I scream, you scream, we all scream sunscreen!

So you know I wax lyrical about the importance of sunscreen (well I hope I do) and how you MUST wear it everyday, well I guess a lot of you are thinking “very well old chap, but which ONE?”. There are a lot out there, and I am verrrrrry picky when it comes to my facial sunscreens (not too oily, no white cast, blends in, doesn’t block pores)… so I thought I would share with you my tried and tested and much loved sunscreens to wear on an every day occasion (note that when I go out in the sun for a whole day I wear the big kahuna – the Invisible Zinc).

When choosing a sun block make sure it is just that a block and not a sunscreen (I know I know I just called them sunscreens). A sunscreen absorbs rather than reflects harmful rays. Sun blocks must have a high zinc and or titanium base to be effective and must be an SPF 30+ or above.

Do you want your collagen to breakdown, lose elasticity of your skin, get uneven skin tone and lines and wrinkles? No? Didn’t think so… So read on and get shopping!

1. O Cosmedics Mineral Pro SPF 30+ Triple Defence Protection (AU$45, 75g)

Mineral Pro SPF 30+ is a sheer lightweight formula which delivers triple defense protection. 20% natural zinc oxides provides true broad-spectrum protection, preventing skin damage as well as assisting skin healing and reducing inflammation. Resveratrol and Palmitoyl Loligo peptides rejuvenate, hydrate and further protect the skin. The perfect calming skin treatment and the ultimate skin primer before make up. Perfect for everyday use!

Key Ingredients:
ZINC OXIDE 20% w/w
Preservatives:
Phenoxyethanol, Diazolidinylurea.
Complies with AS/NZS 2604:1998

2. Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ Hydrating (AU$65, 100ml)

Packed with antioxidants and featuring super effective broad-spectrum sun protection, Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ is an enduring best-seller. The creamy, nourishing formula glides on without any of the usual white tint and offers great protection against UVA rays (the ones responsible for photo-ageing), so no age-defying battle is complete without it. This broad spectrum SPF 30+ daily moisturiser (free of nano particles) offers triple skin protection with a boost of hydration. It delivers a vital blend of moisturising ingredients: shea butter, panthenol and nicotinamide to support the skin’s lipid barrier function. The hydrating properties make it a great base under makeup too.

Active Ingredients: Octyl methoxycinnamate 2.0% w/w, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane 5.0% w/w, Octocrylene 3.0% w/w, Bemotrizinol 2.0% w/w, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 4.0% w/w. Also Contains: Benzyl alcohol and Sorbic acid.

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL SPF 50+ Extreme Fluid (AU $25.95, 50ml) – Available from Priceline

This one is a recent purchase for me, and already has made this prestigious list! I was quite excited to see this range on sale at Priceline a few weeks ago, and even more excited when I saw that they had a 50+ fluid sunblock range. The Anthelios XL Fluid Extreme 50+ has been certified as SPF50+ Very high UVA/UVB protection – which is music to my ears!  The skin is protected from sunburn, skin reactions and cell damage from UV rays. This is a fluid (so think more watery than your usual sunscreens), but is actually perfect for putting on in the morning before makeup, because this consistency melts into the skin almost instantly and doesn’t leave you feeling like you just caked something greasy onto your skin. It doesn’t leave you with a white tint, and I haven’t had any congestion from this one either. If you haven’t jumped onto the 50+ bandwagon yet, I strongly advise you do! It’s amazing!

Key Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Isododecane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol Denat, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Octocrylene, Titanium Dioxide, Isocetyl Stearate, Silica.
*This product is compliant with the new Australian Standard for UVB and UVA efficacy criteria set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on 10th November 2012.

I must add that all the products listed in this post, are listed mainly due to the fact that they work well under makeup and do not leave me with congested skin and breakouts. Like always though, what may be good for the goose (me!) may not be good for the gander (you girls! or boys!) and I can’t guarantee that these will all work for you and your skin type.

O Cosmedics sun block was gifted to me. As per my disclosure statement, this does not effect my opinion. I have purchased the others with my own hard earned moolah.

