27 September 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: LANOLIPS ANTIBACTERIAL HAND CREAM

Today I’d like to share with you the newly launched Lanolips Antibacterial Hand Cream*;






What They Say:

Lanolips Antibacterial Hand Cream, with lanolin and aloe vera, is an antibacterial ‘liquid glove’ that instantly kills 99.9% of germs, while moisturising the skin with a light silky layer of ultra-pure-grade lanolin.

RRP: $15.95 (50ml) – Available from Priceline, David Jones, Adore Beauty and select pharmacies


What I Say:
I am a hand cream addict. I have them everywhere from my bedside table, kitchen bench, bathroom, coffee table, handbag, car… you name it, and I’ve got a hand cream there! And well, with a toddler, I sometimes need to change a nappy at the weirdest of places, and it has happened that I’ve pulled over and done it in the back of the boot of the car (thank goodness for a 4WD with a large flat boot) – and not always having access to water and soap, I also always carry around a hand sanitizer in my nappy bag.

So this antibacterial hand cream is nothing short of perfect, serving two needs at the same time. Gotta love a good multi-tasking product.


 

It contains medical-strength antibacterial ingredients and  promises to kill 99.9% of germs including Staphylococcus aureus and E.coli. It is alcohol free so it doesn’t dry out the skin or strip from natural oils, and at the same time it contains ultra-pure-grade lanolin formula that penetrates and settles on the skin to form a light and protective moisture barrier on the skin to keep the skin soft and hydrated. And I love that it is made without parabens, sulphates or petroleum too!

The cream comes in a long skinny tube with a flip lid, and it has a rather thick consistency. Yet it still absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving it feel greasy or stick. And unlike other hand sanitizers, it has an ever so faint but very lovely soft floral scent.

Overall I absolutely cannot rave enough about this cream. It moisturises my hands while keeping them free from bacteria, so it truly is the perfect companion for the nappy bag. I will definitely be buying this again!

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What do you think this antibacterial hand cream? Tried any of the products from Lanolips?


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26 September 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: ESSIE SPRING COLLECTION 2014

Today I am excited to be able to share with a new collection from essie, the Spring Collection;






What They Say:
Surprising combinations. power pastels. oversized prints. Get in the fashion game with six irresistible and playful shades dedicated to women everywhere who aren't afraid to play - in life and in style.

RRP: $16.95 (13.5ml) – Available from Priceline and select pharmacies during September and October 2014 only

 
What I Say:
This new Encrusted collection from essie screams spring with its bold brights and sheer pastels, which are perfect for any fresh and romantic spring look.

The limited edition collection include 6 shades:


L-R: spin the bottle, romper room, style hunter,
fashion playground, truth or flare, hide & go chic
 

hide & go chic – Azure Blue
truth or flare – Vintage Blue Denim

fashion playground – Pistachio Shimmer

spin the bottle – Semi-Sheer Nude
romper room – Pale Tea Rose Pink

style hunter – Sharp Crimson


L-R: spin the bottle, romper room, style hunter,
fashion playground, truth or flare, hide & go chic

 
Of the 6 different shades, it is so difficult to say which shade I love the most as they are all stunning in their own right. And of course I cannot help but love ‘Style Hunter’ and I am so flattered that essie has used part of my blog name for this shade, LOL!

Here I am wearing two coats of the truth of flare.


 

With this new collection essie has also updated their formula as well as their brush to make it thicker and more user friendly, and it really does make it easy to apply the two required coats, even for a someone like me!! And as always, the essie polishes wears nicely, and I get approx. 4-5 days wear from a manicure when I use a top coat, which I think is quite reasonable. 
* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 
What do you think of this new Spring Collection from essie? Keen on getting any of the shades? Brights or Pastels?
 

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24 September 2014

THREE OF A KIND: BODY LOTIONS

I recently started a new series of posts, Three of a Kind, where I will be exploring thee different products which all have something in common, be it the type of product, or maybe the scent that is used. Today I’d like to share with you three incredible Body Lotions;




 

Anatomicals bye bye miss American dry cherry body lotion*
 



Who hasn’t fallen for the products from Anatomicals which have recently launched in Australia. The packaging is bright and funky and the wording on the packaging is fun and quirky. And then there’s the amazing smell of the products.




