May Empties!

Hi guys! A short and sweet empties post from me today. I only finished seven products last month, but then as soon as we went into June, the empties started piling up, so next month's post will feature a lot more products. In the meantime, here's everything I completed in May.

Batiste Stylist XXL Volume Spray
This is still not as good as my favourite Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo (that they discontinued - boo!) but I'm learning to like it more I guess. I'm settling. I'm still pissed off that I can no longer buy the best volumising dry shampoo I had found on the market though. Can you tell?

Hask Coconut Oil Nourishing Shine Hair Oil
I wish this wasn't so hard to find because I flat out love it! The coconutty fragrance immediately transports me to a tropical island/white sand/blue water/laying on the beach/sipping cocktails type sitch, and it makes my hair look healthy as well. I couldn't find it in-store to repurchase, so I'm trying the Argan Oil Healing Shine one (featured in this Priceline 50% Off Haircare Haul post) instead!

Clinique Youth Surge Age Decelerating Moisturiser
This was a little sample pot that still managed to take me forever to finish. It was nice enough but I've got other moisturisers to get through, so I won't be buying it.

Oh Deer Sugar (Oh) Candy Cane Mint & Coconut Body Scrub
I actually won this in a Giveaway two Christmases ago (eek!) so I thought I better get a wriggle on and use it up! I wasn't a huge fan unfortunately, despite loving most Oh Deer Sugar products. I find their dry scrubs quite harsh on the skin, and much prefer the softer, gentler formula of the Soda Pop creamy scrubs. It did smell minty and fresh though!

Oh Deer Sugar (Oh) Confetti Fawn Jellybean & Popping Candy Shower Moose
The Oh Deer Sugar shower mooses (moose, deer, get it??) are my most favourite line from this brand! I adore the creamy, whipped formula and they are an absolute delight to use. I did enjoy Confetti Fawn but I won't repurchase as I want to try all the fragrance varieties in the range. You can read my thoughts on the lovely fruity Peachy Keen one and the Rose & Passionfruit one in my March Favourites and September Favourites blog posts respectively.

L'Occitane Divine Eye Balm
The L'Occitane store at Westfield Marion was handing out these samples as I was passing by so I thought I'd try them. I haven't tried much from this brand (maybe a hand cream?), and I have a particular interest in eye creams, however I couldn't really form much of an opinion from this tiny sample. The product was fairly thick and moisturising, as you'd expect from a balm.

L'Occitane Divine Eyes
This is a much lighter formula than the Eye Balm and was nice enough, but again I couldn't really test it properly from the sachet sample, as it just lasted a few goes. A good way to make my expensive eye creams last longer, via the use of free samples in the interim though?

So I didn't finish up that many products last month, but blogging about them has inspired me to try harder and I think I'll aim to write an Empties post every month. That way I can actually bin my finished products instead of hanging on to them for a blog post I never end up writing!

You may be interested in my April Beauty Empties post!

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Disclaimer: Reviews are my honest opinion. There are no affiliate links in this post. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.

Have you tried any of these products? 

April Beauty Favourites!

Hi guys! It's been a long, hot minute since I've shared my current beauty favourites with you, hasn't it? Well fear not, because today's post is resplendent with my most-loved products. It's a faves fest. It's literally (not literally) raining wonderful products, so throw away your umbrella and enjoy the downpour!

Revlon Ultra HD Matte LipColor in Seduction
I was lucky enough to win a set of these from Revlon a while back, and I've been meaning to swatch them ever since. It has now become a matter of urgency as I'm getting so much use out of my favourite shade Seduction that it's running low! I naturally made a bee-line for the nudes in the range, and Seduction definitely seduced me! Besides the my-lips-but-better flattering shade, the formula is unexpected for a matte. It actually doesn't fully dry down, so there's no uncomfortable dry feeling. This does appear matte, but it's easy to wear and feels smooth and somewhat creamy on the lips. So if  you're normally put off matte lip products because of that familiar 'dry' feeling, definitely give this range a go!

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Skin Plumping Serum
I'm onto my second mini bottle of this little gem after first discovering it in a Priceline Skincare Gift Bag (with purchase). Happily, they included two bottles, so I haven't needed to purchase the full size version yet. I love using this under my eyes to plump out the area, as sometimes it can appear hollowed out, especially if I'm not getting enough sleep (I'm blaming my March Movie Challenge and Netflix in general for that!). I have considered using this all over my face, but I've got a few other serums I'm also currently using, and besides, I like to get tricky and target specific serums to specific areas of my face, to treat that area's issues! I'll definitely be purchasing this Antipodes miracle-worker (only a slight exaggeration) once I've finished mini bottle #2.

