People for Plants Skin Care Review

I was sent some products from People for Plants a while back and I thought it's about time I reviewed it. There were 4 products and I've listed them in the order they are to be used/applied. I'm going to keep this short and sweet!

People for Plants Cleanser & Make Up Remover 
RRP: AUD24.95
Review: If you're after a gentle and organic cleanser, then this is the product you might want to try. It is extremely mildly scented so it does not irritate my sensitive nose. I usually use this with a muslin cloth to help scrub off my makeup. That way, I don't have to exfoliate with another product, cutting down the steps in my routine!

People for Plants Mist Toner 
RRP: AUD19.95
Review: Whenever I think of toner, the word "hydration" never comes to mind. This toner is very soothing and does not strip the skin at all. In fact, it claims to hydrate the skin. I use this my spray the product onto a cotton pad before swiping it over my skin. Alternatively, you can just mist it directly onto your face. This product is also very mildly but pleasantly scent.

People for Plants Face Oil 
RRP: AUD29.95
Review: Face oil! I've reviewed a few on my blog (you can read them here and here). This one is another excellent option. Perfect for moisturising the skin and regulating sebum production. I apply this a few seconds after the toner, really pressing it into my skin with my fingers.

People for Plants Hydration Gel 
RRP: $29.95 
Review: After 30 seconds or so, after the face oil has been sufficiently absorbed by my skin, I apply the hydration gel. This product glides on the skin smoothly and you do not need a lot to cover your entire face. Together with the face oil, I find that my skin stays moisturised throughout the day; no reapplication needed.

Overall these are really decent organic skin care products. Oh and let's not forget, they are Australian made! If you're after something really gentle for the skin, then I recommend this range. My only gripe is that the cleanser was too mild for me. Other than that, I think People for Plants is definitely worth considering when you next go shopping for skin care products!

Have you ever tried any People for Plants skin care products? What are your thoughts?

Green Smoothies - An App Review

When I offered the chance to try out an app filled with green smoothie recipes, I jumped at the chance. Let's face it, the green smoothie fad is not going to go away for a while. And that's okay because these green liquids are good for us!

Green Smoothies is an app created by Lauren Glucina from Ascension Kitchen. It is a collection of 30 healthy green juice recipes. It costs $3.79 to get it on iTunes. "Well, why can't I just Google for some free recipes and save myself $3.79?" you might ask. For one, I find that most websites only list 3 recipes at most. And even if they list 10, I find that most of them are not very exciting. Lauren uses an extensive range of ingredients, all of which are good for the body, to achieve a huge variety of flavours and benefits. From bok choy to passionfruit, you name it!

The app also contains a video on how to make "Kind Milk". Basically milk from a type of nut of your choice! I found it really fascinating and plan on giving it a go one day. Another cool feature is the Shopping List. You can select a recipe and add it to the Shopping List. That way, you can easily consult the list of ingredients that you need for a particular smoothie when you're out getting the groceries.

Recipe that I tried

Some of the ingredients

Tea Remedy I made

Yes, this all sounds exciting but what you if you don't own an iPad or an iPhone? Fear not, fair maiden! Lauren has got you covered. You can purchase the eBook version from her website. That's all I have to say about this neat little app. I haven't mentioned everything single thing that's in it because surprises are more fun! I'll leave the rest for you to judge if/when you try it out.


Are you fan of green smoothies? Do you have any tips on how to make green smoothies? Please do share!

Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel Review

Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel
RRP: AUD95
Review: Philosophy is renowned for their skincare products. I've heard people swearing by their cleansers and moisturisers. I was given the privilege to trial one of Philosophy's luxurious products, the microdelivery triple-acid brightening peel. First of all, don't be deterred by the price tag and secondly, don't be scared by the sound of "triple-acid" (it sounds like too much, I know but I promise it isn't!).

What this product does is basically chemically exfoliate your skin, removing all the dead (dull) skin cells to reveal the beautiful (bright) cells underneath. My skin feels smooth after using it, as though it has been magically resurfaced. I promise you I am not exaggerating. This stuff is pretty freaking awesome! It makes my skin look radiant. From what I was able to observe the effect usually lasts a couple of days and disappears as the skin builds up more dead cells. But of course Day 1 always looks the best. This product also helps speed up the fading of acne marks, after all it is an exfoliant.

The peel comes in soaked pads. These circles of cloth are not abrasive at all. It feels soft as you swipe it across your skin. The pads are individually packed, which I think is very convenient from a traveler's perspective and hygienic in general.

I use this product once a week or less, as recommended in the instructions. I swipe the peel all over my face after cleansing and drying my face. Then, I let the product sit for a few minutes before I apply my moisturiser. I do this at night, letting the product do its work overnight. Come morning, my skin feels super smooth and soft, practically silk-like. This product does not sting my skin at all; however, if you have sensitive skin, you're told to rinse it off after a few minutes as opposed to leaving it on overnight. My advice is to lay off your other exfoliators leading up to when you plan on using this peel.

