#WETHEBATHERS LUSH COSMETICS 30TH BIRTHDAY

Lush turned 30 and I was lucky to be able to celebrate this special occasion with them! Lush is one of my favourite bath brands, they always try to be sustainable and eco friendly with their naked bars/bath bombs and recycling program. It's an incentive to be green. 

At this event, we had the opportunity to look through some of the newest releases as Lush opens their door in Japan - I know, how exciting!!!! We also had the opportunity to make our very own bath bombs. 

Here is something really special - we were able to select 4 bath bombs and a scarf to wrap the bath bombs. I have since washed the scarf and started wearing it. This is a another great step to sustainable packaging. I had a blast playing with the bath bombs and marvel at the beautiful colours.

*Lily not Louise attended as a guest of Lush Australia

EYEXRA - LIGHT FILTERING EYE WEAR + 15% OFF DISCOUNT CODE

When I started working for my current company, I started to experience a huge amount of headaches being almost screen bound 5 days per week. I went to the Optometrist who had recommended a very very low dose of prescription + tint. Ever since I have been wearing my glasses, my headaches have more or less eased. But glasses don't come cheap, I was able to get a raw deal for $99 until I was told the lens tint to add some light filters will be an additional $120. I ended up paying over $200 for a very average metal frame.

This is why I want to talk about EXYRA today.

WHY YOU WOULD WEAR LIGHT FILTERING EYE WEAR

Artificial light (including LEDs, fluorescent bulb and incandescent bulb) can disrupt sleeping patterns. The blue light comprises of wavelengths that range from 400nm-500nm that can be found in your phone, your laptop and energy efficient light. Nowadays, we seem to be subjected to blue light from dawn to dusk as we become more technology bound and working in offices.

"According to a study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, the hypothalamus area of the brain is responsible for regulating sleep patterns and creating the sedative hormone, melatonin. When artificial blue light is received by the retina during times usually associated with rest, the body's natural circadian rhythm becomes confused and unable to distinguish between night and day. In conducted trials, the study found that exposure to blue light supressed melatonin production by almost 85% and instead boosted alpha brainwaves associated with alertness and concentration."

WHY EXYRA?

A lot of companies use a lens coating to reflect harmful blue light. However EXYRA's lens technology is made using a photochromic dye that is used to absorbs and blocks the blue light from entering the retina. EXYRA's lenses are scratch-resistant and offers UVA/UVB protection. The frames are made using durable acetate allowing the glasses to feel lightweight and unobtrusive when worn.

EXYRA glasses are assembled in Brisbane, they provide prescription (single vision lenses only) and non prescription styles. Their stylish blue light glasses retails for $98 (keep an eye out for sales too!).

The style I picked is YARRA/ Honey Tortoise. I've only had 1 pair of prescription glasses in my life, and it's a metal frame. I have only worn it at work when using the computer for almost 2 years. As a result, a slightly thicker frame took a little bit of time to get use to. After a period of wear, it was comfortable and I started to wear it at home when I am on the laptop or using my phone for an extended period of time. When I had my prescription glasses made up it cost me a lot of money for a heavily discounted frame. I am glad that there are  alternative options such as EXYRA to provide quality glasses for less.

If you are interested to check out EXYRA's range head to their website.

DISCOUNT:

15% off storewide for orders over $70, use "lilynotlouise" when checking out.

PR sample provided

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES x THE ESSENCE OF ART EXHIBITION

Aromatherapy has been a pretty important part of my life. It keeps me grounded, relaxed and manage the lower my stress level when life events become a little bit unbearable. I recently attended The Essence of Art Exhibition in collaboration with Aromatherapy Associates. Where unique scents were paired with a beautiful piece of art work.

If you have been following my blog for a while you will know that Aromatherapy has become a big part of my life since last year. It was incorporated into my yoga practice and now my life. 

I went around the venue and admired each piece, the art work were so expressive and colourful. I had a smell of the little oil sample with cream encapsulated within the little glass holder while admiring each art work. It was an visual sensory experience that I have not experienced before. 

There was a section within the exhibition to give guests an opportunity to purchase some of their favourite scents and have their bottle engraved. From deluxe sample sizes to full size bottles, the options were endless. 

I spent a good 15 minutes smelling the scents and narrowing down my favourites. I am always looking for relaxing scents or scents to assist with stress. I was over the moon when I got to take home my very own personalised bottle. My pick was De-Stress Mind; a beautiful blend of calming frankincense, trouble banishing petitgrain and soothing Moroccan camomile. The ultimate relaxation!

