Review: Living Nature Skin Minis - Oily & Combination Skin

Our New Year message encourages everyone to take a load off their body and mind and reduce their toxic overload by turning to Living Nature’s natural skin care solutions.

The perfect introduction to certified natural skincare - 3 x 30ml bottles to provide the ideal start to discovering the benefits of Living Nature's active botanical skincare. This pack contains Purifying Cleanser, Hydrating Toning Gel and Balancing Day Lotion - our base daily regime for Oily / Blemish-prone or Combination skin types.

I love Living Nature. Every time I start using their skincare again, I wonder why I ever stopped using it.

Included in this pack is a cleanser, toner and moisturiser which are the basic necessities that everyone should be using. The great thing about Living Nature is that all their products are certified natural, which guarantees that you won't be subject to as many as 168 chemicals that are in conventional skincare products. 

I don't know about you, but that scares me! I've had anaphylaxis reactions to chemicals in the past, I don't wanna be putting that on my skin!

This little kit has been used morning and night ever since I received it, and my skin has been loving it. As I suspected it would! It seems to react much better to these natural skincare products than anything else I try.

The Purifying Cleanser is great. Unlike a lot of other natural cleansers I use, this one actually foams up. It seems to get right into the pores and leaves the skin feeling deeply cleansed, without drying it out. It feels especially fantastic first thing in the morning, as it gets rid of all the excess oil that builds up on my skin overnight.

I'm not gonna lie, the Hydrating Toning Gel is the first toner I've actually used in a long time and I've really enjoyed it. The Harakeke Flax Gel in it tones and hydrates, while the Active Manuka Honey nourishes and helps maintain skin health. All you do with this one is smooth it over the face and neck, and wait about 30 seconds before applying the moisturiser. I find it makes my skin feel slightly tight, but doesn't irritate it in the slightest.

The Balancing Day Lotion is one of my favourite face moisturisers, ever. It's so light and smooth to apply, and it absorbs pretty much instantly. It's such a nice consistency, not too thick or rich, but not too thin where it doesn't feel like it's doing anything either - it's just perfect. The best thing though is that it looks great under makeup, and seems to create a really nice smooth canvas.

Overall I think this skincare set is a genius idea, and the products themselves are fantastic. For $39.90 NZD, these are great value and are a perfect introduction to the Living Nature skincare line.

The only thing that I'd change, would be to put an SPF in the moisturiser, and maybe include an eye cream. But still, I think this is great!

Thanks for viewing, be sure to check out Camille's review on the Normal to Dry Skin set!
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: Lush Dream Cream

Incredibly soothing body lotion for troubled skin. Dream Cream is Lush’s best-selling product because it makes sore skin feel good again. Chamomile and lavender calm irritations, reduce redness and banish blotches. We also use oat milk, too, which has traditionally been used on troubled skin for centuries. It contains everything nature makes for soothing your skin.

I am a sucker for Lush. I don’t know what it is, but I find it really hard to step inside one of their stores and NOT buy something. Their soaps are especially alluring and I kid you not, I have three of them sitting in my room right at this moment. 

Because I always get distracted by the soaps, I hardly ever stop and look at their other products. If I had’ve taken the time to check them out, I probably would’ve bought Dream Cream a looong time ago.

If I was to create the perfect cream for my sensitive skin, this would be it. Seriously.
It does everything a good body lotion should… and more! It’s soothing, very moisturising, absorbs rapidly and leaves my skin feeling soft and silky smooth.
To top it off, it has almost completely cleared up the dermatitis on my hands and legs!

I have been obsessed with this ever since I got it, and I highly recommend that you check it out here if you haven’t already.

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: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Day Cream

Total Effects Daily Moisturiser provides the total anti aging power of hydration fused with vitamins and antioxidants for visibly younger-looking skin.

Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging by:
• Minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Moisturising to soothe and nourish dry skin
• Balancing color and tone while reducing the appearance of age spots
• Smoothing skin’s texture with gentle exfoliation
• Refining to minimise pore appearance
• Protecting skin’s surface from free radical damage with antioxidants
• Firming skin’s appearance with hydration

I was lucky enough to receive this Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Day Cream from the lovely Fleur at ImpactPR. I had never tried anything from the Olay range before, so I was quite excited to give it a go!

At 25, some of you may think I’m a little too young to be worrying about fighting the 7 signs of aging – but surely you all agree that preventing them for as long as possible is the best way to go right? So I think the sooner you get started, the better!

The first thing I noticed was the very gentle fragrance, which is awesome for someone like me who gets irritated by everything. I also didn’t realise how little you actually need to use. One pump was more than enough to moisturise my face, neck and chest!
Because it’s oil-free and fast-absorbing, it doesn’t leave that ‘shiny’ look on my skin that I tend to get from most moisturisers. And it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog my pores!

The main winning point for me though, is that it has an SPF. When you live in a place like New Zealand where the UV rays are really harsh, it’s so important to protect your skin as much as possible.  We all know about the risks of skin cancer, but sun damage is also one of the worst signs of aging! 

Overall, I really enjoyed using this product and would recommend it to anyone who like me, wants to protect their skin while at the same time, fight those 7 signs of aging!

Another amazing thing Fleur sent me was the new Vicks Vaponaturals in the flavour Cherry Menthol. She also sent me this adorable little hot or cold pack, look at how cute it is!!

They honestly came at the most perfect time since I have been sick with this flu/infection for over two weeks now. Being the allergy kid that I am, Vicks lozenges are the only ones I’m not allergic to and these Vaponaturals not only taste great, but they have definitely helped soothe my throat.  She was also kind enough to send me some extras when she found out how sick I’ve been. How lovely is that?! 

Definitely check out these out if you’re unlucky enough to get sick like me! 

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Lush Love Lettuce

I was lucky enough to get invited to go in and meet with the lovely girlies at Lush Queen St. It turned out to be one of the best experiences I’ve had as a blogger so far! The staff were absolutely lovely and I have to say a special THANK YOU to the gorgeous Kendra, who gave me the full Lush experience and answered all of my never-ending questions!

One of the products I got to review was the Love Lettuce Fresh Face mask.

An effective, exfoliating face mask which gives normal to oily skin a softened, smoothed and radiant glow. Polishing almond shell is balanced by the softening qualities of almond oil and seaweed gel. With soothing lavender essential oil and the cleansing, tightening action of Fullers’ Earth, you’ll feel fresh in no time.

I have used quite a few different face masks in the past – most of which seem to make my skin break out like it’s nobody’s business. But this was completely different.   

It felt so beautiful and fresh, and surprisingly enough, it didn’t irritate my skin in the slightest. I actually felt a little disappointed when it was time to wash it off!
Afterwards though, I couldn’t stop touching my face. It felt so clean and smooth. I love it.

Kendra actually suggested that I apply the Full Of Grace serum before using this mask, because it helps your skin absorb everything a little bit better. I have to agree with her on this one, it makes the mask feel even more amazing (if possible!).

Overall I am a huge fan of this, and I’m kinda dying to try out the other ones in the range. I feel like I can’t go back to the other face masks I used to use, because none of them have ever made my skin feel this good.

I can’t speak highly enough of the Lush Queen St store, if you’re interested in any of their products you have to go there and check them out! The staff, like I said, are awesome.

Keep an eye out for more Lush reviews coming soon.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Hahahaha! I look amazing!

Review: theCream - 100% Natural, 75% Colostrum, 0% Bull!

A delectable blend of New Zealand Colostrum, Coconut/Palm wax and cold pressed oils of Organic Aloe, Rice, Orange, Apricot, Meadowfoam, Vanilla, Blueberry and Hemp with Natural Silica, Zinc Oxide, Organic Bentonite clay and Colloidal silver.
Loaded with naturally occurring vitamins A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, 22 amino acids and trace minerals for total skin health and beauty.

Well I don’t know about you, but that sounds very impressive to say the least. But is it as good as it sounds? Check out these testimonials:

‘I love how it feels when it goes on. It’s wonderful and I am so satisfied with it!!! Thank you!!’ Lisa R
‘I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I can see the difference in my face in just two applications of theCream. My skin looks awesome. When are they coming out with a body lotion for my creepy arms and legs? Deb M
‘I have to say that of all the stuff I’ve used, it is brilliant. ‘ Evelyn A
‘Absolutely love this product! My skin hasn’t looked this great in years! Thank you theCream’. MH

After reading all the rave reviews, when the opportunity arose to try out theCream, you can be sure that I jumped at it!

The first thing that struck me was the packaging. The airless, vacuum packaging was developed especially to stop microbiotic life forms in the air from getting in and feasting on this – which would cause the product to go off. So clever!

After trying it as a lip balm (did I mention I LOVE multi-use products?!), I couldn’t wait to use it all over my face. You can definitely smell the Orange oil in this, but it is not irritating at all – and the scent does not linger, which is nice.

I’ve found that I need two pumps to cover my face, and am happy to say that it massages in very quickly, leaving my skin feeling delectably soft and smooth.  I also put it all over my lips as I said earlier, which means I don’t have to worry about using a lip balm in the mornings!

I’ve been using theCream religiously now for a month, and as usual didn’t really have any expectations about it – so you can imagine my surprise when I realised that the usual breakouts I get had become much less frequent. Seriously, I can’t remember a time when my skin looked this good. Most creams look greasy on my sensitive, oily skin, but this one is pretty unique in that it moisturises deeply, without being irritating at all. I am a definite convert!!

theCream is exclusively available in New Zealand at Health2000. Check it out for yourself, you will not be disappointed!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo