Lily not Louise

Skincare tips for over 30s

2024-07-12T22:50:00.003+10:00

Ok so as we step into your 30s (or for some of us…our 40’s) your skincare routine absolutely needs to evolve to meet the changing needs of your skin. By the time we hit our 30’s our collagen levels start to deplete and so even the most diligent skincare enthusiasts will need to make some changes to combat that...along with sun damage, dryness and sensitivities ect.

Most of us have at least a few signs of aging that we are trying to tackle (ahhhh hello bunny lines!)…this really is the decade where our skin can look dull, lifeless and dry. This is all thanks to the slowing down of our bodies processes including skin cell turnover, genetic ageing and environmental stressors.

Maintaining that youthful complexion we all desire requires some thoughtful adjustments so here are some essential skincare tips to help you embrace your best skin yet – regardless of age.

1. Prioritize Hydration

Never forget - hydrated skin is happy skin and unfortunately as we grow older, our skin tends to lose moisture more easily. So, incorporating hydrating serums (think those containing hyaluronic acid) into your daily routine to help aid in moisture retention and keep your skin looking plump and juicy is essential.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help hydrate from within too. Hydrating mists, essences and sheet masks are also great at giving skin a BIG boost in hydration levels.

2. Upgrade Your Moisturizer

In your 30s, switch to a richer moisturizer, preferably one that is designed to help address the early signs of aging. Look for skincare ingredients like peptides, ceramides and antioxidants – all of which help to repair skin barrier, aid in the production of collagen production and help protect against environmental damage and stressors.

3. Invest in a Good Eye Cream

The delicate skin around our eyes is more often than not the first part of our faces to show the first visible signs of aging so investing in an eye cream that can target those fine lines, puffiness or dark circles is a great idea. Ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and caffeine can work wonders in keeping your eyes looking youthful and refreshed.

4. Embrace Retinol

Retinoids (otherwise known as retinol) really are the gold standard when it comes to anti-aging skincare and there’s a good reason for that. Derived from Vitamin A, these ingredients do a lot…they can boost cell turnover, improve your skin texture, help with sun damage, aid in the production of collagen and of course…reduce the appearance of any pesky fine lines and wrinkles we wish we didn’t have.

If you are just starting out, it is recommended to initially introduce slowly, every second night or once or twice a week depending on your skin’s tolerance and start with a lower concentration, gradually increasing as your skin adjusts.

For those that are perhaps pregnant, or with super sensitive skin – instead look towards an ingredient called bakuchiol. Derived from an Indian plant, it is a fantastic retinol alternative that is not only natural but effective.

5. Be Gentle..(and skip the wipes)

I think all of us are guilty of using the odd makeup wipe in our twenties, however they sometimes contain alcohol and are far too abrasive for older skin. Ou skin isn’t nearly as resilient in our 30’s and 40’s so we need to be gentle with it.

7. Exfoliate Regularly

Exfoliation helps to remove those nasty dead skin cells, promote a brighter, smoother complexion and can also help fade sun damage. Skip anything that has a manual component and instead look for chemical exfoliants i.e. skincare products containing AHAs or BHAs (like Lacic and Glychoic Acid).

8. Never Skip Sunscreen

Sun protection is crucial at any age – not only for preventing skin cancer but ALSO to help mitigate and prevent the visible signs of ageing. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30+ everyday is vital for your skin’s health and VERY necessary to keep it looking its best.

Even on the cloudiest of days, our skin needs protection against the harmful and damaging UV rays. Did you know UV rays can easily penetrate windows? So, its vital to always include SPF as the last step in your morning skincare routine – regardless of whether you plan to leave the house or not. Trust us, your future self will thankyou!

9). See a Dermotolgist

Don’t be scared to seek out professional help if you need some guidance or a point in the right direction. Lots of women experience changes in their skin post 30 and sometimes we need to seek out the help of a skin therapist who can diagnose skin conditions and recommend treatments with devices like LED machines, Micro needling pens and IPL technology – along with skincare to help us achieve our skin goals faster and more efficiently.

10). Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Healthy skin really does start from within so although it sounds like things we know we should be doing already…it never hurts to remind ourselves of the following:

Ensure you get enough sleep

Try and eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, green leafy foods (investing in a juicer for at-home is a great way to get those collagen rich foods like kale and spinach into our diets)

Keep sugar levels low as possible

Drink lots of water

Keep stress low (easier said than done sometimes) and manage effectively

Exercise regularly – even if it’s just a brisk walk to the shops (anything that can get your circulation going will help aid in keeping your skin happy and healthy

This article was brought to you in partnership with salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To learn more about the technologies or to find a treatment specialist in your local visit their website or call 1300 006 607.

Tweaking Your Skincare Routine for Winter

2024-07-12T22:36:00.000+10:00

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it becomes essential to adjust your skincare routine to combat the harsh effects of the winter weather. The cold air, low humidity and indoor heating wreck havoc on our poor faces and can strip skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, irritation and a dull complexion. By making a few strategic changes to your skincare regimen, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated and looking its best radiant throughout the winter months.

1. Switch to a Gentler Cleanser

During winter, your skin’s natural barrier can easily become compromised, making it more susceptible to dryness and irritation. Switch to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that doesn’t strip away your skin’s natural oils. Cream or oil-based cleansers are excellent choices as they effectively remove dirt and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry.

2. Exfoliate, But Don’t Overdo It

Exfoliation is crucial for removing dead skin cells and keeping your skin smooth and glowing. However, over-exfoliating can lead to irritation, especially in the winter when your skin is more sensitive. Opt for a mild exfoliant, such as a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant with lactic or glycolic acid, and limit exfoliation to once or twice a week. Try a professional hydrodrmabrasion session to get some much needed moisture quickly into your skin as hydro dermabrasion machines are fantastic as infusing the skin with a cocktail of super hydrating skin-loving ingredients.

3. Upgrade Your Moisturizer

One of the most important steps in your winter skincare routine is to use a richer moisturizer. As the air becomes drier, your skin needs more moisture to stay hydrated. Look for serums and moisturiser that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides – all of which help to lock in moisture and strengthen your skin’s barrier. For those with extremely dry skin, consider using a thicker, occlusive cream or ointment to provide an extra layer of protection against the elements.

4. Incorporate Hydrating Products

Adding a hydrating serum to your routine can provide an extra boost of moisture. Skincare products that contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E are particularly effective at drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it there. Ditch the toners unless they are hydrating ones and consider adding in an essence if you wan to go the extra mile. Always apply your serum after cleansing and before moisturizing to maximize its benefits.

5. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. UV rays are just as damaging to your skin in the winter, contributing to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days and reapply as needed if you’re spending extended time outdoors.

6. Protect Your Lips

Your lips are especially vulnerable to dryness and chapping in the winter. Keep them soft and smooth by regularly applying a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or lanolin. Avoid licking your lips, as this can exacerbate dryness, and consider using a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air.

7. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Your skin’s health is closely linked to your overall well-being. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can also provide essential nutrients that support skin health and encourage natural collagen production. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are particularly beneficial for maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier.

8. Adjust Your Nighttime Routine

Your skin goes into repair mode while you sleep, making your nighttime routine the ideal time to use more intensive treatments. Consider incorporating sheet masks or overnight masks into your regimen to provide your skin with some extra nourishment and hydration. Look for products with ingredients like peptides, antioxidants and retinoids, which can help repair and rejuvenate your skin overnight.

Conclusion

Winter can be tough on your skin, but with a few adjustments to your skincare routine, you can keep your complexion looking healthy and radiant. By switching to gentler products, boosting hydration, and protecting your skin from the elements, you can enjoy the winter season without compromising your skin’s health. Stay consistent with your routine, listen to your skin’s needs, and don’t be afraid to pamper yourself with a little extra TLC during the colder months.

This article was in partnership with beauty salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To learn more about professional skincare products, hydrodermabrasion machines or to find a treatment provider in your area, – visit their website.

Skin do’s and don’ts this holiday season

2023-12-18T22:49:00.005+11:00

So, the holiday season is upon us! However whilst you're out there enjoying the summer vibes, it's crucial not to let your skincare routine take a vacation. Here are the some do's and don'ts to keep your skin glowing and happy during the festive season.

Do Keep Hydrated baby!

Let's kick things off with a classic - hydration. The summer heat can be relentless, and your skin needs all the moisture it can get. For starters, make sure you're guzzling down that H2O like it's your holiday job. Not only will it keep you cool, but it'll also help maintain a glowing complexion as well as helping to flush out any after effects from too much alcohol. Throw in a hydrating mist for good measure – your skin will thank you for the extra splash of refreshment.

Don’t forget to Slip slop slap

The Aussie sun is no laughing matter and sunscreen is your skin's knight in shining armour this holiday season. Exposing your skin without protection is like sending it into battle without a decent shield so always opt for a broad-spectrum SPF50+ to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you're indulging in water sports or sweating. Toss a sunscreen spray into your purse so you always have the ability to top-up when out and about.

