Review | Inika Crème Colour for Eyes

I have been trying out the Inika Crème Colour for Eyes. The Inika range is fairly new to me but I am glad I have found it.

The Inika range prides themselves being organic and natural, no nasties. This is often hard to find especially for more specific products such as eyeshadows and lip colours. I would definitely recommend this range to sensitive or problematic skin readers.

I tried out 2 of their colours, Champagne and Cappuccino which are in opposite ends of the colour spectrum. Both colours are super versatile for daily wear. I particularly liked the champagne and I’m not usually overly excited about lighter eyeshadow colours. This colour is great on its own or also acts as a perfect base to give your matte eyeshadows a glint of shimmer. The creme consistency allows a better grip to the eyelid, enhances colours of eyeshadows put on top without compromising much of the durability. I have found the in past that creme eyeshadows would smudge or end up moulding into eyelid creases at the end of the day. 

Notable ingredients:

Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil to hydrate, soothe and moisturise the eye area.

The Aloe Vera also acts to ensure the smooth and even gliding of the creme shadow and enhances the sheen.

Price Factor: 4/5

They are about $39.00 each and are available at selected pharmacies and health food stores. They are comparable to MAC eyeshadow prices but in saying that is the price you would pay for them to strip out all the nasties and replace it with organic ingredients.

And on top of that if you are sensitive to certain ingredients, it’s not much to pay to find the right product for you.

 

What I’m wearing : Inika Creme Colour For Eyes – Cappuccino

Swatches- Top to bottom:  Champagne and Cappuccino

Review | Majorlica Lash bone

I am an avid supporter of lash primers because unfortunately I wasn’t blessed with exceptionally long, thick and batty lashes.

Lash primers like all primers (for face, eyeshadow, lip) preps the area so that make up glides on better. It may just be a personal thing but I don’t like the thought of waterproof mascara constantly gripping on the the lash day in day out. I know eyelashes don’t grow very quickly so I would like to go an extra step to keeping them in a good condition.

I have been a long time supporter of the MAC lash primer which I have probably used for a good 5 years. I recently decided to try something else for the reason that I thought Japanese products would cater a lot better to our shorter and uncurly lashes.

This lash primer is a clear with black lash bone mixed in the gel. The comb brush allows easy and uniform application on each lash to prevent clumping. The idea of this lash is to enhance curling and length which I almost certainly noticed upon initial application without using an eyelash curler. In terms of its lengthening capabilities I’d probably give it a 7/10 with little to no addition to volume.

To use it I found it more manageable to apply the primer then immediately apply the mascara. The mascara doesn’t glide on as easily if you leave it to dry off for a while.

Comparing to my MAC lash primer: 

Majorlica Lash Bone is quite different to the MAC lash primer. For starters, the colours are completely different , MAC is white and Majorlica is clear with bits of black (lash bone).

Upon application I know that the MAC primer feels more like a treatment for the lash where as the Majorlica formula grips onto the lash. This was most noticable when I wash off my eye make up. Most of the time I wash my face with my cleanser first then remove any remaining eye make up with make up remover. Almost 100% of the time when using the MAC lash primer with my Clinique High Impact Mascara, about 95% of the mascara would be cleaned off with just the cleanser. However, with Majorlica’s Lash Bone, the hold is substantially greater on to the lashes so it is very difficult to clean off with just cleanser.

I feel that the MAC lash primer provides more volume, about the same lengthening properties but less curl compared with the Majorlica Lash bone.

A repeat buy?

Probably not. In fact I already bought my usual MAC lash primer for once this lash bone runs out.  I like how it lengthens my lashes but it’s just very messy to get off and the lengthening effects are probably not that significant. Perhaps if you really want a high curl effect this may be a good product for you.

In a nutshell:

The Majorlica Lash Bone is a good primer for lengthening and curling lashes. It doesn’t do much in terms of adding volume. It grips very well onto the lash making it slightly more difficult to remove.

Left side: Majorlica Lash Bone & Clinique High Mascara

Lookbook | Into My World

These few weeks have just flown by. I’m on my 8th continuous work day, everything seems to be a blur , 4 more days to go , not counting down am I?

On top of the work, we have been wedding planning, engagement ring shopping, house hunting and other things to top off my somewhat busy schedule. Updates coming up soon about the planning and the ring!

But for now, as promised from back when I was in Asia, here’s a look book of some of the goodies I bought. 

Michelle

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What I am wearing: a. KNACKFUSS Cape, Love21 Blouse, Zara trousers, Dotti necklace, Kingan Jones Neck Tie. 
 

Review | Weleda Soothing Facial Oil

My past skincare reviews have mainly revolved around product for normal skin, but here’s a first for sensitive skin.

I have a huge interest in products for sensitive skin because coming from a family history of atopic eczema, not all products are compatible with my skin or my little sister’s (who suffers from eczema more than I do). She finds it even more difficult to find suitable skincare products.

So when I was given this product to review, I decided to give some to my sister to have a try as well.

The Weleda Soothing Facial Oil is a perfect moisturizing product for problematic skin especially those who suffer from dermatitis, eczema and dry skin. Although the thought of applying an oil may not sound as appetizing as a lotion or cream, let me assure you this oil absorbs into the skin so quickly and doesn’t leave that greasy residual feeling.

Ingredients:

• Sweet Almond Oil,
• Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
• Prunus Spinosa Flower Extract.

Sweet Almond oil is perfect for sensitive skin as it’s fragrance free, mild and gentle on skin.  It is rich in vitamin E which is known to have great healing and moisturizing properties.  It is also rich in fatty acids to nourish and moisturise the skin.

Second to its moisturizing properties, as an oil it makes a pretty good solvent for make up.  To use as a makeup remover, just moisten a cotton pad with the oil and remove make up.

Price Factor & Where To Buy:

5/5 value for money.

RRP: $26.50

I think 50 ml soothing oil is excellent value for money compared to most of the other products I use. You don’t need much of it on a daily basis. It’s not going to break the bank at that price and being a natural product it’s most likely to be compatible with all skin including sensitive skin so I think it’s a win win situation here.

You can find the Weleda Skin care range at leading pharmacies and health food stores nation wide. Check on the Weleda website to make sure your local store stocks it.

Our thoughts:

We both found it is really easy to use. The bottle is user friendly having a controlled pour top which is pretty essential when dealing with oils.

When applying it, the oil soaks into the skin relatively quickly. We both tried using it day and night and had no complaints with oily skin in the day. It works well under make up.

My sister did notice a slight tingly sensation after application. I confirmed with her that it wasn’t a reaction to the oil, it was just a mild sensation that she noticed and I didn’t.

After using it for a few days, we noticed visibly smoother skin.  My sister was pretty stoked to find something that is compatible with her skin and doesn’t exacerbate her eczema and soothes dry skin.

In a nut shell:

The Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Oil is a great alternative for a facial cream or lotion especially for sensitive or problematic skin. I would recommend this especially for eczema ,dermatitis  or dry skin sufferers who have difficulties picking out suitable skincare products. Being a very natural product it is super mild on skin and as an oil it provides long lasting hydration and soothes and smoothes the skin over a couple of applications.

Q & A: To buy or not to buy, overseas or here?

2 weeks since arriving back here and my body is still in shock from the cold. Missing my mid-winter summer skin and the constant sun. I ended up accumulating a bit of skin care products while I was there.

There’s always the question of whether to buy designer items such as skincare or perfume from DFS stores at the airport in NZ or get it overseas, the answer is get it overseas especially if you’re in Asia. Nine times out of ten the product will be at least 20% cheaper more likely to be closer to 30% if you’re in Hong Kong or Singapore. For instance:  I got my MAC lash primer from Changi airport for 21 SGD (roughly 21 NZD) and here they sell it for about 27 at Auckland Airport. Only downside to that is it will weigh you down when you’re traveling. A very handy trick of the trade is to buy your goods from DFS in the city prior to your travels. This allows you to have the option of picking up your goods on your way back into the country so it doesn’t weigh you down.

