Australis Vita-Sheen Lip Gloss

Australis Vita-Sheen Lip Gloss $9.95

Australis Vita-Sheen Lip Gloss is a thick, non-sticky formula that glides onto lips smoothly. It contains antioxidants for environmental protection and has a pleasant summery fragrance. Available in five shades: Manic Melon, Cocoa Cabana, Pina Colada, Peach Melba, Strawberry Daiquiri.

Magdalena - Age: 32, Skin Type: Oily Combination

What were your first impressions of the Gloss?

The tube was quite slim but had a very practical Tip.

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

If squeezed gently it gives just the right amount of product.  I like the light sheen it gave my lips and it did look quite natural,which is what I like in my make up.

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

The smell was quite fruity I would say, but it applied quite well and if I didn’t eat or drink it stayed on for a while otherwise I did have to reapply fairly often. Just a good standard product.
I think I will try it in the future again.

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

4 stars as it wasn’t outstanding but it was not bad either.

Hands of Time

Top Tips For Looking After Your Hands and Nails

Your hands take a real beating throughout the day! They’re exposed to water, harsh soaps and detergents that can dry the skin out. Your hands can get chapped or cracked just from being out in the cold wind, from doing house work, or just day to day activities. On top of it all, your fingernails, which are made of keratin, naturally can get dry and brittle with age, and may even turn yellow. Luckily, there are a plethora of fantastic products to help you with your hand and nail care.

How to Keep Hands Healthy

Applying a hand cream or balm to the hand and nails on a regular basis will help keep them healthy and moist.  Just like with skin, it’s important to protect the moisture in their nails. Dermatologists recommend rubbing vitamin E, or specially formulated cuticle creams or oils into the cuticles at night. Circulation and proper nutrition are also important for good skin and nail health. Massaging your nails and fingertips every day will increase circulation to the skin around the nails to keep it healthy and prevent it from cracking. A healthy diet rich in calcium and omega 3 oils will also help keep your nails healthy.

5 Tips for Healthy Skin and Nails

1: The delicate skin on the hands needs to be protected from the sun to minimize the signs of sun damage and discolouration. Some creams combine advanced sun protection with moisturizing agents and are designed to be non-greasy and quick absorbing.
2: Your cuticles are an integral part of your nail care. Treat them gently! First use a cuticle remover to soften the cuticles then push them back delicately with Orange Stick but do not cut or trim them. Always moisturise them well.
3: If you do housework and your hands are in water often, wear gloves to help keep your nails from becoming dry and brittle. Your nails can absorb up to a quarter of their weight in water, which causes them to expand. However when they dry, they contract. This continuous expansion and contraction may weaken the nail and cause breakage.
4: Your nails also need to be treated gently to keep them from breaking. Excessive buffing and filing can weaken the nail. So treat them gently, buff them lightly and use tools that are kind to the nails such as glass nail files.
5: Avoid products such as nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde, which can dry out nails.

Top Products To Achieve Soft Healthy Hands
(Click on the Name of the Product for More Information)

Hand Wash

Miessence Refillable Foaming Hand Soap
Miessence Refillable Foaming Hand Soap provides a convenient, economical and luxurious hand washing experience. More than a thorough clean thanks to purifying ingredients, such as organic lemon myrtle essential oil.
150ml RRP: $17.55

Australian Native Rainforest Botanics Lemon Myrtle Hand Wash
[A’kin] Australian Native Rainforest Botanics Lemon Myrtle Hand Wash features Australian-grown Lemon Myrtle Oil, known for its anti-bacterial properties, in a synergistic blend of softening, skin-kind cleansers and stimulating aromatherapy oils for the ultimate in hand care.
240ml RRP: $13.50

Best Smelling Hand Creams

Max Brenner Madagascar Vanilla Hand Moisturiser
Hand Moisturiser is enriched with Ivory Coast Cocoa Butter: Upon contact with the body, the cocoa butter nourishes & enriches the skin, improves elasticity & serves as a source of antioxidants. Evening Primrose Oil: The oil contains essential fatty acids which are vital for the skin’s functions & for one’s entire body.
100ml RRP: $20.00

Jurlique Jasmine Hand Cream
Jasmine Hand Cream provides long-lasting moisturisation and hydration with a special blend of natural ingredients including Safflower & Macadamia Oils, Honey, Glycerin & Aloe Vera.  Calendula, Viola and Chamomile Extracts help to soothe and comfort skin whilst Carrot Root Extract and Marshmallow help to hydrate and soften skin, leaving skin feeling silky and supple.
40ml RRP: $27.00

Natural Hand Creams

Yuva Intensive Hand & Nail Cream
A highly effective, non greasy formula designed for hands and nails that need care. Macadamia Nut, Jojoba Seed and Olive Fruit oils help moisturise dry fragile skin. Rich in antioxidants Vitamin E and Green Tea extract to help prevent the signs of ageing. Black Cohosh extract helps increase the skins own hydration and production of collagen, while Panthenol speeds healing and binds moisture in the outer layers of the skin and nails for smoother, more youthful looking hands and nails.
75ml RRP: $43.00

[A’kin] Unscented, Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle Treatment
Treat your hands to some intensive pampering with the [A’kin] Unscented, Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle Treatment. The uniquely pure [A’kin] hand and nail cream formulations are non-greasy and rapidly absorbed, delivering natural healing ingredients deep into the hands.
75ml RRP $16.95

Anti – Aging Hand Creams

Guinot Multi-Action Vital Hand Care
Longue Vie Main is a hand and nail treatment, which restores the hands softness and suppleness.  The cream protects against daily aggressions and UV rays, whilst stimulating cellular renewal and minimising the appearance of pigmentation marks.
75ml RRP: $53.55

Alpha-H Age Delay Hand and Cuticle Care Cream
Alpha-H Age Delay Hand and Cuticle Care is a beautiful, rich, silky cream, designed to restore moisture, softness and youthfulness to hands that are dry and prematurely aged. It also strengthens and smoothes cuticles and is completely absorbed by the skin without leaving an oily residue.
100mL   RRP:  $37.95
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Lendan Infinitime Age Delay Restoring Hand Cream
An easily absorbed age delay hand cream with a smoothing texture. It deeply moisturises, repairs and
nourishes the skin thanks to its formula that includes an effective concentrate of natural peptides that firms and regenerates the skin from the inside, preventing the formation of wrinkles.
75ml RRP: $77.00


Pelactiv Hand Cream
Unlike aggressive treatments such as glycolic acid that may deliver instant results but end up dehydrating the skin, lactic acid moisturises the skin so no dry patches appear over time, instead leaving the skin feeling super smooth and hydrated. The Pelactiv solutions use totally pure and natural organic AHA’s.
75ml RRP $32.00

Luxury Hand Creams

La Prairie Cellular Hand Cream
An intensely revitalising blend of marine-derived complex, rich in minerals, combined with exclusive Cellular Complex and an innovative Moisture Complex that creates an invisible barrier to maintain a comfortable level of hydration.  Effective anti-oxidant protection comes from Sprirulina, Vitamin E, Green Tea and Grape Seed Extracts.
100ml RRP: $155.00

Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Hand Crème
Combines a luxuriant texture with extraordinary ingredients to instantly hydrate, smooth and comfort dry, delicate hands, including cuticles, while providing outstanding protection from the damaging effects of free radical assaults. Formulated with an exclusive anti-spot technology, this luscious though non-greasy hand crème helps even out visible skin tone for more youthful looking hands.  Plus, hands feel soft and supple for hours even after multiple hand washings.
100ml RRP: $100.00

Beautiful Winter Hair

THE BEST HAIR PRODUCTS FOR THE WINTER SEASON

With global Autumn/Winter collections already parading down the runway, there is no doubt that heading into the cooler months will bring out on show a lot of rich, deep colour along with sumptuous fabrics – furs and wool, cashmere and velvet – with accessories to match.

Complement your Autumn/Winter look this season with a little extra attitude. Opt for loads of full fabulous texture that will transform not only your hair but also update your style. Whether it be high shine curl definition, a smooth and full bob, or wild out-of-bed tousled texture there are products and tools to help you achieve whatever style you opt for.

This month not only did we  bring together all the best and latest hair styling tools and products but we also have the perfect colour for you and your man to look your absolute best regardless of the style you choose to wear.
(Click on the Name of the Product for More Information)

Best Hair Care Products

L’Oréal Professionnel Série Nature Bio
NEW Série Nature Bio Pureté Naturelle has been infused with organic horsetail extract, formulated to deliver professional and noticeable results whilst still respecting the hair and the environment.

Redken Style Connection
A unique specialized collection within Redken’s styling portfolio, Redken Style Connection is the ultimate styling range where no rules are necessary.
Inspired by the runways of NYC and the tactile textures of the fashion industry, this innovative styling range offers high performance products that benefit hair at every step of the styling process.

L’Oréal Professionnel Série Nature introduces Douceur d’Huiles
L’Oréal Professionnel Série Nature introduces the launch of Douceur d’Huiles; its latest natural and sensorial offering harnessing the power of natural plant oils to control and tame unruly, rebellious hair without parabens, without silicones or without artificial colourants.

