Tested: Dove Pure Antiperspirant

As you all know, I've been on one hell of a health kick lately, and exercise is a big part of my new lifestyle. Dove sent me their new Pure antiperspirant deodorant to try out, and I've been giving it a real run for its money (pardon the pun!).

Now, we all know that Dove products take care of our skin, with their 1/4 moisturising cream formula, but with this product, it's what they leave out that helps the most.

No fragrance - less irritation, and for people like me, that means for your nose as well as your skin. I'm very particular about the kinds of scents that I can tolerate, and more often than not, will opt for a fragrance free product over a scented one.

No colourants- again, less chance of irritation, or allergic reactions.

No Alcohol - won't dry out your skin, and guess what that means? Less chance of irritation!

No Parabens - which is awesome for me, as a woman, because I have enough natural hormones of my own. I don't need to include Oestrogen-mimicking chemicals into the mix.

This is a fairly basic product, so there isn't a lot I can tell you about it, or how to use it, that you won't already know. It comes as a roll-on (my preference) and as a spray, and boasts a massive 48hr performance time. I actually haven't tested that, because I'm a shower-every-day kind of gal, but I can tell you that it lasts and works through tough workouts, long walks and jogs, and when there's sweat running down my face, my underarms are dry and they don't smell. At all. Of anything. just the way I like it.

Dove deodorants are available in most pharmacies and supermarkets, and beauty stores like Priceline.

Definitely worth trying.

Fair disclosure. Dove sent me this product free of charge, for my consideration. I was under no obligation to review it. My opinions are always my own, and I always endeavour to bring you accurate reviews of products that I genuinely enjoy and recommend.

Amazing skin care from Innoxa! Wrinkle cream that actually works.

About a week ago, I received an amazing care package in the mail from the awesome people at Innoxa. Their Renew skin care range is specifically aimed at ageing skin in the 35+ age range, but at 32, I feel like it's the right choice to keep me looking fresh-faced for as long as possible.

First, I'll talk about this specific range and the benefits that I've experienced, and then I'll tell you all some really great news about how you can get this pack (or a similar one in a skin care range better suited to your skin) for a really awesome value pack price, including a gorgeous display tin!

I'm always a bit skeptical when it comes to "magic" creams and lotions, claiming to turn back the hands of time and make you look 12 again. As we age, I feel that there is a certain amount of graceful ageing, and a certain amount of taking care of oneself that contribute to you looking the very best that you can at any age. For me, that means that I dye my hair, and I try to take care of my skin as well as I possibly can, not to prevent the ageing process, but to avoid looking like I've mistreated my skin over the years. I think once we all accept that ageing is a part of life, we can all get on with the process of actually living a lot more easily.

With that said, I've been using this skin care rage for a week now, and I'm seeing definite improvements in clarity, hydration, and the reduction of lines on my face! I didn't have a lot to begin with, but the skin around my eyes is noticeably smoother, and where I have a large-ish scar by my left eye, it is actually improving the appearance of the scar, which has been there for almost 30 years!

My scar used to be deep and puckered-looking, but as you can see, it's now barely noticeable. With makeup I can now cover it so that it's hardly visible at all, and though I feel that our scars tell the story of our lives, we are all after a flawless face for special occasions, aren't we?

Below, you can see the range as I used it. The triple action gel wash lives in my shower, and it has tiny little beads in it, as you can see. You only need a tiny bit of this, as it is very thick and goes a long way. It leaves my skin feeling clean and toned.

Then, I use the advanced anti ageing eye creme, very gently, all around my eyes. Again, a little bit goes a long way, and you don't have to use a lot of it to see great results. I should add that I'm only using it once a day. Last of all, the anti-ageing and firming moisture lotion, again in small amounts. 2 pumps out of the bottle is plenty for my thirsty face.
Once that all soaks into my skin, I can go straight over it with my choice of makeup for the day, confident that I'm looking radiant.

A little bit more about the products, now. They are full of antioxidants, vitamins and natural botanicals. They are not tested on animals. They are available at Myer, Priceline, and selected pharmacies nationwide.

