Simple Summer Look with Antipodes Cosmetics

I've never really thought about which season I like and which I didn't, I dislike the cold and gloomy days because I spend 75% of my working hours out of the office... yet at the same time I dislike the humid and stinking hot summers.

I don't think I need to tell you guys how much I love Antipodes right? It's a re-occuring brand on my blog, it's also a brand that I would buy/gift friends and familys. We all know Antipodes as a skincare brand, but Antipodes is expanding it's cosmetics range and I am beyond excited!!

Today I want to showcase an easy breezy summer look featuring the use of Antipodes Mineral Foundation, Natural Hair Kabuki Brush and lipsticks

ANTIPODES MINERAL FOUNDATION IN PALE PINK $39.95

- Hydrating, skin-perfect foundation features Vinanza Performance Plus to reduce facial flushing and earth minerals to help balance oil production
- This foundation is lightweight and suitable for all skin conditions including normal, oily, blemish-prone and rosacea.
-Dermatologically approved for Sensitive Skin*
- Available in 4 shades (01, pale pink, 02 light yellow, 03, medium beige, 04 Tan)

- SPF 17

MY VERDICT

This foundation was very impressive! It's finely milled and does not appear cakey following application. I was quite surprised that it did not significantly highlight or enlarge my pores like most other mineral foundation (I personally feel that if the powders are not finely milled it'll accentuate my pores).

The foundation provided a very natural coverage, I have been using it on no makeup, make up days. Despite my recently tanned skin, I was surprised that 01 Pale Pink was still workable (however I would probably now suit Medium Beige).

I love using this mineral foundation during this sweltering summer weather. My face won't melt off or feel unbreathable as I do when wearing liquid foundation.

Overall, giving this formula a two thumbs up!

ANTIPODES KABUKI BRUSH $29.95

- Natural hair
- Even and flawless application
- Soft natural hair (cruelty free, no animal was harmed in the making!)

MY VERDICT

An adorable and travel friendly brush, although this product was made from animal hair (I think it's goat hair?) however Antipodes assure their consumers that no animals were harmed!

This brush is the perfect size to grab all minerals from the lid. The bristles are natural so they are not as soft as synthetic brushes, so you may or may not like this brush based on personal preference. However, this brush performs quite well and provides an even application.

ANTIPODES LIPSTICK $31

- Available in 6 shades
- Nutrient rich avocado oil infused with lipstick
- Colour rich

MY VERDICT

The two shades I own are "Remarkably Red" which is not a true red, it has more of a purple undertone - this is my everyday go-to shade. The lipsticks are pigmented, smooth on application and fairly long lasting. I love the texture, it's not tacky, sticky or heavy, and sits feathery light on my lips. "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" is a stunning fuchsia, a colour I haven't been able to bring myself to wear!

The other thing that is worthy of mention is that these lipsticks are cruelty free without nasty chemicals so you won't need to be too concerned when you accidentally ingest some lippie on your lips!

VIDEO DEMO

*The products featured in this post were provided for editorial purposes, all opinions are my own.

Antipodes Breakfast @ Haven, Surry Hills

Antipodes is a re-occurring brand on my blog, I can't speak highly enough of their products and brand ethics. I was lucky to have recently attended a magnificent intimate breakfast with Antipodes at Haven, Surry Hills. We met with the Digital and Social expert for Antipodes, Katrina McClelland to learn all about Antipode's journey to expand their footprints internationally.

Antipodes uses 100% natural ingredients with at least 70-95% certified organic ingredients, they are also 100% AGAINST animal testing. As most of us may know, in order for brands to sell in China, animal testing is a prerequisite. You may or may not know this, but Antipodes maintained their brand integrity and philosophy whilst successfully tapping into the Chinese market. Antipodes run a Chinese website for Chinese consumers to shop online. As we are now knees deep in a digital age, there is a never-ending demand for one click online shopping, this strategy is more than fitting.

China's appetite for commodities and personal care products is phenomenal, we saw how the pawpaw ointments literally flew off our shelves as consumers used "daigou" (Australian shoppers purchasing on behalf of Chinese consumers) to purchase popular and luxury items. There is a hunger and growth for natural and organic products in the beauty industry, and Antipodes, I dare say is in the forefront. I am super proud that Antipodes, against all odds were able to invite Chinese consumers to experience their gorgeous products without having to test on animals.

Antipodes' initiative proves that there is always a way!

As always, let's wrap up this post with some food photos. I have been to Haven twice and never tried their infamous waffles! This time I had to and didn't regret it :)

I cannot wait for 2017, Antipodes as a brand has so much more to offer and share with us. There will be some exciting launches from Antipodes in the new year, so stay tuned!

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

Event: Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Breakfast Launch

 I have been super duper lucky to be able to join Antipodes for their Skin Brightening launch!! Antipodes is a brand that I adore, their products are beautiful and they hold many environmental philosophies I stand by.

The event took place at The Vine, Double Bay. As we entered, we were greeted warmly and instantly saw an amazing spread of breakfast foods including baked goods, museli, yoghurt, fruit platters etc were set out across 3 long tables with REAL flowers!! YES! REAL! I was very impressed :)

We spent the first 30 or so minutes networking, admiring the beautiful set up (ohhh-ing and ahh-ing at the full Antipodes display range) and taking happy snaps. Once seated, canapés arrived at the table and the presentation began.

Above is a picture of the entire Antipodes range! LOOK AT THOSE SERUMS!!!

I had no idea Antipodes carried cosmetics, but how wonderful! It's always good knowing what you are putting on your face or body won't harm your skin!

Check out these copper lights, this was an incidental discovery, I looked up and saw the coolest rustic yet primp lights and shades.