Bio-Oil*
I was sent a bunch of Bio-Oil* products many months ago, and I hadn't got around to singing their praises until now! It's basically a versatile, multi-tasking product that contains PurCellin Oil, which happens to smell ah-mazing. I have been using Bio-Oil liberally on my arms and legs, and this super-fast absorbing oil has been keeping my skin soft, smooth, supple and moisturised throughout the changing seasons. It's a great alternative for someone like me who dislikes rich moisturisers that take forever to sink in, or worse yet, leave a film on the surface of the skin. Bio-Oil is specialist skincare that treats scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, ageing and dehydrated skin and is said to be a favourite for pregnant women wishing to improve the appearance of stretch marks. I love the light, non-greasy formula and the way it makes my skin feel after application.

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm
As a beauty lover, I own a lot of different lip balms. Tinted, plain, flavoured, scented, stick form, pot form, with shimmer and without... you get the idea. However, when my lips are seriously chapped, dry or peeling, there's one I always reach for; my Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm. Aah that familiar fragrance (which some people are not fond of apparently!). It's like smelling your favourite meal cooking (in a completely non-edible, opposite of food type way). Comfort! And that's exactly what this hardworking baby provides for damaged lips. Comfort, nourishment and moisture. This little tub of goodness heals my lips quicker than anything else I've tried. I would have to say this is my Holy Grail lip balm. It's not the most exciting by any means, but when my pucker is being a right fucker, I'll whack on some Carmex because I know it works.

Skin Physics Advance Superlift Face Treatment Cream
After using this, I'm kicking myself for leaving it unopened in my beauty cupboard for so long. What else have I got in there? This cream is a delight from start to finish. It's a lightweight, luxurious-feeling, easily absorbed formula that feels amazing going on. It sits well under makeup (you do have to wait a few minutes for better results), so you can use it each morning, which is a big plus for me. And the results are excellent! My skin immediately looks plumper, younger, firmer and virtually line-free. It also seems to reduce pores, because when I wear makeup over this, my complexion appears more flawless and 'together' (if that makes sense) than when I wear another moisturiser underneath. If you're at all concerned with sagging skin, pores or fine lines/wrinkles, give this one a go!

You may be interested in March Favourites!

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Disclaimer: Products marked * were provided for editorial consideration. Reviews are my honest opinion. There are no affiliate links in this post. Please see the Disclosure page for further information.

Do you love any of these products? What beauty products have you been enjoying lately?

Priceline 40% Off Skincare Haul!

I officially have no willpower when it comes to Priceline sales! Because, SALE ALERT! Priceline are holding their famous 40% Off Skincare 2 day sale event, on the 27th and 28th of January. So if you're reading this on Thursday, hop to it as it ends at midnight! This offer is available in-store and online, and the specific details are:

* 40% off skincare, suncare and tanning
* excludes Ego brands, Skincare vitamins and supplements

I went in with a list of four products and emerged with eight (lol). I bought a back-up of my staple Skin Doctors Eyetuck (which I reviewed here), stocked up on facial wipes and used the opportunity to trial a new (to me) brand, Nip + Fab. I'm so keen to see how these products perform! Here's my haul.....

~ Skin Doctors Eyetuck
~ Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips
~ Garnier Micellar Cleansing Wipes
~ Yes To Blueberries Age Refresh Cleansing Facial Wipes
~ Indeed Laboratories Fillume Volumising Serum
~ Nip + Fab Skin Viper Venom Extreme Night Fix
~ Nip + Fab Skin Dark Circle Fix
~ Nip + Fab Skin Bee Sting Fix Eye

My Recommendations

• a bottle of Garnier Micellar Water or try the awesome Garnier Micellar Cleansing Wipes
• Skin Doctors Eyetuck and Skin Doctors Instant Eyelift are both fantastic for the under-eye area
• Indeed Labs Eysilix & Indeed Labs Snoxin are amazing anti-aging products
• now's a good time to get pore strips, facial wipes and lip balm
• Trilogy Rosehip Oil is lovely
• Pick out the  Formula 10.0.6 Mask that best suits your skin needs
• For a reliable all-rounder, you can't beat Olay Total Effects Moisturiser
• Check out the Yes To range; I've loved every product I've tried from them

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Leave your Priceline haul post links in the comments; I want to see what you got!

Skincare Routine Update!

I haven't done a Skincare Update post in quite a while, so what better time than the present? Experiencing an extended period of shitty breakouts a few months ago really made me re-assess my skincare routine (or lack thereof!). After switching up a few products and sticking to a morning and nightly skincare routine, my skin is clear and looking pretty healthy on the whole. I'm not going to lie, I am using a lot of different products right now (partly because I'm trying to use up my samples). Most of them are geared towards either clearing and preventing breakouts or anti-aging, as those are my two main concerns. Here's what I'm slapping on every day....

I use Lush Ultrabland Cleanser (see my review here) when I don't have any spots. It leaves my skin feeling plumped out and super-soft. The thick, oily texture means I have to remove it with a washcloth, but it's totally worth the extra effort. When my skin's playing up, I cleanse with Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser (Blemish-Prone Skin) which is an amazing gel that clears my breakouts up fast. I would highly recommend this cleanser if you have problem skin.

Again, I alternate between two products when it comes to Toner. My old favourite is TN Dickinson's WitchHazel which I love for the super-cheap price (around $6) and its ability to minimise my pores and clear my skin. I also use, albeit less frequently, The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner. Anyone else love the smell of tea tree, or is it just me? Confession time! When I can't be stuffed cleansing before bed, I actually use one of these toners to remove my makeup. Hey, it hasn't killed me yet!

I've pretty much switched from gritty to liquid exfoliants now. The two products I'm using are Alpha-H Liquid Gold and Paula's Choice Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment (with 2% BHA) both of which are pretty potent, so I only use them every two to three days. I like keeping my skin on its toes by using Liquid Gold before bed, then in a few days I'll use the Paula's Choice exfoliant, and so on and so forth. Although Liquid Gold isn't classified as an exfoliant (it's marketed more as an acid toner), that's the way I see it. It's actually a treatment containing Glycolic Acid and licorice that firms, revitalises and boosts radiance. The Glycolic extract does exfoliate, but I really appreciate the multitude of skin concerns Liquid Gold addresses. When a product reduces fine lines, tightens my skin, makes it glow, reduces pigmentation, smooths, clears and makes me look younger, I will keep using it.

So many eye creams (mainly samples)! I love trying lots of eye creams, even though I know my Holy Grail is La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift, a true miracle worker. I've not featured it here because I only use it for special occasions; I have a tiny amount left in a sample tube and the full version costs $380 for 20ml. I just can't bring myself to buy it yet. I've been using La Prairie Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex instead, which has a watery consistency and is still effective. I've also been enjoying Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Eye Cream and Philosophy Renewed Hope In A Jar Eye, both of these do work well. FreezeFrame Revitaleyes (which I wrote about in Five Fabulous Faves) has also been improving my under-eye area, and once a week I use Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisture Cream (not pictured) under my eyes for an added moisture boost.

I am loving facial serums at the moment! I'm using a number of different products, basically just depending on how I'm feeling that day. And again, I'm working my way through the various samples I've accumulated. La Prairie is a favourite brand of mine (why do they have to be so expensive, though?!) and the La Prairie Anti-Aging Rapid Response Booster is great. Their products work so well. Since hubby bought me the Elizabeth Arden GWP a few months ago (blogged about here) I'm falling more in love with this brand. I'm really enjoying the Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum, with the Flawless Future Powered By Ceramide Caplet Serum a close runner-up.

Every morning I pop on Elizabeth Arden Skin Illuminating Firm and Reflect Moisturizer half an hour before applying my makeup, as it needs that amount of time to properly absorb. I love the way this makes my skin look as it really does give my face a firmer appearance. Nightly, I use Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered By Ceramide Night Cream, another winner in my book. About twice per week I'll use Alpha-H Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream before bed instead, but not on a night where I've used Liquid Gold itself, as it might be a bit much for my skin. This cream is pretty sticky and I wouldn't even attempt to use it under makeup!

My go-to for any spots is Paula's Choice Clear Daily Skin Clearing Treatment, which I bought as part of the Clear Extra Strength Kit. This range is amazing and completely cleared up my persistent breakouts. I rarely need to use this anymore, but I like knowing I have it on hand, just in case. If you're interested in purchasing from Paula's Choice, you can use my link to get $15 off your first order, and I'll get $15 credited to my account!

I'm not really using Face Masks at the moment, because I don't love any of the ones I have. However I have found a few sample sachets and once-off masks in my stash (hello SK-II Facial Treatment Mask) so I might bring back Pamper Sunday!

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Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me, my husband or were free samples I got instore or with online orders. All opinions are my own. Using my Paula's Choice link means you get $15 off your first order and I get $15 credited to my account.

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Elizabeth Arden Gift With Purchase!

I had a pretty low-key, but wonderful Birthday recently! We went to McLaren Vale and had a lovely lunch followed by a Joseph wine tasting experience at Primo Estate, that I had a voucher for. So there was lots of food, wine and gorgeous countryside!

Anyhoo, in the lead up to my Birthday, I might have emailed the husband with a gentle hint that I'd love the Elizabeth Arden Gift With Purchase (GWP), in case he was short on present ideas! Little did I know he'd already pre-ordered the new iPhone 6s for me! How amazing is that?! It gets better. In my hint-hint email, I made it easy for him by saying for the qualifying $70 or more purchase, I'd love either the Flawless Future Powered By Ceramide Night Cream, or the Skin Illuminating Firm and Reflect Moisturizer and for him to choose as I'd be thrilled with either. I also asked him to request free samples, because if you buy this GWP offer online, you get free samples with it. Well hubby, being the best catch in the entire universe, went and bought me both creams, and did it on separate days so he could get me two GWP's! I nearly cried I was so happy! Then add to that the snazzy new iPhone that's coming, and basically I'm just super-spoilt, very lucky and don't deserve such an amazing husband!

Let's look at the products.....

Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Night Cream (50ml) $78.00

Elizabeth Arden say: 'Flawless Future Night Cream supports skin's nighttime renewal process to help brighten and even skin tone, and ease the appearance of fine lines. This intensely hydrating moisturizer features a stress-busting, mineral-rich botanical and an exclusive fragrance technology that's clinically proven to induce a feeling of well-being and relaxation for a better night's sleep. Wake up to skin that looks revitalized, luminous and flawless.'

Skin Illuminating Firm and Reflect Moisturizer (50ml) $80.00

Elizabeth Arden say: 'This luxurious cream formula deeply hydrates and immediately brightens skin with micronized Diamond Powder. Purified mushroom extract encourages surface cell turnover and reduces the appearance of pores, while a silicon derivative replenishes skin’s essential moisture binding proteins and fights moisture loss. Vitamin C derivative fights the formation of dark spots and uneven skintone. Skin feels soft and supple, and looks even toned, fresh and luminous.'

Gift With Purchase
This is a 9-piece gift set valued at $232, free when you spend $70 or more at Elizabeth Arden, exclusively at David Jones. This is available until the 27th of September if you're wondering, so if you like what you see, haul thy arse to DJ's toot sweet! I loved the contents of this GWP, and would have bought it myself had hubby not taken the hint! Here's what you get:

~ PREVAGE Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum (5ml)
~ PREVAGE Anti-Aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser (50ml)
~ Ceramide Daily Youth Restoring Serum (7 capsules, 3.2 ml)
~ Ceramide Lift and Firm Day Cream with Sunscreens (15ml)
~ Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant (30ml)
~ Beautiful Color Lash Enhancing Mascara in Black (3ml)
~ Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Pretty Pink (3.5g)
~ Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Desert Rose (3.5g)
~ Cute Red Bag!

Free Samples
(not automatically included - you have to request them). I got...

Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Night Cream (5ml)
Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum (5ml)
PREVAGE Anti-Aging + Intensive Repair Daily Serum (5ml)

Most of these samples are the same products as either my qualifying purchase or what's in the GWP, but this is an advantage for me, as I now have extra to use, so everything will last me longer. All the products will last me twice as long anyway because I have two GWP sets! Plus the cute-as-pie samples are mini-sized, which is perfect for travelling, in particular my upcoming week away.

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What do you think of Elizabeth Arden's latest GWP? Do you use any Elizabeth Arden products?

Disclaimer: This is a non-sponsored post. All purchases were made by my wonderful husband!

SkinCare Shopping Spree!

I've bought so much skincare lately, it's actually getting ridiculous. I need an Intervention! I have two issues I'm trying to address; the fine lines and dark circles under my eyes and my annoying breakouts. 

I bit the bullet and forked out for an expensive eye cream, Thalgo Exception Ultimate Time Solution For Eyes And Lips. With a $79 qualifying spend, this came with a bonus six-piece Mystery Gift, which turned out to be 2ml sample tubes presented loose in a plastic zip lock bag! Tres disappointing, but you live and learn, right? I'm using Thalgo Exception Time Solution in conjunction with Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum (not pictured as that came in a beauty box I won a while back) and I'm seeing a vast improvement under my eyes in terms of puffiness, fine lines and dark circles. It's not Holy Grail level, though, so the search continues. I really want to try the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Eye next, but will try to refrain from purchasing it before I've finished the Thalgo cream!

I absolutely adore the Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Serum mentioned above, so jumped at the recent chance for $15 off my first Paula's Choice online order. I got the Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA, bought a Retinol Serum sample as a back-up and got to choose three free samples, too. And to prove how much I need that intervention, I have since placed another PC order, this time purchasing the Clear Extra Strength Kit (it was 20% off with free shipping, plus I read the reviews and they were amazing, even clearing customer's cystic acne). I need a solution to my persistent breakouts and I'm hoping this is it. Again, not pictured, because it hasn't arrived yet!

Next up are some tea tree products which have helped a lot, but not completely solved my problem. I purchased The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner after my Lush Tea Tree Water Toner ran out, and the Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Face Wash For Acne (yay!) out of sheer desperation, a few weeks ago. Tea Tree is amazing for clearing blemishes and my skin has started to clear up since using it. Tea Tree Oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, acts as an antiseptic and is a great skin healer. My lumps and bumps have all but gone, but I'm left with red marks here and there that are stubbornly sticking around.

Okay, so I think I've got enough skincare in my arsenal now. I pledge to not buy anything else until Leo DiCaprio wins that elusive Oscar! Now you'll have to excuse me while I shed a tear for poor Oscar-deficient, millionaire Leo who is probably having a Cristal champagne-fuelled threesome with stunning, blonde supermodels on his luxury yacht in the South of France as we speak.

Disclaimer: All products bought with my own money, with the exception of the Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle Repair Retinol which was in a beauty box I won. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure section for further information.

Review: La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift

La Prairie is a luxe anti-ageing skincare brand originating from Switzerland. La Prairie say they "harness ingredients both rare and beneficial. Today, with cutting edge biotechnology and our patented cellular complex, the formulations have become the most luxurious on earth."

I've tried three products from this brand: Cellular Time Release Moisturizer, Skin Caviar Luxe Cream and the subject of this review, Skin Caviar Liquid Lift. My favourites by far are the two products from the Skin Caviar range.

Floating yellow beads

What  La Prairie say about Liquid Lift: "A lifting phenomenon. Next generation Skin Caviar Liquid Lift is a gravity defying serum that lifts, firms and provides long-lasting effects. With a look that pays homage to our iconic skin caviar pearls, this formula contains scientific advancements that create exceptional results. Past damage recedes as existing cells are rejuvenated, and new ones are super-charged, nourished and protected. Skin appears lifted and taut. Skin Caviar Liquid Lift epitomises science and luxury, the heart and soul of the skin caviar collection."

Very important activation instructions!

Liquid Lift comes in a silver and blue pump dispenser bottle with a clear window at the front that you can see the product through. Round yellow beads float hypnotically on one side and the emulsion is housed on the other side of the bottle. These two must be mixed together by pressing the activator button (located around the neck of the bottle) quite firmly. You then shake the bottle vigorously to blend it all together and create your luxurious Liquid Lift skin caviar serum.

After beads and emulsion have mixed

The first thing I noticed after dispensing this product was the distinctive smell. It's not your usual skincare fragrance, in fact it's unlike anything I've smelled before. I'm pretty sure this is what the Skin Caviar Luxe Cream smelled like, too (I finished my pot ages ago, so I'm relying on my shoddy memory). That makes sense, since they are both from the skin caviar collection. It's impossible to describe the aroma, and some people may not like it, but I'm addicted to it (I think it's because I associate the smell with how lovely it feels going on).

This is certainly a high end product; one look at the La Prairie website will reveal it costs a pretty penny (I'd suggest sitting down). However, it feels aah-mazing when you apply Liquid Lift, and a little goes a long way. It feels like I'm spoiling my skin with an uber-luxurious treatment. The serum itself is thin, lightweight and quickly absorbed. It's a sparkly gel-like substance with a slight yellow tinge that leaves my skin with a healthy looking glow. My pores are barely noticeable and my skin feels soft and ultra-smooth after application. It seems to bring everything together and tighten any saggy skin, giving a much more youthful appearance to my face. I love the way this makes my skin look and am very impressed with the results. 

My favourite way to use this is to apply it before bed, particularly on the night before an event. It's always a confidence boost to wake up with radiant, firm, alive-looking and super-soft skin the day of a big event. For daily use, I apply it before my moisturiser. It provides a great base for makeup and you don't have to worry about foundation or concealer balling up over it. That being said, I've never tried applying makeup directly after Liquid Lift, as it's best to follow up with a moisturiser after using this serum. If you hadn't already guessed, I really love this as an anti-ageing product and would recommend it to anyone in their 30's, 40's and beyond!

Disclaimer: I won three La Prairie products including Liquid Lift, and was also sent a 10ml Liquid Lift from La Prairie. This review is my honest opinion.

REVIEW: Skin Doctors EyeTuck

Skin Doctors say: "Reduce under eye bags without surgery! Containing Eyeseryl, a tetra peptide, this cosmeceutical strength formula has been designed to painlessly reduce the appearance of puffy bags in just weeks. Eyetuck will give your under eyes a smooth, tighter appearance whilst also conditioning and moisturising the delicate eye area."

Ingredients
EyeTuck contains Shea Butter to moisturise, Apricot Oil to revitalise dry or ageing skin and Eyeseryl (Tetrapeptide-5) that drains and decongests water that has pooled in the under-eye region.

My Experience and Thoughts
I've been using this 'anti-bag technology' eye cream since the beginning of September, and to say I'm impressed with the results would be an understatement. I saw a dramatic improvement in the first few days of use, and my results have stayed consistent ever since. I was completely fed up with continuous puffiness and bags under my eyes, so I started looking into products that might be able to help. I hit up my local Priceline and bought a couple of SkinVitals Masks (Eye Brighten Anti-Dark Circles Brightening Invigorating Cloth Eye Treatment Mask - I also suffer from dark circles! and SkinVitals Eye Lift Anti-Puffiness Anti-Wrinkle Firming Cloth Eye Treatment Mask - I've yet to try either of these) and Skin Doctors EyeTuck, which I was quite sceptical of, but at the same time, desperate for anything to work! I had grown to despise my under-eye area, which has a few fine lines and dark shadows, both of which I can disguise with various creams and concealers, but most worryingly, ridiculous puffiness resulting in eyebags which I just couldn't reduce, no matter what I tried. This cream really seems to 'drain' the liquid, leaving my under eye area looking flatter, tighter and less puffy, which results in a younger overall appearance.