Do Switch up your routine

Summer calls for a skincare glow-up. Swap out heavy creams for lightweight, hydrating gels. Your skin wants to breathe, not feel suffocated under layers of products. If you are not already, it’s a great time to think about incorporating skincare products with antioxidant ingredients – think of them as tiny superheroes fighting off free radicals induced by the summer sun. As a bonus, whilst not sun-protection per se - they work exceptionally well alongside your sunscreen to help fight off oxidative stress and reverse the damage caused by UV rays. A serum containing niacinmide or vitamin C is a great place to start and can be your skin's best friend during these sunny times.

Don’t overdo exfoliation

Sure, exfoliating is a great way to slough off dead skin cells, but there's a fine line between a healthy glow and irritated skin. Overdoing it can strip your skin of essential oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable. Opt for gentle exfoliants and limit the frequency to once or twice a week. Your skin will appreciate the TLC without feeling like it's been through a sandpaper marathon.

Do treat your skin!

Give your skin the best possible gift this festive season by booking in that treatment you have been eyeing off all year. Whether it be an LED facial with a professional LED light therapy machine or perhaps some RF skin tightening…or maybe some hydrodermabrasion floats your boat – treat your skin to some TLC. If you have a specific skin concern that you wish to treat, a professional analysis with a skin scanner is a great place to start too and lots of salons will redeem the cost with treatments or skincare products.

Do Shower Smarter

After a day of beach bumming or outdoor adventures, a refreshing shower is in order. But here's the trick – go easy on the hot water. Hot showers can zap your skin of its natural oils, leaving it parched. Opt for lukewarm water and throw in a hydrating shower gel. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing vigorously – it's all about showing your skin some love, not roughing it up.

Don’t Scrimp on Sleep

Whilst the warmer weather is enticing, filled with social gatherings such as BBQ’s with friends or lazy days spent at the beach. But don't let the festive spirit compromise your beauty sleep. Your skin actually skin rejuvenates and repairs itself while you snooze, and cutting short on your beauty sleep can lead to dull, tired, lacklustre-looking skin – the opposite of what we want. Aim for those 7-8 hours of blissful shuteye – your skin will wake up thanking you.

So, there you have it – a quick guide to keeping your skin in tip-top shape during the holiday season. Remember, your skin is the canvas for all those festive memories, so treat it with kindness and you will reap the rewards. Here's to a summer filled with radiant skin and endless good vibes!

Interested in finding out more about the treatments mentioned in this article or wanting to find a treatment specialist your local area? To learn more, contact beauty supplier, The Global Beauty Group on 1300 006 607 to find a treatment specialist in your area.

Best Skincare Ingredients and Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

2023-06-20T21:42:00.005+10:00

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin, this can happen when the skin is producing too much melanin (a pigment that our body produces in giving our hair, eye and skin colour). An increase in melanin can lead to skin conditions such as freckles, acne scarring or melasma.

What causes hyperpigmentation

Discolouration of the skin can be caused by a variety of factors, from sun exposure to rupturing of the skin surface, medication, inflammation, hormonal changes and other health conditions. Some hyperpigmentation may be temporary and fade over time, others can be long term.

Skincare for Hyperpigmentation

There is a range of skincare and ingredients that can be used to assist with hyperpigmentation. The most common ingredient on the market is Vitamin C, this wonderful ingredient can block an enzyme that forms melanin. It can also be used to treat uneven skin tone and help with strengthening the skin barrier.

Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 is also a powerful ingredient used in skincare products that can be used to combat hyperpigmentation. as it reduces the transfer of melanin. This ingredient is a strong antioxidant that reduces the transfer of melanin, reduce inflammation, improve skin texture and assist with free radical damage.

If you are not using an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), it’s time to start! AHA is a chemical exfoliant that is used to exfoliate and buff away our dead skin cells! A popular type of AHA is lactic acid, it can be used to improve your skin tone and signs of discolouration. AHA can be used 1-2 times per week depending on your skin type and sensitivity. Make sure you don’t overuse an AHA as it can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

One of the most important methods to prevent skin damage and sunspots is to use an SPF that is suited to the Australian Climate, typically an SPF of 50 is recommended. Also, be sure to reapply your SPF throughout the day!

Laser Pigmentation Removal

There are several different types of treatment that can assist with treating pigmentation. IPL Pigmentation Correction removal is a safe and relatively non-invasive method to remove benign hyperpigmentation including reducing the appearance of freckles, discoloration, sunspots, liver spots and age spots.

IPL or Pulsed Light uses IPL machines controlled beams of filtered light to breakdown the pigments cells, with the laser only targeting the pigment areas and therefore not damaging the surrounding skin around the pigmentation. The pigmented area absorbs the light and is heated to the point that the pigment is shattered and then flushed away by our bodies lymphatic drainage system. During the process, the skin renews itself with fresh and healthy regenerated cells.

In the days following treatment, the pigmented areas turn darker and usually forms a light crust. Over the following weeks the pigment will gradually flake away, leaving the little to no trace of the original mark. A series of sessions is usually recommended, spaced a few weeks apart for best results. Treatments can be performed on the neck, face, decollate, arms and back of hands.

Q-Switch (Q-Switched Laser) is another type of laser for pigmentation removal and is a common and highly effective option to treat melasma and stubborn hyperpigmentation such as acne scarring and birth marks in a similar way that they fade tattoos. This method stimulates your skin’s natural collagen via short pulses of light energy directed into the discoloured areas, disrupting the pigment leading to fading and clearing of the targeted area in the weeks following treatment. The energy delivered by Q-switched lasers also remodels skin collagen and improves overall texture and tone.

Finally, another great option and favourite for many wanting to fade discolouration is LED light therapy, specifically green light. LED machines work by helping to fade sun damage, including age/spots and hyperpigmentation and the best part is treatments are completely non-invasive and actually very relaxing. All that is required is that you lay back and let the lights work their magic – making it a great alternative for people seeking 100% painless, no-invasive treatment options.

Your hyperpigmentation is gone, now what?

Once your hyperpigmentation is removed, it is vital that you take steps to ensure you maintain and look after your skin with skincare and continue to protect your skin with SPF. Additional sun exposure can cause the pigmentation to redevelop so the aftercare is crucial! Extra maintenance sessions can also be booked to complete laser treatment to keep your skin clear and rejuvenated.

This article was in joint partnership with wholesale salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. If you are interested in finding out more about the treatments mentioned in this article or wanting to find a treatment specialist your area please contact beauty supplier, The Global Beauty Group on 1300 006 607.

Skincare 101

2023-05-12T15:16:00.036+10:00

There are so many skincare products on the market!! It can feel overwhelming when you are trying to build a skincare routine. Using the right skincare for you can make a dramatic difference with long term benefits to help your skin looking healthy. The important part is to select products that is suited to your skin-type and concerns. Let’s go through some of the basics!

Cleanse

The best way to start and end your day is with a clean canvas, cleansing is a crucial first step to establish your skincare routine. If you are skipping your morning cleanse, think again! Our skin regenerates overnight, your morning cleanse assists with removing dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter and more refreshed. Our skin also still sweats at night and so it super important to be starting your morning routine with a nice, clean canvas. This ensures that you will be getting the most out of any products you apply as part of your morning skincare routine.

Cleansing is also a necessary step at the end of your day as our skin is often exposed to pollution, bacteria, dirt, grime and not to mention the layers make-up or skincare that’s been sitting on our faces for hours! Our skin is yearning for a good cleanse. A double cleanse is recommended if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen, using an oil-based cleanser or a cleansing balm to gently remove the products off your face, followed by a cream, gel or foam cleanser. A cream cleanser is recommended for dehydrated skin, if your skin feels dry after a cleanse, opt for a gel cleanser. A foam cleanser is optimal for oily skin.

Serum

Is your skin looking for a certain boost? Pigmentation? Fine lines? Uneven skin tone? A serum is a great way to target areas of concern after your cleanse. By selecting or pairing serums to treat your specific needs, you can maximise your skincare routine.

Hydrating serums such as Hyaluronic acid is used to treat dehydrated skin and retain moisture. This is a great serum for all skin types and should be used on damp skin. Serums containing Hyaluronic acid can be applied as part of your morning or evening routine.

Vitamin C is considered as a skin brightening product and serums containing it can be used to target concerns such as pigmentation, uneven skin tone and dullness. As Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant, this particular skincare product is usually recommended to apply as a part of your morning skincare routine.

Anti-ageing serums that contain active ingredients such as retinol, AHA’s including glycolic and lactic acids are best used as part of your night-time routine. Products such as these assist with skin rejuvenation, cellular turnover and can be used to assist with common anti-ageing concerns such as

fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage etc depending on how well your skin can tolerate the products. With any product containing active ingredients, for example Retinol - you can start with a lower percentage and work your way up to a higher dose as required. This is true for AHA’s also – if you are just starting out, Lactic acid is slightly more mild than Glycolic Acid and a lot of products will show the percentage and strength included in the product.

Moisturise

Once you are ready to lock in all the nutrients from your serums, its time to apply your moisturiser. A moisturiser is designed to retain moisture, protect your skin and create a barrier between your skin and other products. It is important to know your skin type and match it a moisturiser that is compatible with your skin. Let’s have a look at the variations!

Oily Skin: A light weight, water-based, gel moisturiser that is oil-free may be best suited for oily skin types. You can remain hydrated without any added oils. Alternatively, some may prefer a mattifying moisturiser to control any shine.

Dry Skin: A hydrating cream moisturiser is recommended for dry skin; a thicker cream moisturiser can help lock in moisture for longer and help treat dry skin.

Sensitive Skin: Depending on what your skin is sensitive to; you may wish to find a moisturiser that is free from a certain ingredient. A fragrance-free moisturiser may be a good start!

Sunscreen

UV rays can cause long term, damaging effects to your skin and trigger signs of ageing. When you are selecting your sunscreen, make sure it is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect your skin against UVA (Aging) and UVB (Burning) rays. It is important to remember to apply your sunscreen all year round! Experts recommend sunscreen to be reapplied throughout the day more frequently if you are swimming. Depending on your skin type and what your skin may be sensitive to. You can select from two types of sunscreen – Chemical sunscreen will absorb the UV rays while Physical or Mineral sunscreen will sit on top of your skin, creating a barrier to reflect UV rays.

Now that we have covered some of the basic products, you can kick start your skincare journey!

This article was brought to you in partnership with beauty salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To find out more about the best skincare products for your skin concern, please visit their website https://www.theglobalbeautygroup.com.au

Day Retreat @ Billabong Retreat, Maraylya NSW

2023-03-29T11:36:00.006+11:00

I have been eyeing a yoga retreat for the longest time and finally made my way to Billabong Retreat for a day retreat. Located in Maraylya, 45minutes from Sydney is a hidden gem. I was unsure what to expect but was hit with a sense of tranquillity upon arrival.

8:45AM - ARRIVAL

With plenty of parking on site, we were given a quick little tour around the main area before we made our way into the dining area for a cuppa. Shortly after, we were due to attend our first workshop on self care.

9AM - WORKSHOP

I wasn't sure what to expect at a self care workshop, perhaps some tips and tricks on me time? Alas, the workshop was extremely informative with information on the nervous system and how our body reacts to stress. We participated in a breathing and walking exercise around the room, plus a little bit of music therapy. I was EXTREMELY relaxed.

10:30AM - FREE TIME

We literally sat down, admired the bushland with another cup of chai and some colouring in activities.

11AM - YOGA

Since having the baby, 1 full hour of yoga is RARE!!! I was able to practice without stress, interruption and distractions. It was a great yoga session for all levels.

MIDDAY - LUNCH

A buffet style lunch made by their resident chef. All plant based and it was honestly one of the best meals I've had in a LONG time. Everything complimented each other and was just amazing.

FREETIME

We had some social time interacting with some of the other guests and took a walk around the billabong. I remember wishing it was a longer stay and how I didn't' want to go back to work the next day. Looking at the Purple Swamphens dashing across the lily-pads was really something else, at one with nature.

2PM - TREATMENT

Infrared treatment was included as a part of our day retreat package. Other guests had various treatments such as massage and reiki booked during the afternoon. We sat in the Infrared sauna and I had never seen sweat beads popping out of my arms. We were in there for 35-40 minutes before taking a shower. My skin looked and felt incredible the session.

FREE TIME

During our last bit of free time we took a dip in their magnesium pool. It was the perfect weather for it. I haven't swam in a pool for a long time and it was refreshing.

AFTERNOON TEA

We were served some watermelon and choc balls. Oh and their Dandy Chai is ace. I had so many cups I've lost count. We decided to head off and beat the traffic at around 4pm. But there's a yoga session at 3:30PM if you decide to stay for a bit longer!

COST

Midweek from $150

Day Retreat – $150 per person (workshop or sauna included)
Day Retreat with 1 treatment – $200 per person
Day Retreat with 1 treatment + workshop – $250 per person
Deluxe Day Retreat with massage, reiki and workshop – $325 (saving $50)

WEBSITE

https://billabongretreat.com.au/

OVERALL

Amazing day retreat, I highly recommend it to anyone who is curious to sample a yoga retreat or if you are simply time poor and only able to get away for the day. We are itching to go back to stay a few nights in their treehouse.

Skin Needling – The In’s and Out’s

2022-12-21T09:40:00.002+11:00

Ok so…skin needling. To some it might sound downright terrifying – skin being poked with tiny needles…ahmm come again? Ok so all jokes aside there has been a lot of buzz circulating around skin needling or micro needling – especially since Covid hit and we all had to look after our skin from home there has also been a huge rise in Derma rolling devices. So, what exactly is dermarolling and is it different from skin needling? We had a chat to our beauty salon supplier friends over at The Global Beauty Group to break down the differences and get the low down on all things skin needle related!

Ok so what is Skin Needling and how does it work?

Skin needling or microneedling is also sometimes referred to as Collagen Induction Therapy, or CIT for short. As we age, our body’s collagen production starts to slow down, in fact in our 20’s is when we start to produce less collagen and by the time we reach our 30’s and 40’s our bodies are producing less and less collagen on its own. Skin needling is a minimally invasive professional treatment that involves the use of a skin needling device or pen to create tiny micro channels within the skin – in other words a controlled injury to the skin. When these tiny needles puncture the skin, they trigger the skin’s healing response within the body. As the skin goes into healing mode, it then leads the skin to trigger new collagen production within the body.

It is during the body’s regeneration process that the skin’s collagen production levels are boosted and the formation of this new collagen results in smoother, firmer, younger-looking skin. Micro needling treatments are clinically proven to encourage skin rejuvenation, volumise and plump the complexion, whilst also strengthening the skin barrier, boosting circulation and increasing skin elasticity. As the new collagen is produced and dispersed, wrinkles appear less deep, fine lines are reduced, pitted and textured skin fills in, acne scars fade and stretch marks become smoother.

What can skin needling treat?

Skin needling is an extremely versatile treatment as not only is it suitable for most skin types – treatments with micro needling pens can also has the ability to treat a whole host of common skin conditions on both on the face and body. Skin needling is clinically proven to improve overall skin quality as well as treating some of the most common signs and symptoms of ageing including:

- Smooths and refines skin texture and tone

- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

- Treats scars of the face and body (ie. acne scars)

- Helps to resurface and fade stretch marks

- Targets hyperpigmentation and helps to fade sun damage or uneven skin tone

- Allows for greater absorption of skincare products by up to 90%

- Increases cellular turn-over, boosting skin hydration levels and overall elasticity

Does it hurt or damage the skin?

In short, professional microneedling treatments with skin needling pens or machines do not hurt as the skin will be numbed with a topical anesthetic prior to the treatment starting and most people tolerate the treatment quite comfortably. Microneedling treatments are also considered one of the safest skin procedures as it causes minimal damage to the skin and unlike other skin rejuvenation procedures, skin needling results in minimal downtime – great news for us! Afterwards the skin may appear red for a few hours and feel like it has a mild sunburn, however this should subside within 24-48 hours. Fresher, brighter and more younger-looking skin will start to appear with 4-6 weeks post treatment!

How many treatments will I need?

It really depends on which skin concern you are trying to target and an individual’s skin condition. Almost all professional micro needling devices can be tailored by your practitioner, depending on the condition that needs to be treated. If treating acne scarring, someone might need 3-4 treatments to help smooth the appearance of deep pitted scars. In the case of wrinkles associated with ageing skin, 1-2 treatments might be sufficient, however a “refresher” or top-up treatment is recommended every 6-12 months. Essentially, the more treatments you do, the more your skin will benefit and the better it will look!

What is Dermarolling?

Essentially they both do similar things, however micro-needling is a professional-grade treatment and Dermarolling is the at-home version. Dermarolling involves using a hand-held tool to roll needles over the skin. Whilst you won’t effect collagen production within the skin, using a Dermaroller is a great way to help even out skin tone, boost the absorption levels of your skincare as well as helping to boost skin hydration levels – in otherwords, definitely a tool you want in your skincare cabinet! The other major difference between the two is the needle depth – obviously as microneedling is a professional treatment the tool used will penetrate the skin at much deeper levels (anywhere from 0.25mm to 2.5mm) when compared to an at home roller. Most at-home rollers will have a needle length of 0.25-0.5mm so they can be safely used and not cause any damage to the surface of your skin.

To learn more about microneedling or dermarolling, or to find a treatment provider in your local area, contact wholesale beauty salon suppliers The Global Beauty Group or (03) 8555 2246

A Massage Tool That You Need

2022-05-01T16:58:00.005+10:00

Back pain, shoulder pain, forearm pain, leg pain... you name it!

It's the joy of having a new baby, my entire body started to ache after 4 weeks of holding my big bubba. I stayed up in the middle of the night googling two things; night nannies and a massage during the first few weeks. Having a fussy newborn baby who is pretty much exclusively breastfed made leaving the house for hours at a time fairly difficult. Little Miss can't stay in one position for too long. When she was 9 weeks old and fairly well behaved, her weight had more than doubled. My poor arms, legs and back! I asked my husband to massage my back, the massage lasted for about 60 seconds before his hands were tired. Now that she is 3.5 months old and over 7.5kgs I realised that I had to find some form relief for my muscle aches in the comfort of my own home, I started using Elinz Electric Massage Gun and never looked back. I have been using this massage gun at least once per day on my back, arms and legs.

Features:

- 20 adjustable speed levels
- LED touch display
- Long Battery life
- Provides 10mm deep tissue vibrations
- 8 massage head attachments
- SAA Approved wall charger (You will never need to buy batteries!)

RRP $115AUD

This massage gun provided me with a lot of soft tissue relief, especially for my back. Prior to the massage gun, I had also tried to massage my own back, this ended poorly, with sore fingers and bruises because I couldn't determine how hard I was pressing. I can hold the massage gun my self and position it to the sides of my lower back where I experience symptoms for instant relief. I can also ask my husband to hold the gun for me with minimal effort. The various attachments is designed for different parts of your body, but I tend to mix and match, see what fits and keep trying different attachments for different level of relief. I can confidently say, Elinz Electric Massage Gun is a must have!

Elinz Australia offers a wide range of tech supplies via their easy to navigate website. From dash cam to consoles to power inverters. You will be able to find what you need there.

My Pregnancy Journey: Getting Pregnant "THE HERBAL SHIT WORKED"

2021-10-31T11:06:00.002+11:00

This was quite a sensitive topic for me for quite a while.

My husband and I never really wanted to get married but we were both agreeable on having a child out of wedlock. You can imagine my parent's reaction when I first announced this news. Without the financial burden of a wedding we can utilise the wedding funds to purchase baby essentials. It took a while for them to come to terms, they eventually did. As always nothing went to plan, we ended up getting married and tried to kids after.

We started trying. Every 2-3 days they said. Keep your legs up and do a head stand they said.

We both shared the preliminary mentality that babies are created in one go. That unprotected sex meant instant pregnancy - this must've lingered from high school sex ed and mainstream movies/tv.

I did have an assumed issue, prior to 30 my periods came and gone like clockwork. As soon as 30 hit me, my periods became irregular, I experienced up to 5 days of dreadful spotting. Initially I consulted my GP because having irregular periods was foreign to me.

"What is wrong
with my body?"

I completed a variety of tests, yearning for a diagnosis. My ultrasound was largely unremarkable other than a 3mm uterine polyp. My GP advised me that "it's fine, we will just monitor it". I decided to consult a Gynecologists who recommended the polyp to be removed to ensure that it does not affect my chances of becoming pregnant later down the track. I went with it.

My first post-polyp removal period was great. No spotting. I was thrilled and thought I was "fixed". Unfortunately the spotting resumed the following month, the month after and so forth. The Gyno couldn't explain the spotting and said "it may just be age related". Damn, 30 is old?

A few months later my husband and I spoke about having a child - he had a steady job, I had a steady job and we received a 15k refund for our Italy honeymoon - thank you Covid. I felt "ready". We tried for approximately 3-4 months with absolutely nothing. One month, my period was a week late, I was hopeful and purchased a packet of pregnancy tests. Negative.

The following days I had bits of really dark blood come out in small amounts. We went to my GP who said it may have been a miscarriage, I completed a blood test to confirm this. We were both quite upset until my GP called me with the results and said "You were definitely NOT pregnant, it was not a miscarriage". It was a conflicting feeling, we were both relieved yet frustrated that I just couldn't get pregnant at all.

After the fourth month I promised my husband that I'd stop thinking about it and we stopped trying, instead I bought another packet of pregnancy tests - 12 this time. Ended up peeing on a stick every time my period was a day or two late. I experience faux "pregnancy symptoms", I felt nauseas when my periods were late. Every pee test was negative. I used 8 pee tests from that packet. It was emotionally and physically draining.

" I wanted to find a reason
and called my GP to get my
husband tested. Of course,
blame your spouse! "

We never got around to complete any further testing, my mind was preoccupied with moving houses. Eventually, I accepted the fact that we were incapable of having children and mapped out a life for two. We made grand plans to travel post covid, purchase a Sphynx cat and fill our house with French Provincial style furniture. I told my husband I wanted to buy a luxury car eventually, he nodded and said "you can do whatever you want".

This mentality was relayed back to my mum (who was baby crazy). I told her we want to have a child, but we can't seem to make one. She understood and told me to live my best life, who needs children anyway. What a mum!

I continued to complain about the 5 days of spotting before the period gush. Thankfully I was using reusable pads but it was increasingly frustrating to wear one for 10 days out of each month. My friend Emma recommended Thompson's One A Day Vitex 1500 for period regulation. I went to Chemist Warehouse and purchased a bottle for $12.99. I also mentioned it to another friend who was suffering from intense period pains, she purchased a bottle as well.

The online reviews stated that it worked well for acne, some period symptoms and for a few - period regulation. I am overall very healthy and active, I don't have any pre-existing medical conditions and have never been on medication other than cold and flu/some antibiotics. I had no structural issues, my hormones were regular and all my levels were very stable. So I thought I'd give it a go.

I took it for about a week or two, my period came and I only spotted for 2 days. I very rarely experience period cramps or period pains, this time I did. It didn't matter, as long as it was effective against the spotting.

The next month my periods were late. My husband reassured me that it was just another late period. I started to experience period cramps and thought it was "stuck". I had a pretty rigorous daily exercise routine. Instead of 1.5hrs, I started exercising for 3hrs (ahhh lockdown life). A lot of HITT, ab work and jumping and running--- gotta get that period out, right?

One Friday morning, I decided to bite the bullet and pee on a stick, I look at the stick immediately after I peed on it and it showed ONE line - not pregnant. I wasn't phased. I placed the stick on the wrapper and slowly got up to wash my hands, clean my face, brush my teeth etc....

"I went to put the pregnancy

stick in the rubbish bin and

saw a second line.

PREGNANT"

I was in disbelief. I sent my husband a message and he was shocked. It was the most surreal moment.

Vitex is not a miracle pregnancy pill, however I believe that it did help me to regulate my periods and that my ovulation overlapped with the spotting. Vitex is labelled as a supplement, I guess see it like you would look at collagen powder or any other supplements - not a cure all. Works for some but may not work for others. Please consult your doctor in the first instance. My GP also advised me that on average, it takes couples 1yr to conceive successfully. It took us about a year and 7 months, this baby came to us when we least expected.

I'd love to hear your story.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lily (@lilynotlouise)

Pregnancy Skincare Routine

2021-10-23T17:13:00.002+11:00

Being pregnant is a life changing experience, I found I had to modify a lot of things in my life for this exciting time. Changes to my clothing, diet, activities and skincare routine were all necessary and this included modifying my skincare routine. After a phenomenal amount of research to learn more about what skincare products are safe to use during my 9 month journey, my skincare routine is now carefully curated. Luckily, I have been able to continue my AM and PM routine with a slight tweak of some of the products and ingredients I usually use.

Cleansing

Cleansing is still an important element in my routine! I usually do a quick cleanse with a gel or cream cleanser in the morning to remove any excess sebum that may have developed overnight. In the evening, I prefer a much deeper cleanse with a cleansing balm to remove sunscreen and any environmental pollutants. This is always the first step to my skincare to prepare my skin for the next steps.

Exfoliating

I’m currently using low doses of Glycolic Acid on a reusable cotton pad to gently exfoliate my face, neck and decolletage once per week. My skin absolutely loves this step and feels smooth and more alive afterwards . I find it has the added benefit of It also helping with pigmentation and acne that developments during the trimesters.

Toner

My toning mist is always near me, my skin is quite dehydrated so I need to recharge and re-hydrate throughout the day. As soon as I exit the shower, I grab a towel and spritz my face with the toning mist to retain the moisture. I noticed that my skin will crease if I don’t do this, so it’s a very important step for me.

Serum

I’ve noticed my skin has changed and while I’m experiencing the pregnancy glow I have also noticed new and emerging freckles appearing - more so than pre-pregnancy. I’ve found that using a Vitamin C serum on a daily basis can help to combat this. The other serum that I can’t go without is Hyaluronic Acid. Pregnancy, lockdown and the cooler weather made my skin dehydrated and dry. Drinking more water than I usually do and putting some hydration back into my skin is now crucial! These two serums are probably some of the best skincare products I have in my routine at the moment.

Eye Treatment

The joy of pregnancy means constant toilet runs as added pressure is applied onto my bladder, resulting in waking up at odd hours and insomnia in general. Eye cream and under eye treatment is a saviour, keeping any signs of fine lines at bay and the under eye area hydrated.

Moisturiser

Moisturiser is a must for me, day and night. With my skin being dry and dehydrated, I tend to do a lot of layering. I apply two pumps of moisturiser all over my face and one pump on my neck. Since I am unable to use retinol, I have started to notice more prominent lines and neck lines, so I always bring all my treatment products down to my neck.

Oil

The last step to my evening routine is always oil, I pat some Jojoba or Prickly Pear Oil all over my face and neck to seal everything in, my morning routine is not as rigorous and from time to time I’d only apply a serum or some prickly pear oil.

Since Jojoba Oil is a wax and a very effective moisturiser, I apply a generous amount over my belly, hips and chest before bed to help the area stay hydrated every evening before bed.

SPF

Sunscreen is a routine product! Mineral based sunscreens are recommended for pregnancy. Whilst I try to get some sunshine (where possible) on a daily basis, I make sure my skin is always adequately protected! Slathering on sunscreen to protect my skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays and help prevent the pigmentation or the infamous “Mask of Pregnancy”.

This has become my routine during the pregnancy. I hope that this can be a useful guide for others who are going through these changes or provide some insight for those who are interested to know more about what a skincare routine can be like during a pregnancy.

(Sponsored post)

Must Have Winter Skincare

2021-08-29T10:37:00.001+10:00

So, winter can be tough for many reasons, especially when it comes to our skin. Whether you are a fan of winter or not, even those who do prefer the cooler months cannot deny that winter can be super tough on our skin, taking a toll on our poor faces. The harsher elements, freezing temperatures, blistering winds and in-door heating can inflict all sorts of unwanted and tricky to deal with skin conditions. I’ve collated some of my favorite must-have skincare ingredients to help your skin survive and stay happy throughout the colder months.

Hydrating Serum

Our skin struggles to retain moisture in the colder weather, making hydration even more imperative. Hydrating serums containing Hyaluronic acid help boost moisture levels and helping combat dryness, dehydration and dullness.

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

Even the more robust skin types can become more sensitive and subject to dryness or dehydration during winter. Indoor heating and those deliciously hot showers can leave skin feeling tight and dry. It’s also much harder for our bodies to keep hydration levels up throughout winter so switching to a thicker, heavier moisturiser can plump and nourish your skin as well as restore lost moisture.

SPF

Yes, even though its freezing outside – UV rays are harmful to our skin all year round and are just as active during winter! Applying an SPF as a final step to your skincare routine provides an extra layer of protection for skin and ensuring our skin barrier stays nice and strong.

Antioxidants If you don’t already, incorporating skincare products that contain topical antioxidants are a great addition to any skincare routine – especially in winter when the elements are harsher. Antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E help fight off nasty free-radicals, combat stressors from the environment and protect our skin.

Lip balm with a sunscreen

There’s not many of us that don’t suffer from annoying dry, chapped lips during winter. I’ve gotten into the routine of making sure I remember to apply a thick, nourishing lip balm at night before bed so that I wake up with hydrated, plump lips. I also make sure to apply a lip balm containing SPF as that helps to prevent any dryness and protect them from those nasty winds!

Cream cleanser

To keep cleansing as gentle as possible, using a cream cleanser is ideal for winter. Suitable for all skin types (even the most sensitive), a cream cleanser won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Cream cleansers tend to be packed with soothing ingredients that will add an extra layer of moisture to your skin and help protect and strengthen skin barrier.

Exfoliant

Exfoliation is important all year round, but it’s imperative during winter. It’s extremely common to experience dry, flaky sensitive skin during the chiller months and exfoliating helps to resurface the skin. I prefer using chemical exfoliants such as AHA’s and BHA’s as they are also humectants, meaning they also work to keep my skin nice and hydrated at the same time as getting rid of those dry flaky bits of dead skin cells!

(Sponsored post)

Worth the Hype? Ere Perez Review

2021-06-08T15:18:00.003+10:00

Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation $50AUD

I have two shades, Honey and Malt.

Honey was a lot lighter than expected, Malt suited my NC25 tone better, I probably can go up to Chai. I now use Honey for under eye concealing which works quite well. I found the colour matching to be slightly difficult because just by looking at the shades online, I'd be a Honey. However when Honey is rubbed in, it's lighter than expected. Malt works well, especially during winter.

I found the texture to be easy to spread either with fingers or brush. It's fairly creamy. I personally prefer to use a brush because - cold hands! Rubbing my cold fingers all over my face is not ideal, I can cope with a small amount but not when it's my full face on a cold morning. This foundation works like a dream on well prepped skin. The coverage is light to medium and it gives you a perfect dewy appearance.

If you have dry patches, this may not be the foundation for you as it will cling onto dry patches, unless your skin is really well prepped.

Purchase here

Carrot Colour Pot $36

I own two colour pots. Healthy and Holy.

I bought Holy a little while back and it was on a site that marked the product as heavily discounted. So I'm not sure as to how long they had it in stock for. When I received the product, it wasn't creamy as advertised, it was a little bit hard but still useable. A little goes a long way with Holy. I personally didn't find it as flattering as expected on my olive skin tone, I feel this product may be better suited to cool toned skin,

Healthy on the other hand, was purchased from a different site. The product was exactly as advertised and reviewed - beautiful and creamy. Still pigmented like Holy, but a warmer shade which suited my olive skin really well.

You can use your fingers or a brush. I like to use my fingers to dab it onto my cheeks and a brush to blend it out.

Absolutely beautiful, you can use it on your lids and lips too.

Purchase here

Moringa All Beauty Creme $45

A beautiful cream that pairs really well with the Oat Milk Foundation and just sits really well under makeup. It's not heavy but its moisturising at the same time. The scent is very subtle.

No SPF, a decent cream all round. It worked well for my winter skin.

If your skin dries and chaps - you may need a heavier duty cream.

Purchase here

Vanilla Highlighter $40

This was purchased after seeing raving reviews.
Did it live up to the hype? Yes it did.
Mind you, I personally haven't had the luxury to try many cream based highlighters, without much to compare with, I am really really happy with this highlighter. Its not blinding, its subtle but visible. Looks beautiful on the cheeks bones, creamy and easy to blend.

I like to use this with my fingers, in a tapping motion.

Purchase here

Closing Thoughts:

I started purchasing Ere Perez because I was curious and after trying their products I think I want to try more. If you are a beginner, try the Carrot Colour Pot or the Vanilla Highlighter. There are many stockists and seem to be on sale fairly regularly on their main website or on Vital Pharmacies.

I personally love this brand and think it's worth the hype.

10 things I wish I could tell my younger self….

2021-06-02T23:06:00.002+10:00

We all have regrets or things we wish we knew 10 years ago, some lessons we can only learn in retrospect. The following is a list I’ve compiled along the way of some beauty lessons that were learnt through good old-fashioned trial and error. Some are permanent, some not so much. Others are never too late to start implementing

1. Put down the tweezers.

My poor eyebrows never and I mean never recovered from the late 90’s early aughties trend of barely-there pencil-thin eyebrows. I blame my mum for letting me pluck them in the first place.

2. That tattoo does not look as good as you think it does.

What you considered “cool” ten years ago does not age well. In fact, the cooler it was for the time, the more dated it probably looks now. Aside from the fact it just doesn’t feel like “you” anymore, it just looks really terrible. Thank God for tattoo removal lasers. Mum was right on this one.

3. Don’t sleep with your makeup on.

Guys…I mean come on. I know we are all guilty of this cardinal rule but we are not teenagers/in our twenties anymore. We are grown-ups and grown-ups take off their make up before bedtime. And yes, its ok to cheat with a sneaky make-up wipe now and again.

4. Smoking is not cool.

Just….no. Don’t do it. Not cool people.

5. Do not sunbake. Like EVER.

In my mind’s eye, I can see my 16-year-old self slathering herself with what might as well have been baby oil to get my skin as brown as possible. Getting or having a tan was definitely considered “healthy-looking” or even desirable when I was growing up. Solariums were still a thing and maximum protection meant SPF15+.

Aside from the more obvious health risks to un-protected sun exposure, 80% of visible ageing is linked directly to UV exposure or sun-damage. Those unwanted pigmentation and fine-lines I’ve ended up with? All preventable.

Moral of the story: it is never too late to start wearing sunscreen. Even when its 14 degrees and overcast, the sun’s rays are still harmful (especially here in Australia) so it’s crucial to wear your sunscreen every day and make sure its 30+ or even 50+

6. Be gentle with your skin (and Do. Not. Pick!)

This one’s an easy one and we have all been there, I’m sure. Using ingredients that are too harsh or strong for one’s skin can end up causing more problems. Exfoliation is great – over exfoliation is not. I learnt this one the hard way and my poor skin paid the price. It took ages to get my skin back to where it was before I tried to burn my face off. Test patch new ingredients first and don’t overload your skin with too many products all at once.

Also, picking pimples is just a no. For that brief moment of satisfaction when you successfully squeeze a pimple is just not worth that scar or mark that it leaves behind. I still struggle with this one, it is definitely a hard habit to break.

7. Embrace and work with the hair you have.

There is no point wishing you had pin-straight blonde hair, when in reality you have dark brown curls. Straighteners and other hot tools will wreak havoc on your hair. Likewise dying your hair incessantly will cause it to thin and fall out. And don’t even get me started on bleach….

8. Start laser hair removal now. Pronto.

This one is an investment. But also, a no-brainer and again, never too late to start. If you consider all the time, money and hassle combined over the years with all the painful waxing appointments, bleaching, plucking and razers …well you get the idea. Also, laser hair removal machines have come a long way in the last 10 years and treatments are now quicker, cheaper and more effective than ever before. The sooner you book and complete your sessions, the quicker you are on your way to being smooth and hair-free. Permanently.

9. Invest in a good skincare routine (and stick to it).

See a professional (i.e. aesthetician dermal therapist, dermatologist) and get a proper skin analysis to work out your skin type and/or condition you wish to treat, plus the best skincare products for your particular skin needs.

10. And finally….learn to LOVE yourself and embrace your body exactly as it is!

I wish, most of all that I could have told my younger self this: The things you are self-conscious about now are the things you will end up loving about yourself – because they make you, you.

(Sponsored post)

Not all Laser Hair Removal is created equal…

2020-12-21T10:45:00.002+11:00

Come again? News to me…I don’t know about you beauty junkies but I’ve been hearing the term “Super hair removal” or SHR floating around…and it peaked my interest. Afterall, isn’t all laser hair removal the same? No, apparently not. Which kinda makes sense…have any of you ever had a series of laser hair removal sessions only for nothing to happen? Correction, something did happen – the damn hair grew back!

So, this got me thinking…what is the best type of laser hair removal? Afterall, laser hair removal machines came on the scene 10 years ago, it stands to reason that there have been some advances in technology since then right? Bear with me as I attempt to break down this new-wave technology, so we can all hopefully work out what’s right for us.

All of the lights…

So how does standard laser differ from SHR? And what about IPL? Isn’t that a laser too? Well all 3 hair removal lasers use targeted light (the laser) to affect the hair follicle, heating it up and essentially killing it so that it cannot grow hair anymore. The difference is basically the type of light, laser is a one-shot deal; an intense pulse of light, standard IPL laser is similar but uses a scattered light pattern to target the follicle. SHR treats the area by heating up the hair follicle slowly, using multiple flashes of light.

So, what does that mean for me?

Well for starters, talk to your clinician about the colour of your skin and hair. They will then determine which type of laser hair removal is suitable for you and if you are a candidate for SHR. Basically the hair needs to be darker than your skin tone as the light is attracted to the darkest thing it finds…and if it’s not the hair then the surrounding skin cops the heat, so to speak.

How does SHR work?

Well, despite heating up the hair slower – SHR is much faster treatment (due to the multiple lights). The treatment takes far less time to perform (we are talking HALF the time people!) as well as your clinician being able to treat much larger areas with ease. Rather than a stamping motion – the laser is rolled back and forth over your skin, making treatments much more comfortable. Instead of an intense zapping, it’s more of a warm tingle. The best part? The results usually last longer!

Ok so now the super part is making sense – its faster, with zero pain AND longer lasting. I’m pretty sure that’s a trifecta in anyone’s eyes.

Most places that offer SHR will have standard IPL also, which is great as it’s still a fantastic tool and can be used to treat smaller more difficult areas.

Extra perks

A few other honorable mentions – SHR is considered a safer treatment overall. This is due to the slower heating process, making it preferable for those with more sensitive skin types as well. Another perk is that whereas traditional IPL excluded those that did not have fairly light skin and dark hair, there is a bit more wiggle room when it comes to treating those with a darker complexion or tanned skin.

Another benefit to SHR is its FANTASTIC for those pesky ingrown hairs. A friend of mine was plagued with ingrowns and literally everything she tried failed. Yet she swears up and down since getting SHR, she has not had ONE. Pretty impressive stuff.

OK so that’s about it folks. I hope that de-mystified SHR and if it’s the right type of laser hair removal for you. It’s important to remember, everyone’s body differs – I have plenty of hair-free friends that got laser many moons ago, the results lasted, and they are as pleased as punch. I also have others who have had to “top up” their results with a couple of sessions later down the line. Speak to your clinician and find out which type is most likely to yield the best results for YOU.

And on a final note - the body is an impressive thing, capable of healing and rejuvenating itself. Which is why those damn hair follicles are sometimes able to repair themselves after being dormant for a long period of time. I know, so unfair…why can’t it repair those crow’s feet that came in a few years ago? Or those laugh lines…come on body – get on it!!!

I’ll keep you posted…

(Sponsored post)

2020 Christmas Gift Guide

2020-12-07T08:57:00.003+11:00

Oil Garden's 3in1 Diffuser $39.99 works as a humidifier, air purifier and night light. Uses ultrasonic technology with a run time of approximately 5 hours. Oil Garden also have a range of essential oils for your diffuser, from Baby Sleep to Headache Ease blends, from $13.99.

Purchase here

The Beauty Chef and I go back to 2017, when I was first introduced to the brand. I reviewed their Hydration Inner Beauty Boost. The Beauty Chef have grown exponentially since 2017 my top pick for the ultimate Christmas gift is their Beauty and Balance Kit. You get it all, their infamous Glow powder, Collagen and Well Spray.

Looking for a serum and can't find a one stop shop? Boost Lab have your back. They have an amazing range of boosters, to hopefully cover all your skin concerns, eye serum, brightening serum, night serum... you name it. They retail for $29.95 each.

Glasshouse never cease to impress me with their holiday releases. Just look at that carousel! I have it sitting in my living room and it looks like the most expensive thing in my apartment at the moment. The beautiful gold carousel is in A Tahaa Affair $79 .95. Too big? there's also Christmas Baubles and mini candles. Try Under the Mistletoe for a fruity twist. If you like your cookies and baked goods you can't go past Gingerbread House

Every time I write about L'occitane or photograph their products, it is as if I am writing about an old friend. I worked for L'occitane back in the days (we are talking 10+ years ago). They will forever hold a soft spot in my heart as I discovered the beauty of their products. If you are looking for stocking stuffers or tree decorators, These baubles are delightful, Almond Bauble is my top pick!

If you are looking to truly pamper your loved one, check out Nu Skin AgeLoc Lumispa. There is an entire range of kits to select from. Acne to Dry skin, there is a duo for all skin types. Lumispa device is the first-of-it's-kind dual action skin refining system, easily surpassing modern day brush technology. The device will deliver a deep clean and skin renewal in a single treatment.

Love Barbie? Here's one for you. Pur collaborated with Barbie to create a fab pink line. This nostalgic collection had me thinking back to my childhood idol. There are lipsticks, brush sets, palettes and more in this exclusive collection. Photographed is their Endless Possibilities II Eyeshadow palette.

I have previously reviewed Pur's 4in1 Foundation Stick.

Mecca is our national wonderland when it comes to gifts, treats and Christmas editions. From big, bold Locking Eyes Eyeshadow Palette to petite Quads and Party Pout LipGloss Ornament . Mecca is your one stop shop from luxe to affordable. I went to Mecca's Holiday Showing in 2017.

And back in 2016 - my first ever Mecca Haul!

A little something for Him. I find it incredible challenging to buy presents for men. It's usually socks. Deep Blue is a woody fresh scent that I probably wouldn't mind wearing myself either!

Period Undies for Christmas? Think practicality. I discovered Period undies 12 months ago and never looked back. Love Luna was my first period underwear purchase and since then I have also advanced to trying Love Luna's reusable pads. You are saving $$ and the environment.

FACE HALO X is a highly anticipated launch. I have been using Face Halo for some time and it's incredible. Removes makeup with just water. My only qualm with the original Face Halo is that it's too thick for eye areas. Face Halo X is the answer for all smaller areas and sensitive eye area.

Working from home? Me too. This year I have developed a new appreciation for monitors, keyboards and mice. I had to put an office chair in and uber and lug home all the tech items so I can have a set up at home. If you want to help someone pimp out their home workstation, take a look at Logitech MX Anywhere 3. How is it different to other mice? It's USB chargeable, you can use it on glass surface and you can use the mouse for up to 70 days after full charge.

And look, we have circled back to Mecca! Mecca Max Brush Over Brush Set ($85) contain all the tools you need for the trade. The set comes with a fabulous travel case and is cruelty free. Eight brushes in total, they are super fluffy!

Trilogy is an Australian brand that I have been supporting and featuring for quite a while now. I did a Trilogy brand focus in 2015 and reviewed their Bronzing Gel in the same year. They are known for their infamous rosehip oil. Their skincare products are beautiful and ecofriendly. Photographed is Rosehip Three Step Set ($35.95) and Rosehip Red Set ($14.95).

Nuggett and Charlie was introduced to me this year, their product is worthy of a cult status. It's THAT good. For your chance to trial some of Nuggett's products, you can shop for Christmas bundles. Photographed is Happiness Essential pack ($65 - currently on sale).

I have three sets to recommend from Sisley Paris, a brand that I have supported for years now. I went to their Showing in 2018, reviewed their AMAZING Blur Expert powder and talked about their incredible skincare here. I have used and loved their products. They are luxury and beautiful, a little splurge to treat yourself every now and then.

My first recommendation is Black Rose Cream Mask Collection $200AUD, Black Rose Cream Mask is a must for me on planes, especially long haul flights. Ever since I discovered Black Rose Cream Mask, I never experienced dehydrated skin on planes again. Except excellent moisture retention, a little goes a long way.

Eye Contour Care Duo Collection $445 made the list as another my tried favourites from Sisley. If I need a reliable under eye treatment, Eye Contour is my go to. I find the eye contour to deeply hydrate to help me look more refreshed and awake.

And finally, Izia is a beautiful scent from Sisley. I have it sitting on my bedside table and use it sparingly... usually for special occasions or when I feel like I need a boost. Think floral, fresh and not overwhelming. Izia Eau De Parfum $135 is a fab set if you are looking to try the perfume anyway!

I remember the first product I tried from Ella Bache - their self tanning product. I received compliments far and wide on how nice the shade is. First impression is important! Ella Bache's Rejuvenating Skin Collection $139, is a fantastic opportunity for new comers to sample a variety of products.

Bobbi Brown requires no introduction. Their holiday palettes are beautiful to say the least. This year is no exception, to your right is Golden Slippers $85 and right is Modern Symphony $85. I have been using Bobbi Brown for over a decade now. One of the first makeup brand I purchased as a teen. This takes me back to 2013 - my first quick post of their Bronzing powder and in 2016, I was invited to attend a Bobbi Brown Masterclass with Amy Conway.

7 SUSTAINABLE AND ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS YOU NEED

2020-10-23T14:44:00.007+11:00

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lily (@lilynotlouise) on Oct 14, 2020 at 1:58am PDT

1. REUSABLE PADS AND PERIOD UNDERPANTS

Reusable menstrual products can take some getting use to. You really have to ease into it, I started off with a regular flow reusable underwear from Love Luna, followed by a heavy flow ModiBodi underwear. Eventually you become accustomed to the process of washing your own blood. Recently, I started to use reusable pads, there are pros and cons to reusable pads; the major pro other than it being reusable is that it's odourless. And the cons? Well, it's strapped onto your underpants so there is some expectations of sliding. Period undies and reusable pads are also great for those who cannot use menstrual cups due to fear or a case of sensitive cervix. Bonds joined the wagon and released their Bloody Comfy Period Undies.

There is a good variety to select from.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lily (@lilynotlouise) on Oct 10, 2020 at 1:31am PDT

2. COTTON PADS

I was buying disposable cotton pads in bulk, 2-3 cotton pads to remove a full face of make up and I'm not a heavy makeup wearer! During the evening we have toners and acids, more cotton pads going straight into the bin. Reusable cotton pads seemed like a hassle but after using reusable undies and pads, it was nothing. A quick wash with soap or my least cleanser after each use. Ecosophist uses Organic bamboo (soft, gentle and sensitive for daily use) and Organic hemp (durable and designed to remove heavy set makeup). Bambu Face have their own range made from Bamboo Rayon Fabric (Bamb Velour fabric for a buttery finish and Bamboo Terry for durability).

These small but mighty heroes can be used up to 250 times!

3. ECO FRIENDLY TOOTHBRUSH

Given that we need to change our tooth brush every 3-4 months, there is a lot of plastic toothbrush / brush heads going into the trash. I was introduced to Lovebyt and started using their bamboo toothbrush, it works a treat. I was also introduced to Jack n Jill's nonGMO Cornstarch handle toothbrush. Cornstarch? I'm impressed.

4. BIO-COMPOSTABLE WAX STRIPS

When I first met Marzena, I stood there thinking.. "Oh not another wax strip company... BORING.. why do they bother with...COMPOSTABLE... WAIT, WHAT!!!". The strips are bio-compostable and the wax itself is made from sustainable pine tree resin. Before Marzena, I shaved and I only shaved. I admit to enjoy the feeling of my legs after a good wax, but I was going through 10-15 strips on my wookiee legs. Marzena offers body strips and facial strips. Now, I wax my legs for special occasions.

5. STAINLESS STEEL STRAWS

Who chews straws? Guilty. Pro at deforming plastic straws and shredding paper straws. In my experience paper straws cannot stand the test of time. 10 minutes in and the paper straw will fail to hold it's shape, tarnishing my beverage drinking experience. Metal straws managed to break (no pun intended) my chewing habits. They are fairly easy to wash with a small scrub head and some bicarb soda. Biome sells a range of stainless steel straws and scrub heads. Otherwise, you can free range and explore on Ebay.

6. BEESWAX WRAPS

We have 1 roll of emergency glad wrap at home that is rarely ever touched, thanks to Beesewax wraps We use it to cover everything. Including wrapping sandwiches from time to time. The sheets can be customised, buy a big sheet and cut them or purchase pre-cut sheets to your liking. I personally find the bigger sheets to be bulky to use and opt to cut mine personally. We do have a bigger sheet (photographed) just in case! There are so many sellers out there, Bee Wrappy, Honey Bee Wrap or jump on Etsy.

7. COCONUT BOWLS

When my coconut bowl came into my life, everything change. I was no longer accidentally breaking bowls and worry about the porcelain while I am enjoying my yogurt. I find coconut bowls to be durable, light weight and easy to wash. I love multi-purpose items... like a coconut, quenches thirst, eases hunger and holds your food. There is a good range from Coconut Bowls, they sell regular and larger sized bows as well as coconut bowl candles. Just remember not to put your coconut bowls in the oven, fridge or microwave and you are sweet. My tip - the ultimate yogurt/fruit/ice cream bowl.

DISCOUNT CODES - LIVE LIST

2020-09-23T11:59:00.003+10:00

QT For You New Zealand
Discount: 15% off
Code: LILY15
Link: https://qtforyou.com/

Nuggett and Charlie Australia
Discount: 15% off
Code: LILY15
Link: https://www.nuggettandcharlie.com/

Kisskin Australia
Discount: 10% off
Code: LILYNOTLOUISE
Link: shop.prgalleria.com

Soap 2 go Australia
Discount: 10% off
Code: SAVE10
Link https://www.soap2go.com.au/

Prosopo Skincare Australia
Discount: 10% off
Code: LILY10
Link: https://www.prosoposkincare.com/discount/LILY10

Vital Pharmacy Supplies Australia
Discount 5% off
Code: LILY5
Link: https://vitalpharmacysupplies.com.au

Lullaby Luxury CBD oil
Code: LILY20
Link: Lullaby Luxury - Hemp Derived Cannabinoids (0% THC)

Silly George
Code: LILY15
Easy To Use No Glue Lashes, LinerBond™ & Serum | Silly George

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE GOING THROUGH GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

2020-09-08T10:20:00.005+10:00

Another agenda to tick off my bucket list during the jolly days of COVID.

I have never been under General Anaesthesia, I am the type of person who'd like to stay awake through the drilling, sawing, cracking and wisdom teeth pulling... AKA wisdom teeth removal.

It was a scary through "going under"... getting "fully knocked out". My mum went through several surgeries and she happily announced that she had never failed to experience the terrible nauseating sensation followed by a woeful vomit - all in order to "wake up fully".

THE INJECTION

I was pushed into a docking station where my Anaesthetist greeted me and asked where to send the invoice. Lovely. The Anaesthetist tapped and tapped away at my veins, finally one popped. A beautiful vein is what he called it. I looked down, wow, it looked like worm. He inserted the cannula... man, I'd say that it's equivalent of shoving half a toothpick into your arm. After the insertion, he realised that it was in the wrong position and proceeded to insert a second cannula. I have a high pain tolerance but MAN I was a little squirmish watching him shove a second toothpick further up my arm.

Here's a picture of a cannula in case you have not seen one. The silver bits goes all the way in, just don't look and it will be over in a jiffy. I made the mistake of watching the Anaesthetist stick it in my vein.

INJECTED and KNOCKED OUT

Once the cannula was in and taped down, he injected the anaesthesia into my vein, apparently it will make me nice and relaxed. They proceeded to push me into a room which I assumed was the surgical theatre? I wasn't sure, 10 seconds in images were a little staggered, as if I was a drunk without the drunk sensation. They docked me next to the surgical bed and asked me to transfer. I remember transferring onto the bed and I have no memory of anything else until I woke up.

I didn't dream

I don't remember the surgery

It's as if time had escaped me. Now I understand what it's like when people get drugged. It's a scary thought.

THE WAKE UP

My surgery was scheduled for 11:00am, I was knocked out 20 seconds after the injection and woke up at 11:45am. I believe I woke up in the pre-recovery room with nurses walking around, as soon as they saw me waking up one nurse came and asked for my name/date of birth. Everything looked fuzzy at this point, I answered her question with a slur. I was pretty much in and out of consciousness. By 12noon, I was wheeled into recovery and more or less awake. One of the Asian nurses told me usually Asian females often feeling a little dizzy or nausea when they wake up.

I was docked in recovery, I was given the choice of egg sandwhich or ham + cheese. I asked for egg. Shortly food came. The nurse advised that I will need to eat and pass urine before I can be discharged. I was STARVING, it was lunch time and I have no had anything to eat since 7ish the night before. I gobbled up my egg sandwhich, water, coffee, apple juice and biscuits in 10 mins. The nurse came back shocked that I had chucked all that food into my belly. The next step was to pass urine. I got up, walked to the bathroom to pass urine. Things were a tiny bit fuzzy but almost normal by this point. I went back to my bed and started to get changed. By 12:15 I was sitting on by bed texting my husband and waiting for the Surgeon to come and speak to me.

No dizziness.

No Nausea

No Vomiting

No groggy feeling

Nothing. It was just like waking up but the visuals were slightly fuzzy.

By 12:30PM, my Surgeon came and had a quick chat with me and I was discharged. Hoooorayy.

THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

The beds were separated by a curtain, I was able to hear some first hand experience of the girl curtained off next to me. Unfortunately, her experience wasn't as pleasant as mine. The had a lot of trouble staying awake/waking up in general. I heard her talking about feeling dizzy and unable to eat. The nurses were lovely, they went to her and told her to try and stay away and have a little bite of the sandwhich.

We were wheeled into recovery at roughly the same time. By the time I was discharged she was still trying to wake up.

