Green Beauty: Two Under Rated Serums You Need in Your Collection!

The recent boom in green beauty means there are more options for guys and gals with sensitive skin or those who prefer clean and green beauty products. The owner of Scout Cosmetics, Sylvie Hutchings started her Certified Organic superfood range with the aim to provide quality products for women using organic ingredients without any compromises.

I have been trialling Scout Cosmetics for a few months now, from skincare to makeup. Some products worked for me, some didn't. Today I want to highlight two extremely under rated products that worked for me and worked particularly well.

I thought deep and hard about this, instead of copying and pasting points from the Media Release or Scout's website; I won't bore you with scientific jargons, mainly because I don't understand them and I am not an expert, you can hop onto Scout Cosmetic's website to have a read. I realised that the only thing I can share with you that is of my own is my experience.

HOW I USED THE PRODUCTS: 

Here's the low down, I have been using Scout Cosmetic's Vitamin C Brightening Serum by dotting the product on my nose and across the cheeks. Why? It's my dull area, brightening products are known to improve tone and texture. I have a lot of pores to the inner of my cheeks and some forming on my nose. The area is rough and needs some TLC. Scout Cosmetic's Cell Renewal Peptide Serum is then applied to my forehead, chin and around my mouth because those areas are showing my age with very fine lines. The Vitamin C serum is a little bit more creamy and slightly thicker in texture than the peptide serum.

Let me tell you, I have used a fair amount of green/organic serums and a lot of them are oils or tend to sit on the surface of my skin and does not sink in. I just don't feel that there's an adequate range of organic serums out there that is not an oil.

HOW THE SERUMS PERFORMED

• Easy to blend in
• Extremely fast absorbing and it will not sit on the top layer of your skin, nor will it effect your moisturiser OR foundation. 
• Great for sensitive skin
• Pleasant scents
• Most importantly, my forehead looks plump and the rest of my face looks more refreshed and awake, even at 5:45AM in the morning and I am dead tired. At least my skin looks good. 

Featured products were provided for editorial purpose.

ON TREND - How to Make a Fashion Statement with Why Knot Ties

My partner is a stylish man, we are polar opposites when it comes to fashion, my dress sense is between casual and block colours with a loose correlation to Beatnik style. which is more or less black, black and more black. I like to rotate my clothes and dress myself without thinking. He sits on the opposite spectrum - bold colours, statement patterns and designs.

He likes to look dapper with a twist... you know, the vintage 60s style with a splash of hip hop and a lot of colours. Sometimes it's difficult to coordinate what to wear and you just want a small, simple yet bold statement.

And the solution? A signature bow tie.

BLUE ON BLUE/ BLUE ON BLACK
- 90's RETRO BOW TIE 

This is the ultimate retro look, we all know that what's old becomes new in a matter of time when it comes to fashion. Despite the race towards 2020, 90s is back! Here my partner paired this adorable bow tie with a lighter blue shirt and white buttons. Why Knot bow ties are made from polyester with high quality print to ensure longevity. The neck bands are adjustable and you won't need another pair of hands due to the easy-to-use clip. I absolutely adore this look, 90s Retro Bow Tie is one of my favourites as well as one of Why Knot's best seller!

These are also gender neutral so my partner and I can co-share bow ties!

PINK ON BLUE  - THE BALLOON DOG BOW TIE

If you are looking for a contrast, try pink on blue. The Balloon Dog Bow Tie is an auspicious piece, after looking through all the bow ties, this one really called out to us. This funky, yet unique bow tie is inspired by The Royal Melbourne Show (synonymous to Sydney's Royal Easter Show) it's the perfect party tie.

This is just a sneak peak of what's available from Why Knot, pop over to their website to check out their other carefully curated, one of a kind bow ties. You can also receive a generous 25% discount if you sign up to Why Knot's website.

Featured products were provided for editorial purpose.

Sisley 2018 Makeup Showcase @ The Fashion Institute, Chippendale

I recently attended Sisley's 2018 Makeup Showcase.

