Vegetable Glycerine Simmonsis chinensis(Jojoba) Oil Camellia oleifera(Camellia) Oil *Marine Collegan Citrullus vulgaris(Watermelon) seed oil phospholipidids & sphingolipids (Ceramide Complex)Vaccinium macrocarpon(Cranberry) Seed Oil Squalene - natural component of human sebum found in rice bran, wheat germ & olive oil. Aspalathus linearis(Rooibos) Extract Actinidia chinensis (Kiwi) Extract *Olea europaea(Olive Leaf) Extract *Butyrospermumparkii (Shea Nut Butter) *Mangifera indica (Mango) Butter Organic (Honey) *Oryza sativa (Rice protein) Vitamin B5 Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10)- Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound that is present in all cells. It occurs naturally in the body Malpighia glabra (Acerola) Extract Tocopherols (Vitamin E) Zanthomonas campestris (Xanthan Gum) Poria Cocos(Sclerotium Gum) Parfum Albizia julibrissin Durazz (Mimosa) Oil *Certified Organic Ingredients

I have loved trying out these products by Flight, and it has only heightened my curiosity and lust over their products. I particularly love the look of the Lifting Eye Cream and the Eternal Anti-aging Serum, and hope to try them in the future.

If you are interested in buying any of these products, visit the Flight Skincare website.

*Samples generously provided, however, as always, opinions are my own.

3 Great Natural SPF options for face

As a product junkie, one of my greatest obsessions is scouring the internet for new sunscreens. My wishlist seems to continually grow, but I have had the fortune to try some great SPF face products and have shared my thoughts on three below. Do you have a 'holy grail' sunscreen? Let me know in the comments!

 
Mukti Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 15
If you are looking for a shine-free protective moisturiser, look no further. This one has moisturising ingredients and doesn't give that oil slick appearance or contain coconut oil like so many natural sunscreens do. It is tinted, but I would consider the colour more of a deterrence against the white cast that zinc can cause, and not a coverage for acne, marks or blemishes. In fact, Mukti consider it a unisex product, so even males can take advantage of this one! I still need to wear mineral makeup over the top of this to cover redness and acne, but I feel like it kind of 'blurs' any imperfections, making it perfect for underneath makeup. I haven't found this to make my dry but acne-prone skin breakout, which is great. It has a lovely musk smell to it, and it comes in two shades (one perfect for the pale people like me out there). The only thing is that I wish it came in an SPF 30.
$49.95 for 50ml FAIR SKIN/ MEDIUM SKIN

 
Moogoo SPF 15 Anti Ageing Face Cream
This is my most recent SPF find. It is an off-white colour, thanks to the red raspberry seed oil, which is great as it prevents the white cast that zinc oxide causes. I spread this thick cream in a generous layer all over my skin. The first time I used it I was worried as my skin looked super oily but I left it to absorb for a few minutes, and went back to the mirror to find that the shininess had dissipated, leaving only glowing skin behind. It is hydrating for a zinc cream, and has lots of skin loving ingredients such as Vitamin C and ECGC (green tea extract). I feel that over time my skin is improving with this cream, as it gives my skin much needed moisture without provoking my acne. I also wish that this came in a higher SPF, but I know that that would compromise the texture and performance.
$34.90 for 75gm

 
John Masters SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen
John Masters was my first foray into natural suncare, and I fell in love with it for days at the beach where I needed a high SPF to protect my skin from the harsh Australian sun. It gives the perfect glowy skin appearance when you are confident going bare-face during outdoor activities. It also has a stellar ingredient list, but skincare purists should know that it does contain titanium dioxide. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer the best finish underneath makeup, which prevented me from using it at Uni or in town. It can make mineral foundation look cakey, and I prefer a more matte finish when I am wearing makeup. If you are not extremely pale-faced like I am, you may notice that it can leave a slight white/purple tinge due to the mineral sunblock ingredients. Although it boasts hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, calendula and shea butter, I recommend anyone using a high zinc content sunscreen to apply moisturiser underneath to prevent dryness and flaking.
$32 for 2oz

~ ~ ~

I hope these reviews are useful in helping you decide on a new natural sunscreen.

To summarise:
Mukti is great for a shine-free finish underneath makeup,
Moogoo is great for days when you will be getting minimal sun exposure, and want healthy hydrated skin, AND
John Masters SPF 30 is great for a day at the beach, or any time you need high protection.