Cheap Chills

I’m starting to feel the winter chill now, and boy does my skin know it. The change in season wreaks havoc on my skin and I have to change my skin routine to suit. So in comes the heavy artillery – the winter skin saviours.

If you too are starting to see the harsh signs of winter on your skin… then sit back and let me show you the cheap and cheerful products I am using to keep my skin in tip-top condition in the cooler months… and all products listed are under $35! THAT SHIT CRAY!

Blackmores Natural Vitamin E Cream (AU$9.95) is a rich moisturising cream that protects skin. It has no artificial colours or fragrances and contains vitamin E, avocado oil, apricot kernel oil and vitamin A. I slather this on my face when it needs an instant injection of moisture (you can even use it like a face mask if you don’t like heavy creams left on your face) and I apply liberally onto my dry spots before going to bed (i.e. around my nose).

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (AU$19.95) is a natural skin oil that helps to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and dry skin.  A combination of potent active ingredients and 100% natural formula make it highly effective for other skin concerns including ageing skin, dehydration, and uneven skin tone. I swear by this product, I use it daily all throughout the year (not just winter). It helps to moisturise dry skin and contains essential fatty acids that are critical for skin health, but aren’t able to be reproduced by our skin. The lipids found in Rosehip oil are similar to those found in your skin; therefore, it absorbs easily, leaving no oily residue. This is of particular importance to people who think applying an oil will give you oily skin… MUCH THE OPPOSITE. It actually helps to balance oil flow in the skin.

Sukin Botanical Hydration Booster* (AU$23.95), a 100% natural elixir, rich in argan oil and immortelle formulated to help improve skin elasticity and deliver bright, radiant skin. Great for an instant hydration boost when you have been travelling in dry air conditions or work in harsh air conditioning all day (ME!). Contains a lot of skin-loving essentials oils such as Jojoba Oil, Ylang Ylang and Argan Oil.

Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner (AU$9.95) an alcohol-free, skin hydrating mist combines German chamomile and rosewater to help soothe, tone and cool tired skin. Use after cleansing (I use it as a toner) or whenever your skin feels tired or stressed. Perfect for hot days, long flights or long days in an air-conditioned environment.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Lotion (AU$7.99 / $10.99,  375mL / 750mL) contains rich cocoa butter to help even skin tone, while smoothing away roughness and penetrating deep into the skin where dryness starts. The specially formulated lotion is enriched with vitamin E and conditioning moisturisers to leave skin soft and supple, without leaving an oil slick all over your body. I love that this lotion instantly absorbs into the skin so you’re not slipping and sliding around. Oh and the pump top is oh so convenient!

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid (AU$15.95) is an ultra rich and creamy whipped lanolin lip treatment with organic lemon oil to naturally exfoliate, leaving lips fresh, soft and moist. The citric acid in the organic lemon oil acts as a natural exfoliator on dry, dead skin. I apply this to my lips before bed every night and wake up with soft, supple and non-scaly lips every morning. I don’t think I could do without this wonder product in Winter. It is literally my lip lifesaver!

Baby Lips in NEW! Mango Pie (AU$3.95), a lip balm that gives 8 hour hydration and is super hydrating thanks to shea butter, centella and vitamin complex. And for those of you who don’t know, centella is a herb that is an effective remedy for various ailments, one being skin conditions. Cheap and effective, GET ON THAT SHIZ! Mango Pie and the NY Fashion Week  limited edition in Berry are both my favourites.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (AU$34) is a light-textured cream giving 24-hour hydration, it helps to retain moisture within the skin, leaving skin feeling comfortable and well-balanced. The hero ingredients, Antarcticine and Imperata Cylindrica both have super hydrating properties to shield your skin from the harsh cold climate and to retain the moisture in your skin. I swear by this moisturiser. I recommend it for all skin types. Try it… trust me you won’t be disappointed.

The whole idea is to be pumping in as much moisture into your skin over the cooler months to make sure that your skin stays plump and glowing. If you didn’t know, essential fatty acids are key to keeping your skin and hair healthy, so as well as applying hydration and moisture onto your skin make sure to pop 2 – 4 Fish Oil capsules a day to maintain your body’s omega 3 fatty acids.

So Hautees, any tips for maintaining healthy and hydrated skin throughout Winter? I would to hear your tips and product recommendations. 

Products marked with a * were kindly sent for consideration, as per my disclosure statement, this did not influence my opinion in any way and all reviews are of my own honest opinion.

Vaseline Skin Saver Squads hit Brisbane – Giveaway CLOSED

Don’t tell me you haven’t heard about the new Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion with SPF 15 all over the radio and television. I know my ears pricked up when I heard the words ‘body lotion’ and ‘SPF’ in the same sentence… “by jingo”, I thought “about time!”. I am such a sun-safe snob, I baulk at the thought of intentionally sun baking, and will roll my eyes at girls that intentionally sizzle themselves like sausages on a BBQ in the hot Australian sun. I will not hold back in telling someone “they’re a bloody idiot” for frying themselves and will make it my mission to drill the fact into people’s heads that SUN DAMAGE IS IRREVERSIBLE!

So I was quite happy to see that somebody had taken the initiative (that being Vaseline) to incorporate an SPF into an everyday body lotion that will make it easier for Australian women to protect themselves from incidental sun exposure everyday.

Introducing Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion with SPF 15, a light, quick absorbing moisturising body lotion enriched with moisturising Aloe Vera, blocking more than 93% of UVA & UVB and leaving skin silky smooth and hydrated. HALLELUJAH!

This Wednesday, the 16th November, the Vaseline Skin Saver squads will blitz King George Square in Brisbane to help protect women and their skin this summer. The very buff all male squad will be out in force with umbrellas and bottles of Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion with SPF 15 to equip women with the tools needed to fight incidental sun exposure. They won’t just be handing out samples, but full size 200ml bottles!!! It might seem a little extreme, but as much as a short walk from the train to work is enough to cause incidental sun exposure. What’s more, in summer UVB rays can cause a fair-skinned person to burn in as little as 15 minutes, with initial UVA damage occurring well within this time frame.

WHAT: Vaseline “skin saver” squads

WHEN: Wednesday 16th of November – Brisbane / Thursday 17th of November – Sydney / Friday 18th of November – Melbourne

TIME: 11.00am – 2.00pm

LOCATION: Brisbane – King George Square/ Sydney – Wynyard Park / Melbourne – Southern Cross Station

COST: Free!

Vaseline Ambassador, Kate Ritchie, feels it’s time to stop neglecting our bodies:

“These days we are so skin aware and conscientious when it comes to caring for the skin on ourface but often forget about protecting the rest of our body with SPF. Even just a few minutes in the sun can start to dry and damage your skin and that’s why a body lotion with SPF protection is an absolute daily essential and just quietly, what’s also essential is that you check out the good looking Vaseline ‘skin saver’ squads in their green shorts!”

And I couldn’t agree more! If you are around King George Square on Wednesday, head down there over lunch time and get snapped with one of the hunky (shirtless I may add) skin saver boys and grab yourself a bottle of the new Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion with SPF 15. Your skin will thank you for it! All attendees in Brisbane will also receive a voucher for a $2 coffee from Bleeding Heart Café on Ann St, which is a not for profit organisation which puts every dollar you spend back into the community. DOUBLE WIN!

If you can’t make it down on the day to see the Vaseline “Skin Saver” Squad, do not fret! Hip & Haute is giving you lovely readers a chance to win one of 5 x 375ml bottles of the Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion with SPF 15.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED.

To enter, complete each of the following steps:

1. Follow Hip & Haute on both Twitter and Facebook

2. Tweet the following: Win the new Vaseline Aloe Fresh Lotion with SPF 15 thanks to @hipandhaute and the Vaseline Skin Saver squad http://wp.me/p1aiuj-oG #skinsavers

3. Comment on this post when you are done and let me know your Twitter name, Facebook name and email address so I can contact you if you win.

Giveaway is open to Australian residents only and ends Monday 28 November, 6pm EST (Brisbane time). Winners will be contacted by email. If a winner doesn’t give me their details within a week, another winner will be drawn.