Skin Doctors EyeTuck can be worn under makeup, and really, what's the point if it can't! I want a treatment product that will reduce my bags during the day, when I'm out and about, with my makeup on. So it needs to be something that doesn't rub off as soon as I apply concealer, and thankfully this doesn't happen. I would highly recommend anyone with puffiness or eyebags giving this a go.

This lightweight, easily-absorbed cream will not reduce the appearance of fine lines or dark circles, however it does do as it claims (for me, anyway!), and that is to "reduce under eye bags without surgery". Keep in mind, though, that results may vary from person to person, so this product may not work wonders for everyone.

Positives
* impressive results, significantly decreasing my eyebags and puffiness
* can be worn under makeup
* absorbs quickly and easily
* comfortable, lightweight formula
* pump packaging means it's sanitary and hygienic

Negatives
* expensive at $49.95 RRP (although you can usually get it discounted)
* can't see when the product is low and you're about to run out
* it doesn't address other under-eye concerns, such as dark circles or fine lines

Price
$49.95 RRP (15 ml bottle) from the Skin Doctors website, however you can get it on special from Priceline and Chemist Warehouse for a lot cheaper. I paid $35 for mine from Priceline.

Stockists
Priceline, Chemist Warehouse, Terry White Chemists, Chemmart and other selected chemists.

Disclaimer:  I bought this product with my own money. All opinions are my own.

May Favourites!

Five Favourites I'm mad about this May!

L'Oreal Elvive Fibralogy Thickening Treatment*
Oh My God. I think the Elvive Fibralogy range has changed my life. I received this double serum leave-in treatment plus the shampoo and conditioner from L'Oreal to trial before they hit the shelves, and I am so grateful. I'm forever buying new thickening and volume-creating hair products, because I'm so sick of my fine, flat hair, only to be disappointed by the results. Not only does this treatment make my hair smell amazing and look healthy, it gives me impressive volume and body on the lengths and ends. I usually wait until my hair is nearly dry after washing, then use a volume mousse on the roots/scalp, then work two squirts of the Elvive Fibralogy through the lengths and ends, then blowdry whilst scrunching. LOVE this.

Lush Rose Jam Shower Gel*
This deliciously rosy smelling gel seriously has one of the best fragrances you'll ever get your nose on. Floral and girly, it's totally Turkish Delightful (it smells like turkish delight)! I could happily use only Rose Jam forever. I'm even in love with the name. See my review here.

Lanolips Golden Ointment
This is a super moisturiser for extremely dry skin areas such as hands, feet and legs, but I've been using it on my lips overnight for mega hydration, and occasionally on my elbows. I also put some on my son's dry lips each morning before school, and when he had a rash that cleared up and left him with dry skin around his mouth, this golden ointment restored the moisture in no time. He comments that he loves the feel of it on his lips, and I agree. It's quite thick and you can clearly smell the Manuka honey in it.

Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream
It's a little tiny pot of wonder. This was a GWP from ages ago that I've only just gotten on to (read: found, in the massive collection on unopened beauty products). Oh boy! The little glass jar is so cute (the photo doesn't do the detailing on the jar justice), but that's to be expected with Benefit. This brightening cream does amazing things for my dark circles, so much so that I've already bought the normal-sized pot for when this runs out. A thick consistency cream that's so soothing on application, I love how it brightens my complexion and makes me look more awake, and dare I say it, younger.

Physicians Formula Firming & Lifting Booster
You only need a couple of drops on each cheek to cover the whole face with this gel booster. I'm loving the firming results, which I really noticed the next day after using this overnight. My skin was tighter, fine lines had decreased and my pores were much less noticeable. After being disappointed by the Dr Lewinn's range in general, I was sceptical about Physicians Formula (I'm not sure why I lump them into the same category, beyond them both being anti-ageing ranges), but I'm mightily impressed. It doesn't make me break out either, something that often happens when I try new skincare.

Disclaimer: *L'Oreal was provided for trial, Lush was provided for trial/review purposes. Lanolips and Physicians Formula products I won and Benefit was a GWP (purchased myself).

September Favourites!

I'm loving so many products at the moment! Here are five of them .....

