The Top Shelf | August Beauty Favourites

It would appear that since this blog's conception I have been remiss in sharing a favourites post. The months just fly by, and my new month resolutions do as well, and I seem to see no light at the end of the procrastination tunnel.

Righto then, enough self deprecation, on with some things that I have been loving, monthly favourites, current favourites, duck's nuts...or as I like to call mine, The Top Shelf.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Creme - one of the many times that Caroline Hirons spoke, and I listened. Goat Milk Creme is my go-to night cream. It is hydrating and nourishing without being heavy or greasy. On application you will noticed quite a glow...it does take a good five minutes to absorb properly. With the added benefit of a dash of lactic acid, this white pillowy goodness gets the job done. This is my second jar...thanks Kate...love your work.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye - I can't actually remember where I got this deluxe sample size from, but it has lasted me for ages! It has a velvety, silicone texture and feels very lightweight. Rich emollient eye creams tend to cause me to wake up with extremely puffy eyes, so this one fits the bill nicely. I use it both morning and night, and it has the added bonus of smoothing those pesky fine lines around my eyes. I haven't dared look to see how much the full size is...

NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Powder and his handy companion the elf Kabuki brush have been my daily duo for setting my makeup. The kabuki's bristles are not too densely packed, and very soft. It picks up and deposits this gorgeous powder perfectly. I tap it in the pan and press it gently over my face. It sets my foundation beautifully, and I love the subtle blurring, and illuminating effect it gives my tired old face. Big thanks to Jodi from Goo Roo Beauty who warmly recommended this lovely powder. I would certainly repurchase.

A recent newcomer to the Australian hair care market is the brand Fuente, Glamourous By Nature. Well known and loved internationally, the brand uses natural and organic ingredients in both its Salon colouring, and hair care products, fusing luxury with sustainability. I was recently gifted these three products for consideration, at a time when my hair was driving me nuts. It was frizzy, unmanageable and I had a very dry, irritated scalp. The Moisture Wellness Shampoo, and the Moisture Wellness Care ( conditioner ) are very nourishing, and have made a huge difference to the condition of both my hair and scalp. Designed to restore 'bounce and shine', I noticed a big improvement after 2-3 uses. If your hair and scalp need a hydrating kick, these two will do the job nicely. My hair feels so nice after I use the shampoo, I almost think I could get away without using the conditioner. They both have a pleasant, clean subtle scent, not at all overpowering.

Soft Ice is certainly not your 90's style sticky hair mousse. Far from it. This is your leave-in conditioner and volumiser in one. A multi-tasking mousse!! I work it through my hair evenly prior to blow drying, and crikey it gives you some volume! If I choose to let my hair dry naturally, I am never left with crunchy sticky hair, it just feels soft and conditioned. The only beef I have with this product is the dispenser. a light squeeze will deliver a rather large amount, and too much product just weighs my hair down, so to avoid wastage, I recommend a light hand on the nozzle! Oh, and by the way, it smells really good...like really really good. A little bit sweet, a little bit coconutty...need I say more?

I though I would include a favourite nail combo from a manicure I posted on instagram recently. I used OPI Don't Bossa Nova Me Around for my base and L'Oreal Sequin Explosion for my glitter gradient. I wasn't sure about it at first, but it grew on me, and I got so many compliments! Here it is below.

Oh the curse of dry, itchy winter skin! These two body oils have absolutely been my skin saviours this winter.  The Monoi Tiki Tahiti Vanilla Coconut oil...ugh... words cannot describe how good this smells!! As you can see it is solidified in the bottle at present due to our cold temperatures, but doesn't take much to soften up enough to squeeze out a blob. I typically use this in the shower, after cleansing, just before I hop out. Any body product with a high oil content will serve this purpose nicely, even plain coconut oil. You don't need a specific in-shower moisturiser. I can safely say that I will always have a bottle of this vanilla/coconut loveliness in my stash. Highly recommend.

Antipodes Heavenly Body Oil is absolutely heavenly in every sense of the word. A base of avocado and macadamia oil with Jasmine, Lavender and Ylang Ylang, this oil's fragrance is stunning. If you love lavender, and I mean really love lavender, then you will adore this body oil as much as I do. As nourishing and nutrient rich as the oils are, it is suprisingly lightweight and absorbs quickly and easily. I was gifted this body oil by Antipodes a few months ago, and when it runs out I will be purchasing another. If you suffer from stress, have trouble sleeping or difficulty quietening a busy mind, this indulgent oil will do wonders. Gorgeously glowing, fragrant skin on your list? It's on mine.

I discovered Benefit's fakeup under eye concealer in January of this year, and have used it almost daily since then. You can read my full review of it here to find out more. The elf High Definition Undereye Setting Powder is a fairly recent purchase, but I had to include it in this post, because I love it so much! It manages to set my concealer without looking powdery or dry, whilst cleverly brightening the undereye area beautifully. The Real Techniques setting brush applies it perfectly. I have found these two products to work really well together, and I would not hesitate to warmly recommend both.

NYX Butter Gloss in Vanilla Cream Pie, and CHI CHI Dramatic Lip Laquer in the shade Bombshell have been my choice for a quick, easy wash of neutral pink. They look a little intense in this picture, but are definitely more muted and subtle in real life. Both offer a nice bit of colour and shine, and feel comfortable on the lips. 

Lanolips Banana Balm is my evening, and sometimes daytime, sometimes anytime lip treatment. It has an almost moussy fluffy texture, a tiny bit of shimmer, smells like a banana and feels amazing on your lips. The perfect antidote for a dry, chapped winter kisser. I am quietly obsessed with it, and was very excited to hear the news that there are three new flavours launching next month. Peach, Apple and Strawberry will be released in late September at Mecca Maxima for all you Aussie girls. I'm smacking my lips in anticipation...

Do leave a comment below if you have tried any of these products! What are the current beauty bits that have made it to your Top Shelf? I would love to hear from you as always!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: I have purposefully mentioned the products that have been gifted to me in the body of this post. As always, my opinions are my own, and always honest. I am not aware if anyone else uses the term The Top Shelf for their favourites...if you do, then be completely flattered that I unknowingly borrowed the phrase! Cheers! xo

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Arbonne Colour Cosmetics | Review

Arbonne is a brand that is quite new to me. I have tried a couple of skincare samples in the past, but have not ventured into any of their colour cosmetics range. Although it is now available to purchase online, the majority of Arbonne's business is based on independent consultants and at-home parties. Sometimes such 'parties' seem to do the rounds so to speak...and it largely depends on your circle of friends as to whether you are introduced to a brand or not.

Arbonne offer state of the art skincare, haircare, cosmetics and dietary supplements based on natural, botanical ingredients. Arbonne was first established in Sweden in 1975, the year I was born! ( who doesn't love a bit of trivia? ) and are now based in the US. 

The three products I have to share with you today were sent to me for the purpose of review. I think it is always helpful to include swatches ( which I do in most of my posts ), and I have also included a picture of a "look" I created inspired by these shades, and Arbonne's Winter Edit ... embrace the pale skin, add a pretty flush to the cheeks, keep the eyes simple, and the quintessential deep, rich winter lip.

ARBONNE BLUSH - TAFFETA

ARBONNE EYE SHADOW - CABERNET

ARBONNE LIPSTICK -  JAM

L-R   ARBONNE  Eyeshadow - Cabernet,  Blush - Taffeta,  Lipstick - Jam

Eye Shadow - Cabernet - is a beautiful, rich, burgandy/brown. As soon as I saw this I thought it would be perfect in the outer corner, or outer V to create depth. To touch it is almost creamy, however once on the skin it became a little patchy and difficult to blend. Having said that, I thought it might work well as a liner instead, and it certainly does! I used an angled liner brush and pressed it into the top lash line. You'll see in the photo below I also extended the shadow beyond the lash line to make a wing. This shade makes a  nice alternative to a traditional black, or standard brown liner, and it is a good way to make use of a lovely shade of eyeshadow that may not blend out as well as you would like. These shadows are available in a range of 20 shades, for $27.00 AU each.

Blush - Taffeta - this blush has been in my everyday makeup drawer since it landed at The Beauty Vine HQ, and has become one of my most reached for shades this winter. Although it is most certainly pink, it has lovely warm undertones, and blends beautifully on the skin. It is a matte formula, but I find it  gives a beautiful luminous glow to my cheeks. The staying power is also very impressive. In my opinion, it is a little pricey for a blush, at $41.00 AU, but I am so impressed with the formula, I would absolutely consider purchasing more shades to try.

Lipstick - Jam - oh such an appropriate name for this lippy! It fits perfectly! Whilst it certainly has depth, it is subtle and a little more grown up (not too vampy). If you are just starting out with deeper shades, this one would be the perfect introduction. The formula feels lovely, very nourishing and lightweight. I did find that I would get the best results if I used a little lip liner with this shade. I am starting to get some fine lines above my top lip ( yay for getting old ) and this lipstick did travel a little bit on me. Of course if you are in the first flush of youth, this would not concern you at all! I would also recommend to gently exfoliate your lips prior to application. It is a sheer, soft, emollient formula, and the pigment tended gather a little on any dry patches. It wore very nicely, and left a pretty, even berry stain on my lips for most of the day. These lipsticks retail for $37.00 AU and are available in 14 shades.

My Arbonne Winter Edit

You can find the Arbonne website here and from there be directed to your country's website. If you happen to be an Arbonne independent consultant, feel free to leave your link in my comments section. 

Have you tried any Arbonne products? Do you have any favourites or shade recommendations for me? Do you struggle to take a half decent selfie like me, and end up looking a little startled? Do feel free to say hello in the comments below, I am always happy to see a link to your blog if you have one!

Thanks so much for stopping by!



Blessings,



Lou xo

Dsiclaimer : As mentioned in this post these products were sent to me for consideration. I take due time to test each product, form an opinion, and share my thoughts with honesty and integrity. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me in the comments, and I will do my best to answer them! xo 

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TARTE Rainforest After Dark Eye and Cheek Palette | Swatches and Chat!

If you read my post on the Tarte Be Mattenificant palette, you may recall me saying that as soon as I saw photographs of it I knew in my heart that I would simply love it. Well... history has indeed repeated itself, and it would appear that I am now the proud owner of the Tarte Rainforest After Dark Cheek and Eye palette. And oh my... she is a beauty! 

Now being the good girl that I am ( sometimes ) I hadn't laid a muddy finger on this palette until today, for the purposes of pristine photography of course. As such, this post is not a full review, instead just a lot of oooohhing and aahhhhing and swatches, and me telling you that you maybe, possibly, really might need it in your life as well...

So...come and have a look inside...

tarte rainforest after dark coloured clay eye & cheek palette

Gurl...you talk 'bout purdy!!

Swatched in natural light, as the shades appear in the palette 

L-R bare to explore, make a mauve, plum away with me, up to no gold, tan-gled up in you, don't turn a-brown

These shadows are just beautiful...stunning!! Just as creamy and smooth, and silky to touch and swatch as the matte palette that I own. A good mix of matte and shimmer shades, and options for both everyday, and more dramatic eye looks... I can't wait to play with this! Look at that gold! Look at that plum! Look at all of them! *goes and makes a cup of tea to calm down*

Swatched in natural light, as the shades appear in the palette

L-R Champagne (highlight) Park Avenue Princess (bronzer) Unleashed (blush)


The highlight, Champagne has a beautiful pale gold undertone... so pretty! I have always wanted to try Park Avenue Princess...it is beautiful! It is showing up a touch warmer in my photograph than in real life, and though it is matte it has a subtle luminosity...I think it will be gorgeous on the skin! Unleashed is a beautiful pink blush shade with slightly warm undertones...the sort of shade that you can wear with any makeup look. It feels like silk... can't wait to get this on ma cheeks!!


So there you have it lovelies. I apologise for my overuse of the following adjectives; beautiful, silky, creamy and smooth.


I purchased my palette on eBay, from a seller in the US. I believe she only had two of the palettes, and both have sold. I will check again, and let you know if she has any more listed. If you would like the seller's name, leave me a comment below and I will add it to the post as an edit.

You girls in the US are so lucky to have Tarte!! It is really hard for us poor Aussie girls to get a hold of!

So, are you tempted? Have you already purchased this palette? Do leave a comment below and let me know what you think of it!


Thanks so much for stopping by!


Blessings,


Lou xo

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Manicures Of The Month #3

Time for another monthly round up of my recent manicures. Gosh this year is flying by!! I have some old favourites and some new polishes from the brand Dance Legend to share with you today. As I have mentioned previously, these are photos that I share on Instagram. Leave me a comment below with your Instagram name so I can follow you, if I am not already!

Dance Legend - Comet Tail ( Galaxy Collection )

The brand Dance Legend is new to me. I first came across these stunning polishes on the SoNailicious blog and instagram account. Purchased from the So Nailicious Boutique, I was instantly mesmerised by the beautiful colour shifts...as was anyone who clapped eyes on my nails whilst I was wearing it. You will definitely receive many compliments with your nails dressed in these!
Comet Tail has a purple/magenta/green/gold shift with fine holographic glitter. Beautiful. I did three thin coats plus top coat in the picture above.

Dance Legend - Sulley ( Chameleon )

Such a stunningly beautiful jewel toned multi-chrome. Not much else to say about this one. It fits nicely into the Duck's Nuts category ( ie. Holy Grail ) Again, 3 thin coats plus top coat. It also looks beautiful with a matte top coat... I feel the need for a back up...

Rimmel London - Pear Drop
Accent Nail - Essie - Beyond Cozy

My first time attempting to use a dotting tool. Indeed, one of those things that looks so easy when someone else does it! Pear Drop unfortunately doesn't have the nice wide curved brush that other Rimmel formula's do, and it is a little streaky and difficult to work with. It will even out ok with the second coat, but because of  the metallic finish it has a tendency to show brush marks. I obviously need some practice with my dots...stay tuned...

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure - Commander in Chic

I have mentioned in previous posts my love for this formula, and the lovely wide, curved brush that fits my nail bed perfectly. Two easy coats, plus top coat for the above photograph. This shade is the perfect winter neutral in my opinion. Highly recommend!

Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant  " lav-endure"
Accent Nail - Maybelline Color Show "Gold's Night Out"

Such a pretty polish this one. The perfect pastel lavender. Beautiful formula, and very glossy finish even without a top coat. A definite favourite of mine! If you are looking for a good gold glitter than look no further than Gold's Night Out...you could almost get away with one coat. Even an old girl like me needs a bit of bling now and then...

And....I was so very excited to see Mary from A Love Tart  loved this mani enough to re-create it!! The funny thing is, that I believe I purchased lav-endure after seeing it on her last year! Thanks Mary, you really made my day!



Do you have any of these polishes? What are your current favourites? Do you have any "must haves" that I must have??!! Do let me know in the comments below!




Thanks so much for stopping by!



Blessings,



Lou xo

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Single... and Fabulous!! The Beauty Vine's Current Favourite Single Eyeshadows

I only have a handful of eyeshadow palettes, and while they are lovely, and I enjoy using them very much, it is the single eyeshadows that I reach for on a daily basis. Trying to make myself look a little more presentable is my aim in the morning...there is certainly no "I woke up like this" at The Beauty Vine HQ, I can assure you!!

So today I thought I would share some of the single eyeshadows that are currently occupying a draw in my little acrylic storage. I have recently had a tidy up and sort through of my makeup (gosh I love doing that!) and have collected a few favourites that are currently tickling my fancy to chat about and swatch for you. I have a few high end, and a few affordable options,  and I feel that they all fall into the neutral category. I think these particular shades would look beautiful with any eye colour...hopefully something for everyone! One feature they all have in common is that they all contain some degree of shimmer, and are mostly mid-toned shades.

I remember seeing a video from Emily Eddington from Beauty Broadcast ( EmilyNoel83 on You Tube) about single eyeshadows that work well as a one shadow look some time ago. The idea being that the shades will catch the light on your lid, and then when blended into the crease take on more depth to give your crease definition without the addition of another shadow. I typically use two brushes, a flat shader brush to pack colour onto the lid, and a fluffy blending brush to diffuse the colour into the crease. You could certainly get away with one brush, by just using your finger to pat the colour onto the lid, and then blend with the fluffy brush. I have two brushes pictured below from Bdellium Tools, the tapered blending no.785, and the flat shader no.777.  I also enjoy the Real Techniques eye brushes very much. If I feel I've blended the shade too high, I will take a dab of pressed face powder, and blend with the fluffy brush to soften the edge. It's simple, quick and easy, three things I need in the morning when I am trying to get four children ready for the day!

L-R  Laura Mercier - African Violet    NARS -  Ondine    Sunday Riley - Lady Godiva

L-R   African Violet,  Ondine,  Lady Godiva


Laura Mercier - African Violet.... Now I don't own any Laura Mercier eyeshadow palettes, and I believe this shade is in most of her palettes. Some may not consider this a neutral shade, but I do! I think it works beautifully as a one shadow look. The light catches the golden shimmer, and the pretty violet undertones look deeper and richer in the crease. I have also found that when patted over black liner along the lash line, it morphs into a beautiful antique gold shade...really pretty!