The New Kevin Murphy Protection.Line
The new line consists of shampoo, leave-ins and styling aids, all of which feature the unique Kevin Murphy Extreme Heat Protection Complex™. The scientific formula combines a blend of native ingredients that have proven benefits in treating burns; Kakadu Plum, Desert Lime and Wattle Seed extracts help transform dull and damaged hair into glossy and glamorous locks.

Moroccanoil Restorative Hair Mask
MOROCCANOIL Intense Hydrating Mask is infused with argan oil helping prevent hair from environmental stresses and restores dry and damaged hair to restore shine and manageability. MOROCCANOIL Treatment is rich in anti-oxidants and applied to damp hair to seal in moisture, resulting in a natural, silky finish and brilliant shine without leaving a residue

Best Hair Styling Tools

VS Sassoon Academy Tools Dryer VSP5254A
Designed and made in Italy, this dryer has more power (2200 watts) and better technology (it’s ceramic AND tourmaline) than the fashionista-fave Parlux 3500. It also has stronger airflow and is lighter in weight and, at $159.95, it represents unrivalled value for money.

VS Sassoon Academy Tools Straightener VPS87A
The new VS Sassoon Academy Tools Straightener is just the tool to re-create some of the key looks for 2010 from straight up to neat curls. And at only $249.95 it’s astounding with its multitude of features that produce super salon results.

Best Hair Colour

L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Glossy Brownies Collection
The L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Glossy Brownies Collection is a modern colour collection offering warm brown shades that illuminate hair with shimmering dark chestnut tones.  The shades, with harmonious grey coverage, further enhance the hair’s natural beauty with the formula’s inclusion of Royal Jelly… an extremely nourishing concentrate for satin-soft hair with long-lasting glossy shine.

L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Excell 5’
L’Oréal Paris Men Expert Excell 5’ is the first brush-in hair colour from L’Oréal Paris specifically designed for men. The tone-on-tone technology provides a natural looking result that blends away in four weeks.

O.P.I Avojuice Skin Quencher

O.P.I Avojuice Skin Quencher 200ml $20.95

This body lotion features natural extracts and nourishing ingredients to moisturise skin. Available in nine flavours: Jasmine Juicie, Mocha Mint Juice, Vanilla Spice Juice, Coconut Melon Juicie, Cran & Berry Juicie, Berry Jucie, Grapefruit Juicie, Pear Juicie,  Peach Juicie, Raspberry Violet Juicie, Crisp Apple Juicie .

Magdalena – Age:32, Skin Type: Oily/Combination

The packaging is cute but quite small for the price of it.

How did you find the application and use of the Body Moisturiser?

It applies easily and absorbs into the skin quickly. It is a bit on the runnier site but not too much. It smells great and very “summery”’. Kind of like the ripe berries.

I didn’t notice any special benefits, except from the great smell and easy application, I was a bit disappointed. I used OPI Nails Products and they are great but this Body Lotion doesn’t stack up with quality against  the rest of their product. I guess the cute packaging makes it a nice gift for someone, but I don’t think I’d be buying it again.

Out of five, what star rating would you give this Body Moisturiser based on your experience with it?
3 stars for attempting at making a body lotion to OPI, but unfortunately that is were it stopped, at least for me.

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Leg & Foot Crème with Peppermint oils & Rosemary Leaf Extract

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Leg & Foot Crème with Peppermint oils & Rosemary Leaf Extract 100ml, $21.95

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Foot & Leg Crème is 100 per cent natural and helps condition and soothe tired, stressed legs and feet. It contains sunflower oil, coconut oil and wheat germ oil to nourish and moisturise the skin and also features peppermint oil and menthol to provide cooling relief for tired legs and feet, plus rosemary leaf extract and vitamin E to assist in circulation and skin renewal.
The environmentally-friendly contains 26 per cent post-consumer recycled plastic and can be recycled again.
To use, gently massage into feet and legs.

Linda -Age:58, Skin Type: Normal

How did you find the application and use of the Foot Creme?
The application was great, I just loved this product, it made my feet and legs feel all tingly.
I found the texture easy to apply,and the smell was really cooling and soothing.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Foot Creme for yourself in the future?
Yes I will be purchasing this again, I feel that it would do my feet and legs some good, long time use.

Out of five, what star rating would you give this Foot Creme based on your experience with it?
Full marks, 5 out of 5.

Australis Lash Me Mousse Mascara

Australis Lash Me Mousse Mascara $17.95

Australis Lash Me Mousse Mascara defines and separates lashes with a three-in-one mousse formulation that coats lashes individually and provides thickness, curl and extension. The clump-free, flake-free and smudge-free formula contains bamboo extract and vitamin E to nourish lashes and prevent breakage. The double-zoned, flexi-brush targets each lash. Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Available in five shades: Pitch Black, Black, Dark Chocolate, Blueberry and Crystal Clear.

Linda – Age:58, Skin Type: Normal

What were your first impressions of the Mascara?
I didn’t really have a first impression, I thought it was going to be like all the others I have tried.

How did you find the application and use of the Mascara?
The application was good,  not thick.No clogging up. There were no smell, the texture was good. I liked this product. I  noticed that it didn’t make my eyes sore as some other ones have. Easy to apply, it gave full coverage.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Mascara for yourself in the future?
Yes yes Yes.
Full marks 5 out of 5!

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Lip

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Lip RRP $31.95.

Infallible Lip is a two-step lipcolour designed to provide maximum comfort to even the most sensitive lips without compromising the outstanding colour finish and long-wear guarantee.

Step 1 – A base coat for extreme-wear and sealed colour for 16 hours
The difference and ‘magic’ within Infallible Lip is the product’s transfer-proof technology that allows  16-hour wear with maximum comfort.  On application, the pigments in L’Oreal Paris Infallible Lip form a highly resistant and extremely stable network allowing them to remain in cohesion with the lips and prevent them from deteriorating.  Volatile oils and spreading agents encourage smooth application while the patented sphingolipid ingredient offers nutrition and hydration to the lips plus. Arginine PCA is also present as a powerful lip moisturiser.

Step 2 – A conditioning and anti-flaking top coat balm for shine and comfort
Silicone is the star ingredient of the protective and shiny top coat and provides protection against aggressors such as food and rubbing.  Additionally, emollient paste offers comfort with a light, conditioning feel while Vitamin E adds conditioning plus is a powerful anti-oxidant. Finally, Marine Collagen adds suppleness to the lips.
Cutting edge design with click smart technology
New Infallible Lip is the first lipstick that comes packaged as one handy lip duo compact making it both premium and practical.  The product comes packaged in a coloured case that reflects the shade colour… making it super easy for consumers to select the right shade in store.  Plus, the new-generation, sexy compact comes complete with a mirrored case making lipstick touch-ups ever so simple… the proof is in the mirror with sublime colour on luscious, glossy lips.

Leanne

What were your first impressions of the Lip Colour when you used it?
Wow, the packaging is fabulous. Very classy & unique. I couldn’t wait to try it!
It is long-wear lipstick made easy.
It was so easy to apply the colour tube & follow up with the gloss & the mirror effect on the compact is brilliant. Completely fool proof!

How did you find the texture and smell of the Lip Colour?
The lip colour & gloss are both silky & not at all drying, which is great in a long-wear lipstick.
My lips were not only coloured all day but glossy & moisturised too!

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Lip Colour for yourself in the future?
I have already checked out other colours in the range & plan on treating myself to a few more.
I love it!
5 Stars out of 5.

Quyen

What were your first impressions of the Lip Colour when you used it?
The Invincible Red colour of this lipstick is definitely a show stopper as its a bright red colour.  The product is very cleverly packaged in that it both the lipstick and the gloss is held together in a mirror like case to also double as a mirror when applying the lipstick.

How did you find the application and use of the Lip Colour?
The lipstick is very soft and doesn’t leave the lips dry at the end of the day and with the top coat gel, it gives the lips a shine and as it is quite thick, the staying power of the colour lasts for quite a long time.
There is no fragrance to the lipstick however as it feels quite thick, I felt it almost impulsive to consistently lick my lips.

Did you notice any benefits from using this Lip Colour as opposed to others you have used in the past?
The staying power last for quite some time and it does not dry the lips unlike many high priced lipsticks.
The product is very smartly packaged and would definitely be a must for all fashionistas.

Out of five, what star rating would you give this Lip Colour based on your experience with it?
This product could easily be rated as 4 for its design and functionality as its smartly compact and application.

Beauty News – May 2010

Beauty News May 2010

There are so many new products being launched every month it’s really hard to keep up with all of them. Here are some of the few that caught our eye this month at The Beauty Review!
(Click on the Name of the Product for More Information)

Primal Earth – Men’s Skincare

Weleda Skin Food

Napoleon Perdis Introduces High-Tech Skin Renewal Serum

Natio Eye Makeup Remover Wipes

Youngblood Mineral Moisture Tints

Napoleon Perdis Two New DéVine Goddess Lipstick Shades

The Body Shop – Nomadic Beauty Collection

Avon Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick