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.

Review: May Lindstrom The Honey Mud

When I heard that May Lindstrom was releasing a new product that contained two of my favourite skincare ingredients; cacao and honey, I admit I pounced so quickly on a preorder that my bank balance got a shock. I waited patiently for it to travel all the way to Australia. When it arrived, I got straight to testing it out, and I have to say that the results I achieved surpassed the already very high expectations I had.

Those that aren't used to cleansing with honey and like products, may be confused by the texture and concerned that it isn't effectively cleaning their skin. You can rest assured though, that unlike many traditional cleansers, honey doesn't strip the skin or upset the acid-mantle. It is highly effective as a cleanser suitable for all skin types, as it is naturally anti-bacterial and promotes healing to address skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, while drawing moisture into the skin with its humectant properties to assist with dry skin.

Macadamia oil is the third ingredient listed, which is rich in palmitoleic acid, a compound similar to the sebum found in normal skin tissue, which is great as it effectively hydrates without clogging the pores.

The Honey Mud also contains other ingredients to tackle acne and associated skin problems such as halloysite clay which gently pulls gunk from the pores, colloidal silver which is highly healing with its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and witch hazel, frankincense and myrrh to detoxify clogged skin.

Oils such as cocoa absolute, ylang-ylang, and vanilla, along with honey combine to create the delicious liquor scent that envelopes you upon opening and smearing this lush mixture into your skin.

The full ingredient list is as follows:

*** Raw Honey, White Halloysite Clay, * Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia Nut Oil), * Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Argentum Metallicum (Colloidal Silver), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa Absolute) Oil, * Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Oil, * Cananga Odorata (Ylang-Ylang) Oil, * Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) CO2 Total Essential Oil, * Juniperus Virginiana (Cedarwood) Oil, ** Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Oil, ** Commiphora Myrrha (Myrrh) Oil.


I use the Honey Mud primarily as a mask (as it is luxuriously priced, and I want it to last longer!), but I have indulged in using it as a cleanser several times, and I have to say I love using it that way too.
To use as a cleanser, apply a pea sized amount to damp skin and massage in a circular motion. When water combines with the Honey Mud it turns it into the most incredible milky emulsion that effectively removes makeup and pollutants. It rinses off leaving no residue but instead soft, hydrated skin. To those concerned with the price of this product, May recommends mixing the Honey Mud with raw honey to stretch it out further.
To use it as a mask (which is my favourite way),  apply a thin layer over your face, and relax for as long as you have time (half an hour is my usual), and rinse off, revelling in your new-found glow. Applying as a mask also allows you to enjoy the decadent chocolate honey fragrance for longer. The Honey Mud can also be mixed with the Problem Solver. I tried this combo first on Christmas Eve, and was amazed with the happy soft skin I woke up to on Christmas Day.

I have fallen head over heels with this product, and if you have the opportunity to splurge, I don't think you could possibly be disappointed. It is the perfect treat to indulge in of a night time and provides that pampering, relaxing escape most men and women need after a stressful day.

I bought the Honey Mud for $80 from May Lindstrom's website, which is found here

Review: 100% Pure Luminous Primer

I am relatively new to the world of primers in the beauty world, but I have to mention this natural option that I have been enjoying lately.

100% Pure's Luminous Primer is packaged in a white heavy glass pump which I am a massive fan of, although the glass could be awkward for travelling. The primer is silicone-free, but contains ingredients such as jojoba oil and wax, rice starch and silica to provide that smooth glide primers are known for. Mica reflects light to diffuse the look of wrinkles/lines, while resveratrol, vitamins and antioxidants prevent free radical damage and create healthy, glowing skin.

I apply two pumps before applying my tinted moisturiser, concentrating on areas such as the lines on my forehead and underneath my eyes. I have found that it has not contributed to any breakouts I have experienced (although I didn't expect it to after reading the skin-loving ingredients!). It makes my makeup glide on like magic, and leaves my skin with a healthy glow.

Note the light reflective pigments visible

The only negative point I have to make is that it contains Japanese Honeysuckle. Honeysuckle is a controversial ingredient in the green beauty community as some claim that it is a 'natural paraben', while others claim that as it is naturally occurring in fruits such as blueberries (which we eat), that it is safe. I have not completely made up my mind on which side of the fence I sit, but in the meantime I like to try and stay away from it.

What is your opinion on Japanese Honeysuckle? Like it, or not?

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Gel)*, Jojoba Oil, Jojoba Wax Esters, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Extracts of Organic Camelia Sinensis Leaf Ferment (Green Tea)* and Resveratrol, Silica, Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado Butter), Lonicera Caprifolium (Japanese Honeysuckle), Mica * Certified Organic

Try it out for yourself: 100% Pure website

Review: Mukti Aloe Vera Moisturiser; perfect antidote to a hot summer day

I have a confession to make. I spent the day at the beach yesterday celebrating Australia Day, and wasn't as diligent applying sunscreen as I should have been. As a result, my shoulders, chest, and tops of my legs got slightly burnt. When I woke up this morning, I could almost cry at the sight of my still-reddened body and the damage I had done. My skin looked dry and irritated, and in need of some moisture pronto.
Enter Mukti's Aloe Vera Moisturiser:

I had a sample sitting around that I had received from a previous Mukti order, and decided it would be the perfect time to try it out. I applied the moisturiser to the red and irritated sunburnt skin, and was surprised at how cooling it was. It was a thin milky texture and spread easily, leaving no sticky residue or tight feeling like generic aloe vera products can do. The ingredient list, although simple, boasts fantastic hydrating and calming ingredients such as aloe vera, calendula and glycerine, and powerful antioxidants such as grapefruit seed extract, and essential oils to feed and heal the skin. This moisturiser is perfect for applying to skin after exposure to harsh elements such as the sun and wind. Mukti also claims it can be used after shaving to close the pores, or as a light non-comedogenic moisturiser for oily and combination skin. I love multi-purpose products, as they allow you to reduce the number of products you keep in your cupboard.

Ingredients: Certified Organic Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice; Certified Organic Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Extract; Glycerin (Vegetarian); Sclerotium Gum; Certified Organic Essential Oils of Geranium (Geranium Maculatum), Juniper (Juniperus Communis) & Lemon (Citrus Limonum); Grapefruit Seed (Citrus Grandis) Extract.


Price: $35.50 for 50 ml.

Like the sound of it? Get 15% off now until midnight 27/01/2104 with the code 'ozozoz' on their website

Review: Yuli Cocoon Elixir

I have been in the natural skincare game for two years now, and up until recently I regarded toners as an unnecessary step in skincare. I thought they were a placebo, something that you put on the skin that has a lovely scent but essentially does nothing for the skin. My limited experience with toners involved dried out skin (due to the alcohol), and flared acne and rosacea (due to irritating ingredients). I was hesitant to enter the toner game again, but after hearing all the hype about the Yuli Elixirs (and Yuli in general!), I had to try one out. I contacted Yuli and told them about my main skin issues, and they advised that I try the Cocoon Elixir based on my skin type. I have very reactive acne-prone skin that hates anything potentially irritating (read: alcohol, fragrance, preservatives, coconut, etc), but is also very dry at the same time.

I have been testing the Yuli Cocoon Elixir for approximately three months now. I use it in the mornings, and occasionally during the day if I feel like my face needs a freshen up. Over the time I have been testing it, I can't say my skin has magically transformed, my acne has lessened, or my pores have vanished. The results I have experienced have been subtle, but enough for me to decide that I never want to forego a toner mist again.

I have experienced:

• A slight improvement in my skin's texture, and reduced appearance of enlarged pores
• A glowing appearance (my skin doesn't appear as dull)
• A more hydrated and happy forehead (which means that my dehydration lines aren't quite as visible- YAY!)
• An easier application of face oils and serums (seriously guys, a toner mist is essential for the perfect slip of oils on your face, as I have discovered)

The Yuli Cocoon Elixir is an alcohol-free, 100% natural facial mist which is suitable for the most sensitive skin. I was excited about Calendula being the second highest ingredient listed, as my skin adores it for calming any inflammation. It also contains anti-irritants aloe vera, glycerine and chamomile, and colloidal silver acts as an anti-bacterial. I found this toner calming as advertised, and as a result, my acne or rosacea did not flare up.

The Ingredients of the Cocoon Elixir: D-Aloe Barbadensis, C. officinalis (Calendula) hydrolat*, R. officinalis (Rosemary) hydrolat*,L. angustifolia (lavender) hydrolat*, M. recutita (Chamomile) hydrolat*, B. carterii(Frankincense) hydrolat^^, frequency enhanced water, vegetable glycerine, MSM, R. damascena (Rose) flower petal powder*,M. emarginata (Acerola) extract, colloidal silver * Organic ^^ Wildcrafted

I believe that a toner is a great investment for great skin. They provide skin with an extra boost of antioxidants, facilitate the application of face oils, and help hydrate and extinguish inflammation. It is important to not expect miracles, but it may be that extra step towards helping you gain the happy, hydrated, glowing skin you have always wished for.

Price: $36 for 50 ml at Yuli's website

Have you tried this toner, or any of Yuli's products? Do you believe in the importance of using a toner? Let me know in the comments!

Review: ILIA Lipstick Crayon in Dress You Up

This lipstick, I admit, has been my first foray into Ilia products, and natural lipstick in general. I have never been a huge makeup person, in comparison to my addiction with skincare, but I have been excited with the clean makeup lines I have discovered since going green two years ago. I was thrilled that I picked a perfect shade from the get-go. I believe that this is the perfect shade for lipstick newbies such as me.

Me wearing Dress You Up

 

I have been obsessed with the look of lipstick crayons but believed that they were only available in toxic versions. That's before I discovered Ilia. The consistency of this product is amazing. It is smooth and creamy (and very hydrating!), but still holds its shape within its tube. I find it lasts a long time, and I only have to reapply once during the day, even when I am eating out somewhere. I find it to be the perfect 'your lips but better' colour, and it has got me excited to try out more of Ilia's products.

Review: Egyptian Magic Skin Cream

I had long heard of the cult status of this product through the internet, so as soon as I realised that one of my favourite online stores, Nourished Life, had begun to stock it, I pounced on it so quickly that my bank account didn't know what hit it. I was not sure what to expect upon opening it. I expected it to be cream-like in texture, but it is definitely more of a balm consistency than a cream. It is comparable in texture to Vaseline or Pawpaw ointment, as you scoop it out as a thick balm and it melts on warm hands to a thick oil.

According to online sources, Egyptian Magic is a multi-purpose cream that can be used for a multitude of skin conditions such as scars, eczema, acne, and psoriasis. It can also be used as a face cleanser, face moisturiser, acne spot treatment, highlighter for cheekbones, hair mask, eye balm and as a shaving balm.

I personally find it useful for areas that need extra hydration. I massage a generous amount into my heels daily after a shower, I scoop some into little containers to use as lip balm, and I rub it into areas that are notoriously dry such as elbows, legs and knees. I find this balm too greasy for me to consider cleansing or moisturising my face with it, however if you are into dense hydrating products you may enjoy it.

Egyptian Magic contains only honey, beeswax, olive oil, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee propolis.
You can buy it online at Egyptian Magic's website for $38.20 for a 4oz jar

DIY Raspberry Honey Mask

I came up with this super easy DIY face mask the other day when I was stuck with 2+ kilos of rapidly over-ripening raspberries leftover from the massive amount that I had picked at a local berry place. I understand that fresh raspberries can be expensive if you don't have them growing locally, but you could just as easily defrost some frozen ones, for an inexpensive option. Honey should be raw or manuka, as it retains the beneficial properties that processed honey has lost. If you love the idea of organic and natural masks but don't have the money to splurge, I suggest you give a DIY treatment like this one a go. Some of the benefits of using simple, effective ingredients such as honey and raspberries are outlined below.

Skin benefits of raspberries:

• High in antioxidants to combat ageing and improve skin elasticity and boost collagen
• High in Vitamin C to naturally brighten skin, and improve acne
• Helps control oil production and balance skin

Skin benefits of honey:

• Natural humectant (draws moisture into the skin) for optimal hydration
• Naturally antibacterial, so good for acne treatment/prevention
• Healing for acne, rosacea, ezcema

Ingredients:

Handful of raspberries
Teaspoon of honey
Water, to adjust texture

I just placed the raspberries and honey in a bowl and then just mashed them together thoroughly. You could always blend and strain the raspberries to remove the seeds, if you are that way inclined, but I just thought it was much easier to put up with seeds sliding down my face. If you find the mixture a bit too thick, add a bit of water slowly until you reach the right texture.

Apply the mixture to your face and leave for as long as you like (or as long as you have time for!), then rinse with water.

Haha enjoy this very attractive picture of me wearing the mask!