Review | Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask

We all deserve a bit of pampering from time to time, this is a perfect product for most of us to have at home.

Let’s be honest, we can all be a bit of a slacker when it comes to the weekly face mask (I know I definitely am). By the time I remember to use my mask or treatment it’s often too late in the evening and I just really want to plonk myself on the bed and go to sleep. To add to that, I probably haven’t had life changing experiences from using treatments so I haven’t bothered for a while.

Along came this new Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask and now I see the light!

My thoughts:

I love love love this product. It makes me want to use it weekly or more frequently. I have had experience with Kaolin masks. If you don’t know what that is, basically it’s a purifying clay mask. I have used several different brands in the past and what tends to happen is that the clay mask solidifies on your face, making it really hard to move and really more uncomfortable than anything. The Trilogy Mineral Radiance mask is just the complete opposite, it glides on well, and while it dries off it doesn’t cement on your face like the other clay masks do. This is a huge tick for me!

I love how they have incorporated their signature rosehip oil in there (amongst other oils).

Once washed off, my face feels revitalized, fresh and glowing.

It seems like I am exaggerating a little bit here but I can’t rave enough about this product. It has really been life changing!

Some of The Ingredients:

Pohutukawa extract – toning and regeneration

The Oils:

• Sweet Almond Oil (hydration)
• Rose hip oil (repair and strengthen skin)
• Jojoba oil (pro vit A and E for strengthening , rehydration)
• Evening primrose oil (to treat dull skin)

Price Factor:  5/5 , $35.90

Totally worth it for the price. You don’t need much of it, it spreads so well. You seriously won’t be disappointed with this product!

In a nut shell:

I will definitely use this face mask every week. It feels great on my skin and once washed off it really does feel really rehydrated and like I’ve been through some pampering.

Michelle

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Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask

Trilogy Mineral Radiance Mask

Review | Benefit They’re Real Mascara

I bought this mascara a while back. I am the type of person to stick to one thing if it works well and really hate changing my skincare unless I absolutely have to.

Unfortunately Clinique has discontinued my favourite mascara, the High Curling Mascara which I have been loyal to for about 5 years now. It is always such a drag trying to find a product to replace your old favourites and I found myself trolling through review after review before buying things.

I bought this mascara along with my Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation which I love.

This mascara is suppose to well and truly lengthen, curl, lift and define lashes. So basically a wonder mascara. If you look at their stats and the before and after photos, you’d be silly not to get this.

The mascara wand is comprised of 2 parts – the shaft is a rubber wand to allow definition, separation and it also comes with a precision tip.

My verdict:

I am quite disappointed with this mascara. To me I feel like I could have got a Revlon or Maybelline mascara and it would have been the same if not better and it would have been almost half the price. There were a few things that I wasn’t impressed by. I feel like you need to really lather your lashes up to get any sort of volume but the actual mascara formula doesn’t allow you to do that as your lashes begin to clump. Even my fiancee said my lashes looked clumpy and if I had changed mascaras out of the blue so that’s saying something.

It isn’t so bad if you’re just after a really really natural separating and lengthening mascara.

I didn’t notice any additional lift or curl with this wand, it’s definitely a lot more droopy than the old Clinique one I had. I have to say though I do have rather short and straight lashes but the regime I do (curl , then a layer of MAC’s prep and prime lash primer) remains the same so it’s an absolute fair test.

The formula also takes a while to dry especially if you’re applying a few layers. This is kind of a huge issue for me as I’m use to a super fast drying mascara. I end up having to spend more time in the bathroom waiting for the mascara to dry.

However it’s not really a drying formula, even with a couple of layers, the lashes still stay bouncy and not completely stiff to touch.

The Wand:

I guess I’m not a huge fan of the rubber wand but I know things are that way inclined nowadays so I thought I would just give in and try it. As your eyelids are rather sensitive, this wand is quite prickly, I would imagine there to be some flexibility on the rubber bits. The precision end is virtually useless for me, I tried using it on my bottom lashes and it just dumped a whole of mascara formula on my lashes.

Cost Factor: 2/5

I got this for $37.50 (duty free!), it’s not an expensive mascara though it’s not cheap either. It’s on the same spectrum as the Clinique one I use to use. I guess I’m just not thrilled with the outcome of the mascara.

In a nut shell

This sounds like quite a down review and I must seem like a complainer.  I don’t usually talk things down like this but I just feel that it’s not the right product for me. There was so much hype about the mascara and to be honest there are people out there who love this product.  For me , I can’t bring myself to saying that this is a wonder product when it isn’t for me. Perhaps if you have naturally curly and moderately long lashes this would work well, but I wouldn’t recommend this to fellow girls with short-ish lashes.

I am probably going to buy another mascara sooner rather than later. If you’re wanting something that is lengthening and defining , go ahead this would be fine. But if you’ve got kind of stubby straight lashes like I do, I’d look in another direction.

Michelle

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No Mascara

With Mascara

Lookbook | Secret Squirrel

With the long weekend just passed, days seem to be converging into one an another, everyday seems to be the same day or similar anyway. A holiday would be great and possibly much needed but nevertheless there are changes on the way so that will make do for now.

I just realised I haven’t really blogged a couple of items which I bought last year. Here are a few more staples that I have which work well for end of summer / beginning of Autumn as it’s still in the lighthearted colour palette. I’ve probably dressed more minimalistically the past few months, less layers, playing with textures as oppose to colours.

There are changes heading my way, though these can’t be revealed just as yet, they are exciting but I’ll have to secret squirrel away for a little while longer.

Michelle

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What I am wearing today: Blouse from Nasty Gal, A Brand jeans from Neuw Denim, boots from ASOS.com

What I am wearing: as above & mum’s thrifted  leather satchel

What I am wearing (make-up) : Karen Murrell Lipstick in Fushia Shock, Benefit They’re Real Mascara.

Review | Weleda Skin Food

This turned up at my door step today and I first thought I need some of this! I’ve basically spent all my weekends this summer at the beach so sure enough it has taken a bit of a toll on my skin. On top of that, the countless number of times I get methylated spirits on my hands at work and  I wash my hands a gazillion times a day, this awesome barrier cream will come in handy.

If you didn’t know Weleda has been about since 1921 and they pride themselves to be all natural and organic. I’ve used a few of their products in the past and absolutely love them.

Skin Food is one of their well recognized and well loved products. This product has been about since 1926 and they haven’t changed the formulation a bit!

Skin Food is designed to instantly soothe, restore and protect skin and provides deep nourishment and intensive hydration. And it does just that as soon as you pop it on. It is truly a multi-purpose cream, a must have product.

Key Uses:

• Intensive hydration overnight treatment for tired skin
• Dry areas – elbows, knees, heels.
• Super hydrating hand cream (and it stays on well too as it is quite occlusive)
• Nail & Cuticle treatment
• Softens and soothes scars

Key Ingredients:

• Organic chamomile , calendula and wild pansy – help heal, soothe and calm skin.
• Rosemary – revitalize skin complexion
• A base of lanolin, sunflower, sweet almond oil and waxes to provide protection and to trap moisture.
• Sweet orange and lavandulae pure essential oils

My thoughts:

When you first put Skin Food on, the fragrance of the essential oils reminded me of being in a day spa, it smells so heavenly. I love how the cream actually works for dry skin and does what it says it should do. There’s a fine line between a great occlusive barrier cream suitable for everyday use and a very occlusive barrier cream (which you need so much strength to rub in) which is impractical and impossible to use during the day. Weleda’s Skin Food falls into the category of being easy to use yet fully hydrates and protects the skin. I love how I can put it on and after a couple of hours I can skin feel that it is there.

Price Factor:

This is a goodie. It’s about $21.90 for a 75ml tube. I think it’s well worth that amount and a little goes a long way. You’re able to source it from pharmacies and health food stores.

In a nut shell:

Skin Food is a great must have skin care product. You can’t go wrong with this truly multipurpose cream. It’s great as a hand cream, a heel balm and super hydrating treatment.

Michelle

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Weleda Skin Food 75 ml

And 2014 Begins Like This…

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. I’ve been away from my desk for a while, kind of slipped away for a bit of a break and now we’re right back into this busy year.

There have been a couple of things that I am loving this summer. Colour and shiny things. I am in love with the pair of Jeffrey Campbell Deetz Flats in Hologram. Shiny leather, hell yeah! I feel a little bit like a magpie collecting sparkly pieces these days.

This melted blend of pastels dress is also one of my favourite dresses this summer. It’s casual and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the shoes you pair it with. Love!

Michelle

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Wearing: Colour Melt Tank Dress & Jeffrey Campbell Deetz Flats in Hologram both from Nasty Gal.

Wearing: Karen Murrell Carnation Mist one of my favourite summer lip stick colours.

Gift Idea | Ecoya

Here’s another addition to your Christmas wish list or gift list.

Ecoya has released a limited edition Christmas line featuring their always divine candles and gift sets.

I was fortunate enough to take home the Ecoya Caramelised Plum Pudding Jar Candle. We have been burning it in the house for the past few weeks and it smells delicious. This scent resembles warm notes of sweet, dried fruit are hugged by rich, plump, pudding aromas, and drizzled with a creamy caramel sauce for the ultimate in festive dessert decadence. As if there isn’t enough eating already!

Price Factor:

This candle can be purchased from department stores and boutiques nationwide. It is $49.95 RRP.

Ecoya Christmas Caramelized Plum Pudding Candle

Beauty | Popping

I have been a wee bit quiet lately, I have been busy behind the scenes shooting weddings, getting amongst some awesome hair competitions which we are in the finals of (photos will be posted a little later).

Anyway, that’s all done and dusted for now.

I was given this popping bright lipstick recently. I love this gorgeous fushia pink. It has officially been my go to colour for a since I have had lighter hair. I am absolutely loving the pinks this summer, I have been wearing scarlet for a while over winter but I think it’s time to flick over to something a bit more daring and fun.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Karen Murrell lipsticks I have a full review of them here. In a nut shell, her lipsticks are all natural, great for the lips, nourishing and highly pigmented. I am hooked on to her lipsticks now and have hardly touched any others since.

Here’s a little look I did last week after going into see Brad at French Revolver Studio to get my new chocolate caramel colour which I adore.

Michelle

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Featuring: Karen Murrell Fushia Shock Lipstick

Review & Gift Idea | Trilogy Botanical Body Wash

Just a couple of weeks ago as I was thinking that I was running out of body wash, this gorgeous trilogy botanical body wash turns up at my door step.

I have very sensitive skin and definitely veer towards only using soap substitutes such as QV or cetaphil. The Trilogy Botanical Body Wash is formulated from a delicate blend of aroma-therapeutic oils, non-drying cleansers and pure plant extracts.

As you use it, the shower box becomes infused with the smell of aromatherapy oils and it automatically calms down your senses and revives your mind. The blend consists of rose geranium and lavender oil. And to soothe the skin there’s cucumber and chamomile. There’s also amla fruit to tone and rejuvenate the skin.

This is a perfect Christmas gift idea for anyone as it is unisex. It is also part of Trilogy’s Christmas gift range this year where you can find the body wash boxed up and ready to be gifted as seen in my previous post here.

Price Factor: 5/5

This is a large sized body wash, it is 500ml and is about $29.90 in store. I believe it’s really great value for money, you don’t need much at all. A small pump goes a long way. I would say this bottle will last me for a good half a year.

In a nut shell: 

This is a must try if you’re looking for a more natural and gentle shower gel. It smells great, it’s invigorating and non drying.

A perfect unisex shower gel to revive the mind and body.

Review & Inspiration | Trilogy XMAS Gift Sets 2013

Believe or not, Christmas is just around the corner. I know, it’s scary how fast time flies. We are starting to wish people merry christmas at work for those who are going off on a holiday. That’s how close it is!

November seems to be such a busy month, work is trying to pack everything in just before the silly season. Before you know it, you’ll be hit with last minute christmas shopping , queues and shopping traffic.

So I am going to compile a few posts over the next month which will hopefully reduce our stress and perhaps better prepare us for the season.

I was sent this Trilogy Hand Cream Trio Set and it makes such an awesome Christmas gift. It comes beautifully packaged in this funky playful box. These are perfectly purse sized and to top it off they come in 3 different scents , their original Ultra Hydrating Cream, Rose and Holiday which is fruity and summery.

Price Factor:

These retail for about $30 in store which is a great deal. They are 50 ml each so are travel sized and are great to have around the house and at work.

Retailers:

The Trilogy range is available at a lot of pharmacies, Farmers and department stores around NZ. If you’re like me and you don’t have time to go out and shop , just check out their website here and you can shop online. There’s free shipping in NZ. Trilogy ships to most destinations around the world which is super awesome.

Gift Ideas:

Of course this would be perfect by itself, it comes in an amazing box that doesn’t even need gift wrapping. Easy Christmas present done. Another option if you’re in a bit of a pickle having to gift to a lot of people or don’t have the time or the budget, you could opt to split the hand creams and pack it with other goodies (and could even keep one for yourself). A great idea for secret santa gifts 🙂

Trilogy is also offering other Christmas gift sets also including their Botanical Body Wash ($29.90) (which I was fortunate enough to receive today and will review later down the track) and a Rosapene Day & Night Collection which features their hit product Rosehip Oil (30ml)  and travel size night cream and the vital moisturizing cream ($43.90).

 

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Michelle

Hand Cream Trio – $29.90

Botanical Body Wash – $29.90

Rosapene Day & Night – $43.90

Review | Manuka Doctor Apinourish Repairing Skin Cream

I have been using this amazing face cream daily to replace my Chanel Hydra Beauty Cream which I have been using for about a year. This is a bee venom based product, something I haven’t tried before.

What I love about this cream is that it is lightweight and non greasy. The consistency seemed a little different to what I am use to as a night cream but on application it actually thoroughly hydrates the skin and smoothes the skin right away. I’d highly recommend it as a day and night cream or acts as a good canvas for make up as it creates a really smooth base.

What’s in it:

The formulation contains:

• Purified Bee Venom (PBV^TM)
• UMF 18+ Manuka Honey
• Avocado Oil
•  Vitamin E

These ingredients work synergistically to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, stimulate collagen growth, enhance cell renewal and to provide moisture to skin.

As this cream contains bee products, I’d highly recommend doing a patch test first and do not use it if you are allergic to bee stings. 

Price Factor: 5/5

This 50ml pump bottle is about $47.50 which I believe is a very reasonable mid range price for a night cream. The pump is very easy to use and easy to control so you can decide how much you would like to use. You can purchase the range from The Manuka Doctor Concept Store on Quay Street Auckland or selected department stores and pharmacies also stock it.

In a nut shell:

The Manuka Doctor Apinourish Repairing Skin Cream is a great bee venom face cream. For those of you who are after the perfect day and night cream with anti-wrinkle and line smoothing properties, I’d highly recommend trying out this product.

Michelle

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