Overall, I love this product. Yes, it is expensive for $7.90 per pad. However! I believe that it is a really good investment. Instead of using it once a week you can reserve them for special occasions. I plan on getting my hands on more when I run out! I hope you found this review helpful.

On a side note, please keep your eyes peeled this weekend because a makeup tutorial post will go live on this blog!

Have you ever tried Philosophy The Microdelivery Triple-Acid Brightening Peel before? Please share your thoughts on the product! 

How to Get Rid of or Prevent Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs can be an annoyance. It's unsightly and I tried getting rid of a particularly big one with the methods suggested on blogs, WikiHow and other similar websites but to no avail. Eventually, it got infected and inflamed. It was a nightmare and I had to go to my GP for antibiotics. Moral of the story? Please go see your doctor. They can help you get rid of the ingrown hair safely and effectively.

In terms of preventing ingrown hairs, I've now found an easy sure-fire solution. I'll use plucking my eyebrows as an example. First I always disinfect my tweezers with some rubbing alcohol. After I'm done plucking my brows. I'd apply a small amount of Caron Bump eRaiser Medi Paste to the areas plucked. And ta-da! I'm done. I told you it's easy.

This product is specifically formulated to prevent and "get rid" of ingrown hairs. I'm trying to be careful with the term "get rid" because I've only tested this on small early ingrown hairs. I applied it when I first noticed the bump forming. And the very next day, I was able to see the that tiny hair has sprung out. Disaster was averted.

I also apply this to my armpits after epilating. The skin in those areas used to be bumpy with ingrown hairs. Now, it's completely smooth! Okay, I know I sound like an advertisement. No, I'm NOT being paid to write this post! I bought this product after reading some promising reviews and I'm just happy to report that this product actually does what it says on its packaging!

Don't be fooled by the name. It's a cream, not a paste. The product is a bit expensive; AUD16.75 for a tiny tube of 30mL but I promise you only need a small amount each time. A little bit goes a long way. Most importantly, this stuff really works. So for those of you ladies battling with ingrown hairs, I highly recommend you give this product a try.

If you're not interested in purchasing a product to prevent your ingrown hairs, apart from disinfecting your tweezers, try cleansing your skin before and after plucking. This will help prevent the hair follicle from getting clogged or infected.


Do you have any other tips on preventing ingrown hairs? Please do share!

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser + Daily Face Cream + Ultra Repair Cream Review

I've been trying out three products from First Aid Beauty this past month. Now I'm here to report my findings!

Overall review: I love how the products come in tubes or with a pump. FAB gets points for hygiene and minimal contamination! However, keep in mind that if you buy the next size up for the Ultra Repair Cream, it comes in a jar. The pricing is reasonable, in line with its quality both in terms of product and packaging. All the products are designed to be suitable for sensitive skin. I review the products separately below.

First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
RRP: AUD19.95
Review: This is an excellent cleanser. I would not describe it as gentle but neither it is harsh (although FAB calls it a mild and gentle). For me it strikes the right balance. It's effective at cleaning without stripping the skin. I use this in morning and then at night with my Clarisonic Mia. It lathers easily so be careful not to get this in your eyes. It will sting like hell! And I mean it when I say you only need a bit to cover your entire face. The tube is massive and contains ~140g of product. I expect this to last me till the end of the year at the rate I'm going.

First Aid Beauty Daily Face Cream 
RRP: AUD23.95
Review: If you're after a lightweight moisturiser that keeps your skin hydrated until you wash your face again at night, this might just be the product for you. The weather has gotten cold and dry where I live and this face cream has held up really well. I use this in the morning after cleansing. Two pumps (shown in the photo above) is sufficient for me to cover my entire face. And I almost never find myself needing to reapply.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream 
RRP: AUD14.95
Review: Out of the three products, I love this one the most! You can use this on your face and body. I use this as my nighttime moisturiser and my hand cream. I have very dry and irritated patches on my right hand from all the hand-washing and disinfecting that comes with working/studying in the health care industry. This product has been aptly named because now my hand is on its way to full recovery. My skin is not as scaly and itchy as before. I am so obsessed with this product that I've already emptied half the tube!


Have you ever tried any of First Aid Beauty products?

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment Review

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment
RRP: AUD75
Packaging: 4.5 out of 5
Review: I cannot stress how hyped up this product has been, particularly over at Youtube land. I've been swept along with the hysteria of cult products before and coming out disappointed or underwhelmed. And yet, I still find myself wanting to try this product. I mentioned that I have a problem with blackheads here. This mask is one of the several purchases that I've made in an attempt to tackle that problem.

This mask comes in a luxurious plastic and glass jar. At least I believe it is the case from the feel of it. I gave it a 4.5 for packaging because beauty products are easily contaminated in jars. Otherwise, I think the quality is excellent. The "mud" is a dark grey with chunks in it. As it dries on your face, it turns into a lighter shade of grey. This is an expensive mask. To get more mileage out of it, I only apply it to my problem areas, essentially my T-zone. All you need is one layer and it takes 15-20 minutes to work its magic.

Now comes the answer to the most important question. Does it work? It depends on what you're after. If you want something that clears out your blackheads then this is the mask for you. Mind you, it only rids you of black heads temporarily. My pores are usually replaced with fresh blackheads by the end of the day. My skin definitely feels cleaner and looks clearer immediately after using this product. However, it is not effective at busting pimples or acne.

Overall, I do think that this is by far the best mask I've tried. It's unfortunate that it's not the magical solution that some reviewers imply it to be. Perhaps my expectations were raised a little too high from all the hype. It is still more efficacious than other masks that I've used. At this point, I'm not sure if I'd repurchase it. But I do know that until I find something even better, this is the top go-to mask on my beauty shelf.

Have you ever tried GlamGlow? Do you have a favourite mask? 

Botani Rescue Acne Cream Review

Botani Rescue Acne Cream
Claims: "an all-natural solution for the treatment of acne, blemishes and blackheads"
RRP: AUD26.95
Packaging: 4.5 out of 5
Review: I had to toss out my La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment because it has started to smell and it has lost its efficacy. Instead of ordering another tube only, I wanted to get my hands on something that I could apply during the day to combat the pimples that have been popping up lately. After reading some very promising reviews on beautyheaven and a 20% off discount, I decided to give this product a shot.

I was impressed with it, initially anyway. It helped get rid of my pimples within a couple of days, with practically no burn marks left behind. I don't know if it has lost its effectiveness but lately, I've been struggling to get rid of pimples with it. Perhaps it's because I've been experiencing more aggressive acne of late. I find that I definitely still need the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion as the nighttime treatment to tackle the acne. I noticed that this product is amazing at removing the pimple if I catch it at the early stage, especially when they are the tiny, slower growing and non-painful types.

I love that this product contains natural ingredients. It's more gentle on the skin. Sure, you don't get rid of the acne as quickly but your skin recovers more quickly because you've maintained its integrity. As for packaging, I love that the jar is made out of glass but hate that it is heavy. To keep it uncontaminated, I use cotton tips to scoop some of the cream out before applying it to my skin. Because of the inconvenience and the environmentally unfriendly method of application, I've given it a 4.5 score for packaging.

The cream is green in colour but once you work it into the skin, it becomes transparent. It has a mild scent that I can only describe as herbal, which I don't mind. This little jar contains 30g of product. It may not look like a lot but it should last me a very long time. I've been using it for 2 months and I've only just used up 10% of the product. That's what I estimated anyway.

Overall, I'm on the fence about this product. I can't say that I'd be running to the shops to get another one once this jar is emptied. If you're looking for a "natural" option for acne treatment, then definitely consider this. If you're looking for something that is effective within a day, then give this a miss.


What are your favourite zit-zapping products? Do share! 

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum Review

Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum 
Claims:  "reduces the visible appearance of pores by 58 per cent... Supports cell maturation, balances oil production and keeps skin smooth with gentle desquamation."
RRP: AUD68
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review:  I've been suffering from several skin problems lately. Cystic acne, blackheads, you name it! When my housemate, Ann-Marie, gave me a 10% off Myer card, I jumped at the chance to get this product. I really wanted to deal with my blackheads and large pores the proper way once and for all.

Let's start with the positives, shall we? I really like that the product comes with a pump so that you can dispense the serum in a hygienic way, hence full marks for packaging. In terms of price, I believe it is fairly reasonable given it contains 30ml of serum.

If you only have small areas of enlarged pores, half a pump is plenty. The texture is thick, like a lotion. I applied this to my nose (the problem area) religiously, day and night for nearly a month. Unfortunately, I did not notice any difference. I definitely was not expecting any mind-blowing changes but I expected at least some. But nada, zilch. The lady at the Clinique had said that this product would help unclog my pores and make them look smaller. I would use my Clarisonic and a clay mask (a GlamGlow one to be more precise) to clear out my pores first before applying this product.

I wanted to boost its efficacy but it did nothing at all. I know this because every morning and every night, I check my pores and fresh blackheads take the place of the ones I removed. I occasionally inspected my nose with a magnifying mirror to make sure that my eyes were not playing tricks on me. My pores still look as large as ever.

I'm disappointed and I will not be repurchasing this product.

Do you know of any good pore minimising products? Please do share! 

Review: Fuse Gelnamel

Left to right: E-MOTION, V-AMP, SONIC BLUE-M

Fuse Gelnamel Starter Kit
RRP: AUD49.99
Packaging: 5 out of 5

Fuse Gelnamel (single)
RRP: $14.99
Packaging: 5 out of 5

I was sent a generous package from Fuse to try their gelnamel kit. And here's my thoughts on the products!
I can sum this all up in one word for you: wow! I'd never tried gel manicures before and this really impressed me. Yes, the process is in a way more tedious but trust me, the result is worth the steps taken. I won't go into the details of how you use the products. I was going to do step-by-step photos but Chloe Morello uploaded an excellent video a while back so I'm not going to let a good resource go to waste!

The brushes that come with the polish have short bristles, which I found made it a lot easier to coat my nails; I felt more in control of where I was applying the polish. You have to be careful to not apply too thick a coat or on your skin because you will feel like your finger is being cooked when you place it under the LED lamp. I like that they use LED instead of UV, which I believe is a health hazard. Most importantly, I love how quickly the polish dries! If you thought the OPI Drip Dry sped things up, this is even faster. All it takes is 30 seconds per nail and it comes out DRY so there's no way you can smudge it!

My favourite colour is V-AMP. It's a beautiful dark reddish purple. It's the perfect colour for autumn and winter. The finish may look dull initially but it gradually turns glossy. I had never done such a fabulous looking manicure before. I am not trying to be arrogant be, I am trying to praise Fuse! Although there are a few steps, they've made it very easy to understand and simple to do, plus they've left very little room for errors. Depending on your technique, the nail may come out uneven. It just takes practice to make sure you coats are always even. I also have not experienced any bubbling with this polish.

The polish generally lasts me a good five days before any chipping happens, which is more than I can ask for because A. I hardly ever wear nail polish for more than 5 days and B. my nail polish sometimes chips within 4 days. I love how my nails are left in good condition after I've removed the polish. There's no discolouration or peeling of my nails. Speaking of removal...

Sensationail Gel Polish Removal Kit 
RRP: AUD24.99
Packaging: 5 out of 5

From the same company, I was sent a gel polish removal kit. I will not say much about this because frankly I don't find it effective at removing the gel polish efficiently. I seem to have more success picking at the polish and gently peeling it off with my own nails. I probably shouldn't be admitting this but my nails are left in good condition, which shows how great the gel polishes are! I find that soaking my nails in the acetone provided did not speed up the removal process at all. In fact, I felt like it made the polish stick to my nails. Perhaps I just need practice. I will keep you posted on this front.

The only down side of the Fuse gelnamels is that there aren't that many colours available... yet! I'm hoping they will release more these amazing gems soon! For more information, feel free to check out the Fuse and Sensational websites.


Have you ever tried gel polish before at home before? What do you think?

Comparison of Makeup Books #2

If you liked my review of the Bobbi Brown, Zoe Foster and Rae Morris makeup books, I believe you'll find this post of interest to you as well. I'll be reviewing the following books: Face-to-Face by Scott Barnes, Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin, and Make-up Secrets by Jemma Kidd. 

I was never a big fan of Km Kardashian and I don't think I ever will be. However, having said that, I do like the look of the smokey eye she almost always wears and every once in a while I would watch a Youtube tutorial on "How-to do a Kim Kardashian smokey eye". I digress. Scott Barnes is an LA makeup artist, popular amongst celebrities like Kim herself and Paris Hilton. When I spotted this book at my local library, I borrowed it without hesitation; excited that I was going to be learning some big fat secret for mastering the Kim K smokey eye. 

To my disappointment, the book did not divulge any such secret. Sure, I picked up one tip or two (literally!) on makeup and that's about. Majority of the book was Before and After photos of models/small-time actresses/dancers Scott did makeup on. The photos would be accompanied by a blurbs of his friendship with this person and why he was inspired to do that particular makeup look on her. Bottom line is, I did not find it helpful in learning new makeup tricks and techniques. This is primarily an inspiration book. There are pages of "how-to's" but you would have learnt the techniques from watch makeup tutorials on Youtube anyway. 

I was gifted this book for my birthday last year. Although I have yet to finish reading it, I've enjoyed it so far. In this book, Kevyn teaches us techniques and reveals bits of his story along the way. I find it endearing. From his words, he sounds like a genuine guy and as I read, I feel like a friendly mentor is speaking to me. The only "complaint" I have is that the steps are illustrated through hand drawn pictures rather than photographs of the actual process. Don't get me wrong, the illustrations are good, created by Aucoin himself. However, I believe that, it would be easier to learn and understand the instructions with photographs. Having said that, I do like that Kevyn has really made his book his own, by making it different from others. The book is full of timeless  and classic makeup looks; and Kevyn provides valuable advice on how to achieve them. 

Last but not least, my favourite book of the lot! I fell in love with this book right from page one. I take my hat off to Jemma Kidd. She gives very good and practical tips in a concise way. It's full of beautiful photographs accompanied by easy-to-understand instructions. Jemma is very thorough. She breaks down all the different components to makeup and answers a lot of common (and important) beauty questions/issues. I love how she manages to be informative yet stay to-the-point. I borrowed this book from the library and I plan on buying a copy for myself. It is so pack full of information that I can never finish it before the due date. I recommend getting this book if you want to and enjoy learning more about makeup. Take a break from watching Youtube makeup videos. This book is a breath of fresh air and it is brilliant. 

Review: Natural Instinct Skin and Body Care Products

I was sent a box full of Natural Instinct products to try. They were very generous. What's in the photo above is only a portion of what I received. This review will cover my favourite Natural Instinct products.

OVERALL REVIEW 
There are so many reasons to love this brand and its products. It's free of many nasty chemicals such as sulfates and parabens. It is also cruelty-free, and most importantly, it is Australian made and owned! All the products have a subtle scent that I don't mind. I can only describe it as a slight mixed of floral and herbal. I have no complaints on the packaging of these products. They are all of decent quality. So you'll find that I've given all a perfect score in that respect.


Natural Instinct Hand Wash 
RRP: AUD7.95
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: I wash my hands a lot. In some ways, I'm a bit of a hygiene freak. I will spare you the boring details. Bottom line is, I've really enjoyed using this hand wash. It cleans my hands without stripping them of natural oils. I've only a quarter of this product left and I'm dreading the switch back to my old neglected hand wash!


Natural Instinct Body Wash 
RRP: AUD11.95/AUD19.95 for 500mL/1L
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: I noticed a difference when I first started using this product. Compared to my normal body wash, this made me feel invigorated when I stepped out of the shower. Again, like the hand wash, it cleans without stripping you of your natural oils so your skin doesn't feel dry. I've been using it a lot and yet it, by weight, it feels like I've still got 85% of product left. One bottle will last you a very long time.


Natural Instinct Body Lotion
RRP: AUD15.95/AUD22.95 for 500mL/1L
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: Even though the body wash is not drying, it is not an excuse to skip moisturising! This lotion is hydrating and absorbs quite quickly. So I don't get the sticky feeling that I get with other body moisturisers. The hydration lasts throughout the day and night. I never find myself needing to reapply.

Natural Instinct Foaming Cleanser 
RRP: AUD9.95
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: Unfortunately, I've left my foaming cleanser at my parent's place without taking a photo of it before hand. So the above image is for your reference if you ever decide to look for this cleanser. This cleanser really clarifies your face. It makes me think of clarifying shampoos. This resets your skin to its original no-product condition. It removes all the products that you've applied previously. I, however, would not recommend double-cleansing with this product. My skin felt stripped afterwards. It's so effective that you only need to cleanse your face once!

Natural Instinct Daily Moisturiser  
RRP: AUD9.95
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: If you're interested in adding rosehip oil to your routine but you're reluctant to add another product/step to your routine, try this product instead. It's a moisturiser and contains rosehip. This absorbs into my skin quite quickly and I only require a small amount each time to moisturise my whole face. I expect this product to last me a long time. The hydration lasts throughout the day.


Have you ever tried any of the Natural Instinct products? Which is your favourite?

Review: Argan Oil and Rosehip Oil by Nouris

"Oils" have been all the hype lately, apparently. And I now understand why. I was recently sent a bottle of pure argan oil and a bottle of pure rosehip oil by an company called Nouris to review. Here are my thoughts.

Nouris Argan Oil
RRP: BPS10.49 for 50mL
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: I've never tried argan oil before. I had always assumed that you use it like any other hair oil: work it into your hair, after washing, when it's dry/semi-dry. The directions surprised me. It says to apply it to hair 30 minutes prior to washing. I obediently followed the instructions. My hair looks greasy once all my strands are coated. While waiting, I'd read a book, eat my breakfast, etc. I then wash it off with my John Frieda shampoo and conditioner. After that my hair felt AMAZING! It became extra soft and smooth. This is by far the best hair oil I've tried. I've been using it for a few weeks now and I love it. I don't know if it's because it's a good combination of products. I will post an update if and when I test this oil with other shampoos and conditioners. Here's a tip if you decide to buy this product and use: brush your hair after applying it to your hair and before you have to hop into the shower.

Nouris Rosehip Oil
RRP: BPS11.50 for 50mL
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: I have tried rosehip oil before and this product did not disappoint. It very moisturises my face without making me oily. Although, the initial application might feel a tiny bit greasy but it absorbs quite quickly. And you won't feel like your pores are clogged up at all. This is an excellent product for oil control. So if you have an oily T-zone (like me) or an oily skin in general, do give this a try. It has worked wonders for many, including myself.

To finish off this review, I'd like to point out that these products come in glass bottles. So a huge tick of approval from me! They also come with a simple good quality plastic pump, which is hygienic and easy to use. And lastly, they are not chock full of parfum/fragrance, which sends me sneezing the whole day.


If you're interested in purchasing these products, you can get them from here.

Have you tried these oils before? What's your favourite oil product?

Review: Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask

Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask 
Claims: "leaves the skin clean and purified. The self-heating mask helps to open up the pores so the charcoal and kaolin clay can help draw out impurities from deep within the skin. As well as purifying, the mask will rebalance the skin’s oil levels to clarify, cleanse and give soft skin."
RRP: AUD19.99
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: This is my first thermal product I've tried. I must admit that I struggled a bit the first couple of times I used it. I am notorious for using products without reading the instructions first. But this time I did. I followed the directions a little too literally, or at least I misinterpreted it. It says to "Cleanse face..., leave skin damp". Okay, so I cleansed my face, it's wet... so that means "damp" right? I apply it. The product heated up immediately, right on my fingers before I could even transfer it to my face. There was a few seconds of intense heat, then nothing. And the instruction says to leave it on for 5 minutes. I thought to myself, "Well, the heat was short-lived." But I persisted, I kept trying the mask.

One fine day, it finally clicked in my thick skull. I patted my face dry after cleansing and applied this mask. It was like magic. It warmed up and stayed warm for a minute or two. "That's more like it!" I told myself in my reflection. I wash off the mask and my skin feels clean and soft. I secretly wished it would extract all my pimples but I guess I was being unrealistic. However, out of all the masks I've tried this is one of the better ones. Some masks make me feel like I merely cleansed my face a second time with it. This one doesn't. It does not strip my skin of oils.

I use this mask one to two times a week. Now, I mainly apply it to my problem areas: chin, around the nose, and forehead. I can see why Chloe Morello has enjoyed this mask. I requested for this product to trial because of her recommendation. I'd be interested to compare this to other thermal masks, perhaps a high-end one (i.e. Dermalogica) and see how it fares. But for now, I'm contented to keep this product in my regimen. I recommend it if you're after a low budget mask that does what it says.


Have you tried thermal masks before? What's your experience?

HG Search: Moisturiser - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Review

Kiehl's Ulta Facial Cream 
Claims: "24 hour, light-textured hydrator. Reduces moisture loss. Continuous water replenishment throughout the day."
RRP: AUD34/AUD64 for 50mL/125mL
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: The first time I tried this product when was my mother bought a jar home and told me to try it. After cleansing and toning my face, I applied some all over my face and went to bed. The next morning, my skin still felt soft and smooth. It wasn't long before I went and got myself a 50mL jar too (R kindly paid for it). I've been using it for more than two months now and have hit the base of the jar. My mother has hit base too. And guess what? We went out and bought a 125mL jar each!

So by now, you'd know where this review is heading. Yes, this story has a "happy ending". You can stop reading now and go buy yourself one to try... Oh! You wanna know more? Okay then. This moisturising cream is very lightweight with a gel-like consistency. Kinda similar to the consistency of Bobbi Brown's Hydrating Gel Cream. It goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly so there's no sticky feeling. If you apply makeup soon after, it is tacky enough to work as a primer.

I love that this product keeps my face hydrated all day and night, regardless of whether the weather is wet/dry/warm/cold. It feels like I'm giving my skin water to drink. A word of warning though, if you have extremely dry skin, whereby it's peeling and patchy, this may not be powerful enough of a moisturiser for you; something like Creme de La Mer might be better for you. Otherwise, I am very happy with this product and it's currently my Holy Grail moisturiser. I know what you're gonna say. But it came in a jar! That's unsanitary! Well, as long as you wash your hands well with soap and dry them properly before dipping your fingers into the product, I don't see any problems with it, especially if it's solely for your own use. Hence, I have not deducted any points from packaging.


What's your Holy Grail moisturiser (if you have one)? 

OPI Drip Dry Review

OPI Drip Dry
Claims: "These lacquer drying drops touch dry nails in 60 seconds. OPI Drip Dry dries nails completely in five minutes."
RRP: AUD23.95
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: I hate the process of painting my nails. I'm impatient and sloppy. I usually get nail polish all over my fingers and have to painstakingly clean up with a cotton tip dipped in polish remover.  After waiting for half an hour for my nails to dry, I smudge the polish by accident. Then I have to start all over with that nail. Garh!! @#%^$!!

