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?

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?

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! 

250 Milestone Giveaway CLOSED

Yes, it's giveaway time again! Hooray!

Thank you so much for continuing to read my blog! It means a lot to me that the content I produce means something to you. I'd also like to thank those of you who regularly drop comments (whether it's here on the blog or Facebook). I really do appreciate it. I love talking to you guys. It makes this blogging experience so much more meaningful.

I am giving away:

• Lancome Hypnose Custom-Wear Volume Mascara 
• GHD Tail Comb 
• Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy in Rosewater 
• Crabtree & Evelyn India Hicks Island Living Hand Care 
• Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 220
• Nano White Hydrating Whitening Mask 
• Nano White Awakening Snow Wash 
• Natural Instinct Facial Scrub 
• Michael Todd True Organics Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask 
• Clinique Gift Time Goodies 
• Repairwear Uplifting Firming Cream
• Repairwear Laser Focus Smooths, Restores, Corrects
• NEW Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+
• Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes, & Lips
• Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Black
• High Impact Color in Extreme Pink
• All about Shadow Duo in Beach Plum
• Cosmetic bag 

Rules: 
1. You must be either 18 or above to enter this giveaway
2. If you are under 18 you must obtain consent from your parents
3. You must be a follower of this blog; either by Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin'
4. You must like my Facebook page.
4. Winner will be selected through Rafflecopter.
5. Giveaway closes on 31st March 2014.
6. Simply follow the prompts below to enter the draw!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

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: 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?

The Fight Against Skin Cancer

Ellie-Jean Coffey is Pretty Shady

Summer may be coming to an end for us Australians. However, this does not mean that the sun stops blasting UV rays at us every day. Did you know that more UV rays are reflected around on a cloudy day? You might think it's shady but you should actually be keep your sunnies on!

Cancer Institute NSW recently launched a campaign, called Pretty Shady, to raise awareness, particularly amongst "young people" about skin cancer. I suppose the Slip Slop Slap campaign is more appealing to kids than young adults.

I am all for prevention because it's always better than cure. Instead of boring you with all the skin cancer facts, I'm just going to show you my "prevention arsenal". I've stocked up on sunscreen and have vowed to use it every day as part of my New Years' resolution. I can't wait to give the Neutrogena Wet Skin a try to see if it lives up to its claims.

I've had these sunglasses for 2 to 3 years now. They are by Maui Jim and they are polarised. I bought them from 1001 Optical. They've been serving me well and you'll almost never ever catch me without them during the day.

I don't wear hats because I don't own one. I am searching for one though. I'd always try to use an umbrella when I'm walking outside during daytime. Yes, it looks "very Asian" but it also means that the health of my skin is preserved.

Are you a pretty shady person? What steps do you take to prevent skin cancer?

Skincare Favourites of 2013

Alrighty ladies! It's time for my skincare favourites. To entice you to watch my video, I've revealed a little skincare secret of mine in it!



List of products mentioned:
1. Michael Todd Honey and Oat Facial Wash
2. Michael Todd Blue Green Algae Toner
3. Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes
4. Bioderma Sensibo H20
5. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
6. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
7. Creme de La Mer
8. Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm
9. People for Plants Organic Lip Balm
10. Castor Oil

What are your skincare favourites? Do share! 

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)? 

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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Sukin Rose Hip Oil Review

Sukin Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil 
Claims: "contains vital nutrients to promote healthy skin, assist skin renewal and repair skin conditions."
RRP: AUD19.95/AUD32.95 for 25mL/50mL
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Review: Zoe Foster swore by rose hip oil and advocated it in her book, Amazing Face (read my review here). I've been meaning to get my hands on a bottle ever since I read her recommendation. I wasn't until a couple of months ago when my face got attacked by bouts of acne that I got desperate. I contacted the PR for Sukin and they were very kind in providing me a bottle to trial.

I had high hopes for this product. My imagination ran a little wild. I wanted to believe that it was the magic bullet that my skin had been waiting for. I wanted the product to clear up my acne and fade my scars and essentially give me flawless skin. Big mistake, Ty! When you have higher expectations, you just crash down with disappointment harder. I am by no means implying that I am disappointed with this product. No, I am trying to remind you and myself that one must be realistic when trying out new products.

I trialed this product for a month. I gently pressed and massaged it onto my skin day and night, after cleansing but before moisturising. Three drops was sufficient to cover my entire face. I apply any residue on my hands onto my neck. The biggest difference I noticed was oil control. I had a slightly oilier T-zone. Now, my whole face is even; it helped keep my face moisturised but not oily. I highly recommend this to people who have oily T-zone or skin in general. Unfortunately, the benefits stopped there for me. I have read reviews whereby this product faded acne scars and did many other amazing things. But hey, no one product will work for everyone.

I really like that this product came in a glass bottle. I dislike oil products in plastic bottles, particularly cheap plastic. Somehow, oil just seeps and oozes out of cheap plastic bottles. I also like that it came with a glass dropper, minimising contamination of the product. My favourite bit is that Sukin is Australian made and owned.

I've stopped using this product for a couple of weeks now to see if it makes any changes to my skin. So far my oil control is holding up. To me it means that its effects are long-lasting, which is great! This means that I'll use it whenever I need to. I'm guessing I'll start using it again as the weather warms and my T-zone gets oily again. I am not in love with this product but I do like it. I believe that you've got nothing to lose by giving it a try because it has done wonders for a lot of people.

Have you tried rose hip oil? What do you think of this product? Would you ever give it a try?

Michael Todd True Organics Review

Michael Todd True Organics Normal/Combination Skin Discovery Kit

Claims: "Achieve an organically radiant glow for your normal to combination skin."; "Rejuvenate and restore your skin while improving skin texture and tone and stimulating cell turnover." 

RRP: USD36*
Packaging: 4.5 out of 5

I've been trying these products for two months now. Here are my thoughts. I've written a mini review on each individual product instead of a whole regimen overall. Hope you find this helpful! 

 *I think Michael Todd has bumped up their prices. I recall paying only USD19 (excluding shipping) at the time I bought this set. 

Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser 
Claims: "Gently removes dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities without residue or irritation"
Review: This cleanser smells similar to honey but it's "not fragrant". It might be because of the oats. I don't mind it but at the same time, I don't love it. This product is very gentle yet thorough. I noticed that my pores were significantly cleaner after I started using it. How do I know this? My blackheads faded/disappeared. This does not mean that they are permanently removed. They will reappear and this cleanser will remove them as long as you use it consistently.

The packaging of this product is not perfect. They did not seal it so the cleanser was leaking in the plastic bag when I received the kit. You have to screw it really tight if you want to throw it into your makeup bag and travel with it. The product also starts oozing out if you stand the bottle upside down.


Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner
Claims: "Highly moisturising; anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial; aids in treatment and prevention of acne."
Review: This is the first toner I've properly trialled. It is not harsh or dehydrating, although I would not go as far as to say that it is "highly moisturising". I really like that it is antibacterial. I noticed that my pimples became less red and aggressive. They also were more susceptible to my acne treatment product, so I was able to get rid of them more quickly. This however did not prevent any future pimples. They kept popping up as usual but they were definitely less prominent and less painful. Lastly, I absolutely love the scent of this product. It reminds me of oregano except sweeter? Sorry, I'm bad at describing scents.


Citrus Cream Moisturiser with DMAE and Hyaluronic acid 
Claims: "Firms, lifts and moisturises." 
Review: Okay, I can't really vouch for its claims of firming and lifting the skin. I can however, say that it is very moisturising. It has kept my skin soft and supple. It absorbs into my skin quite quickly, by the time my face touches my pillow, there's no sticky residue! I have noticed a couple of freckles on my face recently. My face has become sensitive to the sun and I believe that this product (or the Vitamin C it contains) may have been the culprit.

Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub
Claims: "Removes dead skin, impurities and toxins"
Review: I know that Tanya Burr loves this scrub and said that she saw it made a difference to her skin. Unfortunately, I can't say the same thing. It's an effective scrub but I feel that my Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant does the same, if not better. I do like the fact that despite being a "microbead scrub", it does not feel abrasive against my skin at all. I definitely would not bag this as a bad product. It works but I just did not see any huge difference to my skin. How do I know this? I've stopped using it for a couple of weeks now and sure enough, no difference observed.

Pumpkin Nutrient-Rich Facial Mask 
Claims: "Moisturises and nourishes"
Review: If I had to pick a "least favourite" product out of the lot, this would be it. First off, I am not the biggest fan of pumpkin and the scent is a little bit unpleasant for me. Don't get me wrong, I sometimes enjoy pumpkin soup and roasted pumpkin. But this one had a different kind of pumpkin smell... Anyway! Enough about pumpkins! Fleur from FleurDeForce loves this product and calls it "food for the face". I can't concede that I feel the same way. It's a very ordinary facial mask. Your skin just feels extra clean after washing it off, just like every other facial mask. And the benefits stop there. My skin does not feel moisturised afterwards. I still feel like I need to apply moisturiser because there's a slight feeling of tightness, as though moisture has been stripped off.  This product also increases the skins sensitivity towards the sun, which I am not super keen on.


Overall: I think these products have made my skin look a bit better than usual. But don't expect to get a radiant glow just from using these. All that has to be achieved through positive lifestyle changes. Ultimately, they are good products. I love the fact that they are organic (or mostly for certain products). Which of these products would I ever repurchase? I think it'll have to be the cleanser and the toner. But I think that they aren't my holy grail skin care products yet. I am going to continue with my search.


What do you think of these products? Do you think it's another phase/hype?

What Came in the Mail + Accessories Haul

I was really excited when I cracked open my parcel last Monday and found these goodies. If you've stuck around my blog long enough, you'd know that I'm a huge fan of Katy Perry. Really keen to try these babies out. Keep an eye out for my review. I've never tried self-adhesive lashes before so things are going to get interesting!

Here's another photo at a different angle and closer up. I love the cookies on sticks. They are so cute! Haven't got the heart to eat them.

Okay, so there's been quite a hype around Michael Todd skincare products, especially in the Youtube community. I really wanted to try them out but at the same time, I didn't want to put all my eggs in one basket. Ordering all the full-sized products would cost me at least $100. I caved and bought this travel set instead. And yes, a review is on the horizon.

So for the last couple of weeks, Lovisa had a 3 for 2 sale. I was looking for a pair of earrings to go with my dress, for a ball that I will be attending. I spotted all these other items and I couldn't resist. My earrings hunt turned into a massive accessories haul As you can see, I purchased a set of gold bangles, a couple of necklaces, a pair of crystal earrings (for my dress) and a set of studs (see below).

What really sold me on the studs were the two birds at the bottom. Below is a clearer photo of them.

I think they are absolutely beautiful and I only wished that I have blonde (instead of black) hair, so that the black feather tails would show up more when I wear them.

Wicked Wednesday: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Review

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment  
Claims: Clinically proven to reduce acne. Reduces the number and severity of breakouts with minimal irritation. Non-drying. Dermatologist tested on sensitive skin. Fragrance-free. Oil-free. Paraben-free. Non-comedogenic.
RRP: USD$36.95 + tax

Packaging: 5 out of 5

Review: As I mentioned in my previous post, I picked up this product while I was in the USA. It was thanks to Ruth Crilly from amodelrecommends that this product came to my attention. I have been loving it ever since I started using it. This is by far the best acne treatment I have tried. All I need to squeeze is a tiny little pearl of product for every pimple. It clears my pimples quickly without damaging my skin. It contains benzoyl peroxide. So if I apply too much, it does dry up the area a bit. To counter that, I simply apply moisturiser after using this product. I have been applying this to my nose as well and I find that my blackheads have disappeared! I am truly impressed with this product. Since I use only a tiny amount each time, I believe this product will last me a very long time. The packaging is brilliant. The squeezable tube feels of good quality. The cap is a screw-on type and the product is dispensed through a pointed tip (so that you don't end up squeezing out too much). 