Related posts: 

Aromatherapy Associate Support Breathe Essence

4 Reasons Why I Love Aromatherapy 

Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of Aromatherapy Associates

YOU NEED SUNGLASSES FROM QUAY AUSTRALIA ASAP!

We have been gifted with rays of sunshine well into Autumn, a few rainy hiccups but we are back on track. My optometrist told me the importance of sunglasses when I went to get my eyes tested, a good pair of sunnies will shelter your eyes from sun damage, UV rays and... FLYING ROCKS! I used to walk around in the sun without sunnies, this was until I noticed a freckle on my eyelid - yes you heard right! Every time I get my skin examined the therapist will tell me about the amount of sun damage around my higher cheekbones and closer to my eyes *sigh*

Since then, I ALWAYS have a pair of sunnies in my bag. For the past few weeks I have Quay Australia's Firefly in my bag without fail. 

Firefly is available in Black/Green, Violet/Pink and Black/Brown (photographed). This is a category 3 pair of sunnies made from both metal and stainless steel. My face is slight square with a bit of a point stemming form my chin... depends on the angle it may also look round or a bit oval (if I don't grind my teeth!). The fit was spot on. The style speaks for itself. I swear it's instant class as soon as you put in on. I can wear the daggiest clothing but once I have Firefly on - the world is my oyster.

Quay Australia stocks some of the coolest and edgiest designs, have a browse through their site and the style/frames will amaze you. If you are like me and struggle to find a pair of sunnies that really shouts at you at the shops, you will LOVE Quay Australia, they think outside the box with their designs.

Love a discount? 

Use "LILYNOTLOUISE20" when checking out from 

https://www.quayaustralia.com.au

PR Sample Featured

4 REASONS WHY I USE AROMATHERAPY + SOME OF MY FAVOURITES

For a few months I was sleep deprived, anxiety-ridden and extremely stressed. I did both meditation and Yoga, they were calming but was not able to turn my mind off before bed time. That's when I started to experience with Aromatherapy. A few years ago, I would've brushed off the concept and think "As if that will work". Now I use essential oils on a daily basis, I like to try different blends from different companies because every blend is different and have different effects.
As with anything, you really need to allow your olfactory system to take in the full effect of how the scents can alter your state.


MOOD

Every now and then I would come home from work in a foul mood. I become anxious, paranoid, angry or restless. I'd slip into a mood that may take days to escape from. I found the right aromatherapy concoction to alter my mood almost instantly - from being head down, bogged in a hole to a more lifted and positive outlook. I often feel more productive and tend to come up with more ideas rather than ruminating on bits of rubbish. I am currently using Yuni Zenicure Facial Oil (skincare infused with essential oils) + Uma Energy as well as Aromattherapy Associates Support Equilibrium for my mood.

RELAXATION AND STRESS RELIEF

Have you ever felt so restless and jittery that you just want to sit down, sit calm and empty your mind? I have been using aromatherapy to assist with relaxation and micro meditation/self awareness. I practised meditation (30minute blocks) for a month, it was an experience but it wasn't for me. I found micro meditation/relaxation blocks (2-3 minutes) after my yoga practise to be extremely beneficial. For a few weeks in a row, our yoga instructor massaged our temples with aromatherapy during the relaxation period. I felt calmed, more stable and more grounded. At the moment, I have been using a Oil Garden Stress Relief  + Uma Pure Calm and Pure Bliss on rotation.

BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP

Sleeping has been tough in the past couple of months. I can't seem to adjust my body clock. Going to bed at midnight, unable to sleep and getting up at 6am during mid cycle sleep. I felt constantly tired and constantly sluggish. I have started applying aromatherapy oil on my temples, wrists, behind my ears and on my neck to help me relax and fall asleep. My favourite blends before bed is Uma Rest, Uma Calm and Oil Garden Sleep Assist.

MIGRAINES

My partner suffers from horrendous migraines, it can get so bad that he throws up and become almost bed bound. After I have been using aromatherapy for a while, I decided he should try it when he is in pain. One day, I laid him down on a yoga mat and applied a Aromatherapy Associates Support Equilibrium on his wrist, behind his ears and on his temple. Note that it won't stop or magically cure the migraine but it did help him to deal with the symptoms and relax.

