Product Empties of April

I have never done a post like this before, where I list what products I have finished in a certain month so I thought now be a good time to start.  This month, I've used up quite a few!  I am in desperate need to replace them but due to money issues (i.e.: school expenses) I've had to make do with other products that I'm either impartial to, or don't like at all.  Without further ado, here's what I've used up this month:

M.A.C. Cleanse Off Oil 150ml - $37 AUD

The Cleanse Off Oil by M.A.C. is one of the first cleansing oils I've ever used. Initially, I think it may have broken me out so I stopped using it and tried other products.  However, nothing beats the lightness and affordability of the M.A.C. oil so I went back to it when I discovered the other products were far too expensive.  Especially for something that just sits on my face for a few minutes and then gets washed down the drain! I've been using it almost daily (to wash off my BB cream) and haven't experienced any further breakouts.  I guess my skin just went through the "purge" phase, which is apparently normal when first using oil cleansers.  I definitely will be repurchasing this!  In the meantime, I've been using a baby wipe to take off my makeup and BB cream which I really hate :(

Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone Coconut Quench 118ml - $59.95 AUD 

The Coconut Quench is a toner spray/refresher/instant hydration booster that can also be used for your hair.  I first saw it on the Mecca Cosmetica website and thought it sounded perfect for me as I absolutely love coconut scented products!  I tried it in my hair first but decided I didn't like to add water to my already frizz prone hair (even though it made it smell yummy) so I started using it as a facial toner.  It smells delectable and is super hydrating, perfect for my dry-ish skin.  I use it before applying serum and moisturiser.  I have not experienced any adverse reactions from this product and I love the fine mist it comes out in, so I will be repurchasing this.  In the meantime, I've gone back to using my Comvita Hydrating Toner Mist which I quite like but notice that it feels a little heavy on my skin and dries to a slightly sticky finish.

Trilogy Rose Hip Oil 45ml - $34 AUD

This Rose Hip Oil is what I use in lieu of a fancy schmancy facial serum.  I like to be as natural as possible, and you can't get more natural than this!  I believe that since I've started using rose hip oil, my skin has dramatically improved in terms on texture, firmness and tone (as in, redness around my nose has subsided).  It is cheap considering that this is a product that actually works!  I have repurchased several of these and I've already moved onto my other 45ml bottle, which I bought as backup a few weeks ago when I realised I was low.  I do not want to be caught out, EVER!

Philosophy Purity Made Simple facial cleanser 236ml - $42 AUD

I have been using the Purity Made Simple facial cleanser for many years now. I don't use it as a daily facial cleanser, instead I save it for days that I'm wearing heavy makeup.  It works so well for that purpose (after my initial oil cleanser remover, that is!)  It used to be my daily cleanser until I switched to natural products.  Since I've now run out, I've been using the Moo Goo Milk Wash which works well enough, but I prefer the Philosophy Purity cleanser because I feel like it works perfectly.  Why have good when you can have GREAT?!

Moo Goo Milk Wash 500ml - $17.95 AUD

This Milk Wash by Moo Goo is a good, natural body wash.  I use it daily on my body in the shower and also to wash my face in the mornings and/or when I'm not wearing makeup at the end of the day.  I also use it on my kids (they have their own bottle in their bathroom).  It smells good and cleanses well and that's all that you really need in a body wash.  Of course, it has the added bonus of being natural and very affordable so I will definitely be repurchasing this until I find a better product on the market (that's as affordable as this one!)  For now, my kid's bottle has been traveling back and forth between our two bathrooms :)

Taking It All Off

How do you take off your makeup?  Do you use wipes or a cleanser?  Perhaps both?  I'm going to be showing you how I take mine off, and why I choose to do it this way.  If you're a visual person, watch the video, then simply keep reading to find out more!  Otherwise, just keep reading...

Direct video link: http://youtu.be/T8UuEXLYM0k

First of all, I always tie back my hair to keep it out of my face and dry.  And before I do anything else, I wash my hands, mainly out of habit.  But washing your hands before washing your face is a good idea to minimize the transfer of bacteria anyway.

EYES

I use Lancome Bi-Facil eye makeup remover on a round cotton pad to remove all my eye makeup.  I like to remove eye makeup separately because some eye products, particularly the waterproof kind, are  difficult to remove.  I have used many different eye makeup removers, but the Lancome Bi-Facil is the only one that takes everything off in one go, without having to rub or tug at your eyes.  

I soak a 20 cent area on my cotton pad with it, then hold it over my eye for several seconds.  I lightly rub the pad on my eye and drag it off, taking off all my eye makeup with it.  I do just one eye at a time, to make sure I'm thorough.  If there's anything left over, I don't repeat this step, I simply move on to the next because it'll all come off then.

FACE

I use a cleansing oil to remove the rest of my makeup.  The one I'm currently using is the M.A.C. Cleanse Off Oil, but I am happy using any brand of cleansing oil.  They all work the same.  I squirt 2 or 3 pumps of oil into my dry hands, then simply rub it all over my face in circular motions.  I spend a good 2 or 3 minutes gently rubbing it onto my face to thoroughly dislodge all the makeup.  Once my face has had a rather nice massage, I rinse the oil off my hands, then rinse my face with warm water.

You could call it a day and leave it at that, but I don't like the idea of having any traces of oil mixed with makeup left on my face, so I always cleanse my face with Philosophy Purity Made Simple cleanser.  I use a fairly good sized amount and rub it all over my face as I did with the cleansing oil.  After half a minute or so, I rinse it off with warm water.  I then pat dry and follow with my moisturising routine (which I will one day post about).

So, how do you take yours off?

Beauty Confessions: How Often Do You Do It?

I will probably gross you all out after you've finished reading this.  But I know I'm not within the norm, and I'm just curious about how often most girls do it. The general consensus is at least once a day, but more often it happens twice in a day.

By "it", I mean: how often do you wash your face?

This is where it gets a little gross.  But this is a beauty confession, so I will be frank.  In a day, I wash my face on average about... oh, never.

The only time I wash my face is when I'm in the shower (sometimes) and after I've been wearing makeup and need to remove it.  I have a shower once a day, occasionally twice (if it's "that time" of the month, before going out at night, if I need to shave my legs etc).

When I'm in the shower, sometimes I decide to wash my face with a cleanser, and other times I don't bother with a cleanser.  I'll just use plain water.  This is usually determined by when I last washed my face i.e: did I wash my face just before getting into bed last night?  If that was the case, I'll just splash my face with water and call it a day.  However, If I last washed my face in yesterday's early morning shower, I'll wash my face again.  I guess I give myself a daily allowance of just one time to wash my face (with cleanser).

Most girls will wash their face upon waking, then again before getting into bed. Do I bother to wash my face before getting into bed?  Generally, no.  Even if I had gone out that day.  The only times I will wash my face before bedtime is if I had been wearing sunscreen, if I had been wearing makeup, or if I had been excessively sweating from exercise (which let me just say, occurs as frequently as a mass extinction on Earth i.e: once every 26 million years)!

I know that you should wash your face before getting into bed, to wash away all the dirt and toxins that have accumulated on the skin throughout the day, as well as all the free radicals collected from our environment.  So why don't I? 

Two reasons: one - I'm lazy.  And two - I don't really go out all that frequently.  I'm at home most of the time, therefore I don't think my skin gathers as much crap as say, someone who works 5 days a week in the city.  I have found that not washing my face often has actually improved my skin.  I'm not as greasy as I used to be.  I don't ever get pimples (I used to get a lot!), except for the occasional hormonal breakout of one or two baby zits before my period.

This is how I see it: the less you do to your skin, the less you need to do to maintain it.  The more you wash your face and apply oil free moisturisers and yada yada, the more your skin will produce sebum to compensate, therefore your skin looks more oily, therefore you wash even more and find harsher cleansers to combat the oil, therefore the more sebum your skin produces, therefore the more oily you look and so forth.  It's quite a nasty cycle.  I believe this may have been why my skin was so atrocious a few years ago where I was obsessed with washing it twice daily and using oil free products so I wouldn't be a grease ball.

Of course, I can't speak for everyone.  Maybe washing regularly works well for you.  And if that's the case, then I'm sure you're happy with your routine.

My skincare routine goes something like this: wash face, either with or without cleanser.  Apply eye cream.  Spritz face with a toner mist.  Pat on rose hip oil as a moisturiser.  The end.

Every now and then I'll do a clay mask, and twice a week I'll exfoliate with a granulated scrub which also contains a chemical exfoliant.

These days, I have pretty nice, normal skin.  Right now I have a zit on my cheek which can be attributed to my menstrual cycle, but other than that it's pretty clear.  If I have moisturised my skin well, it appears quite even toned and the texture is soft and smooth.  I get asked all the time which foundation I'm wearing, or if I'm pregnant (because I apparently "glow" like a pregnant lady).  The answer is always "I'm not wearing any foundation!" or "Why, do I look fat to you?!"

So, how often do you do it?

Burt's Bees Body Butter

I was a lucky one along with nineteen others who were selected to be a part of the Burt's Bees VIP trial team several weeks ago.  The products we got to try out were the body butter and sugar scrub.  I was sent both products nearly a month ago, and today I will be reviewing the Cranberry & Pomegranate Body Butter.

First off the bat, let me let you in on a little secret... I am not just a pretty face (if a pretty face at all, ha)!  Out of the 3 yummy scents, I chose cranberry & pomegranate for two reasons.   One: I have heard all about the anti-aging properties of both fruits and liked the idea of an anti-aging body care product.  Two: as much as I loved the sound of the other scents (mango & orange, and honey & shea) I decided to pick cranberry & pomegranate because I knew that I had more of a chance of winning (because it's not as popular as the other scents, therefore it increased my chances as I wouldn't have been up against so many others.  While I'm not sure if this was the case, it certainly worked for me, did it not?  Winner winner, chicken dinner!)

Close up of the inside of my tub of the Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Body Butter.

Anyway.  Having said all that, I'm quite pleased I picked cranberry & pomegranate, because it smells rather yummy.  It has quite a light, soft fruit-ish scent.  Once rubbed in, you can't really smell it unless you put your nose to your skin and sniff.  I prefer heavily scented products, but this would be good for those who prefer a less obvious scented product, or for days you don't want to clash with your perfume.  It has been perfumed with a natural fragrance so there shouldn't be any issues for those with sensitive skin.  The first few ingredients listed for the body butter are quite pleasing to an organic & natural skincare lover such as myself: aqua, sunflower seed oil, glycerin, coconut oil... I already use coconut oil on its own as a body moisturiser, so I'm quite happy with the ingredients.  

The rest of the ingredients are as follows: cetyl alcohol, sweet almond oil, parfum (natural fragrance), sucrose stearate, cranberry seed oil, punica granatum seed oil, shea butter, jojoba butter, cocoa seed butter, tocopherol, lactic acid, magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, glyceryl laurate, sucrose polystearate, soybean oil, xanthan gum, phenoxyethanol, oakmoss extract, citral, citronellol, farnesol, geranoil, limonene, linalool.  Now I must admit, I'm no scientist and I have no idea what the last 14 ingredients are.  They don't look natural (but what do I know?)  On the website it states that it is a 99% natural product, so I suppose I will have to take their word for it.  Note to self: google is your best friend!

The rich, thick texture of the Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Body Butter.  (Don't mind my extremely dry hands!)

Besides the lovely, natural fruit scent, I quite enjoyed the richness of the butter.  It is a butter, after all, so you would expect that it would be thick and extremely moisturising.  It is very smooth and easy to apply, but it takes a bit of work to rub in because it looks white until it starts to absorb into the skin.  So don't overdo it with this moisturiser!  A little goes a long way (as I learnt the hard way, haha).  It's been nearly a month and I have used this product every single day after a shower (sometimes twice a day), and my tub is still about half full.  A 185g/6.5oz tub retails for $29.95 here in Australia, so it's not too bad considering it is a natural product that will last you quite a while.

My only gripe with the Burt's Bees body butter is that it is thick... too thick for me!  Which is not a bad thing for dry skin, as I do have, but it's so thick that it doesn't seem to absorb quickly enough.  I like my moisturisers to leave no residue whatsoever.  The butter kind of leaves a sticky feeling on your skin, which annoys me because during hot days, who wants sticky skin?  I don't think I would mind so much if this were winter.   However, it doesn't last for long, just for a couple of minutes after I've applied it so I usually will just wander around the house naked before I get dressed (sorry, neighbours)!  The fact that it does that, though, tells me that it will keep my skin nice and hydrated.  Which, after using for nearly a month, I have seen that my skin no longer looks dry and scaly, even after I've shaved my legs (I usually look like a lizard afterwards).  So being rich and thick is a good thing!  It lasts all day, too.

Overall, I have enjoyed using the Burt's Bees Cranberry & Pomegranate Body Butter.  It has kept my skin soft and hydrated and I've had no adverse reactions from using it.  I do have keratosis pilaris, but it hasn't aggravated my skin condition at all.  It hasn't made it go away, but hey, nothing will!  Daily moisturising is key in maintaining kp, and this body butter has done it's job well.  I will most likely purchase this myself, but would want to try the other scents (available at Myer, David Jones, Priceline).

If you want to find out more about the product, or about any other Burt's Bees product, do have a peek at their website: burtsbees.com.au.  Thank you Burt's Bees for giving me the opportunity to give this a try!  It is honestly a product I would have overlooked, in favour of using just plain old coconut oil.  But I'm glad I've tried it, as now I know there is another product out there that will help keep my skin soft and smooth :)

Eczema Update: There is Hope!

No makeup

The photo on the left is me, today.  If you compare it to the photos in this post, you'll see the difference...

Most of my eczema rashes have completely cleared up.  My neck is totally free of any dry spots.  My chest still has 2 patches that haven't completely cleared, but it's no longer red, dry or itchy.  It just looks slightly darker than the rest of my skin.  As for my face, there are no more dry spots at all but I still have depigmentation issues due to the reaction to cortisone.  I did not use witch hazel and vitamin E.  I started off doing that, but the vitamin E was too sticky and kept making me want to scratch at it.  So what did I use?

Browsing the isles of my local Priceline pharmacy, I came across a range of products called Hope's Relief.  A while ago, I read that manuka honey is great for eczema, so I had initially bought a jar of manuka honey UMF 20+ and was applying that directly to my dry skin.  It was far too sticky, so I bought the Hope's Relief healing cream because it contains manuka honey.

Hope's Relief healing cream - $22.95 (60g)
www.hopesrelief.com.au

 

I used this cream daily.  I started off re-applying four times throughout the day, but as the eczema began to clear up, I reapplied it less often.  A week into using it, I also started using the soap free bar to wash my face and body with.  I'm still using the bar for my face, but not body.  I also now only use the healing cream once or twice a day, always after I shower.  It was what has cleared up my eczema.  I wish I had started off using this in the very beginning!  My face may have been saved from the horrible reaction to the steroid cream that all the health professionals kept telling me to use.

No more itchy, dry patches on my neck!

I have an allergy test booked in early January so until then, I will not be using any skincare products except for Hope's Relief and  MooGoo.  I want to avoid having another eczema outbreak, especially during the holiday season.  I'm so glad that my skin will be normal in time for christmas!

Is My KP Clearing?!

Just over a month ago I wrote this blog post.  I have been following that plan (with a few tweaks here and there) religiously for a month and I am now here to give an update on  how my skin is.  This post will only address the keratosis pilaris issue, as I have an eczema post coming up soon.

Here is what I've been doing every single day:

• Taking 1000mg fish oil 3x (after breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• Taking B group vitamins 1x (after lunch)
• Taking Beta Carotene 1x (after breakfast, sometimes also after dinner)
• Taking 400iu vitamin E 1x (after breakfast, sometimes also after dinner)
• Moisturising my whole body with DermaDrate dry skin therapy 2x (after my morning shower, then again before bedtime)

In all honesty, I believe that if I weren't taking any vitamins but still moisturising my body twice a day, I would probably get the same results as I've taken vitamins before without moisturising, and I've seen no improvements with the kp.  But maybe the vitamins help a little?  I'm not sure.

Two weeks into doing this daily, I started to notice that the kp dots on my legs and thighs appeared to be getting smaller.  The discolouration on my arms in the kp area also seemed to be fading.  And a month later, while no bumps have disappeared, they do seem to be getting smaller.  The dots on my legs seem to have become more sparse and so too has the discolouration on my arms.  So is it getting better?  It seems to be!  I haven't been exfoliating, maybe if I start to do that then the bumps will also begin to go away?  Here's hoping!

Before twice daily moisturising

One month into twice daily moisturising... dots appear smaller and seem to be fading in colour?

My legs are where I've seen the most improvement.  I think I'll start to incorporate some sort of exfoliation and see if that helps the bumps on my arms.  My legs don't have the bumps, just the spotty appearance so maybe that's why it seems to have improved the most?  I will update again in another month's time.

Clinique Super Rescue Review & Possible Giveaway?

Clinique Super Rescue antioxidant night moisturiser for dry/combination (skin type 2)

Last year, most of my skincare products were from Clinique.  But the stand out product for me was the Super Rescue antioxidant night moisturiser.  I have normal skin, and decided to get a hydrating moisturiser because it was for night time use and I wanted to make sure my skin would be well hydrated upon waking.  Clinique certainly delivered it in this delightfully rich night cream!

What it is: This is a moisturiser designed for night time use, to supplement the Clinique 3 Step Skin Care System. It contains antioxidants to fight free radicals that are brought about by stress, sun and pollution in our daily life.  It claims to prevent the visible signs of aging as well as keeping your skin strong.  In Australia, the Clinique Super Rescue antioxidant night moisturiser retails for $90 AUD (50ml) and can be found in major department stores, some pharmacies, and can also be ordered online.

How I used it: I cleanse my face using the Clinique liquid facial soup (for skin type 2).  I skip the toner, as I don't want to use alcohol on my face.  I apply one and a half pumps of the Clinique dramatically different moisturising lotion or gel (depending on how my skin was that day.  I used the gel more often because I liked the texture better).  After all that, I would then apply a tiny amount of the Super Rescue night moisturiser (about two thirds the size of a five cent coin) all over my face and neck just before bed.

My opinion of the product This night moisturiser is by far one of the best I have tried.  I still have a full tube and I intend to go back to it after I have my skin patch test done (to check for allergies).  Even though it is far from a natural product, it keeps my skin well hydrated and looking smooth and supple.  I like the idea of antioxidants in a facial cream, because it fights the daily bombardment of free radicals I am exposed to in daily life.  The moisturiser smells pleasant and is very easy to spread on the skin.  The only issue with this product is that it leaves my face looking quite shiny, although I don't really mind as nobody sees me when I'm sleeping anyway!

My tube of Super Rescue is almost all out, luckily I have a backup ready :) But too bad I won't be able to use it until I get my patch test done :(

The moisturiser is thick and has a yellowish appearance, but is easy to apply and goes on clear.

I purchased this product myself from a Clinique counter in Myer last year (have they lowered their prices?  I could've sworn it cost me $99!) and have found it to be a wonderfully hydrating night cream that kept my skin looking very supple and fresh.  I loved it so much, I received another box as a gift for my birthday in March this year (from family) but have not used it as I started getting into natural products.  I don't want this product to go to waste (it will be awhile before I get my patch test done) so I was thinking of having a giveaway.  If anyone would be interested in trying out this product, let me know and I will hold a giveaway.  If not many people are interested, I might just give it away to someone who really wants to try it (not sure if I can send internationally so it may end up being for only those within Australia).  And if nobody is interested, I guess I will just keep this for myself to use sometime next year.  So, hands up all those who would like to give this a try!

KORA Organics Clay Purifying Mask

A few months ago KORA Organics came out with a mask range, the Clay Purifying mask and the Hydrating mask.  I will be reviewing the Clay Purifying mask today.  It retails for $49.95 AUD (100ml) from the KORA Organics website, or you can find it at David Jones stores or select Terry White chemists.

I have normal to oily skin (sometimes normal to dry, depending on the season).  This mask is targeted at oily/combination skin, but it is really gentle and I think it would suit pretty much any skin type.  Using a clay mask is essential in my skincare routine to ensure my pores are deeply cleansed and skin looks bright and is purified.  I switch up my masks all the time, depending on my mood, and I try to use a mask at least once a week (although I'm often forgetful or lazy)!

How I use the mask: Before my shower, I use a small amount (about the size of a 20 cent coin) and apply to my face without washing beforehand, like most masks require you to do.  You could if you want, but like I said, I'm lazy!  I leave it on my face for about ten minutes, often longer.  Lately though, my skin has been breaking out in a rash so I only leave it on for five minutes (as stated "for sensitive skin" on the packaging).  Once I'm ready to wash it off, I jump in the shower and use just my hands and the warm water to gently wipe if off my skin.  I don't follow up with any sort of cleanser, as warm water is enough.

Results: The KORA Organics Clay Purifying mask is quite possibly the most gentle clay mask I have ever used.  The texture is just like a really thick, heavy moisturiser and is easily spread on the face. It dries quickly, too.

The smooth, thick consistency.  It feels more like a moisturiser than a clay mask!

Close up of the mask on my face.  Despite its moisturiser like texture, it dries very quickly like most clay masks.

With other clay masks, after washing it off I feel that my skin is quite tight and shiny looking, but with the KORA Organics Clay Purifying mask, I don't get that at all.  It's as if I've used a hydrating mask instead, with the benefits of clay.  This is why I think it would be suited to most skin types, rather than just the oily/combo that it's targeted at.  After use, my face is not shiny, rather it looks brightened, plump and pores aren't as noticeable.  It definitely feels heaps cleaner than it usually does, as if the clay has absorbed all the impurities.

I love the KORA Organics Clay Purifying Mask!

Here's a photo of me straight out of the shower, after I had dried my face and applied a tiny amount of lip balm (I'm OCD, I can't stand the feel of bare lips!)  I hope you're not too frightened by my appearance!  But see how my skin looks nice & hydrated, cleansed and soft?  (BTW, I did mention that I'm experiencing an awful rash on my face, and you can see it on my right cheek and forehead if you look close enough).

Fresh out of the shower.

After moisturising with the KORA hydrating cream, my skin looks bright, smooth and clear.

The KORA Organics Clay Purifying mask does not dry out my skin at all.

Overall, I really like the Clay Purifying mask as it is very gentle, yet does the job of cleansing my pores, refining and purifying my skin while also keeping it smooth and bright.  For the price,  it's not bad considering that this is a natural & certified organic product.  This is an ideal mask for those who have sensitive skin and are time poor, like me.  I also think it would be good for those with dry skin who wouldn't dare use a clay mask in the first place!  This mask has replaced my once favourite Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque, because it gives me the same results, but without the dryness & stinging sensation.  Holy grail?  Hmmm... I'll let you know in a couple of months time.  But it looks like it will be my favourite for awhile yet!  Check out koraorganics.com.au for more info, products, and to buy online.

Kora Organics Review

Kora Organics products.  Note: the Rose Mist no longer looks like how it is in this photo. This one is from the old packaging.

I adore Miranda Kerr.  When she came out with a skincare line, I... didn't actually know about it until around this time last year.  I actually heard about it through a good friend, who said she wanted to try organic products.  When she mentioned Miranda Kerr and organic in one sentence, I was all over it and googled to find out more.

A year later, here I am: an avid fan of Kora Organics.  Only recently they have become certified organic, which is impressive in my books.  If you watch my video, you can see her talking about the products in more detail.  I have not tried every product in the line, but those that I use I will continue to use until it no longer works for me, or if it gets discontinued (No!  What a nightmare!)  So here's my little review on each product I use:

Hydrating Day & Night Cream: (50ml, $59.95) Although this is a day and night cream, I do not use it for night time (for night I just use rose hip oil).  As the product name implies, it's a hydrating cream that has a fresh, herbal, slightly tangy scent.  If you use too little, it can feel like it's tugging at your skin as you apply it, so best to use a fair size amount.  Having said that, you do not need a lot.  A five cent coin amount is enough for the face, but I like to double it and have it taken down my neck and decolletage.  It does not contain SPF, which is fine with me because I like to use a separate sunscreen anyway.  It's not greasy at all, it gives you enough hydration to ensure your skin stays moist but does not feel heavy, look greasy or clog pores (mine, anyway!)  My ideal day cream!

Cream Cleanser: (90ml, $44.95) This product is definately not for the oily/combination skin type (but I think it can actually help your oily skin if you do, will post about it soon).  If you have normal skin, like me, or dry/sensitive skin, this would be great for you!  It feels quite "slippery", almost like a cleansing oil (but much thinner) so it doesn't feel like it's cleaning your skin... until you wash it off with warm water!  It's recommended you use a cloth to wipe your skin after cleansing with this product, but I'm lazy and just use my hands (often because I'm in the shower).  This cleanser does not foam at all, but is very effective at getting rid of dirt, oil and sweat on your face.  I used to use Philosophy Purity Made Simple, but now I've switched to the Kora Organics Cream Cleanser as it does not use any nasty ingredients but does just as good a job, if not better.

Balancing Rose Mist: (50ml, $39.95) This product is good for all skin types.  I absolutely love this spray!  It's so versatile.  I use it for everything: setting makeup, as a toner, as a moisturiser if I'm too lazy or time poor for an actual moisturiser, as a refreshing, hydrating spray throughout the day... so many uses!  I always spritz my face about 4 times with this before I apply the Hydrating Day & Night Cream.  It acts as a toner that way.  Sometimes, if I can't be bothered applying moisturiser (such as when I'm at home and have no plans) I'll just spray my face lots of times and leave it to dry.  My skin never feels tight, just moisturised.  It's like a lazy girls moisturiser.  The mist you get from the bottle is a huge spray, but it's so fine.  On hot days, I attack my two boys with this as well if they're looking red in the face.  It keeps you cool!  On top of makeup, it works just like the M.A.C. Fix +... except it's organic!  LOVE!

Daily Hand Cream: (90ml, $39.95 - not pictured in photo) One thing I really love about this hand cream is the simple packaging.  I get lots of questions when I use this hand cream out and about!  I suppose people are curious about the brand.  As an actual hand moisturiser, it is a good hydrating cream that is lightweight and does not leave my hands feeling greasy.  One thing I wish it did have was sunscreen, but I find that  hand creams that do contain sunscreen tend to leave a greasy film on my hand, or make it feel sticky.  So I'm not too upset by that minor fact.  Hand creams are a staple in my handbag, and so far this is my favourite hand cream.

Tinted Day Care Cream: (50ml, $59.95 - not pictured in photo) This is the only product in the range that I wasn't a fan of.  It is a tinted moisturiser that contains a little bit of sun protection (from zinc oxide).  I don't mind it, but I don't love it.  It looks great on the skin (very natural, slight coverage) and doesn't irritate my skin or anything, but I do have problems with the application.  It tugs at my skin terribly, unless I use a lot.  Which I don't want to do, because then it looks too obvious on my skin.  A thin layer looks best, but everytime I apply this it just feels like it dries too quickly.  I have tried both using a mist beforehand and not, and either way I still felt the tug.  Because of that, I don't like to use it.  But when I do use it, once it's on, I really do like it.  If it dried less quickly and didn't tug, I would use it more often.

Vitamin Enhanced Lip Balm: (6.5ml, $24.95) Not only does this lip balm look so cute in its beautiful green pot, it is also an awesome multi-tasker!  I don't really like lip balms where you have to dig for the product with your fingers, but I make an exception for this one.  It keeps my lips moisturised for so long.  I apply this in the morning, go out and have lunch, and I still don't feel like I need to reapply it.  It gives a great transparent gloss to your lips and has no obvious taste or scent.  If I have flyaways, I'll apply it to my hair to keep them at bay.  If I'm in a waiting room and I'm bored, I'll apply this to my cuticles.  If I have a dry spot somewhere on my face or body, I'll just pat some of this stuff onto it.  This is my all time favourite lip balm.  I love a lot of lip balms, but this one takes the cake!

There are a few other products that I use from the range, such as the mask and scrub, but I haven't used it long enough or consistently enough to form an opinion of just yet.  However, once I do I will be sure to review them also!

Kora Organics can be purchased online at their website www.koraorganics.com, which is the cheapest option.  They are also sold at David Jones and Terry White Chemist.  I'm not sure about the prices at Terry White, as the have only recently started stocking the Kora Organics range, but at David Jones the prices are atrocious.  They have jacked up the prices so much since the new packaging launched!  E.g: Online, the Hydrating Day & Night Cream is $59.95.  In store, it's just under $72!  What the?!  How do they justify that?  Grrrr!  I used to buy from DJ, but from now on I will just be ordering the products online.  Kora Organics has a great range, with products that work very well and while a little on the pricey side, I believe that you get what you pay for.  For certified organic products, it's not too bad.  And if it works, it is definitely worth it.  What will you be putting on your face tonight?

My Favourite Body Shop Moisturiser

I have tried many, many body moisturisers in my lifetime, but one that I always go back to since I discovered it many years ago is The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter.  It is such a pleasure to slather all over my body.  I don't think I get as much joy from any other moisturiser as I do from this one.

What makes it so great?  Well, if you're a fan of coconutty scents like me, you will love how soft and sweet this smells.  It has a mix of nutty (kind of like hazelnut?) and cocoa aromas.  So gorgeous!  It's not as strong as other scents that The Body Shop offer, so if you want something light yet sweet smelling (but not sickly sweet), then this is for you.

It is designed for dry skin, but I believe that it's suited for most skin types.  While it's very moisturising, it does not feel heavy or greasy at all (unless you go overboard!)  It melts onto your skin and is so easy to rub in.  I have tried other body butters by The Body Shop and this one is the only one that has such a soft consistency.

While some moisturisers are suited only to certain seasons, the Brazil Nut Body Butter suits both the hotter seasons and the cooler seasons, as it's very moisturising (good for winter) but light enough to wear in summer.  I'm always on the hunt for a good moisturiser that will get rid of my KP (keratosis pilaris- post soon?), which is why I always switch it up, but like I mentioned earlier, I always come back to this one.  While it doesn't get rid of KP, I do notice that it reduces it a fraction and leaves my skin so soft and smelling sweet.  Remind me to go to The Body Shop this weekend, as I'm running a little low!

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter 200g - $27.95 AUD

You can find this product at The Body Shop stores all over Australia or at their online store. I highly recommend it!

The Perfect Eye Cream?

For the past two weeks I've been using an oil (Trilogy rose hip oil) as a replacement to my usual eye cream (KORA recovery eye gel cream).  The reason for this is that I'm sick of using thin, gel like products that claim to de-puff, moisturise and have anti-aging properties.  I have used a lot of different types of eye cream (both high end and inexpensive brands), and none of them I have been satisfied with simply because they don't feel like they are moisturising at all.

Enter the Trilogy rose hip oil.  Rose hip oil is a natural  product that contains a unique combination of essential fatty acids that are beneficial to skin.  It also contains vitamin A, lycopene, beta-carotene and vitamin C.  It can reduce wrinkles and scarring, and moisturises like no other moisturiser could.  I decided to apply it to my under-eye for the anti-aging properties of the lycopene and beta-carotene, as well as its moisturising properties.  I applied twice daily for two weeks.

My thoughts?  My search for the perfect eye cream is now over.  I am 100% satisfied with how it felt.  This is definitely what I have been looking for: the ultimate moisturising eye cream.  I use one tiny little drop (could be classed as half a drop, really) and pat it onto my ring fingers, then pat it under my eyes as well as on my lids- basically all around my eye area!  It hasn't posed a problem under make-up, and you can even use it as an all over face moisturiser if you are so inclined to (which I have done, especially for night time!)

There are many organic rose hip oils on the market, Trilogy just happened to be the one I picked up as I saw it while browsing Myer and decided to add to my Myerone points.  It retails for $21 AUD for a 20ml bottle.  I have been using it consistently as an eye cream, often as a face cream (4 drops patted all over my face, neck and decolletage) and occasionally as a hand cream (before bed time, 3 drops rubbed into hands).  You can also purchase it online at the Trilogy website or find it at Priceline (club card points, anyone?!)  I highly recommend it, but if you want to use it as an under-eye cream as I have, be careful as some people are sensitive to oils (watch out for milia)!

100% Pure Coconut Hydrating Body Wash

Recently I was browsing meccacosmetica and one of the first brands listed was one I had never come across before: 100% Pure.  I love natural products and I'm always on the lookout for something new and awesome so I had a look at what they had to offer.  In Australia, that was not much at all.  But if you visit their website at 100percentpure.com you will see that they have a MASSIVE range of stuff, from cosmetics, to skincare, to haircare!

Unfortunately, they don't ship to Australia so I was limited to what I could try out.  Body washes, body lotions and body scrubs pretty much summed it up.  I had my eye on the coconut range (I absolutely ADORE coconut scents!) but all they had in stock was the hydrating body wash.

Verdict?  The scent is totally AMAZING!  It has a naturally sweet, toasted scent of coconuts which I am a huge fan of and the smell lingers on your body for a bloody long time.  If you're not into sweet nutty scents, it may actually put you off as it's so strong.  It comes in a massive 17oz/502ml so paying $28.95 AUD doesn't seem so far fetched.  And I haven't even gone into the health benefits of using this product yet!

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Juice 1, Organic Rose Hydrosol 2, Organic Lavender Hydrosol 3, Saponified Coconut Oil, Coconut Flavor, Coconut Extract, Organic Green Tea 4, Calendula, Prickly Pear, Pomegranate, Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Noni Fruit, Maqui Berry, Elderberry, Blackberry, Organic Raspberry 5, Grapefruit Seed and Japanese Honeysuckle, Hyaluronic Acid. (cited from their website)

As you can see, it contains no nasty chemicals or artificial perfumes which essentially just strip your body of its natural oils and could possibly be the cause of minor skin irritations and even (gulp) become a cancer causing agent!  However, there is much debate over one particular ingredient, japanese honeysuckle, so if you're anal about having everything totally natural, this may not be the brand for you as most of their skin care line contains some of it.  To see what the fuss is all about, read this article.  Personally, I don't mind at all as every other ingredient listed is natural, so exactly how bad is one little honeysuckle going to be?  You're far worse off using mainstream products laden with chemicals which claim to moisturise your skin but you can't even pronounce any of the ingredients listed (yes, SLS and parabens, I'm shaking my finger at you!)

Suprising, the body wash comes out as a foam which I wasn't expecting.  I don't like products that foam like hair mousse, and I was expecting it to feel drying on the skin.  It did the complete opposite, my skin felt quite smooth and I do not feel that the product dried my skin at all.  It really is hydrating!  And I mentioned this before, but I'll say it agian... the scent is AMAZING and lingers for a very long time!  I genuinely look forward to jumping in the shower just so I can rub this body wash all over myself and breath in the heavenly smell of coconut.  I use it on my kids too, and they adore it!  That's the great thing about natural products- you can use it on a baby as there are no chemicals to harm their delicate skin (just don't get it in their eyes!)

In Australia, you will find it hard to find this product unless you live in a big city.  It retails for AUD$28.95.  You can purchase it online at meccacosmetica.com.au or, if you have a Kit Cosmetics close by (check Myer!) then you're in luck, as they are the only store to stock it (I think Mecca Maxima in Melbourne stock it too, but I'm not certain).  You could try ebay and such, but I'm lazy and don't like having to search and I'm not sure I trust those sites anyway.  There are other products and scents, but I'm reviewing this one as it's the only one I've liked the scent of and purchased (yes, with my own money).  Once the body scrub and body cream become available, you can bet I'll be throwing money at them and reviewing them, too!  LOL.

All in all, a fantastic body wash the whole family can use (if you don't mind the strong, sweet, nutty scent)!  The price seems steep, but it lasts for quite a long time and the bottle is massive.  So you're not shelling out for a new body wash every couple of weeks.  It being natural is a great thing, not just for your body but for the environment too.  Besides the japanese honeysuckle issue, it's pretty much perfection!  LOVE!