Remove the face! xox

Remove the Make-Up

Mirenesse Purify Melt and Vanish (Makeup Remover). I got this product after reading its rave review on beauty heaven. It’s a rinse off makeup remover. Its quite an oily product and assists to remove most of the make-up from my face but I find it doesn't do a complete job. I do like it, however I still find I either have to remove from product with a babywipe before or after. That being said I wear a bit of make-up when I go out at night and this is when I use the product. So for those who wear more moderate make-up this is probably better suited for you. It’s a nice product but maybe a little too oily for me.

However their Purify Dual Comfort (Eye and Lip Makeup remover) is great. You just shake and apply to a cotton pad and it swipes my eye make-up away nicely. It leaves my skin a little red, but again I wear long lasting products like gel eye liners and budge proof mascaras so most products don't remove it. But its soft and great formulation to melt away my eye make-up. And its leaves my skin nourished, which is important after wearing make-up all day..

Australis 3 in 1 Make-Up remover wipes. Now I have mentioned and don’t hide the fact that I prefer baby wipes over make-up wipes. I find that most make-up wipes make me break out! However these were on sale 3 pack of $12 (AUS) and I couldn’t resist.. I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised. If I’m wearing heavier eye make-up I sometimes find that baby wipes won’t do the best job in removing my mascaras and eyeliners and I end up with red eyes from rubbing. Now normally I’m very religious in removing make-up with my designated removers, however and girls I know I’m not the only one. If you have been out partying all night or had a massive day you just don’t have any energy to remove your make-up. So I reach for the wipes. Now back to the Australis wipes, they are not too moist that I feel left wet faced, and I like to place this on my eyelid and leave for a few second whilst it picks up my make-up. I found these effective and great at taking off my make-up. I sometimes use these on their own, or in conjunction with a toner which I actually use on the folded up wipe once I have finished with it. They don’t have a heavy fragrance which I have found with other wipes, and seriously get the job done.. They will now have a well-earned spot in my beauty drawer..

Skin 101!! xox

My girlfriends always comment on what lovely skin I have. And I thank my mum for good genetics. But I also thank my cousin for introducing me to great products. To be able to apply great make-up you have to start with a great canvas. So my top 5 tips to great skin:

       1 ~ Drink lots of water! I know it’s simple but it is true. Drinking water flushes all the toxins out   of your system allowing for a healthier insides which reflects a healthy outside.

2 ~ Certain foods are said to assist with a healthy glow

These include:

Carrots

Berries

Mango

Avacado

Almonds

Hazlenut

Honey

Green Tea

Low fat yogurt

Dark chocolate

Tuna

Green vegatables

3 ~      An effective cleanser suited to your skin type:
I have just started using Cosmedics Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser and I'm so happy. It has taken me years to find a really good cleanser that agrees with my skin, and I have found it with this wonder cleanser. I don't need a lot as it has a great formula, and it doesn't over lather which I love. I have found really soapy cleanser dry out my skin. I just need a little bit and a wash off to reveal smooth feeling skin.  I do a second cleanse if I have been wearing a lot of make-up that day. It doesn't leave my skin feeling tight at all, just very clean. I have experienced no break outs or skin issues since using this cleanser and found I don't need as much moisturiser because my skin is feeling very hydrated. I tend to have sensitive skin, but have had no issues, it’s even safe around the eyes. I really like this product and its Australian Made and Owned yay!!

4 ~         A good night of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’s.

              Believe me, a well rested beauty really has a more glowing complexion. I know    sometimes it’s easier said then done, but if your more organised in the night times, this can give you that extra 20 minutes in bed in the morning. Also when going to bed make sure that your face is clean and make-up free. Please ladies and if you enjoy your night treatments like I do, try once to twice a week to have nothing on the precious face of yours!! & let your skin truly breath…

5 ~ Do not squeeze those pimples ladies!!

 Unless you want a permanent reminder of where it is... My advice, if it springs up in the morning put a light down of tea tree oil on the spot, or if it's just before bed a small bit of toothpaste directly onto the spot will dry out the spot.

In Essence Tea Tree pure essential oil. My girlfriends always ask me what should they put on their spots (pimples)... And I always say tea-tree oil. It's such an old remedy but a great one. Just dab a bit of the tea tree on the spot, it's really healing and will attack the bacteria of the spot. I will also use Tea Tree oil when soaking my feet. I fill a basin with luke warm water and add 10 drops of Tea Tree oil and enjoy the cleansing and healing powers of the essential oil. I also like to put a few drop of Tea Tree oil on a tissue when I have a cold or a sniffle to enhale and it clears my nostrils.

I know some of these things seem to be common sense but it's a good reminder to those like me who often forget how important the basics really are. Any advice or tips leave it in the comments section or email me J xox xox



PRODUCT RAVE

All Aboard the Napoleon Perdis Express

 I won this Shanghai Ginger Body Lotion from Napoleon Perdis and I’m one happy girl. I’m not a fan of ginger and probably would have never tried it but I’m so happy I have it. I only tried a little bit on my wrist to start with being very sceptical but I'm a total convert. It’s a sweet and subtly spicy scented moisturiser that is so lush. Great size 500 ml bottle. I never really thought of Napoleon Perdis for their body products only their make-up but I’m glad they have expanded into different beauty areas. It really is a nourishing, little wonder product. And even after application I can still smell this on myself and it's delicious! Even while applying I keep smelling my hands because it’s really yummy. And funny enough Shanghai is one of my favourite cities!! I really don't have a bad word to say about this product....

PRODUCT REVIEW:

Face of Australia Foundations Review:

Face of Australia stick foundation SPF 15. I found these little gems a few years ago and have never looked back. Sometimes I want strong coverage for night time. Stick foundations tend to be very strong, and some people don't like such strong coverage but I do. I have it in Outback Beige for winter and Outback Tan for summer when my skin is darker. They are so easy to apply with a sponge and allows really controlled application. Great for your handbag for easy touch ups. Just whip it out, touch up and done. I always have them in my beauty case. They are so great just a very easy foundation, I can’t get enough. If you don't like a strong coverage, I wouldn't suggest a stick foundation for you. But I adore this stick of beauty. 

Face of Australia Expert Finish Mousse Foundation (Tan): After bad experiences with other mousse's I had given up on them. I felt it was hard to get an even coverage, I couldn't get the right amount it was either too much or not enough. And it never lasted on my skin. I couldn't get an even look. Until I found this pot of gold. I thought because I love their stick foundations so much, they might be ok. And Face of Australia has changed my mind about foundation mouse. This is a great foundation. So smooth and light, I adore it. It gives me an even skin tone, and a really soft and polished look. I used a powder blend over the top to set it and to last longer, but its not necessary. I do keep it in my bag for touch ups (just in case), but rarely pull it out. Good if you like applying products with your fingers, but blends really well with a brush. It really makes my face feel covered but still fresh. I’m a convert now, and have a new found love for mousse.

As always the best way for me to help you is to provide me with feedback, comments or questions.. Peace and Love xox

SPLISH SPLASH!!

Bath time products...

I really enjoy bath time I make it almost a ritual. So that’s why I enjoy beautiful smelling products. This is how I like to relax by pampering my body. So I enjoy filling my bathroom with a multitude of products to indulge in. And each product is so different and unique I find it really exciting to try new things and find my favourites that make bath-time fun fun fun.

Billie Goat Soap; Bath Milk... This bath time wonder, is fabulous. It's also formulated for sensitive skin. My cousin gave these products to me as a gift (she is a dermatologist) and I have instantly fallen in love. You only need a little bit, but if you love products like me I tip the whole bag into one bath.. The packaging says you can get two baths, I think up to five a little of this goes a long way. I have it in lavender, and it just has the instant calming aroma associated with the scent. It melts with the water and your left with a lovely relaxing bath time experience. Team it up with their Lavender soap and I promise you will be one satisfied bathee (if that is a word). Its a great bathroom treat for when you have had a stressful day and want to relax and unwind and this product allows just that.  It also contains cocoa butter to give your skin added moisture, vitamin E also great for your skin, and Epsom salts which is great for your muscles.
I’m a big bath girl I love it, and this low maintenance product makes your bath a treat.

 Billie Goat Soap (Lavender) like the bath salts this is another great product. it’s a very rich moisturising soap. I found with other hard soaps they can sometimes be drying on the skin. But not this bar of gold... It honestly is so rich you can feel it in your hands.. I'm not sure what it is about goats milk that is so nourishing (may have to do some research..) but it just has this amazing properties that really leaving your skin feel soft and silky. There is also olive oil and almond oil in this gem that I believe adds to its great effects. You don’t need a lot to feel clean, just be careful you don't leave it on the white tiles like i did because i will stick and left a tiny purple mark (which was easily washed off). I can't say enough good things about this soap. I have used bars of soap in the past and to be honest I don't like them. They leave me feeling dry, or slip out of my hands and I have always preferred liquid washes. But this has won me over.. Love it.. 

  

Innoxa- Restore body wash. I won this a few months ago and I am sooo lucky to have found this body wash. The first thing I noticed the smell. Its divine, its almost has a sexy man aroma to it which I cant get enough of. It is divine. My only criticism is the 300ml bottle is not enough for me I want more more more. It really washes the skin, and a little goes a long way on a loofah. I like products that smell good, and I describe this products smell as sexy. It will definitely now be a staple in my shower. After the gym I pop into the shower wash this over me and I literally smell just from the smell, it makes me feel clean and sexy. Seriously if you want a treat in the bathroom, this is it...

In-Essence Muscle Ease Bath Salts: This conveniently measured sachet makes a quick easy bath time treat. I have recently being doing booty camp (boot camp for girls) and this product has been a saviour!! Just run a bath and pour this salt mixture under the running water to permeate. It has a very comforting smell which comes from the ingredients of lemongrass, lavender and rosemary. It won’t cure your muscle stiffness, however it really does assist to relax my whole body after a tough training session. If you’re not a big bubble kind-of girl than and do a bit of physical training this product could become your new bath friend.



My Nails!

At the moment I am wearing Princess by She Australia on my nails.

Its a really soft pink, its such a beautiful shade.

I love this nail polish it lasts really well, and looks so sweet on my nails.

Product must haves!! The basics.. Beauty Make-Up

The best place to start with any beauty make up is the basics. Not only will they make you look fabulous they will also be staples that you can rely on no matter what.
Here is a look into my full-proof make-up must haves.

#1 a make-up/skin primer. Ladies you need one. If you wonder why some people’s make-up sits so flawlessly on their face and wonder how they get such even natural skin the answer apart from a fabulous make-up artist, the answer will be a primer.  As one of Napoleon Perdis's products says... It's a crime not to prime.. Which is so true. If you have never tried a primer, girl you're missing out... If you wonder why your foundation sits differently all over your face, chances are you need a primer. It acts as layer over the epidermis which evens out your skin, and creates a great base to apply your foundation. Now, people ask me isn't a moisturiser enough. Well my response is, everyone’s skin is different and if you’re happy with the coverage and effect your make-up currently has then yes. But for me I like my make-up to look flawless, I want to even out my skin tone (like my forehead is always dryer than my cheeks and this effects the look & application of my make-up), also primers assist in making your make-up last longer. And for me I find wearing make-up all day can kind of block my pores so by putting on a primer first it gives it an extra nourishing layer against the make-up. You only need a tiny bit.  My favourites are:

Mirenesse Make-up Base SPF 15 This is a strong formula which stays put on the skin. You only need the smallest amount, and its very effective. It really evens out my skin tone and allows my foundation to glide over the top. I have found my foundation lasts a lot longer when I put this underneath. Because it feels so concentrated I only use this for night time make-up when I know I need it to really last. I don't want to waste it on my day-to-day make-up. Its convenient pump pack makes it so easy to get a small amount it blends well onto my skin. I would really recommend it for any make-up professional who loves their make-up steps. 

Mirenesse Make-up Base SPF 15

 

Face of Australia Face Base. 3 in 1 Primes, Protects & Moisturises. I adore this primer for my day wear make-up. It also contains a SPF 15 which makes me happy. As I always say I make sure I wear an SPF every day!!! It’s so so so important, even if your going to be inside all day. Its a very smooth and consistent formula which sits perfectly on my skin. I just wait two minutes before applying my foundation to ensure it fully absorbs into my skin. Its oil free which is good for those who find their skin tends to get a little greasy during the day and has to reach for the powder. It really provides me with a great canvas to start my make-up for the day.

Face of Australia Face Base

Australis Primer. This little primer is a great quick solution for when I'm in a rush. I always prime doesn't matter how little time I have. I just pop this under my foundation and start applying right away. My make-up sits pretty well, but that’s also because I have done a quick application. It’s a light gel that my skin soaks up, and result smooth skin ready... Not much to say other than I love it, it has become a staple in my make-up drawer quick, simple, done the way a primer should be. (Australis have updated their packaging, so this is their old style).

Australis Primer

#2 eyelash curler.. Ladies they honestly do wonders…  My favourite is the Shu Uemura. But you need one I promise you!! For me it gives me an extra kick that my lashes need for the flirty fluttery effect and then I apply mascara with the lash to accentuate them.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

#3 is an eyelash primer and mascara… Even if you don’t have time to put on a face of makeup a quick clamp of your curler and a sweep of mascara and your good to go. Also an eyelash wand is a saviour for clotting and unwanted spider eyes… Gasp!!

Eye Lash Primer recommendations:

Mirenesse - 4D Secret Lash Evolution Primer

Estee Lauder – Lash Primer Plus

Mascaras:

Yves Saint Laurent - Everlong Mascara Waterproof

Mirenesse- Sexy Secret Weapon 24 Hr Mascara with Plastic Fantastic Brush

Covergirl- Lash Blast

#4 is a good foundation/tinted moisturiser. I have a few depending on what look I am going for and what time of the wear it is. Obviously during the summer months it is darker than would I wear in the middle of winter. So if you don’t want too many product a tinted moisturiser is better for you.

At the moment I am loving the Mirinesse foundations.

Y Flawless Revolution 3 in 1 Anti ageing 24hr Skin Perfecter SPF15

Y Liquid Silk Mineral Foundation No Oil SPF15

Y Velvet Maxi Lift Foundation Original 18 Hr Airbrush Finish 40g Winner BEST LONG LASTING FOUNDATION

Y Velvet Maxi Lift + Antiageing Renovage Airbrush Finish WINNER BEST LONG LASTING FOUNDATION

Mirenesse Matte Liquid Silk Foundation  (Bronze Silk).. Love love love this foundation. Easy application, great medium coverage. It just works so well with my skin minimal effort for application. This formulation is great for my skin. It lasts all day (I put a powder over the top to set it). But for a dewy look I leave it plain. Its great all over, doesn't seep into my lines making them more apparent

Mirenesse Matte Liquid Silk Foundation

Velvet Maxi Lift Foundation Air Brush 18 Hr Wear. Very light consistency, I like to build this up to a stronger coverage. Applies well with my finger. Contains ingredients that promote more youthful skin, so double effect. Gives me a soft glowy look. Don't know about 18 hour wear but definitely has great staying power. Its so powerful it can be hard to wash off my fingers after application, really have to scrub my hands for removal. But this is another great product of Mineresse.

Velvet Maxi Lift Foundation Air Brush

Flawless Revolution Anti-Ageing 3 in 1 24 hour skin perfecter SPF 15. When I first aw this product with the swirls through it I thought this is not going to work. But once pumped onto fingers, its a fluid combination of all ingredients. Great and easy to apply, offers fabulous even coverage. This first time I wore it, my mum commented on how dewy and lovely my skin looked and asked me what I was wearing. Now let me tell you, my mum never gives me compliments or asks me about my make-up so for her to make a comment is really something.. Its last well, photographs well. My only issue is when I'm pumping it  takes a lot of squeezes to get it. Not sure if it is just mine or the way its made with the swirls. So when I’m in a hurry sometimes it takes over 30 pumps to even get a little out. I was going to write to the company to ask if this was normal, but I am yet to get onto it I keep forgetting until I go to use it again.. But the actual product itself is as the name says 'Flawless'. Plus the SPF is an absolute bonus. 

Flawless Revolution Anti-Ageing 3 in 1

Minersse Velvet Maxi Lift Line Treatment FoundationYes, Yes & Yes.. Yes velvety, Yes great coverage, Yes I will buy again. I love this little miracle foundation. Thick strong coverage which I love in a foundation. It leaves my skin velvety and smooth. It hides all my imperfections effortlessly. Blends so will with my skin tone. Easy pump for controlled distribution.  Also has anti-ageing extracts which I adore the thought of, because it means its not only just a foundation it also has extra properties to fight against ageing. I love my skin when I have this and my other make-up sits perfectly on top of it. Thank-You Mineresse :)

Minersse Velvet Maxi Lift Line Treatment Foundation

#5 is a lipstick/lip gloss in a neutral colour. Something not too sparkly or shiny… So you can wear it with any look any time and it be very natural…

My favourites are:

Y Prrr by Mac Tinted Lipglass

Y C-Thru by Mac Tinted Lipglass

Y NARS lipgloss in Foul Play