Press Pause on Ageing with Alpha-H

Good Morning Loves!

I have enjoyed using Alpha-H skincare products for around three years. The proudly Australian brand, perhaps most well known for its cult classic Liquid Gold glycolic exfoliant, offers a large range of effective, results driven skincare products. I have reviewed a number of them in the past, and will leave some links below to previous posts for you.

Today I have a gentle, but effective duo of products to share with you to help you Press Pause on Ageing. The Gentle Daily Exfoliant and the Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+ have been part of my routine for the last two months.

I have used, and repurchased Protection Plus twice now. It is definitely a favourite of mine, however the Gentle Daily Exfoliant is new to me, and she has been happily living in my shower since the day she arrived. It is the combination of gentle effective exfoliation, and then protecting that lovely new skin with a broad spectrum SPF that helps you to Press Pause on ageing. As many skin specialists will tell you, the most effective way to slow the ageing of the skin is to protect it from the damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun.


If you'd like to find out a little more about these two products, please read on!

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant.

Alpha-H Gentle Daily Exfoliant.

The Gentle Daily Exfoliant is quite unlike any other exfoliant I have used in the past, and believe me I have tried quite a few in my time! It contains a combination of fruit enzymes, which do a lovely job whisking away dead skin cells from the outer layer of skin, and very finely milled cleansing clays, including bentonite and kaolin. I use it in the evening following my oil cleanse, however you could certainly use it in the morning if you prefer. Once mixed with a few drops of water, the consistency is very light, and the product becomes quite thin. The silky, fine texture has no grip or pesky granules, in fact, you almost feel like you are massaging a very fine, diluted, watery clay mask on your face. It is quite different, and takes a bit of time to get used to. I will continue to massage for the full minute, to give the lovely ingredients time to do their job, and then rinse. I cannot tell you how velvety soft and smooth my skin feels. It feels clean and refreshed, without a hint of redness or irritation.
You may also mix the exfoliant with your cleanser of choice if you prefer. I have tried this with the Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with great results. As I mentioned earlier, this product has not left my bathroom. I happily recommend it if you are looking to add a very gentle, but effective daily exfoliant to your skincare routine.

Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+

Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF 50+

I use the Protection Plus as my morning moisturiser, after cleansing and applying my morning serum. I have combination/oily skin that is acne prone, and many mainstream SPF's irritate my skin, are too greasy, and can cause my acne to flare up. I have never had any such issues with the Protection Plus. It is tinted, which makes blending into the skin seamless. It is hydrating without being heavy or greasy, and it dries down to a satin/matte finish that makes for an excellent base for makeup. It also contains antioxidants to further shield skin from environmental damage. I also make sure to apply it down my neck and onto my décolletage, and the back of my hands. I wait about five minutes after application to allow it to absorb fully prior to staring my makeup.
As I have already mentioned, I have repurchased Protection Plus a number of times, and will continue to do so. I cannot recommend it enough.



You can head to the Alpha-H website here for more information, and to locate stockists, of which there are many!!


Below are some of my previous posts featuring Alpha-H skincare. Just click on each link to take you straight to the post!



Triple Action Cleanser

Instant Facial

Berry Box Gift Set

Liquid Laser Cleansing Oil




Thanks so much for stopping by!



Blessings,



Lou xo

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and my own. xx

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Replederm Age Redefine Trio | Review

Hello Beauties!

I hope you are well?

I have had the pleasure of testing out a new Australian skin care range from the Decode Life Group over the last 5 weeks, and I would like to share my thoughts with you today.

The range is called replederm, and consists of three core products known as the Age Redefine Trio.

replederm was launched in November 2015, just over a year ago, and was founded and developed by Tania Tan of Decode Life, an experienced community and compound pharmacist based in Victoria.

"Decode Life, founded in March 2015 by Tania Tan, began with a passion to assist busy and active middle aged women towards a vibrant, radiant and natural looking skin by incorporating the holistic approaches of age-old wisdom, modern research, and an open mind".

From this passion, the simple but potent, artisan replederm skin care range came about, designed to restore and nuture healthy skin. 

I have been testing these products for 5 weeks now, using the transforming serum morning and night, and the dark spot corrector and anti-ageing creme in the evening.

Just to include a little background for you, I am 41 years old and have several skin concerns ( how long have you got? ha ha! ), including pigmentation from both previous sun damage and five pregnancies, fine lines and some deeper wrinkles, I am acne prone, and my skin type is combination/oily/dehydrated! Phew!

If you would like to hear my thoughts on the replederm Age Redefine Trio, then please read on!!

replederm Age Redefine Trio.