This paraben free cherry body lotion, as the name suggests, has a beautiful cherry scent that is sweet, yet without being too sweet or sickly overwhelming. it leaves the skin feeling wonderfully soft and hydrated, and what nice scent lingering for hours.

RRP: $8.95 (200ml) – Available from Target and Priceline
 

essano Rosehip Intensive Hydrating Body Lotion*




This body lotion is a true multi-tasker. It contains organic rosehip oil known to renew and repair the skin and promote skin elasticity, as well as it also contains aloe vera, and jojoba oil to nourish, to give the skin the most intense hydration, while keeping it so silky soft and smooth, even on the coldest of winter days. And it absorbs quickly into the skin without making the skin feel greasy or sticky, so it is perfect to use as a hand cream too. It has a gorgeous gentle scent that faintly lingers on the skin.





It comes in a huge 400ml pump bottle that makes it easy and fuss free to apply. And I love the fact that it is free from chemical nasties including parabens, sulphates, silicones, phthalates, PEGs, Petrochemicals, mineral oils and artificial colours and that it hasn’t been tested on animals.

RRP: $16.99 (400ml) – Available from Priceline and selected Woolworths

 

Nutrimetics Cultivate Geranium & Cedar Wood Hand and Body Lotion*



 

This luxurious hand and body lotion contains the finest natural extracts of Geranium Essential Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Cherry Blossom Extract, Elder Flower Extract, Oat Kernel Extract, Myrrh Extract, and it has a beautiful slightly woody and spicy scent that somewhat reminds me of Christmas – and because of the woody scent, in my opinion it is very unisex, so perfect for the man in your life to use too. They light lotion absorbs rapidly into the skin leaving it soft and deeply hydrated. Usually I don’t find that body lotions are moisturising enough for my hands, but this cream is an exception, and as it does leave the skin feeling greasy or sticky, it is in fact perfect for the hands too. It comes in a hand pump bottle that is easy to use, and it has a simple yet very modern label that makes it so stylish that it will look fantastic in any bathroom.
RRP: $24 (300ml) – Available from Nutrimetics
 

So there you go, a great selection of body lotions that will not only look great in your bathroom, but will make your skin feel soft and moisturised, while not breaking the bank either.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


Tried any of these body lotions? What is your go-to body lotion?
 
 
 
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19 September 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: S.W. BASICS OF BROOKLYN CREAM

As a beauty junkie I am always excited when I come across new products and brands, so when I was asked by Miss Pearl Store to trial the S.W. Basics of Brooklyn Cream, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;







What They Say:
This is the mother of all S.W. Basics products. You know how lots of lotions and moisturizers leave you needing more, like ten minutes after you put them on? That's because they use water as a base. When it evaporates, you dry out all over again. Our Cream starts with wild-harvested shea butter we get from an incredible Fair Trade women's cooperative in Ghana. We add some organic extra-virgin coconut oil and organic extra-virgin olive oil. So it's extremely rich, sinking deep into the skin and staying there. But since all the ingredients are totally non-comedogenic, it won't clog your pores, meaning it's just as awesome on your face as it is on your body.

RRP: $34 (375ml) - Available from Miss Pearl Store

What I Say:

Having never heard of S.W. Basics of Brooklyn before, I decided to look into the brand, and was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the philosophy behind the brand. “At S.W. Basics, we use the simplest possible blends of impeccably sourced, whole ingredients to create products that truly work. Why? Fewer ingredients = less chance for irritation, higher potency, and a smaller overall ecological impact.” Sounds pretty good, don’t you think!





I think we’ve all seen products labelled as being natural before, but these products truly are 100% natural, and not just natural, they are sourced from either certified organic, Fair Trade, or sourced from small, family farms. The cream contains just three ingredients – yep, its not a typo, THREE ingredients. How rare is that. Usually the ingredients list is so long, and full of incredibly long words you cannot pronounce, let alone know what it, but not S.W. Basics. The three ingredients used in the cream are:
 
  • Fair Trade Shea Butter
  • Organic Coconut Oil
  • Organic Olive Oil

You could basically eat this cream! You can’t say that about many skincare products!

The cream is intended for dry and thirsty skin, so I have to be honest and admit that I was a little worried about using it on my combination skin prone to breakouts. The cream is extremely concentrated, so just a pea sized is more than sufficient for my face, and while it felt lovely on my skin once it had absorbed, I did feel my face got a little greasy and shiny as the day went on, so following, I have been using the cream on my body as well.

The cream has a quite thick solid consistency and I feel it needs to be warmed up between the fingers before spread over the skin, and it does take a little while to absorb. But again, once it has, the skin is left feeling so lovely and soft, and with a nice sheen, and consequently looking so healthy.




I was using the cream on my décolleté, elbows and hands and I could instantly feel how moisture was restored, and unlike other creams, I don’t feel like I have to reapply the cream again hours later, the added moisture simply stays on the skin.

The cream comes in a little jar, and kind of reminds me of a small jar of mustard or mayonnaise, but in terms of look, but also the simple black label on the glass jar. But I like that, and feel that the simplicity of both the jar and the label well represents what the brand stands for. It has a very natural scent, which lingers for a while.

Once opened, the cream has a life of 8 months, which is quite reasonable considering it doesn’t contain any preservatives.

Overall this is a brilliant cream, especially if you have dry and very dry skin, and perfect if you have very sensitive skin too, as there is simply nothing in this cream that can irritate your skin. At $34 you may think it is a little expensive for such a small jar of cream, but it is seriously concentrated, and if you are in organic fair-trade products, then you will love it too.

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Ever head of S.W Basics? Do you use organic products?
 
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18 September 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ-EASE HAIR THERMAL PROTECTION FORMULA SERUM

I always do my best to look after my long hair, getting it trimmed regularly, and trying hard to remember giving it a frequent treatment. But even so, I still struggle with frizz, which is only made worse by the very hot and humid weather we’ve had here in Melbourne recently. So I happily accepted when I was asked to trial the *John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Thermal Protection Formula Serum, here are my thoughts;

 

 

What They Say:

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Thermal Protection Formula protects against damage and colour fading caused by heat-styling and UV exposure. Suitable for all types of hair and inspired by John Frieda salon experts, this exceptional hair serum instantly shields all hair types against the damaging effects of heat styling and UV exposure that lead to frizz. Daily use smoothes, shines and prolongs colour. Use on towel-dried hair, can also be used on dry hair.

RRP: $16.99 (50ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets, and selected pharmacies


What I Say:
The John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Thermal Protection Formula Serum not only helps to reduce frizz and leave your hair shiny and silky, it is also designed to protects your hair from heat damage during heat styling as well as minimise colour fading.

The serum comes in a small clear pump bottle, which makes it very easy to use. And don’t be fooled by the small bottle, this stuff is seriously concentrated. If you use too much, or get it too closer to the roots, it will make your hair look so greasy. But that is of course only a good thing as it will make the bottle last so much longer.





Always one for multi-tasking products, I like that this serum can be used in both wet and dry hair. In wet hair, it can be used prior to drying the hair or straightening, to protect from heat damage, and in dry hair, it works brilliantly to smooth down the hair, and minimise any frizz, and not to mention give the hair an amazing shine, which all in all makes the hair look so healthy.

And I love that when it is used as a heat protectant when I heat style my hair, with this serum, I don’t also have to follow with a frizz serum, so talk about multi-tasking. And I generally wash my hair every second day, and on those days, the serum works a treat to freshen up my dry hair, and making it look as if it has been just washed.  And it does all of this without weighing my hair down.



 

I have very long (at least two inches below my bra strap, and that’s even after getting over two inches cut off just prior to Christmas!) and it is very thick too (even in spite of having gone through months of losing countless hairs daily after giving birth), yet just two tiny pumps is all that is required for my hair.

I simply rub the serum between my hands and distribute throughout my hair, again avoiding the roots, and concentrating on the ends of my hair. Rub hands together and distribute evenly throughout hair.

 
What I Like:
  • A true multi-tasking product that can be used in wet and dry hair, as a heat protectant and to smooth out frizz and give shine to the hair
  • Very concentrated, so the small bottle will last forever
  • Comes in a small pump bottle that is easy to use
 
What I Don’t Like:
  • It does contain silicones, which I would prefer if it didn’t, but so far I have not noticed that it is building up in my hair, or weighing it down.

