Over on nzgirl: Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder

 

This has quickly become my favourite setting powder! It's the one that I constantly reach for, because I know that when I use it, I hardly ever have to touch it up. 

It's also the cheapest one I have bought (by far!) Check out the review and find out where I mangaged to get such an awesome deal, by clicking here.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Oasis Beauty Tropical Fruit Smoothie

 

Tropical Fruit Smoothie combines 3 products into 1 - a physical exfoliator, enzymatic exfoliator and smoothing masque.

It is a powerful but gentle multipurpose product for smooth, glowing skin in no time at all.  Jojoba beads combined with papaya and pineapple exfoliate away rough skin.  Then let the natural clays work their magic...and voila!  Super smooth sexy skin.

Exfoliators and face masques quite often slip my mind. Maybe I’m just too lazy to use them. Who am I kidding? I KNOW I’m too lazy to use them. It’s terrible I know, but I always feel like I’m in a rush, so I constantly neglect them.
Then I sit here and wonder why my skin is so terrible. Honestly…

I love that Oasis Beauty decided to create a product that combined exfoliators and a face masque – this is perfect for me! Surprisingly enough, because this saves time – I actually have been using it twice a week without fail. 

The results are great! My skin has been looking better than ever! It’s so soft and smooth, the dry patches on my nose and forehead are 90% gone, and I haven’t had even the slightest irritation from using it. That’s pretty amazing, considering it actually feels a little more abrasive than exfoliators I have tried in the past.

To use it, I basically apply it all over my face like a masque and leave it to set for a few minutes. Then I gently massage it into the skin to exfoliate, before finally cleaning it off with warm water. I find this to be the best method for me, but if you prefer you can actually exfoliate first, then leave it on the face to set as a masque, before washing it off with water or a face cloth.

Overall, I am very impressed. My skin looks and feels great, and it’s the perfect way for me to actually remember to use masques and exfoliators.
As a side note: I love the fact there is no fragrance, colour or parabens! And its cruelty free! 

Check out this and all the other products from Oasis Beauty here.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Senna Brow Book

Brow expert and Senna founder, Eugenia Weston, designed this super skinny, refillable magnetic palette as the ultimate pro tool to master perfect brows on everyone. 

I’m ashamed to admit it, but I neglected my eyebrows for years. And I really do mean years. I didn’t even get them shaped til I was like 20. That’s blasphemy! The only reason that I think I managed to get away with it for so long, is because my eyebrows are so sparse.

These days, I’m happy to tell you that I take much better care of them. Not only do I regularly pluck them, but I also fill them in religiously. When I realised how good they look when I maintain them, I never looked back!

I swear by my Senna Brow Book when it comes to filling in my brows. It has 9 colours in the palette, which makes finding your perfect match incredibly easy. It’s also great for someone like me who occasionally does freelancing, because there literally is a colour to suit everyone.

Left to right, top to bottom: Ash, Auburn, Platinum, Ebony, Taupe, Flaxen, Noir, Espresso, Brunette

As well as the actual brow colours, it also includes Browlite – which is a soft matte brow highlighter, and a Brow Pomade – which adds texture and fullness.

The colour I use is Brunette, and it is perrrfect. It looks so natural, that people don’t even realise that I’ve basically had to draw my eyebrows on. Hahaha. The pigmentation is great, which means you don’t have to spend ages building up the colour. 

The Browlite highlighter is alright (nothing too special!) and the Brow Pomade isn’t nearly as good as the Smashbox Brow Tech wax, so I rarely ever use it. 

Overall, I think this palette is great and would recommend it to anyone who has a hard time finding a good match for their brows, and it is especially awesome for makeup artists. I bought mine from Camera ReadyCosmetics, but you can also find it on the Senna website.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

 

Review: Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser

Clear impurities and remove make-up gracefully with this dermatologically approved organic cleanser that is a true gift for sensitive skin conditions. Its blissfully soothing formulation features anti-inflammatory Vinanza Oxifend super-antioxidant, naturally extracted from pinot noir grapes from award-winning Marlborough vineyards. Nutrient-rich avocado oil and marigold flower gently yet effectively cleanse, freshen and soften your visage.

Antipodes is completely new to me and since I am always searching for a decent cleanser, I was thrilled when Health2000 asked me to review this.

You are all probably aware of the problems I have with my skin by now. It's oily and very sensitive. So sensitive in fact, that most 'sensitive' skincare products still irritate my face a lot. Trying to find a product that soothes my skin, whilst cleaning it effectively is no easy task, let me tell you!

Like most people, I have been brainwashed into thinking that you need a foaming cleanser in order for your skin to feel clean. I'm not gonna lie, this behaviour has resulted in a lot of irritations. 
So finally I decided enough was enough, and starting trying cream cleansers. But until now, I had never discovered one that made my skin feel both incredibly soft, but also squeaky clean!