Review: Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturiser

Recently I was given the chance to review the Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturiser for BellaSugar’s Sugar Spotlight. Personally I am not a huge fan of tinted moisturisers, BUT I am a fan of the new Positively Radiant range from Aveeno after using their cleanser for the past couple of months, which was much needed to bring my skin back from the flaky and desolate state it was in. So I was quite intrigued with the chance to try the Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturiser.

First thing that brought a smile to my dial was the fact that this tinted moisturiser was broad spectrum, protecting the face from harmful UVB and UVA rays. I am astounded by how many products don’t offer broad spectrum protection, which is so important. So BRAVO Aveeno! I love that it’s SPF 15, but I saw that in the USA the Aveeno Positively Radiant Tinted Moisturiser comes in an SPF 30? This would be more ideal for Australian conditions. I love that it’s also oil free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it’s great for all skin types.

I can’t really comment on the effectiveness of the Active Naturals Total Soy Complex to even skin tone and texture, I believe this would be more evident after an extended period of use. However the natural light-reflecting minerals it contains were great at giving a radiant glow to the face. So I guess you can fake it till you make it.

The texture was great, not too thick or runny, except I was very disappointed to find that it didn’t blend on my skin that well and seemed to “ball up”; when trying to apply with a brush, it seemed to cling to the brush and not transfer onto my skin.

My other dislike was the sheerness of the tint. Now I know it specifies sheer tint (I used the fair to light colour), however by the time I vigorously blended this into my skin (to try stop the product from balling up and sitting on top of my skin), it seemed to be all rubbed off and I was left with hardly any coverage. I had to set it with a translucent powder to give it a more matte finish and to also to soften the look of my pores. Because it doesn’t provide coverage, I had to use concealer as well. I guess this would be a great product for younger, more “perfect” skin. Great for teens to wear to school to protect the skin from sun damage (wish I had thought about this earlier, doh).

Overall, I loved the new packaging. The twist lock pump-top is great for girls who need to throw this in their overnight or gym bag and makes it that much more user-friendly. I think the only change I would make to improve this product would be to improve the formula so that it blends and melds with the skin, and maybe that would increase the chance of more coverage. I like that it is light, it just needs to take that step up from leaving my face looking naked (because really, I need a lot more to fake the ‘barely there’ look). Thanks Aveeno and BellaSugar for giving me the chance to trial this tinted moisturiser. I’m a huge fan of the positively radiant cleanser and continue to use it daily after months of use (which says a lot for a beauty blogger with products coming out her wazoo).

June Favourites 2011

It doesn’t look like I will get around to doing a June Favourites video, just like it doesn’t look like I’ll be 5kg lighter this summer. Oh well. You win some you lose some. Some major tooth pain from a root canal procedure, coupled with a sense of blah has really put my mojo off this month. Being in a drugged up stupor wasn’t very conducive to blog writing/youtube videos either (that may work for some people, but not me). Hopefully the worst of it is behind me now, I don’t want to be mojo-less for much longer.

So I know it’s almost to the end of July, but better late than never right??! Here is the rundown of my favourite products from the month of June:

White D-Tox [Bright Cell] Cleanser – $49.00 (AUD) for 125ml

This instant brightening micro-scrub cleanser is formulated with Biotherm’s ‘Bright Cell’ complex and Pure Extract of Thermal Plankton to help minimise the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots on the skin’s surface. And it does just that! Don’t you love products that do what they actually say they should. Let me answer that for you, YES! Hence why it is one of my favourites for the month (and every month mind you).

Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol – $60.00 (AUD)

The swirl of rich pigments in this baked blush creates a natural flush that lasts all day. The shimmering shades imbue skin with a ravishing pop of color – who doesn’t want that? Blush Patrol is enriched with Vitamins A and C. I love the fine gold flecks in this blush, that would suit any skin tone. The colour pay off is incredible, and gives your face that glowy gleam that we crave so much in Winter. I have been reaching for this blush a lot the past month to instil some colour and glow to my dull complexion.