Sisley is a luxury brand that is renowned for their beautiful and high quality skincare. Sisley's makeup products contain a lot of the key technology and ingredients from their skincare range. This year Sisley is releasing some new makeup products. Unlike brands who produce new releases every month, Sisley takes time to work on their formulation.

So let's take a look!

SISLEY INSTANT CORRECT COLOUR CORRECTING PRIMER - $105AUD

Welcome two brand new primers from Sisley! These two primers are made to improve your skin's appearance, complexion and skin tone.

Available in 2 shades:

Just Lavender - contains bluish pearls to correct complexions that are yellow (it also does a fantastic job at covering redness) and provide a porcelain finish.
Just Rosy illuminates and gives fair skin a glowing complexion, it contain pinkish pearls to freshen up grey complexions.

Both primers have a soft-focus effects:

- Soft focus agent to smooth skin texture
- Soft focus gel to minimise skin imperfections
- Soft focus powder to minimise pores
- A fixing polymer to improve foundation hold and resist humidity.

I tried the Just Lavender on my face and it instantly brightened my complexion, my pores were minimised and I looked as if I did not require foundation. Just Lavender works perfectly well to reduce any redness on both my face and the back of my hand.

Available on counters 18th of March 2018.

SISLEY PHYTO-KHOL STAR WATERPROOF - $62 AUD

Sisley reinvented their Phyto-Khol Star range of glitter pencils.

Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof liner pens come in retractable leads and available in 8 beautiful shades (5 sparking shades and 3 almost black shimmery shades with subtle reflections called Mystic Shades).

This fabulous new liner resists sebum and sweat by staying in place perfectly with no running or feathering. The formula is ultra long lasting and includes natural active skincare ingredients such as rosehip oil, bisabolol and vitamin E derivatives. They are opthalmologically tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Here's a bonus, each liner comes with a built-in mini pencil sharpener! I tried the liners at the launch and they were sooooo smoooooth, glides right on.

These babies will be available on counters at David Jones on 18th of March 2018.

SISLEY PHYTO-BLANC CUSHION FOUNDATION - $150 AUD

This is the first cushion foundation by Sisley that is both a skincare and a foundation. Designed specially for women who are seeking a brighter, more luminous and more even complexion. 

Phyto-Blanc diffuses a perfecting glow on the face with its golden and pink colour correct pearls that will add light, clarity and radiance to the skin while providing double correction for a perfectly even complexion. It's described as a "photoshop" foundation which can also minimise your pores. With an SPF of 30 and a PA +++ this foundation fights against UVA and UVB rays as well as pollution. You will also find this foundation to prevent the appearance of pigmentation as well as photo ageing.

This incredible foundation comes in 3 shades: 

White Opal - natural radiance for very fair, olive complexions contains golden pearls

White Pearl: Pink radiance for very fair pinkish complexions. Contains Pink Pearls.

Light Rose: Pink radiance for fair pinkish complexions contain pink pearls. 

The compact is hygienic and non-wasteful. You can pump out a peas-size with a press of a button. Refills are also available for purchase.

PHYTO-LIP TWIST MATT - $55 AUD

Sisley designed a comfortable, long-wearing formula. You will find intense shades and optimal hydration. It owes its matt effect to a complex of shiny esters and light oils combined with film-forming waxes. Leaving your lips with a beautiful burst of colour and moisture.

Available in 4 shades- Burgundy, Ruby, Drama and Ballet

I will be testing Ruby and Drama and cannot wait to let you guys to know my thoughts!

Signing off with a food photo! These are delicious marshmallows with chocolate and caramel fillings!

Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of Sisley

Be Inspired with STONED CRYSTALS Intention Cards and Mini Labradorite

2017 ended with a BAM and I'm not quite certain what 2018 have in store for me. I've had many sleepless and anxious evenings after my partner left his job to go back to study. My mind became over-active.

It's surprising how small things like yoga, listening to a 3 minute podcast, hot showers, simple encouragements and the realisation of the finer details of things and stepping back to look at the bigger picture helped me to step out of shadows. I started to think more positively, grasp onto hope with a eudaimonic approach.

MINI LABRADORITE PACK $34.50

"Roll me around, I’m tactile and will keep your thoughts still. The most powerful protector- I awaken a sense of adventure but still grounded cos I’m practical like that."

Labradorite is the stone of inspiration to help calm an overactive mind. The natural stones originate from Madagascar, they are unique in pattern and crystalline composure. Made from Grade A quality Crystal, no two stones are the same.

I picked  Labradorite because I feel that I need a constant flow of inspiration as a blogger and content creator, some days I feel overwhelmed and need something to help me to stay grounded. This year has been especially difficult with my partner leaving his full time job and embarking on a career change, or should I say return, into the creative field. Our stunning mini Labradorite Crystals is a perfect fit into our lives.

STONED INTENTION CARD DECK AND FRAME - $39

This luxurious intention card set contains instructional cards explaining how to care for your crystals, an acrylic frame to hold your card of the day as well as 25 intention/quote cards with beautiful crystal imagery on the back of each card.

I actually really enjoy having my intention card in my beautiful acrylic frame on my bedside table. I try to change the card every few days depending on my mood. On bad days it can lift my mood and on lazy days it can get me working. Like everyone else, I often get caught up in various social and personal issues, so my tip is to read the card with an open mind and be receptive to the quote. Sometimes it's the most general and obvious statements that can uncloud simple truths that's been sitting right in front of us the entire time.

When I was a sales assistant as a uni student, I quietly learned that there are 3 types of customers. People who buy without rationale as they seem to find some sort of relevance in almost every single product; people who did not plan to purchase, they are on the fence but can be receptive to ideas as to how something can or may fit in their routine to improve their life; then there are those who you feel you can never reach because they shut out all possibilities.

It took a very long time but I've learned to be that middle person.

WEBSITE:
https://www.stonedcrystals.com/

Products featured were provided for editorial purpose

Review: Carbon Coco 100% Natural Teeth Whitener - Ultimate Carbon Kit

Back at University, my very close friend Priya told me when she grew up in Fiji, they would rub charcoal on their teeth for an instant teeth whitening - the natural way. I was so keen to get myself some charcoal but the only place that sold charcoal was at Bunnings, for BBQ.... haha!

A few years later, I attended a market research for a teeth whitening toothpaste, and I shared Priya's charcoal method as an alternative to harsh dental whitening procedures, people looked at me as if I were an absolute lunatic and instantly ignored this idea.

Which is why I am so glad that Charcoal is a "THING" now!!! I have tried teeth whitening products from brands such as White Glo (Read Here) which was harsh on my teeth.

I am lucky to have the opportunity to try Carbon Coco's Ultimate Carbon Kit, this kit contains:

1x Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
1x Activated Charcoal Tooth Polish
1 x Toothbrush with Bamboo Bristles

RRP $59.95

THE PROCESS

1. Brush your teeth with the Carbon Coco Polish (charcoal powder)

2.Rinse mouth

3. Brush your teeth with Carbon Coco Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

4. Rinse mouth

MY VERDICT

- The Charcoal Tooth Polish combined with the toothpaste following the initial brush did a really good job at ridding all the grime off my teeth. My teeth felt silky and polished following two brushes. 

- The Polish was messy, make sure you brush with your mouth closed otherwise you may have little spots of charcoal splattering all over your basin. 

- The toothpaste is similar to regular toothpaste but better, it lathers up ridiculously well with a very slight grey foam. 

- The overall experience was pleasant, it wasn't harsh, I did not experience any tingling or uncomfortable sensations as I did with conventional teeth whiteners. My teeth were not discoloured from using the charcoal, however I do brush my teeth with a heavy hand so I pushed some of the charcoal into my gums, which eventually dissolved and surfaced.

DID IT WORK?

I felt that my teeth did look more pearly, polished, catching more light and reflective. The yellow tinge I naturally possess in my teeth is still there, but it's SOOO much cleaner. If you look at my before and after photos (zoom in!), you can see some gunk on my two front teeth (close to the gum), which were completely removed after the brushes. My teeth are naturally more of a yellow tone (unfortunately!) so I felt that no product will be able to make my teeth look snow white but this would be my go to teeth whitening method.