Despite the more expensive buy overall at DFS even being tax free, it definitely saves on the luggage space which was much needed for my trip.

My trip was mainly for diving and visiting family in Hong Kong. Shopping was just for filling in time in between meeting people. In saying that I managed to buy shoes, pants and a few tops.

Plenty of reviews and look books to come! Watch this space!

Michelle

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From left to right: Chanel Mousse Douceur, Chanel Beaute Initiale Nanolotion, Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Extra, Clinique Even Better Clinical, Clinique Moisture Surge CC cream, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle EDP.

Review | Oxygen Skincare Women Indulge… Enjoy Pack

I was recently given the opportunity to try out Oxygen’s Women indulge…enjoy pack. The products featured in this amazing pack included the Purifying Honey Masque and the Hand & Body creme.

Oxygen Skincare is a range developed and made right here in New Zealand. All their products are natural containing organic extracts and are parabens free.

As you all may know if you have been reading my previous posts, I have just got back from an amazing holiday in Malaysia where I have been lounging in the sun and diving for days. Coming back to this dry and cold environment has taking a bit of a toll on my skin. I was so glad to see the pack when I got home and gave myself a mini pampering session right away.

1) Masque

It might be more difficult to notice but the skin on your body needs as much TLC as the skin on your face. Moisturizing once a day may just relieve the temporary appearance of dryness. If you have ever used a face masque before and seen a difference afterwards, I’d gladly recommend this purifying masque.

The purifying masque is liquid honey on your legs, literally. It is natural goodness, smells wonderful and really works as an intensive body treatment.

Ingredients:

The first thing that I noticed when I put the masque on my legs was the smell. It literally smelt like pure honey like I could probably put it on my toast. I then had a look at the ingredients and it has a substantial amount of Nelson active manuka honey.

Manuka honey is great for so many internal and external purposes. I could go on for days with what honey is good for. Manuka honey helps to bind moisture to the skin and also has great antibacterial properties.

Other noticable ingredients in the masque includes aloe vera juice and cucumber to soothe the skin. Apple extract helps to soothe the skin as well as to cleanse oily skin.

When applied it warms up with the skin and can be easily massaged into the skin. It’s a great item to have in the bathroom cupboard to be used on a weekly basis or even for a special pampering session.

When you think honey, you might think it’s messy and sticky but to be honest Oxygen’s Purifying Honey Masque is pretty easy to use , just apply it on cleansed skin and leave for 10 minutes or you could just apply to dry skin if you want a quick treatment. It dries up fairly quickly so you can move around and do other things. Removing it with a warm cloth after 10 minutes. The only thing I have to say about this is that it can get a little bit sticky if you don’t wipe it all off thoroughly, so my recommendation is just to hop in to the shower and wash it off.

2) Moisturizing Creme

The decadent moisturizing creme has got to be one of my favourite moisturiser’s I’ve used. On application it is rich and thick yet can still be smoothed over the skin with ease. It soothes any dry skin and retains moisture over a long period of time. A small amount goes a long way. It’s great as a hand cream as well as it is fairly thick it doesn’t rub off too easily.

Ingredients:

The ingredients is what makes this product so soothing and moisturising such as  aloe vera, apricot kernel oil and jojoba oil. There’s also vitamin e in it which helps with healing. The vanilla oil makes it smells as wonderful as it feels.

Price factor & where to make the buy:

Both products are 200 mls and very well packaged. The pamper set retails for $59.00 which I believe makes it a very good price for a gift for a friend or family member or as a nice winter treat for yourself. The masque depending on how often you use it and whether or not you apply to the whole body or just legs and arms, might last half a year to a year. The moisturiser is also a handy size to leave at work to be used as a hand cream.

The Oxygen range can be found at leading pharmacies, health and department stores and online.

In a nutshell:

This pamper pack is a great as a gift to a friend but also for yourself. The New Zealand winter environment predisposes your skin to dryness which follows with irritation. If not controlled earlier on, the Using the purifying masque on a weekly basis and the hand & body creme on a daily basis can easily soothe and rejuvenate skin.

