Thursday 29 November 2012

Models Prefer Skincare Range

Was really excited when I heard that Models Prefer was bringing out a skincare line! They appear to have put a lot of research into this line, working in conjunction with world leading laboritories.
 
All products in this line feature their new innovative 'MP aquaFLEX' skincare ingredient, which aims to naturally increase hydration of the skin, lock in moisture, optimise skin metabolism, protect the dermis matrix structure and restore collagen synthesis.
The entire line is paraben free & dermatologically tested. Some of the products are also mineral oil free and fragrance free - an added bonus!
 
 
There is 3 seperate skincare systems, all aimed at different skin types:
 
MP Hydrate/Deep clean
For dry & more sensitive skin
Focused on gently yet deeply cleansing the skin, whilst hydrating.
 
Products in this line include:
EYE remove - waterproof makeup remover for eyes.
MILKY way - 2 in 1 creamy cleanser and toner.
DAILY perfect - SPF day moisturiser.
INTENSE moisture - deep comfort moisturiser.
EYE love - eye contour roll on gel.
RUB&scrub - gentle face exfoliator.
THIRST stop! - hydrating and calming mask.
BB cream - all in one skin perfector.
DEEP clean - exfoliating makeup remover wipes.
 
 
MP Deep Repair
For aging skin/To proactively fight aging
Focused on treating skin with anti-ageing properties to reduce the signs of ageing and improve skin firmness.
 
Products in this line include:
DEEP repair - anti-age moisturiser.
DEEP repair - anti-age serum.
DEEP repair - anti-age eye contour cream.
DEEP repair - anti age makeup remover wipes.
 
 
MP Matte Me
For oily/blemished skin
Focused on smoothing and mattifying the skin, with vitamin E and allantoin.
 
Products in this line include:
MOUSSE away - refreshing foaming cleanser.
MATTE me - pore minimising moisturiser.
MATTE me - pore minimising refreshing makeup wipes.
 
 
As you can see, there is a skincare system targeted for each main skin group, each containing a wide comprehensive variety of products. Clearly a lot of time has been put into considering skincare needs and the products to include.
 
Another feature of this range that really impressed me was the packaging. Very modern and streamlined whilst still being appealing to the eye, and functional. Packaging is white, with black caps & logos, featuring a pop of the accent colour of the range it is from. Creams come in sturdy clear plastic pots with the same black lids & colour accents. To me, this modern packaging makes the range appear more expensive than it is.
 
The products range in price from $6.99 for the facewipes, $12.99 for scrubs and masks, $19.99 for the BB cream, through to $24.99 for the night moisturizer.
Whilst I feel this is on the higher side of average for a skincare line, should it live up to the high expectations I have for its formula, it will definately be worth it.
 
I have purchased the BB cream, DEEP clean wipes and the THIRST stop! mask.
 


 

Very excited to test these out, and I am also going to pick up the MILKY way cleanser and the DAILY perfect moisturiser, tested them in store and they both had a really lovely light yet hydrating texture. Will definately be posting a comprehensive review of all products once I have properly tested them out! :)

The Models Prefer skincare line is available in Priceline, in the skincare section (seperate from where the MP cosmetics are displayed)
 


Wednesday 28 November 2012

Mini Woolies Haul :)

 
Popped in to my local woolies today to buy some necessities, and of course ended up taking a stroll through the beauty isle! Picked up a few products I was interested in trying.
 
 
Natures organics natural skin experts sensitive facewash, Natures organics dry nourish shampoo & conditioner, Schick exacta 2 disposable razors, Natures organics skin experts sensitive scrub, Garnier oil free bb cream in light.

 
Read some nice reviews about this facewash on beautyheaven. I do like products for my face that are natural, and this one has no mineral oil, parabens, or fragrance, and is not tested on animals! :) hoping I like this formula, often I find foamy type cleansers to be drying so I chose the sensitive version so it's more gentle on my skin. Was a bargain at only 4$!

 
Have always seen this brand at the supermarket and at priceline, but was a bit wary of trying it as I had not heard much about it. Read reviews on these two products also on beautyheaven and people seemed to really like it so I thought I would give it a go! :) Smells DELICIOUS! Trying them out tonight :) Great special on at woolies too, got the 2 for around 5$


After an absolutely miserable experience with the first bb cream garnier released (think oil slick, breakouts, patchiness, terrible coverage, horrible smell!) I was hesistant to try this product out, however lots of youtube beauty gurus have spoken about this product and how it is miles above the old version. Jodik76 did a fantastic in depth review comparing the two so I am excited to try this new one out :)


This product is from the same brand as the facewash. It is an natural exfoliating face scrub (just finished my St Ives, so wanted to try a new one out) with the same Cucumber extract & no parabens, etc as the wash. I chose the sensitive version.