I have been using this religiously ever since I received it, and am amazed at how well it removes makeup. I'm also guilty of constantly touching my face straight afer using this - I am obsessed with how soft and smooth my skin feels!

Overall, I can't recommend this enough. It doesn't have any nasty smells, removes all impurities with no effort at all and it's even certified organic! What more could you want?

You can check it out here and let me assure you, you won't be disappointed!
Thanks for viewing!
oxo


 

Review: Living Nature Manuka Honey Gel

Manuka Honey Gel is a soothing gel for blemish-prone skin and trouble spots. Previously known as Rescue Gel, this potent blend combines healing Active Manuka Honey with protective Manuka Oil to help cleanse, soothe and heal the skin. Active Manuka Honey is one of nature's miracle healers, and anti-microbial Manuka Oil is a super protector - both with proven skin benefits. Think of it as nature's first aid for your skin.

I love Living Nature. I've been to the factory in Kerikeri more times than I'd like to admit. So when Health 2000 asked me if I'd like to try the Manuka Honey Gel, I said yes without even having to think about it.

The frustrating thing about having oily/sensitive skin is that I quite often have breakouts - and unfortunately, most of the treatments for blemishes are full of chemicals that end up irritating my sensitive skin.

This is different. It is certified natural for starters, and unlike a lot of other treatments I have tried, this works wonderfully at getting rid of any redness, while at the same time soothing the skin. 
I have also noticed that it really speeds up the healing time, and when it comes down to it, thats pretty much all we want!

The only thing that bothers me, is the smell. Living Nature is known for having completely natural products, and as we all know, not everything in nature smells all that great. Haha! The thing is though, when you get good results, you stick with it no matter what.

Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who like me, has sensitive blemish-prone skin. You can find it at Health 2000 by clicking here.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Lush Aqua Marina

Skin-softening cleanser. Aqua Marina is a calming, effective cleanser and a joy to use. Like a pink mousse wrapped in seaweed, it feels so soft and wobbly that you’ll want to play with it, rather than clean your face with it. Smooth it on, rinse it off and your face feels smooth, smells sweet and looks brighter. It has calamine and aloe vera to soothe irritated skin, especially when you’ve been caught by the sun or the wind. The kaolin cleanses deeply and tightens your skin a little.

My skin has a mind of its own. One minute it's dry and flaky, and the next it's ridiculously oily! The one thing that stays constant though, is the fact that it is always sensitive.

Because I'm so difficult, figuring out what works for me is always a bit of a mission. I can't even begin to tell you how many cleansers I've had to stop using and throw out because they've irritated my skin!

When I told Kendra at Lush Queen St, she suggested Aqua Marina for me straight away. Once she demonstrated it on my hand, I knew I had to try it out.

Unlike most other cleansers I've tried in the past, this one is pretty much solid. It seems a bit strange to work with at first, but when you add water it transforms into this smooth milky texture, which feels amazing.
I'm used to using cleansers that lather up, mainly because I feel like those clean my skin better. So I'll admit that I was a little skeptical about whether or not it would give me that same feeling of cleanliness.

To be honest, I am yet to find another cleanser that leaves my skin feeling this clean. At the same time it manages to calm down any irritations I might be having.
Did I mention that my skin has cleared up big time? Well it has! I have had hardly any breakouts since using this, and the dry patches on my face have almost completely vanished!

Needless to say, I am a huge fan of this. So much so, that I'm already on my second tub of it. If you have difficult skin like myself, I would highly recommend this to you. Check it out here.

Thanks for viewing!
Oxo

Review: Oral B Trizone 3000 Power Brush

The TriZone 3000 features triple action deep cleaning technology to remove up to 100% more plaque, even between teeth. This powerful electric toothbrush is tough on plaque, yet gentle on teeth and gums. It provides improved gum health and a long lasting clean, fresh feeling.

• Unique brush head design with 3 cleaning zones
• 3 customized modes: Daily Clean, Sensitive, Polish
• 40,000 pulsations and 8,800 sweeps per minute
• Superior plaque removal to help promote healthy gums
• Visual pressure sensor lights up when brushing too hard
• Made by Oral-B, the #1 dentist-recommended toothbrush brand worldwide

I’m obsessed with my teeth. My sister and Mum are both obsessed with their teeth too, so I’ve started thinking that it runs in the family, haha! 

When I say obsessed, what I mean is that I’m one of those people who carry around dental floss and a travel toothbrush in their handbag. I brush my teeth atleast twice a day - but more likely about four times. I also tend to always keep mints on me because I feel like they help make my mouth feel ‘clean’.

Since I brush my teeth so often, I have started worrying about the damage I might be doing to my gums. I’m the first to admit that I’m a little rough when brushing my teeth. My excuse is that I’ve always used a manual toothbrush and feel like I need to put a lot of effort in when brushing!