The transforming serum is a beautifully lightweight, refreshing serum that has slipped easily into both my morning and evening skin care routines. My skin drinks it up, and it immediately feels hydrated, soothed and comfortable. Absorption is rapid, with no residual tackiness.

One of this serum's star ingredients is honey. One of my favourite skin care ingredients, it is known for its natural anti-bacterial properties, and is very healing and soothing for the skin. I can detect the subtle scent of honey on application...it is lovely.

The serum also contains vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection, the moisture binding "magnet" hyaluronic acid, and marine collagen, which is believed to assist in the stimulation of collagen synthesis. With age comes wisdom, and concurrently, a great deal less collagen!! Collagen and Elastin are the building blocks of the skin, and as we age there is a natural decline in production. Give me all the collagen I say!

replederm transforming serum also contains soothing aloe, hydrating macadamia and jojoba oils along with extracts of kakadu plum, known to contain a very high concentration of vitamin C.

I have no doubt that this serum would likely suit most skin types. It has been an absolute pleasure to use, and is just lovely! 

replederm dark spot corrector.

The dark spot corrector is a treatment cream which targets blemishes and pigmentation. I have been using it in the evenings, applying it after the serum, and before the anti-ageing creme.

One of the main ingredients is Niacinamide, otherwise known as vitamin B3. I am quite familiar with good old Niacinamide, and tend to look for it in my skin care products as I find it to give me noticeably brighter skin with improvement in both texture and clarity.

Pracaxi oil is another main ingredient, and one that I was not familiar with. After a little bit of research, I discovered some rather interesting facts! Pracaxi oil is native to the Amazon and contains high levels of behenic acid, which is believed to be beneficial in reducing skin discolouration. Interestingly, behenic acid can be useful in reducing stretch marks, and is also used in shampoos and conditioners as it is known to make your hair soft and shiny!

Amazonian locals use Pracaxi oil as an all-purpose natural remedy to accelerate healing of skin damage from small cuts and abrasions, insect and snake bites. It is also anti-bacterial, soothing and healing. Due to its ability to aid in cell renewal, it has more recently become an ingredient of benefit in skin care formulations.

The dark spot corrector has quite a thick texture, however it smoothes easily over the skin. It has no discernible fragrance. It contains plenty of nourishing oils, and also contains Shea Butter. I was a little worried initially that it may be too heavy for my acneaic skin, which will often react and break out in cystic acne when I use products containing shea, however I am pleased to report that have not had any issues whatsoever!

Though I don't have any photographs to share, I have certainly noticed an overall improvement in  skin clarity, I feel that my skin tone is more even, and some areas of pigmentation are looking noticeably lighter. It is recommended to be used morning and night for 8 weeks to see full results, so I will indeed update you with any further improvements!

The texture of the anti-ageing creme is soft, pillowy and luxurious. Sensorially it is a pleasure to apply, not only because of the lovely texture, but also due to the inclusion of some lovely essential oils of Frankincense, Ylang Ylang, Rose Geranium and Sandalwood. It absorbs quickly and easily, leaving a satin matte finish...not at all greasy or shiny.

The hydration and moisture protective elements are taken care of thanks to its base of glycerin, sunflower seed oil, sweet almond oil, macadamia oil and shea butter ( again, no issues with acne break outs at all ). 

Again, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are present, along with the anti-ageing heroes vitamin A and peptides to boost collagen and elastin production.

The anti-ageing creme is recommended primarily for dry, combination, and mature skin types, however my combo/oily/dehydrated skin likes it very much indeed! I have found all three of the products to layer nicely too. When I wake up in the morning my skin looks and feels hydrated without looking or feeling greasy. It looks plump and fresh. I have also noticed a happy coincidence of less pimples/acne, and generally much clearer skin for the last few weeks! 

I am happy to report that the replederm literature recommends the use of adequate sunscreen during the day to protect your skin! It has been said many times before, but the best anti-ageing product you can use on your skin is a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen every day!

Do head over to the Decode Life website here, where you can read all about Tania's story, and purchase some of these lovely products if you wish to try them for yourself!

replederm is eco-friendly, cruelty free, not tested on animals, and made in Australia.

I can happily report that replederm products are currently 30% off until 29th December 2016!

transforming serum - RRP $89.90 now $62.90AUD.

dark spot corrector - RRP $79.90 now $55.90AUD.

anti-ageing creme - RRP $89.90 now $62.90AUD.

OR

The Age Redefine Trio is normally $219.90, down to $153.90AUD.

You can also purchase a trial pack ( I LOVE it when companies offer trial packs!! ) which gives you enough of each of the three products for one weeks use, for $4.95! I'd recommend grabbing 2 trial packs...two weeks supply will give you a good idea if your skin likes them, and will cost you less than $10.00!! Shipping is currently only available in Australia, with hopes to extend to International in the future.

Do let me know in the comments below if you have any questions! I have really enjoyed using the replederm Age Redefine Trio, and would not hesitate to recommend it!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: Products were kindly provided for my consideration. My experiences and results are my own. Products that work well for me may not give you the same results, and vice versa. This post is not sponsored. Do head instructions/advice on all skin care products and patch test prior to use! Cheers! xo

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Metta Skincare Must-haves!

Good Evening Beauties!

After quite a long hiatus, I am back on the blog! If you don't follow me on social media, I had a baby girl in August, and have taken some time to settle in and just enjoy her. Her name is Addison, and she is my fifth bubba! She is three months old now and is an absolute delight!

I was sent these two beautiful products from the Australian brand Metta Skincare toward the end of my pregnancy, and they have taken up residence on my bedside table ever since. Handmade with gorgeous nourishing ingredients, the Body Butter and Hand Balm have not only moisturised and cared for my skin, they have also been instrumental in helping me to relax and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

If you would like to know a little bit more about these two lovely products, then please read on!

Handmade in Melbourne, Australia, using certified organic ingredients, it is obvious that much thought, love and care has gone into these formulations. The Body Butter is available in two scents... Vanilla, and Lavender. I was sent the lavender Body Butter, and I adore it. It contains only six ingredients, Shea Butter, Grapeseed Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, and Lavender essential oil. Its whipped, fluffy texture is a delight to apply...it melts luxuriously into the skin, and a little definitely goes a long way. 

Now, being a butter, it is quite rich and protective, which is why I like to apply it after my evening shower. You have time to really massage it into the skin, whilst enjoying the gorgeous aroma. Having said that, it does absorb really nicely, and does not leave your skin feeling sticky or tacky. For me, there is just the right amount of lavender oil. It is bright and refreshing, not overly pungent or too floral, and lavender oil has a long history of being known to assist in feelings of relaxation and reducing stress. 

Butters, in my humble opinion, are not meant to be "light" or rapidly absorbed...they are designed to nourish and protect and feed the skin. Apply it mindfully, with intention, giving yourself some time to breathe and fill up your tank. I am now close to halfway through this rather large jar which contains a hefty 135gm product. Although I love it, I kind of want to try the Vanilla one too! It's on my list! Oils and balms are my jam...I simply have to try them all!

The beautiful Hand Balm is equally loved. It lends itself perfectly to the bedside table, and has been religiously applied to my cuticles, hands and feet for many months. Pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on your feet, and mine would ache terribly, particularly in the third trimester. A good massage with some of this balm would provide me with relief, and also helped to prevent my skin from cracking around my heels ( bit gross, sorry ). It is surprising how much tension is carried in our hands, if you have ever had a hand massage you would know what I mean...it feels so good! I also apply a good blob of balm to each cuticle and massage it into the skin and nail bed. If you are short on time, take a tiny bit of balm, rub it between your hands and then place them close to your face, inhaling the gorgeous aroma. I will often do this during the day if I am feeling a little stretched trying to meet the needs of my family! 

The Hand Balm has also been used numerous times on my children. It soothes and takes the itch out of mozzy bites, and gets rubbed into any part of them that feels a bit sore! If they are having trouble settling of an evening I'll massage a little onto the back of their necks and shoulders. It really is a great all-purpose balm to have in your cupboard.

This luscious balm contains Olive Fruit Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Calendula Flowers and Lavender essential oil, and all ingredients are certified organic. Its' fragrance is just as lovely as the Body Butter.



You can find out more about Metta on their website here, including stockists. The Metta range also
includes a Lip Balm, Face Balm and a Body Oil...and yeah I pretty much want them too!


If you fancy heading to the online market Good Spender here, you will find the Metta Hand Balm for $24.00 AUD, and the Body Butter for $34.00 AUD. I think these are amazing prices for such beautiful products that will certainly last you a long time! They would also make a beautiful Christmas gift for someone special, and that includes you! You can also read about how Metta chooses to use a portion of its profit for a very good cause. Good Spender is a great place to shop online consciously, especially with Christmas so close now!




Have you tried any of Metta's products? Do you have a favourite body butter or balm that you think I should try? Do let me know in the comments below!






Thanks so much for stopping by!



Blessings,



Lou xo

Disclaimer; Products were sent for consideration/review. This is not a sponsored post. I am not affiliated with any brands or business mentioned in the above post. Always patch test products before use, and check with your doctor before using products containing essential oils during pregnancy.  Cheers xo.