NARS Orgasm Illuminator – $58.00 (AUD) for 30ml

Another shimmer inducer! This luminous cream magically transforms lackluster skin into a flawless, glowing complexion. I love the faint gold fleck combined with the peachiness of this, as I always like to wear coral blushes. The Orgasm Illuminator gives me glowing cheeks and a lit-from-within look that perks up my lack-lustre complexion.

Biotherm Skin.Ergetic Night Cream – $65.00 (AUD) for 50ml

Biotherm creates SKIN.ERGETIC NIGHT, its first overnight visible high-recovery moisturiser with five tea & seed fractions. A formula with a purifying complex that promotes the elimination of impurities generated by free radicals on the skin’s surface and diminishes visible signs of fatigue. As a non-user of night creams, this one was PERFECT for me. I was always scared that a night cream was going to be too oily and heavy for my skin, but this night cream from Biotherm is such a winner for younger skin. It hasn’t broken me out and I don’t wake up with a oil slick. Phew!

OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Minis Collection – $24.95 (AUD) for 4 x 3.75ml

A limited edition collection of four mini swashbuckling shades from the Pirates of the Caribbean Collection. The OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Minis Collection contains: Skull + Glossbones: a khaki gray shade; Planks A Lot: a lavender shade; Sparrow Me The Drama: a strawberry pink shade; Stranger Tides: a sage green shade. I love all the colours and they all apply like a dream!

Rahua Finishing Treatment – $65.00 (AUD) for 2oz

A finishing treatment that rivals the famed Morrocanoil (in my opinion). Super-fine Rahua oil molecules deeply penetrate the hair’s cortex to rebuild even the most damaged tresses – strengthens strands and leaving hair smooth, shiny and frizz-free. Silicone-free, it strengthens and allows hair to grow longer while providing a glossy, weightless finish. Rich with organic and 100% natural ingredients… oh and it smells nommy!

Have you tried any of these? 

Tell me, do you have any favourites that I MUST try?

[Image Source: www.bathingbeauty.com.au  www.clubbiotherm.com.au  www.adorebeauty.com.au  www.napoleonperdis.com.au ]

winter beauty routine

So I’ve decided to do my winter version of the Summer Beauty Routine that I posted here back in January of this year. Feel free to do this post on your blog too!

Without further ado, here is my current winter beauty routine:

Face

Cleanser: Biotherm White D-tox Instant Brightening Micro-scrub Cleanser with the Clarisonic Plus Sonic Skin Cleansing System at night and Clarins Cleansing Milk in the mornings. On occasion, my Lush Fresh Farmacy cleanser bar.

Toner/Mist: Natio Ageless Rehydrating Toner

Exfoliant: ASAP Daily Exfoliating Face Scrub with AHA (1-2 times per week)

Moisturizer: Mornings only – Ultraceuticals Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 30+ and Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream.

Facial mask: DMK acu masque

Makeup Remover: Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover

Night Treatment: Biotherm Skin•Ergetic Nuit Night Cream / Trilogy Rosehip Oil

Eye Cream: Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Spot Treatment: Luckily, I haven’t had any so bad that I’ve had to spot treat, but if I do I’ll use my Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum or Tea Tree Oil.

Body

Shower Gel: Lush It’s Raining Men Shower Gel /  Philosophy Gingerbread Girl Shower Gel

Body Lotion/Cream: Nivea Irresistibly Smooth for Dry Skin / Nivea Firming Body Lotion with Q10 Plus for Normal Skin

Anticellulite/Firming Treatment: Rodial body sculpture anti-cellulite gel

Body Exfoliant: (I have been really slack with this) The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Scrub  / Priceline Body Brush

Hand Cream: Nivea Intensive Nourishing Hand Cream Anti-dryness

Lip Balm/Treatment: Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid /  Lush Lip Scrub (to get rid of flakiness)

Perfume: D&G No 10 La Roue De La Fortune (day) and Kim Kardashian EDP (night)

Nail Polish: O.P.I Over the Taupe / O.P.I Sparrow Me the Drama / O.P.I Skull & Glossbones

Hair

Shampoo: Stefan Alive Volumising Keratin Shampoo for Fine Hair

Conditioner: Nak Care Conditioner

Leave-In Treatment: Rahua Beauty Finishing Treatment

Mask: Wella System Professional Luminous Hair Mask

Heat Protection: Morrocanoil

Volumising Product: Juice xagerate styling and volumising mousse

Shine Product: Wella System Professional Luminous Hair Mask

Hair Spray: Sunsilk Co-creations Plumped Up Volume hairspray / Herbal Essences tousle me softly flexible style hairspray

Makeup

Primer: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm / NARS Primer

Foundation: Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Fiji / or a mix of FoA Mineral Liquid Foundation in Beige mixed with Maybelline Mineral Power Liquid SPF 15 Foundation in Creamy Natural

Tinted Moisturiser: n/a

Concealer: Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer in 52 medium radiance

Powder: Maybelline NY Fit Me Pressed Powder #225 (day) and Napoleon Perdis Camera Finish in Look 4 (night)

Cream Blush: NARS Liquid Highlighter in Orgasm

Powder Blush: Illamasqua Powder Blush in Hussy or Thrust / Benefit Coralista / Napoleon Perdis Blush Patrol / Benefit Hoola (Bronzer) or FoA Pressed Powder Bronzer

Liquid Highlighter: NARS Liquid Highlighter in Orgasm

Powder Highlighter: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle

Mascara: Benefit BADgal mascara or Napoleon Perdis Long Black Mascara

Eyeliner: Napoleon Eye Pencil in Brown Sugar or a brown eyeshadow pressed into the lash line

Cream Eyeshadow: Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in RSVP or M.A.C Paint Pot in Bare Study

Powder Eyeshadow: M.A.C Woodwinked and Sable

Highlighter Shadow: M.A.C Paint Pot in Bare Study

Lipgloss: NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Sweet Heart / Face of Australia Mineral Lip Shine in Fairy Floss / Illamasqua Sheer Lipgloss in Divine

Lipstick: M.A.C Lipstick in Angel / M.A.C Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Behave Yourself

[Image Source: http://callousheart.tumblr.com/page/50 ]

the yoggie bare face mask

I got talking on Twitter one day with Audra from Audra James Botanicals about natural ingredients that you can buy from the store and use as facial treatments/face masks at home. A few that popped up were Avocado Oil, Avocado, Yoghurt, Honey, Egg, Lemon etc. This spiked my curiosity, as I had some natural yoghurt leftover in the fridge, and I had never made my own face mask before.

So I decided, I would head home and try out a Yoghurt and Honey face mask, as Audra said that the lactic acid in yoghurt is great for exfoliating and fading discolouration (which is exactly what I needed!!). The honey would help moisturise.

Externally, lactic acid and enzymes in yoghurt help to hydrate and sooth the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. The cleansing properties which make it beneficial to digestion, purify the skin as well, both when applied directly to the skin and when ingested. When combined with honey and lemon juice, yogurt makes a moisturising and exfoliating mask, great for softening the face and neck and minimising discolouration.

Benefits from using yoghurt on the skin:

• Clear skin
• An effective remedy for sunburn
• Helps with blemishes
• Tones down freckles
• Whitens the skin
• Exfoliates the skin due to the lactic acid contained in yoghurt
• Moisturises the skin

Yoghurt can be used alone or blended with other natural ingredients in your own home. You must be careful to choose yoghurt with live active cultures in order to get the full benefits. When using yoghurt topically it is best to use plain, not flavoured yoghurt.

So here I bring you……… the YOGGIE BARE FACE MASK (corny but oh so clever… I’m smarter than your average bear! So I like to think)

YOGGIE BARE FACE MASK – a DIY Natural yoghurt and Honey face mask

All you need is:

1 Tablespoon of Natural Yoghurt

1 squeeze of Honey

Small bowl and spoon

Add a spoon of yoghurt to a bowl and then squeeze a small amount of honey in (how much you use is up to you).

Mix together well.

Spread all over face and leave on for 15-20mins.

I just used the back of a spoon to spread it all over my face, but you can use a brush or fingers, whatever you please.

