Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

Description: This vibrating gadget makes cleansing seem fun. The soft, disposable pads whisk away dead skin cells and the cleansing foam detaches the day’s dirty build-up. It sold out within only three days of being on the shelves in the US and will be available here in March.

To cater to these women who want more from their cleansers, the Neutrogena® Wave™ Power Cleanser is clinically proven to clean 10 times deeper than traditional cleansers through the use of softly textured disposable pads and a unique gentle vibrating motion – revealing softer and smoother skin after just one use. The tingly cool foam penetrates deeper as the massaging action opens pores to remove more dirt, oil and make-up.

Price: $19.99 AUS
Availability: Priceline and variety stores
Overall Star Rating:

What a great product! It is hard to improve or improvise on a simple product such as a cleanser but Neutrogena have succeeded. I loved the gentle vibration on my skin and the cleaning ability of the Power Cleanser was fantastic. It removed all makeup to the last trace of it. However the only drawback for me was the need to use a separate eye makeup remover as I prefer to use only one product to do all the work for me. Than I read Dina’s review about taking the pad off the machine and using it around the eyes. I tried it and boy does it work! Thanks for a great tip Dina. Now my Power Cleanser is perfect!

Joanne

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
I love trying out new product, especially the ones that comes with a new technology! That’s why this product caught my eyes and I couldn’t wait to give it a try.
My first impression – it looks fancy, top up with a state-of-the-art technology which means it could be expensive. In fact, it is surprisingly affordable, especially when batteries are already included in it. How often do you buy something new and the excitement blew away once you realised you have forgotten to buy the batteries!
Looks like there is no fuss about trying this out …

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
It’s very easy to use – on and off button makes it easy.
The vibration of the power cleanser is mild and gentle; when applying on the skin, it feels like a gentle massage, cool and tingly; it didn’t foam up until a few minutes later. The whole experience was clean, fresh and not messy at all. The only down side was – I didn’t feel like it was safe to run the power cleanser over running water as instructed. The benefits were instant and apparent.
Better than using an exfoliant – my skin became extremely smooth and fresh – the feeling was nice.
It feels like it has really deep-cleansed my pores and it gave me very smooth skin.
My skin didn’t feel dry and it gave a healthy glow on my face – just liked having a mini facial in a flash!

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Yes I would. The light massage on my face does make a difference from just applying cleanser on the skin directly.
5 Stars!

Leanne

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
It is a compact, cute & easy to use unit.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
The unit is straight forward & easy to use and I love the disposable cleansing pads. Being safe to use in the shower makes it so convenient to use.  I found my skin was softer after the first use & my pores are clearer than ever.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
I would definitely buy this product & have recommended it to friends already.
I would give this product 5 Stars out of 5, & a big thumbs up!

Melinda

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
I felt very privileged to be trying out this new product before it had ever been released in Australia.  I was excited about using it and I wasn’t disappointed.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
This product is incredibly easy to use.  The instructions are simple to follow and it feels fabulous to run across your face.  I love the fact it’s not noisy, just a little humming noise but it works very powerfully.  It fits perfect into your hand.  It’s also very quick to use and it’s so convenient because it’s waterproof and you can use it either in the shower or at the basin. This power cleanser removed more dirt and makeup I think than my previous cleansers without scrubbing.  My face appeared very clean and fresh and I noticed the difference the first time I used it.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
I definitely would buy this again and I have already started recommending it to my girlfriends.
5 Stars. Absolutely fantastic!  Thanks for letting me try this great product.

Sharon

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
Neat and compact. Fits right in the palm of your hand.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
Just apply the cleansing pad and it is ready to use. Great for in the shower !
Very easy to use.  My face felt revitalised and refreshed. Left the feeling of a real deep pore scrub, without the harshness of some cleansers.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Absolutley 100% satisfied! 5 Stars

Leila

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
Very funky looking.  Great size, fits easily in your hand and stores away nicely either in the shower or on the bathroom bench.
Disposable pads fit easily on the cleanser and also easy to remove after cleansing.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
Surprisingly, very good!!  Easy to use.  The on button only needs to be touched once and then the cleanser works automatically. When the cleanser is applied to the skin, it’s a very smooth motion and feels nice on the skin.  Bit of a tingle when you first use it as well.
Only two weaknesses to mention.  1) It takes a while for the disposable pads to foam up once they are made wet.  2) For those who wear eye makeup, you have to use a separate eye make up remover as the cleanser is not able to go around the eye area.
Other than these weaknesses, I found the Power Cleanser really easy to use and very effective in removing makeup, oil, dirt etc.
My skin felt soft after the first application.  It felt like I shed the top layer of my skin as my skin was remarkably softer and smoother! Also, not messy at all. With some other cleansers you use your hands to foam up the cleanser and apply it all over your face. The Power Cleanser does it for you.  It’s like brushing you teeth only it’s your face!!

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Definitely!  Great product! Easy to use, less messy and leaves my skin feeling smooth!
4.5 Stars

Joyce

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
The device is appealing in its size, shape and colour. It’s small enough to fit into my travel case and the disposable foam pads mean that I don’t need to take along my liquid cleanser. The name, however, is something I would usually associate with a kitchen cleaning product!

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
Very easy to use, however, the directions on the box didn’t mention how long to massage over my face. I did go two steps further by running the device over my neck and décolletage. My skin felt polished and smooth after the very first application. The light foam was not drying and left my skin very soft.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Most definitely. I think I’m addicted to the feel of Neutrogena’s Power Cleanser. Once you’ve used an electric toothbrush, you can’t go back to a regular toothbrush. Once you’ve tried the Power Cleanser, it’s impossible to go back to soap and a washcloth!
4.5 stars. I would have given it 5 stars but for the fact that I’m throwing away one pad a day, 30 a month, 365 a year!

Danielle

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
I liked the look of the packaging; the main colour being pink grabs your attention if you were to look for it on the shelf. The wave cleanser itself looks great! Compact & bright – easy enough to find a spot for it in your bathroom or toilet bag! Only having to find one battery too is also a bonus. At a glance it also looks easy to use.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
I found the application of the cleansing pad and activating the foam very simple. Actually using the power cleanser too, was very simple. There was no way you could mess this up. I just wasn’t too sure how waterproof the power cleanser was if you were to get more than just the cleansing pad wet, but I took it in the shower with no problems. I actually found it easier to use as part of my shower routine. It felt really nice on your skin, a cool and tingling sensation. It felt like it was really cleaning your face. I found my skin absorbed the moisturiser well after. It didn’t ‘foam’ as much as I thought it would. The only benefit of using this as opposed to other cleansers was that it felt like it was scrubbing deeper than you could do yourself. Less mess in that it didn’t foam up too much and you didn’t necessarily have to get your hands dirty. I have quite sensitive skin and was worried with the deeper clean that my skin may become irritated. However this was not the case which was a huge bonus.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
I would purchase this product if price was no concern (but the price is reasonable anyway I think). It was also easy to use with minimal mess, left your skin feeling nice and also didn’t irritate the skin.
4½  Stars

Amanda

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
I was really excited to try this product. I often don’t have time to exfoliate so this product would exfoliate & cleanse my skin at the same time which would save me time in the morning & evening.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
I found this product really easy and fuss free to use, you just place the cotton pad on the hand held device, run under water and use it. It felt great on my skin and I could really feel it cleaning deep in my pores yet it was still very gentle on my skin.
My skin felt smoother and revitalised after using this product compared to a normal cream or gel cleanser. I also found this product didn’t dry out my skin like some cleansers do.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Yes I would purchase this product again, I found it did exactly what it said and it was easy to use and also convenient to travel as it is quite compact.
My boyfriend even used it and said he liked it!!!

I would give this product 4 Stars out of 5 star based on ease of use, compact design and the results I saw over the time I used it. The only reason it isn’t getting a 5 out 5 is because the pack of cotton pads is quite small so I feel I would be re-purchasing it all the time.

Annie

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
My first impression of the Wave Power Cleanser was its design. It’s small enough that I could take it with me when I travel, it comes in pink and I really like the look of it. This package includes a battery which is really useful.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
It’s quite easy to use and the pad attaches really well. After my first use, I could feel my face was really clean and soft even though the pad didn’t lather up as much as I expected from the picture on the box. I also found that it’s hard to clean around the nose area. Despite the above comments, this product from Neutrogena works as promised. I’ve used many cleansers in the past and all of them are good, but the Power Cleanser is the best. It cleans my face 2- 3 times deeper than traditional cleansers.
I also use it with my scrub if I want to have an extra clean for my face and it works wonderfully. I clean my face two times a day and I think I will run out of those pads quite fast so I rinse them out really well, and re- use them with my current cleanser.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
I would purchase this Power Cleanser for my self because this is a great product.
I would give it 4 Stars because its refill is expensive.

Noeleen

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
I’m not really one for “gadgets” but I wanted to try this product based on the advertised “10 times deeper cleansing” I was keen to try it.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
First of all it reminded me of a man’s electric shaver, but once I got over that I quite enjoyed the gentle vibration and the way it glided over my skin gently massaging my face. My face was tingling and did feel remarkably clean – however there was no noticeable “foam” which was supposed to appear once the pad had been run under water. Not having to wipe away a cleanser was great .. but I was unsure as to the real effectiveness of the cleanse due to the lack of foam.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
I would – because my face felt great afterwards and I believe would continue to improve after successive uses.
4 Stars- (would have been a 5 if I could have experienced the foam)

Chadia

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
Small, neat, attractive, easy to operate, great for travelling, but has no stand to keep upright or to rest after finishing.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
Easy to use, has a good grip, u don’t have to deal with so many types of cleansers, this gadget does the job perfectly with no mess. And it is water proof which is a great advantage to use in the shower. It cleans deeper and without drying the skin. This helps the moisturiser to be absorbed better and faster into the skin. You can’t use the pad more than once which makes it a bit expensive to replace so often, I prefer if it has some sort of cover or stand to protect the pad for same day use (for me I cleanse my skin twice a day)

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Yes, I would use it for heavy day make up or long day outside to give the skin deeper clean
4 Stars out of 5

Rachael

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
When I first saw the product I thought it looked small and compact and wasn’t sure how it would do all it said it would!

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
To use the Power Cleanser was really simple. Attaching the disposable cleansing pad was easy and then just a matter of slipping in the batteries and turning it on. My skin felt soft and clear after one use which i was extremely surprised at . It is a very easy to use product that gave results straight away.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future? Most definitely…I have even let a couple of my friends use it and they were also very impressed.

I would give it 5 Stars…very happy with a great little product that has no fuss, mess or bother and is small enough to carry with you easily when travelling!

Dina

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
I really liked how small and compact the Power Cleanser was.  Light to hold and  easy to manoeuvre over my face.  At first I worried it would get water-logged under the tap to get the cleanser ‘working’, but it was fine and kept up to its promise of  being ‘water resistant’.  I also loved the smell.  Very fresh and definitely not overpowering.  There was heaps of cleanser left on the pad even after I used it on my face for approx 3 mins.  So, I took the cleansing pad off the ‘Wave’ and used it to cleanse my eyes.  No wastage there.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
At first I had a bit of trouble opening up the ‘Wave’ devise to insert the battery supplied (excellent, I didn’t have to rummage around to find a battery!), my long nails found it difficult to open it – I had to get my husband to do it for me.  But after a couple of practises, it was not problem.  The actually application of the cleanser buff to my face also took a little getting used to.  I found that if you don’t put hard pressure to you face the cleanser ‘foams up’ easier rather than using a harder circular pressure.  All my makeup came off beautifully. My skin was definitely smoother even after the 1st application.  My skin felt like I had just used a scrub cleanser.  But best of all my skin didn’t feel dry.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Absolutely, and especially for my daughter – she loved it!  It would be great to take away on holidays etc, etc, as you don’t have to worry about bottles of cleanser leaking.
I would give the Power Cleanser a rating of 4 stars – one less due to the trouble I had opening it to put the battery in.  But I would definitely buy this product again as it suited my cleansing needs perfectly.

Jennifer

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
Very appealing – the instructions on the box were simple and clear, and the equipment itself looked cute, compact and easy to operate. Also the cleansing liquid in the disposable pads had a light, pleasant and very “clean” smell.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
I found the use of the Power Cleanser very gentle and effective.  It took awhile for the foam to form (making me wonder if I did something wrong when I first tried it, eg did I stick the pad upside down onto the cleanser), but after using it for around 3 minutes around my face, my skin felt really clean.
My skin felt cleaner and tighter (but not dried out) – I could definitely feel a difference right after using the equipment.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Yes – my skin felt great afterwards and the cleanser was super simple to use.
I give it 4 stars – my only concern is how much the disposable pads would cost.  I would use this Power Cleanser probably twice a week to give my skin a “super clean” (to save on the pads and because it takes time to clean the whole face with it, as compared to my usual face wash routine).

Kym

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
Small and very easy to use, great to use in the shower to save even more time on your beauty routine.  Gentle vibrating action resulting in a smooth finish.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
Very easy to apply and remove disposable pads, I found it very handy to keep in my shower and use it daily without taking up too much time. The cleansing foam was refreshing with a gentle fragrance. It gave a nice smooth, clean finish but not really any more effective than others I have tried in the past, the benefits came in the fact that it is easier  to use than most, and you feel as if you are really giving yourself a thorough clean by using a miniature machine!!!

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Yes because of the ease involved in using it, and it really feels as if you’re pampering yourself.
4 stars out of 5

Rosa

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
Cute gadget. Nice design and weight.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
Very easy to use and feels very nice on the skin. The gentle vibration and cleanser pads feel soft. Cleanser in pads smells nice, is refreshing and leaves skin feeling clean, cool, and tingly. I was surprised (and slightly disappointed) at the lightness of the clean – I expected more exfoliation and perhaps a deeper clean.
Whilst this gadget and the pads are very easy to use, I did not feel that there was a hugely significant amount of exfoliation going on. It did leave my skin feeling clean and soft, but not necessarily any better than any of my other Neutrogena products which I use routinely. However it is very gentle and would be great for sensitive skin or those prone to redness. Perhaps after more prolonged use I will notice a greater effect (I have only been using it for 5 days, twice a day). It definitely has potential, and whilst my skin does look clean, I haven’t noticed a huge difference just yet.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Yes I would.
I give it 4 stars.

Brigitta

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
It looked very cute with the pink colours of the packaging but I wasn’t sure how it would work.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
I must say it was great to get the battery with the cleanser as nothing is more frustrating than getting excited to use it than have to look around for a battery.
At first it felt odd to have a vibrating device on my face especially on my nose.
It took a little while to get used to the sensation but the little gadget is actually very gentle. It left my skin feeling very clean and tingly and felt very exfoliating. My skin was so smooth after use it was really pleasant.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
I’m, not sure if I would buy it again as the pads could be a bit expensive, but I did enjoy using it.
4 Stars.

Rebecca

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
I was excited to receive this product to try because it’s the first kind of electronic cleanser I’ve come across. It has a compact design and the hot pink colour is so cute. At first I couldn’t believe that this little thing could be an effective cleanser so I was really anxious to try it out.
I loved how it comes with a battery and a supply of pads so you can use it as soon as you open it.
I was disappointed at how expensive the system would cost to use over a long period of time because the pads are disposable and it does seem a waste to use this twice a day for cleansing.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
It’s quite an easy device to use. You pop in the battery, open a packet of cleansing pad. Attach one pad to the Velcro like cleansing surface, wet it and turn it on. It takes a few seconds to actually start foaming up but it feels like a thorough clean. My first use was a little messy because my pad was too wet and I ended up with water running down my forearms. My face felt very clean and smooth after using this system, my pores were clearer and it was not overly drying.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
Yes I would and I give it 4 Stars, I took one point off because of the long-term expense of this product.

Jasmine

What were your first impressions of the Power Cleanser?
My first impressions of the power cleanser were that it looked quite fun to use, as it is quite different to the normal method of facial cleansing.  The packaging looked inviting, and made me want to try the product with its bright colour.

How did you find the application and use of the Power Cleanser?
The concept of the power cleanser is quite good, but I had problems with trying to get the foaming pads to actually foam up.  I tried different ways of wetting the pad, with both large and little amounts of water, but could not get the cleanser to foam much at all.  Apart from this issue, it was very nice to use, it fit into my hand perfectly and felt very satisfying against my skin. I did notice that the power cleanser seemed to exfoliate my skin a fair bit, and even after the first use my skin definitely felt smoother.  It also appeared to clean my pores a small amount more than a regular facial cleanser.  The power cleanser however was very good at removing all traces of makeup, which some cleansers fail to do.

If Price would be of no concern, would you purchase this Power Cleanser for yourself in the future?
I would be likely to purchase the power cleanser if price were no concern, but only if I could figure out how to make it foam up more, for a cleaner feeling.

Out of five, I would give the power cleanser a rating of 3 Stars. It worked well and I was impressed with the results, however I was not keen on the lack of foaming, and once again if this was improved I would be very happy with the power cleanser.

Interview with Suzi Weis-Fischmann from OPI

Suzi Weiss-Fischmann – OPI Executive Vice President & Artistic Director
“The First Lady of Nails”

1: Livia: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us Suzi, we appreciate that you are a very busy lady so first of all tell us: How did you get started in your career?
Suzi: I have always loved colour and been intrigued by how different shades can evoke different emotions, moods, and styles.  Before coming to OPI, I worked in the fashion industry, which added another dimension to my love of colour.  Finally, at OPI, I get the chance to immerse myself in colour, fashion, and beauty every day!

2: Livia: You singlehandedly create all the OPI nail colours. How do you come up with the ideas for them?
Suzi: Our two signature Collections each year are geographically themed, with all the Nail Lacquers inspired by one particular country or region.  I usually make a special trip to that place to experience firsthand the colours, textures, and fashion.  Combining that information with my colour and fashion trend forecasts for the upcoming season allows me to choose the shades I think will be popular.

3: Livia: What would you say is the most exciting part of your job?
Suzi: The chance to work with colour every day; the travel to sometimes exotic locales; the interaction with magazine beauty editors; and the opportunity to give every woman a chance to feel even more beautiful.

4: Livia: How important are nails and looking after them as far as a woman’s confidence?
Suzi: Very!  People notice your hands and nails almost immediately upon meeting you – whether it’s socially or in a business setting.  Well-groomed hands and nails make a positive first impression.  And being confident that your hands look good lets you focus on your work or your family feeling good about yourself.

5: Livia: What are your colour predictions for the upcoming winter months?
Suzi: Purple, purple, purple – it’s the new black for this winter season.  Also look for rich shades of grey and taupe.  You’ll find all of these in La Collection de France by OPI.

6: Livia: Being such a busy person, what do you do to relax and pamper yourself?
Suzi: I get my nails done – really!  A salon visit for a mani and pedi with OPI products is always a relaxing, mini spa getaway for me.  Also, a luxurious bath after a long day at the office is incredibly restoring.  I follow up with Avojuice Skin Quenchers lotion to keep my skin soft – it’s available in a choice of absolutely delicious “flavors” like Raspberry Violet, Crisp Apple, and Jasmine, all packed with natural moisturisers.

7: Livia: What is your regular beauty routine?
Suzi: Facial cleansing and moisturising twice a day; weekly manicures and an at-home regimen of cuticle oil (Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go) and hand lotion (Avoplex High-Intensity Hand & Nail Cream) throughout each day; all-over moisture after a bath or shower; and a visit to the hair stylist every 6 weeks.

8: Livia: Do you have a favourite beauty product that you can’t live without and Why?
Suzi: Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go.  It’s filled with all kinds of good oils like avocado, sunflower, sesame, and kukui nut oil plus vitamin E to hydrate cuticles on contact and instantly make your hands look like they’ve been to the spa!  Plus, it comes in a leak-proof little tube that fits perfectly in my purse.  In terms of a makeup product, I would say Sisley Anti-Aging Moisturiser – it keeps my skin looking unbelievably fresh and youthful.

9: Livia: Do you have a home beauty remedy that you swear by?
Suzi: You know a lot of that home-remedy sense has gone into the formulation of our products, like the use of avocado in all of our Avoplex Moisture Replenishing Systems.  OPI’s Advanced Avocado Lipid Complex, the foundation of the Avoplex system, is packed with naturally moisturising, protecting, and soothing ingredients, including antioxidants, vitamins, and avocado oil – which closely resembles skin’s own natural oils.  So your skin stays soft, smooth, and comfortable.  My other favorite home remedy is water – drinking lots of it makes me feel better and keeps my skin looking its best.

10: Livia: And lastly, what’s the best piece of beauty advice your mother gave you?
Suzi: Stay out of the sun and take excellent care of your skin.  It must work, because my mother still has beautiful skin at her age!

For information please contact OPI on 1800 358 999 or visit www.opi.net.au.

Roses Are Red – Enjoy Their Benefits

Nothing evokes the sense of love and passion as much as a red rose. It has played a vital role in ceremonies and celebrations throughout the world for many centuries. Though the fresh flower is a very popular offering for many, another use of this beautiful flower is the rose water and rose oil we derive from it. Both these are thought to have originated possibly in the 10th Century old Persia.  Today, most of the rose oils are still produced in that region of the world.

The Rose has been cultivated by the Greeks, Romans, Germans and the French. In India it is regarded as a symbol of grace and beauty, playing a major part in daily rituals and celebrations. Rose water is sprinkled on guests as they enter the marriage pavilion, as a gesture of respect, it is given to the elderly to wash and cleanse their hands, its petals are scattered on the marital bed, fragrant fresh roses decorate palaces and petals are used in the bath and fresh garlands adorn the body as a sign of love and respect.

The Rose has many and varied uses. It is used to scent cosmetics and skin care products, it can be used in an oil burner or a room diffuser. Rosewater is used to relieve tired eyes.  Its petals are used by Ayurvedic doctors to make a syrup and dried, it is used in teas and tonics to relieve dizziness and headaches. Cooling, calming and moisturising, it is a rich source of Vitamin C and can therefore be used on most skin types however it is especially valuable for dry, sensitive or aging skins.  It is recognised for its valuable and effective anti ageing properties. It has a tonic and astringent effect on the capillaries just below the skin surface, which makes it useful in diminishing the redness caused by enlarged capillaries. Rosewater has been shown to be very valuable as an antiseptic in eye infections.

Very large quantities of rose petals are needed to produce a very small amount of oil. Thus, it is very costly. Thankfully only a small amount of rose oil is needed in most therapeutic preparations as it is not used in its concentrated state, but rather in carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, grape-seed or a cream base.

So whether you enjoy it in its fresh form, as oil, a rose water or in your skincare products the red rose is simply a pleasure to be enjoyed by all!

1: Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil
Composed of seven types of roses from around the world, Red Roses is a surprisingly clean, voluptuous scent. With a heart of crushed violet leaves and hints of lemon and spearmint, it unfolds like a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers. Red Roses Bath Oil gently fragrances and moisturises the skin. Lush and softly foaming, it’s pure relaxation.
The universal symbol of romance, Jo Malone Red Roses is a modern take on a classic tradition. The inspiration behind the fragrance is the notion that the rose is something a man would give to a woman anywhere in the world.  Available at selected David Jones stores and www.jomalone.com.au
250ml $100

2: OmVeda Rose Skin Toner
OmVeda has harnessed the intoxicating and therapeutic powers of the red Rose in the richly royal Rose Toner an aromatic finishing tonic for the face. Unique formulation made from rose petals, date extract and red sandalwood. Tightens pores, prevents blackheads and softens. The scent of pure roses and sandalwood is uplifting
100mls Price: $37.40.  For stockists visit www.omveda.com or call 1300 662 383.

3: Be Genki Sensuality Oil Blend
This Oil Blend is a highly concentrated blend of pure essential oils: rose otto, jasmine, ylang ylang, lavender, bergamot and melissa. Ideally designed to be used in an oil burner to help evoke feelings of love.
15 ml, $24.00

4: Ayurda Dew Drop Moisturiser
A naturally nourishing moisturiser made of distilled aqueous extracts and herbs high in nourishing oils, as well as the salts of magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and calcium. It also contains pure rose and neem extracts to help retain the skin’s moisture and provides an excellent cooling effect. Dew Drop Moisturiser keeps skin fresh and glowing, reduces wrinkles and is an excellent skin food.
The wonderful aroma of this moisturiser is not only pure indulgence but therapeutic as well. This product works inside out to repair the cells and maintain your skin’s youthful integrity.
125 ml $74.95. Visit www.ayurda.com.au

5: Ella Bache Gommage Délicat
A very gentle exfoliating gel rich in rose bud extracts, rose petals and macadamia oil to soften the skin. Ideal for mature, dry, sensitive and delicate skins. This alcohol free exfoliant gently eliminates dead skin cells while respecting the most sensitive of skins. Gommage Délicat revitalises, brightens and smoothes the skin for a glowing complexion.
75ml, $66.00

6: Be Genki Sensuality Body Oil
Blended with essential oils of Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Melissa, Jasmine and Rose Otto, Be Genki Sensuality body oil is designed to be used when you want to help evoke feelings of love.
Rose oil is regarded as being a gentle aphrodisiac which helps to spiritualise sexual relationships and is reputed to help with refreshing a sad heart, and opening the doors to love and friendship. It is renowned as being the supreme oil of the heart chakra, which is the centre of love, whether that is love for one person or universal love.
Nurture and spoil your partner. Or if you’re alone, indulge yourself. Expand your feelings of love to reach an acceptance of unconditional love for each and everyone.
100ml, $32.00

7: Ilcsi Rose Hip Whip Moisturiser
Made from raw rose hips prepared using a special ripening method and whipped into a cream, this lightweight moisturiser works wonders on all skin types. It calms and recharges skin with high doses of vitamins A and C and is ideal for overactive skin as it’s oil free and leaves a wonderful matte finish. This is the perfect calming and regulating cream. The combination of rose petals, pectin and lemon juice raise moisture levels in the skin helping to improve the overall appearance for a brighter and clearer complexion. It also contains red rose petals, rose oil and corn germ oil.
30ml, $90.00

8: The Body Shop’s new Limited Edition Moroccan Rose Fragrance Collection
A modern interpretation of a traditional rose fragrance.
To capture the fragrance, the petals are harvested at dawn when they are at their fragrance peak, while a careful process of steam-distillation ensures the magnificent rose fragrance is faithfully captured.
Moroccan Rose Eau De Toilette (RRP $31.95) Featuring the essence of Moroccan roses, this stylish fragrance exudes ultra femininity. Featuring floral top notes of rose and spice, middle notes of mimosa and orange, and base notes of rose, cedarwood, vanilla and musk.
Luxurious Moroccan Rose Bath & Massage Oil (RRP $27.95) Imbued with rose oil, perfect for softening the skin, this gloriously fragrant product also contains rosehip oil – renowned for its unique moisturising properties.
Moroccan Rose Body Butter (RRP $29.95). Packed with skin softening ingredients, as well as rose oil and Moroccan rose extract, to leave skin fragranced with a delicate floral scent. The shea butter, organic babassu oil and organic soya oil ensure this product is easily absorbed into the skin.
Moroccan Rose Shower Gel (RRP $17.95) is a beautiful cleansing gel with oil from roses hand-picked at dawn. Skin stays moisturised with Community Trade organic honey and Moroccan rose extract.
Moroccan Rose Body Milk (RRP $22.95) is a lightweight moisturiser that instantly nourishes and hydrates the skin. Enriched with sesame seed oil from Nicaragua, organic olive oil from Italy and organic babassu oil from Brazil to soften and condition the skin.
The Limited Edition Moroccan Rose Fragrance Collection is available from 2 February 2009 for six months or until sold out.

How to Look 10 Years Younger in 10 Easy Steps

Nothing is easier than getting comfortable with your skin care and makeup routine. However, doing the same makeup time after time can add years to your appearance. Here are some easy to follow pick-me-ups to turn back time and look ten years younger.

1: Lighten up on your foundation and concealer

It is so tempting to pack on the makeup to hide dark circles or problem spots, but cakey, heavy makeup can settle into wrinkles and make them look deeper therefore aging you.
Always start with a good moisturiser to help the makeup glide onto the skin smoothly and evenly. Preferably your makeup should allow your natural skin to show through, o never apply your makeup too thickly. Then, dot your concealer on the spots that need extra coverage, such as under your eyes, around your nose and on any pimples.
For dark circles use a peach based concealer to contrast the colours.

2: Always use an eye cream

As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and dark circles may appear.
Extra care is needed when treating this delicate area because if the skin is being pulled and stretched constantly you will develop more wrinkles. So always use a soft touch when removing eye makeup. Use a hydrating eye makeup remover and gently wipe it across the eye lid, never scrub the skin. Dry your eyes by gently patting it with a soft towel and finish off with a dab of anti-ageing eye cream to firm and plump the fine lines and wrinkles around your eyes.

3: Look after your neck and décolletage

Just like around the eyes, the skin on the neck and décolletage are very delicate. Unfortunately for a lot of women this area is also very sun damaged therefore requiring some gentle care. When cleansing your face remember to include the neck and chest area too and most importantly always, always moisturise. Smooth on your cream from the décolletage in an upwards motion encouraging the skin to lift. And remember to apply sunscreen to this area is very prone to sun damage,

4:  Care for your hands

Unfortunately your hands can give your age away too easily. One of the hardest working body parts, the hands need extra attention as we mature. Try to use creams that have sunscreen in them to prevent sunspots. Once a week, pamper hands with a manicure- scrub, mask, moisturise and finish it all off by painting your nails. Avoid long talon like, dragon lady nails, instead wear your nails short or medium with non-chipped nail polish.

5:  Hydrate your body

Nothing replaces the benefits of exfoliation and moisturization. Pay special attention to elbows and knees as these areas are prone to give away your age. By exfoliating every day on your body you are removing dead skin cells, allowing new, fresh cells
to come to the surface, revealing smooth, supple and radiant skin.

6: Stock Up On Your Beauty Sleep

Sleep is vital to our overall health, especially to looking young. Sleep also helps to
protect and nourish the mind, body and spirit. The physical and emotional benefits of getting enough sleep are profound, yet work and social activities often take precedence over slumber. During sleep the skin also repairs itself as the facial muscles relax and skin rebuilds. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Night Health is a collection of products clinically proven to encourage relaxation and help prepare your mind and body to welcome sleep back into our night time routine, as Mother Nature always intended.
Night Health Bedtime Face Cream $120 for 50 ml
A rich, emollient face cream contains potent plant actives that work while you slumber to revive the skin, minimizing the appearance of damage and maximizing the skin’s natural restorative ability. Buckbean and St. Paul’s Wort extracts target tense, clenched-looking skin, helping to relieve visible lines. Wheat Bran and Olive Extracts aid in repairing the skin’s protective barrier, sealing moisture in and damage out. Soothing essential oils encourage tranquillity in both mind and body, helping release the day’s tension so that you can rise and shine with bright, healthy looking skin.
Bedtime Balm $55 for 30 ml
Rub this non-greasy formula onto acupressure points including the back of the head, shoulders and soles of the feet and deeply inhale the aromas of Organic Lavender, Organic Mandarin and Chamomile. The creamy combination of Organic Shea Butter with Sweet Almond and Coconut Oils absorbs easily into skin, letting you massage away stress with this smooth, velvety on-the-spot balm. Essential oils maintain an aura of tranquillity.
Bedtime Spray  $60 for 100 ml
Lightly mist your body with this soothing aromatherapy spray before slipping between the sheets. The calming, therapeutic fragrance of Lavender, Mandarin and Chamomile Oils helps clear the air for a peaceful night’s sleep. The perfect final touch on your relaxing night time routine, this soothing bedtime spray helps promote a smooth transition into a dreamy state.

In the evening, prepare your body for a peaceful night’s sleep with a relaxing night time ritual.

1. Sweep the hydrating Night Health Bedtime Face Cream onto clean skin over face and throat, deeply inhaling the soft aroma of soothing essential oils.

2. Further unwind by triggering certain acupressure points with the Night Health Bedtime Balm. After warming a generous amount of the Bedtime Balm between fingers, apply to the hollow at the base of the skull. Gently massage three circles forward, then three circles backwards. Slide hands down to base of neck, midway to the outside of the shoulders, just below the tops of shoulders. Gently massage three circles forward, then three circles backwards. Next, massage balm in the crease between the palm and wrist in line with your little finger. Massage three circles forward, then three circles backwards. Finally, using small circles, massage the Bedtime Balm onto the soles of the feet until cream penetrates.

3. The final step of the night time ritual includes one last aromatic invitation for sleep. Lightly mist the Night Health Bedtime Spray over the body and inhale deeply, allowing any remaining feelings of tension and anxiety to float away as the soporific aromas of soothing essential oils help usher in relaxation.
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Night Health will be available on counter from the 1st June 2009.

7:  Go Glossy on the Lips

As we age the lips get thinner and drier and lines start to show around the mouth. A dark lip liner and dry matte lipstick actually draws attention to these fine lines. Lip gloss makes the lips appear fuller and more plumped. To make lip gloss stay on the lips follow these steps; apply your lip-liner in a colour closest to the lipstick and colour in the whole lip with it. Follow with a lipstick and top it off with a gloss for a fresh youthful shine.  Don’t take the gloss out to the edges of the lips to avoid bleeding of the colour.

8: Focus on the Eyes

Nothing ages a woman more than tired, droopy eyes. The aim is to have bright, refreshed looking eyes. Look for shadows that are crease-resistant, have light-reflecting properties and stay put for hours.
Use your eye liner to your best advantage. Eye liner makes eyes look full and wide open, de-emphasizing any signs of aging.
As black can make the eyes look hard, consider switching to a subtle brown or brown-black. Use a powder eyeliner applying it with an angled brush and work the powder liner into your lash line, getting in between all the lashes. It should be visible when your eyes are open.
Apply lashings of mascara and don’t forget tho curl the lashes for the ultimate wide eyed effect. Or use a curling mascara, such as Rimmel Sexy Curves $17.95

9:  Define Your Eyebrows

Our brains associate thick, groomed eyebrows with youthfulness. Defined brows also set off the eyes by creating the illusion of wider more uplifted eyes.
Choose a powder colour similar to your brows and apply with a small angled brush. Don’t make them too drawn on as that detracts from the effect we are going for. Also don’t increase the height of the arch as this will only create an angry look. Follow the brows natural contour line, focusing on filling in any gaps, not crafting a new look.

10:  Whiten your teeth

A bright smile gives the impression of good health and youth. On the other hand stained, yellowed, dull teeth will age you beyond your years.
There are different ways to whiten teeth, from at-home treatments to visits to your dentist. You can also buy toothpastes and mouthwashes that help your pearly whites sparkle. Cut back on teeth-staining habits such as drinking coffee, red wine, smoking cigarettes and, of course, brush and floss your teeth regularly as it helps keep stains at bay and lowers your risk of periodontal disease, the main cause of tooth loss.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Natural Shampoo

The time has come where every cent in the budget counts. So what better time to learn how to make your very own shampoo at home? Not only will this save you lots of money but you will have fun doing it, the kids can join you and it is good for you and your hair as it doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals or detergents. This is cheap and smells amazing!

Step 1:
Collect your ingredients:
Liquid Castile soap or pure soap flakes (Can get it from most health food stores or organic supplies shops)
Glycerine (from the supermarket)
Herbs – Can be any dried herb that appeals to you however there are certain herbs beneficial for different hair conditions. For people who have blonde hair and want to keep it that way, stay with lighter coloured herbs. Many herbs are used as colourants so stick with herbs that are light in colour such as Chamomile, Lemongrass, Lemon and Lavender. If you don’t have any herbs available, you can also use herbal teas and these have the same result.
Essential oils: These can be to taste, whatever smells you enjoy. And go creative!

These are two of my very favourite combination shampoos:
Lemongrass, Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo
Ingredients
4 cups water
2 leaves of lemongrass
1 branch rosemary
1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap
1 tablespoon glycerine
1 teaspoon of pure lavender essential oil

Orange, Mint & Rosemary Shampoo
4 cups water
1 branch rosemary
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1 teaspoon of pure orange oil
1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap
1 tablespoon glycerine

Method
1. Put the lemongrass, rosemary or other herbs of your choice and water into a large saucepan. Put the lid on the saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the herbs, then add the liquid soap and stir well.
3. Add the glycerine and stir again. Turn off the heat and allow to cool. Add the lavender or any other essential oil and stir again. Use a funnel to pour into a clean, sanitised plastic bottle.
(Tip: don’t use glass – it’s dangerous in the bathroom if dropped and broken).
4. As the mixture cools it will thicken; shake it up a few times to make sure it is blended well. After a few hours you should have a thick, yellowish liquid.

For the Rinse

The easiest rinse is to brew a large cup of mint tea. Allow to cool and rinse hair with it after washing. Comb out and dry as usual.

Lavender rinse
Pour boiling water over lavender leaves and allow to cool. Remove lavender and add 1 cup white vinegar to the water. Rinse hair with it after washing than dry as usual.

Keep the shampoo in a cool place (Fridge), and throw it out if it starts to look or smell odd – remember, it doesn’t contain any preservatives.
Obviously, this is only a taste of the wonderful recipes available. There is no limit to what can be created; your imagination is your only guide. Whatever fragrances you enjoy, you can incorporate them in your shampoo. However please be aware that your chosen ingredients are skin safe (check labels of essential oils in particular). If unsure, conduct a patch test of the ingredient on your skin for 24 hours.
Making your own shampoo may take a bit of experimentation, a bit of patience and a bit of messing around, however when you have mastered it you will realise that the effort is certainly worth it.

Beauty News – April 2009

Origins Launches Global Earth Initiative

Origins will aid reforestation projects globally helping to plant thousands of trees around the world for the benefit of the people and the planet.  The initiative will kick-off with an in-store and promotion.  Beginning in April, for every Origins™ A Perfect World™ Antioxidant moisturizer with White Tea sold, Origins will purchase a tree to be planted.
With the new Origins “Return to Nature” Earth Initiative and global reforestation project, Origins is partnering with Greening Australia to support the delivery of critically important environmental works. To advance this goal, future global in-store events and promotions will take place throughout the year which will support reforestation initiatives.  Since its inception, beginning with its iconic double-tree logo, Origins commitment to the planet and people who populate it began when the brand was born in 1990.  Origins believes that reducing pollution means increasing efficiency and wasting fewer resources.
Origins products are powered by nature and proven by science using natural and certified organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils.  All products are formulated without Parabens, Phthalates, Propylene Glycol, Mineral Oil, PABA, Petrolatum, Paraffin, DEA and animal ingredients (except cruelty-free honey and beeswax).
Available at Myer,  David and selected pharmacies. Customer enquiries: 1800 061 326

Aveda Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution

A high performance daily leave-in treatment that relieves scalp itching and helps prevent the reoccurrence of dandruff. Powered by Aveda’s advanced botanical science and soothing essential oils and herbs, Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution is proven to reduce flaking by up to 41% in one week.
Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution directly combats dandruff using a unique cocktail of botanical ingredients. The formula’s star ingredient is essential oil of lippia, a wild plant native to North Eastern Brazil.
Lippia – used in traditional Brazilian folk medicine to remedy infections, inflammation and discomfort on skin and helps purify and clarify the scalp.
Salicylic acid 2% -helps gently exfoliate the scalp to effectively treat dandruff conditions. Sugar-beet extract -helps condition the scalp. Herb extracts of rosemary, echinacea and sage – leaves scalp feeling soothed and healthy.
RRP: $49.95, 125 ml. Available in Aveda salons, spas, and stores from 28 December 2008. Visit aveda.com.au or call 1300 300 054

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleansers

Clarins extend the Gentle Foaming Cleanser to a range of three cleansers that are as gentle as cleansing milk and as effective as soap, perfect for those looking for deep-down cleansing, who enjoy the purifying and refreshing feeling of soap and water, yet dislike the drying effect. With special benefits for skin with specific needs and a new dermatologist tested, 100% plant complex combining Gypsophila, Polymnia and Cottonseed which bring comfort to all skin types.
Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter Dry or Sensitive Skin
Comfortable cleansing with a richly textured, soap-free foaming cream. Enriched with soothing active ingredients, this ultra-gentle, lightly scented cleanser is ideal for dry or sensitive skin. It cleanses skin perfectly and gently, eliminating all impurities and traces of make-up, nourishes, comforts and makes sensitive skin more supple, soft and smooth.
Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed Normal / Combination Skin
A rich cream that transforms into a delicate foam with a fresh, invigorating scent. Gentle soap and anti-drying fatty acids help to gently eliminate impurities and traces of make-up, leaving normal or combination skin looking fresh and feeling velvety soft. Immediately improves skin’s radiance by eliminating all impurities and excess oil secretions without irritating and protects the outer layer of the skin and maintains ideal skin balance. A refreshing and invigorating fragrance (head notes: Lime, Grapefruit, Mint; middle notes: Freesia, Galbanum, White Peach; Base notes: Patchouli, Vanilla)
Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Tamarind and Purifying Micro-Pearls Combination or Oily Skin
A soft cream cleanser enriched with purifying Micro-Pearls and Tamarind extract, a plant exfoliator, ensures ultra gentle, yet highly effective cleansing for combination or oily skin. Purifies skin, while refining skin texture and cleansing pores and protects the outer layer of the skin and maintains ideal skin balance. Purifying Micro-Pearls and Tamarind Extract refine skin texture by helping to eliminate dead cells that block pores.
RRP $40 / 125ml
Available from 6 April 2009 at leading department stores, Clarins Gold Salons, select salons and pharmacies nationally. Stockist enquiries on (02) 9663 4277

Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx Whitening System
Uneven skin tone, or hyper pigmentation, is the result of an over production of melanin. Researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute, ChromaWhite TRx delivers skin brightening results without the use of potentially damaging “lightening” ingredients that can impact skin health. In addition to many ingredients that have proven to safely and effectively treat hyper pigmentation, Dermalogica is very excited to be the first to use Oligopeptide-34, an exciting new ingredient that works to reduce pigmentation by decreasing melanin synthesis within on a cellular level for brighter, more even skin.
ChromaWhite TRx is the first brightening system to take a three step approach to controlling hyper pigmentation while simultaneously focusing on improving skin health. Typically, consumers rely only on a single treatment product containing skin brighteners, rather than approach pigment-balancing in every aspect of their skin care regimen. Because the production of skin pigmentation is a multi-step process, a multi
-step system must be used to control discolouration and produce visible brightening results. With ChromaWhite TRx, consumers will prepare skin for maximum treatment through cleansing and exfoliation, prevent pigmentation formation on a cellular level with targeted treatments, and protect skin from environmental assaults that trigger discolouration with sophisticated treatment moisturisers, including SPF30 protection.
ChromaWhite TRx Product Line Up:
Tri – Active Cleanse $92.00 for 150ml
A triple -active concentrated cleanser that improves surface clarity, lifts dulling skin cells and  prepares skin for maximum penetration of our original blend of Enzymes, Peptides and Active Whiteners. Skin is left feeling ultra
clean and conditioned. Vitamin C, mulberry root extract and giant fennel root extract helps lighten surface spots. Shea butter provides critical moisturization.
Powerfoliant $159.05 for 8.9ml x 2
Remove dulling surface cells and help maximise the absorption of lightening treatments with this potent, two part  powder/liquid system that activates when combined. The dual chamber delivery system ensures maximum potency and freshness upon activation for unsurpassed results. Contains pumpkin fruit ferment, salicylic acid, lactic acid to stimulate cell renewal and white tea extract.
TRx C-12 Concentrate is a rich, high potency treatment that lightens, minimises discolouration and improves skin clarity. Contains oligiopeptides to reduce melansome transfer to cells.
C – 12 Concentrate $192.00 for 30ml.
A silky rich, high potency treatment that lightens, minimises discolouration and improves skin clarity. Helps treat cellular discolouration. Velvety Silicones absorb quickly, condition skin and reinforce barrier lipid layer. Contains oligiopeptides to reduce melansome transfer to cells.
Extreme C $181.00 for 8g.
A unique powder to emulsion treatment which delivers a high concentration of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) along with lightening agents and exfoliants to optimise skin clarity. Accelerates skin whitening. Strengthens skin’s defences against future  discolouration. Silky emulsion glides gently over skin for efficient application.
Pure Light SPF30 $145.00 for 50ml.
A medium weight daytime treatment moisturiser that conditions and brightens skin while physical sunscreens help defend skin against pigment inducing UV light.
Antioxidants and Botanical Extracts help guard against further hyperpigmentation.
Natural mineral UV blockers protect against UVA and UVB photo damage.
Pure Night $165.70 for 50ml.
Nourishing and brightening overnight moisturising treatment to help minimise surface spots while conditioning and hydrating skin. Helps treat and prevent cellular discolouration for unsurpassed brightening and tonal balance. Smoothes fine dryness lines while nourishing skin. Improves barrier protection against moisture loss and shields against environmental damage.
TRx Complex
A professional super-concentrated brightening treatment containing our exclusive b
lend of Peptides, Minerals and Botanical Extracts to deliver actives to targeted areas, brightening and improving  clarity and helps treat cellular discolouration..

AVEDA 2009 Earth Month

Celebrating 30 years of caring for the Earth, Aveda announces a record-breaking 2009 Earth Month campaign that unites its network professionals and guests for a single cause: clean water rights. Aveda Earth Month 2009 calls for strategic local and global action to protect local waterways, promote organic farming, empower communities and help make clean water accessible to everyone—everywhere.
In honour of the its 30th Anniversary, Aveda’s fundraising goal for 2009 is to raise $3 million during the month of April for global and local organisations working to support and preserve clean water. Having celebrated Earth Day since the Company’s founding, the activist-based brand pioneered Earth Month in April 1999. Last year, Aveda exceeded its 2008 Earth Month goal of $2.3 million by raising $2.8 million for clean water projects. Today, the Aveda network has raised over $11 million for environmental causes through its annual Earth Month campaigns.
2009 Earth Month projects include:
LIMITED EDITION “Light the Way” Candle
The Aveda 2009 Earth Month campaign includes the launch of a limited edition ‘Light the Way’ soy wax candle sold during the month of April to raise funds and awareness for clean water rights across the globe. This year’s candle features a new, French-inspired stress-relieving aroma with 100% EcoCert certified organic ingredients, including lavender, lavandin and clary sage sourced from the south of France . Light the Way also features award-winning environmentally responsible packaging: the candle is contained in 95% post-consumer recycled (PCR) glass and the outer carton is printed with soy ink on 100% recycled “make-readies”—sheets of carton stock previously used by Aveda to prepare its printing press. By purchasing the $19.95 Earth Month candle, consumers can support Aveda’s global efforts to help make clean water a human right and help raise $1,000,000 if all candles are sold. Aveda will donate 100% of the proceeds to its global Earth Month partner, Global Greengrants Fund.

Estee Lauder Introduces Chocolate Decadence
A Temptingly Delectable Color Collection for Autumn

This Autumn, Estée Lauder brings you an array of sugary-rich confections to tempt your color palette. From Berry Chocolate Truffles and Caramel Pralines to swirls of marbled fondant dusted with golden spun sugar, Estée Lauder has captured the essence of a luxurious boutique filled with rich chocolate works of art. The look features intensified lined eyes and softly glowing skin complemented by lightly sculpted lips and perfectly polished nails.

Base Look for Face
New, Limited Edition Crème Caramel Shimmer Powder $72.00

For the Berry Chocolate Look
New, Limited Edition Pure Color Lipstick in Berry Cordial & Berry Swirl $44.00
New, Limited Edition Pure Color Swirl Gloss in Berry Swirl $40.00
New, Limited Edition Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Berry Truffle    $72.00
New, Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Berry Cordial $36.00

For the Caramel Chocolate Look
New, Limited Edition Pure Color Lipstick in Crème Caramel & Caramel Swirl $44.00
New, Limited Edition Pure Color Swirl Gloss in Caramel Swirl $40.00
New, Limited Edition Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Caramel Truffle $72.00
New, Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Crème Caramel $36.00
Available for a limited time only beginning April 12, 2009 at selected Estée Lauder counters nationwide.
Stockist Number: 1800 061 326 www.esteelauder.com.au

Nad’s Natural Warm Wax with Sensual Sangria

Wax It Off With Sensual Sangria For Sexy Smooth Skin! Sangria is traditionally a Spanish drink enjoyed throughout summer all around the world but the hair removal experts from Nad’s are reinventing its use in their new Nad’s Natural Warm Wax with Sensual Sangria. It contains Red Grape extracts to soothe and calm the area after hair removal, leaving your skin silky smooth for up to 8 weeks. Orange Blossom beautifully cleanses the skin and will leave your skin smelling delicious and fruity!
Nad’s Natural Warm Wax with Sensual Sangria is dermatologically tested and is made from all natural ingredients including honey and lemon juice. It washes away with water and will leave your skin feeling smooth, soothed and moisturised. RRP $10.95 .
Available online at www.nads.com.au, selected pharmacies and Priceline. For further information phone 1800 352 626.

Estée Lauder Introduces Pure Color Gloss Stick
Rich Moisture, Gentle Shaping and Sumptuous Shine for Luscious Lips

A distinctive solid gloss stick that provides an ultra-creamy, irresistibly luscious way to condition, gently plump and add shine to your lips. Pure Color Gloss Stick’s unique 3D Optic Pearl Technology and microfine reflective pearl cocktail delivers full volume appearance to lips so lips appear fuller and sexier. Adding to the lip enhancing benefit of the creamy base is a comfortable signature plumping ingredient, Maxi-Lip, that with continued use, prolongs the appearance of fullness and delivers added moisture to lips. With a rich formula that melts onto lips, Pure Color Gloss Stick comes in a variety of twelve flattering shades that deliver softly sheer pearlescent coverage and a wet, glossy shine to lips.
The Pure Color Gloss Stick Range:
Honey Pink, Berry Pink, Nude Almond, Amber Glaze, Orange Poppy, Pink Sorbet, Ice Mauve, Deep Lilac, Sunlit Coral, Pop Pink, Wild Plum, Pomegranate Kiss.
RRP $40.00
Available from April 12, 2009 at Estée Lauder counters nationwide.
Stockist Number: 1800 061 326 www.esteelauder.com.au

ZOYA wants you to feel the VIBE and put your finger on the PULSE of colour this season with two stunning NEW Autumn 09 collections!

This season’s dramatic-looking, high voltage nail trends signal the return of sophisticated chic after summer’s love affair with pretty pastels and electric neons. Rich jewel-toned shades of copper, wine and berry red are big nail news while the deepest, darkest shades of molten chocolate, purple and cool metallic magenta are this season’s hottest hues for gutsy, edgy glamour.
ZOYA Vibe captures the moment with six luxurious creams ranging from knockout red to earthen burgundy while Pulse creates its own mood with six shimmering, metallics in deep, blackened plums and berries that are perfect for the dark, bold looks of the season. Whatever look you care to covet this season, ZOYA has your fingers and toes covered!

Vibe Collection – Six Luxurious Creams – Chic • Sophisticated • Stylish
Asia rosy red
Nina rich chocolate fudge
Sam deep berry over dark coffee
Riley loganberry red
Alix deep red with cool blue undertones
Dakota brick red with brown undertones

Pulse Collection – Six Shimmering Metallics – Urban • Edgy • Electric
Sloane blackened plum metallic with subtle sparkle highlights.
Mikka deep frosty plum metallic
Blair blackened berry with red shimmer
Colbie metallic coppery red with subtle shimmer
Rihana dark purple with magenta shimmer
Jacy purple with magenta red sparkle highlights

You can find ZOYA Vibe and Pulse (RRP$17.00 / 14ml or RRP$90.00 for all six!) in fine salons and spas nationally and online at www.zoya.com.au. For Stockist and Consumer Hot Line enquiries, please phone 1300 855 644.

New Minerelle Body Wash with Neroli

Minerelle’s Body Wash with Neroli has been developed with sufferers of rosacea, body acne, eczema, dermatitis and sensitive skin in mind. Enriched with essential fatty acids to nourish fragile skin, Minerelle’s Body Wash cleans gently yet effectively. Neroli oil was specifically included for sensitive skin and the aroma is gorgeous. It has been formulated with premium ingredients and is free from parabens,
petrochemicals, and ingredients that will harm the skin or body.
Minerelle has been developed and made in Australia , and created with the health conscious consumer in mind after testing on Queensland women with rosacea and chronic skin conditions. Minerelle’s Body Wash is highly concentrated and will last a long time as only a small amount is needed.
Available online at www.minerelle.com.au or 07 3904 8032 and from selected beauty salons nationally.
RRP $33

Enjoy the ultimate ‘Spa Experience’  with Pevonia
Pevonia Facial revival Gift Box

If there is ever a time to really indulge your mum it’s mother’s day! Pevonia introduces limited edition mother’s day pamper packs – the ultimate gift to show you care. Now your mum can indulge in a luxury spa experience in the comfort of her own home.

Pevonia Facial revival Gift Box
Replenish dry winter skin with this fantastic duo facial revival pack. Containing Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser and Eye make-up remover your complexion will resurface soft, smooth and radiantly bright.
RRP: $70.65

Pevonia’s mother’s day gift boxes are available in selected beauty salons and day spas nationally or call 1800 069 116

Scent-a-Holics

Agent Provocateur Maitresse

So seductive is her magnetism, so alluring and so addictive, that men are driven mad with desire!

This is the claim for the newest addition to Agent Provocateurs house of fragrances, and it is easy to see why. It is a truly seductive fragrance from the bottle to the scent. With beautifully balanced notes of White Lotus petals and Ylang Ylang you will immediately realise that this is no ordinary scent.

As the fragrance develops you notice the pure essence of Osmanthus flower, the sensual body of Jasmin with hypnotic touches of Rose Absolute and the vibrancy of Violet leaves. It is finished off with Musk and Hot Amber oils making it one memorable perfume. It warms beautifully to the skin and lasts for hours mainly due to the heavier ingredients in the fragrance. A must for your next romantic night out.
Available at selected Myer, David Jones and independent stores:
50ml Eau de Parfum spray RRP $128
100ml Eau de Parfum spray RRP $188
200ml Seductive Milk Body Wash RRP $50

Kenneth Cole Launches RSVP with Bon Jovi

RSVP, is a gorgeous men’s fragrance. It is light and crisp but masculine at the same time. If you like the smell of wet grass you will love this.

However it also has lavender, grapefruit and pepper in its opening notes. The heart notes contain iris, orchid and cedarwood and the scent is finished off with sandalwood, patchouli and vetiver.

These ingredients combine to make a very refreshing and at the same time calming scent. The warm rich cognac-coloured bottle is embossed with RSVP and is packaged in a hand milled wooden box.
Available at selected Myer, David Jones and independent stores:
50ml Eau de Parfum spray RRP $128
100ml Eau de Parfum spray RRP $188
200ml Seductive Milk Body Wash RRP $50

Danielle by Danielle Steel

“Fragrances represent so many aspects of life that my characters experience – commitment, love, emotion. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce my readers to another dimension of my creative life. ” – Danielle Steel

Best-selling author Danielle Steel is releasing her very first fragrance and it is a deeply personal expression of her creativity. Encapsulating elegance and femininity the perfume opens with a fresh burst of lush green notes combined with Mandarin. The heart of the fragrance is a modern floral, radiating richness and romance with Butterfly Jasmine, Sunset Orchid and Hydroponic Rose. Slowly revealing its darker facets, the fragrance concludes with Blue Vetiver wrapped in intriguing White Amber and Cashmere Musks.

Inspired by Danielle’s love of fine crystal, the luxurious, heavy-weight glass of the bottle design is both graceful and feminine while exuding a quiet strength. Danielle by Danielle Steel is available at department stores and selected authorised retailers:
Eau de Parfum Spray 50 ml RRP$ 90
Eau de Parfum Spray 100 ml RRP$ 135
Parfum RRP$ 195
Moisturising Body Lotion 200 ml RRP$ 65

YSL Young Sexy Lovely

The latest fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent is a truly luminous and sparkling fragrance. It is a lovely selection of fruits, consisting of Nashi pear, mandarin and blackcurrant. It is however very well balanced with cherry blossoms and magnolia softened with mellow vineyard peach.

The fragrance is perfectly finished off with crystalline musks, warm amber and cedar wood allowing the scent to develop and warm on the skin. So while the fragrance starts out quite light and fruity it does develop a very pleasing warmth and depth making it a long lasting perfume.
50ml EDT, $88.00

Jean Paul Gaultier, Fleur Du Male

This gorgeous male fragrance is a welcome addition to the original La Male launched in 1995. This fragrance contains Orange Blossom which is the permeating note throughout the scent. However it is a soft note, not overpowering but rather a velvety, woody/mossy scent that is accentuated by the use of petitgrain leaf.

The use of coumarin gives the fragrance a very sensuous feel. Compared to the original La Male, this fragrance is a lighter, softer version that would be ideal for daytime use or for summer when you want something lighter but still want to make an impact.
75ml EDT, $99.00
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Donna Karan, Gold

“I’ve always been seduced by the passion and power of gold. I’m drawn to its light, compelled to touch it. As a designer, I love gold against black. I have finally captured gold’s warm sensuality in a scent. Donna Karan Gold centers around my favorite elements: Casablanca Lily and Amber.
The Lily gives it the illumination, the Amber lends the sexiness and warmth. This luxurious fragrance embraces what it means to be a woman – soft and vulnerable on the inside, and powerfully seductive on the outside. Gold is magnetic, intoxicating, mesmerizing. Experience its attraction for yourself.” – Donna Karan
50ml EDP, $125

Fashion Scents

Estee Lauder – Beautiful Love

This reinterpretation of the classic Beautiful fragrance in classified as a ‘Romantic Floral’.
And it is truly that. The first thing you will notice when smelling the perfume is the beautiful lightness of the
floral notes of Magnolia, White Freesia and Marigold. The scent is almost effervescent.

Then the fragrance develops deeper with notes of Jasmine, Tuberose and Tahitian Tiare.
The fragrance is rounded out with gorgeous rich woody scents of Sandalwood, White Moss,
and a hint of Patchouli making this a truly feminine fragrance that is floral all the way but
lasts on the skin very well. The base notes ensure that there is a warm base to the perfume
adding depth to the floral notes.
$89.00, 75ml – $125.00, 100ml – $156.00

Bvlgari – AQVA POUR HOMME

This male fragrance is truly unique. It is an aromatic aquatic Eau de Toilette,
meaning, the fragrance reminds one of the ocean and water.

It is very sunny and fresh at first with a distillation of orange tree leaves and
twigs mingled with the delicate scent of mandarin.

Then the fragrance becomes truly aromatic because of the main ingredient; Posidonia, an
oxygen-exuding aquatic plant found in the sea’s depths.

Its natural and fresh marine signature is provocative and masculine making this fragrance an absolute must for your man. The end notes are mineral amber with masculine amber-woody tones inspired from the hard minerals and suggesting sensuality and preciousness.
50ml – $89, 100ml – $126, After Shave Emulsion – $72, Deoderant Stick – $42

With Love – Hilary Duff

This beautiful fragrance in an antique inspired bottle is a wonderful blend of oriental notes and fruity florals creating an exotic scent. The perfume begins with mangosteen fruit then quickly develops into a deeper spicy scent with Cocobolo wood, an exotic wood prized for its rare beauty which adds texture and warmth to the perfume.

The base is quite seductive with sheer amber milk and sultry amber musk, leaving a lingering trail of a dramatic signature scent. Even though this is an oriental fragrance it is not heavy on the skin rather it has a very refreshing sparkling characteristic to it making it very comfortable to wear during the summer months.
Eau de Parfum Spray 50ml – $79.00, 100ml – $109.00, Rollerball Eau de Parfum 40ml – $34.00, Moisturizing Body Lotion, 150ml – $40.00

Island – Michael Kors

This beautiful fragrance captures the summer perfectly. Right from the bottle which reminds you of the cool, sparkling ocean waters to the top notes of juicy fruitiness with the Chinese Kiwifruit.

The perfume is not overly fruity though because it is excellently balanced with some exotic florals such as Honeysuckle, Parrot Tulip, Ginger lilies and Bulgarian Rose.

This combination creates a truly summery scent that makes you feel you are still on holidays. The base notes have a nice depth to them and help the perfume to linger on your skin for a good amount of time.
30ml $96, 50ml $138, 100ml $189.

Pure Turquoise – Ralph Lauren

This is a very sophisticated perfume. It is a Floral Chypre, meaning it combines floral elements with lovely deep earthy scents. The floral notes include indigo violet, lily of the valley and cactus flower, night blooming cereus and desert lily.

With these exotic notes it is very difficult to pinpoint exactly what the floral notes are in the fragrance, making it appear very mysterious. The base notes give it an earthly depth and they include earthen patchouli, polished amber, vanilla bourbon and rum. This is a very elegant and unique fragrance that is sensuous but light at the same time.

Crystal Aura – Avon

This perfume bottle comes complete with its very own crystal in the form of a swarovski pendant. The fragrance itself is a fruity floral beginning with the sweet smells of star fruit and amethyst rose then deepening into a radiant blend of musk and woods. It is quite a complex perfume combining sweet with woody tones. It is the perfect fragrance for those who like a deeper scent on their skins and this perfume lasts a long time too.
50ml $59.99

My LuLu – Fresh Scents / Terri

Unique, Captivating, Alluring are the words this fragrance has been described by its
designer Terri Weitzman. This is indeed a very unique fragrance that uses a combination of
gardenia and vanilla to create a scent that just draws you in. The vanilla is what you will notice
first and foremost, but it’s tempered with the floral notes. The perfume settles on the skin with
an almost powdery undertone giving it a very pleasing base. Comes in a spray or roll on perfume oil.

For more information visit: www.freshscentsterri.com

What is Acne? The Myths – The Treatment

by Eric Hartwell

Acne, a skin condition causing unsightly, irritating and painful spots on the skin. Acne primarily affects the face and, depending on the severity of the condition can also break out on the skin of the back, neck, chest and arms.

Typically, acne affects people between the ages of 12 and 35 but can also strike people in their 30′s and 40′s. Acne can be experienced by all colors of skin, however, is most noticeable with those of fair or pale skin. Acne has not only physical symptoms, causes and effects but can also trigger depression in many teens.

Acne need not be left untreated, there are many treatment types available. Acne causes blackheads (comedones), red or yellow spots, scars, whiteheads and greasy skin. It is quite common and affects approximately 8 out of every 10 people at some point in their lifetime.

Acne is caused by the sebaceous glands in the dermis overproduction of sebum, the body’s natural oil. Testosterone, a naturally occurring hormone in the blood in both men and women, stimulates the sebaceous glands into overactivity, causing a buildup of oil and improper shedding of the dead skin cells and hair. Blackheads and whiteheads are a result of this activity.

Most people have had a pimple or two, some people have had severe cases of acne. In these cases, the acne spots, called Propionibacterium, grow in the hair follicles when this backup of oil and dead skin cells combines. In ‘inflammatory acne’, these bacteria have grown to create cysts, which develop beneath the surface of the skin.

These cysts can spread the infection to other areas of the skin through rupture and scarring of the skin can be a consequence.

Treatment of acne will not ‘cure’ it but will keep it under control, prevent new acne from forming and help to reduce detrimental and irreversible scarring. Acne can cause terrible emotional distress, as it often crops up in the teenage years that are emotionally distressing, even without the acne. Getting treatment can severely improve the mental health and self-esteem of your teenager.

Some myths dispelled about acne: you can’t get it from eating chocolate or French fries, it is not contagious and overly-washing your face will not clear it up, it will only dry it out and create more skin discomfort. Making sure to aptly cleanse the face twice daily and leaving the spots alone (no picking or squeezing) can help in keeping the acne under control.

No treatments are miraculous and result in instantly clear skin. Whether prescription or over-the-counter creams, cleansers or scrubs will affect the acne slowly, over time. If misused, these products can be harmful to your skin, causing more harm than good. Ease in on the application of creams containing benzoyl-peroxide, an antibacterial agent that dries out the skin, making the production of excess oils more difficult for the skin. If these over-the-counter products do not lessen the acne within a few months, it is advisable to visit the doctor for a stronger prescription. The doctor can provide topical, oral or systemic treatment programs depending on the severity of the case.

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Your Fruit Basket of Cosmetics

Ruban D’Orange Eau de Toilette by L’Occitane

Inspired by the soft, invigorating scent of Seville oranges from southern Spain, this sparkling fragrance evokes the sunny Mediterranean.

With head notes of Calabrian lemon, Sicilian mandarin and Seville bitter orange, a heart of fig leaves and a base of vetiver, tonka bean and cedar, this fresh EDT may be worn by both women and men. 100ml, $59.95

Eminence – Sour Cherry Masque

A fruity smelling, revitalising and rejuvenating mask for dehydrated, large pored or mature skin. Returns firmness and addresses free radical damage with vitamin rich sour cherries and lemon. Cinnamon stimulates and cleanses to rejuvenate and refine the appearance of all skin types, while a special biocomplex provides and antioxidant boost.

Appearance of skin texture is refined and firmed, resulting in a youthful, glowing complexion. The skin’s vital repair functions are stimulated. 60ml, $65.00

L’Oreal Professionnel Kiwi Coloreflector Burst Wet Wax

Kiwi Coloureflector products contain powerful ingredients to help fight against the elements that can cause hair colour to fade. All products contain kiwi extracts with anti-oxidants, a vitamin E derivative as well as UV filter to help protect, brighten and preserve hair colour. The delicious kiwi scent keeps your hair smelling fresh and fruity while helping to protect it from oxidation, chemical stress and exposure to the sun. This weightless, water-based formula gives light-hold for easy re-styling and a touchable hold without any residue and flakiness.
For Stockists call: 1300 651 141 56g, $26.85

The Lip Scrub by Sara Happ

This lip exfoliator scrubs away dry and flaky dead skin leaving lips soft and supple and ready for gloss application. It features an exfoliating sugar base and is infused with natural extracts. For best results massage onto lips using a gentle circular motion and then wipe away with a tissue. Available in six flavours: Almond Creme, Peppermint, Cocoa, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Bean and Cinnamon Sugar. Available from: www.thelipscrub.com.au 30g, $29.95

St. Ives Apricot Foaming Facial Cleanser

Combining pure Swiss glacial water and nourishing Swiss botanicals, this non-drying, foaming formula cleans deep to remove makeup and impurities.

100 percent soap and alcohol free, it is dermatologically tested and will not clog pores or dry the skin out. 295ml, $9.99

Napoleon Perdis Fig & Pomegranate Body Wash

This gentle SLS free Fig & Pomegranate scented body wash contains hydrating Coconut Oil and soothing Aloe Vera to soften skin while cleansing – naturally!
It’s so delicious, it’s decadent. 250ml, $35.00

Abode Aroma – Aromatic Diffusers and Soaps

Bring the fruits into your house. These innovative fragrance diffusers require no candles or heat. Using fibre stems, which absorb and release fragrance, the diffusers are an elegant addition to any room. The diffuser is a combination of fragrance oil and alcohol and is available in different scents to suit different moods. Our favourite is Cranberry. It is also available in soaps and candles.

Scents include: Crisp Apple, Ginger Pear, Basil and Eucalyptus, Fresh Fig, Cranberry and Creamy Vanilla, Tangerine Vanilla, Oriental Spice and Lemongrass. New fragrances to be added for 2007 include: Pink Frangipani, Rainforest, Gardenia Bud and Black Bamboo with verbena. Diffusers $39.95, Soaps $14.95

Mor Grapefruit Bath Foam

Re-discover the ritual of bathing and experience calm with a luxurious blend of Amazonian Nut Oil to soften the skin.

The tang of pure grapefruit oil is combined in a cocktail of citrus oils of orange and pineapple softened with sweet summer peach and jasmine. A heart of green apple and watermelon creates a crisp edge. 500ml, $17.59

Anti-Aging Skin Care! Your Guide to the Best Wrinkle Cream

by Emily Winslow

Okay, so you saw your first wrinkle and can’t believe your eyes. If you’re like me, you headed for the nearest drugstore and bought five different wrinkle creams. You are looking for and want the best wrinkle cream around. You’ve also noticed that there are numerous amounts of anti aging skin care products. How do you know which is the best? Before you spend a fortune looking for the best wrinkle cream here’s a guide to the most effective ingredients available today.

Leading anti aging skin care ingredients

The best way to know whether you are holding an effective wrinkle cream is to turn it around and look at the ingredients. Most anti aging skin care products don’t have ingredients which have been tested to reduce wrinkles.

They contain ingredients which condition and moisturize skin; this has little to do with reducing wrinkles. In order to find the best wrinkle cream your product should have anti aging ingredients. Key wrinkle reducer ingredients are Argireline, Matrixyl, and Retinol.

Here’s why:

Argireline ( acetyl hexapeptide-3)

Argireline is one of the best anti aging ingredients because it works to relax facial tensions that contribute to wrinkles. Similar to the effects of BOTOX injections, argireline reduces wrinkles and lines by releasing muscle tension. However, argireline is superior because it can be applied directly on all your wrinkles. Botulinum toxin, on the other hand, has restrictions which allow for injections on limited areas of the face.

Because argireline can be applied anywhere on the face it delivers promising results for overall wrinkle reduction on the face. In fact, one study points to a 30% reduction in wrinkle size after only 30 days of using argireline or its generic equivalent, acetyl hexapeptide-3.

Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-3)

Matrixyl is the trademark name for palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, one of the powerful peptide molecules found in anti aging skin care products. Matrixyl works by stimulating collagen production in skin. As you may know, lost collagen in aging skin contributes to fine lines and wrinkles.

An increase of collagen makes all the difference to plump skin and smooth out wrinkles. Matrixyl is very powerful in that it promotes an incredible amount of collagen in the skin; so much that it can give BOTOX a run for their money.

In fact, Matrixyl increases overall collagen synthesis by up to 117%. Studies on Matrixyl report that wrinkles were reduced by half and fine lines almost completely faded away. This is one ingredient that is a must in anti aging skin care products.

Retinol (retinyl palmitate)

Retinol functions as an antioxidant which speeds up cell turnover. This means old skin cells will be replenished at a faster rate. In return, your skin will be younger looking and more vibrant. Retinol also has been observed to reduce the size of wrinkles. Look for retinol or other forms of retinol such as retinyl palmitate in wrinkle creams. This ingredient works to give your face an overall youthful glow.

Overall, key ingredients play a major role in finding the best wrinkle cream. Look for effective anti aging skin care ingredients such as Argireline, Matrixyl, and retinol. Soon you’ll be smiling to yourself as you watch those wrinkles fade away!
Visit wrinklereview.com to learn more about anti-aging skin care ingredients including Argireline and other wrinkle reducing ingredients.
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Finding the Perfect Foundation Base

Perfect, flawless, unblemished, smooth, clear skin. That is the holly grail of make up. That is what all of us are hoping to achieve with every new foundation formula that comes onto the market. That is what the glossy ads are promising us.

Yet that is not always the real life result we get. So the companies and makeup artists set to work and they created a new product to help us achieve the dream. Foundation Primer. What are these, how do they work and most importantly do you need them?

Let’s start with what they are. Foundation primers are pretty much what the name suggests; they get the surface of the skin ready for the foundation, just like you would prime a wall before painting it. There are a few different primers on the market and they do different jobs depending on your particular need. They’ll even out skin tone, help your makeup stay on longer and absorb oil.

They literally help to create a surface where your makeup is able to grip onto, so it ‘stays put’ through the day and stays fresh looking without the need to reapply. This is especially useful if you have a long day or evening ahead of you where you need to stay looking fresh, such as weddings, parties, functions.

Primers also help to keep the oil on the skin at bay, therefore minimising the shine factor. This is especially important if you are having photographs taken. I’m sure we all had the blue tinge or white as a ghost photos occasionally. Primers alleviate this problem.

Some primers also help to give you a luminous, healthy and glowing complexion or help to minimise the appearance of fine lines. Over all, primers are a welcome addition to the foundation arena where there is a definite need for them. As for the question of ‘do you need it’ the answer is yes you do. Maybe not for everyday wear, (I definitely don’t wear it to go shopping in) but for special occasions when you want to look just that little bit more perfect. Following are some of the best primers we have found.

Jane Iredale - Absence. Shine is notable by its absence. Perfect for oily skins to control oil and for all other skins as a primer. Oil is the principle cause of colour change in makeup. Absence forms an attraction barrier between the skin and makeup so that makeup can stay on longer, and skin stays shine-free. Absence doesn’t just absorb oil the way most oil-control products do, but actually helps to control over-active sebaceous glands. It has no effect on the actual moisture of the skin. The seaweed content in this product also helps to regulate the pH balance of the skin. You have to try this to believe it! If all that isn’t enough, Absence also has a broad spectrum SPF 15. $82.00

Napoleon Perdis – Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer. Makeup has never had a smoother landing. Get (even more) gorgeous with this gentle, pre-makeup base. Scientifically formulated to allow your makeup to “automatically” glide over the skin, Auto Pilot helps to prime and soothe the complexion for that flawless finish and helps makeup last even longer. Chamomile, Yarrow extract and Vitamin E deliver complexion perfection and instant hydration for all skin types. 50ml $45.00

Pola Cosmetics – Silfique Makeup Base SPF 15. This primer prepares the skin before applying make-up. It leaves make-up looking fresh for the entire day while the sheer pink shade helps correct skin dullness, leaving a radiant complexion. 30g, $49

Shiseido - The Makeup Smoothing Veil SPF 16. A colourless-finish foundation that minimizes the appearance of fine lines and enhances radiance to achieve natural perfection. Contains moisturizing Fine Line Targeting Complex that diminishes the appearance of fine lines around the eyes and mouth. Contains Multi-Nutrient Factor, an advanced moisturizer and energizer for a smooth as silk youthful complexion. Can be used under foundation or alone.

The Future of Excercise – Vibro Gym

As reviewed and written by Livia Mercer
I am addicted to exercise!! Now there’s a statement that friends and family never thought they would hear! But let me explain. I don’t mean sweat dripping off you, pounding the pavement or the punching bag, trainer yelling at you to give him one more, exhaustion threatening exercise.

No, no, no! You see, I’ve done that and am still doing that, even though I’m bored to tears by it and have to be dragged to the gym to do it. And after all that hard work I still see no results. That’s not the exercise I mean at all.

I mean the Vibrogym. Haven’t heard of it? Well, allow me to introduce you to the most fantastic invention I’ve come across. This fantastic machine fast tracks your workout by using vertical vibrations. A 20 minute workout on the Vibrogym equals a 90 minute workout at a regular gym, promising increased muscle tone, weight loss and reduced cellulite.

Impressive isn’t it? What is even more impressive is the incredibly fast results you will notice by using the Vibrogym. I was focusing on cellulite reduction especially around my hips and thighs so I was going three times a week and combining it with a cardio workout in between (when I remembered or wasn’t otherwise occupied). After the first week I noticed a reduction in the size of my thighs and my pants definitely felt looser. I also noticed my biceps. Now this is quite amazing considering I have been going to the normal gym for the last 9 months, every second day, doing weights and didn’t really notice any great muscle growth.

The other fantastic feature of the Vibrogym is before and after the workout you receive an incredible massage to loosen your muscles and break up cellulite. Then the workout starts. It consists of standing on the vibration plate and doing lunges, squats, bicep pulls, tricep dips, abdominal crunches and other exercises designed to stimulate each muscle groups for 30 seconds.

Now I know that sounds like a walk in the park, 30 seconds, but at the same time your muscles are being vibrated, intensifying the workout. Therefore it felt like the longest 30 seconds of my life. By the end of the 30 seconds my muscles burned and ached like never before. Then just when I thought that I was getting used to this, the time gets increased to 45 seconds and then to 60. Trust me, it is not easy. By the end of my 20 minute workout I was dripping with sweat. Sorry girls you still have to work hard, but just not for so long.

Throughout my month of workouts I kept noticing different muscles that lay dormant for oh, so long, waking up and showing themselves. So much so that after about two weeks I noticed that my right hand bicep was slightly bigger than the left hand side. Easily fixed! I just did one extra 45 second bicep curl for the left hand side and whoila, they were even from then on. Did I notice weight loss? Yes I did, even though I didn’t change my diet and was gaining muscle mass faster than I ever had (muscle weighs more than fat). Did I reduce cellulite? YES! A definite reduction in the size of my thighs is still amazing me. I can’t stop looking in the mirror in disbelief.

Overall I have to say I am most definitely a convert. No wonder the Whole Body Vibration is taking the world by storm and has every one who has experienced it from movie stars to first class athletes swearing by it. Once you have tried it for yourself and seen the results in such an incredibly short time you will be a convert too. But don’t take just my word for it. See the results of two ladies who attended the same salon as I did and read the testimonial of (jenny) who just couldn’t be happier with her new found body. As reviewed and written by Livia Mercer
I am addicted to exercise!! Now there’s a statement that friends and family never thought they would hear! But let me explain. I don’t mean sweat dripping off you, pounding the pavement or the punching bag, trainer yelling at you to give him one more, exhaustion threatening exercise.

No, no, no! You see, I’ve done that and am still doing that, even though I’m bored to tears by it and have to be dragged to the gym to do it. And after all that hard work I still see no results. That’s not the exercise I mean at all.

REAL Testimonials by REAL Women!

Testimonial by Veronica Tyler (Above)

My Starting Point
I had been overweight for several years. I suffered from fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tight calves prone to cramping, damaged knees after too much sport and generally feel it’s hard to get motivated to do anything. Low energy, poor sleeping habits.

What has the tailored program done for me? Nicole assessed my issues from a holistic point of view and determined that I needed more than just a regular training regime. Because of all of the issues I had affecting my health; we needed to look at a number of ways of addressing them.

I had tried many fitness programs but generally failed after only a short period of time as I suffered muscle and joint pain and due to my fatigue levels, often required extended periods of rest between sessions. This always caused me to lose motivation fairly quickly.

I started on the VibroGym and a series of multiminerals and antioxidants plus grape seed extract and Mi vitality. I must admit I was a little skeptical after my previous failures. After only a couple of weeks I started to notice my energy levels increasing. I no longer felt like going to bed right after dinner and I no longer dragged myself out of bed in the morning. I actually looked forward to training and knowing that I wasn’t going to suffer any prolonged fatigue after training.

Two weeks into my training, Nicole mentioned the new 24day challenge and I jumped at the chance. Although I have missed a few sessions through work commitments, I am really noticing the changes. My strength has improved in all areas and I am now three weeks into the program and I am noticing increased tone in my muscles. Three weeks ago I could barely hold 20secs on some exercises and now I am making 45-60secs for all and completing all at an advanced level. I have never been able to do calf exercises as I would cramp up almost straight away.

The unique style of the VibroGym allows me to exercise without the same stresses on my muscles yet I am feeling significant improvement. My body is reshaping and I am excited about the future results I can achieve. The supplements have improved my general health in a number of ways. My fatigue levels have dropped significantly. My skin feels clear and healthy. The symptoms I suffer with IBS have decreased. I am sleeping well and feeling rested and refreshed. So far this program has been amazing. I have never really looked forward to training before but I leave each session feeling like I am achieving something towards my end goal. With each even slight improvement in my muscle tone and general health and well being, I am more motivated to continue.

At Skintastic Solutions in Brisbane where I did my Vibrogym training, the sessions come in 1 month blocks. The first month with a therapist is $320.00 then $200.00 per month ongoing. Visit www.vibrogym.com.au to find locations near you as they are available Australia wide. I thoroughly recommend it.

For our Melbourne Readers:
VIBRABODY Vibrogym Training Studios
69 Flinders Lane, Melbourne and 377 Bay Street, Port Melbourne.
P: 03 8616 0453
M: 0417 580 897
E: rod@vibrabody.com.au
W: www.vibrabody.com.au

Natio Absolute Bath Pearls

Natio Absolute Bath Pearls

Description: Heavenly bath soak uplifts the spirit. Leaves skin soft, smooth and revitalised. Each product in the range in individually infused with a mix of skin-enhancers, natural essential oils and plant extracts including shea butter, chamomile, olive, sweet almond, grapefruit, geranium and aloe-vera. This range is about the absolute relaxation that shouldn’t wait for special occasions.

Size: 200g
Price: $16.95 AUS
Availability: Myer, David Jones, and all major pharmacies nationally
Overall Star Rating:

The absolute products were designed for absolute relaxation and what better way to relax than by having a bath. I am a huge fan of baths and all bath products.

These pearls add a sense of luxury to your baths with a lovely scent and tiny amount of shimmer in the water. When you have something to add to your bathwater, it makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable. This makes a lovely gift too.

I was very pleased that I would be reviewing this product because I love having a long soak in the bath! I had noticed this product in shops because of its gorgeous pink packaging and thought it would make a great gift. The pearls dissolved quite rapidly in the water and by the time I got into the bath, the pearls had completely dissolved to leave the water scented and with a bit of sparkle.
Before I had my bath, I was quite stressed out as I had just returned home from a long car trip but once I got into the bath, I felt so much more relaxed immediately! My skin also felt smoother for the rest of the night. The scent was a beautiful, uplifting floral and I could even catch a few whiffs of it on my skin after I’d dried off and dressed .

I couldn’t wait to use this as I really like all the Natio products I have used so far. The bath pearls were no exception. The fragrance is very light, almost delicate and very relaxing. I had a good long soak and afterwards my skin felt lovely – silky and soft. I combined the bath with the face mask and felt like Sophia Loren when I eventually emerged from the bathroom. It is an excellent product at a very reasonable price and I will certainly buy it again.

These bath pearls look and smell gorgeous in the jar. The packaging is clean & appealing, and the pearls are an opalescent pale pink, with a refreshing white floral scent. However, they don’t seem to do much once in the bath. The sit at the bottom of the tub for a while, dissolving in a short time, and leaving behind only a faint shimmer in the water and not much lingering fragrance.

Lovely smell – and wonderful feeling when soaking in the bath! My skin felt fresh and rejuvenated after this lovely soak. I still had to use a body moisturiser afterwards, and it absorbed very well. But, I couldn’t really justify this price for bath pearls. As a gift yes, but not for personal use. I also thought the packaging was a bit ‘thrifty’ for $16.95.

This product has a nice simple packaging but I found that the product had a very artificial smell to it. I personally couldn’t really see the point of the bath pearls, they didn’t soften the bath or make bubbles.

MOR Ibiza Tahitian Body Shimmer

MOR Ibiza Tahitian Body Shimmer

Description: A Vitamin-rich base of Mango Butter is infused with notes of Tangerine, Melon and Peach Bellini to create a moisturising Body Cream. The addition of subtle highlighters leaves skin with a seductive glow and shimmer. Use daily to care for skin.

Size: 250g
Price: $29.95 AUS
Availability: Myer, David Jones, and all major pharmacies nationally
Overall Star Rating:

The trouble with the summer heat is you don’t feel like putting anything heavy on your skin that’s going to make you sweat. This body cream is anything but heavy. Even the fragrance is very light and refreshing and it gives the skin a lovely sheen.

It is a very subtle sheen so it’s great for those little summer dresses where you need just a hint of shimmer on your skin. Very pleasant to use and in a great sized tub. Try it on your next trip to the shops.

I applied this cream after a bath or shower while the skin was still warm. It was very smooth and light to apply. Applying it to a freshly exfoliated skin it felt really super. It leaves a slight gleam on the skin. It also has a beautiful fruity small – clean and fresh. It is non greasy and is quickly absorbed. It is a very fine texture and a great moisturiser. I have enjoyed using this product.

I loved this product. It absorbed so easily without any greasy residue. The smell was nice too, really fruity. My skin felt smoother from using it. It leaves a lovely subtle shimmer on the skin. I would recommend this body cream to anyone and I would buy this product, over and over again. Top marks.

This moisturiser is in a very good sized jar making it excellent value. It has a lovely fragrance, its non greasy and not at all sticky. It also left a soft shimmer on my skin and my skin felt nice and soft.
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Lovely smelling, nice textured body butter, my legs and arms loved it, but very little shimmer glow from it. I had to stand in bright sunlight to see it. So if I was buying it to get this seductive glow and shimmer, I would try other products.
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I found this body cream to have a very refreshing, subtle fragrance and a shimmery appearance. It was not greasy upon application, which is great; however I did find that the shimmering effect only lasted for a short period of time. My only criticism is that for the price of this product I would expect the effect to be a bit more noticeable for a longer period, otherwise you are paying for a “moisturiser” only.

Revlon Glossylicious

Revlon Glossylicious

Description: Sexy, sheer, high gloss shine without the tackiness ! Love the sexy shine and sheer colour of a lip gloss, but hate the tackiness ? Revlon’s Glossylicious gives lips all the high shine and translucent colour of a gloss, without the sticky feel. It’s sheer, sexy, high gloss shine is available in 5 fun and sheer transparent colours with lip-smackingly delicious fruity flavours. Glossylicious also includes Vitamin E to condition and smooth lips .

Price: $15.95 AUS
Availability: Myer, David Jones, Priceline and all major pharmacies nationally
Overall Star Rating:

We have received so many requests to review this particular lip gloss that we just couldn’t wait to hear back from our panellists with their verdict. And it was worth the wait. This lip gloss is beautiful on the lips with its sheer, high gloss formulation.

The texture is a little thicker which is excellent for staying power. The gloss if fragranced according to the colour and even has a pleasant taste. It was a beautiful product to review and one I can recommend for you to try. The range has some lovely versatile colours in it’s line-up.

I wasn’t too excited about this lip gloss because in my opinion, lip glosses are all much of a muchness; however I was surprised by how much I ended up liking it. I tried Guava Glimmer and found the colour was so flattering for my skin tone and the natural colour of my lips. It’s a very natural, sheer pink and had such a pretty look without being over the top.

The scent was deliciously fruity and reminded me of lollies! The texture was not sticky at all and my lips felt so smooth while I had it on. It also managed to last for about 2 hours which is a mean feat considering my terrible habit of nibbling my bottom lip! The slanted tip made the application quite precise and dispensed the perfect amount of gloss needed. I will definitely be buying this as I can’t wait to try the other shades!

This gloss was very easy to use, very mess free. It had a great spicy flavour. This lasted on my lips for a few hours, even after having a glass of wine. My only criticism is I would have liked more colour in the gloss. This gloss is great value and I would possibly buy it for myself again.

The new Revlon Glossylicious is all shine and zero stickiness. The texture is wonderfully smooth, not so thin that it’s watery & runny, and just thick enough to feel comfortably moisturising. The Guava Glimmer flavour smells great and there’s no particular taste. The gloss provides a wash of colour, but is still sheer and plumping. The only downside is that it’s a tad on the expensive side for a drug-store brand.

The angled nozzle made application easy. I thought the gloss was a bit too thick for my liking, but I didn’t mind the colour. It was a very nice sheer colour. This product has a high gloss factor if that is what you are after. I thought it was a bit too ‘sticky’ for me.
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This is a nice product but feels a little “heavy” when first applied. The fragrance is light & fruity and it glides on smoothly. Although it is pleasant to wear I think there are much more competitively priced glosses available, especially as I prefer to purchase products with an SPF.

Party Sparkle Whitening Tooth Polish

Party Sparkle Whitening Tooth Polish

Description: Offering an affordable and convenient alternative to cosmetic dental whitening. Party Sparkle instantly helps remove discolouration and stains from teeth. The source of the stains can include culprits such as red wine, nicotine and coffee. The formula incorporates micro-polishers and optical brighteners that polish and brighten the teeth. Not suitable for children under seven years of age. Contains Sodium Monofluorophosphate (1000ppm F).
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Size: 200g
Price: $16.95 AUS
Availability: Myer, David Jones, and all major pharmacies nationally
Overall Star Rating:

This product that we reviewed is not necessarily a cosmetic product however it does serve to make your smile more beautiful. Nothing ruins a beautiful makeup more than stained yellow teeth when you smile.

Personally I loved this toothpaste. The texture is slightly grainy with the micro-polishers and it has a pleasant minty flavour. I don’t have stained teeth myself so I can’t comment on the stain removing properties of the tooth polish, however I did notice my teeth being brighter even after a couple of days usage. This is an excellent product to keep on hand between dentist visits to keep your smile bright.

After the first usage I noticed a difference in the discolouration of my teeth. After the third usage my teeth are looking definitely brighter. It is a great product to remove coffee stains and red wine stains from the teeth and an excellent product to keep on hand between dentist visits to keep your teeth sparkling. It has a fresh, clean, minty smell and a gel texture that is very pleasant to use.

Although this was a pleasant tasting paste in an easy, no mess bottle rather than a tube, I have not as yet noticed any change in the shade of my teeth; obviously more time would be needed for this to be noticed. One criticism if any would be that it did not leave my breath as fresh as other types I have used in the past, so the minty flavour could be stronger perhaps.

Overall, I’m not sure that it stands out as being different from other versions that I have used in the past and the lack of breath freshness would probably steer me to another brand! Good value for money, competitive price from what I’ve seen on the market .

I used this tooth paste three times a day, with an electric tooth brush, but sadly I couldn’t tell any difference. It has a nice refreshing taste, and is easier to use than ordinary tooth paste tubes. I don’t believe that this toothpaste was any better than other toothpastes.
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Used it several times a day since receiving the toothpaste and didn’t see a noticeable difference. It does have a nice fresh minty taste though.
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If you read the info on the pack side, it implies that you just need to brush with the product and off you go to the party that night. Other products that I have used gave you a lot more info ie: how long to use before you should see some results, also a tooth colour chart so that you could measure just how much did the product whiten your teeth.

This was a lot runnier than toothpaste, had to watch how much water you placed on your toothbrush, and I found that it didn’t foam very much, took a bit of getting use to and as you had to go on memory, it was hard to tell just how well the product worked.

Dr LeWinn’s Smoothing Complex High Potency Treatment Mask

Dr LeWinn’s Smoothing Complex High Potency Treatment Mask

Description: Dr. LeWinn’s has developed an Australian First with this hydrogel mask. Unlike cloth masks, this mask offers a no-mess application as it does not drip and slip off once it’s applied onto the face. The mask contours to the shape of the face, providing instant relief to tired skin with minimal time and effort. Containing wonderful active ingredients such as Green Tea, Ginseng and Vitamin A, after just one treatment, your skin immediately feels calm, hydrated and wonderfully invigorated!

Size: Pack of 6
Price: $79.95 AUS
Availability: Myer, David Jones, Priceline and all major pharmacies nationally
Overall Star Rating:

Every month I find new favourite products. This month was no exception. This mask is my new favourite, for a number of reasons. The mask is of a gel consistency that you apply straight to your skin. It’s no mess, no fuss.

It feels cool and refreshing on the skin and after about 10 minutes when you remove it, you don’t even have to rinse your skin. My skin felt absolutely silky smooth and very refreshed. I am happy to recommend this fantastic product for you to try.

This is a great product and very easy to use. It has a lovely soft fragrance and feels very pleasant on the skin. My only down side was it kept lifting in a couple of places. I had a very interested audience and received very favourable comments afterwards – even from my husband! My skin felt great and looked soft and fresh. Although it is expensive, I would definitely use this product again.

I loved this. Found it easy to apply and it appeared to decrease my laugh/frown lines. It felt good on my skin and my face felt very soft afterwards. It would be very convenient to use when travelling but I think that it’s a bit overpriced for weekly use. I would buy this when there is a Gift with Purchase with it.

I thought this product looked fabulous when I opened up the packet. Very smooth and easy to apply. However, my face felt quite cold when the mask was on, this was probably the gel product in the mask. I found the mask shape a little too big for my face, but most of it was a reasonable fit.
The great thing about this mask is that when it comes off it peels off the face cleanly without having to wash off any product – my face was instantly clean and felt very hydrated and moisturised. I went without a moisturiser afterwards. If this mask was cheaper I would have no hesitation in purchasing it again.

This is the first time I’ve ever used a mask like this. It was a very nice product to use and very easy to apply. My skin felt beautiful and smooth and also very moisturised. I enjoyed the cool gel feel of the mask and the fact that I didn’t have to wash my face afterwards. It’s nice to relax for 10mins while nourishing your skin.

The application was very easy. When I pulled the mask out of the packaging, I thought it would be very fiddly to apply properly, but it was so simple! The mask adhered to my skin well and covered my face nicely. My skin felt very soft in the hours after removing the mask; however I did not notice any long term effects. The smell was pleasant and there was no residue after removing the mask.

Six Magic Products to Revitalise Sun-Reddened Skin!

How many of you got sunburnt or even a little sun touched this summer regardless of the millions of warnings about being in the sun from every type of media imaginable. If you are like me, despite all the best intentions, the bottles of sunscreens, the moisturisers and foundations with SPF, the hat and sunnies and the compulsive need to run for the nearest bit of shade I still managed to get sun touched.

No, not sun burnt, because I am way too paranoid for that to happen but just red enough for people to say; Ohh, you are going to be sore tonight! So in my desperate attempt to avoid being sore tonight, I hit my bathroom cabinet for those miracle products that are going to help me remove all traces of sympathy evoking redness from my skin and restore it to the usual; “Wow you are a beauty editor, you have great skin!” status.

The first product that I instantly grab for is my Pevonia Botanica – Ligne Soleil Phyto-Aromatic Mist $65.50.This is an amazing facial spray that not only hydrates and cools the skin but also restores the skin’s balance after sun exposure. It is a delightful blend of Chamomile, Calendula and French Rose, that heals, smoothes and calms the skin while providing moisture. It is just magic for calming the skin down.

The second product that is a must, is for my lips. I hate dry lips and will do anything to avoid it. And the product to help me do this is Aveda – Lip Replenishment $29.95. This little beauty is just jam packed full of nourishing ingredients such as Babassu oil, Bilberry, Blueberry, Carnauba wax, Cranberry, Jojoba oil, Mango Butter, Rice bran oil and Sesame oil. This lip balm is a lifesaver for any dehydrated, dried out by the elements, lips.

Once the emergency products have been applied and the initial redness calmed down, I hit the bath tub. The best product I found for this type of occasion is Origins – Calm to Your Senses, Lavender and Vanilla oil for bath and body $48.00. This bath oil contains a whole horde of essential oils to nourish and calm your skin while at the same time calming my panic stricken mind filled with visions of peeling skin.

While relaxing body and mind in the bathtub I have not forgotten about my face. This is the perfect time to attempt to repair the unintentional damage with Aveda – Intensive Hydrating Mask $79.95. This amazingly light and cooling mask has aloe, kelp and lavender to deliver amazing hydration for the skin and beautiful rosewater to calm the skin. The only way I can describe my skin after this mask is refreshed silk. Little secret: if you have really dehydrated skin, leave the mask on overnight and your face will just glow with health by the time you wake up. Great for those heavy nights.

After the bath it’s time for the finishing touches and what better product than Dermalogica – After Sun Repair $42.95. Not only does this beautiful balm soothe the redness and discomfort of the skin but it also helps protect the damaged skin cells from further damage while restoring the skin’s condition with seaweed extracts. It is also jam packed full of anti-oxidants and other gorgeous homeopathic, moisturising and calming ingredients such as Clove Oil, Cucumber, Chamomile, Yucca and Japanese Alder. It also has anti-inflammatory ingredients making this and absolute must during the summer months. While this balm can be used for both face and body, I do have one more favourite product.

This product is especially formulated for the face. It is Clarins – After Sun Replenishment Moisture Care for Face $40.00. This lovely light feel cream not only gives the face intense moisturization but also helps minimise the risk of peeling. Now you see why this is a favourite! The wonderful ingredients in this cream include Hazelnut, Linden, Rosemary and Thyme. It also sets and prolongs the tan and makes it look even and luminous. The cream is also perfect for makeup application afterwards as it actually gives the skin a nice matte finish.

With all these amazing products in my arsenal I can guarantee, I’m not going to be sore tonight. In fact, by the time I’m finished, you won’t even be able to tell that I’ve been sun touched. All anyone will ever say to me is; “Wow you are a beauty editor, you have great skin!”

Well; Thanks!

The Amazing Benefits of Pilates

by Michael Russell

Most people, regardless of age and physical activity level, can benefit form Pilates exercise programs. These programs not only have amazing health benefits, but also increase self-confidence and over all well-being.

Why do Pilates exercise programs have such amazing benefits?

First, Pilates strengthens the core of the body. It works the muscles in the back, tummy and rear end. This core affects your entire body. You will be more stable when standing, walking and sitting. You will also have better posture when your core muscles are strengthened. And, of course, a strong core results in a smooth, toned belly!

Once you have your core strengthened, it is actually more comfortable to sit properly. When your posture improves as a result of a Pilates exercise program, you will find that your back is more comfy. If your back is starting to arch, it is likely do to a compression of the spine. This is helped by Pilate’s exercises, because they lengthen the spine and encourage you to sit and stand with a straight spine. If that sounds like torture, rest assured that with Pilates, it will be comfortable to sit and stand properly.

Pilates increases your mind body connection. In order to successfully perform a Pilates exercise program, you must have your mind engaged in the activity. You must concentrate on your breathing, which is an important part of Pilates. Some moves require inhaling, while others require exhaling. Proper breathing requires a mental focus that many other exercise programs do not require. Proper focusing abilities are tools you can use in any area of life, not just your exercise program. Pilates exercises create long muscles.

Why is this a benefit?

Because instead of working just one muscle group with your exercise, you work the entire body with just about every move. The focus is on controlling your body, not working it to death. This results in a pleasing look that is long, rather than bulked up around large muscle groups. This is a major benefit of Pilates over most other strength training exercise programs. Because Pilates is a low impact workout, anyone can participate.

Those with joint pain and other muscle issues can do the movements to their own level of control. They do not have to worry about impact on those sore muscles and joints, because there is little to no impact with Pilates. From senior citizens to growing children, all can benefit from Pilates exercises.

Finally, working a Pilates exercise program greatly increases your flexibility, while strengthening muscles at the same time. Many strength training programs only focus on strengthening, not flexibility. This creates muscles that are easily injured, because the tendons are so tight that they can easily snap.

Pilates provides flexibility training in conjunction with strength training. If you are ready to take advantage of these amazing health benefits, it is time to start Pilates. Get a DVD that you can use at home and start your exercise program as soon as possible.

Pilates DVDs are affordable and easy to find. You can even check one out from your library! When you start working out with Pilates, your body will thank you and you will love the improvement you find in your appearance!

Independent guide
www.pilates-guided.com

It’s Not Magic – It’s Botox

You stress, You squint into the harsh sun. You concentrate. And over time those expressions leave their mark on your face making you look older, tired and stressed.

But now there’s Botox. A simple, non-surgical procedure that can dramatically reduce even your toughest wrinkle within days. Whilst Botox is used clinically in over 20 medical conditions including Cerebral Palsy and Essential tremor, it is in the cosmetic field that its use has seen greatest expansion. Botox is a natural, purified protein that relaxes wrinkle causing muscles creating a smoothed, rejuvenated and more youthful appearance.

It’s a simple non-surgical procedure that smoothes the deep, persistent facial lines that develop over time. One ten minute treatment – a few tiny injections – relaxes the muscles that cause those lines to form and keeps them relaxed for 3 to 6 months. The results are often quite dramatic and apparent within days. For many, Botox temporarily erases those lines.

Botox is incredibly safe. It has been approved for Cosmetic used by both the US FDA and the TGA here in Australia. It has been widely tested with 12 years of safe and effective use in hundreds of thousands of patients world wide for various medical uses.

Botox interferes in a reversible way with the excessive stimulation of the muscles of facial expression. This relaxes that worried brow or those deep crows’ feet and gives the face a brighter and more relaxed look. Like any cosmetic procedure Botox can be done poorly.

Over use of the material can create an unnatural look which is unattractive. Conversely insufficient dose whilst cheaper will give a transient improvement only and probably insufficient at that. When used with judgment Botox can soften deep frown lines and accentuate the arch of the brow and then show the eyes.

Deep creases on the forehead can also be softened. More recent uses of Botox have extended to the lower part of the face where they can be used to soften wrinkles around the mouth and deep furrows at the corners of the mouth. An unhappy down turned expression can be gently elevated to create a happier impression.

Another popular use of Botox has been for hyperhidrosis, a condition where profuse sweating from the arm pits creates an embarrassing and uncomfortable circumstance for the sufferer. Botox directly injected into the arm pits ‘switches off’ these over active sweat glands and leaves the user dry and comfortable. Interestingly use of Botox for cosmetic reasons around the brow has been discovered to decrease the frequency of migraine headaches.

This coincidental discovery has lead to further expansion of the medical indications for Botox. Reassuringly all affects of Botox are reversible. The overactive muscles are only temporarily weakened and cessation of Botox therapy will lead to return of full function. Botox also only works on the specific areas treated so other muscles like those used to raise the eyebrows, are not affected so a natural expression is maintained.

It will not “freeze” your facial expressions. It soften them and works where you want it to. So it’s really up to you. You can choose to live with wrinkles or you can chose to live without them.

About Dr Scamp
Dr. Terrence Scamp is a graduate of the University of Queensland, (1980) and underwent his internship at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Two years after graduation he moved into surgical training and obtained experience in vascular, orthopedic, neurosurgery and general surgery. He commenced his specialized training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in 1986 at the Royal Brisbane Hospital, moving to Prince Alexandra Hospital in 1987 for a further year of training in plastic surgery. In 1988, he commenced three and a half years of International training in Scotland, Bristol, Harley Street London, Belgium, Slovenia, Germany and the U. S.A. www.esteemclinic.com.au

Glass Nail Files

Glass Nail Files

Description: Our ranges of files are eco friendly, beautifully decorated and make a unique gift or marketing tool. Best of all the filing surface will not corrode over time and will never need replacing due to wear. Please only accept genuine glass files. They are sold with a holographic stickers containing the genuine Patent number.

Your glass File Glass files are superior in maintaining the maximum care and hygiene of your nails. Experienced users of Glass Files claim that using Glass Files prevents chipping and splitting of the nails and promotes healthier nail growth. How to Use your Glass File Shape your nails in the same way you would using a traditional file.

When filing with Glass Files unique surface not as much pressure is required to remove your nails. Use a smooth filling action the results will be a very smooth edge and no tags or splits. When filing Artificial Nails dip the file in water, this will improve your filing results, Brush the surface of the file with a nail brush or wipe over with nail polish remover to keep the surface clean and free of build up.

Size: A full range of sizes available
Price: $9.00-45.00AUS
Availability: www.glassfiles.com.au
Overall Star Rating:

I found these glass files at the Beauty Expo in Sydney last year and as soon as I saw them I knew that I wanted to do a review on them. I was not disappointed.

These glass files were a hit with all our panelists. The glass they are made out of is a toughened glass so you don’t have to worry about dropping it and it never wears out so it is a lifetime investment.

The range of colours and styles are extensive so you will find one to suit your needs. I am personally a convert to these files and so are our panelists.

EXCELLENT….WHERE HAVE THESE FILES BEEN HIDING….I HAVE FRIENDS WHO WANT TO BUY THEM….I LOVE IT This is a breakthrough. I love this product.

It works for natural nails, and also for my acrylic nails…it also is one of the most handy items a woman could have as it is also used to get the dry skin off heels on feet etc AND IT WORKS….it is easy to clean and funky colours. Easy to carry in bag. It was so impressive my girlfriend who is a nail technician has now got it and uses it on her clients, it works, she also loves it and so do the clients…THIS IS A MUST AND WORTH EVERY CENT .

I had never heard of the Glass File until I got one to try out. It’s quite unique. I shaped my fingernails and then tried it out on the dry skin on my heels (oops, I’ve been lazy with the moisturiser). It’s astonishing what 3 minutes with the Glass File can do to smooth out dry heels (forget the moisturiser!). I would definitely buy this product.

I loved this. I found it very easy to use and it did a great job. It is the best nail file I have used. My nails felt really smooth after filing them. This is a product I would buy again for myself.
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I love my glass nail file – I really look after my nails , so spend a lot of time filing. I always carry a file with me, and this glass one is perfect. It stays sharp, doesn’t make my nails split and feels really soft, not harsh and rough like some files. I would definitely buy some more of these files .
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The best nail file I have ever used, I have very long nails, and it was just fantastic to use. I would absolutely buy this for myself.

APIVITA Aromatherapy Multivitamin Face Caps

APIVITA Aromatherapy Multivitamin Face Caps

Description: Designed to give the skin a nourishing boost, Aromatherapy Multivitamin is a daily dose of essential nutrients that invigorate and refresh even the most socially over-committed party person this season! As with the case for all APIVITA Aromatherapy products, green tea water is used instead of plain water, ensuring a more potent, active and indulgent base that also boasts antioxidant and anti-irritant properties.

The two-level system comprising Aromatherapy Multivitamin face caps and Aromatherapy containing the Multivitamin face cream (with SPF 10) work together to maximise the benefits for the skin. The smart single-dose capsules contain borage oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, and centella extract, which helps to firm the skin and tone microcirculation. Active ingredients encourage rapid absorption to the deeper layers of the skin, preparing the surface for the next step to a fresh, healthy complexion .

Size: 30 Capsules
Price: $64.90AUS
Availability: Myer, pharmacies and health spas.
Overall Star Rating:

This product is part of a two-level system comprising of Aromatherapy Multivitamin face caps and a Multivitamin face cream (with SPF 10). These work well together to maximise the benefits for the skin.

The smart single-dose capsules contain borage oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, and centella extract, which helps to firm the skin and tone microcirculation. Each capsule is enough for one application , eliminating wastage and leaving the skin feeling silky smooth .

These capsules leave your face so soft and smooth. I have found a very noticeable difference to my skin. Its texture is softer and the lines around my eyes are now becoming softer after the trial time. This product absorbed easily in to the skin, felt silky soft, and left my skin soft and looking very refreshed. I also found that my make up looked so much better and went on with a fresh look when applied.

I also found that my face had a refreshed look in the mornings after I had put it on the night before. I loved the packaging, this is a product you can take anywhere with you, and it has a beautiful feel upon the skin and lovely fragrance.
It is the sort of product you would love to have a bath full and immerse your whole body in, knowing you would come out with a feeling of such softness, glow, and overall wellbeing….its a great product for the mature skin. It is definitely great value for money and I would purchase this item for myself again.

I liked these caps. They did everything they said they would do. They feel a bit greasy at first but by the time I was ready to put the Face cream on that greasy feeling had gone. Very easy to use, just twist the end and apply. I loved that they were a natural product. I would buy it again for myself.
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I loved the packaging and the concept of the face capsules. The first time I used them I thought it felt really oily on my skin, so I didn’t think I would like it, however it soaked right in to my skin and ended up making my skin feel really velvety – not oily at all.

So I did think these felt lovely, but not very moisturising – I definitely needed to moisturise afterwards. I think the product felt beautiful and I liked it, but I probably wouldn’t buy it for myself as it’s more than I would usually spend on a product, and I don’t have a lot of time, so to use these and a moisturiser is probably too time consuming for me.

I have a tendency to use too much of a product at a time so I really liked that these came is single use capsules, avoiding any waste. Once applied, it had a very light consistency and I think it would be suitable for a range of skin types. I will buy this for myself again.
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The serum in the capsules is quite thick and sticky. It’s meant to be used together with the Face Cream. The end result of applying the serum and cream is rather heavy for my skin and it’s probably better used in winter. I don’t think I would see results in 2-3 weeks but might expect some improvement in 2-3 months.

A’Kin Sweet Blossom & Jojoba Pure Essential Lip Balm

A’Kin Sweet Blossom & Jojoba Pure Essential Lip Balm

Description: The all natural [A'kin] Lip Balm is formulated in a base of golden Australian jojoba oil to deeply condition the lip area, macadamia oil, to soften the skin, certified organic rosehip oil which is rich in Omega 3, shea butter, a highly beneficial skin conditioner and vitamin E and rosemary extract, an anti-oxidant for skin protection.

Unlike most Lip Balm products which contain beeswax or honey, the new [A'kin] Sweet Blossom & Jojoba Pure Essential Lip Balm is formulated without animal ingredients or animal testing. It is free from preservatives, mineral oils, parabens, artificial fragrance and colours.

Size: 10ml
Price: $9.95AUS
Availability: www.purist.com
Overall Star Rating:

This lip balm is the most deliciously scented balm I have ever used. It comes in a little tin that is very handy for travel. The ingredients in this lip balm are almost edible, which is a good thing as most of us do lick our lips a lot. It is very hydrating and moisturising but does have to be applied frequently.

I loved the packaging; however it was a little difficult to open at first. After using it a couple of times it loosened up and was a lot easier. The balm was very easy to apply with your fingers, however not very hygienic. It would be great if it also came in a lip balm stick as it is a great formula. It lasted well, even after a glass of water and a cheeky smooch! My lips felt hydrated and soft all day without the feeling of needing to reapply often.

A very pleasant natural scent with a hint of orange that even tastes good. The texture was very smooth, silky and easy to wear giving your lips a natural sheen. I would purchase this product for myself and my friends as it has a beautiful finish and is very comfortable to wear. I love natural products and this is one of the better ones.

This lip balm is lovely – it feels soft and smooth on the lips, not at all sticky or tacky. I use it a couple of times a day and before bed at night. My lips feel lovely and soft and my husband has been using it too as he has dry lips. He really likes it, and said his lips feel better since using it. He finds the packaging easy to use and not too ‘girly’. It is nice to know that the product has a lot of natural ingredients. It is very good value for money, quite a cheap product and one I will buy for myself and one for my husband!

I thought the tin that this balm comes in is really cute. It had a sweet & nutty fragrance to it which was quite nice. When I applied it, it goes on very easily and smoothly, but I felt that the balm just sat on my lips and didn’t really soak in. In fact my lips felt quite oily after I applied the balm and stayed like that for some time. I also felt that after talking or having a sip of a drink, the balm came off really easily and I had to reapply frequently through the day.

I enjoyed using this lip balm very much. It has a very pleasant smell of orange blossoms. I found that I only had to use the smallest amounts and it was sufficient to hydrate my lips, so it will last a very long time. The texture was very light and moist and gave my lips a very nice natural shine and I used it instead of a lipstick when going shopping. I prefer to apply it with a lip brush rather than my fingers, so it would be nice if it came with a small brush.

This lip balm is made entirely from anti-oxidant rich organic and botanical products. As a result, it’s almost edible, which is reassuring considering that we slather generous amounts of it on our lips and ingesting most of it. It leaves a nice healthy glowy sheen. It’s extremely portable. It comes in a small, lightweight tin that’s discrete and flat enough to slide into the pockets of your tightest-fitting jeans. And the smell is gorgeous (if you’re into organic herbal-like smells).I feel this product would be better served as a non-greasy fast-sinking moisturiser/salve, than a lip balm.

As a lip balm, it should have been a lot more occlusive. 10 minutes after application it’s almost completely sunk into my lip dermis, which is a good thing if you want to impart moisture and anti-oxidants into your lips but not so if you happen to be out on a windy/dry day and the air is sucking most of the moisture from your lips (which is the case 90% of the time when we reach for our trusty lip balms). A’Kin sweet blossom lip balm is good for those lip balm addicts who love to constantly reapply lip balm during the day.

Given the cost of the botanical ingredients used to make this lip balm (jojoba oil, macadamia oil, shea, rosehip oil to name just a few), this is actually a lot better value that other similar priced petroleum-based lip balms on the market But it does come in a comparatively smaller tub, only 10ml. As far as its effectiveness as a lip balm, there are more effective products on the market at a cheaper price .

Jane Iredale – Pure Lash Mascara

Jane Iredale – Pure Lash Mascara

Description: This mascara is made from a mild formula that contains no lacquers, shellac or petroleum based products. It resists smearing and flaking and is water-resistant. Seaweed liposomes and panthenol have been added to the formula to keep the mascara moist and to assist in conditioning the lashes.

Those with severe allergies who may not have been able to wear mascara in the past can be assured that Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup and mascaras, are made from the purest minerals and are safe to wear. All the mascaras come fitted with a hollow fibre brush for easy application .

Size: 7grams
Price: $32.00AUS
Availability: For stockists call 1300 850 008 or visit: www.janeiredale.com,
Overall Star Rating:

I was looking forward to receiving the feedback for this mascara as it has been a favourite of mine for a long time. While not giving you an ‘instant false eyelashes’ effect, the mascara is very glossy and does lengthen the lashes nicely.

The main benefit of this mascara is the ingredients. If you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses this is a great product to try as it contains no lacquers or petroleum based ingredients. The lashes are moisturised and it is easy to remove.

I love the packaging! Sleek, smooth easy to use wand that is small in size with a minimal logo. The brush is medium in size and gives your lashes a lengthening effect that looks natural. I applied two coats in the morning and found that the coverage lasted me all day and into the evening. At first I found the smell unpleasant, however I waited about 30seconds to apply the second coat and the scent subsided into a light vanilla scent.
Texture is very light and does not clog on your lashes. I have very sensitive eyes that have a tendency to appear red. With this mascara my eyes felt very comfortable all day and did not sting or feel irritated. I think this is due to the fact that there are no perfumes or irritants. I’m sold! 5/5.

I would buy this product for myself as I think it is a lovely product. Slightly dearer than other mascaras I use, but worth it. I have other Jane Iredale products, but have never tried the mascara. It looked really natural, almost like having no mascara on but still enhancing my lashes (which are a bit pathetic, so need all the help they can get!)This mascara didn’t irritate my eyes , which some other mascaras do. It did smear a bit and occasionally I ended up with ‘panda eyes’, but that was probably my fault as I rub my eyes a bit. It was easy to apply and glided on very nicely without clumps and lumps.

I would definitely buy this product. It compares very well with some of the expensive brands of mascara that I’ve used. I have Chinese eyelashes (i.e. short and sparse) and found that Jane Iredale’s mascara made them look thicker and longer, and the ends curled up a little. The colour I used, Jet Black, is very glossy and only faded after 10 hours. Although it’s water-resistant, the mascara came off easily with a facial cleaning wipe. I loved using this mascara.

What a beautiful product. I have never been able to use mascaras in the past because 5 minutes after applying it I could literally scratch my eyes out, they itch so much. Then they go red and weep. So I was hesitant in trying this mascara. I am very glad I did. It was very easy to apply, and not used to mascaras gave my eyes an instant lift. My lashes actually felt moisturised and lovely glossy. It made my lashes look quite long (which they’re not) and the itching never came. That in my book is a fantastic product. It is great to know that there are products that even very sensitive people can use.

Unfortunately I didn’t like using this mascara. On me it smudges, flakes, and takes ages to dry. This is the first mascara to flake and smudge under my eyes after just a few hours. I have tested a good variety of high end and low end mascaras over the years. I was disappointed by the performance of this mascara. It didn’t volumise, didn’t hold curl, and didn’t lengthen my lashes. The effect is comparable to a lash-tint, only this smudges and flakes.

Natio Spa – Smoothing Mint Foot and Hand Scrub

Natio Spa – Smoothing Mint Foot and Hand Scrub

Description: Natural pumice to slough away rough spots and flakiness. Aniseed and Peppermint to freshen and revitalise. Method of use: Apply onto damp skin. Gently massage concentrating on problem areas. Rinse with warm water. Dry feet and hands thoroughly.

Size: 100ml
Price: $9.05AUS
Availability: Myer, David Jones and Department Stores
Overall Star Rating:
*

Nothing relaxes me more than a foot soak and scrub after a long day on my feet. This foot and hand scrub from Natio is an excellent product to revitalise the feet with aniseed and peppermint in it. It is very well priced, so you can afford to pamper yourself.
The granules are fine so it is suitable even if you have sensitive skin. A great product to add to your shopping list for yourself or a wish list for presents.

I loved this product! This is probably one of those products that you wouldn’t normally buy for yourself. Like most I tend to ignore my feet so when I used this I was pleasantly surprised. It comes in simple stylish packaging and smells divine, like mint & eucalyptus.

The amount I needed to use was good so I feel you would get great value for money & many uses before having to buy a replacement. My feet had some dry skin and a lot of this came off after use and both my feet & hands felt so refreshed after. It also had a lovely cooling effect afterwards so it would be great for hot, tired & swollen feet. (I wish I had used this when I was pregnant). Good value for money, I would buy this for myself.

I gave this a test after an exhausting shopping expedition. I was firstly struck by the gorgeous mint smell which is quite strong but lovely. After soaking my feet I used this to exfoliate and it did a great job but I was mostly impressed by the soothing mint feeling that it left behind which lasted quite a while – it is just great for tired feet. Excellent value for money, a great product for the price.

I was impressed with how cool and refreshed my feet felt after using this product. It’s easy to apply with a gel texture that has gentle natural pumice exfoliating particles and I also loved the minty scent. This product is good for someone who only needs a gentle exfoliation, if your feet are very dry and rough you may need something that is deeper in exfoliation. I would purchase this product again, its great value for money.

It is quite a strong Eucalyptus, menthol scent. I love the clear, simple packaging as you can really see what you are getting. The product stimulates the circulation and feels very invigorating. Makes you feel alive. You can feel the product on your hands for about 5 – 10 mins after it has been washed off. I felt like I needed to apply moisturiser straight after as you can feel a little alcohol in the product.

The smooth feeling on the skin only lasts about a day. It is course enough to exfoliate without feeling harsh. The scent of the product is very invigorating and gives the feeling of freshness. It would not be top of my list for feet as it is not exfoliating enough, however I would purchase it just for my hands.

A solid performing scrub containing pumice particles that took 10 years off the appearance of my never-exfoliated hands. I also tried it on my feet but the effect wasn’t as dramatic, possibly because the skin on my feet is a lot tougher than that on my hands and I was standing upright in the shower when I used this scrub.

Aside from its mild sinus-clearing mint-eucalyptus fragrance, this scrub has no therapeutic properties and it doesn’t dry out the skin. Because it is a gel and the gel dissolves rather quickly, you do require a generous dollop size for each hand and feet. This isn’t the best hand and foot scrub I have tried but it does its job with no unpleasant side-effects and can be readily purchased anywhere.

APIVITA Aromatherapy Multivitamin Face Cream (SPF 10)

APIVITA Aromatherapy Multivitamin Face Cream (SPF 10)

Description: Aromatherapy Multivitamin face cream is a rich, nourishing and toning face cream for all skin types. Ginseng extract coupled with essential oils of orange, lemon and bergamot invigorate the skin’s appearance. The addition of osmopour, a fluid gel containing ivy, sunflower and rice bran plant ingredients, helps to protect skin against cigarette smoke, pollution, dehydration and other nasties.

A veritable feast of goodness for the skin, Aromatherapy Multivitamin face caps and cream revive dull should ideally be used at least twice a year. This approach ensures an intense treatment that revives tired skin and helps to protect against premature ageing.

Size: 50ml
Price: $64.90AUS
Availability: Myer, pharmacies and health spas.
Overall Star Rating:

This is an absolutely beautiful moisturising cream that is not heavy on the skin. It is packed full of anti-oxidants and other very nourishing ingredients making it a very hydrating moisturiser that leaves your skin feeling not only healthy and revitalised but is also great as an intensive treatment freshen up dull complexions. A truly great product.

This product is gorgeous, its fragrance is lovely, it applies so well and absorbs into the skin well, leaving it well nourished and glowing. This product I believe also reduces fine lines around the eyes and mouth and also leaves my skin so soft and smooth and ready to apply makeup and it sets lovely on the skin.

This product has made a lovely difference to my skin; it looks fresher and also more glowing. It is a great cream as I found it can be used night and day and does the job for both. I highly recommend this cream to the mature age group. It is definitely good value and I would buy and recommend this product.

This product enhanced my skin. I found it to do everything it claimed it would. My face was smoother and brighter and was very nice to touch. Loved again that it was a natural product. Just the product to use after a long day, getting ready for an evening out. I would buy it again in conjunction with the Face Caps.

I loved this cream and would buy it for myself as it felt sensational on my skin and I really noticed a difference in the appearance of my skin. It didn’t seem so blotchy & looked healthier. It felt great when putting it on, again the packaging is lovely too.

It smells nice, kind of floral and has a lovely creamy texture, bit like a whipped cream. You don’t need heaps of it to feel like you have a nice coverage so should last a while. I really thought it made my skin appear healthier and not so many spots etc.

This is quite a light cream and I am not sure if it would be suitable for extremely dry skin. Luckily my skin is on the oily side so it worked quite well for me. Due to the light consistency this is great to wear during the day under makeup. It is a small jar but a little goes a long way making it good value .

The Face Cream goes on very nicely if used on its own (without the Face Capsule) and has a light texture and very nice scent. I have not noticed any difference to my complexion. I wouldn’t buy the product because of its price.

SugarBaby Wink’N Blink Eye Shimmer

Product: SugarBaby Wink’N Blink Eye Shimmer

Description: Rare Beauty may be obtained with these sheer loose shining eye powders. An extravagant mix of pearlescent glamour. Wink wink, need I say more? Apply shimmer with brush or fingertip. May be applied wet for a more defined look.

Size: 2.5g
Price: $12.95AUS
Availability: Priceline
Overall Star Rating:
*
*

The colour we reviewed was ‘Beige Blink’. This is not only a very neutral colour that would suit most people but it is also a gorgeous product that can be used either on its own or in conjunction with other colours. Great as a base or a highlighter under the brows. Also works very well as an all over colour for a little shimmer when you just want to keep your makeup simple.

I loved the pretty pink matt packaging. It is easy to open and has a clear lid so you can view the colour of the product. It is also packaged in a small container that fits easily into your makeup purse. Application of the product with your fingertips was easy, however would be even better if it came with a small eye shadow brush for a more professional hygienic finish. The product lasted fairly well for a shimmer, however I did touch up after about 5 hours.

It gives your eyes a subtle natural luminous look without looking overdone. The texture is very smooth, silky and fine with a very natural scent that does not irritate the delicate eye area. I would definitely purchase this product for myself. It is a great product that not only looks good. It is also very affordable and comfortable to wear.

If you are not a fan of shimmer then this is not for you, however I happen to love shimmer so I found this eye shadow fantastic. I used it both dry and also applied it with a slightly damp brush. Both ways it sparkles up the eye area and it is long lasting. I found this Wink’n Blink eye shadow excellent – this would last a long time and it is great quality.

I’m a big fan of eye shimmers. This Sugar Baby eye shimmer is great as a highlighter for the eyes. It’s very quick and easy to apply and lasts well for a shimmer eye shadow. I would purchase Sugar Baby’s Eye Shimmer for myself again.
*
*

If you are a fan of Stila’s famous shimmery beige eye colour, Kitten, but find that kitten doesn’t really show up on your warm olive-toned skin, then you’ll love this colour. I wear it in the centre of my eyelid and it really does make my eyes ‘pop’. Because this is a light beige-pink colour, it can also be worn as a highlighter for the brow bone, cheekbone, inner eye corners, or swept across your body. I will buy this eye shadow again because I would actually use this colour. Money’s no object in the pursuit of beauty.

I tried this eye shadow both wet and dry, although I wouldn’t buy this particular colour for myself again, I thought it gave a nice shimmer wet and dry and was easy to apply with an applicator, but a bit messy with fingertips. The product lasted well on, but after a few hours did start to crease. I would probably buy it again in a cream/white colour that could just be used under brows for a shine. You don’t need a lot of this product for it to make an impression, so the size would last well and I feel it is well priced.

MOR – Orange Blossom Whipped Body Cream

MOR – Orange Blossom Whipped Body Cream

Description: Wrap the body in a moisturising cocoon enriched with Sea Minerals and extracts of Nori and Ginger. This whipped formula contains a rich dose of restorative antioxidants and leaves skin feeling luxuriously silky.

Size: 250ml
Price: $29.95AUS
Availability: Myer, David Jones and Department Stores
Overall Star Rating:
*
*

The fist thing you notice about this body cream as you open up the jar is the wonderful smell of Orange Blossom. The second thing you notice is the light velvety texture of the cream.

Even though I used this body cream on very hot days, it still felt very comfortable and moisturising on my skin. This is a body cream that I am happy to recommend for anyone and I will certainly keep using it myself.

My favourite bath product is Mor’s Pomegranate Bath Foam so I had high expectations. I wasn’t disappointed. The Orange Blossom Cream is delightfully scented, its texture is fluffy and non-greasy. I keep it on my bedside table for night-time application and it’s just lovely to go to sleep with the scent of orange blossoms and ginger in the room. $29 may seem a little pricey but it’s definitely worth it because a little goes a very long way. It’s more than a moisturiser; it’s a body treat.

I loved the container – easy to just open and pop your fingers in and spread over your skin. It has a lovely smell and spreads really easily. It is not sticky or tacky and leaves the skin feeling very soft and moisturised. I put the Orange Blossom on one leg and my normal ‘cheap’ body lotion on the other and the Orange Blossom was far better in all areas. I think this cream quite expensive, but saying that – it is a lovely product and I may think about buying for myself.

I have used a lot of MOR products and I loved them all. MOR’s Orange Blossom cream has a beautiful light fruity/floral fragrance. It is a very hydrating cream and absorbs into my skin within minutes. I will be purchasing this one for sure.
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The smell of this product is fabulous. I really liked it. The texture was also good too – wasn’t too hard so you had to work it around, and absorbed easily. Moisturising benefits were fairly reasonable – my skin felt softer, but no softer than any other product I’ve used in the past. Aside from the smell, this product didn’t have any particular stand out features. I would consider purchasing the product in the future, but am not completely sold.

This is a very thick and creamy, body cream. It smells just beautiful. A little goes a long way and it is very moisturising.

Instant Diminue

Product: Instant Diminue

Description: You may hear in the news and on TV about a revolutionary new ingredient for relaxing wrinkles called Argireline. Instant DIMINUE features 25% Argireline – the highest concentration of any product on the market today.

The secret behind it’s amazing wrinkle-zapping results are found in it’s four active ingredients. One ingredient is the same active ingredient found in $1000 Restylane injections.
The second ingredient has been clinically proven in 100% of study participants (that’s EVERYBODY!) to melt away fine lines and wrinkles 50% to 90% in as little as 10 minutes.

The third ingredient is 350% more effective than the best Vitamin C and has even been clinically proven to work far quicker than Retinol without the irritation and redness and the fourth and most important active ingredient is the strongest ingredient in cosmetics today that works identical to Botox relaxing facial tension which leads to the reduction of facial wrinkles and lines in a non-paralytic way.

Size: 15ml
Price: $89.00AUS
Availability: www.youthceutics.com
Overall Star Rating:

If you are after an alternative to Botox or plastic surgery, this is it. This fantastic lightweight serum gives the eye an instant eye lift, smoothing out the wrinkles and brightening the whole eye area. I also tried the product around my lips where my lipstick usually bleeds and it has helped smooth the lines around my mouth too.

The serum can be applied to just the problem areas or over the whole face for extreme wrinkles. It’s to be applied twice a day and the results are absolutely amazing. Not only do you get almost instant firming but the results get better over time. A truly great product.

This product has a wonderfully soothing effect when applied to the eye area after cleansing. It doesn’t take long to absorb and the effects of the serum last throughout the day. It is also very relaxing on tired eyes. I would definitely buy this product again.

The product works well on softening firm lines around the eyes and smoothes out the pores so my complexion appears clear and more youthful. A small amount goes a long way and you have instant results. Used over a long period of time the product would prove very satisfactory. I would purchase it again due to the main anti-ageing ingredients giving me a fast result.

I have tried other “wrinkle” eliminating &/or diminishing products but to no avail, however this one is very effective and you feel the effects instantly. It gave my skin a tingly feeling and I felt the tightening effect straight away. The INSTANT DIMINUETM is an excellent product and I will definitely be purchasing it again.

Excellent firming effect! One drop is all I needed to achieve soft skin. The texture is very silky – I’m using it everyday and looking forward to seeing more results! I will buy it again!

I found this product to left my skin a bit dry and I found this a little uncomfortable. The serum did absorb well, but left my skin feeling like it needed more moisture. I don’t feel this product made a great difference to my skin, but it did not give me any bad reactions either. Packaging is excellent and convenient to anyone who may use and like the feel of this product, as it would be easy to carry around if necessary, eg; when travelling.

Physiotherm Far Infrared Sauna

Recently I had the privilege of reviewing the Physiotherm Far Infrared Sauna at Strength2Strength at Robina on the Gold Coast.

Let me just start by saying that I hate sweating, but for some unknown reason I like saunas, probably because I know they are good for me.

So when the company offered me 10 sessions to experience this sauna that is taking Europe by storm, I jumped at the chance.

What Is a Far Infrared Sauna and how is it different to your regular sauna?
Your regular sauna uses very high temperatures to heat the body and this can cause discomfort for a lot of people. Anyone with a heart condition or respiratory problems is unable to use saunas.

Some people just find it too stifling and find it too uncomfortable. The Infrared sauna doesn’t rely on high temperatures
to heat your body; it only gets up to about 40 – 45C and you can control the temperature to whatever is comfortable for you.

Infrared light is part of the Sun’s invisible spectrum and is simply a form of energy that is directly transmitted onto objects because of its specific wavelength. It has nothing to do with ultraviolet light which gives you sunburn and damages your skin.
The Infrared rays penetrate your skin, giving you that wonderful natural warmth. You can be exposed to Far Infrared heat for hours and it will never cause your skin to burn. Far Infrared heat is completely healthy and safe for all living things.

Before I started my first session I was told to drink plenty of water. My husband was most pleased to hear this as he is always telling me to drink more. So I did my best and drank about 1 litres by 3 pm and I took a litre with me. What I wasn’t prepared for was how much I was sweating.

When I first entered the sauna I was surprised at how comfortable
the temperature was. The sauna cubicle is dry, there is no steam and it was around 40 degrees. So I settled back for a very relaxing 35 minutes. Within 10 minutes I was literally dripping with sweat, and I was told to keep towelling it off continually.
Sweating is, I was told the best way to detox the body.

‘Elimination of toxins such as metabolic by-products from our own cells occurs through breath, urine, stool and sweat. As the skin is the body’s largest organ and one designed to aid in cleansing and purifying (like a kidney), sweating plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy body.’(www.physiotherm.net) I don’t think I have ever sweated as much in my life. Needless to say I didn’t drink enough water, got dehydrated and had the worst headache for the rest of the evening. That soon taught me to drink more water! Apart from the headache what I noticed most was how smooth my skin was all over my body. This was due to the fact that when you sweat the body’s capillary network is dilated. Over my 10 sessions I have noticed a definite improvement in my skin’s texture, complexion and tone.

Beauty therapists often use Infrared therapy in conjunction with more traditional treatments, to enhance the results of facials, body wraps and exfoliation treatments. The Infrared sauna is excellent for anyone in pain, suffering from insomnia, wanting to de-stress, wanting to lift depression, detoxify, boost circulation, boost the immune system and wanting to control weight.

Yes I did say control weigh as the sweat production results in burning calories. (1 gm sweat requires 0.586 kcal)
‘A moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off up to 500gms or more in a session. This translates to more than 300kcal – the equivalent to a brisk 30 minute walk. While this weight loss can be regained by re-hydration with water, the calories consumed will not.

This is a valuable system for those who don’t exercise and those who can not exercise, yet want an effective weight control and fitness program, along with the benefits that regular exercise bring.’ (www.physiotherm.net)

This fact I found extremely interesting. Anything that doesn’t involve me exercising and still helps me loose weight, I like. I was told that most people require about 3 sessions to really start to sweat, and they were right. After the third session I only needed a couple of minutes to get the sweat happening. Even though I was sweating profusely the bottle of water I took into the sauna stayed cold. And I really started to feel the benefits of the detox.

I was actually looking forward to my next sessions which were two days apart.
I also took along my husband for a second opinion. He does not like saunas. He finds them very uncomfortable because of the high heat. He lasted the whole 35 minutes comfortably and while dripping with sweat he said it actually felt very cleansing. By my sixth session I was coming down with a cold and I considered cancelling my appointment.

However I read in some of the literature on Infrared saunas that they help with cold and sinus problems, so I decided to go ahead. While I had to lower the temperature slightly, I felt absolutely refreshed
and rejuvenated by the end of my session and my cold was definitely getting better. Over all, my experience was fantastic.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Infrared sauna, not only for the relaxation but also for the health benefits. For more information go to www.physiotherm.net

Interview with Budget Fashionista’s Kathryn Finney

Livia: Well Kathryn, thanks so much for your new book, “How to Be a Budget Fashionista” I’m loving it! Most, if not all your wonderful advice can be used no matter where in the world you shop which makes it a great resource for all women.

So Kathryn, first things first for the benefit of our readers, what is a “Budget Fashionista” and how did this inspire your blog?

Kathryn: A Budget Fashionista is someone who has a great closet and a 401k (Superannuation). I started the blog in 2003, after years of struggling with credit card debit. I had to learn how to be a “Fashionista” within a pretty strict budget, hence the name “Budget Fashionista” .

Livia: Now, many women don’t even like the sound of the word ‘Budget’ but why is a budget important and what rewards are there in having one?

Kathryn: Well, there’s nothing fashionable about being broke. Putting together a budget helps you to keep track of what is coming in and what is coming out. It also helps you to prioritise certain expenditures, i.e. it is more important to have cable or satellite TV or have dinner with your friends.

Livia: Whether in beauty or fashion, everyone LOVES a bargain. So, what’s your best 3 (or more) top tips for buying smart?

Kathryn:
1. Always, always try everything on. A bargain is only a bargain if you wear it.
2. Leave the credit cards at home. It’s amazing how much you save when you do this.
3. Always calculate the cost per wear of a garment, which is Price of the garment divided by
# of times you expect to wear a garment. So if a garment costs $30 and you expect
to wear it 10 times over the course of the next year.. your cost per wear would be
$3 every time you wear it.

Livia: In your book, you mention what beauty products are in your drawer. Would you like to share some of your favourites with us?

Kathryn: I’m a big fan of Vaseline because it has so many uses, mix it with old lipstick for a lipgloss, use it as an emergency hair gel, or even as a shoe polish. I’m also a big fan of baby wipes which are a cheap way to remove make-up.

Livia: In the January issue of The Beauty Review, we featured an article about creating a spa at home.
What are some on your top tips for creating facials, scrubs and moisturisers?

Kathryn: Well, definitely to read the beauty chapter in my book. Some other great tips are to mix
raw oats with honey for a great exfoliating scrub or to put eye whites on your face for an instant “face lift”

Livia: How has the Internet changed the way we shop and helped us hunt down that bargain? And what are you’re favourite websites?

Kathryn: Shopper now have more options and global shoppers have access to stores that before you had to travel around the world to visit. You can compare prices for an item in store with that online. My favourite online stores are barefoottess.com (a shoe store), Zappos, Amazon (which has AMAZING deals on clothing, housewares, and shoes), and spiegels.com.

Kathryn at New York City’s Fall 2007 Fashion Week
Photo: MSN

Livia: Kathryn, I know I find it hard to separate my work from play, since I love cosmetics and what I do for work. Would this be the same for you? What do you do to relax?

Kathryn: I LOVE to read. I usually read about 4 magazines/newspapers and 1 book a week. I also like to shake my groove thang and travel to warm places. I like the sing, but other don’t like me to sing.

Livia: I’ve heard you talk about fashion trends and the reasons not to blow your budget on them. So, how can we spend wiser when it comes to trends?

Kathryn: Know thy self. It doesn’t matter how “in”that blue and orange polka trapeze dress is if you don’t like it don’t buy it.

Livia: Kathryn, what plans do you have for 2007 and The Budget Fashionista?

Kathryn: Well we’ve started a podcast called “shoptalk” www.shoptalk.com where I chat with celebrities and other folks in fashion, shopping, and retail about trends and style. I’m working on my second book later this year and hopefully will be premiering a television show. But my first love is the blog and that I will be doing everyday with a smile!

Be sure to check out www.thebudgetfashionista.com

Sugar Baby Pucker’n Pout

Product: Sugar Baby Pucker’n Pout

Description: Pucker up for super sweet kisses. Be a glamour girl with these super sexy lip lacquers.
Enriched with vitamin E, sweetly scented and lightly pigmented for a sheer, high gloss shine.

Directions: Wind base in a clockwise direction to release product onto brush and apply directly to lips. For a more prominent look, use a lip liner to define lips.

Size: 1.5ml
Price: $12.95AUS
Availability: Priceline
Overall Star Rating:

If you are looking for a well priced lip gloss that will last on your lips this is it. I personally loved the brush applicator because it made it very easy to apply the gloss over the top of my lip pencil. This gave the colour a nice depth and also prolonged the lasting ability.

On its own the colour is nice and sheer and great for day time wear. The colour selection in the range is good (we all reviewed ‘peachie’).

My first impression was that the twisting application was a bit of a novelty and did take a while for the colour to come thru to the brush. The colour did not seem to last any longer than other lip glosses I have used in the past however I loved the texture, shine and smell of this lip gloss. The colour was also gorgeous and perfect for me. I would purchase this product for myself again and try some other shades also as I think this product is very good value.

I quite liked this product for shine and definition and thought it was reasonably priced. The initial application and twist action did take quite a while to get the colour to go through and dispense onto the brush, but once on, it felt nice and smooth and had a high shine. It didn’t last all that long before reapplication was required.

Even though I thought the twist applicator sounded like a nice idea, I found that it took a while to get the hang of just how much to twist without too much or too little coming through the brush. The product felt nice and moisturising on, without being at all sticky.