 
 Not much to say about these, love the schick razors as they always have these big value packs available at the shops. Was a 10 pack for 4.50 so pretty good :) cute colours too!
 
 
Popped into priceline too and sadly they did not have the models prefer products or the palmers bb cream I was hoping to try out! Probably a good thing, or my entire paycheck would be gone!

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Products on my beauty shopping list!

 
In my recent trawl through the blogosphere, I have seen lots of different people doing weekly or monthly "wish lists" or "shopping lists".
I thought this was a fantastic idea, as so often I see new products that I would love to try, then either forget about them, can't afford them or get caught up in other new products, and never get around to buying them!
I thought it would be great to post my most recently sought after products up here to keep track of them and maybe discuss with anyone who has picked them up :)
 
 
The products I'm excited to try currently are:
 
The new Models Prefer skincare line
Saw a write up/road test on the hydrate range, all the products look fantastic! Very modern but chic packaging, in white, pink & black, looks a lot more expensive than the $12.99-$25.00 pricetags that come with the products! Top of my list are the Daily Protect SPF Moisturizer and the All-In-One Skin Protector BB Cream (very into BB creams in the lead up to summer, still yet to find my perfect one!) Also heard on the Beautyheaven forums that they have released their own, more simplistic version of the Clarisonic, at under $15! Will definately be picking this up to try, after all the hype I have heard about facial brushes.
 
Real Techniques Brushes
Have seen a lot of American youtube beauty guru's talking about this range of brushes, then not too long ago I was in Priceline and saw a Real Techniques display! Yay! I have never been one for face brushes, the only ones I regularly use are my powder brush & eyeshadow brush, however recently I have been interested in trying out some kind of flat/angled kabuki or stippling brush to apply my foundation for a more flawless finish. On my list are the dual fibre Your finish/Perfected look stippling brush, and the Your base/Flawless foundation brush.
 
Palmers BB Cream
Again with my newfound BB cream obsession! I saw Chloe Morello mention that she recieved some Palmers products to trial, including their new BB cream. Have been a big fan of Palmers products lately (collection review video will be coming soon!) so am very interested in trialling this one to see what it's like and if it impresses me as much as all their other products do!
 
Marc Jacobs Dot Perfume
There was one of those scented page samples of this in the latest AU Cosmo magazine and I absolutely fell in love! Whilst I have enough perfume to last me a few years, I have yet to find my perfect everyday scent, but I think this might be it. Quite pricey, so I think I wil go and spray it on again one more time in store to make sure I really really love it, then ask for it for christmas! :)
 
New essence products
Last time I was in priceline I saw they were clearing out some of the old products & ones that were not as popular, and the lady there said they were making room for a few new things they were coming out with. Have seen a few reviews of their new mascara so I will be sure to pick some of them up and let you guys know how I like them. I think essence is one of the best, truly "budget" makeup brands here in Aus.
 
Fudge Violet Shampoo + New Clear Shampoo & Conditioner
Just ran out of my Nak purple shampoo and have heard a lot of good things about the Fudge one. Also loved the fudge clarifying guarana shampoo so I'm hoping I love the formula of this one just as much, and it keeps my blonde nice and neutral. Currently finishing up the dregs of a few shampoo and conditioners I have lying around, then I am definately going to pick up the Clear Scalp Therapy shampoo and conditioner. These recieved good reviews, and I have a fairly delicate scalp, so hopefully these can keep my hair and scalp healthy :)
 
 
 
If you have tried out any of these products, do let me know if you like them or not, and why :) Would love to hear what products are on other peoples wish lists too!
 


Saturday 24 November 2012

First Impressions: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

 
After hearing SO MUCH hype about these on youtube I was so keen to give them a try! However when I went looking for them in shops, a) they were  not out what until what felt like weeks after america, and b) they were ridiculously overpriced! (Both of what are typical in Australia!)
So I waited for them to go on sale, and lo and behold, this week at target they were 10$ each, and they were 2 for 1 at priceline!
When I looked at the range I was immediately draw to two of the bright girly shades - Sweetheart and Lovesick
 
Sweetheart is the most beautiful bright dark pink, whereas Lovesick is a more purple tinted, berry pink. The names are super cute, all love/romance themed!
 