The products I have featured are items that I have been using on rotation:

Aromatherapy Associates Support Equilibrium
Uma Wellness Oil Trial Kit
Oil Garden Sleep Assist
Oil Garden Stress Relief
Yuni Zenicure

WHERE YOUR BEAUTY BEATS BY SEPHORA (NEW LAUNCHES) @ AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY PARK

One of the most anticipated events of the year - Sephora's Showcase.
I always take time off work for this glorious day and this year was no exception. It just keep getting better, event after event. This year, Danny the Dog stole our hearts and hit the spotlight. Making us feel warm and fuzzy as we first entered, before doing our rounds at individual brand stands to check out what's new.

Let me tell you, there's a lot and here's a peak.
Hold on to your wallets guys, cos you will want your hands on some of the newbies!

CAUDALIE

Caudalie is a beautiful paraben-free skincare brand that uses active ingredients. Their latest launch is Caudalie Vinopure Skin Perfecting Serum. This is a pore minimising serum that can be used to treat blackheads breakouts and excess oil. What's amazing about this product? The use of natural salicylic acid.

You can purchase this from Sephora Australia for $65 AUD

 STARSKIN 

StarSkin's newest release is their Orglamic Pink Cactus range. The entire range uses organic prickly pear, to allow your skin to look beautiful and glow. The highlight of the launch is actually their Pink Cactus Serum Mist!

Find StarSkin on Sephora Australia's Website

ZOEVA

Zoeva's newest is their Heritage Collection. A beautiful range of smooth and long lasting eyeliner paired with smooth, pigmented and buttery eyeshadow palette + highlighter. The holographic-shimmer is real! This collection is a jaw dropper!

You can shop for Zoeva via Sephora Australia's Website

VOTARY 

Votary launched a beautiful pillow spray, a mixture of lavender and chamomile. This spray smells divine and soothing. This spray is also anti-bacterial!!

You can purchase this little pray via Sephora's website for $60AUD

 INDIE LEE

Indie Lee recently hosted their launch party and have already started to take Australia by storm in becoming a cult brand. Indie herself was at the event and is the most beautiful person, inside and out. Indie's products focus on clean ingredients.

You can purchase Indie Lee's range via Sephora Australia's Website

BRIOGEO

A fun new range of hair care - Brio means liveliness and Geo means earth. Briogeo brings 100% organic and nasty-chemical-free haircare products. Their Be Gentle, Be Kind Shampoo smells like fresh apples!

You can now shop for Briogeo products via Sephora Australia's Website  

 OLE HENRIKSEN

Ole Henriksen is back with a dark spot reducing product - Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner. Aimed to reduce acne spots, freckles, pigmentation... you name it. It was advised that results will appear after just a couple of weeks of use!

You can purchase Glow2OH Dark Spot toner from Sephora Australia's Website for just $38

 WANDER BEAUTY

This is the first time I've been introduced to Wander Beauty, their philosophy is "less is more" and have a knack for travel friendly/versatile products. Their On The Go Blush and Illuminator stick is my top pick.

You can purchase Wander Beauty from Sephora Australia's Website

 BYBI

Bybi Beauty is a green, vegan and cruelty free range. Bybi also have a heavy focus on being eco-friendly, their plastic looking packaging is carbon neutral. I tried their mist and one of the serum on my hand but yet to learn more.. So far, I love their philosophy!

BYBI will launch in Sephora on 20th of March 2019 - yay!

 MARC JACOBS

Marc Jacobs is bringing out an extension to their mechanical eyeliners, a beautiful palette and a new mascara/primer.

You can purchase Marc Jacobs from Sephora Austraia's Website

 NUDESTIX

Nudestix have some stunning cream cheek colours and cream highlighters. The sticks include bronzer and blushes, we received a demo of the beautiful coral shade being used. The new shades are Sunset Strip and Sun Kissed by Mary Phillips.

You can shop for Nudestix via Sephora Australia's Website

 GIVENCHY

Givenchy's newest is Le Rose Perfector Lippies, I swatched quite a few of the lip shades and found quite a few of them to contain a shimmer. The lippies will provide you with a builtable wash of colour and the effects of a moisturising lip balm.

You can purchase Givenchy via Sephora's Australia Website

 YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE

Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream is coming to Australia! Their products are beautiful and their creams feel like it's air-whipped. I have been using Youth to The People cleanser and it's so re-freshing.

You can purchase Youth To the People range from Sephora's Australia Website

I really couldn't 

An amazing afternoon, thank you for having me and having an in-house coffee stand!! Life saver!!

Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of Sephora Australia