The packaging on this is cute – love the shiny pink casing! It is one of the twist glosses with the brush end. It takes a while to get the first bit of gloss to come out. It applies really easily and is not sticky at all. It gives a nice sheer colour too, so it’s not too over the top or ‘glossy’ looking. It lasts for quite a while which is a good thing as I hate having to constantly reapply lip products. The price is quite affordable so I would buy it again for myself.

I was excited to try this as I love lip glosses and use them daily. This is the first kind I have used with a brush on one end and a twist mechanism on the other. I found this method of application messy and wasteful, no matter how careful I was, way more product was always on the brush than I needed and I was left with a sticky mess to clean afterwards.

The texture was nice, thinner and not as sticky as some glosses, and very moisturising, but the smell and taste was not pleasant, kind of chemical. Lasting power was average, a couple of hours, not bad considering the thinner consistency. I think the price is reasonable and I would repurchase it if the application design was different.

My first impression was that it looked very young – the pink branding made me think it was designed for a 13 year old however I liked the way it applied. It took me a few minutes to figure it out, but once I did the brush worked fantastically.

The product lasted on my lips for a very long time, but I found it quite sticky. I wasn’t a fan of the smell or the taste either. I have mixed feelings about this product – there were some positive features to it and it is very reasonably priced. I would probably not purchase it again for myself.

Purestuf Goddess Day Cream

Product: Purestuf Goddess Day Cream

Description: Purestuf is what its name suggests. A natural skin care range handmade with love from the purest of organic ingredients. Rich formulations include essential oils, vitamins, herbal extracts and pure oils that feed and nourish the skin.With a comprehensive collection, Purestuf has skincare products specific for all skin types. Purestuf contains only natural ingredients including shea butter, vitamin E, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil and coco butter, the majority of which are from organic sources. Purestuf contains no chemicals or parabens petrochemicals or sulphates preservatives, no artificial colouring or artificial fragrances.

“Everyone deserves a natural alternative to ensure their skin looks and feels healthy. This is where Purestuf shines,” said Chrissy. Packed with nutrients, Goddess Day Cream moisturises deeply to leave your face looking so healthy it glows. Goddess Ingredients : Sweet almond oil, Macadamia oil, Coconut oil, Cocoa butter, Vitamin E oil, Evening Primrose oil, Aloe Vera gel, Rose essential oil, Grapefruit seed extract, Green tea extracts.

Size: 50ml
Price: $70.00AUS
Availability: www.purestuf.com.au
Overall Star Rating:

This cream for me was a little tub of surprises. On opening the cream for the first time it seemed very thick and heavy and I was unsure of the smell (having been reviewing some very heavily scented products of late). However I was instantly won over as soon as I started to apply the cream to my skin.

The cream melts into a very fine, silky smooth texture and feels like I’m applying moisture instead of oils. I was very impressed with the hydrating ability of this cream and after applying it a couple of times I was actually looking forward to the smell of the cream (Cocoa Butter). It became a very refreshing alternative to my other scented products.
I also used it both day and night. You only need a very small amount to cover your entire face, neck and decolletage area making it excellent value. Note: Note: even though this cream is called a “day” cream, there are no sunscreens in the product. Be sure to apply a separate sunscreen.

This is an excellent cream. It has a very fine formulation which quickly penetrates the skin and leaves it smooth to the touch. I found it especially effective on my neck area where the skin is thin and has fine lines. I thought the combination of essential oils is definitely beneficial for the mature skins. This is a very good value moisturiser due to the excellent quality of ingredients.

The cream has quite a distinct smell when you first open the jar. In the jar it looks quite thick, and I found that you had to really scoop hard to get the cream out – just running your finger over will hardly pick up any product. However, I found that I only need a small amount and it would cover my whole face and when applied it didn’t feel heavy on the face at all. After application my skin felt really soft.

Initially looking at the price tag, it does seem to be on the expensive end of the spectrum. However a little bit goes a long way, so 50ml of this will last for quite a while. However having tested it out I would probably buy it again, but I could see myself getting a bit sick of the smell of it after a while.

This product was great value especially taking into consideration the quality of ingredients. The texture and fragrance was beautiful. Although I prefer a more specialised moisturiser, I found this to be a nice in-between cream. I like the fact that it is a product with environmental morals as well. I would recommend it for a younger age group.

At first glance I thought this product was a bit too light as I tend to like a thicker cream. However after applying this cream, I found that I really liked the texture. It’s not too thick however it is not as thin as lotions. The scent is absolutely divine! It smells like cocoa butter and yummy chocolate.

The cream feels great on and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. And it’s great knowing that it’s made from natural ingredients. I really loved this cream for day and night time use. The tub is convenient and a good size. At first I thought it was a bit expensive but it is well worth the money spent. Great product!

I really liked this day cream, especially the name. I loved that it’s a natural product and Australian. It smells divine. It left my skin feeling smooth and soft and it soaks into the skin very quickly. My skin looked fresh and glowing after using it. I think it is good value for money. It’s a 50g tub and a little goes a long way. This tub will last ages. I would definitely buy again if my budget allowed.

Avon Satin Glow Daily Body Moisturiser

Product: Avon Satin Glow Daily Body Moisturiser

Description: Nourishing, moisturising body lotion with a little self-tan that gradually builds natural-looking colour. You control how much colour you want. Light-reflecting pigments illuminate skin for a subtle glow. Smooths and softens skin with the legendary Skin-So Soft formula.

Unlike self tanning lotions this is a moisturiser that gradually builds natural looking colour. It’s a skin softening and nourishing body lotion with natural light reflecting pigments to illuminate skin. It gives a natural glow and subtle shimmer.

Size: 160ml
Price: $6.99AUS
Availability: www.avon.com.au
Overall Star Rating:

I have tried most of the self tanning products on the market and have to say this compares with the best of them. The texture of the cream is very smooth and the application is easy. Most of all I loved the light-reflecting pigments that gave my skin a subtle glow.

This cream was very moisturising on my skin and I found it perfect to build on my very slight “I was on the beach” tan. The smell of the tanning ingredients in the product were dismissible and the colour is very natural looking on my skin. For the price of this product it is well worth giving it a try.

I have previously used and loved Avon Satin-so-soft products so I was looking forward to trying this one too. I found the application easy which was great. My hands were a little sticky afterwards but fine after washing. I noticed straight away that my skin felt soft and moisturised, it was really lovely.

I think the smell was pleasant compared to other tanning lotions I have used. The colour I had was very subtle and streak free and I am looking forward to purchasing this product again. It is excellent value for money. I will certainly be buying it again .

I have tried a lot of self tanning moisturisers and found that a lot of them leave a distinctive smell after a few hours of warming on the body. I found the fragrance of this body moisturiser nice and fresh, and didn’t seem to have the tell tale signs of a self-tanner odour after a few hours of wear.

The colour was nice, real looking and gradual without being too “fake”. The moisturiser was nice and creamy and easy to apply and softened my skin well. I would definitely buy it again for myself. It is also very well priced for a lovely smoothing moisturiser. 5 stars!

This product goes a long way. I needed just a small amount to moisturise my skin thoroughly. This product was a little smelly upon application, but this soon faded and no “fake tan” smell was left behind at all. I tanned quite noticeably within a few days which was great. It was subtle but I received a few positive comments. The moisturising benefits were great also; I love a 2-in-1 product. It is great value for the size of the tube.

This moisturiser was easy to apply and gave a gentle glow to my skin but the smell of the product put me off. Others around me could also smell it. So while it is a great moisturiser I would not purchase it for myself.

I was looking forward to using this as I use a similar product in between my applications of self tanner to maintain the colour but I was disappointed in its performance as a gradual self tanner. On me it was a horrible orangey colour that went patchy no matter how careful I was in its application. On the up side it did moisturise well and the smell wasn’t too bad.

Dr Hauscka Cleansing Clay Mask

Product: Dr Hauscka Cleansing Clay Mask

Description: For all skin conditions, especially beneficial to oily or blemished skin A deep cleansing and purifying mask treatment for all skin conditions. Absorbs excess oil and impurities as it soothes inflammation and reduces the appearance of blemishes.

* Loess clay absorbs oil and impurities and stimulates circulationy Extracts of nasturtium and witch hazel calm inflammation, refine pores and reduce blemishes
* Especially beneficial to skin that is oily and prone to blemishes
* Encourages gentle, natural exfoliation in all skin conditions
* Mix with water to achieve light paste, and then apply with fingers or brush. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.

Size: 90g
Price: $59.95AUS
Availability: MYER, Selected Pharmacies, Beauty Salons
Overall Star Rating:

Due to the small size of the sample we were sent it is impossible to give an in-depth review of the product. This mask comes in a powder form that you mix with water yourself. Personally I wasn’t a big fan of this as it could be a bit messy and I prefer no fuss products.

But that’s just a personal proclivity. On application the mask dries as all mud masks do, in about 10 minutes. Afterwards my skin was feeling very smooth and clean.

It would have been nice to be able to use the mask a few more times to be able to tell if there were any other attributes to it. As it stands, it is a nice cleansing mask that if your budget allows is worth trying.

I was intrigued by this product – a mask you mix yourself – I thought it was a different and innovative idea, but also thought the mixing/application may be a little awkward/messy but this was not so, it was very simple and easy and I now prefer it to conventional pre-prepared masks. I have been using this twice a week and still have 2 or 3 applications left out of my 10g sample I was sent.

Basically this is a loose clay powder, very fine in texture that you mix with water to a light paste. It smells like clean fresh dirt, not unpleasant at all. In fact it was nice to use a natural product on my face with no strong fragrance. After rinsing, my skin felt and looked clean and smooth, and pore size was reduced.

It also helped to keep my skin clear of blemishes. I was impressed with it’s’ performance and the small amount you use for each application makes it great value for money. I would buy this mask for myself .

I’m a big fan of clay masks and use them regularly. I’ve found they’re very effective on my skin. This product applied well on my face. It was a good texture, didn’t have an overpowering smell, and didn’t make my face feel too ‘tight’.

After using the product, I immediately noticed my skin felt and looked a bit smoother. By the afternoon my skin wasn’t as oily as it usually is. This is a good product.
Having said that though, I believe there are equally good clay masks on the market that are far cheaper.

As soon as I mixed the clay with water it was immediately thick, smooth and easy to apply. It didn’t have a very strong smell for clay; it just had a faint smell like earth. I applied all over my face and let it set and dry which didn’t take very long, and didn’t seem to cake too badly either.

After waiting a few minutes I took it off and noticed how smooth it made my skin, and I did notice my pore size seemed smaller. I don’t think it particular reduced the appearance of any of my blemishes though. But the mask was a nice treat. It is quite an expensive mask and although I did notice some improvements I don’t know if I would buy it again for myself again.

My first impression of the product was that it was a very fine clay dust and a bit messy to use. I found the application difficult as I was unsure how much water to add and unfortunately added too much making it impossible to sample and review this product. I would not purchase this product for myself until I had tried a sample due to the high price.

I found this mask very hard to apply and felt that it was very drying on my skin. I did not like the texture of this product and felt it was too expensive for what it is.

Dr Hauscka Rose Day Cream

Product: Dr Hauscka Rose Day Cream

Description: For dry, sensitive or mature skin A rich, luxurious daily moisturizer. Soothing rose ingredients nurture, renew and protect sensitive, dry and weather-damaged skin. Protects skin against dryness and irritation in harsh conditions. Soothes and heals red, flaking, irritated skin. Seals in moisture to prevent dryness.
* Protects skin against dryness and irritation
* Extracts of rose petal, rose hip and avocado soothe and heal red, flaking, irritated skin
* Seals in moisture to prevent dryness
* Benefits couperose conditions.

Size: 30ml
Price: $54.95AUS
Availability: MYER, Selected Pharmacies, Beauty Salons
Overall Star Rating:

This rose day cream is certainly a very rich and luxurious moisturizer. The scent of rose is unmistakable, even a little overpowering. Definitely have a smell of the tester if you are sensitive to smells. My initial reaction to this product was the smoothness of the texture and the silkiness of the cream as I applied it to my skin.

Unfortunately this is where the review stops as we were only sent 5ml samples of the product and that is definitely not enough to give you an in depth opinion on the lasting benefits of the cream. (Sorry ladies) As it is a rich cream it is more suited to drier skin types and cooler weather.

Note: even though this cream is called a “day” cream, there are no sunscreens in the product. Be sure to apply a separate sunscreen.

My first impression of this product was the beautiful smell of the cream. It is the true smell of roses, which I loved.

The texture of the cream is very smooth and silky and I found that it soaked into the skin straight away without any oily residue. My skin felt instantly hydrated and very nourished. My only complaint is that we didn’t get enough of the cream to be able to give a long term review of it. But the short time I did use it I loved it.

This is a delightfully light day cream with a wonderful scent of roses. My skin felt smooth, enriched and lightly scented – I keep it in my purse and sometimes apply it to the back of my hands to smooth the lines and freshen the texture. I would buy this product for myself again.

I found this a very strongly fragranced day cream, which was on the rich side for me. I found I could only wear it on my days off as my make up did not react well to it. While this is a gorgeous quality product, it’s just not quite right for me.

I did like this product however it is a bit expensive. When I first used this product, I knew it had to be expensive. The cream just glided on my face and it instantly felt smoother and softer. I love the rose smell and the texture is lovely and thick. However I do think this cream should only be for combination / dry skin as when you apply it, it leaves your face quite shiny. Because of this, I tended to use the cream before going to bed. I really loved this product and may buy it in the future.

I didn’t like this product; it didn’t suit my skin at all. Very greasy, my face looked like I’d smeared it in cooking oil. This product would be better suited to a very dry complexion. It did smell lovely though. A little goes a long way, but I won’t buy this product for myself.

REDWIN Sorbolene Moisturiser

Product: REDWIN Sorbolene Moisturiser

Description: As the weather changes and our skin becomes dry and chapped by wind and the onslaught of central heating/cooling in the home and office, Redwin sorbolene moisturising cream is a soothing and cost effective skin saver for moisturising. Sorbolene cream is recommended by dermatologists and medical practitioners as the most effective moisturising cream and suitable in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema; and it’s even suitable for children’s delicate skin.

It’s also used by some of Australia’s leading plastic surgeons to help burn victims or heal scars after facial surgery. Massage a small amount of Redwin Sorbolene Moisturiser with Vitamin E with plant derived glycerine, into skin paying particular attention to dry or irritable spots such as the backs of knees and elbows. The sorbolene will act as a moisture barrier to restore flexibility and elasticity in the skin and prevent dryness, roughness and flaking during the cooler months .

Size: 100g
Price: $2.60AUS
Availability: Bilo, Coles, Woolworth’s, Big W, Kmart, Priceline and selected pharmacies.
Overall Star Rating:

A fantastic budget moisturiser from Redwin. The formulation of this product is very simple so it is suitable for the sensitive skins. It is also fragrance free, meaning, there is no added perfume in this moisturiser.

This is excellent news for anyone who is experiencing skin irritations and sensitivities as fragrance in cosmetics is a major irritant. This cream also contains Vitamin E, helping prevent dry scaly skin.

I found it great for both my legs and my arms as they are the driest on my body. This cream moisturised my skin excellently, without a greasy residue.

I have purchased this product for myself in the past. This product has fantastic moisturising qualities. I keep it beside the bed to moisturise my hands and arms before going to sleep. The scent of the product is not to my liking but dissipates once you’ve rubbed it in completely. I will keep using it.

The cream, although it is ‘fragrance free’, has a slight medicinal smell to it, which some people might not like. It takes awhile to absorb into the skin when applied. Apart from that, I found it quite moisturising.
My partner had dry elbows so I used this on him, and it definitely improved the condition of his elbows. If you are after a well priced moisturiser that does the job, this is it! I will most definitely buy it again for myself.

To be honest, at first I wasn’t thrilled to receive this product. I have used sorbolene creams before and found them too thin and watery, they disappear into your skin and don’t leave it feeling or looking moisturised. This product however has changed my mind. Thick creamy texture, takes a little extra time to apply but worth it as it leaves your skin soft and moisturised all day with no fragrance that will clash with your perfume. This is terrific value for money, and I would definitely repurchase it for myself.

This product is comparative to all other sorbolene creams on the market. The texture is very thick and like all sorbolene creams, does not absorb into my skin very quickly. I needed to rub and rub. Great for dry skin though, however I would not buy again as I’m not a fan of sorbolene creams. I prefer creams that absorbs into the skin quickly. However it is very well priced!

Excellent moisturiser. It left my skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturised. The smell wasn’t very appealing as it has that typical sorbolene smell. It is excellent value for money. I probably won’t buy it again, not girly enough for me.

Bio Sculpture Gel Lavender Base

Product: Bio Sculpture Gel Lavender Base

Description: Imagine a nail gel so good for your nails it actually nurtures the nail bed allowing the nail to grow. Imagine a nail gel so durable that it doesn’t chip, split or damage your nail. Imagine a nail gel so healthy it protects and strengthens the natural nail instead of causing harsh and sometimes irreparable damage. Imagine a nail gel that comes in over 80 fashion colours and dries instantly. Sounds like a dream nail product right?

Well thanks to Bio Sculpture all of your nail dreams are about to come true. Tap into the nail gel that has taken celebrities like JLo, Danni Minogue and Victoria Beckham and the US, Asia and the UK by storm. Welcome to Bio Sculpture Gel – the dream nail that has finally become a reality… Bio Sculpture Gel also provides a full range of treatment and homecare products.

Size: 12ml
Price: $24.75AUS
Availability: www.biosculpture.com.au
Overall Star Rating:

It’s times like these that I particularly love my job. When I get to try and review such great products as the Bio Sculpture Lavender Base.

I absolutely loved this product from the cute bottle and packaging to the feel of the gel on my nails. I have tried it both alone and as a base. Alone, with two coats, it gives the nails a soft milky appearance and reduces any yellowing you might have experienced from coloured nail polishes. As a base I was impressed with the smoothness of the coloured nail polish on top of the gel and also the lasting ability of the nail polish. I chose a nail polish I have used in the past and knew that it normally would last about 4-5 days. With the Lavender Base it lasted a record 8 days. That in my book is a fantastic product well worth investing in.

I thought the product sounded great for my nails and was looking forward to reviewing it. The application is great, it is lovely and easy to put on and the colour is gorgeous. My nails looked healthy instantly because of the colour.

I wore it on its own and not as a base coat. It lasted much longer than the nail strengtheners I usually purchase. I really, really loved this product and will continue to use it in place of my previous product. This product is more expensive than I would normally spend on my nails but after using the Bio Sculpture Lavender Base I know I would buy it again as it is a quality product .

I loved the application of this product and found it very durable. The lasting ability was great as it didn’t chip easily. I loved the natural colour which gave a similar look to a French manicure. I’m very impressed with this nail gel.

This product came at a perfect time for me, as I’d just had acrylic nails removed and my hands were in terrible condition. The product was quite small, but cute. The smell was nice also, and wasn’t too overpowering as some nail products are. I loved the colour of the product, but found it chipped away very easily. After applying every second day for a week, I did notice an improvement in the condition of my nails. I would recommend this nail product as it is reasonably priced.

I applied two coats to my nails – the colour is a very pale pink so it didn’t look like I had anything on them, my nails just looked shiny (but I did like the effect!) My nails didn’t seem to be any different, and I actually found this chipped easily after a few days, despite it saying it doesn’t! This product didn’t really do anything for me, apart from giving me shiny nails.

Brenda
I use a nail strengthening product daily to protect my nails from the beating they get at work so I was interested to see how this product would perform. I applied two coats and it dried quickly leaving a lovely pale milky colour. However when I checked my nails a couple of hours later I was surprised to see most of it had worn off, leaving the tips of my nails that I really need to protect exposed. So I didn’t notice any benefits to my nails.