You can buy this product from a UK website. I don't believe Australia has stocked this product yet. If you're visiting the USA, I suggest you purchase one. 

Have you tried this product before? What product do you use for acne?

Wicked Wednesday: 5 Skincare Tips You Need to Know

 
I recently stumbled upon this blog by a Singaporean skincare guru (Sesame) and now I'm an avid reader. Although the blog is mainly aimed at Asian women, most of her tips and advice can be applied to everyone. You can check her blog out here.

If you cannot be bothered reading pages worth of knowledge, here are 5 skincare tips that I have picked up from reading her blog. Unfortunately, I cannot write too much on them because she considers it as copying. So if you need further elaboration, just click on the link and it will take you to the article and explains the skincare tips.

1. Apart from Michelle Phan, she is the only other person that I've come across who says that it's okay to not wash your face in the morning. It is imperative that we do before we sleep but it's okay if you don't in the morning. If you do, please do so very gently. See why here. 

2. Wash your face after (not before) shampooing your hair. Article here.

3. Using a separate towel for your face. Avoid using your body towel for your face. See her explanation here.

4. Facial oil (ie rosehip oil) may be good for you but you may want to keep it well away from your eyes. Find out more here. 

5. Sesame has a number of tips on applying moisturisers and my favourite one is this: apply moisturiser to damp skin straight after cleansing.


Have you heard of these skincare tips before?

Wicked Wednesday: Skinvitals Hydraflex Eyes Review + Demo

Hey everyone! Hope you're having a good week so far. I have another review for you today.

Skinvitals Hydraflex Eyes  
Claims: Soothing eye mask that targets the entire eye area to reduce the appearance of dark circles and bags under your eyes. Replenish and rejuvenate the skin, as well as even out the skin tone and restore clarity.
RRP: AUD$14.99

Packaging: 5 out of 5

Review: Although this is the only eye mask I've tried and I can't make any comparisons, I have to say that I really like it. The instructions for applying this product are easy to comprehend and carry out. There is no rinsing or washing required afterwards. I found that after using this mask, my eye area feel soft smooth and hydrated. The dark circles under my eyes became less prominent. My whole eye area looks a bit brighter and more awake. Perhaps the slight cooling sensation is a factor. It just made me feel freshened up. 

This product is a little bit expensive (approx. $5 per cloth mask) but I have to say that they do give you your money's worth. They pack each mask with loads of serum (explained in the next paragraph). Also, the packaging is appealing and I can't find any fault with it, hence the 5 out of 5. To sum it up, I think this is a really nice eye mask. If you're like me and you've been lazy with routinely applying eye creams, this is how we can cheat our way to bright eyes for the day/night! 

Now on with the demo! 

Each mask comes in their own little packet. As you can see, it says 8mL. My guess is they are referring to the amount of serum that the cloth mask is holding, which is a lot! The mask was soaking with serum when I removed it from the packaging (they're really generous with it!). Application instructions are found both at the back of the box and the back of the packets. 

So there I am relaxing with this eye mask on. It covers a very large area of my face so I was essentially giving my eye area and the top of my cheeks a bit of a treat. After 15 minutes, I remove and throw the mask into the bin. It seems like a waste but I guess you can choose to put the mask on a little longer if you like. 

  
Then, I grabbed a tissue and patted away the excess serum. You may choose to massage and push more serum into your skin if you like. However, I felt that there was so much serum on my skin that there was no way my skin was going to absorb all of it! Please excuse my uneven eyelids in this photo.

And there you have it: bright eyes! And for the record, the "bags" under my eyes are from me smiling. For more products and stockist, you can check out their website here. 

Have you tried any of Skinvitals masks? Which one(s) do you like or would like to try? Please do share in the comments below!