An Education

On my search for a 'perfect' skin care regime, I have come to realise how naive I have been to ingredients in products that can be doing more than harm than good.
When at a department store scanning around for something new or improved, I can easily be swayed to purchase a product that I know little about, but am easily sold by any claims that assistants provide me!
What to do?! As I realised, I have not reached my ideal skin care routine, my research has begun.
I have purchased several books to re-begin, what feels like a life time of searching for fabulous products. 'Don't go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me', by Paula Begoun (2010), is where tonight I am hoping to find my next purchases to test out, going in with a bit more knowledge, and certainly a LOT of experience.
Will keep you all posted :)

Botox!

I'm very conscious of my eye area, and the fine lines that surround it, so today I took the plunge and got...botox! I know some people have very strong opinions and will tell me why I shouldn't get it done, however it's my choice, my face and my money that I'm spending. 


I had three needle pricks either side of my face. I'm not too concerned about the lines between the eyes that occur when you frown, so I decided not to have any injections there. 


It did hurt, quite a lot in fact, but as soon as the injection has finished, the pain is gone. 


I'm told that I should see results in about a week, so I will definitely update on the progress! 


Ps for those who would like to know the finer details - I'm 24 years old and it cost $240 in total.

Part 2 - Lush

So our sister Rhiannon, has found that Lush products work very well for her lifestyle and ethical considerations when purchasing products. These are her thoughts on Lush hair products.

I Love Juicy:
Palm Oil seems to weasel its way into heaps of everyday products, especially hair products. For me it’s important to choose the products that I can free of palm oil. All of the Lush products are palm oil free so I am instantly drawn to them. I Love Juicy is a delicious smelling shampoo which really made my head feel all clean and fresh. It’s a fruity shampoo with mango, pineapple, kiwi and papaya oils in it to make your hair smell so yummy!


Trichomania:
This shampoo is a little different; instead of being in a bottle it’s in a block. How this delicious baby works is just like soap, while you’re in the shower, wet your hair as normal and then with this block of shampoo in your hands, lather your hands up in this and then just work it into your hair like normal shampoo. I was a bit sceptical using this because it reminded me of just using soap in my hair, but it smells so incredible and it does feel like a normal shampoo anyway. I’m obsessed with products that smell like coconuts, and this shampoo reminds me of being on a beach with pina colidas , coconuts and lots of sun. Perfect.

Coolaulin:

This conditioner, I LOVE! It probably has something to do with the coconut smell to it, but I am a big fan of this conditioner. People may be put off by this conditioner because unlike your everyday conditioners you may buy from Coles, Woolworths or another supermarket, when you work it into your hair, your hair is not going to start to have that instant softness and smoothness you feel with regular conditioners. This is because this conditioner doesn’t contain the silicones that other conditioners contain like Pantene. So although you are not getting the immediate satisfaction in this conditioner, once your hair dries, it has a natural softness to it and you’re not damaging your hair. A big thumbs up to Coolanlin.

Veganese:
This conditioner I did not like. It didn’t make my hair feel amazing and it didn’t feel like it was going to do anything for my hair.

Part 1 - Lush

Our youngest sister Rhiannon, is some what of an urban hippie, loving being a vegan and into all things natural and free from any animal products. This is part one of her experience using products from the store 'Lush'.

Ultrabland: 
On the look out for a new cleanser, this is the one i came across, which online, said was able to remove makeup!! It does, this is a thick cleanser that requires to be washed off with a washer or cotton pads. It leaves     my skin feeling moisturised, deeply cleansed and nourished. It retails for nearly $20 for 45g. Definitely a great cleanser for Winter.

Herbalism:
I’ve been using Herbalism for over six months now and I wish I had of found it earlier. I had been using Proactive for a long time, but being a bit of a hippie, I was looking for a cleanser that was more natural, where I could actually recognise the ingredients, knew what I was putting on my skin and still would keep the pimples away. I went into Lush and spoke to one of the girls who was incredibly helpful, straight away she suggested Herbalism. So if you’re looking for a cleanser that feels amazing on your skin, where you know the ingredients and still leaves your face pimple-free and soft, Herbalism is must, it’s also cheap too.
 

Tea Tree Water:
This is a perfect simple toner which contains tea tree, grapefruit and juniper. For me personally, when it comes to face products I want something simple and effective. This toner is perfect for anyone’s cleanse – tone – moisturise routine.

Celestial:
This moisturiser is amazing. I’ve had a lot of trouble with moisturisers in the past, some brands have made my face and neck start to itch, some have been too moisturising and others (like Proactive) have felt like they are actually drying out my face instead. Having such success with Herbalism, I thought I’d try one of their face moisturisers as well. Celestial is a perfect everyday moisturiser for anyone who has sensitive-normal skin. The packaging states that Celestial is a “soothing dove orchid, vanilla and almond milk moisturiser for sensitive skin. Use this to soften and calm an easily irritated face and protect city skin against pollution.”