If you want to check out Carbon Coco's range, click below:

https://au.carboncoco.com/

Products featured were provided for editorial purpose

Inika Cosmetics Long Lash Vegan Mineral Mascara Review

I've always had a soft spot for green and clean beauty brands. Inika is one of those brands.
Inika is 100% cruelty free and registered with the UK Vegan Society and OFC certified to the Australian National Organic Standard. There are so many products I want to try from Inika, today I want to let you guys know how I went with their vegan mascara.

ABOUT INIKA VEGAN MASCARA

- Uses 100% plant derived and natural ingredients to boost length, volume and lash span.
- Voluminous brush head allows the perfect amount of mascara to be applied.
- 1 coat gives you the length and 2 coats will give you volume.
- No harsh synthetic ingredients.
- No animal derived ingredients.
- Cruelty free, certified vegan and certified halal.

RRP: $45

MY VERDICT

• My lashes are straight, extremely straight to the point where curls are difficult to maintain... with the exception of waterproof mascaras and tubular mascaras. Most mascaras tend to weigh my lashes down, so it wasn't too much of a surprise when my lashes were unable to maintain it's curl after applying Inika's mascara as it is nor a waterproof or a tubular mascara. 
• The mascara itself was quite wet and a lot would go onto my lashes when applied, my lashes are not very long and luscious so I found the brush to be quite big. 
• The mascara did create some length and volume, but for my rather straight lashes, it really didn't look like much - more visible on my lower lashes though. 
• Longevity wise, I was pleasantly surprised, I wore this on Australia Day, and boy it was a warm day! We were out from midday until about 9PM. I checked in around dinner time at 6PM there were no smudges. At 9PM, I noticed some minor movements from my lower lashes. 
• I haven't tried many organic mascaras but I have heard horror stories. Whilst this mascara did not make my lashes look WOW, I would use it for a natural look and I like the fact that the ingredients are mostly organic.

BEFORE

Natural Lashes curled to the extreme, I must've spent a good 3 minutes curling. 

AFTER

Applied 2 coats of Inika Long Lash Vegan Mascara to top and bottom lashes

Product provided for editorial purpose

Melissa Allen Mood Essentials - I Have Joy and I Have Focus

Melissa Allen Mood Essentials is one of the first natural fragrance brand I have used or been introduced to that infuses 100% natural essential oils into her beautiful products. More than often, I would apply essential oils to my temples to distress, so having those powerful essential oils inside a travel friendly fragrance container allows me to use Melissa Allen's Mood Essentials on the go. The best part is that her fragrances are emotionally linked and categorised. When I want confidence just before an interview or an event, I would spritz I Have Confidence.

Melissa recently came out with two new additions lately - I Have Joy and I Have Focus.
Also important to note that Melissa's products are cruelty free.

I HAVE FOCUS $15.95 for 7ml / $39.95 for 50ml

I Have Focus is ideal for concentration and assisting individuals to be more active in achieving set goals. This scent contains rosewood, rosemary, frankincense and lemon to boost clarity, productivity and decision making.

I would typically use this on a busy work day but I did use it during a long day out just to make me feel more "alive" - the scent is calm, sweet and not over-powering. Melissa's perfume are classified as "natural" fragrances, so you may notice that longevity does not stretch as far as mainstream fragrances with all sorts of ingredients where I would need clarification for.

I HAVE JOY  $15.95 for 7ml / $39.95 for 50ml

I Have Joy is a cheerful blend including grapefruit, orange, howood and bergamot. I love using this to calm myself down - which is the ultimate goal of this blend. Melissa indicated that being joyful is about delight inspiration, passion and motivation, ultimately being happy comes with tremendous benefits that money cannot buy.

Final words..

I adore Melissa Allen's range, I have previously tried some of her other natural fragrances and was blown away by the relaxing and calming properties that cannot be achieved by mainstream fragrances. The travel size cannot be handier, they are excellent for when I go away and when I want to carry a little something in my bag that is not a long tube of deodorant. 