NARS - Ondine...I blame Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup for this one. It isn't the most pigmented of eyeshadows, however it is easily built up, blends beautifully and I just I love the tone of it. Brown with a hint of plum/purple. Love.

Sunday Riley - Lady Godiva... Another well known UK vlogger Ruth Crilly from A Model Recommends used this shade a few months ago in one of her videos, and I was immediately drawn to it. I managed to track it down at Mecca Cosmetica here in Australia, and it is now one of my most reached for shades. As you can see from the photo above, I have made quite a dent in it! It is so unique to me, so creamy and buttery, on the lids it's a warm toned taupe, and then blends out into a beautiful rosy, tan hue...I'm seriously obsessed with this shade! Highly recommend!

L-R   Wet'n'Wild - Nutty,  Rimmel London - Backstage,  Essence Cosmetics - Metropolitan

L-R   Nutty,  Backstage,  Metropolitan

Wet'n'Wild - Nutty...my lonely only Wet'n'Wild shadow, I have always meant to explore their 3 and 6 pan palettes, but just haven't gotten there yet! It is a gorgeous taupe, warm undertones, smooth and easy to blend, I love this on the lower lash line as well.

Rimmel London - Backstage...packs a punch in the shimmer department, but more of a cooler tone in my humble opinion. You can really get a glam look with this shade, and easily transition to a night time look with some liner and lashings of mascara. 

Essence Cosmetics - Metropolitan...is more of a deep brown, and probably the darkest shade of my current faves. However, it blends out really nicely into a lovely warm brown, and just fades away into the skin perfectly above the crease. 

I try to be as sensible as I can when it comes to spending my money on a single eyeshadow. In reality, it is not the most cost effective purchase! However, I am really pleased with the high-end shades I have shown you today, and would not hesitate to recommend them. 

Have you tried any of these shades? What are you favourite single eyeshadows? Do leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou 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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Essence Cosmetics XXXL Shine Lipgloss | Swatches and Chat!

When it comes to lipgloss, I am really not too fussy. Aside from the shade/colour, the most important feature for me would be that it HAS to feel good on my lips. Not only on application, but as it wears as well. I am not at all bothered if a lipgloss doesn't last long on my lips, I am happy to reapply if it feels nice! On a daily basis, it will often be a gloss, or a tinted lip balm that I will reach for in the mornings. They are all quick, easy, and don't require a great deal of precision ! I don't mind if a lipgloss has a bit of tackiness to it, it just helps it to last a little longer. Anything that falls into the blatantly sticky category gets the boot from me ( Lancome Juicy tubes I'm looking at you ).

So enough rambling... I have some thoughts and swatches to share with you today featuring 3 shades of Essence Cosmetics XXXL Shine Lipgloss. My first purchase was the shade Nude Kisses, and I loved it so much I immediately felt compelled to purchase some more shades to try. There were a couple of more seasonally appropriate shades in the display, but they had been opened and were oozing their contents out of the tube and onto the display, as I sadly discovered when I picked one up ( yuck ). Moving on...

If there are any lipgloss lovers in the northern hemisphere reading my drivel...you might like the look of these particular shades for your summertime shenanigans! Concurrently, if you are deeply embedded in an icy cold winter like me, and don't give a toss, throwing caution to the wind and wearing whatever shade of lipgloss you feel like...then these may just tickle your fancy as well!

From Top to Bottom;

Bright Side Of Life... a very pretty peachy/coral with slight shimmer

Nude Kisses ... a very pretty sheer mauve with shimmer

Just Gorgeous ... a bright watermelon pinky/red

Heavy swatch in natural light,  L-R- Just Gorgeous, Nude Kisses and Bright Side Of Life 

There are many pretty shades, they are inexpensive, and they feel good on your lips. They are very shiny, as you see from the photo above, and they smell good too! They have a nice, long doe foot applicator, and are available in 11 shades for the bargain price of $3.25 AU each. I have found these to last for about 2 hours on my lips, which I think is pretty reasonable for a gloss.

I always find the Essence displays in Target and Priceline hard to walk past! They have suprised me on many occasions with the quality of their blushes, eyeshadows, lipsticks and nail polishes.

Have you tried these glosses? Do you have a favourite shade? Do let me know in the comments below, I always love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

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