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Current Quick and easy Morning Skincare Routine

Good Morning loves!

I'm on to my second coffee, because some mornings are just like that aren't they?

Following a recent, unfortunate reaction to a product, I have been trying to pare down my skincare routine a little. Over the last 3-4 weeks, I have introduced some new products into my routine, both morning and evening, which I have been thrilled with. Today, I'll focus on my morning routine. It is quick and fuss free, and is just ticking all the boxes for my oily/combo/acne prone/ageing skin at the moment.

You may have seen my recent post about my travel skincare choices, I still love and would recommend all of those products. Being the beauty nerd that I am, I do love trying new products, and when I find good ones, I have to share them with you!

Now...I am not a morning person. At all. 

There are many mornings, whilst trying to get myself and four children ready for school/preschool, that I am pressed for time. I can honestly say, that if I neglect my morning skincare, then it will certainly show over the next few days. My skin will look dull, dehydrated and congested. Keeping the products to a minimum, and using products that are gentle, hydrating and protective is key for me. This routine takes me no more than 4-5 minutes, sometimes less...and is always accompanied by a fresh coffee.

The Morning Line Up....and coffee of course!

RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser 150ml  RRP $16.95 AUD.

The RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser landed on my beauty desk towards the end of September, and is a new addition to the RosehipPLUS range, which includes their Hydrating Day Cream, Nourishing Night Cream and their beautiful organic, cold pressed Rosehip Oil, which I adore. Sometimes I have a feeling that I know I am going to love a product, and that is how I felt about this cleanser. 

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I prefer a non-foaming gel, or cream cleanser for my morning cleanse. If I wake up looking parched and dehydrated, I will often reach for a lightweight oil. I have no problem using oils or cream cleansers of a morning, they don't need to be restricted to evening/makeup removal at all.

The RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser has a base of Aloe Vera Leaf juice, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil and Rosehip Oil, along with soothing and anti-inflammatory herbal extracts. Its texture is thick and luscious. I apply it to my damp face, and massage it in for around 30 seconds, emulsify with a little water, and then rinse it off with lots of lovely warm water. Due to its high oil content, I also follow up with a warm flannel. I can't help myself... love a warm flannel on ma face!

My skin feels clean and comfortable, soft and glowing. This cleanser also makes light work of removing makeup, and I have double cleansed with this in the evening to test it out, and it does a stellar job. Put this one on your list. It is gentle, effective and affordable. Love.

Skin Doctors beetox - RRP $59.99 AUD.

I am currently on a mission to boost my skin's collagen production. There are a couple of products that I have employed to aide in my mission to plump up my skin, and help to make me appear a little less haggard and a little more fresh! Skin Doctors beetox is one of them. 

An issue I face as an oily/combo skin girl, is finding a product that will hydrate my skin during the day,without feeling to heavy, or causing my makeup to slide off my face 2 hours later. I also look for products that will provide anti-ageing benefits, and some formulas designed for more mature skins often assume that your skin is also dry skin, and are just way to emollient for me. One of the first things I noticed about beetox, apart from the fact that it smells lovely, was how lightweight it was. It feels more like a lotion than a cream on the skin, and feels just beautiful. It is hydrating and  refreshing, absorbs quickly, and provides a beautiful base for makeup application.

The anti-ageing aspect of beetox, is the inclusion of the compound melittin from Bee Venom. Skin Doctors state that when used cosmetically, bee venom "fools the skin into thinking it has been lightly stung, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin".

So, in a similar way to the Homedics Newa device that I have just reviewed, and topical exfoliating acids, and skin needling treatments.... the idea behind it is to create a mild wound healing response in the skin, giving the old collagen and elastin production a kick up the backside so to speak, and aide in cell renewal.

Skin Doctors beetox is designed as a skin treatment, that you then follow with a moisturiser and/or sun protection of a morning. I find it perfectly hydrating for me, and don't feel I need to add any further moisture to my skin. I do apply a CC cream with a high SPF in my next skincare step.
If you have drier skin, then you might like to layer a moisturiser over the top.  I also love that it contains manuka honey, an ingredient that I love in my skincare, which has natural antibacterial properties, and is also nourishing and healing for the skin.

It sits in what I would call a medium price bracket, at $59.99 for 50mls of product. I will continue to use it, and keep you updated, but I am certainly finding it to be contributing to my skin looking brighter and feeling plumped and fresh. It is worth the money in my humble opinion.

Dr LeWinn's Eternal Youth Day & Night Eye Cream

Dr LeWinn's Eternal Youth Day & Night Eye Cream featured in my recent Travel Beauty Skincare post here. I continue to reach for it because it is quick and easy in the mornings, and does such a great job at smoothing fine lines, offering light hydration, and de-puffing. My eyes tend to have puffiness on both the upper and lower lids, and this eye cream makes a visible difference every time I use it. The cooling metal applicator also adds a lovely sensory experience to my mornings whilst I am calmly asking my children to brush their teeth, brush their hair, and to put their socks on a gazillion times...

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ SPF 50+  Shade Light RRP $58.00 AUD.

Whilst I have featured the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream on my Instagram on many occasions, I have not yet chatted about her here on my blog. Rather remiss of me, as this is the second tube I have purchased, and it has been a favourite of mine for almost 18 months now.

Following my Skin Doctors beetox treatment, I go straight in with this CC cream. There are several reason why I love it. It has beautiful coverage, I would say somewhere between medium and full coverage on me, as I have a lot of pigmentation. It blends beautifully, smooths over my large pores and fine lines, and has a lovely satin/glowy finish on the skin. It just makes my skin look better! 

It has a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50+ physical sunscreen, which is brilliant. There isn't much point in using good skincare, boosting cell renewal, and promoting new collagen if you are not going to protect all that lovely fresh skin. This CC cream also contains a plethora of anti-ageing ingredients, giving you added skincare benefits, along with it's great coverage and SPF protection. 

On a day to day basis, and for incidental sun exposure this is perfect. If I know I am going to be outside for long periods, I will apply a designated sunscreen, my current favourite is Alpha-H Protection Plus, and top it with the IT Cosmetics CC Airbrush Powder Foundation SPF 50+, another huge favourite of mine.

In the winter months, this CC cream lasts beautifully on my skin, though in the warmer months the longevity is somewhat less, as my skin naturally produces more oil, and the level of humidity rises. I have found that using the Skin Doctors beetox underneath it really helps it to wear well, an incidental, but highly pleasing discovery!
In terms of price for us Aussies, it is in line with a lot of higher end foundations, and can be purchased from our lovely Sephora Australia. As I have mentioned, I have purchased and re-purchased this CC cream, and would not hesitate to spend my money on it again. Highly recommend!! Love!!

Do tell me what products you love to use in the morning? I would encourage you to add in a simple morning skincare routine if you haven't already,  you will absolutely notice a difference in your skin...and don't forget your SPF!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: RosehipPLUS cleanser and Skin Doctors beetox are PR samples. It Cosmetics CC cream purchased by me. All opinions, thoughts and experience shared are my own, and may be different to yours. Cheers xo.

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Current Evening Skincare Routine

I thought I would share my current evening skincare routine with you today. I have been using this combination of products consistently for about a month, and have seen some really fantastic changes in my skin. I have spoken about a couple of these products previously, and others are fairly new to me. These products have worked so well for me, that I am slightly anxious about changing anything. I cannot recall the last time I felt this way about a group of products, and though I still have many other product and brands loves, (and holy grail products), this combination has made my skin balanced, calm and just generally happy.

As a self confessed skincare junkie, I am always trying new products. I can't help myself really... everything about skincare and skincare products intrigues me. Now that I am on the other side of 40, I am certainly noticing more fine lines, wrinkles and general signs of ageing creeping up on me. Having said that, it really is just a part of life. You cannot stop ageing...time marches on folks, let me tell you. Aside from protecting your skin from the sun, and your genetic predisposition, your skin will eventually show signs of ageing. 

Thankfully for me, along with getting older, comes a little more life experience, a little more gratitude, and a wider, clearer view of what really is important. I have so many stretch marks on my stomach from my four pregnancies, my skin is so stretched and it really doesn't look pleasant at all, but they are my mummy scars. I would not be without them. They tell a story, just like the wrinkles around my eyes and mouth from smiling, and the frown lines between my eyes and on my forehead from thinking, questioning and learning about life. 

However, that being said, I still want my skin to look nice... I still want my skin to be free of acne, and I still care about how my complexion looks, and I want it to look it's best!

It may seem like a lot of products and steps, and it probably is! My evening routine is one of my favourite times of the day. My children are asleep, my husband is happily holding the TV remote, and I can enjoy a nice warm shower and look after my skin without having to talk to anyone...silence is golden folks, I'm here to tell you! As much as I enjoy applying my makeup, I think I might enjoy taking it off even more. I do all of my cleansing steps in the shower. It just works for me that way. I am not suggesting you need to do all of these things either, but I enjoy the process...it makes me happy!

Let's go then!

Yep...it takes a whole bowl!

Cleansing...

Ole Henrikson pure truth melting cleanser  is a beautiful cleanser that I purchased whilst in New York last year. The tub in the picture above is in fact almost empty, and I have just repurchased another. It goes on the skin as a thick, smooth gel, and as you massage it in, it melts into an oil. It is the most beautiful texture, feels beautiful on the skin, and removes all of my makeup, leaving my skin feeling amazing. It has a beautiful citrus scent, which I love, and it has not caused me any irritation. 

I use it as I would a cleansing oil, straight onto dry skin. You can emulsify it with a little water, and it turns into more of a milky consistency, but I prefer not too. I enjoy the slip and texture of the oil on my skin. Once you emulsify it, you loose that slip.
If the thought of using an oil cleanser scares you a little, you need to try this. It leaves absolutely no oily residue on the skin. After a nice massage, I then remove it with a clean face washer/flannel. The trusty face washer is the only skincare 'tool' you will find in my bathroom. I have a huge pile of them, and I use a clean one every day. I have not tried a clarisonic, or any other cleansing devices as yet. I am happy with my flannels so far! I like to spend a few more dollars and get the nice, soft thick ones, as they hold the warmth of the water beautifully.

One pump of Go-To Properly Clean is my second cleanse. I am a fan of the double cleansing method, and it has worked well for my skin for the better part of two years now. Properly Clean is a gentle, lightweight, fluffy mousse cleanser that I love. I have reviewed it in full here. It smells heavenly, feels beautiful, and rinses away perfectly. I am coming to the end of this bottle too, and shall be repurchasing it very soon. Why does all the good stuff run out at the same time!!??

One of the more recent editions to my night time routine has been the Exfoliator from Indeed Labs. Gifted to me for trial purposes, I have indeed been trialling it ( excuse the pun ) and I love it. It follows a similar concept as the much talked about Daily Microfoliant from Dermalogica ( which I have not tried ), in that it dispenses as a powder, that you then mixed with water to create a thick, soft foam. Containing rice bran powder, hyaluronic acid, and some trusty fruit enzymes, this leaves my skin feeling smooth and generally looking clearer and brighter. I tap a small amount into the palm of my hand, mix it really well with a little bit of water for about 10 seconds between my palms until it resembles a soft foam, and then apply it to my face, avoiding the eye area. I don't really massage it in, I just softly move it around my face with my fingertips for about a minute... I prefer to let those lovely fruit enzymes do all the exfoliating. I find it to be very gentle, it rinses away beautifully, and leaves my skin feeling so soft and just lovely. Worthy of note, the price point is certainly a little friendlier than the afore mentioned... you're welcome.

Hydrating...

Antipodes Ananda Antioxidant Rich Gentle Toner is my first layer of hydration after I step out of the shower. This is my second bottle. Definitely a hydrating mist rather than a traditional "toner", I spritz my face like a mad woman, breathe in the beautiful, subtle bulgarian rose scent, and then pressed it into my skin with the palms of my hands. Glorious. I also love the People for Plants hydrating mist, and the Sukin Hydrating Mist if you are looking for a slightly less expensive alternative.

My next step is to move straight onto the eyes, and the cooling metal ball and lightweight serum from the Puretopia Eye Rescue does the trick for me ( love this in the morning as well ). Vitamin E and Shea butter moisturise, whilst peptides and Vitamin C are said to reduce puffiness and brighten the eye area. I apply it along the orbital bone, starting in close to the nose and then out and up to my temple, and then pat it in with my fingertips. The tube is soft and pliable, so you just gently squeeze it to dispense a little of the serum onto the tip of the metal ball. Eye Rescue always makes my under eye area look refreshed and hydrated, without feeling too heavy or greasy. I haven't noticed a huge difference in the discolouration under my eyes ( about 6 weeks of sleep might help ) but my fine lines are certainly less noticeable!

The next lightweight layer is thanks to the Puretopia Essential Facial Serum. It feels amazingly light on the skin considering it consists of skin loving Argan, Rosehip, Seabuckthorn, Cranberry and Blackcurrent oils, along with Glycerin, and Shea butter. This product is a bit of a gem actually. As you can see in the photograph above, the Eye Rescue roller is on the left, and the Essential Facial Serum is on the right. Three small metal roller balls dispense a very light, buildable layer of serum onto your skin. Time can get away from me when I use this! It is just so lovely to roll all over your face! I try to encourage lymphatic drainage by working from the centre of my face outwards, and like to focus on my jaw line, as I am experiencing a bit of congestion around that area. The compact little bottle works  with gravity, so you just need to tip it up to dispense the serum as you go. I just use a very light layer underneath my new favourite treatment serum...

Treating, Protecting and Nourishing...

I first heard about the Olay Regenerist Luminous Daily Treatment serum when Ruth, from A Model Recommends, trialled it for Olay. She had very good things to say about it indeed, and I absolutely trust and value Ruth's opinion on skincare, so I picked it up during a recent sale at my local Priceline pharmacy.

When I was checking the ingredient list in store, I was very excited to see Niacinamide was the second ingredient. Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, hydrates the skin, assists in cell turnover, improves skin elasticity, and helps to reduce hyperpgimentation. I adore this serum, and have definitely noticed that my skin tone is more even and looks brightened and refreshed in the four weeks I have been using it. I also feel that it has contributed to the fading of old acne scaring. Apologies for using this word again, but it is very lightweight, and absorbs quickly and easily into the skin. I have even been using my chemical exfoliants ( AHA's and BHA's ) considerably less often since I started using this serum. I'm absolutely impressed, and would highly recommend it. I haven't even felt the need to repurchase my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair....now that's saying something folks.

Last, but certainly not least...the final layer...the final frontier...absolutely the last layer I promise... is Go-To Face Hero, one of the most deliciously gorgeous face oils I have ever used. I was lucky enough to have received an email two weeks prior to the official launch date, with an offer to make an early bird purchase....and purchase I did!

I could see a very noticeable difference in my skin after using this for two days! I left a comment for Zoe Foster Blake ( Go-To creator and all round fabulous woman ) on Instagram a month ago, saying that my skin was calm, happy and hydrated, and it has since stayed that way. I have also noticed a reduction in oil production, and almost no breakouts....yep, really! I'm thrilled to bits!

Face Hero contains a blend of 10 beautiful, skin loving oils, including Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Macadamia Oil, Brazil Nut Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Buriti Oil, Arnica Oil, Rosehip Oil, Calendula Oil, and Kiwi Seed Oil. 

It has a beautiful, subtle, natural fragrance of Orange Blossom and Rose Gardenia. Not at all strong or overpowering, I can still smell the earthiness of the natural oils underneath. I smooth 4-5 drops over my face and neck, and chest area every night. It has a lovely, velvety consistency which my skin just drinks up. I cannot say enough good things about Face Hero... he truly is a little bit of magic to me!

Phew. You made it to the end...thank you! I'd love to know your favourite skincare products! Are you a skincare addict like me? Do leave a comment below if you would like to, and feel free to ask me any questions you may have and I'll do my best to answer them!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: Products from Indeed Labs and Puretopia were PR gifts. All other products were purchased/repurchased by me! Cheers, Lou xo

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Summer Skin Survival with Ingrid Seaburn

Apart from being a rather glorious way to waste time, Instagram can also offer the beauty lover the chance to win little giveaways...or sometimes big ones depending on whom you follow!

Some months ago now,  I happened to be scrolling away in between loads of washing and picking toys up off the floor that no one else seams to see or even notice, and happened upon Ingrid Seaburn's recently posted picture of her very own targeted skincare line HYDRATE. The caption below asked the follower to name the star ingredient in her serum, and the first one to answer correctly would win a bottle! Pffft....easy peasy... as quick as my fingers could tap out Hyaluronic Acid they did, and guess what chickens? I won myself the prize!

I have been following Ingrid on Instagram for some time now, and always had Hydrate on my list of serums to try. Ingrid has been working her magic as a very highly regarded skincare therapist in LA for over 13 years, and has an impressive list of Hollywood clientele including Teri Hatcher ( Ingrid was her personal skincare therapist for 5 years whilst she was staring in Desperate Housewives ) and our very own beautiful Rachel Griffiths, just to name a select few. Ingrid's skills were in demand from high profile actors, celebrities and musicians alike.

I am delighted and thrilled to have Ingrid as my guest on The Beauty Vine today! Ingrid will be sharing some post party season Summer Survival skincare tips today, to help us get back the glow that the late nights, party food and the odd cocktail may have dulled.

To kick off the post, I will be sharing my thoughts on Hydrate, Ingrid's own hydrating serum. My bottle is sadly all but empty... its a good one.

Hydrate is an oil free, gel based serum that can be easily  incorporated into any part of your skincare routine. Hydrate boasts pure hyaluronic acid in a soothing base of Aloe Vera that is perfect for all skin types.

Naturally occurring in our bodies, hyaluronic acid levels unfortunately deplete as we age. Often described as the "moisture magnet" for the skin, it aides in the skins ability to maintain its moisture levels, which, in turn, also boosts the effects of your existing serums and moisturisers. Manufactured in Australia, Ingrid has created a product that can be used in many different ways, depending on your skins needs. 

Hydrate is an extremely lightweight hydrating serum ( no pun intended!) that I have been thoroughly enjoying. In fact, she travelled all the way to New York with me last October, and I feel was in part responsible for my skin not totally freaking out from the horrendously long flights, and travel in general.

I did have a little bag packed, all prepared in my carry on luggage for my "Long Haul" inflight skincare routine, which I will have to share with you about in another post. Can I just say, You Tube makes it all looks so glamorous and relaxing....I just laugh when I look back and remember my experience. It was something I was looking forward to doing so much, and was a complete anti-climax!! Anyway...I digress!

Hydrate has a thin, gel consistency that feels beautiful on the skin, absorbing quickly without leaving any tacky residue (unlike some other hyaluronic acid based serums on the market). I do give it about a minute to absorb completely. My skin feels and looks refreshed, plump and happy. 

In the summer months, I have often used this on it's own in the mornings, skipping the moisturiser,  and continuing on with my SPF, and then either mineral makeup or a lightweight CC cream. It makes a lovely base for your makeup. My oily/combo skin does appreciate lighter textures in the warmer months, particularly of a morning. Ingrid recommends that women with drier skin types may like follow Hydrate with a moisturiser, or add a pump of the serum in with your moisturiser. Too easy.

In the evenings, I have simply used it in the serum stage of my evening routine, after hydrating mist, and before my moisturiser or facial oil.

I have also enjoyed using Hydrate as a simple, effective layer of hydration on my skin on the nights when I use my chemical exfoliants. Depending on how my skin feels, I don't always like to leave my skin bare after using AHA's or BHA's...a nice lightweight serum really does the trick for me.

I have been using Hydrate with Natural Grapefruit essence, which to me is extremely subtle, and just gives the serum a hint of freshness. It is also available in fragrance free, and a formula just for the man in your life, Hydrate for Men.

As I mentioned earlier, my bottle is just about empty, and I will certainly be looking to purchase another! Head over to Ingrid's webiste here to learn a little more about her, and to purchase some lovely Hydrate for yourself.

I'll hand over to Ingrid now to share her wonderful Summer Skin rescue beauty tips, including not only some product recommendations, but some dietary suggestions as well. Thank you Ingrid!

1. Once the xmas and new year festivities are over, start to think about cleaning your diet up, eliminating sugar and salty foods where possible , sticking to basic salads , lots of protien and of course gallons of water . Although we have heard this advice many times before, the truth is that there is a direct link between sugar and the rate at which you age and the health of your skin . The breakdown of sugar in your body, called glycation, directly affects your bodies ability to produce fresh collagen. That overload of chocolate and ice cream you indulged in the last few weeks it is in fact actually ageing you!! My advice... an avocado a day and ginger water by the gallon. The ginger has amazing metabolic and cleansing properties for a sluggish system . 

2. Although we feel like summer skin after a day at the beach needs moisture, your skin in fact requires less moisturiser in the summer months due to the higher level of humidity in the air . Be sure to change up your moisturiser to a more lightweight formula to avoid clogging of pores with all that sweat and dirt that occurs on a hot day ( Something like Hydrate is perfect because of it lightweight hyaluronic acid gel base ). 

3. Avoid chemically based sunscreen and stick to the zinc base only. Zinc won't clog pores and will give you a physical barrier against the sun that no chemically based sunscreen no matter how hightech SPF will do . I am very strict on this rule as the sun is not your friend if you want truly beautiful skin, thats a fact !! My favourite is Invisible Zinc.

4. Vitamin C is making a comeback in the skincare routine arena and summer time is when its really needed . Vitamin C in your serum or delivered in crystal form mixed in with your serum nightly gives you powerful anti-oxidant protection from UV rays, and at the same time will stimulate collagen production !! As an added bonus, it brightens your skin , yay !! Enquire at your local skincare therapist  for something medical grade like Rationale or Ultraceuticals , don't waste your money on cheap supermarket brands. They will do little to deliver proper amounts of  Vitamin C to make a difference.

5. Pick an enzyme based exfoliant for summer glow like lactic acid or pumpkin or papaya enzyme to give your skin a beautiful summer glow without harsh scrubbing .... In my books , scrubs and granules are a no no as they are too agressive and cause more harm than good !  My favourite is Polish by American brand Osmosis.

Thank you so much Ingrid for sharing your experience and knowledge!

If you would like to share any of your tips for Summer Skin do leave them below! I'd love to hear from you if you have tried Hydrate before?

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo ( and Ingrid! xo )

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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.

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