During the presentation, Global Brand Trainer Deborah Sampson provided us information regarding the focus of this range. Antipodes is making it's mark in the China and Korea, market research was completed in China to determine what Asian consumers are looking for - and the answer? Brightening!

The perception of "beauty" in Eastern and Western culture is vastly different. The general consensus of beauty in Asia is beautiful bright and flawless skin where pale skin is the ultimate goal. In Western culture, bronze is goddess. The other important key point derived from the market research in China is the use of "natural" ingredients.

As a result, Antipodes brought out their ultimate skin brightening duo Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Eye Cream and Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Day Cream (see photo below, pssst night cream is coming).

This power couple is created to give you flawless skin (not to whiten), imagine a flawless canvas, make up will always look better on blemish free, smooth skin.

With Rachelbeautystyle and The Caryl Edit

Photo Credit: Platinummcpr

*Lily not Louise attended this event as a guest of Antipodes

Brand Focus: ANTIPODES Skincare Range Review + Video

I am sure I have told this story previously... but since this is an Antipodes brand focus, I think I need to tell the story again! During early uni days I spent my weekends working for a cosmetic brand at Myer. My friend worked for Jurlique, she told me she saw a man stocking a small section of Myer's corner shelf with this new product from New Zealand called Antipodes. I couldn't help myself but to check out the products and instantly fell in love. That was when I first discovered and started trying Antipodes.

That was approximately 5-6 years ago.

Antipodes is one of those brands that you can't not love! They believe in sustainable cultivation of local plants from New Zealand (i.e., kiwi seed) and their packaging features fully recyclable bottles, aluminium tubes and is 100% biodegradable. A part from food and beauty products, the environment is very important to me. Yes! I am a bit of a greenie and I will always stand behind brands who cares for the environment.

ANTIPODES GRAPESEED BUTTER CLEANSER - $46
(From Myer)

This is a beautiful butter cleanser that can be used on a daily basis for a deep clean. Unlike the foam or cream cleansers, this will rid every trace of grime from your face. I like to apply a scoop of this on damp face followed by a gentle massage. There are small granules (not microbeads!) for gentle exfoliation. The method of use is fairly similar to Trilogy's cleansing balm, you will need a facial cloth to wash the butter off your face. I found cotton cloths to work the best.

Although this cleanser is recommended for daily use, I have been using it at least twice per week, some nights I really don't feel like washing my facial cloth, I just want my make up to come off and face plant on my bed after work. When I use this butter cleanser I find my pores to be cleaner as opposed to when I just use cream cleansers for the entire week.

ANTIPODES RESURRECT CLARIFYING FACIAL TONER - $33
(From Myer)

This is a beautiful alcohol free toner mist, the pump it easy to push and the spray disperse evenly. I can definitely smell the sweet sage in this toner, if you don't like sweet scents, watch your nose! I have been using this toner every night after shower, and some morning if I have time before I run out the door. It provides immediate hydration to my face after a wash.

Oh and this is the toner I have been using to dampen my skin before applying my Rosehip Oil. It makes my oil so much more easier to spread!

It is also important to mention that a natural preservative is used in this toner to extend the product's shelf life to up to 6 months. In fact the recommended shelf life for most Antipodes products is 6 months - all because they use natural ingredients without synthetic preservatives.

ANTIPODES WORSHIP SUPERFRUIT ANTIOXIDANT SERUM - $53.99
(From Priceline)

Don't get turned off by the colour of the serum, it's brown, goes on translucent and smells absolutely divine!!!! Imagine fruits in a bottle. Antipodes' packaging doesn't disappoint, this serum (in fact, most of their bottled products) comes in a glass bottle. I picked this serum because for it's antioxidant properties - and I really need that! Personally, I feel this serum is perfect for those with really oily skin because (correct me if I'm wrong) but it's a water based serum. The serum itself is non-greasy, non-sticky and does not leave any residual on the surface of your skin. The content sinks into your skin almost instantly! Unfortunately, for me, this does not provide enough moisture - BUT since it's a water based serum, it is the perfect serum to use under oils.

ANTIPODES KIWI SEED OIL EYE CREAM - $48.99
(From Priceline)

A beautiful silky eye cream to re-hydrate and recharge the under eye area. I would highly recommend this eye cream for those who are fighting fine under eye lines or looking to prevent under eye wrinkles and crows feet. When I was 20 I tried using mum's rich and nutrient fill eye cream, I quickly discovered it wasn't suitable for my skin due to the growth of under eye milia. So if you are in your early 20s, I would either recommend a gel eye cream or alternate between Antipodes eye cream and a gel based cream. However, I suppose it all comes down to your skin concerns.

Personally for me, this eye cream has worked well. The cream itself is easily absorbed whilst still providing moisture and does not sit on the surface of my skin. My eye bags are still visible - I've accepted he fact that those bags are genetic and often stress related and I am very stressed due to work. This eye cream kept my fine lines at bay and maintained the condition of my under eye area - almost fine line free!

ANTIPODES JOYFUL HAND AND BODY CREAM - $33.99
(From Priceline)

I do have a liking for hand and body creams stored in aluminium tubes, and I can't explain why.
This is a beautiful hand and body cream with pure avocado oil, wild blackcurrant berry and hibiscus bloom. The consistency of the cream is thick, however non-greasy and absorbs quite quickly following application. My skin felt soft, smooth with a lingering pleasant blackcurrant and hibiscus fragrance. The blackcurrant scent is very prominent alongside subtle notes of hibiscus bloom - I can't stop smelling my hands!! This is a must have for winter or those with dry hands and love fruity scents!


VIDEO APPLICATION

*All products in this post were provided for editorial purposes, all opinions are my own.