After leaving it on for 15 mins, I washed the mask off with warm water and a washer and was presented with  clear, radiant skin! The face mask didn’t cause any skin reactions (there was slight tingling but nothing major) so I would say this would be great for most skin types, no matter what your concerns. And because you make this at home, with natural ingredients – you know what has gone into it.

Not only is a DIY face mask at home using natural ingredients great for your skin… it’s great for your hip pocket too!

Information Source: here 

NEW! Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool

Sigma Beauty have just announced a new tool that’s quite similar to the Clarisonic but at a MUCH lesser cost – the Sigma Cleansing and Polishing Tool! At just US$39.00 this tool is a much cheaper option to the famous Clarisonic. I know that many people are not willing to fork out a few hundred dollars for the Clarisonic tool, so this may be a great alternative.

‘Say goodbye to dull and uneven skin! With the new Sigma Beauty Cleansing and Polishing Tool you can polish your skin to be perfectly smooth and flawless before and after your makeup application. The Sigma Beauty Cleansing and Polishing Tool comes with 3 brush heads carefully designed to exfoliate and polish your skin.’

I have the Clarisonic and I LOVE it! I think it is fabulous, and personally, I don’t think this Sigma tool will come anywhere close to the effects of the Clarisonic, as the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing Systems use a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to gently, yet thoroughly remove 6X more makeup and 2X more dirt and oil than cleansing with your hands alone. But it’s up to you… check out the images and the tutorial vid below to see if this is for you.

The NEW Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool comes with 3 brush heads and is Water resistant. Requires 2 AA batteries (not included). Available from the Sigma Beauty website for US $39 + shipping.

 

What do you think? Would you get one?

Do you think it’s a viable dupe for the Clarisonic? It doesn’t use sonic vibrations, so I guess it’s just a rotating brush…

[Image Source: www.sigmabeauty.com ]

March Favourites 2011

Cupcake

This fresh face mask from Lush Cosmetics blows the myth about chocolate being bad for your skin right out of the water! The Lush Cupcake mask (75g, $15.95) is a chocolate-scented, chocolate-coloured cocoa powder and cocoa butter mask made from fresh ingredients. This mask smells SOOOO good. Good enough to eat – trust me I was tempted. It reminds me of that Betty Crocker Mud Chocolate Frosting… BUT BETTER for you!

It is ideal for teenage/oily skin for preventing (and soothing) breakouts and removing excess oils. The anti-microbial, deep cleansing Rhassoul mud works to draw out toxins and impurities in the skin and trace elements such as calcium, silica, iron, potassium, sodium, and magnesium (which make rhassoul unique) help to prevent skin problems and also detoxify the skin; the peppermint and spearmint oils not only soothe the skin, the anti-bacterial and anti septic properties help to clear and heal blemishes faster. So this face mask is good to pop on whenever you like as it not only prevents but heals problematic skin. I find that if you do one a week, it will effectively combat oily blemishes and help to heal the skin of any existing breakouts. Sandalwood oil and linseed infusion are also beautifully softening so men can use this to soften their stubble before shaving too.

As Lush face masks contain fresh ingredients, they have a short shelf life of 3 weeks (an expiry date will be on the tub) and must be kept in the fridge.

Apply to clean damp skin avoiding the eye area; leave on for ten minutes then rinse off with warm water, massaging as you go. You will get at least four treatments per pot. I usually apply this after using my exfoliating face wash with AHA, and the combination of the two, MY OH MY, my skin has never felt softer. This mask will definitely be making an appearance in my fridge again 🙂

Ingredients:

Rhassoul Mud, Linseed Infusion (Linum usitatissimum), Glycerine, Talc, Cocoa Powder (Theobroma cacao), Cocoa Butter (Theobroma cacao), Fresh Mint (Mentha piperita), Sandalwood Oil (Santalum album), Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla planifolia), Spearmint Oil (Mentha viridis), Peppermint Oil (Mentha piperita), Pefume.

If like me, you are a lover of Lush products, then listen up… when you take 5 empty tubs of the fresh face masks back to your Lush store, you will get a FREE face mask in return. Yes that’s right… you get rewarded for recycling. Yippee!!! So hold onto those tubs girls and boys.