My new mascara love

Like 99.99 % of women, mascara is my cannot-live-without piece of make-up. Given the sheer volume of mascara's to choose from, I've gone through my fair share, however I can never go past the Dior range. I've purchased the Dior Extase mascara the past couple of times, and I never really expected to find a mascara that I would prefer over Dior . . . until I came across Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment mascara. To be perfectly honest, I probably wouldn't have even tested it if it wasn't for the free mini mascara when I purchased a night cream buuuuuuut, it's FANTASTIC! I think I may even prefer it to Dior. Next time it's time for me to head to the beauty counter (or online store!), I'll be heading straight for Elizabeth Arden. This mascara doesn't seem to clump and coats each lash evenly. I find that it both thickens and lengthens.

It's funny, I've only really started to get into Elizabeth Arden products, previously thinking the brand was a bit "old hat", but I've been surprised to find that all of their products exceed my expectations and keep me going back for me. 

Budet Beauty Buys Under $30

This is part one of Budget Beauty Buys, as we continue to experiment and find new products, more will come in the future.

Primer - After experimenting with a couple of different primers, it is difficult to find a quality one without spending more $30. However, I have found the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind primer to have some benefit with smoothing the skin before foundation application. I did find this primer had more benefit than other cheaper brands that are more just like putting moisturising cream on.

Eyeliner - A no smudge, easy to apply, self sharpening eyeliner is made by CoverGirl. I particularly like the black onyx. This particular eyeliner, I often find myself having to shop around for it, as it is often sold out. This eyeliner is a staple item in my makeup collection, costing around $14, you really can't wrong.

Mascara - Lashexact by Covergirl, is a waterproof mascara that has a great brush to create defined eyelashes. I do find, that before I finish the mascara, it does get a tad clumpy, so always have a spare clean brush that I can use to 'de-clump'. At about $15, this is a real bargain!

Lips - For just $4, I always have a Natio Lip balm with me at work. As I work in air conditioning, and constantly running around and washing my hands, I don't have a lot of time to grab a lip balm to apply. This lip balm gives me enough moisture to get me through until I have time for the next application. I have found it to repair my lips when they have started to crack and I have been without a lip balm for too long!

Fake tanning at home

I live by the mantra – “the only good tan is a fake tan”.

I would rarely leave the house on a Saturday night not having bronzed beforehand. Due to this ritual, I have seen my way through many fake tans, ranging from sprays, mousses and creams

Everyone knows the rule of exfoliating skin prior to tanning, however I cannot stress enough the importance of this golden rule. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! When exfoliating, ensure that the knees elbows and ankles are exfoliated well.

Once exfoliated, choose your fake tan of choice. I highly recommend Model Co. mousse. The results are a beautiful golden brown colour and so easy to apply. This is my current go-to fake tan, however there are some other great brands out there. As a general rule, look for a “green based” tan as this will prevent you walking around looking like an Oompa Loompa! 

To show the colour of Model Co, below is a photo of me (on the left hand side):

Rather than apply one thick layer of fake tan on, I do two to three thin layers as I find this ensures there are no streaks on my arms or legs. Be extremely careful when applying around the knees and elbows, and only apply a very thin layer or else it will end up looking as if you have rubbed dirt into your elbows...not a good look! Once I’ve applied fake tan to my whole body, I always rub some over the top of my hands so it doesn’t look as though the fake tan suddenly cuts off at the wrists.

I try to ensure that I have overnight to allow the fake tan time to develop prior to showering. The following days after fake tanning, it is important to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! This will help to extend the life of the tan.

Estee Lauder

Our sister, Bronwyn, has kindly offered her insight into her favourite brand Estee Lauder......

This is not so much a review as it is an excerpt of a story ... a story of my love affair with Estee Lauder. It began during that tumultuous time that was the ending of high school and the beginning of university, it saw me through my 20's as I entered the workforce and worked long nights to justify my place in the firm, and now, it remains strong as I start a whole new period in my life, my 30's. I can't tell you a favourite product, I love them all. The foundations (I use individualist) are smoothe yet provide a great cover that lasts, from me leaving home at 7am to getting home at 8pm. It isn't a heavy coverage, but I prefer lighter, so this is perfect for me. Yet in saying this, I find if I apply a few layers, I am ready to head out at night. The eyeshadows have a beautiful shimmer and no matter what I'm doing, I have never needed to reapply. Then there is the blush ... oh the blush! Beautiful colours that blend perfectly.

One product that is often overlooked but with which I can't do without is the Estee Lauder nail polishes. They don't necessarily have the broadest range of colours, but there is enough to leave making a decision tricky. The reason I always go back to Estee Lauder nail polishes is the wear. I have found it takes so much more to chip or damage their polishes than any other brand I have used. I have tried a number of brands that have terrible wear, especially if I were swimming or going to the gym regularly. None of this phases the Estee Lauder polish.

Finally, I could not recommend their cleansing products highly enough. The perfectly clean cleanser removes all my makeup, but does not leave my skin feeling at all stretched or dry. The day wear moisturiser is moisturising, but is not too heavy. It feels light and instantly absorbed. The intensive repair serum leaves my skin feeling amazingly soft, I notice a (terrible!) difference without it. As for the pore minimizer, to be honest, I don't feel that my pores do look minimized, but my skin feels so nice after using it, I continue to use it for the soft sensation.

Don't get me wrong, I have tried other products over the years, some great, some with terrible consequences (sometimes it is worth doing an allergy test!), but I have always gone back to Estee Lauder. Not out of habit, not for tradition and not out of any bizarre sense of loyalty but because no matter what I have tried, Estee Lauder has never failed me. The very worst it has done is to have met my high expectations.

Hair repair!

My hair went from this:

To this:

(I don't think this photo is doing the hair colour justice, my hair is a lighter caramel colour.)

I never really got that excited about hair products until I went lighter for the first time in my life. ..then all of a sudden, hair products were ruling my life and my bathroom bench space.  I committed a cardinal hair sin and didn’t tell my hairdresser that my hair had previously been chemically straightened before going lighter (I knew they would refuse to lighten it had I said anything!). Needless to say, my hair was extremely frail. Now I have bucket loads of hair products – moisturising, high protein, leave in, hair mask...you name it, I have it! I am happy to report though, thanks to the treatments I have been using weekly, my hair feels like it is back to its healthy self even though I’ve taken it to hair hell and back.

My ABSOLUTE favourite product that I have discovered since going lighter would have to be Wella’s SP Repair Mask. Although the instructions say to leave it on for 5 minutes, I put it in my hair, sit down and watch television for half an hour to an hour, and then wash it out. My hair is left feeling like silk. I cannot stop brushing my fingers through my hair because of how soft it is post-mask! I cannot recommend this product enough, especially if your hair is damaged from hair straightners / blowdrying / colouring etc.

Napoleon foundation + powder

As Napoleon Perdis states, “when you’re on a good foundation, stick to it”. . . and that’s exactly what I plan to do with the Napoleon foundation stick.  It gives me perfect coverage and a flawless look without having to continue to apply layers of foundation as I do with other brands. Also, it doesn’t leave an oily residue on my skin which certain other brands do.

 

The camera finish powder is another of my favourites. It doesn’t “cake” my makeup, which I’ve had happen with numerous other brands. I have one camera finish powder in a lighter colour, which matches my skin tone perfectly, and one in a slightly darker colour for when I’ve applied fake tan. 

 

I do think Napoleon is slightly overpriced. For example, the Napoleon camera finish powder retails for approximately AU$58 for 13.5g, yet MAC, as a comparable brand, is 15g and retailing for only AU$48. However, I have not been able to find a foundation that gives me the coverage I want without a cake-y feeling, so I’ll be sticking with Napoleon foundation for a while!

Jurlique

I like the idea of using 'natural' products on my skin, although this is not always practical and does not always give me the results I am looking for.

Jurlique has developed a complete natural skin care range. In particular, I love their cleansers and Daily Exfoliating Facial cream.

www.jurlique.com.au

I have used a variety of Jurlique cleansers, depending on my skin type at the time. Currently, I am using the 'Purifying Cleansing Lotion' - for oily skin. It leaves my skin feeling very refreshed and clean. This product smells absolutely divine. However, it is essential to remove makeup first to get the full 'cleansed' feel.

www.jurlique.com.au

The Daily Exfoliating Cream, is such a fantastic product, that I would normally use this every second day. It leaves my skin feeling so soft and I really notice a difference in clarity when I am using it. Instead of rubbing it in to the skin, pat softly over the face, and rub in any problem areas. The only downfall with this product is you use quite a bit each time so it runs out quickly.


I recommend giving Jurlique a try, especially if you are particularly looking for a more natural alternative to skin care, without compromising quality.

Tom Ford Lipstick

Flights are booked to Europe and the holiday planning has begun...which means one thing, a mammoth decrease in spending, particularly on clothes (sigh) and shoes (double sigh). However, that does not mean I’m not allowing myself to indulge, albeit rarely. Introducing what I refer to as “my little piece of luxury” – Tom Ford lipstick. 

Tom Ford lipstick is, to put it simply, divine. From the packaging of a white case with gold edging to the heavenly colours available, it is the ultimate in lipstick. It glides on the lips feeling like you’re coating them in a fine layer of silk.

The colour I purchased is Vanilla Suede, which I can describe as nude to (very) pale pink in colour. Vanilla Suede is spot on if a nude tone is what you’re looking for. For more of a glam look, I highly recommend putting a top coat of Chanel Glossimer in Coral Love, number 146 (see picture below) on top of the lipstick. The coral tones of the lipgloss really compliments the nude lipstick. 

My one and only criticism is that there is not the staying power you would expect for a lipstick that retails at AU$65. I find that I have to reapply frequently throughout the day (or night) which is disappointing given the relatively expensive price tag.