I recently received a bottle of OPI Drip Dry and I'm in love! This little magic potion guarantees that I don't smudge my nails by accident because it dries my manicure within 60 seconds! Literally! Okay, maybe it's not 100% dry... but it's touch dry. So still means no smudging. Yay! This product is very easy to use. After applying, your top coat, just squeeze one or two drops onto your nail.

I know you might say that it's very expensive for such a small bottle of product. Trust me, it'll last you quite a while because you're only using drops at a time. Okay, well what about fast-drying nail polish? Yes, there are plenty of those on the market but I find a lot of them gluggy. They'll either dry in "patches" or I still end up smudging my manicure because they don't dry fast enough.

Maybe I'm just being melodramatic but I seriously feel like this has been the life-changing product of the year for me! I'll definitely be buying a new bottle once this one runs out.


Do you struggling with at-home manicures like I do? Please do share! 

HG Search: Pimple Buster - Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Claims: "Excellent spot treatment made with a blend of Calamine and Salicylic Acid to clear up and soothe unsightly whiteheads overnight."
RRP: AUD26.95
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: As much as I love my La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment, lately I've found that it does not get rid of my pimples as quickly as it used to. Besides that, the product contains benzoyl peroxide, which means it leaves a "burn" mark on my skin once the pimple is gone. I needed something more efficient, effective and causes minimal "side effects".

I'd known about the Drying Lotion for quite a while but I was reluctant to purchase it because there was so much hype around this product. I finally caved when Jen from frmheadtotoe on Youtube convinced me that this product is amazing. I am happy to announce that I've found the perfect pimple buster for my skin! Thank you Jen!

This is an overnight treatment. My pimples literally shrink to nothingness by the time I wake up the next morning. And if the pimple is still there, it's very tiny, no longer hurts or looks red. All I then have to do is apply my Effaclar Duo to get rid of what's left. The best part is it does not leave a burn mark on my skin.

I hope you can discern from the photo above that this product has two layers. There's some pink solid at the bottom and yellow liquid over it. To use it, all you have to do is dip your cotton tip vertically down. Make sure it picks up some of the pink stuff as well. Dab the product over your pimple/acne and then get a good nights rest. Seriously, it's almost like magic!

The only reason I said it's "almost" perfect is because it's not ideal for travelling. The bottle is made of glass so there's a chance of breakage and it's slightly heavier (though, I do prefer glass bottles over plastic ones). And if the two layers get mixed because the bottle has been lying on its side in your bag, you have to set it up right and let it resettle into two separate layers. It takes a while (we're talking about hours here) for the pink stuff to settle so you can't use it immediately.

I really love this stuff and I definitely will repurchase it once it runs out. Holy Grail search completed.


Have you ever tried this product before? What's your HG pimple buster? 


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HG Search: Skin Care Trial #1 - Burt's Bees and Jurlique

Sorry for being MIA guys! My academic life has been hectic and it unfortunately still is. I promise this does not mean that I'll be posting less frequently. I will do my best to schedule posts. I will be uploading my Keira Knightley Smokey Eye Makeup Tutorial tonight and then have it live on Saturday for your viewing pleasure.

I've trialled the following products for more than a month. I'm in search of my Holy Grail skin care routine. So I'll be reviewing more skin care products during my journey. Anyway, let's jump straight into this review!

Burt's Bees Radiance Facial Cleanser 
Claims: "contains jojoba beads to gently exfoliate the skin for a natural healthy glow. Encourages normal skin cell turnover leaving skin soft and brighter with added radiance."
RRP: AUD24.95
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review:  This is a very light and gentle. It's ineffective at removing makeup. This is more for those who like it natural and organic. I have no issues with it except it's too gentle for my liking. I need something stronger to really clean out my pores. I do like that you can twist the pump to lock and unlock so it's excellent for travelling. The product is quite runny and the jojoba beads are quite scanty. Perhaps that's a good thing because it's not meant to be a scrub. It's a gentle cleanser after all. This product unfortunately, has not made any difference to my skin. Definitely no added radiance noticed.

Burt's Bees Radiance Toner 
Claims: "contains a blend of cleansing and softening ingredients to gently purify and tone the skin. Removes lingering traces of cleanser and any trapped dirt, oil and make-up leaving skin feeling fresh and radiant."
RRP: AUD24.95
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Review: Like its matching cleanser, this toner is very gentle. I feel it has not made any difference to my skin either. The packaging isn't as great as the cleanser. The product leaks whenever I put it in a makeup bag and travel with it. I will not be "repurchasing" this duo. Thank goodness, they came free. It was from the Blogstar 2012 prize pack that I won. Otherwise, I would have felt like I wasted my money.

Jurlique Balancing Day Care Cream 
Claims: "lightweight, moisturising cream formulated to help minimise the visible signs of ageing. smooth, silky and easily absorbed into the skin."
RRP: AUD50/AUD87 for 40mL/125mL
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: This is a thick moisturiser. If you're thinking of buying/using this product, I strongly suggest you press the product onto your skin rather than spreading it over your face like a standard moisturiser. Otherwise, you'd end up dragging your skin and create wrinkles. This cream protects my face from drying out. However, it does not infuse any extra moisture that I crave. My skin was just okay. I want a moisturiser than makes my skin extra smooth and soft.

I cannot tell you if this product has actually been protecting my skin from environmental damage. I haven't noticed any difference in my skin. Maybe I have not been using it long enough but at my age, I'd have to stick to this product for another 20 years before I can safely announce its efficacy in minimising signs of ageing. This is also another product that I got for free (it was a gift with purchase). I've stopped using this cream as a moisturiser for my face. Recently, I've been using it as a hand cream and I must admit that my dry hands love it! Too bad it's pricey so it won't be sustainable for me and my bank account to keep using this product as a hand cream.


Do you have any Holy Grail Skin Care products? Please do share!

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Fudge Urban Colour Chalk Review + Demo

Fudge Urban Colour Chalk in Pumped-up Purple
Claims: "creates vibrant, coloured hair instantly without commitment."
RRP: AUD9.99
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review:  I've been holding off reviewing this product because I love it to bits but I know that it's not perfect. This is the first hair chalk that I've come across that works on my black hair, which is the number one reason why I love it! All the other hair chalks say "only for blondes, brunettes and red-heads". I got really excited when I saw that an Asian girl with black hair was used in one of their promotional images. I will come back to this point later.

I like the packaging. For something that is very affordable, the plastic jar has a good quality feel to it. They have designed it such that the application is easy and mess-free. You basically hold the jar and run the chalk dome over your hair. The potential problem that I can imagine is that the dome will flatten as I use it and it will eventually become harder to apply. I'll keep you posted on that front.

Okay, now here comes the part that makes me sad. It applies beautifully on my hair and the colour is very vibrant... initially.

As you can see in the photo above the colour is bright and stands out against my dark hair. Sorry about the photo, I didn't realise that my camera was a bit out of focus.

Here's what the colour looks like after a few minutes. It's becomes dull and blends in with my hair. You may prefer it this way but I prefer it to stay bright and vibrant. Dark hair is a pain to work with! I've tried hairspray to make the colour last but I've notice that the vibrancy disappears the moment the spray hits the hair. Even though the instruction say to work the product with your fingers after you apply it, I find that it just takes a lot of the chalk off and I lose a lot of colour. I have a feeling that light-haired ladies don't have as much difficulty with this product as I do. Fudge never made any claims of this product being long-lasting (at least not that I am aware of). So I applaud them for their honesty.

I'm thinking maybe I should get one in Iced White to layer it under the purple.  Perhaps the colour would stand out for longer and not "seep into" my hair so quickly. Will post and update if I do so!

Have you ever tried hair chalking? Did it work for you?

P.S. I've made a slight amendment to my blog post regarding the nail polish that I'm wearing (in the photo).

Sukin Purifying Body Scrub Review

Sukin Purifying Body Scrub
Claims: "Gently polishes and refines skin texture leaving clean, radiant skin."
RRP: AUD12.95 for 200mL
Packaging: 5/5

Review: Ever since I read a Courier Mail article about parabens, I've been a bit more cautious about the products I buy and use. No, I haven't thrown out every single product that I own that contains parabens. I am slowing phasing it out of my life. Although I must admit that there will be some products that I will not give up. Still, I believe that cutting down is better than doing nothing at all. This is all just precaution; the FDA still approves products with parabens because there hasn't been sufficient evidence of its link to breast cancer.

One of the paraben-free products that I've started using is the Sukin Purifying Body Scrub. I'm not a big fan of fragrance in products because they tend to irritate my nose and it has never been a huge selling factor for me. However! This product has a very pleasant chamomile scent. No parfum has been added to this product so the scent is natural, which a big plus for me and my nose.

I have a thing against micro-beads due to my traumatic experience with a Neutrogena face scrub. I was relieved to discover that these little granules of wonder are non-abrasive! Well, obviously they are abrasive enough to exfoliate the dead skin cells off my body but it's not to the point where I feel like I am running sandpaper all over my skin!

After washing the scrub off, I found my skin feels soft and smooth, like a baby's bottom! I am very pleased with this product and I use it once a week or whenever my skin feels a bit lacklustre. I definitely can foresee its continued presence in my shower caddy.

You can find this brand (and product) at most pharmacies. Alternatively you can purchase the product from Sukin's website.

Do you use body scrubs? What is your current favourite?