Wednesday 23 July 2014

Natural Instinct...A Family Skincare Favourite | Review

I would like to share some lovely, affordable Australian Skincare products with you today. I was honored to be offered the opportunity to try these products, and have put them through their paces ( myself and my children!) to review for you today.

Natural Instinct is an Australian brand which has been providing natural, organic skin and hair care products for the whole family for over a decade. I have reviews of three body products, and 2 facial care products to share with you. I hope you find it helpful! 

I have noticed over the last few years that we, as consumers, want more and more from our products. Skincare companies are rising to the challenge of producing not only a quality product, but where possible using natural and organic ingredients, which have been sourced ethically and responsibly, whilst doing no harm to other living things, and concurrently having the greatest respect and concern for our environment, not only in production, but also in the manufacture of the packaging in which they reside. Whilst not every consumer feels equally as passionate about these factors, there are many companies, both small and large, that are delivering the goods. There are certainly more and more options for those wanting to use natural products, not only for themselves but for their families as well.

Now, whilst I do not place myself exclusively in a strict "Green Beauty Only" category, on my travels through the world of beauty and skincare, I am certainly discovering some lovely brands, with lovely products. And I like them.

If you would like to hear about my thoughts on these next few products...please read on! Go on...you know you want to...







Natural Instinct Cream Cleanser 125ml RRP $9.95 

This is a thick luxurious cream cleanser, full of lovely oils to gently but effectively remove makeup and cleanse the skin. Some of the oils include Safflower Seed Oil,  Calendula Flower Oil, Avocado, Rosehip and Jojoba Oils. Rose Flower water and Witch Hazel extracts are also included, along with the  essential oil blend of Lavender, Lemon and Sage. 

Even though I do have oily/combo skin, I prefer to use a cream, lotion or oil cleanser in my skincare routine in the evening, because I feel that they are more protective, and don't strip the skin of it natural oils. You only need a small amount of this cleanser, this handy tube will last you very nicely. 

I massage the cleanser onto a slightly damp face for about a minute, then remove with a hot flannel/washcloth. If I have been wearing spf, or a lot of makeup I will do a second cleanse ( most days I guess ) This cleanser also works beautifully for me in removing eye makeup, and I am always grateful to find cleansers that can be used on the eyes without irritation. My skin feels soft, comfortable and is clean without feeling tight or dry. I think this cleanser would suit most skin types, particularly normal to dry. If you are prone to acne like me, then just make sure to remove it thoroughly with your warm flannel. If you find it a little too rich, just emulsify a little water with the cleanser to thin it out. It has a very subtle scent only, barely noticeable to me, and I am sure would not be offensive to those who are sensitive to fragrance.


Natural Instinct Gentle toner 125ml RRP $9.95

Refreshing and gentle, this hydrating toner is a pleasure to use. I typically prefer hydrating toners in a spray bottle, and have decanted this into an old empty spray bottle. You could, of course, use it on a cotton pad and sweep over your skin after cleansing, I just like the feeling of misting my face like a mad woman ( I have been known to sometimes go a bit overboard ) after I have cleansed. Gosh it feels nice!
I don't typically rely on toners to remove any residual cleanser, that's the job of my beloved flannel!
This water based, alcohol free toner has Glycerin as its second ingredient, which is going to hold the moisture in your skin ( also known as a humectant ) and also includes Witch Hazel, Rose water and Orange Flower water, all known to soothe and hydrate the skin whilst providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Nice.





Natural Instinct Baby Body Wash 250ml  RRP $7.95

Tried, tested and approved by my children and I, this extra gentle wash is lovely. Now my youngest child is 3 years old, and my eldest is 10 years old, so not exactly in the baby stage anymore, however I still like to use gentle products for their skin, which like mine, is prone to dryness and winter excema. I would definitely recommend this gentle product for babies and young children. When my four were young babies, I would always have an evening ritual consisting of a lovely warm deep bath, a lovely long feed, and then cuddles and bed. I would always have a gentle baby wash on hand, normally with a little bit of lavender in it, which I believed helped not only them to relax, but me as well!

This lovely gentle baby wash contains a calming blend of Lavender, Lemon and Sage essential oils, and like all of the Natural Instinct products, is Sulfate, Paraben, Preservative, Petrochemical and Mineral oil free ( among other exclusions ). It works well in the shower as a body wash, and also makes a lovely, relaxing bubble bath. Thumbs up from The Beauty Vine's offspring! 





Every product in the range has this information on the back, including the FREE FROM section


Natural Instinct Energising Body Wash 500ml RRP $11.95

On arrival to The Beauty Vine HQ, this one went straight into my shower, and will probably be featured soon in an empties post! A sulfate free, gorgeous smelling body wash that still manages to lather nicely ( love my bubbles ) without drying out your skin.
Citrus essential oils are some of my favourite scents. I find they help to clear and refresh my mind, which by the end of the day is barely functioning (which my children and husband will attest to ). I used both Lemon and Lime essential oils in my labour and birth with my fourth ( and last! ) child....they were brilliant for simultaneously clearing and calming the mind.

The Energising kick in this body wash is thanks to a blend of Lemon, Lime, Lemongrass and Geranium essential oils, with a subtle hint of ginger for warmth. Love. And it has a pump. Love that too.

It is also available in a Relaxing formula, which contains a similar blend of oils as the Baby Body wash.
It is next on my list to try...


Natural Instinct Body Lotion 500ml RRP $11.95

This deceivingly lightweight lotion packs a punch in the hydration department. It absorbs quickly and easily, whilst still leaving your skin feeling moisturised and comfortable. You can thank a good hit of Sweet Almond Oil for that, along with Wheatgerm, Avocado, Rosehip oils, and Mango Seed Butter.
Again, the combination of Lavender, Lemon and Sage essential oils provide a lovely calming fragrance.

I like to slather this all over my tired body after my evening shower. A little goes a long way with this lotion as well, and the large size, like the body wash, I think represents good value for money. I have also used this lotion on my children after their bath/shower, more so in winter when their skin can be dry and itchy/irritated... and if I happen to forget and start throwing their PJ's on they will certainly remind me... "Mum!...You didn't put my cream on!" 




You can find the Natural Instinct website Here . You will find a good amount of information about the company, and of course the products, complete with all ingredients listed. Natural Instinct also have a hair care range. You will find an information page about the ingredients they choose to include in their products, with a simple, easy to understand explanation of each ingredient and its' benefits for the skin. 
There are also links to online stockists, as well as information regarding availability in Pharmacies across the country. As the time of publishing this review, I could only find one online stockist who would ship internationally, unfortunately at a rather hefty cost. Hopefully these lovely products will be available internationally soon!

Have you tried any Natural Instinct products? What are some of your favourite skincare and bodycare products and/or brands? I would love to hear from you in the comments below, feel free to say hello anytime!




Thanks so much for stopping by!



Blessings,



Lou xo





As I mentioned in the beginning of this post, these products were sent to me for review. I feel very lucky indeed to be given the opportunity to do so, and will always be honest in my reviews, whether I have purchased the item or it has been gifted. Cheers.

2 comments:

  1. These sound like lovely products, great reviews! I love your blog and I have followed you with Bloglovin, if you ever get a chance to check out my blog I would be delighted. Thanks!

    Camille xo.

    www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Camille! Followed you back! Thank you for your lovely comment! Lou xo

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