Find out how you can get your free sample here.

Featured products were provided for editorial purpose.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Tint Cream Launch @ The Island, Sydney

First Aid Beauty is on a mission to rescue your skin and turn every day into a good skin day. Founded by Lili Gordon in 2009, she set out to create a line of skincare products that is effective in creating healthy looking skin.

I was whisked away by First Aid Beauty to celebrate their the launch of their brand spanking new Ultra Repair Tint Cream at The Island - YES over looking the harbour bridge, what a view!

With BB and CC creams a thing of the past, First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Tint Cream is an SPF 30 complexion perfector that's been clinically proven to provide 12 hours of continuous hydration, giving you coverage that won't flake off.

Ultra Repair Tint Cream is available in 5 different shades (Fair, Light, Medium, Tan and Rich) that blends seamlessly to offer a medium to buildable coverage. This cream sets out to minimise the appearance of redness, pores and uneven skin tone while providing a natural and luminous finish.

The texture is like whipped mousse, it is non-comedogenic and formulated without parabens, phthalates, talc or artificial colorants.

There are fabulous ingredients within the tubes, including - Colloidal Oatmeal, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Micro Pearls

Lili Gordon - Founder of First Aid Beauty

First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Tint Cream will be available at Sephora Australia from March 2018.

RRP $44 for a 30ml bottle.

Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of First Aid Beauty

Scout Cosmetics Summer Skincare and Makeup

I have been working with Scout Cosmetics for a few months now. Today I've decided to give you an overview of some of their selected skincare and makeup products.

I'd use a cleanser most days and evenings. Whether it's the end of the day or the start of the day, I want to ensure my canvas is clean. When using in the evening, I would start off by removing my makeup with a makeup wipe followed by a cleanse using Scout Cosmetics Super Fruit Exfoliating Wash Off Cleanser. I automatically associate the word "exfoliating" with exfoliating grit which can be quite abrasive on my skin. I was pleasantly surprised to find the cleanser without a trace of grit and it was able to cleanse my face quite nicely (paired with Foreo's cleansing device). The scent is very fruity with a strong acai smell.

Following the cleanse I would apply 3 drops of Scout Cosmetics Vitamin C Brightening Serum this product is absolutely beautiful, comes in a little cute droplet bottle. The serum absorbs into your skin with ease following application. Scent wise, it's a subtle smell between floral and fruity. I really like this product.

Scout Cosmetics Balance and Replenish Light Moisturiser is applied as soon as the Vitamin C is absorbed into the skin. Whilst this is not a heavy moisturiser, I found it to sit on top of my skin longer than other moisturisers I have used. I feel that a full pump is too much for the face but enough for your face, neck and décolletage. I am not a big fan of the scent.... I think it might be the pumpkin properties? To be honest, while I don't mind this moisturiser, I don't particularly prefer it. However I will continue to use it and see if I can get used to the scent.




During the Christmas period, I have been using 3 simple steps from Scout Cosmetics makeup line. I use Scout Cosmetics Liquid Eyeliner for a kitten flick, I liked the formula of this eyeliner, however I found the brush rather difficult to use and had some trouble drawing a straight liner on my lids. I found the best way to use this product is to draw three dots on my lids (close to my lash line) and blending it in with a flat and dense eye shadow brush to create a slightly smoky kitten flick look. The formula is non-irritating and does not smudge. I hope that Scout Cosmetics will change the brush to allow a better application as the formula is fantastic.

I would then use Scout Cosmetics Lipstick in 07 for both cheeks and lips, I have been watching a lot of YouTube Videos lately and started to match my cheeks to my lip colour. I adore Scout's lipsticks, they are super duper moisturising and not as bold or intimidating as it looks in the bullet.

Finishing off with Scout's Nail Polish in Don't Loose My Number, it's a beautiful Christmas/New Year Red. I received quite a few compliments while wearing this shade. Two coats proved to provide adequate coverage, the nail polish would last for approximately 3 days on me before any chips are noted.

*Products featured were provided for editorial purpose