24 May 2015

HOSPITAL BAG - BABY SKINCARE

Just 7 days to go now before baby is due!! The last two days I’ve shown you what I’ll be bringing with me in terms of makeup, as well as skin, body and haircare. And needless to say that I also need to bring a few essentials for the baby, including of course clothes and also nappies (as for some reason, most hospitals just don’t provide those), but I will also bring a few other skincare items for the baby including:





GAIA Natural Baby Travel Pack






I’ve raved about the baby skincare products from GAIA Natural Baby before, and I still love their products. This travel pack is so convenient, with its handy small bottles containing 50ml each, - and just what you need of the most essential products, Bath & Body Wash, Baby Shampoo and Baby Moisturiser. The products have a beautiful gentle natural scent and I can relax knowing that they are so gentle that they are suitable for use on a newborn too. RRP: $14.95.



Curash Jumbo Fragrance Free Baby Wipes







I remember vividly the very messy first couple of nappies that you have to change on a baby!!! Not an easy task, and hence why decent nappy wipes are an absolute must. These Jumbo wipes from Curash are some of the biggest ones I’ve come across, and as they are also fairly thick too, they are perfect for any ‘messy’ situation. And I love that they are fragrance free and gentle too, so they are suitable for use on a newborn’s sensitive skin. RRP: $4.99 



Curash Multi-Purpose Healing Cream






I’ve been using this cream lately to deal with my 23 year old boy’s dribble rash that seems to come and go all the time. We’ve tried countless of products, including creams on script, and nothing really seems to help – except this healing cream which seems to give him instant relief, as well as it seems help heal his faster too. Lately I’ve also been using the cream as I’ve developed a bad pregnancy rash and the cream seems to soothe my skin a little too – and I will be bringing it along to the hospital as it is suitable for any skin irritation or rash on a newborn’s skin too. RRP: $8.49


Acca Kappa Gentle Hair Brush




This hair brush came in a beautiful gift box along with a gorgeous piece of soap, which I will however keep and use when we get home.






Our first little boy was born with a lot of very dark hair, which he eventually did lose and now he has a head full of very very blonde hair! - so I can only assume that the new baby will also have a head full of hair too, so this beautiful Acca Kappa baby blue brush made from beech wood with a natural rubber cushion with white natural bristles, will help ensure that our little bub will have the best groomed and shiny hair in the hospital, ready to meet family and friends for the first time! RRP: $79.00

*Some products may have been provided for consideration, but would still be reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

So there you go, these are the baby skincare products that I’ve pack to bring with me to hospital.. Hopefully I haven’t forgotten anything!
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23 May 2015

HOSPITAL BAG - SKINCARE & HAIRCARE

So now, as I write this, baby is due in just 8 days. Yesterday I posted about the makeup I’ll be bring to hospital, and today it is all about the skincare and haircare products that I’ll be bringing with me to the hospital. I actually started packing the a few weeks ago, slowly pulling things out as I remembered, but now time has come to get serious, to make sure everything is ready to go!

Apart from the clothing necessities such as comfy clothes, PJs, dressing gown, slippers, underwear and maternity bras, breast pads, maternity pads... these are the haircare and skincare essentials that will be going with me..






EVO Beauty Is Skin Deep Women’s Essential Kit

I’ve always loved the brand EVO for its quirky texts on its bottles, which can only bring a smile to your face. The Body Crème for instance reads, ‘if you can’t spend a week bathing in pools of dead-skin-eating fish while being served dinner by trained psychologists, then this hand and body lotion is for you!






This gorgeous travel pack makes packing a whole lot easier, as the pack contains small convenient bottles of many of the essential hair and skincare products you need – and let’s face it, my hospital stay will just be for a few days, so it is absolutely pointless dragging along full sized bottles. The kit contains cute 50ml bottles of Self Indulgence Body Crème, Soap Dodger Body Wash, Mane Prescription Hair Protein Treatment, Ritual Salvation Hair Care Conditioner and Ritual Salvation Hair Care Shampoo. The shampoo, conditioner and hair treatment are all designed for colour-treated hair, weak and brittle hair, so perfect for my hair that will need all the care it can get after giving birth. The body wash and body crème both smell divine and will quickly wash away the scent of hospital, and help add some much needed moisture to my skin which will no doubt be dried out from the chlorine bleached sheets and towels! $RRP: 29.95



bhave Riot Control Oil

As you may now, I absolutely love the haircare products from bhave, and the products have done wonders for my hair. One of the products I especially love is the Riot Control Oil, and I’m lucky to have a small travel sized bottle floating around. Just a pump or two or this oil instantly helps tame down any frizz, while giving the hair a healthy and natural shine. RRP: $48.95 (Full Size/100ml)





Lady Jayne Tangleze
While I know that I won’t feel like spending too much time styling m hair, of course I’ll also need to pack a hairbrush, and this compact Tangleze from Lady Jayne is the perfect choice, as it is simply so small and compact that it doesn’t take up much room. And it is so effective in detangling knotted tresses in both wet and dry hair, while being super gentle. And in addition, it has the most gorgeous black and white zebra design that makes it look stunning at the same time. RRP: $12.99

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Neon Lights Pomegranate & JasmineWith my long hair I never wash my hair every day, so I doubt this will be happening while I’m in hospital either, - and that’s when I rely on a good dry shampoo to refresh my tresses. And then I just cannot go past this new (and sadly limited edition) Neon Lights Dry Shampoo from Batiste with Pomegranate and Jasmine, as it simply leaves my hair smelling so good while leaving it clean and revitalised. RRP: $9.95

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion
One thing that I know I will need a little more off is body lotion, as again, my skin gets so horribly dry when in hospital, and moisturising lotion from Aveeno is perfect, as it has also helped me through the later stages of my pregnancy where my skin has become a little itchy. The thick cream has almost no scent and instantly provides instant moisture and relief to dry and irritated skin. RRP: $8.95






Uriage Eau Thermale D’UriageThis thermal water spray from Uriage is made from 100% natural thermal water, and just a fine spray across the face helps to moisture, and soothe the skin for hours, which I know it will be very quickly thanks to the constant airconditioning in the hospital. And it also instantly helps refresh the skin if it has become dry and irritated. RRP: 8.95


L’Occitane En Provence Shea Hand Cream in Zesty Lime
My hands always get horribly dry during winter, but this hand cream from L’Occitane has a high content of shea butter so it is extremely moisturising on the hands, yet absorbing quickly into the skin without any greasiness. Plus it leaves the most refreshing and zesty scent of lime lingering behind, which I just cannot resist! RRP: $13.00






Jurlique Hydra Gloss in Neutral
This gloss also acts as an extremely hydrating lip balm containing ingredients to soften, condition and smooth the lips, all while giving the lips a nice sheer glossy finish. RRP: $22.00


Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
This newly launched Micellar Cleansing Water from Simple is very gentle on the skin, and with just a few swipes over the face and eyes, it easily removes makeup (although struggling with waterproof mascara, without leaving a greasy residue behind. The Micellar Water is light and has a fresh scent, and doesn’t dry out my skin, and best of all, it is very gentle, so it doesn’t sting in my vey sensitive eyes! RRP: $9.99






Olay Wet Cleansing Towlettes
As I think I’ve mentioned many times before, I am not a huge user of facial wipes as I prefer to wash my face with a gel cleanser and splash water in my face afterwards, so I often just use them for when I’m in on long-haul flights, or swatching makeup products for the blog. But in saying that, I always have a pack handy, and will also be bringing these Wet Towlettes from Olay with me, as in case I am too drained and tired to wash my face, at least a wet towel is better than nothing. And I love the fact that these ones are alcohol and fragrance free so won’t dry out my skin. RRP: $6.95


SKII Facial Treatment Essence
I’ve been using the SKII Facial Treatment Essence for the past few weeks as a kind of toner, after cleansing my skin, but before my serum. The Essence contains the wonder ingredient, pitera, which SKII claims helps boost the collagen production and encourage new cell turnover. And within just a few short weeks, of using this odd-smelling Essence, my skin is not only more deeply moisturised and hence looking more plumb with fine lines and wrinkles reduced, but my skin also seems to have a more healthy glow. RRP: $100 (75ml)





 
MyChelle Dermaceuticals G2 Instant Firming Serum
This serum from MyChelle is pack full of super anti-oxidants, phyto-nutrients and peptides that promises to instantly help improve the firmness of the skin and minimise the depth of wrinkles instantly, while refining skin texture too. And I’m impressed to say that you really do both see and feel that this serum has an effect on the skin, instantly making my skin looking more refreshed and plum, so it helps make you look more rested too when you wake up in the morning, even after a bad night’s sleep, and you can see the lifting results too when you use it under your foundation, so it’s just as perfect for daytime wear too. RRP: $62.50


SkinInc Pure Nano Hydrating Gel
I’ve only been using this gel moisturiser for a very short time, but I am already in love. The light gel is a true multi-tasker helping to hydrate, repair, tone, protect and prime, and not to mention brighten the skin all at the same time. It is super moisturising and nourishing on the skin, yet perfect for my combination skin as it is so light and non-greasy and leaves my skin feeling velvety soft and matte. And as it is suitable for use both morning and evening, I only need to bring this one moisturiser with me. RRP: $163.00


Antipodes Kiwi Seed Eye Cream
One thing that I can never be without is a good eye cream, and this Kiwi Seed Eye Cream from Antipodes will provide my (more than likely) very tired looking eyes with some much needed cooling and soothing care, while adding moisture and softening fine lines. And I love the fact that the cream has been shown to scientifically shown to stimulate collagen production by up to 82%, so hopefully it can help keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay for a little longer! $44.99





 
 
Sisley Paris Eye Contour Mask
This amazing mask from Sisley will help refresh and soothe tired looking eyes instantly, and I love that it goes on clear so I can actually wear it during the day, and nobody would ever know. Or pop on a thin layer at night before bed, and wake up to eyes that are less puffy and looking more refreshed and younger. RRP: $150.00

 

Vanessa Megan Birth Ease Natural Labour Spray 
I was given this when I first announced my pregnancy, and since then it has been sitting in waiting to be put to the test. It is specifically designed for the hours of labour, to help assist with tensions, promote contractions and help build confidence during labour – and as the birth of our first boy was long, drawn out and a painful one too, I’m willing to give anything a try to make it faster and more comfortable too! Fingers crossed! RRP: $29.95






Weleda Nipple Care Cream

Oh dear how I vividly remember how sore and cracked my poor nipples were when I started breastfeeding our little boy when he was born almost two years ago. I had to send hubby to the nearest chemist pronto to get me something that would give me some much needed relief. This time I’ll come prepared with the Weleda Nipple Care cream that is designed to both prepare for breastfeeding, as well as soothe and care for cracked nipples. RRP: $27.95



So there you go, these are the skin and haircare products that I'll be taking with me, again, no doubt a lot more than I will actually need, but these are some of my current favourites, and in the end of the day, so much easier to simply bring it along than have hubby try to find what you want at home!!

*Some products may have been provided for consideration, but would still be reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.


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22 May 2015

HOSPITAL BAG - MAKEUP

Just nine days left until the baby is due!! Well of course, unless baby wants to come sooner that is. I know that I won’t feel like wearing full-on makeup whilst in hospital, but still, I know that I will feel a lot better if I wear at least a little when visitors come to meet our little bub. And not to mention later on when I look at all the happy snaps that will no doubt be taken.
The intended stay at the hospital is about 4 nights, so at least I'll get something for all the money we're forking out on private hospital cover each month! So I have packed some key makeup items for the stay – plus a few more, just in case… and although I did initially plan on packing lightly, I know it will still contain a lot more products than originally intended, but what I can I say, I'm serial over-packer, and besides, it is always easier to bring it along yourself, than having to ask hubby to find it and bring it for you!! Anyway, here’s what I’ve included; 





Thalgo BB Cream Perfect Glow

This BB Cream from Thalgo, is perfect as it helps give the skin some much needed moisture (who doesn’t get dry skin when they’re in hospital), plus it gives the skin a light coverage with and a nice healthy and radiant glow. I don’t expect to look like Kate (after all, I doubt I’ll have a makeup and hair artist at hand!), just a few hours after birth, but I’d still like to look my best when visitors are coming and for the tons of photos that will be taken and treasured for years and years to come. RRP: $47.00


Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR Makeup
This foundation is my current favourite full coverage foundation, and if my skin is going to be playing up, which it is prone to, then this will be my go-to product. I know that it will give me a good, yet natural coverage, and best of all, I can trust that it stays put all day, so I don’t need to worry about having to touch-up, or that it rubs off onto my little bub. RRP: $50.00






Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer
As I write this, I am feeling pretty drained and tired as I’ve completely forgotten what a good night’s sleep is, which consequently does show with increasing dark circles under my eyes. My preferred go to concealer is here the Secret Camouflage concealer, which comes with two shades so that you can blend your ideal shade. It is quick and easy to apply, and stays put all day. The perfect camouflage for looking like you’re well-rested! $49.00
 

Jane Iredale Blush + Amazing Base Mineral PowderIf I do feel like I need a touch up during the day, I swear by the refillable brush from Jane Iredale with the Amazing Base powder. It is simply so quick and easy to use, and the powder is so fine it gives you a natural look without setting into the fine lines. Unfortunately I’ve lost the lid to the powder brush, so I’ll have to be careful when packing it! RRP: Refillable Brush: $45.00, Amazing Base Powder: $79.00




ELES Mineral Makeup Blush in Coral Sun

This would have to be one of my my most reached for blushes. The peachy-pink shade simply instantly gives my dull and drab looking face some much needed spark, thanks to the lightly shimmery formula. And as all the other products I’ve picked out, I can trust that it will stay put without fading of sliding off my face during the day. RRP: $39.50


Ere Perez Clever Carrot Cheek & Lip Balm
If I am wearing the BB Cream, and not the full covering foundation from Elizabeth Arden, then I really like the more natural blushed cheek look that I get from using the Clever Carrot Cheek & Lip Balm from Ere Perez. It is super quick to blend into your cheeks with your fingers for a sheer non-makeup natural look. And clever as it is, you can simply swipe any remains of the cream onto your lips, for a beautiful lip stain. RRP: $27.95




Jane Iredale Rose Dawn Bronzer
Another Jane Iredale favourite that will make it into the cosmetic bag is the Rose Dawn Bronzer. This bronzer contains four different colours, and combined, it gives the skin a beautiful glow. And I love that you can also use the colours individually on both cheeks and eyes, should I feel like it! RRP: $90.00



Jane Iredale Pommisst Hydration Spray Finally, I will also be packing the Pommisst Hydration Spray from Jane Iredale as it not only helps set your makeup, but it also gives it a more natural and dewy look, all while feeling refreshing tired skin, soothing dry skin and adding some much needed moisture. RRP: $39.00



Clinique Chubby Stick in Lots o’ Latte
I doubt that I will be feeling like doing a full on eye makeup up, so that’s where I rely on this Chubby eye shadow stick from Clinique. The shade Lots o’ Latte is a gorgeous mid-brown shimmery shade that I find myself using on its own all the time when I’m in a hurry, so it is the perfect shade to bring, as one swipe, followed with a quick blend with my fingers, is all it takes. RRP: $35.00


L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Blockbuster
One thing that I never fail to do is my eyes, as I simply feel I look so much more awake and fresher when they are done. And one of my favourites is the Liquid Super Liner Blockbuster from L’Oreal. The large texta like pen, quickly and easily draws a line, and I can trust that it will stay put all day. RRP: $16.95


L’Oreal Paris Super Liner Silkissime
Another trusted favourite from L’Oreal is the Silkissime eyeliner for below the last line. Again, it is quick and easy to use, without dragging or pulling my eye area, and although I’ve got sensitive eyes that water easily (and let’s face it, I may become a little teary at the arrival of our little bub), but I can always trust this eyeliner to stay without smudging. RRP: $22.95







Max Factor Excess Volume Mascara
This mascara is huge, about twice the size as any other mascara. But so are the results. The two step mascara starts with the Extreme Volume building end that helps quickly add volume to even the sparsest of lashes, while the Dark Lacquer end ensures that your lashes have a nice glossy finish. And one quick coat of each end is all that it takes for a natural look, while you can of course add a few more coats for a more dramatic look. $26.95


Benefit Gimme Brow
Serial over-plucking of my brows years ago, now means that they are thinner and sparser than I really like, so a good brow product is a necessity. The Gimme Brow from Benefit, is the perfect choice, as the mascara style wand is quick and easy to swipe across your brows for instantly fuller, yet natural looking brows that at the same time stays in place thanks to the added gel. RRP: $35.00


Covergirl Colorlicious lipgloss
And of course I cannot neglect my lips, so I will be bringing these Colorlicious Lipglosses from Covergirl with me. The Give Me Guava is a medium shade warm pink with a gloss sheen, that on the lips shows up as a barely there shade with just the glossy sheen. The Berrylicious shade is a slightly darker warm mauve shade, in case I feel like something a little darker, yet still while being a quite subtle and muted shade. And being lip glosses they are quick and easy to apply, and feels lovely and non – sticky on the lips. RRP: $16.95



 

Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Shine
And last but not least, because I can never leave the house without a larger selection of lip products (last time I emptied out my handbag (read nappy bag), I found no less than 8 different lipsticks and lipglosses, as well as I also always have a couple stashed away in my car, just in case! So just got to bring at least one more, and cannot go past one of my current favourites, the Sisley Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Berry. This lip shine is a combination of a lip balm and a lip stain, leaving the lips soft and hydrated which will be so lovely in the dry hospital air, all while giving the lips a beautiful sheer stain with a subtle sheen. RRP: $50
So there you go, the makeup I'll be taking with me to hospital...hope I haven't forgotten anything!!

* Some products may have been provided for consideration, but would still be reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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19 May 2015

KEEPING YOUR BABY & TODDLER SAFE WITH DREAMBABY

With a 23 month old toddler roaming around the whole house, his safety couldn’t be of higher importance. There are dangers everywhere in the house where he can potentially get into trouble, or even worse get seriously hurt. But thanks to Dreambaby, it is easy to ‘baby proof’ your house with some simple yet extremely effective. Here are our thoughts on some newly launched Dreambaby products we’ve put to the test; 






Dreambaby Soft Touch Corner Cushions

 




Our little boy is running fast around the house these days, and he is just at the high now where his head is in line with the kitchen bench. And very sharp bench stone one too, so if he really was to run into it, it would seriously hurt, and may even cause serious damage. But thanks to the new Soft Touch Corner Cushions any serious injury can easily be prevented, as the Cushion Corners come have a soft protective layer that takes any sharpness away.






These Soft Cushion Corners can easily be applied to any sharp corner, on any surface, thanks to the adhesive tape. And at just $.6.95 for four corners, they are so cheap that you’d be silly not to get some.



The Dreambaby Door Knob Covers







We currently live in an old house while we are building a new one, and unlike our old house, this temporary house has got round door knobs on every single door. To begin with we thought that was great, as surely that would make it even more difficult for our little boy to open doors, then if we had lever door handles, and that we could simply close off rooms that we didn’t want him to enter. Sadly not the case. As soon as he realised that he could easily open the doors with the knob handles, no room was safe. Pointless closing the doors, as he would open them instantly again. The main issues where the bathroom and the toilet – needless to say that we didn’t want him to play with the toilet!!, and I cannot say that I was keen on him playing around with my lotions and potions, or makeup for that matter!






Enter the Dreambaby Door Knob Covers. These plastic covers easily slip over the doorknobs making it more difficult for little hands to grab, while small holes in the sides of the cover, still allow adults easy access. The opaque covers are easy to snap onto most door knob handles without any tools, and removes easily again! An absolute necessity to keep your toddler (and your prized possessions!) safe. RRP: $7.95 for a pack of three.


Dreambaby's new Ezy-Check Multi-Use Latch







Another new product from Dreambaby is the Ezy-Check Multi-Use Latch. This latch is as the name suggests, a multi-function latch as it can be used in so many locations from cabinets, cupboards, refrigerators and toiles. The latch comes with adhesive tape that easily attaches to most surfaces, and if you ned to relocate it, you can replace it with strong double sided tape.






The latch is almost like a chain lock, as it also has a release lock and an indicator to show if it is locked or unlocked, so it really is perfect to childproof any area, as will make it very difficult for a little toddler to open.






Personally I’ve put it on the pantry doors – as one ‘accident’ too many with our little boy playing with a pack of open rice, pasta and even flour, made it not only frustrating to have to clean up (and throw the food away), but we ended up only being able to use the top third of the pantry, making it very difficult to store our food! RRP $5.95.



Dreambaby Premium Nail Clipper with Magnifier


 




I’ve always hated trimming my little boy’s tiny nails, as I’d so hate to hurt him. He has never been fond of it, so I’ve always tried to do it while he was asleep, but that’s not even possible anymore, as even sleeping he seems to pull his hands away. He has gotten a little better lately, and on a good day I can manage to trip about 3-4 nails before he gets fed up! So it does take a few goes to do all the nails, and unfortunately his nails seems to grow incredibly fast, so we seem to be doing it all the time!






But thanks to a new Nail Clipper with a magnifier from Dreambaby, this dreaded task is now a little easier. The magnifying glass folds out, so you can get a close-up look at the tiny nails, hence minimising the risk of any accidents. The Nail Clippers sit nicely in the hand thanks to its ergonomical design, and it folds up nicely, so not only protect the magnifying glass, but also make it small and convenient to bring when you are on the go! An absolute genius idea! RRP: 5.95


So there you go, a selection of brilliant new products from Dreambaby will help make a safer environment for your little one – and all at budget friendly prices so you simply cannot afford not to child proof your house! 

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

 
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18 May 2015

PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT MARCH 2015

On Friday I received the March edition of the Lust Have It beauty Box. Yes, you did read it correctly, the March edition arriving on the 15th May! Two months late!! No quite sure what has been happening at the LHI HQ with such a long delay. If I was a paying customer I would no doubt be very disappointed, but as the box has been sent to me for consideration, I really cannot complain! But here’s my thoughts on this month’s box;


 




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: 


 Unfortunately my box didn’t contain the info card, but I did manage to find all the details online on the Lust Have It website. Unlike previous months, the products this month didn’t come in the usual mesh zip bag, but rather in a foldable plain black gift box. I would have loved to get the info card, but personally I don’t really mind the box it came in as I have heaps of the mesh bags by now, and if it came down to it, I’d prefer an additional product each month instead of the bag! But as the box was just plain, it also meant that I really had no way of telling that the box was from Lust Have It, but to look at the sender on the postage bag!

Anyway, this is what was in the box; 



ModelCo BB+ Cream – Full Size (RRP: $22.00)







I believe that Lust Have It sent our surveys to its paying subscribers so they could pick their preferred shade – but I didn’t get that offer. In saying that, I was lucky to get the BB Cream in a light shade, which is perfect for my skin tone during winter. I do predominantly wear tinted moisturisers or BB Creams these days, so I look forward to testing this one out!


Appelles Blackseed Shampoo & Tamanu Conditioner – Samples x 2 35ml (RRP: S68.00/500ml each)






I have previously received shampoo and conditioner samples from Appelles in another subscription box, so as such, they don’t excite me. But ins saying that, I did enjoy using the products, and love the smell of them, so they certainly wont go to waste. Unfortunately the seal on both of the products had clearly been broken, and I obviously would have preferred if they hadn’t!


Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing Water & Tolederm Hydra Soothing Cream –Samples, 3mls each (RRP: $29.95/250ml, $39.95/30ml)






I’ve only just recently tried my first products from Uriage, and really like them, but I have to say that these tiny samples are a bit of a disappointment. They are just so tiny. If the full sized product had been really expensive, then it would have explained it, but unfortunately in this case it doesn’t.


Urban Skincare Co Daily Body Cleanser – Sample, 35ml (RRP: $26.95/500ml)





Another brand that I’ve sadly seen repeatedly in subscription boxes lately. Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the products, in fact, I really love them as they smell amazing – in this case the body cleanser has the most gorgeous citrus scent, so I’ll really enjoy using it – but unfortunately it just excites me more when I see brands that are new to me!


Lonvitalite Coconut Milk Hydrating & Nourishing Facial Mask – One Mask (RRP: $9.95)






At the fear of sounding repetitive, unfortunately Lonvitalite face masks seems to be popping up in every single type of subscription box these days, so again, it doesn’t really excite me that much – but yet again, not saying that I don’t like the Lonvitalite masks, because I do, I love them – so again I would have preferred to see a product from a brand that was new to me. In saying that, of all the Lonvitalite masks I’ve tried so far, I’ve never tried this one with Coconut Milk before, so I do look forward to putting it to the test.


So there you go, the contents in the March Lust Have It box. It contains a total of 7 products, of which two were full-sized, three were deluxe samples and two were mini samples.

There was a good variety of products including makeup from ModelCo, haircare from Appelles, bodycare from Urban Skin Co, and skincare from Uriage and Lonvitalite – and I do think that this is a nice combination of products with something for everyone.

In terms of value, the box doesn’t have an as high value as previous boxes, but still the two full sized products alone, are worth more than the cost of the box, so no complaints there. But still, unfortunately I have to say that this month’s box didn’t really excite or wow me – and that in spite of all the products really being very lovely, and in the case of most, products that I’d use or have used previously, and hence wouldn’t hesitate purchasing – but for that very same reason, they just didn’t bring me that novelty and excitement factor, which is what I am really hoping to see in a subscription box – yet while not being a complete disappointment either, if that makes sense!

I have my fingers crossed that Lush Have It will both get back on track and get their shipping issues under control soon, and that future boxes will also bring so new products and brands to add to the excitement.


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


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14 May 2015

PRODUCT REVIEW: RIMMEL LONDON BB RADIANCE CREAM

Since BB Creams were launched a few years ago, they’ve taken the world by storm, and new ones seem to be popping up constantly. The newest one to hit the shelves is the Rimmel London BB Radiance Cream, here are my thoughts;





What They Say:
Rimmel London BB Radiance Cream is a nine-in-one BB cream that works to prime, smooth, conceal, moisturise and illuminate skin while minimising the appearance of pores. It offers natural coverage and a radiant finish to awaken skin. It is also formulated with SPF 20, a vitamin C complex and shea butter to nourish skin. Available in Very Light, Light and Medium.

RRP: $12.95 (30ml) – Available from Priceline, Supermarkets, Variety Stores and Select Pharmacies
What I Say:
 
This new BB Radiance Cream from Rimmel claims to be a 9-in-1 skin perfecting cream, with a massive 9 benefits, including;
 
  • Primes
  • Smoothes
  • Conceals
  • Helps minimise the appearance of pores
  • Provides natural coverage
  • Moisturises for 24 hours
  • Awakens tired skin
  • Brightens the skin, with Vitamin C complex
  • Gives a Radiant Finish
 
Sounds pretty good to me! And as claimed, this BB Cream really dos give the skin a good medium coverage, easily covering and concealing minor pigmentation, redness and blemishes, as well as smaller bags under the eyes – which is a first for a BB Cream, which I usually find only to have a very light coverage.  
 
The BB cream has a thick consistency, but it is easy to apply and blend to the skin, making it look more even in a very natural way, and yes, also as promised also more radiant, thanks to tiny shimmer particles which are however so tiny that it is still a subtle glow.
 
 
 
 
 
 
With combination skin, unfortunately it doesn’t stay shine-free all day on my skin, but with the help of a primer first (in spite of it supposedly including a primer), and with a setting powder on top of the BB Cream, it stays put all day. But I could imagine that normal or dryer skin types wouldn’t have that issue. I suspect that it may have something to do with the BB Cream containing SPF 20, as SPF often does make my skin greasier, but on the other hand, I think it is great that it is included, so I wouldn’t want to be without the SPF!
  
The BB Cream also includes Shea Butter to nourish the skin, as well as Vitamin C to help brighten your skin, and my skin certainly feels soft and smooth when I remove my makeup at night. And as for the Vitamin C, I also love the inclusion of that, although I am yet to see any permanent brightening effect from using the BB Cream.
  
I used the BB Cream in the medium shade, which in this case is called Light, and it is a perfect match for my medium beige skin tone, especially now during the colder months as the winter paleness sets in. So come summer I can imagine that I would need the darkest shade, Medium, to be able to match my skin tone. This unfortunately means that if you have a darker skin tone, or a very very pale one too, I doubt that you’d be able to find your perfect match for these three shades, so it would be lovely if more colours where introduced.
 
But all in all this is a lovely BB Cream that is easy to apply, feels comfortable to wear and gives my skin a touch more coverage than your usual BB Cream, and it comes at a great price too, so I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to purchase it again!
 
*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
 
 
 
 
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12 May 2015

PRODUCT REVIEW: SISLEY PARIS PHYTO LIP SHINE

Sisley Paris is one of those beauty brands I’ve been aware of for as long as I can remember. Yet, for some reason I have never actually tried any of their products. Not really sure why, just for some reason haven’t! So when I was asked to trial the Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Shines*, I excitedly agreed. Here are my thoughts; 






What They Say:

A treatment lipstick with more colour than a gloss and more shine than a lipstick. Creamy, invisible, and very comfortable, the texture of Phyto-Lip Shine is both light and nourishing, with its treatment formula that provides brilliant shine and total softness. Kokum and mango butters leave lips hydrated, protected, and comfortable, brilliant, sheer filmogenic polymers create a smoothing, coating, and plumping effect. They ensure a brilliant and luminous finish, while sucrose esters ensure softness, comfort, and shine.

RRP: $50 – Available from David Jones

What I Say:

I got to try the shades Sheer Papaya and Sheer Berry, and have to admit that I at first was a little intimidated by the tangerine/orange shade, as I am not normally one to wear such bright bold shades, and especially not orange. But I hadn’t need to worry, as the name suggests, it does go on sheer, and in more or a coral tangerine shade.







The lipstick glides on easily, but is not as creamy as I would have thought considering it is also called a treatment lipstick. However, regardless it is very lovely on the lips and you wouldn’t even know it is there.

And although it is sheer, it actually gives off more colour than I would have otherwise thought, and especially the Sheer Berry Shade, which has a lovely sheer red shade. Again it looks very dark in the but it goes on as a lovely stain, so it is very wearable, even for everyday casual use. And common for both shades, is that you can build up the colour a touch by adding an additional coat, so it definitely holds true that it adds more colour than your typical lipgloss. As for the shine, it adds a lovely sheen, but I wouldn’t go as far as calling it glossy, but it is also not claiming to be. Personally I really the satiny shine it gives, as sometimes I feel that a gloss can be a bit too much, so this is a more subtle shine, more grownup if you like.


Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Berry


The Paris Phyto Lip Shine claims to have a plumping effect, but I have to admit that I struggle to see that, but maybe it is just because I need to wear it, and reapply more frequently.



Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Papaya


The Phyto Lip Shine has a wear of a couple of hours for the Sheer Papaya Shade, and as the Sheer Berry shade seems to have a little more pigmentation, it also lasts a little longer on the lips, approx. 3-4 hours, also surviving drinks of water and a snack, leaving behind a touch of a stain on the lips.

But even when it has worn completely off, my lips feels so soft and smooth, so the included mango butter clearly works its magic on the lips.



L_R: Sheer Papaya, Sheer Berry


At $50 each the Phyto Lip Shines are at the higher end of lipsticks, but they are also not only feels like luxury on the lips, they also scream luxury with the Sisley ‘S’ on the silver packaging and the red velvet pouch that they come in.




It is simply the perfect lipstick when you are after a sheer finish with just a touch of a shine, and if you can afford the splurge, you won’t be disappointed. I certainly wouldn’t mind getting hold of a few more colours, especially of the darker shades.
 

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


Ever tried any of the products from Sisley Paris? What do you think of these Phyto Lip Shines?

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11 May 2015

BRAND FOCUS: W7 COSMETICS

Today I’d like to introduce you to W7 Cosmetics, a range of budget friendly makeup. The W7 Cosmetics range was created in London in 2002, with the aim to give every woman access to an extensive range of high quality cosmetics at an affordable price, and in fact, it is so cheap, that most items are available for just $4.99 each!!







W7 Crème de la Crème Blush in Heavenly





This cream blush comes in a large round compact and I find it is best used with your fingers. The shade Heavenly is a medium dusty pink shade that is perfect to create a natural flushed cheek. It does go on quite sheer, but you can build up the colour a little if you like. RRP: $4.99


W7 Silky Smooth Quad Eye Shadows in Shades of Brown







This eye shadow quad contains a white shade, a champagne shade, a golden shade as well as a dark brown, all with a pearlescent, that a however still subtle enough for every day use. In short this palette contains just what you need for an everyday neutral look, and you can use the shades either individually, or combined where they are perfectly matched together. The eye shadows have a relatively good wear, especially if you use a primer first. The compact comes with a sponge applicator, and it has a clear lid, and a golden base, which does make it look a little cheap in my opinion, but considering the price, you cannot complain. RRP: $4.99


W7 in the Nude Eye Shadow Palette







At just $9.99 this has to be about the cheapest eye shadow dupe for Urban Decay palettes that I’ve come across! It even comes in a metallic case! There are 12 eye shadows ranging in colour from a champagne nude, though pink-ish nudes, burnt nudes though to dark chocolate browns, with some of the colours matte and others with a sheen.







And as someone who rarely wears anything but nude and brown eye shadows, I cannot say that here is any colour that I don’t like and wouldn’t wear. The palette also comes with a double ended applicator that has a sponge in one end and a brush in the other. As with the eye shadow quad, you can naturally use any of the shades individually for a quick and simple look, or in any imaginable combination to create the perfect smoky nude eye. RRP: $9.99


W7 Zoom 7x More Volume Mascara in Black





This mascara as the name suggests, promises to give the lashes 7 x more volume , which is an impressive claim. The mascara separates the lashes nicely, and after a few coats, it does build up both length and volume in the lashes, although I wouldn’t quite go as far as to say that it creates a dramatic look, and certainly not 7 times more than my natural lashes. But in saying that, it coats and separates my lashes nicely without any clumping, and gives you lashes a nice look for daytime wear. Unfortunately it is not waterproof, which I tend to need during the winter when my sensitive eyes start to water in the chilly winter winds, but it doesn’t claim to be either! RRP: $4.99



W7 Deluxe Gel Pencil in Blackest Black

 




This eye liner in black has a lovely soft consistency that makes it easy to draw around the eyes without dragging or pulling the sensitive skin. It has a fairly good pigmentation so you only have to draw one line. It also comes with a ‘smudger’ at the other end of the pencil, which is always handy. Unfortunately I have sensitive eyes that easily water, especially when I’m out and about in the cold winds, and because of that, I think it meant that it didn’t stay put as well as it should have, but again the products shouldn’t be blamed for that! RRP: $4.99


W7 Nail Polish







The nail polishes are available both in individual large nail polishes, as well as in a pack featuring four mini polishes. The design of the bottles are very similar to those of OPI, and they have a decent and large brush, so its quick and easy to paint your nails. The nail polishes do have a strong chemical scent, and unfortunately aren’t 3-Free, but not many nail polishes at that price point are. I’ve been wearing the nail polish in Slate, a nice dark grey shade for a few days now, and it has a fairly good wear of a few days, which again I find reasonable.

RRP: Individual nail polishes, 15ml: $2.99, The Fab Four, pack of 4 mini nail polishes, 4 x 5ml; $4.99


Harder & Tuffer Nail Treatment







This nail treatment promises healthier nails that row harder and tuffer. Right now, being pregnant, my nails are very strong and grow really fast, so it is not the right time for me to put this nail treatment to the test – but I know that a few months after giving birth, it will be a different story, and then it will be handy to have at hand. The treatment on clear, and you simply apply a coat to clean nails, and can then follow with nail polish and top coat as per usual. RRP: $4.99. 



W7 Prime Magic Camera Ready Face Primer







With combination skin I rely on a good primer to make my makeup stay put past lunch time. As most other primers, this primer is silicone based, and the clear primer applies easily onto the skin, leaving it with it a smooth and matte finish. Applying makeup afterwards is easy, and it glides on more easily and it is as if I need to use less makeup for an even finish – probably because the primer has already filled out ever line, wrinkle and pore in my skin. The primer also helps make the makeup stay looking nice for longer, and by the afternoon, I’m still yet to see any shine on my t-zone area! RRP: $4.99


W7 Lipsticks







The lipsticks from the W7 range is available in a range of different colours, in formulas with both shine and a matte finish. Common for both styles is that they are fairly pigmented, so just one swipe is enough for a saturated look. They feel comfortable to wear and they last a couple of hours on the lips, less if you eat or drink, which again I feel is reasonable considering the price. RRP: $4.99


Overall I have to say that I’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the quality of these products from W7. I have previously seen them at the chemist, but to be honest, walked straight past, as I didn’t think they would be any good when they were that cheap!

Out of the products I’ve tried, the standouts were the In the Nude Eye Shadow Palette, which is a fantastic palette containing all the colours thinkable for a nude eye makeup, and at just $9.99 it is certainly a great dupe if you cannot afford or justify to fork out 8 times as much on the ‘original’ one!

I also really like the cream blush, and the natural flushed look it gives my cheeks, as well as the lipsticks as they feel lovely on the lips, whether you prefer a matte look or one with a touch of sheen. Finally, I also quite like the nail polishes, as not only are the colours lovely, they also apply nicely and have a decent wear too! So all in all it goes to show that sometimes you can get a decent quality even at bargain prices!

The W7 Cosmetics range is available exclusively from Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist

So there you go, a selection of different makeup from W7 Cosmetics at budget friendly prices. 



W7 Cosmetics is available from Chemist Warehouse


* Some products may have been kindly provided for editorial consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy, and reviews are 100% honest and based on personal opinion and experience. Note that The Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter is not a professional or expert, so please do not substitute these opinions as professional advice. Also note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means you pay no extra, but I get a small commission fee if you click through and buy something. And if so, thank you much for your supporting the running costs of my blog. xx


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