 
All in all this Frizz-Ease Hair Thermal Protection Formula Serum from John Frieda is a fantastic product, which does exactly what it claims to do, so if you are looking for a multi-tasking product to both protect your hair and combat frizz, then I highly recommend that you try it.
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


Have you ever tried any of the products from John Frieda? Do you use heat protectant products in your hair? Or what about Frizz serums? Any recommendations?
 
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11 September 2014

BRAND FOCUS: BE GENKI VITAL RANGE

Today I’d like to introduce you to the brand Be genki. Be genki is a range of natural and organic self-care products are designed to help you feel refreshed, relaxed, and revitalised. There are four different blends, vital, tranquil, serene and sensual. Here are my thoughts on the Be genki Vital Range*; 


 





What They Say:

Be Vital Face Mist: A gentle, hydrating and uplifting face mist to replenish lost moisture, leaving your skin lightly scented. Ideal for long flights, air-conditioned offices or hot summer days.

RRP: $26 (50ml) - Available from Be Naturallyou


Be Vital Body Oil: lightweight, moisture-intensive body oil to soften your skin and invigorate your senses. Perfect for helping to nourish dry, rough skin, especially after a shower/bath, post exercise, swimming or sunbathing.

RRP: $32 (100ml) - Available from Be Naturallyou


Be Vital Oil Blend: A highly concentrated blend of pure organic essential oils. Ideally designed to be used in an oil burner or in the bath.

RRP: $23 (10ml) - Available from Be Naturallyou
Be Vital Candle: Kind to both you and the environment, Be genki Vital Candles are made from soy wax and scented with pure organic essential oils only, to infuse your room with a fresh vital scent that uplifts.

RRP: $52 - Available from Be Naturallyou 


Be Vital Herbal Tea: Made with love and certified organic ingredients by Abundance Herbs for Be genki, to create an awakening alive feeling. Easing adrenal exhaustion, and promoting a feeling of wellbeing.

RRP: $22 (40g) - Available from Be Naturallyou


What I Say:

I love the fact that the Be genki products are natural, organic, GM-free, vegan and cruelty-free.


 




The Be genki Vital range of products has been designed to be used whenever you would like a little “pick me up.” Perfect for use first thing in the morning or after work to give you a little “boost” prior to the evening’s activities. It is utilising the properties of pure organic essential oils: Peppermint, Lemon Myrtle, Eucalyptus and Rosemary.

It is as if this range has been designed with me in mind!!! I am currently feeling tired and drained, and constantly in need of a pick me up, as having a teething toddler that wakes several times during the night, just wears you down after a while – so I was naturally excited to put the Vital range to the test.



The Be Vital Face Mist does say that it is perfect for use during hot summer days, but I have found it equally perfect for using during winter. My skin is not normally sensitive, but a walk with the pram and the dogs in the chilly Melbourne winter weather is enough to leave my cheeks red hot flushed and wind burnt. Luckily a quick spray with the face mist, and my skin is instantly feeling soothed and refreshed and any lost moisture replenished. It has the most gorgeous gentle refreshing scent that lingers around too, thanks to containing Peppermint infused water, organic Peppermint, oil, organic Lemon Myrtle oil, organic Rosemary oil and organic Eucalyptus oil.







It is also recommended for use during long flights, and I do plan to take it with me on my next long-haul flight to Europe, and I love that it size-wise applies to airline restrictions, and although love the glass bottle, for travelling purposes I would have preferred if it had come in a plastic bottle.

The scent of the essential oils (lemon myrtle, peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary) will be helpful for your little one who has a cold, as they are great for respiratory issues, and have anti-viral properties. So perhaps a few drops of the 100% Pure and Organic Vital Oil Blend with water in an oil burner in the room that you’re all in might be helpful. (Safe and well-away from curious little baby hands though.)



The Be Vital Body Oil is a lightweight, moisture-intensive body oil designed to soften your skin and invigorate your senses. And in spite of being to light and instantly absorbing into the skin without leaving it feeling greasy, you can instantly feel it intensely nourishing your skin, leaving it soft and deeply moisturised. 






The Body Oil contains organic cold-pressed Sunflower oil, organic cold-pressed virgin Hemp seed oil, organic cold-pressed virgin Avocado oil, organic cold-pressed virgin Rosehip oil, organic Peppermint oil, organic Lemon Myrtle oil, organic Rosemary oil, organic Eucalyptus oil. And it smells absolutely divine. The face mist smells lovely, but the body oil far exceeds it. Maybe because I cannot resist a zesty lemon scent, and this one is just that. Absolutely incredible, so I love that this scent lingers on my skin for hours.

The Body Oil is very concentrated so you don’t need to use a lot. Like the face mist, it comes in a gorgeous glass bottle with a pump.


The Be Vital Oil Blend is a highly concentrated blend of pure organic essential oils and it has been designed to be used in an oil burner or in the bath. I rarely take baths, sadly just never seem to have the time to do it, but I am a frequent user of our oil burner. We have two Labradors living inside the house, so a nice scented oil in the oil burner stops the house smelling too ‘doggy’!

 




As with the other Be genki products, the Oil Blend is extremely concentrated, so it just takes half a dozen drops in the oil burner, and within minutes that gorgeous uplifting and refreshingly clean scent is spreading through the whole house – instantly hiding any smell of dogs and last night’s dinner too. It contains Peppermint oil, organic Lemon Myrtle oil, organic Rosemary oil, and organic Eucalyptus oil.



If I am not burning my oil burner, I am always burning a scented candle at night. And the Be Vital Candle, like the Oil Blend, smells absolutely amazing. The candle is made from soy wax, so it is kind to your health as it doesn’t burn with a grey smoke that stains your walls – and even worse, the inside of your lungs.





And it has added pure organic essential oils of organic Peppermint oil, organic Lemon Myrtle oil, organic Rosemary oil, and organic Eucalyptus oil and it instantaneously fills your home with the most refreshing and uplifting citrus scent. And even when you’ve blown out the candle, this scent keeps lingering in the air for hours. Absolutely amazing, and it burns for a massive 40 hours you can continue to enjoy it for weeks.


I have to be honest and admit that I am generally a coffee drinker. However, the last few months I’ve realised that I’ve been drinking way too much of it, so I’ve put myself on a kind of ‘coffee diet’ if you like, only allowing myself one cup of coffee a day, and I feel so much better for it. But when its winter and cold, I still like to enjoy a hot cup of tea, and this Be Vital Herbal Tea is so beautiful. It is made by Abundance Herbs for Be genki. It contains Green Tea, Echinacea, Lemon Grass, Peppermint, Rosehips, Lemon Myrtle, Liquorice Root, Astragalus, Withania and Ginger and is intended to create an awakening alive feeling, easing adrenal exhaustion, and promoting a feeling of wellbeing.






And as my preferred tea is either peppermint, which is shown to help relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and while I don’t have IBS, but rather a bowel illness, Colitis Ulcerosa, I find that it helpful too. Or I prefer to sip on lemon tea, as it is so refreshing and uplifting – so this tea is the perfect combination of both, containing both peppermint and lemon grass and lemon myrtle, and it is simply so stunning that I plan on not only replacing it but also trying out the other varieties in the range. You may think that it is a small pack of tea, but it is of such high quality hat you only need a small teaspoon of the tea leaves in your tea pot. You then infuse it for 5-10 minutes before you drink, being careful, as with all tea and coffee not to use water that is still boiling as it can potential damage beneficial properties of the tea.


Overall, I really love these Vital products from Be genki, and they are each so unique that it is impossible for me to pick a favourite, as there is a place for each and every one of them in my life – and if it was up to me, I’d also love to see the range included to include other products such as hand creams, body butters and maybe some incense sticks too!

I am not sure if they give me a much needed pick-me up, but I really enjoy how the products feel on my skin, and how stunning they smell. I love the simple, yet stunning packaging with the stunning peachy-coral labels, but what I love even more, is that I actually understand all the ingredients that are being used in the products. There are simply none of those difficult to pronounce potentially harmful chemical ingredients in sight on the ingredients list. LOVE!
 
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Ever heard of Be genki? Do you use products to help you feel relaxed and refreshed?


 
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10 September 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: ARBONNE GARDEN PALETTE

Today I’d like to share with you a newly launched makeup Arbonne; the limited edition Country Garden Palette Set; 

 





What They Say:

Capture looks of true loveliness with our exquisite all-in-one palette inspired by a whimsical, bloom-filled English countryside garden. Four brilliant eye shadows and a rosy-bronze blusher let you mix and match for a naturally chic look, finished off with a sheer, perfectly pink pout. Charming and gorgeous, just like you.

RRP: $110 – Available from Arbonne


What I Say:

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’d know I absolutely adore the Arbonne products. Every single item I’ve tried hasn’t failed to impress me, including the Perfecting Liquid Foundation the Bronzer and the Mascara, so needless to say that I was excited when the Country Garden Palette arrived at my doorstep.







The palette has been inspired by the English countryside, capturing the essence of whimsical, bloom-filled English country gardens not only with the pale green floral cover, but also with the minimalist delicate colours included in the palette.






The Country Garden Palette comes with a four eye shadows in the shades Bluebell, Woodrose, Birch and Willow, a Summerset Meadow Blush and Bronzer Duo and a Sheer Moisture Lipstick in the shade Rosebud.





The eye shadows in the palette complement each other perfectly, and are as perfect to use on their own as combined in any combination you like. They can give you a delicate look, but as they are also very pigmented, you can easily build up the darker colours for a bolder look, so the eye shadows can easily take you from day to night. And while I prefer to use my own makeup brushes, it is still lovely that a brush is included in the palette.







The blush has a lovely rosy shade and gives a nice high sheen, so it is also perfect to use as a highlighter. The bronzer is perfect for using on the top of your cheek bones, forehead and to give your skin a nice sun-kissed glow that looks natural with just the right amount of sheen.

 




The lipstick has a beautiful sweet scent and is so lovely and moisturising on the lips, and the Rosebud shade is sheer on the lips, so perfect for casual days out.

 








 This palette is a true all-in-one palette, perfect for both the handbag for touch-ups on the go, or for holiday. There is simply everything you need in this palate for a romantic and feminine look, so it will be absolutely perfect as we finally head towards spring and summer.


*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


What do you think of this Country Garden Palette from Arbonne? Ever tried any makeup from the brand?

 

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8 September 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: l'OCCITANE MER & MISTRAL EAU DE TOILETTE

Today I’d like to share with you a newly launched fragrance from L’Occitane, the Mer & Mistral Eau de Toilette and the matching Body Gel*;


 
 

What They Say:

Fresh and aquatic notes blend with an aromatic accord of pine, cypress and rosemary. A pure and simple fragrance, with a breath of the mistral wind.

RRP:

Eau de Toilette: $82 (75ml)
Fresh Body Gel: $30 (175ml)

Both available from L’Occitane


What I Say:

This new fragrance is a part of L’Occitane’s La Collection de Grasse which has been inspired by and named after the world perfume capital in the south of France. There are numerous fragrance in the collection, and each has been made using natural extracts, to give the purest and clearest scents.

The Mer & Mistral Eau de Toilette is such a refreshing scent containing head notes of lemon and mandarin, heart notes of pine, cypress and rosemary, while the base notes include cedar, white amber and musk.



 

This fragrance claims that It has been designed for both men and women – and when I first saw the fragrance notes, I didn’t quite understand. I am definitely not one for pine, amber and musky scents, however, as soon as you smell it, you can detect the citrusy notes from the lemon and mandarin, which makes it so incredibly refreshing, and indeed suitable as a unisex fragrance smelling beautifully on both myself and my husband. However, in staying that, if you did have to pick a side, I would have to say that due to the musky undertones, that it is more of a men’s fragrance.

It is such a nice light aqua-style scent, perfect for spring and summer, and it lasts all day on the skin. It comes in a blue tint3ed clear square bottle like the other fragrances in the collection. It is simple and elegant, and again, suitable for both him and her.
 





The matching Mer & Mistral is a lovely refreshing moisturising gel with the same beautiful scent as the fragrance. And while it is so light, it is very moisturising thanks to being enriched with shea butter that leaves the skin soft and smooth for hours. And when using this body gel in connection with the fragrance, it beautifully builds it up, for a more intense scent that also lasts longer, but also when used on its own, it gives the skin a nice scent that lasts all day.  

Overall, an absolute stunning scent, and perfect for those who prefer light and fresh scents.
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


What do you think of this new fragrance from L’Occitane? And uni-sex fragrances? Would you share a scent with your other half?

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6 September 2014

PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT - AUGUST 2014

Yesterday the *Lust Have It August box arrived at my door step, here are my thoughts;





What They Say:

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.



RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.

Available from Lust Have It 




What I Say:

This month the goodies again arrived in a pink see-through mesh bag, and this is what was in it;




 


BIO ELIXIA Body Shaper Stretch Mark Diminishing Cream – Full Size (RRP $39/125ml)

 




This cream promises to visible improve the appearance of stretchmarks, skin texture and discolouration. I have previously tried this, (see my full review here), and while I like it and it will most definitely be put to good use, and the full sized product obviously adds great value to the box – I would naturally have been more excited to have received a product that I had not previously tried. But again, as I really like it, and more than likely would have repurchased it again in the future, at least it saves me having to go get it, which is still a good thing! 



ELEVEN AUSTRALIA Miracle Hair Treatment – Full Size (RRP 24.95/125ml)






Another full sized product. Impressive. Yet again I have previously tried this hair treatment (see my full review here), and apart from the coconut scent I really like this treatment. And I love that it contains UVA and UVB filters so it protects my hair from sun damage as we head towards summer. Again, a great addition to the box and I am not complaining about getting a backup of a product I already love, but would, again, naturally have been more excited to receive a product that was new to me. 
 
 
 
 
ESSENZZA Fuss Free Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes with Aloe Vera + Cucumber – Full Size + mini pack (RRP $6.95/25 wipes, RRP $2.50/8 wipes)
 
 
 

 
 
I have never heard of this brand before, so a big tick for that as I love learning and trialling new products. However, in saying that, I don’t use facial wipes all that much as I simply prefer to use a gel cleanser and splash water in my face. But I do use them when I swatch makeup products for the blog, so they will never go to waste – and also I use them when I go on long-haul flighs – and as I will be heading off to Europe next week, timing is great. 
 
  
 
BIODERMA Crealine H20 – Sample Size, 20ml (RRP $29.99 AUD for 250ml)
 
 
 
 

 
I really like this Micellar water, but I have previously tried it and already own a full sized bottle, so sadly, again, the novelty factor is not there for me. But again, as I really like this product, the small sample size come at a perfect time as it will be perfect for me to bring on the plane when I take off next week!
 
 
 
 
MARSK Eyeshadow Brush Pro-Line – Full Size (RRP $28.95)
 
 

 
 
 
I had never heard of this brand before until I received an Eyeshadow in last month’s box. The Full sized product. The brush seems to be of a good quality, and as you can never have too many makeup brushes, I love the inclusion of this one! 
 
   
In addition there were also couple bonus discount vouchers that were included in box: 


 
  
  • BioElixia – 20% off when you purchase online
  • Zodee - $20 Voucher when you spend $70 or more
  • Style Thread: 20% off when you spend $75 or more
  • Misguided – 20% off
  • Quickflix – 6 weeks of free home delivered DVDs and Blu-rays
 
 
I do like the inclusion of the vouchers, but to be quite honest, I am not sure if I will make use of any of them – the one I would be most likely to use would be the Quickflix, but as we’re already members and have been for years, unfortunately I cannot make use of the voucher!
 
 
So what’s my verdict on the box…. This is a birthday box and with the teaser card included in last month’s box, I was expecting huge things! Am I disappointed – No, I am not, as the included products are great value, and certainly worth far more than the box, and I love in particularly both the BioElixia and the ELEVEN Miracle Treatment – but the products just didn’t wow me as I already know and love them – and to me, the beauty of a subscription box is to be introduced to new products.
 
 
So while I am not as impressed with this box as I have been with previous boxes, on the other hand, I am certainly not complaining getting top-ups of products I already like + a new makeup brush, wipes and a travel sized cleaner for my upcoming holiday.
 
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
 
 
 
If you are considering subscribing, don’t forget that you can get $5 off your first box by using the unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website
 
What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It Box? Are you subscribing, or considering subscribing? Any products you are particularly keen on? And as always, if you’d like to see full reviews of any of the products, do let me know..
 
 
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