For more information, check out their website here – Oxygen Skincare

Michelle

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L-R: Purifying Masque & Moisturizing Creme

Lookbook | Glitzy

Wow, has been a while since I last posted. Apologies for that, I actually wrote this post the night before I flew out to Asia but I didn’t find the time to post it in the end. Have a backlog of reviews and look books to show you guys.

Took a few snapshots before dinner on Monday night. We went to Number 5 in Auckland and had their 5 course degustation menu which was heavenly. One of the stand out dishes in my opinion was definitely the venison cappaccio which I have had on another occasion as well but that dish never disappoints your palette.

On another bright note, we just bought a new camera. As you guys I know I do a bit of photography for this blog and also my photography business on the side. I recently launched the official website so please check it out. For any Auckland or NZ readers here that are after photos for an engagement or wedding please contact me.

I am offering a great wedding photography giveaway, please check out my photography website for more details (linked below). Package is worth over $1600 and you can get it for zilch! Worth a look if you’re wanting to save a dollar or two on your wedding budget.

Also of you who may be wedding vendors or are crafty and hand make pretty things, I am happy to collaborate with you guys for stylised shoots- just let me know.

Here’s the website – Michelle Alisa Photography

ASOS knit dress, Zara boots, MIMCO clutch

Lookbook | First Day of Winter

This week we had the taste of the chilliness to come. I had to gather all the knits I could find in my wardrobe which to my surprise is not many at all. Must have sold most of them towards the end of last year to clear out some wardrobe space.

This little look I’ve put together is just something that I wear to work now and then. I am super keen on layering things up because the heating is a bit out dated or perhaps shall we say non existent at work and I often find the 14-15 degree inside temperature unbearable.

On the bright side of things, only half a week left in this miserable cold then off we go to Hong Kong and Malaysia.

I’ve been trying to resist the urge to online shop as I’ll be able to shop in Asia anyway. Shall we say it’s been a hard month. I bought 2 bags in the span of 2 days as a consolation for all the effort I have spent on saving. Let me assure you these are necessary buys for work and business purposes..

Michelle

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What I am wearing: Thrifted knit and shirt. Topshop moto jeans. ASOS boots. Pour La Victorie Bag. Dottie Necklace 

Review | Chanel Lotion Doceur

I have no idea why I haven’t reviewed this product yet, I have used it for almost 6 months now and I must have just thought I had already reviewed this product.

I would definitely suggest using a toner regardless of what type of skin you may have. It is an important step of any skin care regimen. See my article here

I purchased the lotion douceur probably about 6 months ago at a Chanel facial event. I was happily using the Chanel Beaute Initiale Nanolotion prior to that but unfortunately it was a discontinued product. Over the last year Chanel has been discontinuing a few of their first signs of aging products in the Beaute Initiale range. It’s disappointing as I feel that I fit into the category of first signs of aging and age prevention however in saying that if you take excellent all rounded care of your skin prevention should happen on its own.

From using the Lotion Douceur, I believe it is a great toner for those of you with normal to combination skin. It’s not drying or too moisturizing , it’s just right. Remembering to my first impression of it, the Lotion Douceur did feel lighter than the nanolotion and I felt like I did prefer the nanolotion more as it felt more moisturizing after application. However after using it daily, the Lotion Douceur has grown on me. As the beautician said to me, this lotion is perfect for normal skin, it balances the skin out meaning it won’t feel dry or oily. And it does just that.

Main Ingredients:

Tulip tree extract: The anti-polluting agent to remove impurities yet maintain the balance of the skin so that it’s not stripped away of its natural oils.

Bioglucane: Works in synergy with the tulip tree extract.

Price Factor: 5/5

I purchased this for $71 at Smith & Caugheys. It stands at 150ml. For a toner it is probably on the expensive side as with most Chanel products. I have been using this twice a day for 6 months and I still have just under half remaining so personally I don’t think it’s very expensive for the amount of use I can get out of it.

I am aware that Clinique, Lancome, Shiseido do larger bottles of toners and cleansers which is all well and dandy as long as you can get through them in a year. Most skincare products should be used within a year of opening. If you think you’re getting better value for money by getting big bottles but take 2 years to use them up , check the back of the bottle for the useby time to make sure you can really make the most of the product.

In a nutshell

Using a toner is essential as part of a good skincare regimen. Toners help freshen the skin, remove impurities that may not have been cleansed off and moistuises the skin. The Chanel Lotion Douceur is a great toner for normal to combination skin. It freshens while leaving the skin feeling reasonably moisturised. I would most definitely buy this product again next time round.

                          Chanel Lotion Douceur (image from chanel.com)

Review | The Chanel Experience

Apologies for the lack of posts in the last few weeks. I have been super bogged down with numerous things. Don’t get me wrong there are great things happening down the pipeline that’s yet to be revealed to everyone.

Lucky I managed to squeeze in a Chanel pampering session to just relax and switch off my brain for about an hour.

I am always in line for these Chanel facials. I love their products , use them daily and these facials and make overs allow you to try products that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to try.

The process:

I was greeted by the bubbly and professional beauty therapist. We went through my previous purchases and the products I use daily, my main concerns and the types of products I would be interested in today. I believe the initial consultation is so important for any treatments because they really need to find out what you want so they can tailor the products and techniques used to your concerns. Even though it wasn’t my first time getting Chanel products or their facials, based on looking at my products that I bought a year ago wouldn’t give an accurate indication of what I would want today.

My main concern as a 23 year old woman would be first signs of aging. I am thankful that I have been blessed with good skin and have been taught from young to look after it.              I believe that prevention is key to healthy, glowing skin and preventing aging.

The facial started off with a light cleanse with their Lait Comfort which is a cleansing milk. Followed by application of the Lotion Doceur toner. This left my skin feeling soft and fresh.

She applied the Grommage Microperle Eclat which is their exfoliating scrub. The one thing that I probably don’t do enough of is exfoliating. I somehow don’t seem to remember to fit in these intermittent things such as exfoliation and masques. You are suppose to exfoliate about twice weekly even if your skin isn’t oily. Exfoliation helps to get rid of all the dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface which allows better penetration of the products. The grommage is a beautiful product, it consists of crushed pearls as the exfoliating agent. It’s gel cream texture allows smooth application. I will be doing a more thorough review on this product a little later on.

She then followed on with a masque and a massage. The masque that was used was the Hydramax + Active Masque with the main purpose of hydrating the skin. While the masque was settling into the skin , the therapist did an exquisite hand massage. I have had many facials in the past, most therapists take a break and come back in 10 minutes when the masque is setting so I think taking the opportunity to do a hand massage just gives that extra touch.

After the cleansing the masque off, she reapplied the Lotion Doceur and used the Ultra Correction Line Repair Concentrate. I was looking to purchase a serum that had more age prevention properties. I personally didn’t think this is the right serum for me because it does have powerful anti-wrinkle and plumping properties more suited to mature skin and I’m at more the preventing wrinkle stage. I believe Chanel like many other skin care brands lack a complete First Signs of Aging line. It is understandable, there is a small market for these products, your target market would the 20s- 25s who have ample of brands to choose from and to create such products for a small group may not provide great return.

She then finally applied the Beaute Initiale Energizing Multi-Protection Eye Gel and the Hydra Beauty Creme as the moisturiser. Chanel facials often consists of a series of techniques such as pinching and tapping the skin to assist the penetration of products and improve blood flow.

Following from the facial they did a complete make over. It was your choice whether or not you wanted just a natural everyday look or something for the evening.

Overall, it was a wonderful experience as it always is. Chanel never fails to exceed my expectations. The facial cost ($70) was redeemable on product purchase. I decided to buy the Grommage to break my bad non exfoliating habit.

For some of my other Chanel Reviews see below:

• Mousse Doceur (Cleanser) 
• Beaute Initiale Nano Lotion (Toner)
• Hydra Beauty Serum
• Hydra Beauty Creme (Moisturiser)

Review on the Grommage coming soon.

Michelle

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