When I was offered an Oral B Trizone 3000 Power brush to review, I knew I couldn’t refuse. I had literally never used an electric toothbrush before, so was super keen to give it a try.

I often think that the reason I am so obsessed with my teeth is because I am terrified of the dentist. Honestly, I put up with 18 months of taking codeine everyday when my wisdom teeth were coming through before I went to the dentist. And when I finally did go, my worst fears were confirmed – I needed all four wisdom teeth out. After having them all removed (I even had to go to an oral surgeon – never again!!), I was in the most intense pain I’d ever been in. For a solid week. Even after taking codeine and tramadol three times a day, I still felt like I was going to die.

So in all honesty, the first few times I used this Trizone Power brush – I felt like I was at the dentist. And it freaked me out. A lot. I persevered though, and after about a week of using it, I was converted. 

The Trizone Power brush not only has a 2 minute timer on it, but it also has a light that actually turns on and lets you know when you are brushing too hard. Like I said, I’m notorious for being too rough on my teeth, so this is the perfect idea for me. The last thing you want is to cause yourself damage in the long run. 

Since using it, I’ve noticed that my teeth are even whiter than they usually are, and they feel much cleaner. I thought I might be imagining it, but other people have commented on it too. I am so impressed!

It came with 3 brush heads, so I let my mum use one on her teeth and now she wants to get one for herself. I honestly can’t recommend this enough, I feel like everyone should have one! 

Thanks for viewing!

oxo

Review: Lush - Emotional Brilliance

Spin the Emotional Brilliance Color Wheel to get a personalized color reading – choose the three colors that stand out the most and they will uncover certain words that reveal a little bit about your current state of mind. Then wear the color to feel the word, you word-up!

Introducing a brand new concept matching psychological needs to which color cosmetics one should wear.

This range – consisting of lip colors, eyeliners and eyeshadows – is less about wearing make-up that’s in-season or on-trend and more about wearing colors that shape your mood. Emotional Brilliance is a way to wear color that’s designed for you. Choose colors, each with a corresponding word such as Confident, Take Control or Glamorous, and they will be significant to your needs at that time – wear those colors and you truly wear the word. It’s the power of suggestion – if one believes enough in something, there will likely be a change in behavior.

When I got invited to go into Lush Queen St to get an Emotional Brilliance reading done, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into! I didn’t really know anything about Lush’s makeup range, so I was eager to find out more.

When I got there I was greeted by the lovely Kendra, and then our Emotional Brilliance adventure began!
First of all, I had to close my eyes and think of something that was happening in my life (I was thinking about work), then open my eyes and pick the first three colours on the Emotional Brilliance wheel that appealed to me. She then proceeded to tell me what those colours meant.

Left: My reading, Right: Camille's reading

1.      Your Strength or Weakness: In Charge – Take Control

Whoa! What a fabulous strength! So many things to be IN CHARGE of: your job; your situation; your bank account; your life. If you have felt you have been a little too free and easy lately and let others rule, then pack it in. Get back IN CHARGE or keep IN CHARGE, but whatever you do, take control!

Damn this is good. I’m quite often feeling like things are out of my control at work, which is hard for me because I like to feel like I’m in charge of every situation.

2.      Your Subconscious: Passionate – Feel Strongly

Uh oh! What is going on here then? Subconscious giving you a little reminder that you need to be souping up the PASSIONATE side of your nature? Are you without an aim at the moment and need to find something to feel strongly about? Do you need to be showing and feeling more Passion for something already in your life? To be PASSIONATE and feel strongly is energising. Buck yourself up you!

This one was even more surprising. Kendra made me realise that if I concentrate more on things I’m passionate about, like my blog, then the things bothering me (like feeling out of control at work) will fade into the background.

3.      Your Aspiration: Independent – Stand on your own two feet

Perfect! Feel INDEPENDENT and stand on your own two feet in a beautifully positive way. This is what will make all the difference to whatever is going on in your life right now.

This is honestly so true! The whole experience made me feel more at ease with things and I actually felt like I understood myself a little bit better. Thank you Kendra!

The lovely girls at Lush gave me three Emotional Brilliance products to try: Believe, Vibrance and Ambition.

Without flash: Believe, Vibrance, Ambition

With flash: Believe, Vibrance, Ambition

Believe

Vibrance

Ambition

For review purposes, I applied them with the little applicators they came with so please excuse the wobbly lipline! Hahaha!
Believe is definitely my favourite out of the three, and Vibrance is the one I find hardest to wear on it’s own but actually looks gorgeous when mixed with other lip colours. I also love just dabbing them on and wearing them as more of a stain rather than a full on bright lip.

Overall I think the whole concept behind the Emotional Brilliance range is awesome and a lot of fun! It also helps that the products themselves are actually gorgeous and very well pigmented. Head along to Lush Queen St or go online and check it out for yourself!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo