Minerelle Natural Facial Cleanser with Centella

Minerelle Natural Facial Cleanser with Centella $44

Minerelle’s Natural Facial Cleanser has been developed with sufferers of rosacea, acne, sun damage, eczema, dermatitis and sensitive skin in mind. It is the combined formulation of ancient medicine with modern science that offers a product with outstanding benefits for the skin.
Suitable for all skin types and conditions, Minerelle’s Natural Facial Cleanser is enriched with essential fatty acids to nourish sensitive and fragile skin. It is a velvety, soft gel that does not require a toner.
Minerelle’s Natural Facial Cleanser has been formulated with premium ingredients and is free from parabens, toxic ingredients, petrochemicals, artificial preservatives and ingredients that will harm the skin or body.
Minerelle is Australian, natural and created with the health conscious consumer in mind after testing on Queensland women with rosacea and fragile skin conditions.
Available online at www.minerelle.com.au or 07 3904 8032 and from selected beauty salons nationally.

Magdalena

Very simple packaging with the pump that dispenses small amounts of product.

How did you find the application and use of the Cleanser?

Originally I needed 3 squirts of the pump to get the right amount for my face and neck. I guess it is because it is natural product so it doesn’t have all those artificial additives that would make it foam  a lot. After I got used to it 2 squirts were enough.

How did you find the texture and smell of the Cleanser?

It doesn’t have as much smell as commercial products, it smells faintly of medicine but not in a  off-putting way. I actually really, really liked it! Texture was smooth and once I got used to it not foaming up much, I really liked it.
The main benefit for my oily/combination skin is that it cleanses the skin very well of all the makeup but it doesn’t leave that dry feeling like lot of cleansers do. It made my sking really smooth and feeling relaxed if I can say so as there was no oily feeling or no dry feeling – Just Perfect.
I will definitely be buying this product in the future. It is the best cleanser I used in a long time!

Out of five, what star rating would you give this Cleanser based on your experience with it?

5+!!!! (Sorry I know it’s out of five but this is a great product!!!!!!!)

Spring’s Fragrant Blooms

Spring brings with it not only warmer weather but also amazingly beautiful fragrant blooms. The benefits and excites everyone including the birds and the bees. Not to be outdone, the fragrance houses and cosmetics companies have brought you an equally fragrant and beautiful bunch of perfumes to keep you smelling like the fresh blooms of spring. Here are 7 of our very favourite mush have perfumes for this spring. (Click on the Name of the fragrance for more info)

1: In Bloom – Reese Witherspoon by Avon

2: Unforgivable Woman by Sean John

3: DKNY Woman by DKNY

4: Parisienne by YSL

5: Bvlgari BLV EDP II by Bvlgari

6: BOSS Orange by Hugo Boss

7: Mojo by Y-Yo

Beauty News – October 09

October is the month where we can finally say good buy to the dreary, cold winter weather and say Hello to longer sunny and warm days ahead. Here are some beauty finds that will help you forget all about winter and get excited about baring your body and skin in the gorgeous summer fashions.

Make sure you enter the MAC Competition and check out the amazingly enviable collection from Givenchy amongst many other Spring Must-Have’s!
Enjoy.
(Click on the Name of the products for more info)

Competition:
M.A.C. – BECOME A COLLECTOR: WIN AN ORIGINAL MARILYN MINTER

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Care Range

Jurlique Love Balm

Dr. LeWinn’s PURESSENCE

Bourjois Mineral Matte Mousse Foundation

Max Factor Second Skin Foundation

SK-II Skin Signature Range

L’Oréal Professionnel HOMME Energic Shampoo

KÉRASTASE RÉSISTANCE COLLECTION

The Body Shop Coconut Bath & Body Range

Les Poétiques, Givenchy – 2009 autumn-winter collection

Golden Girls – How to Look the Best for Your Age.

Aging is inevitable. Looking good for your age is mandatory. But how? A lot of women make the mistake of increasing the amount of makeup they use as the number of wrinkles increase. Or they get stuck in a make up time-warp, clinging to the same make up style as they did in their twenties. However both these habits have the opposite effect to the desired one, they make you look older. Don’t despair! Looking great for your age couldn’t be simpler.

The aim is to bring out and enhance your natural radiance, give yourself a contemporary and thereby youthful look. Looking good at any age is all about using minimal makeup while learning to adapt to your skin’s changing needs. When you have great looking skin for your age you don’t need to hide it under layers of makeup but use makeup to highlight and enhance its beauty.

There are a few essential items needed for looking great. Concealer is a must and learning how to use it properly is crucial. As we age we are more likely to get broken capillaries around our nostrils and cheeks and skin discolourations. A cleverly used concealer can disguise these areas without looking caked on.

However for around the eyes which have a blue/grey shadow a highlighter works best such as YSL Touche Eclat. This product not only hides the shadows but will brighten the whole eye area, giving it a luminous appearance.

Foundation needs to be light and natural looking. Tinted moisturisers work very well for this purpose; however my favourite is the mineral makeup powder foundations. These not only even out the skin tone but also adhere to the skin making it extremely natural looking and glowing. They also contain a natural sunscreen as an added protection.

For the eyes less is more. With age, the skin starts to sag a little and is not as firm as in younger years. A chocolate brown eyeshade is a must in every woman’s cosmetic bag in my opinion as it is not only versatile but very flattering. The shadow can be applied very simply straight over the eye lid from the lashes up to the fold and then blended in very well. Finished with lashings of black lengthening mascara this is an ageless, elegant look that will serve you well over the years.

Blush, applied wrong can really age a woman. Choose a natural looking colour that compliments your skin tone. A peachy brown will generally suit those with olive complexions and a natural pink is suitable for those with fairer skins. Choose a sheer formulation as opposed to a dense pigmented blush as the latter is aging.

For the lips again think sheer. Choose colours that you are comfortable with and that suit your outfit, however keep it light and use creamy formulations that don’t cake on the lips.

Follow these simple steps and you will positively glow regardless of your age. Here’s to the new old.

Estee Lauder Revelation Age Resisting Brightening Creme

Estee Lauder Revelation Age Resisting Brightening Creme 50ml $100.00

A lightweight yet powerful daily moisturizer designed to counter the onslaught of environmental events that can lead to the first visible signs of premature skin aging. Formulated with an exclusive triple Vitamin-C cocktail amplified by sophisticated skin-clarifying enzyme technology and next generation optics, Revelation helps protect against environmental damage that can lead to the first signs of aging. It also works to brighten skin tone and help skin boost its natural collagen stores to help smooth out the appearance of fine lines.

Livia

What were your first impressions of the product?

The cream in the tub is a beige coloured cream that initially looks heavier than it really is. The formulation contains tiny light reflecting crystals of mica giving the cream a very pleasant shimmery appearance. The outer packaging is very stylish with its gold lid as are all of Estee Lauder products.

How did you find the texture and smell of the product?

First of all the smell is a lovely and soft floral scent with Neroli, Rose and Jasmine. I really enjoyed applying it to my skin and inhaling the fragrance both in the morning and at night. The texture is surprisingly light yet very creamy and easy to spread. It absorbs into my skin almost immediately after application and provides instant hydration. My skin felt very comfortable during the day with the moisturiser however I did notice that with the weather turning a bit cooler of late I did need to apply an extra moisturiser over the top to stay hydrated.

Did you notice any benefits from using the product?

The most noticeable benefit of the cream is due to the fight reflecting ingredients as these instantly brighten the skin. I enjoyed having this product at hand when I was really tired as it helped to give some vibrancy to my otherwise dull complexion. Other than that I didn’t notice any lasting benefit or improvements in my skin. This is a very nice light moisturiser that is excellent for everyday and night use, containing Vitamin C which is very good for the skin; however I do wonder how much of it is available to the skin due to the open packaging allowing oxidisation of the ingredients.

Personal Rating:

Dove Energy Glow Brightening Moisturiser

Dove Energy Glow Brightening Moisturiser RRP $13.99

This light, fast absorbing formula will instantly increase the radiance of your skin for a fresh and natural look, even without makeup! The unique complex, infused with conditioning milk peptides, moisturisers and anti-oxidants like pomegranate and green tea extract, is proven to brighten skin.

Honie

I liked the packaging and was eager to try it. I applied it with my fingers and found there was no waste.

Did you notice any benefits from using the product?

My skin had a healthy glow and I enjoyed wearing this instead of foundation on my days off work. The texture was a normal moisturising texture and the smell was very nice.

Personal Rating:

Clarins Moisture Quenching Hydra-Care Cream

Clarins Moisture Quenching Hydra-Care Cream 50ml $74.00

Continuous, custom moisture, all day long. This rich yet lightweight cream continuously controls your skin’s moisture level regardless of climatic conditions. Promotes a fresh, luminous, healthy-looking complexion while prolonging its youthful appearance.

Melinda

I was eager to see how much it moisturised my skin and reduced fine lines due to dehydration. Being a Clarins product, you know you are getting a quality product.

How did you find the application of it?

It was very easy to apply and it definitely felt like a quality cream on my face. I enjoyed using such a light, rich but silky cream. There was a beautiful gentle fragrance to this cream. I think over a long period of time, it would do your skin on your neck and face the world of good. .

Personal Rating:

Clinique All About Eye Rich

Clinique All About Eye Rich $58.00

Help say goodbye to the look of dark circles, puffiness and under-eye bag. Statistics show that 90% of people have dark circles around their eyes at one time or another. All About Eyes Rich is formulated to create a delicate balance of under-eye care with a multi-purpose approach. This soothing, moisture-rich formula glides effortlessly across under-eye skin and eyelids to leave it feeling fully moistened, comforted and hydrated. The pale peach cream delivers an advanced eye treatment designed to target dark circles and puffiness with an extra punch of moisture.

Amy

Application was easy with the creamy yet light weight formula, absorbs quite quickly and it has a nice slip so it’s a great base for eye makeup. Although I do still find it just “slightly” heavy, this product is probably more suitable to the more drier skin types, or to be used in the colder months.

Did you notice any benefits from using the product?

Immediate benefits being with the moisturization it provides to my eye area, seems to be plumping up my fine lines although I have not seen much improvement to my dark under eye circles after the few weeks of testing it. I wear contacts and this cream does not sting or irritate my eyes.

How did you find the texture and smell of the product?

It has a creamy looking texture in the pot but its very light upon application. There is no fragrance to the product, although there is a very slight smell probably from the ingredients. .

Personal Rating:

Neo Strata Hand & Nail Cream

Neo Strata Hand & Nail Cream $38.00

NeoStrata – Hand & Nail Cream – PHA 8 This hand cream is specially formulated in an emollient base with 8% PHA (gluconolactone) combining the exfoliating and long lasting moisturizing benefits of a PHA with the antioxidants Vitamin E and Vitamin B Complex in a smooth luxurious cream. It moisturizes and conditions the hands and cuticles and reduces the visible signs of aging. Ideal for revitalizing dried, sun damaged hands. It is fragrance free and hypoallergenic.

Available from pharmacies nationally or contact 1800 882 592.

Jacki

I loved the packaging, trying to screw a cap back on after applying hand cream can be difficult so this was a great change. Small enough to fit in my bag or jacket pocket.

Did you notice any benefits from using the product?

I have awful hands. I do pottery, and the clay is very drying and the electric metal wheel shaves off my nails. I’m always applying hand cream. I have been using this for about 10 days and I found that my hands are softer and not as cracked around the fingers. Much better results then I was getting with my usual more expensive hand cream. It is so easy to apply and it absorbed quickly leaving my hands feeling soft. This is a fantastic hand cream; I’ve already purchased 2 tubes of it. I’ll be interested to see how it works long term. 5 stars, Great value.

Personal Rating:

Matte Cashmere by L’Oreal Paris

Matte Cashmere by L’Oreal Paris $ 30.95

Formerly known as Cashmere Perfect, Matte Cashmere still offers women a long-lasting foundation, which guarantees up to 12 hours of wear, with a powdered matte finish. However, with a new and improved formula, the foundation’s finish is more velvety and silky than ever… just like cashmere! An innovative texture and luxurious result, Matte Cashmere offers a cream texture that, on application, transforms itself into a silky powder with a soft cashmere finish.

The transformation from cream to powder allows for an easy application yet the complexion is perfectly matte and even. Skin is two times softer and enjoys up to 12 hours of velvety finish.
L’Oreal Paris Matte Cashmere is available in selected pharmacies, department and variety stores.

Fransisca

My first impression was ‘Haven’t I seen this product before?’ It comes in a standard foundation-looking tube.

How did you find the application of it?

Application was a breeze, however because it dries to a powdery finish quite quickly, it is a bit more difficult to know where I’ve applied it to and the spots I might have missed. The texture is cream like out of the tube and upon application to the skin, changes to a powdery texture. No distinct smell that would’ve bothered me.
The foundation did make my face feels velvety and matt (but not in a chalky way). Not sure about the 12-hour claim, but the foundation on my face was slightly blotchy/faded unevenly towards the end of the day. This would be a good option for a mid-range foundation for everyday wear.

Personal Rating:

Natio – Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser

Natio – Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser. $12.95

Soap free cleanser with a neutral pH. Extra low foaming to avoid stripping skin of vital moisture. Effectively removes excess surface oils, impurities and make-up. Helps neutralise the drying effects of hard water. Maintains correct moisture balance. Leaves skin feeling pure, soft and moist. Suitable for all skin types.

Danielle

I thought it would be reliable and I wasn’t expecting any surprises due to Natios’ reputation.

How did you find the application and feel of it?

I used it in the shower and found it was a lot lighter feel on my face than I expected. Once rinsed off, my face had that ‘soapy’ clean feel.
It didn’t lather as much as I was expecting it to and it smelt quite nice. The texture was silky (and it had that appearance on your hand too). I am usually hopeless at using cleansers but I found this easy to use (in that it didn’t lather too much) and it didn’t make my skin break out!

Personal Rating:

Pomegranate Madness – The latest super anti-oxidant ingredient that you must have.

For thousands of years Pomegranates have been used in medicine. Lately however they have been popping up in all kinds of cosmetics. Why is that?
Numerous scientific studies point to the pomegranate as an exceptional source of antioxidants, conjugated fatty acids, gentle botanical estrogens, and other highly beneficial compounds. One study found that pomegranates are far higher in antioxidants than apple juice, black cherry juice, red wine, blueberry juice, cranberry juice, Concord grape juice, orange juice, black tea, green tea and white tea. It really is a super anti-oxidant fruit.
In the USA, studies on heart disease patients showed that taking the juice every day increased blood flow to the heart. It can help lower cholesterol and is a rich source of vitamin C and folic acid. According to Leslie Baumann, M.D., chief of cosmetic dermatology, University of Miami: “Oral and topical antioxidants should be a part of every anti-aging skin care regimen.”
Jane Iredale notes on her website: Researchers assessed the effect of skin application of pomegranate extract on induced skin tumours. The skin pre-treated with pomegranate extract showed substantially reduced tumour incidence. “For the first time, we have clear evidence that pomegranate extract possesses anti-skin-tumour-promoting effects,” said Dr. Farrukh Afaq, lead investigator of the study. “With such a variety of pathways inhibited by the topical application of the natural supplement, we are confident of its therapeutic value.”
Howard Murad, M.D., Los Angeles-based dermatologist said the benefits of pomegranate are twofold. “Pomegranate is one of the most powerful age-proofing antioxidants available,” he says, “and its extract can increase the SPF of topical sunscreens by 25 percent. It’s truly an amazing, healing fruit.” So with all this research going on with this amazing fruit, I for one think that this bandwagon is worth jumping on.

Consuming either the fruit, the juice or applying it in our cosmetics will only have positive benefits for us. Here are some of the amazing array of products that have Pomegranate as an ingredient. Not only do the all smell absolutely amazing, they’re also good for you. Enjoy.

1. Eminenece Cranberry and Pomegranate Masque
The antioxidant superpowers of cranberry and pomegranate combine in a delicious masque loaded with whole fruits, seeds, and juice. The high levels of Vitamin C and polyphenols revitalise and protect the skin while improving tone and the visible signs of aging. Compliment your health with this wonderful masque that is also high in flax seed oil, sunflower and gooseberry. $81.00

2. Jane Iredale Pom Mist
This is no ordinary facial spritz. With ingredients such as pomegranate extract, white tea extract (the creme de la creme of teas) and seaweed extracts, this spray will protect and quench all thirsty skins. And the fragrance is so fresh and clean, you almost can’t stop smelling it. But it’s so much more than even that! Use Pom Mist in combination with sun-protective Jane Iredale mineral bases to create a natural anti-aging shield against free radicals. $39.00

3. Natio Renew Radiance Range
Pure essence of Pomegranate & Vitamin C help to illuminate the skin with a beautiful glow. Nature’s two most potent antioxidants work together to protect the skin from environmental stress, enabling the skin to stay younger for longer. The exfoliator also contains AHA’s to gently loosen outer layers of dead skin to highlight a bright, healthy complexion. Containing 5 products in the line; Foam Cleanser $13.95, Exfoliator $15.95, Day Cream $16.95, Night Cream $16.95, Eye cream $15.95.

4. John Masters Organics Pomegranate Facial Nourishing Oil
This blend of 12 organic plant & essential oils instantly penetrates & nourishes dry skin. It can be used alone or added to any moisturizer for extra hydration. Pomegranate oil is a potent source of punicic and linolenic acids which improve the skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles and help to prevent premature aging.Also great for facial massages. $30.00

5. Kesca Body Candle Pomegranate Martini
These amazing smelling candles are all natural, wax and soot free and contain soybean oil, Vitamin E and Lecithin, vegetable colouring and cotton wicks. The aromas are derived from pure essential oils, extracts and essences of the plant, flower or fruit they are named after. The candles melt at only 2 degrees above body temperature which allows the oil to be poured directly onto the skin, making it an excellent, deeply moisturising skin treatment. $25.00

6. Palmolive Naturals Invigorating Shower Gel with Pomegranate and Mango
Containing only the finest ingredients to help leave your skin feeling soft and smooth every time you shower. It is enriched with natural extracts of Pomegranate and Mango; both renowned for their antioxidant properties in helping to maintain healthy and radiant skin. Also contains special moisture beads to help hydrate and care for your skin as you shower, leaving you feeling replenished from head to toe! $8.99 and is available in supermarkets and some pharmacies now!

7. Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Base
Pure Pressed Base is a four-in-one foundation, powder, concealer and broad spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen. Pine bark extract, vitamin E and algae extract hydrate skin and combat free radicals, while titanium dioxide and zinc oxide protect skin from the sun. Pomegranate extract boosts sunscreen protection and acts as a natural preservative. $83.00

8. BABOR Moist Intense Cream
Our skin cells are connected by thousands of microfine water channels, which transport moisture down to the deepest levels of our skin. As we grow older, these channels decline in number, reducing the supply of moisture to our skin. This cream has extracts of pomegranate that help restore the natural circulation of water in the skin, allowing moisture to travel between the cells and skin layers. Hyaluronic acid has been added to bind in moisture to fight dehydration and Eaqucacteen (Mexican cactus) included to increase moisture & further hydrate. Can be used day and night for most skin types. $104.00

8 DIY Wrinkle Tips – The Simple Things You Can Do at Home to Reduce Wrinkles.

1. Be Gentle with your Skin.
This may seem overly simplistic but harsh washing and scrubbing may do more damage to the skin than anything else. Especially in the cool winter months we may be tempted to use hot water on the skin; however this will strip the skin of its natural barrier oils. Also choose a creamy cleanser instead of soap to wash with as this is again the gentler option. All these measures ensure your skin isn’t stripped dry but retain their natural moisture barrier that protect against wrinkles.

2. Allow Gravity to be your Friend.
Believe it or not, how you sleep can affect how many wrinkles you have. Certain positions ‘crinkle’ the face leading to deep lines that over time will become permanent. Sleeping on your side can intensify wrinkles on your cheeks and chin. Sleeping face down can enhance a furrowed brow. So to reduce wrinkle causing positions, sleep on your back. Not only does this not crease the face but you’re allowing gravity to smooth the skin out naturally.

3. Don’t Forget your Shades
Yes, even in winter you will need your sunnies. Sun and glare cause you to squint which in turn leads to wrinkles by forming grooves beneath the skin. This goes for ladies squinting when trying to read. Consider this a good time to get your eyes tested and get reading glasses if so needed.

Sunglasses also protect the delicate eye area from sun damage which again leads to a breakdown of collagen in the skin and wrinkles. So when considering buying new sunglasses think about the sun protection factor too.

4. Familiarise yourself with Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids. (AHA’s, BHA’s)
Both these natural fruit acids are used to exfoliate the skin therefore reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The main difference between the two is alpha hydroxy acids are water soluble only, while beta hydroxy acid is oil soluble. This mains that beta hydroxy acid is great for oily, acne prone skin with blackheads, while alpha hydroxy acids are better on thinner, drier, sun damaged skin.

Concentration of AHA determines how you use this ingredient. Over the counter cosmetics have less than 10%. Trained beauty therapists can use 20-30% and doctors can use concentrations up to 70%.

5. Increase your Anti-oxidants
This is both in your diet and your skincare. Not only will this help protect you against free radical damage but studies have shown that L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) in skincare may help increase collagen production in the skin (which can reduce wrinkles). It can also protect against sun damage, correct pigmentation problems, and improve inflammatory skin conditions.

6. Say Hello to Sushi
OK, you don’t have to eat it raw but you do have to eat more oily fish. By oil I mean omega-3 which is an essential fatty acid. It is found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and herring. Also in flaxseeds, canola oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and walnut. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include sea life such as krill and algae. By including these in your diet not only will you aid your health but also your skin because it helps to nourish the skin and keep it plump and youthful, helping to reduce wrinkles.

7. Include Soy in your Diet.
Soy is a natural selective estrogen receptor modulator (or phytoestrogen). In clinical studies they have shown that estrogen helps to preserve the skin’s collagen content and its elastic properties, while aiding the maintenance of skin thickness. Studies also show that Soy improves skin hydration, smoothness and firmness.

8. Swap your Coffee for Green Tea.
Green tea is much higher in anti-oxidants than coffee. Considering its well documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, topical green tea is likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging. Opinions vary as to how much tea should be consumed for optimal health. Most experts suggest drinking from three to ten cups per day. However any extra amount is beneficial in helping to neutralise free radicals to counteract the effects of pollution, sunlight and cigarette smoke.

Blistex Daily Conditioning Therapy

Blistex Daily Conditioning Therapy

Description: Blistex Daily Conditioning Therapy will help protect lips from the elements with SPF 16 and it is great for everyday use. It is packed with moisturisers including vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and cocoa butter, which make it fabulous for hydrating and protecting lips.

The Blistex Conditioning range is designed specifically for daily care, to keep lips moisturised and in top condition and it has an easy to apply applicator tip. The Blistex Conditioning range all contain SPF 16 and above to protect lips from the harsh sun.

Size: 7g
Price: $4.95
Availability: Selected pharmacies
Overall Star Rating:

Avery simple, no nonsense product that will do exactly what it promises. It conditions the lips, makes them softer almost instantly and help the chapping greatly. The slanted applicator makes it easy to handle and disperse the exact amount of gel which also gives the lips a lovely soft shine. The SPF in the product is also appreciated. This is a great product to keep in your handbag these coming winter months to condition your lips daily.

Sharyn – Age 26

The outer cardboard box packaging is pretty boring and inside is a white tube of daily conditioning therapy. It’s not a flashy product and will not look ‘cool’ in your handbag but it is conveniently packaged. The slanted tip applicator was very handy with no wasted product and no messy dipping of fingers. The product came out smoothly and easily onto the lips and wore well.

The product was smooth and felt nice on the lips with a slightly cooling/menthol feel and smell. The smell was not too strong, but was slightly medicated so some might not like it. The product was not quite a balm, more like a light gel and gave a great shine so no need for gloss. My lips felt moisturised and protected. They were fairly cracked when I started tying this product so it definitely improved their condition.
Personal Rating: 5 Stars

Honie – Age 37

I was familiar with the name and liked the tilted head for easy application which made it handy to apply throughout the day. My lips were no longer dry after using for the day. Texture was good although it’s only fault was the smell. It was a little strong for me, very medicinal and menthol like.
Personal Rating: 4.5 Stars

Fransisca – Age 25

My first impression was this is the tube version of the classic Blistex pot. The slanted tip is helpful for applying straight to the lips and of course, more hygienic than dipping your fingers in the pot. I like the texture of this lip balm – it is not waxy but emollient and soothing on the lips. It must be all the Aloe Vera, jojoba and cocoa butter. It has a slightly sweet medicinal smell that is typical of Blistex. It helped with my chapped lips and the SPF is great. 4 Stars – good basic lip balm, but I’m not keen on the smell/taste.
Personal Rating:4 Stars

Sharon – Age 40

This balm comes in a convenient purse size tube and is so easy to apply. My lips felt soft and nourished and the balm had a smooth texture and a minty smell.
Personal Rating: 4 Stars
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Chadia – Age 25

This lip conditioner is nice, neat, any age group, male and female can use it. It was easy to apply. No need for finger application. It has instant shine but non lasting; the product didn’t stay long on my lips to achieve long term results. The only advantage was the sun factor in it. It is a bit runny and I wasn’t keen on the smell even though it is meant to be pleasant. I won’t purchase it. But I would get it for someone who would benefit from SPF in it.
Personal Rating: 2 Stars

Montagne Jeunesse Peach Kernel & Walnut Exfoliating Masque

Montagne Jeunesse Peach Kernel & Walnut Exfoliating Masque

Description: Packed with gentle exfoliating beads your skin is simply left silk soft and cleansed.
The masque feels so glossy and creamy on your fingertips, lavishly apply and enjoy the subtle smell of peaches that give you a surprising perk! When you wash the masque off the silky water in your hands smells beautiful and this lingers on your skin for a while.

Size: 20ml
Price: $3.50 AUS
Availability: Variety Stores
Overall Star Rating:

I found the idea of purchasing your mask in individual sachets very appealing. This serves not only to keep your product fresh for each application but also allows you to try and experiment with other product in the range without the need to commit to a whole tube.

This particular mask is not only deeply cleansing but also exfoliating with gentle granules in the formulation. It is very creamy to apply which makes it emollient enough to massage into the skin. Once on the skin and the mask drying, I experienced a little tingling; not unpleasant but noticeable. My skin was definitely glowing after use and felt pleasantly cleansed. I am looking forward to trying all the other products in the range.

Sharon – Age 40

This mask comes in an appealing bright packaging and is very easy to use. I found the peachy smell beautiful and my skin felt revived and smooth after use. Nice exfoliating product.
Personal Rating: 5 Stars

Chadia – Age 25

I found the mask was explained well on the packaging, attractive, colourful and promising to achieve a great skin after use. It was easy to open the sachet and you get out the amount you need without wasting. It contains enough inside to use few times. It would be great if it was in a tube instead to be able to seal well again. Either ways it is great to take with you when going on a holiday. The texture is creamy but still able to enjoy the exfoliating beads in it.

I like the fact that they are rounded, which made them less likely to scratch the surface of the skin and it smelled really yummy. It was easy to massage into the skin and spread easily, after leaving it for 10 minutes on the skin it dried a bit, but with wet fingertips you can moisture it again and massage into the skin for further and deeper exfoliating. It tingled a bit (but no burning) as part of working on the skin. I would purchase it again. Especially if I’m travelling light and it is a great value for money and skin saver.
Personal Rating: 4.5 Stars

Melinda – Age 35

I always love exfoliating scrubs so I was eager to try this one. This scrub has enough in the sachet for two generous applications. I used it on my neck and throat as directed and it had enough exfoliating beads in it to gently massage my face. It had a very gentle smell and was not overpowering, but instead very relaxing. I certainly noticed benefits from using this product as my face felt like it was glowing. It was so incredibly smooth and soft and it felt so clean. It actually felt like it lifted off any dirt that was on my face. It is the perfect product to take away with you as it lies flat and doesn’t take up any room in your bag. Also, it’s good to treat yourself once in a while!
Personal Rating: 4 Stars

Honie – Age 37

The handy pouch size was good to try the product. The application was very easy and there was heaps of product. Smell and texture was good with a very relaxing scent. I didn’t really notice much benefit from using the product but it was a nice treat.
Personal Rating: 3 Stars

Sharyn – Age 26

The product comes in a sachet which I was not thrilled about if I want to use it with possibly wet hands. It actually wasn’t too hard to open when the time came. The scrub was easy to apply to the skin, but I’d say be very careful because of the texture it felt a bit rough on my skin.

My face felt a bit stingy with the masque on, so it was probably a bit too harsh for my skin. The scrub was quite thick, with very obvious exfoliating particles. These felt very rough going on, and when massaging – be very, very gentle! The peach smell was very pleasant and lingered even after washing it off.
Personal Rating: 2 Stars

Australis Perfection Brush On Foundation

Australis Perfection Brush On Foundation

Description: To achieve perfection, you must use the finest tools of the trade. Australis Perfection Brush On Foundation, delivers a flawless foundation finish, with a quick stroke of its excellent, make-up artist quality, brush. The secret lies in unique tool, which effortlessly distributes just the right amount of make up to the skin.

The superior formulation contains moisturisers to hydrate the skin, while the coverage will last all day. Australis Perfection Brush On Foundation is mess and fuss free. There’s no need to carry around bulky brushes and no need to use fingertips to rub in make-up.

It also contains SPF 30+, so it saves time in your morning beauty routine. Available in 5 shades that compliment the skin’s natural pigmentation to blend to a flawless finish.

Size: 30ml
Price: $17.95 AUS
Availability:Priceline, Kmart, Big W, Target and selected pharmacies nationally Stockist Number: 1300 650 981
Overall Star Rating:

A great foundation to rival much more expensive foundations. The application takes a little getting used to but that is normal with any new product. Once you have that down to pat, you can quickly and easily enjoy the benefits of this foundation.

The formula is creamy enough to glide over the face without dragging and light enough to give you a smooth even coverage without heaviness. I especially liked the SPF 30+, which is essential in this country. I loved the fact that I didn’t have to use my fingers applying it and didn’t have to have a separate brush to carry around. The all in one makes it easy to carry in your handbag for touch-ups. I enjoyed using this foundation very much.

Fransisca – Age 25

My first impression is that this is a drugstore version of a more expensive brand of foundation with a built-in brush. However, the packaging looks slightly tacky; I am not fond of the silver-cap. I find getting a hang of controlling the product that comes out from the tube takes some time. But once the foundation was dispensed to the brush, application was a breeze. The brush was surprisingly soft and effective in blending the foundation to the skin.

