Review: Mukti Shampoo and Conditioner

Shampoo:
Finally, a natural shampoo that doesn't weigh your hair down or leave it feeling like straw. I must really like this shampoo, because I brought the full-size and am thinking about buying another bottle when this one runs out. FYI, it lasts forever! I have had mine for at least three months, and I think I am only halfway through it. I wash my hair 2/3 times a week, and use approximately three pumps (they are small). It leaves my hair feeling comfortably clean, and totally shiny. It has a very natural floral scent, with strong notes of lavender.Worthy of HG status, I think I am done searching for the perfect natural shampoo.

Conditioner:
Like the shampoo, it washes out leaving your hair feeling like your hair (not an oily, weighed-down mess like some others..). Not crazy about the scent (I think it smells like silly putty), but the scent doesn't linger after you rinse it out. You may have noticed that I have pictures of the shampoo and not the conditioner. This is because I am still using samples, as I'm not sure whether to take the plunge into the full-size yet (500mls!). This obviously means that I am not as crazy about the conditioner as the shampoo, but it has still done the best job of all of the natural conditioners I have tried so far. The main issue I have with any natural conditioner is that isn't hydrating enough for my hair (and I'm still totally addicted to the ability of silicone to retain moisture inside my hair shaft). I guarantee that if you don't have crazy dry straw ends like mine though, you will love this.

Would I recommend?: Hell yeah! I can't believe Mukti isn't more well known amongst the natural beauty bloggers. Plus their products are really affordable if you counter in how long the products actually last for..


*Reviews as always, are honest and my own.

Try the shampoo and conditioner in travel-size before taking the plunge into the full-size products by Mukti.

Review: W3LL People Nudist Colourbalm No.2

 

The love child of a lip stick and a lip balm, The Nudist gives lips a subtle boost of color and shine plus penetrating, nourishing hydration. Rich in organic omega oils and aloe, this luxury lip treat leaves stressed lips soothed, supple and protected. Clothing optional.

FREE FROM: Artificial preservatives, parabens, chemicals, dyes, fragrance, silicone, dimethicone, pthalates, sulphates, petroleum, talc, bismuth oxychloride, nanoparticles and bad mojo. Made in USA with love. Not tested on animals or robots.

The balm appears dark purple and I was curious to how that would translate to lips. It leaves lips tinted with a natural looking wine stain colour. W3ll People claim that this is a lip stick/balm combo, however I would say that it is more of a tinted balm/stain. I have extremely dry lips and have found that I need to use a little bit of lip balm with this as well so my lips aren’t left dry, which isn’t a big deal. I simply apply this and then dab a little lip balm after. This is a necessity for me, as I am always looking for simple ways to jazz up my beauty routine. Perfect to use while going out for lunch, or catching up with friends. I will purchase the full-size of this.

I purchased this product as a sample on SpiritBeautyLounge. You can also buy samples on W3ll People’s website, which is a great option if you can’t decide between colours.

Beauty Routine Tag!

(Little friend I made in the garden today)

 

 

This is my first ever beauty tag! Thanks to Asti for tagging me. I love to do this kind of thing, I reminds me of when my friends and I used to send those questionnaire emails to each other (you know the ones?!)

1. Name a beauty routine you rarely do

 

Lipstick! I have always been so jealous of those women that wear it regularly, and I totally wish I could pull off the oxblood colour that is trending right now, but I figure that I have to take slow steps into it. I have been wearing more tinted balms, and would love to try RMS!

 

2. Is washing your makeup brushes something you do regularly? 

 

I only use one (!) makeup brush for my mineral powder, and I wash it at least once every two weeks. I should do it more often!

 

3. How long will you last with chipped nail polish? 

 

I can’t remember the last time I wore nail polish. It makes my own nails weak, I find the smell induces migraines and there aren’t any completely natural polishes. When I used to use polish as soon as I got one little chip it would make me so anxious that but the end of the day I had chipped it all off.

 

4. What is your worst beauty habit?

 

Picking and squeezing my acne. It’s such a terrible habit. If I could have two habits I would say that obsessing over every little imperfection on my face is another one.  I literally stand two centimetres from the mirror, judging myself. That’s something I need to change.

 

5. Name something non-beauty related that you put off all the time.

 

Writing essays for Uni! The units I am learning at the moment are so boring and just don’t compare to the amazing products I could be researching instead. Ha!

 

6. When going out somewhere, do you leave getting ready to the last minute or not? 

 

No, I hate that! I am generally one of those people that gets ready hours too early then stands around waiting.

 

7. Can you commit to spending bans? 

 

Not when I have disposable income. I tend to go from one extreme to the next; wanting every single product in sight, to being content with less. I think the latter is a better position to be in. I am looking for a new facial sunscreen though, any thoughts? I would prefer one with a SPF of 20 or higher.. and natural of course.

 

8. How organized are your make-up/nail polish collection? 

 

Not very. I just have them all in a huge box, with eyeliner/brushes/mascara/etc in containers. I have been looking at other ways of organising my collection, which is exciting.

 

9. What is the longest time you've gone without writing a blog post? 

 

Nearly 5 months, sorry guys! Life just got in the way, as it has a habit of doing. I am now at home a lot more lately due to Uni commitments and sickness, hence the more frequent posts.

 

Review: Kora Organics Hydrating Mask

Kora Organics Hydrating Mask

For sensitive/ dry skin: Containing Noni Extract, Vitamins and minerals to restore essential moisture to the skin. This calming uniquely formulated mask cleans, rehydrates and protects the skin. KORA Organics Hydrating Mask refines pores, removes dead skin cells and promotes healthy tissue rejuvenation leaving the skin feeling replenished and rejuvenated.


Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*, Rosa damascena (Rose) Flower Water*, Glycerin, Olivoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Oleate, Glyceryl Stearate, Kaolin, CI 77819, Silica, Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil*,  Rosa eglantaria (Rosehip) Oil*, Sodium PCA, Trehalose, Glyceryl Caprylate, Morinda citrifolia (Noni Fruit) Extract*, Xanthan Gum, Persea gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, d-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Soy bean derived natural Vitamin E), Benzyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Santalum spicatum  (Sandalwood)*,  Cedrus atlantica (Cedarwood) Oil*, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dehydroacetic Acid, CI 77288, Pogostemon cablin (Patchouli) Oil*, Rosa damascene (Rose) Oil*, Lactic Acid, geraniol** & citronellol**.
**From essential oils. *Ingredient from Organic Farming.
PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED. NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS. VEGAN.
NO Sulfates, Parabens, Synthetic fragrance, Synthetic colours, T.E.A., D.E.A., Glycols, Silicones, PEGS. Ethoxylate and Formaldehyde free.  

I have been using this mask in rotation with my other favourite masks. I apply it at night after cleansing my face and let it sit for as long as I have time for (ie: half an hour). After that, it hasn't set, but I like that as I don't like masks that leave your face feeling dry and stiff. It has a delicious scent and has a very soft texture. Once I wash it off my face is left feeling soft and hydrated, and any irritation is soothed. It hasn't improved my acne at all, which it isn't designed to do anyway (the purifying mask in their collection is designed for that), but it doesn't irritate my acne either which is important. It just does an awesome job  of hydrating. It is luxuriously priced but the ingredients are quality. I would recommend this mask for people with dry or sensitive skin. It leaves my skin feeling and looking healthy, but I am yet to turn into Miranda Kerr!

Price: $49.95 for 100ml
Head to RY.com.au to buy this mask!

Review: Moogoo SPF 15 Anti-Ageing Face Cream

Sunscreen is the single most important product in your beauty bag arsenal when it comes to anti-ageing. It is important to get your RDI of vitamin D from the sun (which many people don't get), but once you have got your Vit D, slather this product on your face. 
I have been using this product daily since receiving the (very generous) sample with my Moogoo order (the other contents I have reviewed here. I have very strict (and almost unrealistic) expectations when it comes to sunscreen:
Has to be a physical sunscreen (Zinc or Titanium Dioxide). Has to have totally clean ingredients. Can't break my face out. Can't dry my face out either. Can't turn my face into a pool of oily greasiness. And has to protect my skin from the elements (aka prevent sunburn). And I have to say, Moogoo's SPF 15 ticks all the boxes for me. 

Also, the ingredients are amazing. Check them out: Aqua, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Zinc Oxide, Squalene (Olive), Coco-Caprylate (Coconut Based Conditioner), Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Standardised Green Tea ECGC), Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Stabilized Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Mel (Honey), Acetum (Apple Cider Vinegar), Piroctone Olamine, Allantoin, Caffeine, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract.

I have been applying this product to my face in the mornings after I shower. It is quite thick, and you may think that it isn't going to spread well across the face, but it softens with the warmth of your skin and rubs in quite easily. The cream isn't pure white, it is more of a very light tan colour, which I think prevents some of the whiteness that physical sunscreens can cause.

 

The Moogoo on the right, and John Masters SPF30 on the left for colour comparison

I can't attest to the anti-ageing claim they make, as I am only young and don't have wrinkles per say, but I can say that during my use of this product, the dehydration lines on my forehead seem less noticeable. Also my skin glows. And not in a 'physical sunscreen shiny' way, in a 'you have really healthy skin' way. I feel like I am doing my skin a favour when I apply this product, and any product that promises to prevent sun damage has my vote. When I run out of this sample I will definitely be buying the full sized product.

Would I recommend this product: Totally. I would especially recommend it for people with acne-prone skin that have recently transitioned to natural skincare and are freaking out over the lack of harsh acne-targeted products available. Skincare containing zinc oxide has always been amazing for my skin when suffering a breakout. It just seems to extinguish any inflammation.

Price: $34.90. Check out this product.

*Sample generously provided, but as always opinions are my own.

Review: Moogoo

I recently placed an order with Moogoo online after noticing my Full Cream moisturiser was running low. I decided I needed to try the Fluffy Shea too as my heels had been super dry. Two days later the package arrived, and I marvelled at the cute box it came in (it had a cow printed on it!), and opened it to a delicious smell which was coming from the scented straw my products were packed in. As well as the Full Cream and Fluffy Shea, they also included samples of their milk shampoo, eczema and psoriasis cream, and their SPF 15 Anti-Ageing Cream (which I have reviewed separately here), which I am extremely grateful for.  They also included a letter explaining what the benefits of the samples were and how to use them. I love Moogoo for the fact that they are a relatively small Australian company, don't test on animals and have the best customer service I have ever experienced. I have reviewed each of the products below.

Full Cream Moisturiser
I use this moisturiser every. single. day. and have reordered it for the third time. It is the only one that is hydrating enough for my skin, and prevents it from flaking off. My stomach, hips and legs get extremely dry and start itching if I don't use moisturiser daily, and this keeps it under control. Also, keratosis pilaris sufferers out there! I know how embarrassing and uncomfortable it can be- I developed 'chicken skin' all up my arms and on my thighs. But I am now proud to say that unless I irritate my skin shaving, my skin is now bump free! And this product can take all the credit. I think its because it is deeply hydrating, something that is great at getting rid of keratosis pilaris.  

Fluffy Shea
This product is so simple, but effective. Containing shea butter, borage oil, tamanu oil and baobab oil, this thick cream is heavenly for dry skin.Yum. This product to me smells exactly like creamed butter and sugar- delicious. I have never wanted to eat a product so much before. I slather a thick layer on my heels each night before bed. It sits on top of my skin, but in the morning it has been absorbed and my heels are much softer.
Milk Shampoo
I received a little bottle of this shampoo to try. I am picky when it comes to shampoo. It can't have questionable ingredients, it can't irritate my scalp and make it itchy, but it also mustn't weigh my hair down or leave it feeling like it is coated, it must smell nice but not overpowering, and it mustn't make my hair feel like straw. Moogoo delivered again with this product! Containing mild cleansers, natural preservatives and milk protein, this shampoo is the most gentle product you could wash your hair with that isn't water. Leaves your hair feeling like a softer version of itself.

Eczema & Psoriasis Cream with Marshmallow, Elderberry and More
This moisturiser is anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal to bring relief to Eczema and Dermatitis, Infant Eczema, Psoriasis and Seborrheic Dermatitis, and Fungal and Yeast Based Skin Conditions. I received this one as a sample. I gave this one to my Mum who has eczema to try, as I don't suffer from eczema or psoriasis thankfully. It is a lovely light purple cream and I think it smells quite pleasant. My Mum said it seemed to keep her itching at bay when she used it regularly (like anything, using it regularly provides the best benefits).


It appears that I am quickly becoming a Moogoo addict, slathering their products from head to toe.  I love that they are relatively inexpensive for their quality and effectiveness. I am now dying to try their Deodorant Cream and Lipstick!
Check out Moogoo's website: http://www.moogoo.com.au/


Hope you enjoyed my review. Have you tried any of the Moogoo products? Let me know in the comments below.

*Thanks to Moogoo for their generous samples. As always, any review written is my honest opinion.

Spirit Beauty Lounge Haul

 

 

I recently received my customised sample kit from Spirit Beauty Lounge. I love this idea as you get a chance to try nine samples for $25.00 and you also get given a $5.00 voucher. It also ships for free, which is important as shipping rates from the US to Australia can get quite expensive.
The samples I chose were (From far left, in a clockwise direction);
1. Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation in Straw
2. Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation in Aspen
3. Honore des Pres Sexy Angelic perfume
4. May Lindstrom The Good Stuff
5. May Lindstrom The Clean Dirt
6. May Lindstrom The Problem Solver
7. Kahina Giving Beauty Antioxidant Mask
8. W3ll People Nudist Colorbalm in Fig
9. Alima Pure Satin Matte Foundation in Wheat

Reviews are coming soon!

 

 

 

September is here!

Hey there! Here are some of my picks for September. Check them out.

 

May Lindstrom The Good Stuff (I have sampled some of May's stuff finally. More on that later.)

The Konjac Sponge Company Konjac Puff with Charcoal

Ila Conditioner for Nourishing Hair

Ilia Lipstick Crayon in Dress You Up

Mokosh Moisturising Lip Balm

Inika Mineral Foundation