 
Top: Sweetheart, Bottom: Lovesick
 
 
They come in a cool, wind up crayon kind of packaging which I love! Packaging is a thick plastic, nice and sturdy, and they wind up with the silver part on the end. The formula is lovely, the product just melts into your lips. It smells of peppermint and gives your lips a slight cooling pepperminty tingle which is nice. If applied directly to your lips from the crayon, it has a glossy finish, but the best part about this product is - the fact that this glossy finish has set after a few minutes does not transfer to anything! Not onto glasses, tissues, anything! And when the products glossy shine does eventually wear off, your lips are still left stained the same beautiful colour. Another method of application is rubbing the crayon against your fingers then patting the product into your lips which just gives them a slight stain and a more subtle hint of colour.
 
 
      Sweetheart                 Lovesick
 
 
I find often, even when my lips are moisturized and smooth, that lipstick formulas can often look unflattering on my lips. I did however really enjoy the formula of the revlon lip butters and found it to be one of the only lip colour products that looks flattering on me. I am glad that this product has impressed me just as much if not more. In comparison to the lip butters, I actually find this product to be more moisturizing with its balm formula, and providing both options of a glossy lip and a matte stain. It also looks more natural than a thick lipstick formula.
 
Overall I am very impressed with this product and will be looking to repurchase some more colours (perhaps crush and smitten?) while it is still on sale!
 


Tuesday 20 November 2012

July - November Empties - Products I have used up w/ mini reviews!


BODY
 
Palmers Cocoa Butter Body Scrub
I have been obsessed with Palmers products lately! Currently I am trying the fragrance free lotion, their scar fading oil, and lip conditioner. This product, like the others, has the distinctive yummy cocoa smell :) it was a semi solid mass in the tub, like actual butter, that melted between your fingers when you pulled some off, which made it easy to smooth over the body. Its exfoliating particles were just abrasive enough on my legs without being too harsh, and the buttery consistency definately helped soften and moisturized the skin. Very easy to wash off and does not leave a residue like some scrubs do. Affordable also.
Would I repurchase? Yes
 
Sea Spa Hazelnut foaming body polish
This scrub seemed to have a shimmer throughout it in the tub. It exfoliates with crushed hazelnuts, which again give a nice exfoliation without being too harsh. It seemed to leave an oily residue and was hard to wash off in the shower, however once I got out and dried off it left my legs feeling nice and moisturized. I was given this product as part of a gift set and unfortunately have no idea where to purchase this brand?
Would I repurchase? Yes, if I could find it!
 
Lux Fine Fragrance Elixir Shower Gel - Magic Spell
Beautiful shower gel! Really reminds me of the bath&bodyworks scent "Be Enchanted". Is even the same purple colour & consistency! Very powerfully scented, when I washed with this my whole bathroom smelt of it! It smells so gorgeous however that this is not a problem :)
The only bodywash I have ever used that has actually left my skin feeling really really smooth and moisturized afterwards!
Would I repurchase? Yes, since we cannot purchase bath&bodyworks products in Australia [ :( :( :( :( ] this is a great alternative. Keen to try the other scents!
 
Nair Hair Remover - Shower Power Moisturizing
I'm a fan of using this product on my underarms. Is thick and creamy, easy to layer on the skin, and removes hair efficiently & quickly. I would reccomend all Nair hair removal creams, I do like the supreme one in the pink tube better than this as it is more moisturizing.
Would I repurchase? No, like the Moisturizing Supreme version more.
 
Schick Razor
Was a nice razor, handle fits against the hand nicely making it easy to use, isn't long and awkward. The patterned handles was a cute touch. I think the razor head could have done with being maybe I blade wider, was quite thin. I found it too expensive purchasing refills for razors so I switched back to disposables, but sometimes when the razor + 3 disposable heads pack is on sale its good value so I would purchase it then maybe.
Would I repurchase? When the value pack is on sale.
 
St Ives Apricot Scrub - Blemish Prone Skin
Great reliable scrub, leaves my skin feeling smooth and lovely. Is very exfoliating, with nice grainy texture, however does not feel too harsh or scratchy on my sensitive skin. A staple in my shower.
Would I repurchase? Have several times.
 

MISC
 
Nivea Double Effect Gentle Care Deoderant
Honestly, was not that impressed with this product. I find deoderants aimed towards sensitive skin often lack in the sweat prevention department. Maybe it is because the formulas are so gentle, im not too sure, but this was innefective.
Would I repurchase? No. Not effective.
 
Neutrogena Oil Free Moisturizer for sensitive skin
Love this moisturizer. Simple, gentle, and effective at hydrating. Great for under makeup. Does not irritate my skin at all or cause me to break out, nor get oily. Reminds me of my cetaphil moisturizer. Quite inexpensive also :)
Would I repurchase? Yes
 
Rimmel 60 Seconds Clear Nailpolish
Love this line of Rimmel polishes. I have around 10 different shades. They dry extremely quickly making it easy to get on with things. The only thing I find about these nailpolishes is that after a few months they quickly get quite thick and goopy and are hard to apply to the nails. This is not usually a problem however, as the bottles are so small, which I like, as I never seem to be able to finish big bottles. If you paint your nails frequently you will use it up quickly.
Would I repurchase? No. Whilst I like this polish, am currently using the Essence Gel Look topcoat and like it more.
 
Le Tan Coconut Lotion SPF 15 Sunscreen
My favourite sunscreen ever! Has that gorgeous summery tropical coconut scent. Is a very thin lotion unlike other sunscreens which are thick and leave your skin with that pasty white layer. This goes on clear, rubs in quickly leaving your skin with a healthy looking glow. Provides effective sun protection whilst still letting me build up a little bit of colour.
Would I repurchase? Yes. Already have for summer!


HAIR
 
Nak Purple Shampoo for Blondes
This shampoo is great for toning my blonde hair. I use it whenever I think my hair is looking a bit dull or brassy. Tones my blonde back to a more neutral shade, and also seems to refresh my dark roots, making me look like my hair has been freshly coloured. Is not too stripping, smells nice too, like salon shampoo. Does not leave my hair with a purple tint, even if I leave it on for a while.
Would I repurchase? Yes. Good for refreshing my hair.
 
Nak Purple Conditioner for Blondes
The conditioner pair to the shampoo. I do not like this product as much as I like the shampoo. It is a runny consistence, not thick and creamy like I like conditioner to be. Not very hydrating, leaves my hair quite frizzy. Such a diluted pale purple colour that I do not feel it helps to tone my hair. Prefer to use the shampoo with a more hydrating conditioner.
Would I repurchase? No. Quite expensive, and I feel other products could do its job better.
 
Matrix Volume Shampoo
This shampoo does a great job of giving my hair volume and body. I do find if I use it for a week or more straight it can be quite stripping to my hair, so I only use it once or twice a week. Has a very pleasant salon scent. Quite expensive however.
Would I repurchase? Maybe. Would try some other cheaper volumizing shampoos first.
 
L'Oreal Paris Fall Repair 3x Anti Hair Fall Conditioner
Honestly the most terrible conditioner I think I have ever used! Bought this as I have a bit of a problem with shedding/falling hair. It did absolutely nothing to nourish or condition my hair, it was left frizzy and dry. If anything, I think I shed more hair than before using it. I'm not sure if this is available in Australia as I bought it in Thailand, but if it is, I certainly would not recommend it. Waste of 7$
Would I repurchase? Never. Ever.
 
Palmolive Naturals Sleep & Smooth Shampoo for Frizzy Hair
Love love love this shampoo! Smells abosolutely fantastic, just like coconut. Lathers up beautifully. After I rinse it out, my hair feels smooth and healthy before I have even put on conditioner! Leaves my hair shiny, smooth and frizz free, with body and volume.
Would I repurchase? Am currently trying out the other palmolive shampoos but this one is still my favourite so far :)
 
Palmolive Naturals Vital Strength Conditioner for Weak/Damaged Hair
Love this conditioner also! :) smells great, not sure exactly how to describe the scent but it is fresh and herbal and lovely! Conditioner is a thick cream consistency and is very hydrating. Combined with Palmolive shampoo my hair is left shiny, smooth, and smelling amazing !
Would I repurchase? Definately.
 
V05 Emergency Rescue Elixir - 1 minute nourishing treatment
The only thing is dislike about VO5 products is the granny smell! And this product was no exception. Scent was so strong it was overwhelming. Was quite a nourishing treatment, but the scent made it hard to use up. Nice packaging.
Would I repurchase? No, cannot stand the scent.
 
