Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil | Review

If you have ever thought about trying an oil cleanser, or are looking for an affordable alternative to some of the offerings from high end or luxury brands, then look no further than Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil. 

I started experimenting with oil and balm cleansers around eight months ago, and haven't looked back. As I have mentioned in previous skincare posts, I have oily/combo, acne prone, dehydrated skin. I use my oil or balm cleansers as a part of my evening skincare routine. I am not currently using face wipes, cleansing waters or a separate eye makeup remover. My oil or balm cleanser and a soft, fluffy face washer is all I need. 

Whilst loving the transformative process of applying my makeup, there is something to be said for embracing and enjoying the evening ritual of cleansing. 

As the name suggests, Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil contains four lovely "good for skin" oils, as well as some other well known oils and ingredients as the base for their formula. 

I decided to do a little more of my own research into some of the ingredients, and thought I would share it with you. I hope you might find it useful!

Glycine Soya or soybean oil is the first ingredient listed. It is high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for the skin. Glycine Soya is often used in skincare preparations to specifically prevent damage to collagen and elastin fibers, and it is ideal for emulsifying ( mixing with water ) to allow it to be easy washed/rinsed away. 

Rosehip Oil is very high in fatty acids which aid in skin cell regeneration and repair. This is why you often hear that Rosehip oil is recommended for assisting in healing and reducing scarring and hyper pigmentation. 

It is also high in antioxidants to protect the skin, and to promote the formation of collagen. 

Tamanu Oil is a healing and anti-inflammatory nut oil, which also assists in regenerating the skin, and promoting the formation of new tissue. It moisturisers, and nourishes the skin. 

Argan Oil protects, moisturises and reduces redness and irritation. Also high in vitamin E, omegas, and has antibacterial properties. 

Baobab Oil is extracted from the fruit seed of the baobab tree. Used by African societies for centuries, it is high in Omegas 3, 6 and 9, and is exceptionally moisturising, emollient and soothing, without clogging pores. 

Calendula Flower Extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates collagen and promotes healing. 

Lemon Myrtle Oil is antiseptic, antiviral, emotionally uplifting, refreshing and calming. 

Benzoyl Alcohol I assume is included in the ingredients to function as a preservative. I tend to avoid the types of alcohols that are known to be potentially drying or irritating to the skin, and this is one of them. However, in my humble opinion, any drying effect that may possibly occur would be balanced and corrected by the nourishing oils. Also of note, this is a cleanser, and is only on the skin for a couple of minutes at most, so in short, the inclusion of alcohol in this cleanser has not been an issue for me. 

How Does The Vine Use it? 

My preference with cleansing balms and oils is to apply to a dry face. I use 2 pumps and massage it in, all over my face for about a minute, and then remove with a clean washcloth soaked in nice warm water. I then rinse the washcloth, and go over my face again, making sure to remove all of the cleanser. I use a fresh clean face washer every day.  Some thicker balm cleansers can be a little more difficult to emulsify, however if that is your preference than this one will emulsify very easily and beautifully, allowing you to rinse away the oil grime and makeup of the day. 

The directions do specify to avoid direct contact with your eyes. However, I massage the oil over my eyes to remove my eye makeup. It does a brilliant job, and I have experienced no irritation or stinging at all. I do be careful to close my eyes, not sure I want it IN my eyeballs!!

In the evenings I double cleanse, and it will depend on my mood or how my skin is behaving as to which cleanser I choose. If I am feeling particularly dehydrated, I will double cleanse with the oil. If not, I will typically use Alpha-H Triple Action cleansing gel, a gentle non foaming cleanser which I adore. 

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing oil smells lovely to me. You can definitely notice the fresh scent of the lemon myrtle, though I don't find it overpowering. I am also aware of the scent of the base oils, which have a natural, earthy smell in my opinion. 

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil is currently 20% off at Priceline Pharmacy nationally, so you can take home a lovely cleansing oil for just under $24.00. It's Rrp is $29.99. 

Have you tried any Dr LeWinn's products? 

Are you a fan of cleansing with oils?

Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear from you! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Blessings, 

Lou xo 

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On My Nails Today - New Revlon Parfumerie Nail Enamel

The new Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel rolled out in Australian stores in early February, and though I tried hard to resist, these two shades were calling my name.

In fact, the entire display was calling my name, and I would have happily picked up the whole thing and taken it home, cute old fashioned sweet shop bunting and all.

Though intrigued by many of the different scents and shades, I tried to stick to shades that were unique to my collection. So here is Wintermint and Autumn Spice...

After many consecutive days of rain and decidedly gloomy weather, I had no choice but to use artificial light for these photographs. I much prefer to use natural light, so my apologies for the less than good quality images. 

All swatches are two coats and a top coat. I use a fast dry top coat every time I do my nails, simply because I don't have time to wait for them to dry, and often do my nails in the evenings.

The scent of Wintermint is as one would expect...minty...quelle suprise?? It is a pleasant, sweet, soft minty fragrance. The fragrance is marketed to be noticeable when the enamel is dry, however I can smell it as I am applying the polish. 

The shade itself is very pretty. Along with the blue glitter you can see, it also has a very fine gold shimmer throughout, which the lighting above picks up nicely. I don't have anything like this shade in my collection. Think of it as a mint green with a twist.

As I mentioned above, I always use a fast dry top coat. Personally, I find very little difference in the intensity of the scent with or without a topper.

It certainly isn't the type of fragrance that throws itself around the room, but one that you are subtly aware of any time your lovely polished fingertips near your face. I have found the scent fades gradually over 2-3 days.

Autumn Spice has a gorgeous depth of colour, with lovely gold, copper and rose gold shimmers throughout. I found that those lovely golden shimmers weren't as visible on the nail as they are in the bottle. I will try to add some more swatches in natural light once we get some more sunshine!

Autumn Spice is also a sweet fragrance. To my nose, a combination of a sweet honey cake and a milky chai tea. Although it is a very dark shade, it doesn't look black on the nail as some very deep shades can do. A perfect Autumn/Winter shade, and again unique to my collection.

As I mentioned, many of the shades caught my eye ( will try to be good ) and what a beautiful little vintage bottle/bottles to have on display!

I purchased mine from Priceline during a recent 2 for $20 sale. At $15.95 each they are on the pricey side. The bottles contain 11.7ml of product.

Do you have a favourite shade/scent in this line? Do let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings, 

Lou xo

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Benefit Lollitint: Photos,Review and Swatches

One day last week I was having a mooch around Instagram and came upon a post from Sweaty Betty PR, offering a free Benefit Lollitint to those who placed an order for Roxy Jacenko's new novel,"The Rumour Mill".

The offer was current for one hour only, and before I knew it ( well...not really ) there was an order confirmation email in my inbox...I couldn't pass up the offer of a great read, and a full size Benefit product that retails in Australia for $52!!

Benefit describes Lollitint as;

"The flirtiest flush you can get from a bottle! Our candy-orchid tint treats your lips and cheeks to a "pop" of dreamy sweetness"

Yes...I would have to agree with that!

Benefit's Lollitint is due for release in Australian stores February 15th.

Left -  Heavy swatch straight from brush applicator
Right - blended out with fingertips

Left - The stain left from my swatch!
Right - blended out with fingertips

All Lolli'd up on the lips and cheeks!

Application

I used the applicator brush to dot the tint onto my cheeks, and then used the elf Small Stipple Brush to blend it out. The pigment sinks into the skin very quickly, I found it best to just dot one cheek at a time and blend quickly! I used two layers of the tint on both my lips and cheeks for the photo above,just to see how the colour built up. Lollitint definitely packs a bigger, brighter punch than its warmer toned sister, Posietint.

Pair it with...

..the Essence Stay With Me Lipgloss in the shade "Deep Rose" is a pretty neutral/cool toned pink gloss with a hint of very fine shimmer, and looks really pretty over the tint. I find these tints a little too drying on the lips to wear alone, and will continue to experiment with some other shades and combinations.

Is a flirty flush your cup of tea? ...Like a pretty pop on your kisser?...Then Lollitint will be for you!

Thanks so much for stopping by,

Blessings,

Lou xo

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ELF Baked Eyeshadows: Photos,Swatches and Review

Last week us Aussies had some exciting news...elf ( eyes-lips-face ) cosmetics are now being sold in Kmart! Hooray! Whilst I have come across the odd little stand here and there, it is really nice to finally be able to look at, touch and feel products first hand, and to be able to take them home the same day!

 I haven't had a chance to check out my local store, so I am not sure exactly which products they are stocking, however I thought I would share some thoughts and swatches of three of the baked eyeshadow shades that I own. I purchased these from the Australian website, here for $8.00 AU each.

One of the features of baked products is that you can use them wet or dry, depending on the depth of colour, or finish that you are after.

Elf Baked Eyeshadow - "Burnt Plum"

This is a beautiful plummy-brown shimmer, perfect for adding depth to the outer corner/crease. Excellent pigmentation and colour pay off.

Elf Baked Eyeshadow - "Pixie"

A very pretty warm peachy-pink with gold shimmer, and could double as a blush/highlight. Nicely pigmented, though not as smooth on application as Burnt Plum.

Elf Baked Eyeshadow - "Toasted"

A stunning golden bronze that boarders on a metallic finish, the softest and smoothest of the shades I own, highly pigmented...gorgeous! It works perfectly as an "all over the lid" shade, blend up into the crease, and you're done.

L-R  Burnt Plum,  Pixie,  Toasted

Swatched in natural light

L-R   Burnt Plum,  Pixie,  Toasted

Top row-wet
Bottom row-dry

As you can see from the photo above, using these shadows wet really enhances both the depth of colour, and the finish. I am particularly taken with Burnt Plum and Toasted...

There are six shades in the baked eyeshadow range available on elf's Australian website. The other shades available are  "Enchanted" "Bark" and "Dusk".

I have a few other single eyeshadows and a couple of blushes from elf''s Studio line, do let me know if you would like to see some swatches.

Do let me know your favourite elf products in the comments section, I would love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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TARTE: CC MATTE be MATTEnificent Palette, Photos, Swatches and Review

As soon as a I saw a picture of this palette, I just knew in my 'makeup heart' that I would love to own one of my own. The lovely Zoe from Zoeblogsbeauty posted a picture of this palette on Instagram, and whilst we were chatting ( and drooling) she let me know about Tarazz, an online site that purchases and ships Tarte (and many other brands), to Australia on your behalf from Sephora. 

And so my journey began...

This is my first experience with Tarte products, after hearing so much about them on You Tube and reading many blogs. It was always one of those unattainable brands, being very difficult to source in Australia. Such difficulties typically result in one wanting something even more!! Am I right?

The CC Matte 'be MATTEnificent' palette from Tarte is also my first all matte eyeshadow palette.

Yes...she is lovely.

I am by no means an eyeshadow officianado, however I have some photos, swatches and thoughts to share with you, and also a little bit about my shopping experience with Tarazz.

An extensive and detailed review of this palette can be found on Temptalia's website, which you can find here

Oh My....stunning packaging

In collaboration with Hollyannaeree, there are two "look" ideas included to follow.
A double ended brush comes with the palette. The shorter flatter shader brush packs colour on nicely, while the small precise blending end is quite stiff, and picks up the perfect amount of colour to slowly build up and blend the crease and defining shades.

Swatched in natural light no primer.

Far Left  'elevated'  blush
Top Row L-R 'sand out from the crow'  'peach for the stars'  'two plums up'
Bottom Row L-R  'pink outside the box'  'rose to the occasion'  'view from the taupe'

Left - 'dream in chocolate' 

Right - 'don't stand black' 

I have been using 'dream in chocolate'  as my go to liner...it is stunning. I push it into my upper lash line with a small, stiff angled brush. It beautifully lines your lashes for more subtle definition. I have put away my liquid liner. Both these shades are soft and creamy, and very nicely pigmented.

The Beauty Vine's Ramble

I can safely say that I have used this palette every day since she arrived. Now this may be partially due to the fact that it is my first all matte palette, and that it is new. Having said that, I find it perfect for an every day natural eye look, which is primarily what I do on the daily.

Packaging

The packaging, apart from being sooooo pretty, is strong, sturdy and luxurious.
 It has a lovely full size mirror, and a nice quality double ended brush included which I have used and enjoy.


Texture

All of the eyeshadows are definitely matte, however in my humble opinion I believe when you apply the blush to the cheeks a tiny little sheen appears.

All shades are beautifully soft, and feel like silk to touch. If you are heavy handed with your brush you will kick up a lot of product. I just gently press my brush into the pan.

With the exception of the two liner shades and 'view from the taupe', they are quite powdery, however the pigment glides over the skin so beautifully. Definitely not one to fluff your brush about in like you're mixing up a batch of pikelets. Just be gentle.


On The Lids

I have tested the shadows both with and without a primer.

Without Primer : I found the colour payoff to be very good on my light/medium skin tone and the shadows lasted about 8 hours without fading or creasing on my oily eyelids.

With Primer :  I am currently using Bare Minerals Prime Time eyeshadow primer, and put these shadows to the test for a ten hour night shift delivering babies. And the end of my shift, close to 12 hours after application I had a tiny bit of creasing in the inner half of my lid...otherwise it still looked beautiful. The addition of primer improved the depth and colour payoff considerably, and would likely be a necessary step for you if you have a deeper skin tone.

I have only used the blush in elevated a couple of times. Tarte blushes have such a lot of hype around them, I was just so excited about owning one! Elevated is a new shade in the range of amazonian clay blushes.
In the swatch above I really had to work to build up the colour. It is a beautiful universal shade, though I was a little over excited building up the colour one day, and found it to look a little muddy on my cheeks. Now this is likely to be user error, but I need to do a little more playing with this one. If you have a medium to deeper skin tone I am not confident that it would be enough for you?


My Current Fav Combo

'sand out from the crowd'  all over the lid up to the brow bone
'rose to the ocassion'  in the crease and blend just above the crease
'dream in chocolate' to line the upper lash line
'pink outside the box' inner corner and brow highlight


Shopping with Tarazz

My shopping experience with Tarazz was very positive. I have nothing negative to say.

Have a browse here

Tarazz markets itself as an online shopping mall, and that is a great way of describing it.

You can shop for women and mens apparel, homewares, luggage, children's toys and of course beauty.
You are purchasing from the actual stores, with Tarazz as your middle man.


From pressing the 'confirm payment' button ( *heart rate rises*) to the palette arriving on my doorstep from the US was 9 days in total. Nice.

I received three emails during that time informing me of each stage of my order. I knew where my order was, and its next destination.

It was well wrapped in bubble wrap and packaged securely, and arrived in perfect condition.

I paid $48.13 AU for the palette, and $15.00 for shipping.
$63.13 in total, which I believe is great value for 8 good sized eyeshadows, and a great sized blush, all wrapped up in a beautiful palette.

This is Limited Edition!!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Please feel free to leave a question below in the comments section, or just tell me all of your favourite Tarte products!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Her Fashion Box January 2014

Her Fashion Box has started the year off with a January box full of lovely goodies! I have another 'Feminine' style box to share with you today.

I heard recently that Her Fashion Box will become available internationally in early 2014, which is very exciting!

Also launching early 2014 will be the new 'Her Fitness Box', a monthly subscription box based on good health, nutrition and fitness. Check their website for more details here

Hope you are all having a lovely day wherever you may be!!

Her Fashion Box January Spread

Urban Rituelle Lip Balm - Passionfruit   ( RRP $9.95 ) 
Her Fashion Box Pearl Purse  ( RRP $7.95 )

Her Fashion Box Blush Necklace  ( RRP $24.95 )
Her Fashion Box Flashback Scarf  ( RRP $24.94 )

Her Fashion Box Pocket Manicure Kit $7.95

Jbronze Face Flawless Tan ( RRP 30ml $24.95 )
Jbronze Shimmer Instant Illuminiser ( RRP 100ml $24.95 )

Both samples are 5ml each.

Babe No3. Pink Salt Body Scrub 30gm sample ( RRP 200gm $21.95 )

Muesli For Me 'Her Fashion Box' Mix 45gm sample
Green Smoothie Co. 2 x 10gm sachets ( RRP 5 x 10gm sachets $15.00 )

Cantik Palms Notebook ( RRP $19.95 )

Muesli For Me voucher, Adore Tanning voucher.



I was really pleased when I opened my January box! So many great things to try, and lots of variety! I really like how they have mixed up the beauty bits too...I don't mind a few boxes with less makeup and more body products for a change. I also really appreciated that the vouchers included are directly related to the products in the box...something I had a gripe with (a very small one) in a previous box.
I love the scarf and necklace, the little coin purse is very sweet and always handy for your handbag.
This month, and the November 2013 box are thus far my favourites!!




So here's what I'm imagining....

 1.Wiz up my green smoothie, whilst munching on my muesli, followed by a good old scrub in the shower with my pink salt scrub.

2...get the Jennifer Hawkins bronze glow shimmer lotion on the bod....( it doesn't hurt to dream folks.. )

3.Get dressed, accessorising with my gorgeous statement necklace and enormously beautiful soft scarf...

4...apply the 'good enough to eat' Passionfruit lip balm to my kisser and pause briefly to write a witty and humorous diary entry in my fab new notebook..... *phew*



As always, looking forward to sharing my February box!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser | Review

My skincare journey has been fraught with angst, disappointment and despair. I have had combo/oily acne prone skin since I was 13 years old. Those teenage hormonal breakouts never went away, and acne has followed me well into my adult years.

My skin type has not changed over the years. I have a had brief periods of clear skin ( during pregnancies) and now that I am getting older I am noticing that dehydration and fine lines are creeping in to join the party!

I don't want this post to be all about my long history of skin concerns, but as I share my personal reviews of products, it is helpful for you to know a little of my story so far.

I have received no formal training in skincare, skin diagnosis or beauty therapy. Products that work for me, may not work for you. Likewise, one that works for you, may not for me.

What I do have to share is close to 25 years of my own personal experience. I would like to share what has helped me, and also what has hindered.

 In the last 2 years I have found two websites that have really changed the way I look at skincare and makeup. If you have not already checked them out, I highly recommend you put an evening or two aside to do just that....and then bookmark them for future reference. 

I will do a separate post about these next. Stay tuned!

 One very important piece of advice I have recently followed, is to stop using foaming cleansers on my skin. Now this can be tricky, because if you walk into any pharmacy/drugstore looking for a cleanser for oily/acne prone skin, they will almost always be a foaming cleanser. 

Foaming cleansers can have the tendency to strip the skin of all its natural oils, disturbing the pH balance, and can lead to the skin over-producing oils to compensate.

Since I have made the switch, my skin has responded by actually producing less oil throughout the day, and generally feels calm and balanced. Brilliant.

Today I would love to share with you one of the cleansers I have been loving for the last six months. 

The Triple Action Cleanser from Alpha-H is a beautiful gel cleanser that I use every morning. I have just finished my first 200ml bottle, and the pictures below are of the larger 500ml pump bottle which I have just repurchased. 

Sleek, simple, sturdy packaging reminiscent of all Alpha-H Products.
And a pump. Nice.

"A light non-foaming gel cleanser which removes all traces of face and eye makeup while balancing the skin. Formulated with thyme, a powerful natural extract which helps to minimise excess oil and cucumber to cool and invigorate the skin"

As you can see above, the cleanser is a thick, gel consistency. Strangely, it almost feels creamy on the skin. In the mornings, I massage it all over my face for about 30 seconds, rinse well with warm water and then follow with a clean warm flannel to finish.

It has a very subtle, clean fresh fragrance, and leaves my skin feeling soft, clean and balanced. I have not experienced any irritation since using this cleanser.

In the evenings I use a balm or oil cleanser as my first cleanse, and use the Triple Action Cleanser ( 0r Alpha-H's Balancing cleanser) for my second cleanse, again using a warm flannel to finish.

My initial purchase of Alpha-H products was from TVSN here in Australia. You can find them here
I purchased a value pack at a fabulous discount, they are well worth checking out for you Aussies.

Recently, I have used AdoreBeauty an online store based in Melbourne. A wonderful site, one of my favourite online shopping destinations. Sign up for their member rewards program for news of special offers and gift with purchases. They stock hundreds of skincare, makeup and bodycare brands.

BeautyBay and FeelUnique also stock Alpha-H and both ship worldwide.

Alpha-H's website is here
You can read all about their Australian (yay!) owner and director Michelle Doherty and her story, and of course read all about their range of products, including the much loved "Liquid Gold" glycolic acid treatment lotion ( have it...love it).

Thank you so much if you made it to the end of this post! I really love talking about skincare, so please leave a comment...I would love to hear from you!

Blessings,

Lou xo

P.S I have no affliliation with any of the companies or brands mentioned, or to the links I have placed in this post. I paid for my cleanser with my own hard earned money!

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