So, what's the value pack deal, you ask? Well, you can get all three products (or three products in similar packs from their "thirsty skin" or "super sensitive" ranges) in the gorgeous tin pictured at the top of the page for $49.95 (thirsty skin pack $39.95!) Considering the moisturising lotion is usually $28.95 by itself, the eye creme is $24.95 and the gel wash is $17.95, you're saving a massive $21.90 and you get the tin for free!

Pop into stores today and have a look for it! It's definitely worth trying out for yourself!

Fair disclosure: Innoxa provided these products to me free of charge for my consideration. I was under no obligation to review them. My opinions are always my own, and I always endeavour to bring you accurate reviews of products that I genuinely enjoy and recommend.

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Eye of the tiger: Nails with a little extra..grrr...

I know it's been a really long time since I have done a nails post, and I tried doing the natural nails thing for a while, but this weekend, I went to a wedding and I wanted to look my best, so I got my acrylics re-done and I feel like myself again!


For the wedding, I wore a black dress with some ruffles and draping detail, so I wanted to keep the nails quite simple, but at the same time, add just a little pizzazz to them, so I decided on a nude base with tiger stripes, and a swarovski crystal accent on one nail.

I can't remember where I got my swarozski nail art crystals from. I know that you can pick up something similar in most stores that sell nail polish, and most definitely online. EBay have some really great options.
I started with my favourite nude polish, Glints of Glinda, from OPI's Oz the great and powerful collection. Two coats is enough for an opaque base, and I let that dry completely before going in with my nail striper to create the tiger stripes.

I've done a tutorial on my youtube channel about how to make the tiger stripes, so go check that one out (tigger nail art tutoral).

Last of all, on the ring finger nail, which I covered entirely in the stripes, I placed a swarovski crystal accent, attaching it with a tiny bit of clear polish. Once the stripes were completely dry, I coated everything with clear polish, working from side to side so as not to streak the stripes the wrong way up the nail.

And that's it, it's a really simple look, with lots of personality. Try it out for yourself!

You can look forward to lots more nail tutorials and look-books now that I have my beloved acrylics back. They are costly to maintain, and they are so damaging to the natural nail underneath, but I do love them, and I feel like it's a worthwhile investment.

I'm with the band: How to smell like a rockstar (in a good way)!

 I am always really excited when I receive surprises in the mail, and when this one arrived, I was super-stoked. What could it be? It was a black box from Australis, with a pink ribbon.

I carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the top of the box and WOW! Brand new perfume sprays from Australis in wild new scents to suit the budding rockstar! As always, the packaging is pink and black, which I absolutely LOVE!

As for the scents, I really like them both.

"Get your rocks off" is a combination of berry, coconut, mango and apricot, a fruity scent that reminds me of summer.

"Wild at heart" is a fruity, flirty floral with touches of lily and violet, perfect for a day out at a music festival!

Here's the best part: Who wants one for FREE???

Right now when you make any online purchase from www.australiscosmetics.com.au, you get a free perfume spray! (subject to availability)

Alternately, you can find these at Priceline, Big W, K Mart and all awesome pharmacies.

Go try them out for yourself. at $4.49 RRP, you can't go wrong!

The awesome people at Australis cosmetics provided this product to me free of charge for my consideration and review. As always, my opinions are my own and I have not been paid for my review.

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Makeup look: ChiChi real minerals loose pigment quad

When I was in Target last week, i managed to pick up a ChiChi real minerals eyeshadow quad in these amazing greens, and I thought I would share the look with you guys.

Green is one of my favourite colours to use on my eyes, and I really love the depth that can be achieved by building and layering a look to suit a certain event or season. Green reminds me of springtime, so for the aussies among us who are heading into autumn and winter, it can be a bit of a pick-me-up, with the grey skies outside.

Below, I've swatched the colours on my arm. I basically just swatched them with my finger, onto my bare arm with no eyeshadow base underneath.
Using a base like Too Faced Shadow Insurance or Urban Decay Primer Potion will intensify the colours, prevent creasing and make them wear longer and stronger.

There are two colours that are more sheer, and two more vibrant ones with a better colour payoff. I used the lightest colour as a highlight up under the brow bone, then the second sheer colour all over the lid. I was going for a slightly more subtle look than you -could- go for with these colours, so i then just swept the darker green into the outer corner and up across the crease for a little added depth.

I used a green eyeliner crayon from essence along my top and bottom lashlines, and finished it all off with a good coat of MAC Plushlash.

I really love the colours in this quad, and I can definitely see using them often. The only drawback with these pigments is the packaging, which is quite messy and awkward to use. It means that you waste product every time you use it, and I don't like to waste things.

I'm thinking of maybe modifying the existing packaging, or perhaps I'll depot into more user-friendly containers so that I can use them without the mess and waste.

The texture of the mineral powders is lovely, and they build really nicely. I can't wait to try out some more looks with these shadows!


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March Favourites - with a twist!

This month I thought instead of posting favourite products, I'd shout out a few of my favourite brands of March 2013. I had quite a few favourites from a few different brands, so I figured it would be better to group them together for you.

So, without further ado, here they are, in no particular order:

Dove:

I particularly like their new pure antiperspirant, which they snet me to try out last week. As you all know, I've been working out like a maniac, trying to get in shape and build my stamina for Tough Mudder in September. A hard-training girl needs a hard working deodorant, and this one doesn't disappoint. I'm really pleased with its performance, and I'll continue to use it well into the future. It takes care of my skin at the same time! Multi-purpose products always get a really big thumbs up from me. Stay tuned for a proper review of this product next week.

Australis:

You guys know that I have a soft spot for Australis, because they were one of the first cosmetic brands I ever used, and because they are kind to animals, and they have really awesome products, all under $20 each. That's just a massive winning combination in my book, and the fact that their newest products dropped in March and are amongst my top picks EVER, meant that they HAD to be included in my favourites this month.First, we had the curve ink eyeliner, which is awesome. Then the bronzing primer, which is innovative and amazing, the pout pastes which rival most top end brands in colour payoff and stay-put-ness, and then there's their new perfume sprays, which I haven't reviewed yet, but are really lovely.

Australis are onto some really awesome new things. I'mm looking forward to seeing what's next for them.

 Lonvitalite:

So, about a year ago, I tried their 24K gold face mask, and I fell in love with it. At the time, they cost almost $60 for 5 masks, but I still thought that they were worth it.
Since then, more recently, they have reworked their entire business plan and not only are they far more easily available on their website, but they have more than halved the price (They are now less than $30 for 6 masks). They've also restructured everything and you can buy packs that have every eye, face and hand mask that they make for an unbelievable $20! I've bought so many of these masks in the last month, because I'm using them as a special reward when I have really good days in training.
I'm really pleased with the new Lonvitalite, and I really hope that the new plan is working for them, because I intend to continue purchasing their amazing products.



Essence:

I just discovered these guys when I was in Target the other day. I was surprised by the quality of their product for its amazingly inexpensive price tag (most of their products are in the$2-5 range).

I've tried out their concealer pen, eyeliners and eyeshadows, and I'm really impressed. I know you guys like a bargain, so get out there and have a look for essence products. You definitely won't be disappointed for the price.

 MAC:

My tried and trusted high-end brand. I've invested in a few more eyeshadows, some pencils, lipsticks and even a mascara, which MAC are not particularly praised for, but I really love my Plushlash mascara. It has an almost rubberised finish to it, and it lengthens, adds volume and generally fills out my lashes beautifully. It then doesn't run if I watch a chick flick and cry my eyes out, which is always a bonus.

My favourite day-to-day eyeshadow look right now consists of A wish come true from their "A tartan tale" collection, and Spectacle of yourself from their "Mega metals" collection.

I love MAC products and will continue to add to my collection as I'm able.

Last but definitely not least:

"What is this mix of brands?", you say? Well... this is my most favourite brand of all. Dollar Cosmetic Club!

Everything in this picture, brand name items, Lancome, Maybelline, L'Oreal, Rimmel, Revlon, all came from Dollar Cosmetic Club and they all cost me $1 each!
Yup, just a buck, for awesome brand name products. You've seen me review them before, so you know the deal and I've assured you of its legitimacy, so they definitely make my favourites list for March, because they had some really sweet deals that I took advantage of.

So, what was your favourite brand or product in March? Let me know in the comments section do that I can try it out too!

I'll BRB...

Unfortunately, I'm laid up with a nasty upper respiratory tract infection. I'll be back to blogging in a few days as soon as I'm feeling better.