I really like not using my fingers to blend foundation! I love this foundation – much more than high end foundations that are 4x the price. It feels light and sheer but provides enough coverage to even out my skin tone. My skin just appears smooth and glowing. It lasts well throughout the day. More importantly, I love the SPF30! Texture is light and quite runny. No discernible smell to my nose. 4.5 Stars – I have to reluctantly take out 0.5 star for the dispensing issue, but over all, I love this very much.

Melinda – 35

At first I was wondering how easy or hard it was going to be to apply but with some practise, I think I’ve perfected it. It’s great that you don’t have to use your fingers to apply it and my face looked flawless all day. It made my face look very smooth. It covers up any blemishes and makes my face look incredibly soft and smooth. I also loved the fact that it had a sunscreen in it. It is also is a good idea that you can close the flow of the foundation so it’s a perfect product to use for travelling. There was no smell to the product and the texture wasn’t too heavy to apply. I would buy this product again. This is the first time I’ve tried a foundation that has its own brush attached to it to apply the foundation.
4 Stars

Chadia – Age 25

The product is well sealed, unbreakable, slim and easy to carry in the handbag for touch ups. It was easy to figure out how to use the product, simply designed for quick, no mess application and one push is enough for the whole face.

It gives luminous finish to the skin, non-drying but not that hydrating either, light weight you forget you’re wearing it, easy to clean and the colour blends well with the skin because of the light coverage of it. Very smooth and light, easy to spread. The smell is a bit alcoholic, non-fragranced from the tube but you won’t smell it much when you apply it to the skin. The sun protection is great and beneficial in Australia; it evens out the skin tone and gives a better finish for the skin without the look of having so much product on.
4 Stars

Honie – Age 37

I had seen this product advertised and was interested in trying it. Application is a bit tricky and I found there was a lot of wasted product and you can’t really control how much you get at first.

Also if you squeeze too hard there is a lot of product on the brush top which sits there until next application and I didn’t like this. Texture is good for a foundation and the smell was fine. I thought it had good coverage.
3.5 Stars

Sharyn – Age 26

I really liked the mirror-shine lid so you really don’t need any other tools besides some light! I was really intrigued about the brush, since if I use liquid foundation I would usually apply it with my hands. The foundation initially came out of the tube in a rush. I generally found that it was hard to control how much came out, and to know how much product would be needed. This improved each time I used it. Once out on the brush, it was fairly easy to blend the foundation and get a nice pretty streak-free finish with light – medium coverage.

For me it seemed not too matt, not too shiny but with a glow. The brush was reasonably soft. After checking back a couple of hours, the foundation looked a little powdery and a few patches of dry skin and tiny lines on my face were obvious. I would probably use it in summer when my skin isn’t so dry also with the bonus of the high SPF, or with a richer moisturiser underneath.

There was no darkening or oxidisation of the foundation for me either. Further along in the day, with more oil in my face, the finish was nice and natural. I don’t think it’s as long wearing as advertised (they say it’ll last all day, for me I’d say about 1/2 a day) but because it’s so easy to apply it’s not a hassle to make touch ups. The foundation felt light and fairly comfortable, with no stickiness. I think because it’s fairly light layering the foundation on areas where it’s needed won’t have a caked on effect, it just might appear a bit powdery but that settles. There was no strong smell either.
3.5 Stars

Palmolive Pure Cashmere Exfoliating Shower Scrub

Palmolive Pure Cashmere Exfoliating Shower Scrub

Description: The latest skin care invention to join the renowned Palmolive Pure Cashmere shower care range. Enriched with luxurious ‘mini-pearls’, the new Palmolive Pure Cashmere Exfoliating Shower Scrub will gently polish your skin to help renew and instil nourishment.

Use also in conjunction with the daily Palmolive Pure Cashmere Shower Cream as part of your skin care regime and achieve genuine softness and radiance! As an ideal once weekly scrub essential, Palmolive Pure Cashmere Exfoliating Shower Scrub contains extracts of 100% natural cashmere. Palmolive Pure Cashmere Exfoliating Shower Scrub will help nurture and care for your skin leaving it simply glowing and feeling alive.

Size: 200ml
Price: $7.99 AUS
Availability:Priceline, Kmart, Big W, Target and selected pharmacies nationally
Overall Star Rating:

A wonderfully pleasant textured body scrub. I thoroughly enjoyed the mini-pearls in the creamy formulation which just glides over the skin, gently polishing it. The tube is easy to handle in the shower and the creamy texture makes it easy to spread over the skin before being washed off.

My one dislike of this product was its smell. This is a totally personal criticism as I know other people have enjoyed the smell of the scrub, however for me it was way too overpowering, so much so, that after a while that is all I could smell in my bathroom. I prefer products with less fragrance in them. Overall this is an excellent product that feels beautiful on the skin but check to see if the fragrance is agreeable with you.

Melinda – Age 35,

I was excited to try this scrub as I love to try anything new that can be used in the shower. It was so creamy, yet the feeling of the tiny grains gave my body a nice gentle massage. My skin felt silky smooth after using it. It had enough grains in the product to give your body a good exfoliation and the smell of the product is what I loved the most. Not overpowering, but a beautiful gentle fragrance. I didn’t really notice any benefits from using it, but looked forward to a luxurious scrub every week and more times if I could. I definitely would buy this product again. A great product to keep in the shower when you need some relaxation.
5 Stars

Sharon – Age 40

Wow! I was already a big fan of the Cashmere Shower Cream, now an exfoliant, fantastic! This was very easy to apply. The texture was really nice on the skin, not too harsh. The fresh clean smell was a bonus. My skin felt velvety soft and nourished.
5 Stars

Fransisca – Age 25

When I took it out of the envelope, this product is all I could smell! This comes in a huge tube (very economical), which is not a usual packaging for a shower gel/cream. It wasn’t messy to use in the shower. It lathers well – I squeeze out about a 20-cent piece and find it sufficient. The scrubbing particles are gentle and quite effective. The consistency is more of a slightly runny cream with fine scrubbing particles. The lather feels rich. The fragrance is pleasant, but too strong for my liking. My skin did not felt as dry and taut when I come out of the shower and it is a good gentle everyday exfoliator (although it won’t replace a weekly scrub). 4 Stars – I took out 1 star for the extra-strong scent.
4 Stars

Sharyn – Age 26

The product comes in a squeeze tube that doesn’t take up too much room in the shower/cupboard and is also good for travel. The product was also easy to get out of the squeezey tube. There was a gentle lather and I could definitely feel the mini-pearls. I didn’t notice any immediate skin benefits – my skin didn’t feel any different after using this.

It might take a few more uses before you could notice any difference. The scrub was quite a thick gel with the mini-pearls which were noticeable but not too grainy. There was a pleasant soapy smell. I would probably use this again in the future as it is a relatively inexpensive body scrub and I don’t have a favourite as yet.
3 Stars

Chadia – Age 25

It is a basic product, new to try, and meant to improve the texture of your skin. It was easy to squeeze out of the tube. I wasn’t sure if I had to use it on wet or dry surface. It didn’t spread too far on the skin but the mini-pearls are gentle and non scratchable.

The texture is creamy but it doesn’t spread too far on the skin. I wasn’t so keen on the smell simply because it smelled like the rest of the Palmolive hair products. I would prefer to have a different smell on the body from the hair. It revealed fresher, softer skin but I would definitely follow it by body moisturiser to prevent my skin from drying.
2 Stars

6 Ways to Add Atitude to Your Makeup

The wonderfully rich, deep shades of winter are the perfect background to add attitude to your makeup. How? By releasing your inner diva and unleashing your sexiness.
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Vamp up the lashes.
Nothing says ‘glam’ louder than fabulously long lashes. Not only do they make an instant statement but they open up the eyes and set off the eye makeup. If you are not naturally blessed with long lashes, don’t despair.
Try Eylure Naturalites Glamour Lashes $14.99

Wing the Eyeliner.
This season’s key look is the winged eyeliner. This not only elongates the eyes but is the ultimate in the sultry, bedroom eyes. Whether you prefer pencils, gels or liquids, take the time to practice the wing and you will never look back.
Try YSL Easy Liner For Eyes $57.00

Go Metallic
Replace the shimmer and sparkle of the summer months with elegant metallic colours on your eyes. Wear it all over the lids or just in the inner corner of the eyes for a truly glamorous look. For an extra oomph apply with an angled brush as an eyeliner for the glistening effect that is totally enchanting effect.
We like Minerelle Lust Eyeshadow $19.80 and Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Super Shimmer $33.00

Do Blue
Navy is red-hot this season. Nothing says attitude more than sophisticated blue nails. Not only are they a huge favourite with all the celebrities but they have to be the ‘must have’ accessory in your winter wardrobe. Navy is fresher, edgier and more flattering than the previous black nail trends. Use Zoya Indigo $15.00

Red Pout
Let’s face it, if you are after attitude and attention you go for red. Red lips are not for the fainthearted so be prepared to stand out. Go for the bold, rich, scarlet colours of this season and experiment with the matte and satin formulations. A must try is Guerlain Kisskiss Lipsticks $48.00 for their amazing range of reds.

Pinky Blush
To set off your new high attitude look, put away your bronzers and reach for a soft shimmery pink highlighting blush. Sweep it across your cheekbones for a highlighting effect to achieve a truly polished look. Use Australis Powder Puff Blush $11.99

Clear Skin is Always In! Tips to get the most out of your concealer.

The holy grail of makeup if flawless skin. If you are not genetically blessed with even toned, peachy, glowing, porcelain skin, thankfully you have a few tools at your disposal. Achieving a clear skin is not just up to your foundation. A key element is the concealer.

Yet applying concealer can be a very daunting prospect for many women.

* What is the best way to apply concealer?
* Where do you put it?
* How do you choose the right shade?
* And, how much do you apply?

All these are questions that we will endeavour to help you with. The truth is, there are many different types of concealers; all doing a different job for the different problems we want to disguise. Dark circles, blemishes, redness, uneven skin tone and acne or otherwise scars are the most common. With concealers we aim not to make the problem disappear but rather aim not to draw any attention it.

Choosing the Right Colour

The best and easiest way is to choose one that is closest to your natural skin tone. When you have the correct colour it will seem to disappear on the skin, yet at the same time eliminate the imperfection. There is a lot of talk about using pink concealers for sallow skin, peach for black/purple discolouration and green for redness, however this can get quite complicated and you have to be very experienced to apply it in a way that is not noticeable. So if you have a concealer that is of good quality and is right for the job all you need is the right colour. Choose a concealer that has a high pigment level and is not too drying on the skin so as to actually cover the blemishes rather than sink into the skin.

Eliminating Dark Circles

The number one step is to use a moisturising cream around the eyes. This tops the concealer from caking. To ensure the concealer stays put for the whole day apply a make-up primer first. This will ensure the concealer will adhere to the skin rather than settle in the creases around the eye. Choose a concealer that is of a creamy consistency and has light reflecting properties. Apply with a synthetic concealer brush and then use your fingers to press it into the skin. Contrary to popular belief you shouldn’t use powder to set the concealer around the eyes as this will only cake it and accentuate the lines. By using the make-up primer, everything should stay in place. One last word of caution; don’t choose a colour that is too light as it will give you ‘panda’ eyes.

Blending Out Blemishes

A great trick I once learned from a makeup artist is to use Visine (or any other anti-redness eye drops) on the blemish before applying anything else, to reduce redness and swelling. Also make sure that any spots you have are not weeping but dry before you apply concealer. Then with a small pointed brush, dab some matte concealer directly on the spot, let set for a second and pat with finger around edges to blend. Repeat if needed. Once the concealer has adequately concealed the spot, apply some loose powder with a puff to set it in place.

Reducing Redness

Because redness can appear over a larger sized area I have always found the best way to conceal it is over the top of your regular foundation. This way the foundation will naturally cover the majority of the problem and you will clearly see where you still need a little additional help. Also this way you will not get large cacky areas that are obvious. Ensure that your skin is well-moisturised and use a creamy concealer in the areas that require coverage. Let it dry than add additional layers if required. Dust over with loose powder or as one of my favourite tricks; select a luminescent powder to add a glow and illuminate the face.

Last Tips

Remember with concealers less is more. You don’t want to create a mask of makeup, rather an even smooth complexion. If you feel like you have applied too much concealer, pat a small amount of moisturizer over the top of your makeup. This will give you a radiant glow and reduce dehydration. It is best to use a good quality brush to apply your concealer as you have more control over the application of it, especially in small areas.

3 Tips to Take Fragrance Shopping

Spray or Blot?
When shopping initially for a new fragrance it is a good idea to use the blotters provided. This way you are able to sniff a larger variety of perfumes without being overwhelmed with too many scents on your skin. When using a blotter be careful not to touch it to your skin, rather lean over the paper and inhale the scent then move the paper away for a few seconds.

Repeat the process a few times to get the true smell of the perfume. Wait a few minutes before moving onto the next fragrance. Once you have found a few you might like it is absolutely vital to try it on your skin. This is for a few reasons. The fragrance will smell different on everyone as it mixes with your natural smell and the acids and oils on your skin.

Second, you need to wear a fragrance to really see how you truly feel about the smell hours after you have applied it and to see how the fragrance behaves. If you can it is best to ask for a vial of the perfume so you can take it home and try it on in an unadulterated environment. Try it on in the morning to see how it works for you during the day and try it on in the evening to see how it wears at night. If you still like it after the whole process, buy it .

Classic or Modern
Whether we like it or not, we are all influenced by marketing and fashion. We all like to be modern and at the head of the trends. However, do we choose what’s the latest or should we stick to the enduring classics? There is a reason these fragrances have become classics. There is something magical and universally appealing about their allure. These fragrances are often described as works of art that are timeless in their elegance.

However the latest fragrances often have an edge about them that is hard to beat. Just as fashion changes, perfume styles change too. From fresh watery florals we can change to deeper woody scents. The trick is to trust your own nose and how you will react to a fragrance. Ultimately you are the best judge of what will suit you, so while it is good to check out all the latest offerings give the classics a go too as you might just be pleasantly surprised.

One or Many
Women around the globe are on the hunt for their own signature scent. Something that will convey in a whiff who they are and what they are all about. Or is this an outdated, old fashioned notion? With the millions of different perfumes on the market can a girl limit herself to just one fragrance? While it is good to have one fragrance that is your ‘perfect’, signature scent, which you know will smell fabulous on you no matter what the occasion is and you will always get compliments on it, limiting yourself to just one scent has its drawbacks.

Not only will it loose it’s specialness by wearing it all the time but you may be perceived a being predictable and boring. Also just as your tastes change in your personal style, your taste can change in fragrance too as you age. So rather than limiting yourself to just one perfume and sticking to it no matter what, it is a good idea to find yourself a wardrobe of signature scents. Just as you have outfits for different occasions, have perfumes to match the occasions. It is estimated that most women by the age of thirty will have three or four signature fragrances that they can call on, depending the event. So have your staples but keep experimenting; you might just find your next signature scent.

The Effects of Sunburn – Not Just Skin Deep

by Dr Graham Aldous

Australians lead an outdoor lifestyle, which means significant sun exposure. It is well accepted that UV wavelengths in sunlight are the prime cause of skin cancer which claims around 1,500 lives each year and costs the health system around $300 million. More than 8,300 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year and that number has grown more than 100% since 1985.

UV radiation in small doses has some positive benefits, for instance promoting vitamin D production which is essential for health, but exposure to UV radiation for extended periods of time has serious health consequences. In the short term, painful sunburn can develop, the immune system can be suppressed and the skin damaged through drying, peeling and blistering. In the long-term, UV radiation can cause skin cell damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and direct DNA damage. Studies have also shown UV exposure can cause a generalised, systemic weakening of the skin’s immune response.

The skin is more than just a physical barrier. It is important in producing vitamins and substances that promote health and well being. It has its own immune responses. The skin’s ability to protect itself from foreign invaders and skin cancer relies on a vital and active immune system

The mechanism whereby Ultraviolet radiation induces a suppression of the immune system is complex, being both multilayered and multi cellular. One important aspect of the mechanism involves cells of the immune system, called antigen-presenting cells, resident in the skin. Their function is to capture foreign invaders and carry them to the lymph nodes, where immune response starts.

If exposed to UV radiation, these antigen-presenting cells can be directly damaged or be suppressed by proteins called cytokines leading to a reduced immune response. A fully functional immune system provides the body with a defence mechanism for the elimination of developing cancer cells. If the immune system is compromised then the body’s ability to eliminate these cancers is reduced. The amount of UV radiation required to induce an immune suppression is less than needed to cause sunburn.

The role of the immune system in preventing skin cancer is clearly illustrated in individuals whose immune system has been compromised, such as patients who have had kidney transplants. These patients have a significant increased risk of developing skin cancers.

The importance of UV-induced immunosuppression is understood by the World Health Organisation which has recognised that UV exposure is of considerable concern to human health. It has suggested public health policies should raise awareness of the effects of UV exposure, particularly considerable hazards like immunosuppression.

Realising the importance of protecting the skin against a decreased immune system, Australia’s leading sunscreen developer, Hamilton Laboratories, has developed a world first sunscreen to help protect not only against sunburn but also against UV-induced immune suppression. Hamilton is the international forerunner in sunscreen development, having formulated what is believed to be one of the first commercial sunscreens in the world in 1932.

After more than ten years of extensive research, Hamilton Optimal Enhanced Protection Sunscreen was launched last year and has raised the bar on sunscreen knowledge and innovation. Hamilton Optimal was developed in a collaborative project between Hamilton Laboratories and researchers at The Flinders University of South Australia and Flinders Technologies Pty Ltd. Tests designed to specifically measure the response of the immune system on exposure to UV, clearly showed that Hamilton Optimal could reduce the suppression of the immune system induced by ultraviolet radiation.

Hamilton Optimal is a registered product that makes the claim “UV induced immune suppression may contribute to the development of some skin cancers. Hamilton Optimal sunscreen helps to reduce some of the effects of UV induced immunosuppression” and is the only product in Australia that currently can make that claim.

Hamilton Optimal retails for $15.95 for a 125ML and $18.95 for a 250ML and is available in pharmacies nationally. For stockists phone 1800 882 592.