Best Summer Beauty Buys:: Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint

I've never been a big fan of tinted moisturiser. It's never the right colour - and it always feels a bit slick when applied to the face.

But as a huge and dedicated Dermalogica fan, I had to try this Ultra Sensitive Tint, because I've never met a Dermalogica product I didn't like love.

Perfect for application (you just need a little more than pea size), I used my fingers for easy and silky smooth application. I wore this everyday of my holidays and loved it - and didn't even go near my everyday foundation, because this was the perfect base. 

It's sheer - but not too sheer, it gives a nice even coverage and feels really good to touch. It worked well with my regular make-up too. 

Offering SPF30 and tinted using earth minerals it helps guard skin against sun and UV damage with Grape Seed and Green Tea extracts added to help fight against anti-oxidants. 

I really loved this - and would definitely recommend it for a really light everyday coverage - and sun protection. But if you don't love tinted coverage - I want to recommend the Super Sensitive Shield. Why? It's really gentle, smells amazing, and it was so good I used it on Tiny (she really, really hates wearing sunscreen - and she didn't complain with this, not once!). 


Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint $52



Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Best Summer Beauty Buys:: Black Chicken Axilla Natural Deodorant Paste

It may sound weird, but this deodorant paste is a total winner. Otherwise I wouldn't tell you about it. 

When I was first asked to try it out, I was dubious. I didn't want to have to apply a paste. But after two weeks of trialling it, I have to say - it's awesome. 

It's 100% natural from certified organic ingredients, made in Australia - and chemical free (aluminium, alcohol, petrochemicals, fragrance, phthalates, talc and parabens) - which means it's free from all the bad stuff we apply to our underarms almost religiously. 

Invisible after application, you just take a pea-sized amount, apply it under your arms - et voila! 

Really, I didn't think this was going to stand the test - but it lasts all day, and smells really, really good (kind of like old-fashioned cola lollies). For the ultimate test, I asked Matt to try it out - the results are in - it's even man-proof! 

It lets your body dispel toxins while keeping you fresh. 

How does it work? I know it sounds too good to be true, but the Kolin Clay and Arrowroot work together to absorb moisture while the Sodium Bicarbonate neutralises odour - and the shea butter moisturises and helps for easy application. Couple this with essential oils of Peppermint, Mandarin, Lime, Geranium (my favourite), Cajaput, Clove and Lavender - for their antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-stink and antiseptic properties, and you've got yourself a real game changer. 

Black Chicken Axilla Natural Deodorant Paste $15.95 - Nourished Life 

Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Beauty Review:: Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss

I am someone who loves my gloss. Like really, really loves my gloss. 

I carry those puppies around everywhere I go. You never know when your lips need another slick of lip gloss. 

For me, the Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss is the perfect pop of subtle colour, combined with a beautiful gloss - that's not sticky. 

Way back in 1930 Max Factor created lip gloss for Hollywood stars to make their lips super-glossy and sultry. These new colours are next level delivering high-pigmentation - perfect for Summer. 

Super smooth application, the gloss itself feels light on, but provides maximum gloss. And the palette is bang on - perfect for everyday use. 

Max Factor Colour Elixir Gloss $19.95

Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Best Beauty Buys:: Max Factor Colour X-Pert Waterproof Eyeliner

You and me. We both know I'm no beauty pro. But I love to dabble in new products, I'll always try something new. 

As part of the festival that was Frocktober, I became pretty good at applying the winged eye. This is no easy feat given I usually go all wonky. But practise makes perfect, and I became pretty good. From a Betty Draper wing tip, to a fuller Amy Winehouse flow, I got it down pat. 

Maybe you want to give it a try too?  Want to know my secret? 

This Max Factor Colour X-Pert Waterproof Eyeliner is the shiz. It's awesome. 

The tip creates a strong, defined line to create a dramatic line. If you're wanting to create a smooth, strong line - then this is the eyeliner. Plus it's waterproof so you won't have to worry about smudged lines, it stays in place all day - impeccable!

Max Factor Colour X-Pert Waterproof Eyeliner $19.95

Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Frocktober 2014:: Beauty Favourites

Given I've documented everything I've worn this month, it's meant I've had to dedicate myself to a pretty rigorous beauty regime. 

Say it ain't so! 

It is so, I need to get my face ready for the camera people!

Today I'm sharing three of my favourites that have helped me combat fatigue - or at least make it look that way!

1. Kosmea Facial Cleansing Wipes:: These are pretty well my favourite thing at the moment. At the end of the day, to get rid of the liquid eye-liner, foundation, everything I've layered on my face, these wipes are gentle, and cleanse your face in a wipe. I pretty well want to marry them. Plus they smell like rosewater, and rosewater is my all-time favourite smell. 

2. Bloom Cosmetics Full & Flirty Mascara:: I love thick looking, dark lashes, and this does just that. No flaking, no itching, instead just full, luscious lashes. Plus the brush ensures there's no clumping. 

3. Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream:: A colour-correcting cream that combines camouflaging capabilities with a super dewy finish. It's hydrating, contains SPF 30, and just between you and me, I've been using this UNDER my regular foundation for a flawless finish. But you could wear just a moisturiser and this and be incredibly happy. 


What's the beauty product you couldn't live without?

Best Beauty Buy:: A 100% Natural, Gluten Free, Vegan Lipstick? YES PLEASE!

If we go on packaging alone (yes I am that superficial) I am already in love. A sleek, silver bullet-like case contains a brilliant surprise. 

Creamy, rich and a great colour, I've been really enjoying wearing 100% Pure Lip Vegan Lipstick. It's great wearing and the formulation feels hydrating and moisturising. I've been trying out Lychee and I have to attest, it is the perfect neutral pink, great for those times when you want a bit of lip colour, but you don't want to go all out with a statement lip colour.

A range of organic lipsticks that are coloured from the same fruit pigments that make strawberries red - and blueberries blue, they are healthy and rich in antioxidants and vitamins. 

So they're 100% natural, vegan, they're organic, and the pigments are perfect. But that's not all! The base contains avocado and cocoa butters (making them super moisturising) - they're also gluten free. 

Why gluten free? If you're looking to avoid gluten, many lip colours contain Vitamin E which can contain gluten. However the Vitamin E in these lip glazes is derived from cold pressing rice bran.

Pretty cool, huh? Next on my list is Watermelon - the best-seller, a sheer soft red. Sounds like it should be a staple in my beauty bag.

100% Pure Lip Vegan Lipstick from Nourished Life $20.95 

Dermalogica Face Mapping Facial:: The Downlow

While I'm on the subject of beauty and skincare, I have to share an amazing experience I had a few weeks ago. 

Dermalogica invited me to enjoy a FaceMapping session at their treatment centre. 

I'm going to skip to the punchline, because I can't recommend it enough. Immediately following the session I could see the results. My skin texture was immediately improved, it was well hydrated, and even if I do say so myself, the effects left my skin radiant. I floated out of that treatment feeling AMAZING.

But I don't need to say it myself, because a number of people have commented on how good my skin looks. Let me assure you, I'm not being a smug jerk. I have issues with my skin, so when someone tells me my skin looks great, I retain the compliment. Retain. Retain. Retain. 

So let's go back to the treatment. It's amazing.

Rebecca (my therapist) sat with me to talk about my skin concerns. Mine? Ageing. Spots. Dryness. 

She then took a look at my skin under a magnifying headset to map my face into 14 distinct zones. 

Say what? Well the image above explains it better. 

Drawing on the centuries old tradition of Chinese Facial Diagnosis, the skin therapist examines your skin, divides it into 14 zones, and takes a look at why your skin is looking the way it does. By taking the cues from the Chinese Facial Diagnosis, therapists can see the activity of the heart, lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys - and how they're reflected in the condition of your skin. 

For example, if the ears feel hot, it may mean potential kidney distress from too much alcohol or caffeine, resulting in dehydration. Or a pale, swollen nose might indicate the stressful effects of too much dairy.

Pretty amazing, huh?

So the treatment you get is tailored to your personal skin needs, so you get the optimum results. 

Inch-by-inch your therapist will look at your skin to provide an accurate record - so you can set some goals. The therapist can then prescribe products specifically to you. 

I am going to book in to have another session because it really did my skin wonders - plus highlighted some potential health issues. In my book, that's pretty cool. 

Face Mapping is only available from Dermalogica skin care professionals at authorised skin treatment centres. Want to get mapped?

Find a location here. 

*This is not a sponsored post. I was offered the opportunity to have a Face Mapping session. I took it with both hands. Loved it. Glowed. Raved about it. Want it to happen all over again. I wanted to share. I only ever share things I am truly passionate about, and want you to know about.

Beauty Review:: Racinne Ultimate Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub

I am a pretty mad keen exfoliator enthusiast. It's my go-to for smooth skin and it's something that gives you instant results. 

The thing I love about Racinne Ultimate Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub (try saying that 10 times fast) is that it really is gentle. The silky opalescent consistency makes it super gentle so you can use it daily. 

Containing a beautiful mix of lemongrass and peach extract, together with ultra-fine exfoliating that smoothes aged skin cells the exfoliator improves the surface, as well as removing embedded impurities and regenerates your skin to make it look brighter and smoother. The seaweed extract promotes a 28 day skin renewal to increase absorption for hydration and nutrients for beautiful radiant skin.

Super simple to use, I use it in the shower, gently massaging with a circular motion over the face (avoiding the eye area) and rinse. 

Buy Racinne Ultimate Hydra Perfection Gentle Refining Scrub here $24


Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Beauty Review:: Evo The Great Hydrator Moisture Mask

My hair gets exceptionally dry. I'm talking snap off and die. Knot to mention the knot factor. Blergh. Dry hair. Do care. 

So I tried this hair moisture mask. I've tried masks in the past and not been fussed by them. All those other moisture treatments have given me the feeling that they've moisturised my hair, but it hasn't been a long lasting feeling. 

Enter Evo. 

Evo is one of my all-time favourite hair products. I first started off with Easy Tiger - many, many years ago. It's super good. When I had shorter hair I really, really loved Salty Dog Cocktail Beach Spray - it gave me more texture. Then I graduated to Haze Powder (honestly if you want texture in your hair, and volume, this is the goods), Builder's Paradise got me through Frocktober and my menagerie of random hairstyles, I use Love Perpetua on Tiny's hair. It really helps to get the knots out. 

So you could say I am a bit of an Evo devotee. Or junkie. But there's no rehab available. So onwards I must go. 

But on with The Great Hydrator Moisture Mask. I used it. My hair instantly felt smoother. Softer. Better. And it smelt pretty rad too. Once it was dry, my hair felt moisturised and easier to work with (less knots, less snapping, more awesome). It also gave my hair a bit of extra shine which I am a huge fan of! 

Sulphate and paraben free scores highly on my report card too - the less nasties, the better. 

I've started using it once a week and can absolutely feel the difference in my hair quality. It's detangling super powers are super brilliant. Be gone my dry Wintery hair! Hello soft, smooth hair! 


Evo The Great Hydrator Moisture Mask $29.95


Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

Beauty Review: Kosmea Replenishing Moisture Cream

This cream is totally top of the pops for Winter. I can't rave about it enough, it's giving my skin a big hydrating hug - and I love it - and I think you might too. 

If your skin gets parched in Winter courtesy of the dry winds, heating, and all other elemental factors - then you must try this. It's lush.

I've been using it over the last month, particularly when my skin feels a bit dry and it needs a drink. It's nourishing and hydrating, the organic rose hip oil gives your face essential fatty acids, and the antioxidant green tea extract helps protect against premature skin ageing. 

The formula feels luxe, and is thick and rich. But before you think it's a heavy cream. It's not. It feels slightly heavier than my normal moisturiser, but it absorbs quickly, and is great under make-up. It's not oily, it's really the perfect formulation for everyday use. Kosmea Replenishing Moisture Cream smells amazing too - that subtle rose smell is a big winner for me. Subtle, not overpowering. 

Plus shea butter and carrot oil work restoratively to nourish dry skin. 

Made by Kosmea, an Australian natural skincare company, this ticks all the boxes for me. I love Kosmea's use of organic rose hip oil in all of their products. Rose hip oil makes skin feel smoother and softer, plus can help fade wrinkles, scars and stretch marks. WINNING! 

Kosmea Replenishing Moisture Cream - $44.95

Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review and editorial consideration. I considered it. Tried it. And loved it. I thought you might like it too! This is not a sponsored post. 

If It's Good Enough for the Duchess of Cambridge:: Karin Herzog

So the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine was recently out here in Australia - and beyond lusting after her impeccable wardrobe and luscious thick locks - lots of people commented on her peachy perfect complexion.

How does she do it? In a recent interview she credited the Karin Herzog oxygen face creams. 

And given I am not even close to being royalty, I thought I'd give it a shot too. 

I've been using this face cream for over a month and have to say, the results are pretty compelling. I don't have a before and after, but have already noticed smaller pores, healthier looking skin, and a better texture of my complexion. 

I don't naturally have flawless skin. Sigh. It breaks out from time to time, and despite me knowing I am in my mid-30s, apparently my skin still thinks it's a teenager. Thanks for the spots! The oxygen in the  formulas kills pimple-causing bacteria and helps to control redness. 

Although this cream is better suited to younger skins, (this one is probably better for my age group), it is perfect for problem skin - and doesn't strip out the natural oils from skin.


Karin Herzog Oxygen Face Cream $60 (free shipping) 



* this product was sent to me for editorial consideration - this is not a sponsored post, but I tried the product, I loved the product, and I wanted to share. It's that great. I only share things that I genuinely love and think you might like too.

3 Things I Love (Best Beauty Buys)

It's been a while, but I think it's imperative that I share the beauty love. As we all know, everyone gathered here at this computer screen, I really do love trying new beauty products. I wouldn't say I am a beauty buff, but I am a make-up and cosmetic junkie. I love me some playing with new sparkly things.

We are gathered here today to talk about three things that I am really loving. 

1. Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara $25.95

Once you've tried one mascara, you've tried them all. Right? WRONG! WRONG! Go directly to Wrongtown.

THIS mascara is ace. ACE! I looked at it and was a little turned off by the double end thing. I am someone who doesn't have time to fuss about around make-up, so I like my products to do their job, do it quickly and do it well.

BUT - one end thickens the lashes, while the other seals the look - and makes them luscious and glossy.

This is super. Duper. Awesome. 

Application is easy and straightforward - and the difference to my lashes is HUGE! So huge you can probably see my lashes from a satellite. I am not even close to lying.

They look so long and thick. I could happily wear this, with some foundation and blush - and BOOM! I am done for the day. 

Try it. I think you'll be pretty chuffed. 

2. Dermalogica Precleanse Wipes $23

I am actually addicted to these. And there is no rehab. Which is fine because they are so ace. Dermalogica has a pre cleanse that comes in a bottle - it's ace too, but these wipes are so easy to throw into your bag - and not have to worry about leakage freakage. 

My cleanser doesn't seem to remove all my make-up, so I sometimes do a double cleanse. However these wipes give you a really beautiful deep cleanse and leaves your skin feeling velvety good. Now I bypass the double cleanse - plus it's really great for removing mascara (see above). 

3. Oral-B Glide Pro-Health $5.99 (I think)

They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, and after having a rap over the knuckles from my dentist, I'm beyond 21 days of flossing. GO ME!

Who wants to talk about flossing? Oh. No one. But let's just pretend this is a private conversation. There used to be this Oral-B floss that I really, really, really loved - it wasn't that plastic-y stuff, it was more like a thread. I loved it. And then it vanished.

No one knows how many stores I visited looking for that damn floss. No one. Seriously. It was like my quest. To no avail, it's gone. I even contemplated writing them a letter to tell them how outraged I was.

Thankfully I found this floss recently. It's now my new favourite. It's good. It isn't like flossing with fishing wire.

I know. Who knew I was ever going to write about floss with such verve. Me neither. But if you're into flossing, or trying to be, then try this, it's not going to slice through your gums like butter. I promise. 

                                                         ***

** I was sent the Max Factor mascara and Dermalogica wipes for editorial consideration. And quite frankly, I loved them, so I wanted to tell you about them. This is not a sponsored post. This is me telling you about something that is so rad, I had to share. 

Beauty Review:: Ellis Faas Skin Veil

A couple of weeks ago I ran out of foundation. Uh ohs.

Buying foundation is not top of my hit list, and I don't find it terribly exciting. To me, it's like buying milk and bread. Meh.

I've been using the same Stila foundation for probably seven or eight years. I went to the store to - what I thought - buy the same again. No thinking required, just refill. 

Instead the girl that served me encouraged me to try something new - and having a spare 20 minutes, I obliged her request to try it on my skin. 

Hellooooooo new foundation!! 

Fast forward 20 minutes later, when she had sold me on this amazing foundation by Ellis Faas. 

Honestly - it's the best foundation ever. Ever. That's a big call I know. So why do I like it? Well despite it being more exy than my normal foundation ($110 VS $58), the formulation is so velvety and beautiful to apply, the finish is honestly a veil. My skin has never looked so flawless. 

After contemplating the price difference, I thought about it - if I've been using the same foundation for almost eight years, well it's high time I changed because my skin has aged in this time. Makes sense right? I am SO glad I did buy it.


Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation from Mecca Cosmetica $110


* I bought this product out of my own hard-earned cash.

Beauty Review:: L'Occitane

I've been using this range of products from L'Occitane for the last four weeks. I'm a big fan of L'Occitane - the products always smell super good (big win in my corner), and they are seasoned pros at what they set out to do. 

This range includes: 
- Angelica Hydration Cream
- Eye Roll-On
- Sublime Essence

Sublime Essence: A silcone-free perfecting serum - I rate this. I've been using it morning and night - and it definitely leaves the skin feeling smooth and the surface velvety - the perfect base for foundation, in my book. Although the packaging says my skin would look and feel perfect - even without make-up, well it felt fabulous, but I definitely had to use foundation for a flawless finish. 

The Hydration Cream applies velvety-smooth. It immediately hydrates the skin. You can definitely feel that. The skin feels super soft and smooth. It's meant to plump, smooth and make your skin radiant. I felt the hydration factor, absolutely. But the rest, I'm not so sure. When I applied it for the first few weeks it left my skin stinging a little - - - but I continued using it, and it stopped stinging in the third and fourth weeks. 

I do however think my pores have shrunk a little. Not to be confused with my paws. 

STOP THE PRESS!

And finally, the Eye Roll-On. I've got sensitive eyes, and this was good. No reactions. Though I didn't notice any distinct change in the darkness under my eyes. It's cool on the eyes, and gives you some immediate relief for any decongestion (which is awesome for me because I suffer from sinus and any relief is GOLD!). 

Overall I think my skin was a little lighter, the pores smaller, the redness in my skin was minimised, and the finish after application was smooth. 

L'OCCITANE Angelica Hydration Cream $52 (50ml)
L'OCCITANE Eye Roll-On $29 (10ml)
L'OCCITANE Sublime Essence Skin Perfector 



Disclosure:: This product was sent to me for review. I reviewed it honestly and in line with a month long trial. Honesty is the best policy!

Best Beauty Buys:: Kosmea Skin Clinic Rescue Body Cream

You can see by the tube how much I've loved this cream. 

Every Winter I get super dry skin, which not only looks unsightly (however I only know because I am hidden under about 72 layers of clothing), I get the dry-skin itch too. You ever get that? Itchy and scratchy and annoying winter skin. It makes me almost as cross as being cold. 

I've been using this as an all over body cream after my shower. Despite the lush feel of it, it's quickly absorbed into the skin, so you don't get that oil-slick feeling, which for me means I sit on the bed - waiting to get dressed. With this, you can dress straight away. These are the big issues people!

I've been using it on the littlies too, and they've had no complaints. Winning!

Pumped full of goodness, the cream contains rose hip butter, everlasting oil and shea butter, it's loaded with goodness to make the skin look and feel better. It's meant to be good on stretch marks too. Not that I'd know anything about that, would I? *cough*

I also like to use it just before bed as an ultra-rich hand cream. I liked it because it soaked in and left my hands (in the morning) feeling softer and supple. It smells super good too. I was watching TV one night, couldn't figure out where this awesome smell was coming from, and realised about 15 minutes later it was my moisturiser. Hang on a minute, my phone's ringing... (Hello, MENSA, is that you?)


Kosmea Skin Clinic Rescue Body Cream $29.95 (125ml)


Disclosure: This product was sent to me for review - however I had no obligation to do so. I will only tell you about products I genuinely love and use. Honesty is after all the best policy. I use it, I love it, I wanted to share.

Best Beauty Buys:: Skin Physics Instant Age Reset BB Plus

I've fallen back in love. With a BB cream. 

Fickle, aren't I?

I'd strayed away from using BB creams, and back to my regular foundation. But I tried the Skin Physics Instant Age Reset BB Plus and WHOA! 

I was a little afraid to try it - I've got very fair skin, and sometimes the 'Fair' shade is not fair enough (no pun intended), but this? This was bang on perfect for me. 

It applies smoothly, and the formula feels more mousse-like than a cream and feels light and velvety smooth on (I am not one for a heavy cream), which in case you're wondering, is lush! It not only brightened my skin but gave it a flawless finish, which I'm a fan of! It's oil-free and has a matte finish which for me meant it lasted the whole day without any touch ups. 

Packed with seven functions, it helps immediately improve skin health - itincludes Renovage that corrects the signs of ageing by helping to detoxify and de-stress skin and promotes the skins natural DNA repair factors. 

I'm loving using this BB - it means my base in the morning is one step and I can get out the door quicker! WINNING!


Skin Physics Instant Age Reset BB Plus Complexion Correction Balm SPF15 $39 (40ml)
Available at Myer, Priceline and selected pharmacies 

Best Beauty Buys:: Smashbox Photo Op Eye Brightening Mascara

So the other day I shouted from the rooftops - or at least shared with everyone on Instagram, I really, really love this mascara.

Not only does it make my eyelashes look at least 20cm* longer - it makes the whites of my eyes appear whiter - due to the navy added to the formula, it curls my lashes (goodbye curling wand and wincing in pain when I catch my eyelid - yowsers), and the formula is sensitive enough for my delicate eyes, I can wear it daily.

It's not clumpy, it doesn't flake, it's easy to apply and the colour is a rich black - but with those magical blue particles. 

Hooray!

I've even ditched my regular make-up regime and have been wearing just mascara and a slick of colour on the lips - so dramatic a difference does this mascara make. I'm a fan of that mascared look coupled with a strong lip. Yes. I did just say strong lip. What a tosser. 

Anyway - this, my friends, you will like. 

Smashbox was founded by beauty royalty - the great grandsons of makeup legend Max Factor, Dean and Davis Factor. All Smashbox products are designed to withstand the harsh studio lights - they are super duper good and tested for picture-perfect results. 

Smashbox products are available from Kit Cosmetics

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for review - however I had no obligation to do so. I will only tell you about products I genuinely love and use and think everyone should know about. Honesty is after all the best policy. I use it, I love it, I wanted to share.

Best Beauty Buys:: Ella Bache SpiruLines

It seems kind of fitting that I talk about Ella Bache's new SpiruLines range this week, given I've been cleansing this week and madly discovering superfoods. 

Ella Bache have harnessed the 'super food' power of Spirulina which is the most concentrated source of protein known to man. 

For a long time, I've been an Ella Bache fan - it was the first serious skincare I used from age 16. There are so many great products in their range, and I trust them. Plus I really, really love their fake tan - it's super easy to apply and a great colour.

So I thought - what the heck, I'll ditch my usual skincare and try this. I've been using the range for a couple of months and think it's pretty fabulous. 

For a long time I've been in denial that I am hurtling toward the border between youthful and *ageing*. Actually. I am already south of the border, but that's a small point, right? RIGHT? 

Despite the unorthodox (for beauty creams) colour (it's a pale shade of green - no doubt because it's packed full of the goodness of Spirulina), it smells incredibly good and leaves skin feeling velvety good. This beauty booty targets finelines and restores elasticity with its 220 life-essential elements. My skin started to look and feel healthier after just two weeks of use. 

It also deliveres superior DNA protection from UV radiation due to its capacity to increase DNA repair - which is perfect under our harsh Australian sun.

In a snapshot:

• Packed with Spirulina, the Ella Bache Spirulines range targets finelines and restores elasticity
• Skin feels smooth and firmer over time
• It delivers DNA protection from UV radiation
• It's green. But it doesn't make you look green. Trust me.
• The lowdown:
• SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Correcting Serum 30ml $105
• SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Smoothing Cream 50ml $118
•  SpiruLines Intensive Wrinkle Plumper 15ml $59

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for review - however I had no obligation to do so. I will only tell you about products I genuinely love and use. Honesty is after all the best policy. I use it, I love it, I wanted to share.

Best Beauty Buys:: Garnier Intensive 7 Days Nourishing Hand Cream

We are gathered here today to talk about my obsession with hand cream. 

And the lack thereof. 

You see, I have this habit, that's kind of OCD in that if I don't put any hand cream on before I go to bed: I. Can. Not. Sleep.

Same with lip balm.

And I'd run out of proper hand cream, so was using any random moisturiser around the house. And it wasn't cutting the mustard.

Then this week I had the rare treat of a mani - and I was talking with the beautician, as one is prone to do, and we got to talking about hand creams. She told me that I should buy the Garnier hand cream as it is cheap as chips and super good.

Me, I am a bit of a beauty cynic. Unless I have tried something first-hand, I don't believe it. 

And as if Garnier hand cream was going to have me all in a froth. 

So the next morning I happened to be in the supermarket and I splashed out on the Garnier Intensive 7 Days Nourishing Hand Cream (with L-Bifidus - btw). A huge outlay of $4.75. Cough. Peanuts.

Still cynical I slathered it on as soon as I got to my desk at work. It smelt pretty darn good. Thick and yet not greasy consistency (already winning points), and now I am up to day 5 of using it - and giving it two thumbs up, plus two big toes up. It is honestly, super fantastic. It's quickly absorbed so no sticky after-application feeling either.

Already my hands are noticeably much softer, they feel fantastic. They're not dry. I am hooked.

And at $4.75 per 100ml tube, I can afford to have one at my desk, one by my bed, and one in my hand bag. It's a cinch!

* This is not a sponsored post. I bought the product myself after a private recommendation. It's cheap and cheerful, I loved it. I wanted to share. All reviews are my own opinion, after all, honesty is the best policy.