Sunday, February 26, 2017

Harvest Garden 3 Step Spa @ Home Kit Review



This weather is INSANE!

I was planning to spend the entire day in a shopping centre a couple of weeks ago as we don't have air-con at home.. but instead I decided I'd go see my partner's grandmother with him. The visit was great, the home was air-conditioned. However later we ended up being in a house with no air conditioning, no fan and the windows shut, sat in a hot car under the sun, waited for a bus for 10 minutes with no shade and sat in a semi air-conditioned bus for 15 minutes before getting booted off to a non- air-conditioned bus. Ahh life!

It just wasn't my day and it just happened to be the hottest day. I am so glad that I have had time to wind down with Harvest Garden. Today we will look at their 3 Step Spa @ Home Kit ($75.50)



Harvest Garden Herbal Facial Tea

  • The facial tea uses a powerful combination of dried botanicals and plant extracts to deeply cleanse your pores, remove dead skin cells, dirt and bacteria. The tea will draw out impurities from the skin to provide deep detoxification.
  • This is the first step of the 3 step spa kit, the hot water and botanicals will assist with opening up your pores, in preparation for the facial masque to be more readily absorbed.
  • This is the first time I've used a product like this, I always put on a masque after a hot shower to allow my pores to open. This is a beautiful way to open your pores, the botanicals and plant extracts smells very pretty (hmm imagine pretty in a smell) and it's so relaxing seeing the colours.


Harvest Garden Rose Facial Mist

  • The Garden Rose Facial Mist is suitable for all skin types, for those with oily and combination skin, opt for the Lavender mist
  • My Rose Mist contains raspberry extract, which is rich in Vitamin C and contains cleansing qualities to rid oils. This product is also safe for around the eye area. The Blueberry extract contains Vitamin A to assist with dry skin and fight against anti-aging. 
  • This spray is soothing, regenerating and relaxing. 
  • I have been using this spray several times per day (especially in this heat), it has a beautiful floral scent and re-hydrates my skin instantly. This spray does not irritate my eyes like some of the other sprays. 
  • This mist is alcohol and palm free, the only thing I do need to mention is that there is an expiry date which may be significantly shorter than chemical filled products. Therefore make sure to use it diligently.
  • I have been sharing this amazing mist with mum, in fact mum told me to stop using it because she is keeping it. Mum always had dry and awful looking neck, after she started spraying the mist onto her neck the dryness went away. I am not kidding, she kept telling me how amazing it is!




Harvest Garden Kaolin and Activated Charcoal Facial Masque
  • Kaolin clay is excellent for drawing out impurities and toxins. This particular clay product includes Kaolin Clay, Activated Coconut Charcoal, Licorice Root Extract and Gotu Kola Extract.
  • You can mix this clay with water or other liquid element to create a paste. This bottle will last approximately 16 applications.
  • This masque will assist with removing toxins, detox skin, soothe and repair.
  • Avoiding the eye area, I applied a thin layer of the facial masque all over my face and washed the masque off once it dried (you can see in the photo below, the part just above my lip is dried).
  • I tend to gather a lot of gunk in my pores especially if I don't use a chemical exfoliator. I was surprised by how much this masque was able to clear out my pores, there were small amounts of sebum left in a few of my pores but it did an excellent job, not to mention it doesn't contain any harful chemicals.



Have you tried Harvest Garden?
*The products featured in this post were provided for editorial purposes, all opinions are my own.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

EVENT: Lancome x Jaesuk Kim @ Sun Studios Alexandria


I have been the most honoured to recently attend Lancôme's launch celebrating their collaboration with renowned international fashion illustrator, Jaesuk Kim (JSK) at Sun Studios.

JSK is best known for illustrating the Susu Girl (as seen in the illustration above and on Lancôme's Gift with Purchase makeup bags towards the end of the post). Susu girls project a chic representation, showcasing Lancôme's key values via JSK's artistic aptitude as Susu girls are modern, elegant and joyful while encompassing Parisienne elegance.


The evening kicked off with a speech by General Manager, Ali Shoraka welcoming media, talking through the collaborating with JSK and providing insight to the Lancôme's vision and direction as a brand.

We were welcomed to witness JSK at work as he created a masterpiece with 3 paint colours with water in minutes. It would take years to master such amazing water colour craftsmanship!

Jaesuk Kim and Ali Shoraka
Susu Girl

Below you can see JSK putting final touches on his Susu Girls prints by applying gold, silver and bronze leaf for guests. We were so lucky to each take home a beautiful individualised leaf print of JSK's infamous Susu girl. I am currently in the process of finding a suitable frame for my Susu girl print!

I have fallen in love with Susu girls, Lancôme couldn't have picked a better illustrator to collaborate with and I cannot wait to hopefully see Susu girls on Lancôme's packaging!!

Jaesuk Kim
Gift with Purchase
Gift with Purchase - Photo courtesy of Lancôme

I wouldn't usually be in awe of GWP makeup bags, but JSK's illustration on a Lancôme GWP is a timeless piece to collect. The first of these collaborations launched 12th of February, exclusively at David Jones until 5th of March. Now that you've seen the visual aesthetics, it's time to fuel your visual hunger one event at a time. The cakes you see photographed below, were delicious, I had about 4. So much for healthy eating!

Photo Courtesy of Lacome Australia


Have you seen JSK's Susu girls before?


*Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of Lancôme.

Friday, February 17, 2017

EVENT: Scout Cosmetics Skincare Launch @ Chiswick Restaurant


I recently attended Scout Cosmetics' skincare launch at Chiswick. Scout Cosmetics is known for their natural and organic makeup products, now they are back with a beautiful range of holistic, certified organic skincare range using home-grown superfoods. From nature with love.

We had a beautiful 3-course meal as Sylvie Hutchings, Founder of Scout Cosmetics walked us through the newest members to join the Scout Family. Scout Cosmetics was born following Sylvie's cancer treatment, the last thing Sylvie wanted to use on her self was more chemicals. From cosmetics to skincare, Scout Cosmetics has made a mark in the organic industry.


There's me snapping away with a glass of white wine. Photo courtesy of Platinummc


A list of products launched:

  • Daily Revitalise Cleansing Crème with Lemon Myrtle, Papaya and coconut
  • Super Fruit Exfoliating Wash-Off Cleanser with Blueberries, Grape Skin and Acai
  • Balance and Replenish Light Moisturiser with Calendula, Red Mandarin and Pumpkin
  • Nourish and Hydrate Moisture Defence Crème with White Tea, Pomegranate and Macadamia
  • Cell Renewal Peptide Serum with Green Tea, Ginseng and Fig
  • Vitamin C Brightening Serum with Kakadu Plum, Tumeric and Rosehip

Key Australian Certified Organic Superfood Ingredients forming the foundations of the new range:

Desert Lime: Promotes collagen productions and skin repair by boosting hydration. High levels of Vitamin C to help reduce pigmentation and increase antioxidant levels. Great for sensitive and irritated skin.

Davidson Plum: Powerful Antioxidant designed to fight free radicals causing the signs of ageing. It also acts as a stabiliser for Vitamin C so it perfectly complements desert lime. For a plump and firmer skin surface.

Kangaroo Apple: Works to reduce inflammation and brighten the skin for a more even skin tone and texture. Promotes radiant and smooth skin.



Each product within the range contains over 80% certified organic ingredients. Ingredients injected into the new skincare range includes but not limited to Virgin Coconut, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B3, Sea Buckthorn Berry oil, Bulgarian Rose and Bilberry.

Scout Cosmetics Skincare range is designed to deliver results. Products possess beautiful subtle scents with natural ingredients. You will feel like you are putting nature on your skin.


The beautiful Sylvie Hutchings

You guys know that I always take care of your visual hunger, so below are some food photos. We had a delicious 3 course share plate, but we received a dessert each, which was great because I really cannot share a Pav - I would eat it all while no one else is looking. The food was amazing, tender and a lot of the produce are all grown on site. There's a veggie patch area you can see from inside the area we were in. This couldn't have been a better restaurant to launch a Scout's skincare range.




With these beauties. Left is Tashi from @teacupofmakeup and right is Mel from @aussiebeautytalk
Photo courtesy of Platinummc

 Disclaimer: Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of Scout Cosmetics

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

Natural Instinct Tinted Face Natural Sunscreen Review


This is the first time I have encountered a sunscreen using naturally derived ingredients, my partner mostly refuse to wear sunscreen due to the amount of chemicals, he felt that if the sun doesn't get you, the toxicity in the sunscreen will. I've always been on the fence about his philosophy and felt that I'd rather protect my skin. Well, now I know that I can still protect my skin using a product that excludes over 400 harmful ingredients.

Today we take a look at Natural Instinct!


 ABOUT NATURAL INSTINCT TINTED FACE NATURAL SUNSCREEN


  • UVA and UVB Broad Spectrum
  • Contains Zinc Oxide UV blockers to reflect harmful UV rays.
  • Hydrating tinted formulation uses naturally derived ingredients to provide broad UVA and UVB protection. Preventing signs of ageing.
  • Delivers an even skin tone blending to a natural finish.
  • Powerful antioxidants: Rosehip Oil, Green Tea and Vitamin E to replenish and deeply moisturise the skin.
  • Shake well before use and re-apply every 2 hours. Can be used under foundation.
  • Tinted Protection with Anti-oxidants
  • 3 Hours Water Resistant
  • SPF 30
Price: $17.95AUD

Natural Instincts Tinted Face Natural Sunscreen
Natural Instinct Tinted Face Natural Sunscreen - Blended

MY VERDICT

  • Natural Instinct Tinted Face Sunscreen comes in a convenient squeeze bottle, the sunscreen itself doesn't have any particular scent, the tint appears quite dark which blends out to match my medium skin tone. I personally feel that the sunscreen may appear too dark on fair skin however it would suit NC30 and onwards perfectly.
  • Just an FYI for my oily-skinned gals and guys, the finish of this sunscreen is slightly oily, it is however suitable for my dry skin because I long for that shine and natural glow. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I know that non-naturally derived sunscreen contains a certain chemical to make the product matte and non-oily... I honestly don't mind the finish as it can be easily with translucent powder over the top to slightly matify my face - but also remember my skin is quite dry. The tint is great for good skin days and did manage to hide very small blemishes/discolouration, however you may need a touch of concealer to cover more visible imperfections.
  • The sunscreen did not cause dry patches to my face and was overall comfortable to wear throughout the day. It just gives me a piece of mind knowing that I am using a sunscreen with no nasty chemicals that may cause further damage to my skin and wellbeing long term.

Have you tried a natural sunscreen? Would you pick a natural sunscreen over your current sunscreen?

Disclaimer: This product was provided for editorial purposes, all opinions are my own.

Monday, February 13, 2017

The Body Shop Drops of Youth Liquid Peel Review


At 9pm on a weeknight, someone started knocking on our screen door. The sun dismissed the sky hours ago, it was pitch black. I was hesitant to open the door, who could it be at this time of the night?! Eventually I switched on the door light and there stands the delivery man with a Body Shop Bag. I opened the bag and there laid the beautiful emerald bottle of liquid peel.

Today we will look at an innovation in beauty that is a game changer!


ABOUT DROPS OF YOUTH LIQUID PEEL

  • Liquid peel is a revolutionary exfoliator, no more harsh abrasive scrubs and say hello to a gentle peeling solution to lift impurities from your skin.
  • Removes dead skin cells and residuals.
  • The texture is gel-to-peel, leaving your skin clean and purified from pollutants.
  • Reveals fresh, smoother and more luminous youthful-looking skin.
  • Reduces blemishes, signs of ageing and sun damage.
Price: $36.95AUD

HOW TO USE

Use 2-3 times per week for best results. Dispense 2 pumps onto fingertips and massage onto face for up to 20 seconds until exfoliating ‘residues’ appear noticeably and are peeled off. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Always remember to use sunscreen!


MY VERDICT

  • This is the first time I have ever tried or used a peel exfoliator, however I have been told on numerous occasions to avoid scrubs and harsh exfoliators on my face due to my severe dehydration. I have since been using cream exfoliators but for some strange reason I miss the act of scrubs!
  • I have been dispensing 2 pumps of Liquid Peel for my entire face, the peel comes in a translucent liquid gel form. Once I started massaging the gel onto my face in circular motions, the gel converted to a peel with slight solidification after 10-15 seconds (I assume this process also took away my dead skin cells).
  • I have read a review indicating the peel is difficult to wash off, under water yes it is, as a result, I have been rinsing my face under water and washing off the peel thoroughly with a foam cleanser.
  • By using this product 2-3 times per week I found my clogged pores to ease significantly while my skin appeared soft and smooth. My recommendation is to use this peel in the shower.
  • I found this to be the perfect product to alternate between my cream exfoliator!

Gel to Peel in action!

Shop Here:
www.thebodyshop.com.au/shop-by-range/drops-of-youth

Have you tried a liquid peel?
Disclaimer: This product was provided for editorial purposes, all opinions are my own.

Friday, February 3, 2017

Shu Uemura Chinese New Year Rouge Limited Edition Neon Balms



Shu Uemura Chinese New Year Rouge Unlimited Neon Balm
  • The packaging features Plum Blossom, a symbol of longevity, prosperity and romance. A sign to a posperous new year.
  • Chinese New Year Edition lip balm
  • Neon colours in a smooth veil
  • Moistures lips while providing a coloured glow
  • Available in 2 shades: Melt in Orange and Glow in Pink
Price: $46 AUD

TOP: Melt in Orange BOTTOM: Glow in Pink

My Verdict

  • Shu Uemura continues to blow me away with their incredible, delicate  and elegant packaging. This is why I can never part from high end beauty products... the beautiful plum blossoms on the packaging makes me weak at the knees.
  • When I first saw the colours, the following dialogue ran through my mind "No.. no... No.. Noooo... How will I wear this colour?!". It wasn't until I applied the balm onto my lips, I realised it was sheer. Ah silly me. The swatch photo above is unfiltered, untouched and taken in natural lighting.
  • The balms provides a slight tint of colour while enhancing the natural colour of my lips. The texture is smooth, non-waxy and extremely moisturising. I find the pink neon balm exceptionally flattering for my lip colour.
  • I was required to re-apply the balm after approximately 40 minutes, exceeding 60 minutes, my lips did feel slightly dry so make sure to keep a balm in your bag!
  • This is perfect for natural everyday wear or work wear!

You can find and purchase Shu Uemura products from Sephora Australia here.

*The products featured in this post was provided for editorial purpose, all opinions are my own

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