The Body Shop Eye Palette in Smoky Copper
This is a sturdy, well-designed flip-lid palette with a large mirror and four gorgeous shades that deliver. I'm a sucker for shimmery bronze hues, and this palette houses four highly wearable colours. The lightest can be used for highlighting, the next one for all over the lid, then the coppery shimmer for the socket and the darkest brown for the outer edges. I'm getting so much use out of this, it's really become my go-to palette. Ultra-flattering, great-wearing and gorgeous coppery bronzes and browns. LOVE!

Clinique Powder Blush in Iced Lotus
I used this every day for a long time until recently, when I graduated to a coral blush from BYS (which I'm loving). It's a highly pigmented very light pretty pink with a shimmer that I'm almost certain came in a Gift With Purchase (GWP), because I never buy individual blushes from Clinique. I think I'll start using this as an eyeshadow, just so that I don't use The Body Shop palette every single day.

Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer
This is a sample size I received from Ry as part of a bunch of review products, and you can read my initial thoughts here. The more I use this product, the more I fall in love with it. It really is one of the best Dermalogica products I've ever used (right up there with the Daily Microfoliant). It smooths the surface of my skin and provides a great base for makeup as well as mattifying and extending the wear of my foundation and/or concealer.

Innoxa Antioxidant Lip Glaze in Tangerine
This was given to me by a friend, and it has become a firm favourite of mine. This is saying a lot, because I will always prefer lipstick over lip gloss, and generally dislike the way gloss, or glaze in this case, makes my lips feel. However, the Innoxa glaze is light on the lips, non-sticky and a beautiful consistency. The tangerine colour is subtle and pretty and the fragrance reminds me of vanilla cupcakes! Also, I've been putting some on during my makeup application and by the time I'm ready for lipstick, it actually seems to have plumped my pout, leaving my lips luscious and healthy looking. Sometimes I even leave it on and forego the lippy, although this is really hard given my fondness for lipstick!

NAT Agebloc Eye Cream
I received this product to trial from Facial Co. and was expecting big things when I read that it's to be used as an alternative to Botox injections! (No, I've never tried Botox, but we all know the effects that has!). Anyway, I was very pleasantly surprised when I massaged this white cream in and saw how smooth and tightened my under-eye area was. I have a few fine lines in this area, but NAT Agebloc reduces them significantly, pretty much to the point where I can barely notice them. I haven't had this kind of success with any other wrinkle treatment cream, so will definitely be buying a tube of this once I've finished my current one. Another plus is that it absorbs quickly and can be worn under makeup. Nothing worse than finding an awesome eye cream that makes you look younger but rubs off as soon as you dab your concealer on!

Disclaimer: The Body Shop I bought; Clinique part of a GWP; Innoxa gifted by a friend; Dermalogica provided for trial/review purposes; NAT provided for trial purposes. This is not a sponsored post (no money was offered or received). All opinions are my own.

FREE MitoQ TRIAL: Apply For Your Free Bottle!

Remember how I trialled MitoQ skin rejuvenation cream recently? You can read my review and thoughts on the product here.

In summary, I was very impressed with the results it gave me, especially firmer, younger-looking skin and a significant reduction in the fine lines under my eyes.

MitoQ are now conducting a FREE PUBLIC TRIAL, where they are giving out bottles to 500 people so you can try it for yourself! Hurry, though, as places are filling fast. Here's how to apply (it couldn't be simpler) ....

- Like MitoQ on Facebook
- Send them a private Message letting them know you'd like to take part in the trial.
- MitoQ will take it from there!

You will receive a full sized bottle of the product (worth $177 AU), and all MitoQ ask is that you stay in touch and let them know of your experience with the cream.

MitoQ say: "MitoQ is a scientific breakthrough in cellular CoQ delivery technology. MitoQ protects the skin from free radical damage induced by the aging process or accelerated by exposure to sunlight. MitoQ accelerates skin rejuvenation creating a radiant outward skin appearance. MitoQ topical cream moisturizes, lightens and brightens skin. Scientifically tested, MitoQ creates total skin rejuvenation through protection and repair."

Disclaimer: No payment was offered/received for this post. This product was provided for consideration. All opinions are my own.

MitoQ Skin Rejuvenation Cream Review

MitoQ say: "MitoQ is a scientific breakthrough in cellular CoQ delivery technology. MitoQ protects the skin from free radical damage induced by the aging process or accelerated by exposure to sunlight. MitoQ accelerates skin rejuvenation creating a radiant outward skin appearance. MitoQ topical cream moisturizes, lightens and brightens skin. Scientifically tested, MitoQ creates total skin rejuvenation through protection and repair."

I've been trialling MitoQ topical anti-ageing cream for the last month, and I'm pleasantly surprised with the results. The yellow-hued cream is lightweight in texture and easily absorbed into the skin. It feels lovely going on, and a little goes a long way (you really only need a small amount to cover your whole face).

The product comes in a tall, rectangular plastic bottle which is see-through at the top and graduates to opaque black half-way down. My only qualm with this is that you can't actually see how far the product goes down inside the bottle. However, the bottle looks classy without actually being made from glass, so you don't have to worry about it smashing on the bathroom floor if you drop it.

I used this product daily under my moisturiser, and I noticed after about a week, that my skin was looking a lot healthier. It was smoother and clearer than it had been in months. The biggest change I noticed, however, was that the fine lines under my eyes were significantly less pronounced. I have tried a lot of different eye creams over the years (I'm still searching for my Holy Grail product!) and most of them either have little effect or only reduce my fine lines temporarily (eg Benefit's Ooh La Lift). The rest of my face is predominantly line-free, so my eye area was my main point of difference to gauge how well MitoQ was working. I'm really impressed with the results of this product; anything that can make my under-eye area look smooth and fine line free is a winner in my book.

Overall, the changes I noticed were firmer, smoother, softer, clearer skin and a significant reduction in fine lines. I can't say I noticed brighter skin or a lighter skin tone, but I feel that MitoQ's rich antioxidants have rejuvenated my skin and really improved its appearance and health.

You can read more about the science behind MitoQ here.

Disclaimer: This product was provided for consideration. This review is my honest opinion. I was not paid for this review.

Review: The John Plunkett Anti-Ageing Range

Advanced Collagen Lift Moisturiser
I found this to be a great, well-performing moisturiser from the John Plunkett range. It's a day and night treatment moisturiser, that claims to "help plump and smooth fine lines and wrinkles while providing optimum hydration". I'm really impressed with the results I got from this. I noticed my skin was indeed smoother and looked younger after using it daily for a few weeks. The consistency is just right for me (I dislike thick creams) and feels light on the skin. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. I would recommend this to anyone with fine lines and/or wrinkles. For those interested in the science behind the formula, following are some of the active ingredients and what they do:


Matrixyl 3000 - Stimulates natural collagen production to plump and smooth skin
Collagen & Hyaluronic Filling spheres - Intant skin plumping while delvering hyaluronic acid to increase hydration
Collalift - Protects collagen
Phytokine - Promotes cell regeneration and lifts skin
Deliner - Helps reconstruct skin

Refirming Eye Cream
This was definitely my least favourite product from the range. I am very fussy with my eye creams, and it doesn't help that I have double the issues in that area, namely dark circles AND fine lines underneath. So basically I am forever trying to find the perfect combination of products that will combat both of these problems. All this Refirming Cream managed to do was erase the effect of my anti-dark circle creams. Yes, creams. I use two. That's how bad my dark circles are. Benefit Ooh La Lift and Clinique for Men Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel. It is a nice consistency, again, and it absorbs quickly and easily, but it just leaves my under eye region looking really dark, so it's not the right eye cream for me. But results will obviously vary from person to person.


Creme Cleanser & Makeup Remover
This is a fragrance-free gentle and moisturising formulation that is pH balanced and contains no soap, detergents or colours. I've been using this in the shower as a cleanser and I'm loving it. It is indeed very gentle and I think it would be well-suited to those with sensitive skin. I get a satisfying clean from this, although I usually follow up with a daily exfoliant (at the moment ASAP Daily Exfoliating Facial Scrub) to get that deep-down clean, smooth skin feel. I've sometimes used it without an exfoliant, in which case I follow up with a toner (my go-to cheapie is the reliable TN Dickinson's Witch Hazel). I haven't used this to remove makeup (by itself, outside of the shower), but "natural moisturisers and conditioners" are used and it's a no-tear formula. Tear is in cry not tear as in rip. LOL.

Instant Wrinkle Filler
If you've ever used primers, you'd be familiar with products like this. It's a "translucent primer for instantly smooth perfect skin". The directions say to apply a small amount after moisturising and before makeup to problems areas. Problem areas being your fine lines and/or wrinkles. And any pores you want to minimise. I love this Wrinkle Filler! You only need a really tiny amount, so a little goes a long way. The consistency of this waterless gel is kind of weird and silky. I love the instant effect of having my fine lines greatly reduced and my skin surface smoothed out. It's a brilliant canvas for makeup application, and doesn't compromise the base your moisturiser has created. Foundation and concealer glide on smoothly over the top, and the skin looks smoother and younger. This can even be applied over the TOP of makeup as a touchup and mattifier. I tried this, but it can have varying results. I think the trick is to use a TINY amount (you can always put more on to get the desired effect) and have your concealer ready to go in case it takes some off and you need to dab a bit more on. For those into the specifics:


Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone - Unique blend of silicones fill uneven skin surface, creating the illusion of smooth, perfect skin while locking in moisture.
Silica - Diffuses light to blur imperfections.
Vitamin E - Antioxidant vitamin protects skin from ageing effects of free radical damage, while soothing dry skin.

**These products were sent for my consideration. I wasn't paid. This review is my honest opinion.**


Have you tried any products from this range? What did you think?