V05 Hot Oil Treatments 3 Pack
These oil treatments come in a pack of 3 twist top plastic bottles. Must be immersed in hot water beforehand then spread throughout the hair. Product is runny and can be hard to handle so I recommend standing in the shower whilst using this. I applied to my hair, wrapped it in plastic wrap, then placed a towel over the top and left for 5 or so minutes. Left my hair smooth and hydrated.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
 
Herbal Essences Long term relationship - Split end Protection Mask x 2
Gorgeous hair mask. Comes packaged in a sturdy screw top red tub. Smells absolutely amazing, and is very very hydrating. Leaves my hair lovely and smooth and the scent lingers for days! Only use this twice a week as if used to frequently I found it left a slight buildup in my hair.
Would I repurchase? Already have.
 
L'Oreal Elvive Total Repair 5 - Conditioning Restoring Spray
Not sure if this really did anything for my hair. Was good for taming flyaways on my dry hair but I did not feel it really conditioned my hair or left it in any better condition than it would have been without the product. Was cheap and smelt really good.
Would I repurchase? Maybe if it was on special again. Can't be doing my hair any harm!
 
Dove therapy heat defence spray
Nice product. Has the lovely dove trademark scent. Dries really quickly on my hair, unlike some other heat protection sprays which take ages to dry before you can straighten your hair! Has a really fine nozzle sprayer which distributes product evenly throughout your hair. Hair felt lovely and smooth after I straightened it not dry and frizzy like usual!
Would I repurchase? Yes

Friday 16 November 2012

Rave Review: Oil Garden Aromatherapy Organic Rosehip Oil

 
100% Pure Skin / Carrier Oil
 
Rating: 5/5 stars
 

Described as a product that will;
 
"Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles naturally. An exquisite cosmetic skin oil to help regenerate and repair all skin types. Ideal to help reduce the appearance of scar tissue, sun spots and stretch marks. Organic rosehip contains over 70% Linoleic and Linolenic acids which are vital essential fatty acids and a natural moisturizer for healthy, radiant skin."
 
Having recently seen youtube beauty gurus and magazines rave about the benefits of rosehip oil, and being drawn to natural products good for sensitive skin, I decided I wanted to give it a try. Heading down to my local priceline, I was initially surprised at the high prices these tiny bottles of oil were retailing for. The trilogy rosehip oil, which I had heard the most hype about, was $22 for only 20ml. The natio version was $20 for only 15ml! I thought these prices were fairly steep, and was going to give the product a miss, but then, tucked in a corner at the back of the store, I found the Aromatherapy Garden oil stand. They had this organic rosehip oil, in a 25ml size, for only $14! Happier with this price, I decided on this product.
 
 
Packaging
 
The product comes in a 25ml brown glass bottle. The lid is a screw cap, which unfortunately did not have an attatched dropper (this would have made dispensing a lot easier!!). Instead the top of the bottle is sealed with a plastic plug which has a small hole to ensure a small amount of product is dispensed slowly. This comes in very handy if you accidently knock over the bottle, as no product leaks out! Comes packaged with a glossy label in green and white, with the above description of the oil's properties listed on the back. Looks natural and professional.
 

 
Product
 
 
 
The product itself is a fairly thin oil which is light brown/orange in colour. This originally frightened me a little! But when applying the product over your skin none of this tint shows. When applied to the face, and massaged in, it does not leave skin feeling oily, clogged or heavy. Instead it leaves my face with a light, dewy glow and seems to plump up the appearance of my skin. Some people may perhaps find oils will create shine on their face throughout the day, however I found this product absorbed in nicely, creating a beautiful smooth base for my makeup, and did not show oil through my foundation or powder all day.
When I feel like my skin is tired or stressed, I will layer this oil under a moisturizer at night and wake up with the most beautiful, rejuvinated looking skin.
 
Results
 
After just a few days of using this oil, I found it to be very effective at soothing my dry, blemished skin. It seemed to soothe redness over my breakouts, and helped them to dissapear faster. I used it morning and night, and never found it to make my skin oily. After applying this oil at night, I would wake up with the most lovely, plumped glowing skin.
I do not have any significant wrinkles yet, so I cannot comment on how it would work on these, but it does seem to plump the skin, so I feel it would potentially help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles
 
Over a few weeks of using this product, I have seen a marked reduction in old acne scarring marks on my cheeks and forehead. I have had this product for roughly two months, and am only 1/3 of my way through the bottle. At $14, it is the price of an average facial moisturizer, however most moisturizers do not last as well as this oil! I found it to be a great value buy and a bargain for such a beautiful product. Would definately recommend.
Will be repurchasing !