Bad Blogger!

I apologise for my MIA status.  I've been in a little bit of a funk, as well as busy with school.  It's not like I'm studying medicine or anything, but still, I'm used to doing absolutely nothing!  So devoting two (soon to be three) days for school is quite a challenge for me.

Speaking of school, Wednesday's class is cert III makeup!  How awesome that my first subject happens to be makeup.  I rarely wear makeup (because I hardly ever go out) but going to Wednesday's class always reignites my passion for it.  On Tuesday I worked for a few hours and applied all the new techniques I had learnt in class and was really pleased with my makeup, which lasted all day!

I really want to do a few videos on some of the things I've learnt, but since started school my skin has broken out in eczema patches again.  I've been avoiding filming, but in my last few YouTube videos you can kinda see the eczema on my face.  *sigh*  It must be the weather!

Anyway, this is just a little post to let you know what's been going on. Hopefully I'll get back to regular blogging again, as I have so many products I want to review and tutorials to make.  So thanks for the love, and in my best Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, I'll be back!  xoxo

Emjoi PediSmooth Review

If you want super smooth feet, there's only 2 things that you need to do.  The first step is to exfoliate, and the second step is to moisturise.  It sounds simple, doesn't it?  But if it's that simple, then why do we see so many men and women with dry, cracked heels?  It should be an anomaly, not a frequent occurrence!  Sadly, I see it all the time.  Even at weddings!  *shudders*

The Emjoi PediSmooth fitted with the coarse skin/maintenance roller.

The Emjoi PediSmooth (rrp $29.95 AUD) has finally been launched into the Australian market, and it is designed to make the first step (exfoliation) simple. Typically, to exfoliate the sole of the foot, one would hop in the shower or sink their feet into a foot spa and scrub away with a pumice.  But sometimes we come across situations that don't allow time for that...

The Emjoi PediSmooth takes away the need to have to wet the feet at all.  All you do is select which roller strength you need (either white for extra coarse skin, or pink for coarse skin or maintenance).  You then just turn the battery operated device on with a simple push of a button and it will start spinning 360 degrees, 30 times per second.  You lightly pass this over the dry skin on your heels for no more than 3 seconds at a time and that's pretty much it!  Ta-da, smooth heels!

The extras that come with the Emjoi PediSmooth - 2 extra coarse rollers, 1 coarse roller, a storage pouch and a cleaning brush.

It sounds scary, but it's really not.  It doesn't hurt at all!  It's safer and more effective than metal scrapers (or so I'm told) and it does the job very well. The dry skin is gently buffed away.  My only gripe with it is that while it's very convenient, it gets a little messy.  So you could take it with you and discreetly fix up your dry heels in the office, but be prepared to sweep away the... er... leftovers.  And you will need to moisturise your feet straight afterwards, to keep it from further drying out.

As far as beautiful feet go, the Emjoi PediSmooth will certainly help you achieve them.  But more importantly, it will help you maintain them!  In my next post I'll have a detailed foot care tutorial that features this product, along with a few other products that will make sure your feet are no longer a source of embarrassment, and how to keep them soft and smooth all year round. Watch out for it!

For more information on the Emjoi PediSmooth, please visit their website: www.emjoi.com.au.  You will find it under "products".

*Please note: product was sent for consideration.

If I Owned These Things I'd Be Happy, But Only For 5 Minutes...

I have my foot care tutorial ready to be published, but I needed to get something off my chest and tonight I've decided to write a little heart to heart post.  So the foot post can wait.  Seeing as I'm only posting once a week, it'll come next week.

This week something happened that kind of threw me off.  Every since I got wind of something a couple of days ago, I haven't been as "happy" as I usually am.  I'm stressed and my skin is breaking out in eczema patches again.  I'm not going to divulge, but this "news" has affected me in a major way, and also means a different way of life.

I'm pretty sure that when I stress over something, I don't deal with it as most people do.  Unless it's normal to overeat, or not eat at all.  Or stay in bed all day, staring at the ceiling.  Or even skip showering because I just can't muster the energy.  For anyone who's ever been depressed, all those things will sound familiar. This "news" has thrown me back into the depths of depression, just when I had one foot out the door.

Meh.  Such is life.

Anyway, this is how I deal with my depression: compile a wish list!  Here is what I've spent much of my waking hours obsessing over.  Why deal with the real world when I can forget all my troubles by thinking up ways on procuring unnecessary, expensive things?  Here's my "If I owned these things I'd be happy, but only for 5 minutes" wish list.

Image: www.burberry.com

I saw this modeled on a dummy in the Chadstone Burberry store.  WANT.  It looks hot, and it's a timeless piece.  Sure, I already own one (it was an amazing birthday gift a few years ago), but it's long and dark.  I want a shorter, lighter one!

Image: www.ferragamo.com

Have you ever slipped your foot into a Salvatore Ferragamo shoe?  If you want to remain oblivious to how amazingly comfy they are, then DON'T try it!  Once you pop (your foot in one), you can't stop (thinking about adding it to your personal shoe collection).

Image: www.jimmychoo.com

Again here's another classic, timeless piece.  Jimmy Choo's Rosalie handbags come in an assortment of colours and materials, but my favourite is the smaller sized Rosalie in "mock croc".  Pictured is the nude, but it also comes in black and fuchsia.  And boy, is the fuchsia HOT!  Perfect way to add a pop of colour to an otherwise drab winter outfit.

A few other things I am adding to this wish list but won't be pictured (because I'm lazy): Chanel lipsticks and foundations, YSL lipsticks, a flip top glamour makeup box, a boob job (in cup size D, preferably!) and my own luxury car (public transport on rainy days are totally not fun)!

So, are you rich?  Do you have a few thousand dollars just lying around, waiting to be spent on frivolous, materialistic crap?  If so, well I wish I were you!  I know money can't buy you happiness, but it can bring you a few moments of joy.  That may be all one needs to keep on truckin'... 

KORA Organics Rejuvenating Foot Balm

Foot creams are essential after my daily shower or before bedtime, because it keeps my feet soft and smooth.  I have used many a foot cream in my lifetime (I'm no spring chicken!) but I have never encountered one so deliciously scented that I want to lick my own foot after applying it.  Today's product review is one of my all time favourite products in the KORA Organics skincare range.

The Rejuvenating Foot Balm (90ml - $34.95 AUD) is encased in the typical KORA Organics "almost Tiffany blue" simple, matte packaging.  The foot balm smells absolutely amazing - exactly like candy canes at christmas time!  Soft and sweet, with a touch of peppermint... yum!  That alone is a win for me. However, there are many other great features of this foot cream.  The first one being that it's over 99% natural and that over 62% of the total ingredients are sourced from organic farming.  It has been certified organic according to the ECOCERT standard.

The "blurb" and instructions on how to use the foot balm

This foot balm says that it "soothes and cools" aching or tired feet.  In all honesty, I don't know if it lives up to the claim or not as I use this every day and my feet are never "achy" or "tired".  However, I do notice that after wearing heels for a few hours I'll come home and use this after a shower, and it does feel quite cooling.  I imagine it would be quite soothing for feet that were actually aching!

List of ingredients

The "balm" itself isn't really a balm.  It's nothing like those petroleum based foot creams where it's thick, clear, oily and greasy to the touch.  I use a small blob (about the size of my fingernail) and it's more than enough to coat my entire foot and ankles.  It's very easy to rub in, quite quick to be absorbed, and light.  It's not greasy at all.  I always pop cotton socks on after applying this, though. So maybe it is greasy and I just don't know it?!  Ha, doubt it though, because on the occasions that I've taken my socks off less than an hour after application, my feet feel soft and smooth and not sticky at all.

"Trust"

A unique, cute little thing to note about KORA Organics products is that each product in the line is stamped with a word that is aimed to inspire you to live a better life.  The foot balm has the word "trust" on it.

This foot cream (or balm) is the one I have enjoyed using the most, out of all the other foot creams I've used.  It's moisturising but light, smells AMAZING and is 99% natural.  The Rejuvenating Foot Balm retails for $34.95 AUD for 90ml.  The entire KORA Organics range can be found in David Jones stores, some Terry White Chemists and from their online store.

Keep your eyes peeled, because I'm going to be posting a tutorial on how to keep your feet soft and baby smooth all year round, very very soon.  If your feet are dry and cracked, this is a post you don't want to miss!

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 :)

Kio Kio Frangipani Body Cream Review

In case you didn't know, I used to live in New Zealand.  I lived there for about 9 years of my life.  When I hear about good things happening in NZ, I feel a sense of pride.  After all, it was my country for many years!  The latest to make me beam with joy is the brand Kio Kio, which was developed by Fiona Terry.

So, why the buzz?  Firstly, as previously mentioned, I feel a sense of patriotic pride.  Secondly, it's organic, sustainably sourced and SLS, paraben, mineral oil... let's just "nasty ingredient" free.    Thirdly, the products smell divine and lastly, look at that gorgeous packaging which also happens to be eco-friendly! Kio Kio is an "eco-chic bodycare range" which was first launched in America in 2010.  This is one of the reasons why I wish I was an American... first access to an awesome brand!

Frangipani & Puriri body cream - $49 NZD

I was sent two products for consideration, one of which I'll be reviewing today. Today's review is on the Frangipani & Puriri Body Cream.  This cream, which comes in a 200g pot, has the most amazing scent.  It smells just like frangipani!  No, seriously... it's like I've just opened up a door to a room full of fresh frangipani flowers.  It's incredible!  No artificial scents here, it appears to be the real deal.  And what's so lovely about it is that it's not overpowering at all.  It's light and fresh, but lingers on your skin for a long time.  You can only smell it if you're in very close proximity to my skin, though.  Which is a good thing, because it won't clash with anything else I wear.  And also for this reason, I like to save this body cream for special occasions, such as dates (wink wink!)

The cream itself is light, easy to rub in, quick to be absorbed yet very hydrating.  It's really weird.  Usually, if a body cream is hydrating, that also means it's thick and heavy, hard to rub in and leaves a greasy film on my skin. But not this one!  It leaves not a trace of anything on my skin except for that divine scent.  Someone can rub my skin after application and not even be aware of the fact that I have a body cream on.

The only issue I *think* I may have with this cream is that it contains essential oils, which I found out awhile ago that I *may* have sensitivities to after having a patch test performed.  I was advised to avoid it if I could. However, I've been using the body cream every day for an entire week and the only negative effect it was having on my skin was give me the tell tale itch of a could-be eczema outbreak in my neck and chest area.  As soon as I felt that tingle, I stopped using it daily.  I cut down to every second or third day, and my skin has been fine.  So for people with no sensitivity issues, this cream would be a dream to wear on a daily basis!  For those in my shoes, saving the cream for special occasions or just when you want to feel pampered is probably the most ideal way to incorporate it into your life.

Texture of the body cream.  Random milky patches are due to me not using the cream in several days.

Would I purchase this body cream with my own money?  You bet!  Once this runs out, I'm placing an order!  I'm going to try the other scents, and even the other products in the range.  It has impressed me that much!  

For more information on Kio Kio, visit their website: www.kiokio.com

Beauty School Update

It's been a long while since I've posted anything.  I've been enjoying the school holiday and Easter with my boys.  I've also been trialing a few different products that I will get around to reviewing very soon.  But in the meantime, I just want to announce that I am finally officially enrolled in beauty school!  I have my time table and everything.  I'm quite excited!

My timetable :)

Last year I was very close to enrolling, but at the time my younger son wasn't in childcare and I only had the option of studying on weekends, which wasn't ideal for me.  I kept putting off paying the deposit because deep down, I knew I didn't really want to do it on that schedule.  I also didn't have a car to get around in and the beauty school wasn't situated in an area easily accessible by public transport for me.  So eventually, I lost my spot and decided I'd have to wait until a better training schedule turned up.

I'm glad I waited, because this year my son finally got a spot in a childcare center and I started looking for a beauty school that would have suitable hours for me.  It took a few weeks but I finally found one, and my first class is next week!  

I only have a week to look for black work pants, which will be part of my school uniform.  I actually tried on several in Chadstone but none seemed to fit me very well.  I started off trying size 10 in a few different brands but surprisingly they were all too big.  So I tried 9, then 8, then 7... The latter was a little bit too tight but 8 fit me quite well.  However, I couldn't find a suitable cut.  Why is it so hard looking for plain black work pants?

I filmed a quick outfit of the day video so if you want to see what I was wearing today, watch the following video.

Direct video link: http://youtu.be/Oo6yILurWQE

I am looking forward to starting the course and sharing what I learn!  Until next time, take care lovelies :)