THE AFTERMATH

The Anaestheisa wore off completely, I didn't experience any pain, I didn't feel tired or the need to nap. It was pretty much business as usual. I was hoping to see some lotto numbers, have some sort of mind blowing out of body experience. Ha, i guess not. Anaesthesia really affects people in different ways.

WORTH THE HYPE? EM COSMETICS SWATCHED AND REVIEWED

2020-07-13T15:57:00.001+10:00

EM COSMETICS FADED CLEMENTINE $34USD

I had my eyes on this for the longest time, initially, it was the only thing I wanted. The application and swatches looked amazing on Instagram and youtube. Oh I watched a LOT of youtube - I was a real sleuth. I was lacking a stunning peachy blush in my collection and was keen on this. I was concerned that this blush would end up acting as a highlighter as a few reviewers said the colour did not show up. I really didn't need another highlighter....

My first impression was "Wow, Michelle even used good quality hard cardboard.. not the cheap stuff". The compact itself is chunky but flattering. A decent mirror that is indented in the contact lid. The blush is baked, next to Magic Hour - it looked lighter. It looked like a highlighter. I felt my heart drop when I witnessed this. It was a recrudescence of disappointment - seems to happen every time I purchase products.

I took a fluffy blush and gave it a whirl and swished it onto my cheeks. WOW I was in awe.
It turned my frown upside down. I was flabbergasted by the warm peachy tones on my cheeks. It was just STUNNING. I was instantly head over heels, faded clementine turned into my favourite blush within seconds.

I was legitimately concerned about the shimmering effects accentuating my pores - it's a popular occurrence. Alas - it did not! Faded clementine stood the test of time, after 6 hours it sat tightly on my cheeks.

My skin tone is somewhere between a MAC NC25-NC30.

HEAVEN'S GLOW | MAGIC HOUR $34USD

Described as a warm peachy pink with a soft gold pearl.
I personally found this show be less pigmented on my face when compared to faded clementine, even though it swatched better. Nonetheless, this blush is equally beautiful. I recommend it to those who are looking for a more pinky tone. However it still works well on olive skin.

I probably could have gone without this blush but I am glad that I picked it up. It triumphs the other blushes I have by a mile. There is a small amount of kick back, depending on the type of brush that you use. Just for comparisons...It's not as finely milled as Hourglass.

I don't think this blush will show up on a lot of skin tones.

A soft fluffy brush is the ideal for Em Cosmetic's blushes.

This blush is beautiful but I think I could have gone without it.

DIVINE SKIES PALETTE $38USD

Palette Includes:

Terra: Milk Chocolate Matte

Phoenix: Warm Clay Matte

Sunset: Soft Peach Matte

Radiant: Bleached Copper Shimmer

Magic Hour: Duochrome Nectar Shimmer

Heavenly: White Gold Shimmer

I really didn't need another eyeshadow palette. I was reluctant to get this, I asked several people who had ordered from Em Cosmetics to see if this palette was worth it. I received some positive feedback and thought - heck. I need to make it to $100 so I chucked this palette into my cart.

First impression - wow this is a tiny palette. Considering it was the most expensive item in my cart. But once I swatched the shades.... I can't help but feel impressed. It was pigmented and the colours were beautiful.

There is kick back if you use a small fluffy brush, however I like to use a small flat dense brush and pat my eyeshadows - less kick back and less fall out.

The shades are absolutely gorgeous. 3 mattes and 3 shimmers. Best to apply the shimmers with your fingers.

I wore it for 11 hours and it did not crease. I don't prime my lids.
There was a bit of fading (as expected) especially with the shimmer shades, but the matte colours lasted surprisingly well. My whole face was creasing except for my shadows. The Duochrome nectar shimmer colour is my favourite. Oh my lids, this palette worked incredibly well, it's small but I think it's worth it. I was going to purchase a Tom Ford eyeshadow palette... I won't be doing that anymore.

The colour palette is more pink based, I don't think the matte shades will show up well on deeper skin tones as the shades are quite soft.

COLOR DROPS SERUM BLUSH SOFT AMETHYST $25USD

To be honest, this was the only product I wanted from Em Cosmetics for a long time. I actually wanted Rose Milk but it was sold out. I also realised that I had enough pink blushes and wanted to try a different shade.

Soft Amethyst is a rose berry shade.

The consistency of the serum blush is one of a kind, so easy to blend and almost gel like. It's pigmented and it doesn't streak.

The one thing I noticed is that it gets crusty around the bottle (see pic). I would prefer a pump bottle VS a droplet dispenser. As beautiful as this is, I think I could have done without it... ironically it was the product that caught my eye initially and I wanted to purchase multiples.

WORTH THE HYPE?
Yes, from the products I have tried so far. They are of high quality and all Made in Italy.
I would 100% repurchase the eyeshadow palette and faded clementine.

SWATCH VIDEO

LIST OF 100+ BLACK and INDIGENOUS OWNED BEAUTY BRANDS AND WHERE THEY SHIP TO

2020-06-08T17:19:00.000+10:00

Please note that this is a live list, tried to make sure it's as accurate as possible but there may be human errors.

All photos belong to the brand.
All information extracted from the brand's website or summarised

Please email if you would like to add your brand:

lilyscorner123@hotmail.com (Please include where you ship to! :)

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

1 (Numbers and Symbols)

54 Thrones

Luxury skincare created made in Africa with plant based solutions
Ships Internationally

https://54thrones.com/

79 Lux

Organic and wild crafted skincare for the body
Ships Internationally (according to checkout - however unable to accept online payment through the online store and recommended to email for purchase)

https://www.79lux.com/

A

Alikay Naturals

Premium all natural and organic hair care, bath and body products
Ships Internationally

https://alikaynaturals.com/

Anita Grant

A range of Afro hair care
Ships Internationally

https://anitagrant.com/

A Complexion Company

Eco-luxury African Wellness and clean beauty company for women of colour living within
Ships to a selection of International countries that can be found in the Country/Region drop down button at checkout

https://www.acomplexioncompany.com

Adwoa Beauty

Clean gender neutral beauty, hair care and merch
Ships US (including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other US Territories)

https://www.adwoabeauty.com

Ayele And CO

Organic, cruelty free skincare and cosmetics
Ships Internationally

https://ayele.co/

Base Butter

Aloe veral gel based moisturiser for PH balanced and hydrated skin + cleansing cloth
Shipping location TBC

https://www.basebutter.com/

Beauty Bakerie

A range of Cruelty free cosmetics
Ships Internationally

https://www.beautybakerie.com

BeautyStat Cosmetics

Vitamin C Skincare Serum, moisturiser and eye cream
Ships US and Canada

https://shop.beautystat.com/

Bekura Beauty

Speciality, avant-garde line of sanctuary botanicals for skin and hair
Ships US (US Stockists available https://www.bekurabeauty.com/us-partners/)

https://www.bekurabeauty.com

Beneath Your Mask

Non Toxic, vegan, organic beauty, skin and hair care
Ships Internationally

https://beneathyourmask.com/

Bevel

Shave products to help reduce bumps and skin irritation + skin + Hair products
Ships US, US territories, Canada and to APO/FPO/DPO addresses

https://getbevel.com/

Black Girl Sunscreen

Sunscreen with natural ingredients
Ships Internationally

https://www.blackgirlsunscreen.com/

Black Opal Beauty

A range of both makeup and skincare
Ships US

https://blackopalbeauty.com

Bomba Curls

Natural and organic curl care products
Ships Internationally

https://bombacurls.com

B. Simone Beauty

A variety of lip products + Merch
Ships US

https://bsimonebeauty.com/

Briogeo

Natural haircare products fortified with hair healthy oils antioxidants and vitamns
Ships Internationally

https://briogeohair.com/

Bush Balm

Balms incorporating wild harvested medicinal plants expertly collected on Aboriginal Lands in Central Australia.
Ships worldwide except New Zealand

https://www.bushbalm.com.au/

Bush Medijina

Handmade skincare using bush recipes from local Aboriginal Women. Groote Eylandt Australia.
Ships Internationally

https://bushmedijina.com.au/

Buttah Skin

Enriching skincare for multicultural tones
Ships Internationally

https://www.buttahskin.com/

C

Carol's Daughter

Natural hair care body and skincare
Ships US

https://www.carolsdaughter.com

Charlotte Mensah

Award winning Afro hair stylist, located in London; Hair products and tools
Ships Internationally

https://charlottemensah.com

Coloured Raine

Cruelty Free cosmetics made in the USA
Ships Internationally, however suspensions due to COVID19. See here.

https://colouredraine.com/

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Cruelty free colour makeup
Ships Internationally

https://www.danessamyricksbeauty.com/

Dehiya Beauty

Plant based, Vegan Botanical Skincare + Tools
Ships Internationally (Can also be purchased from Glory Skincare https://gloryskincare.com/)

https://dehiyabeauty.com/

Dilkara Essence of Australia

Natural hair care using ingredients sourced from local Indigenous communities.
Ships Australia

https://dilkaraessenceofaustralia.com.au

Dizziak

Hydration wash, deep conditioner
Ships Internationally

https://dizziak.com/

Dr Locs

Homemade organic product line created for the loc, dred and dredlock community
Ships Internaionally

https://drlocs.com/

Earth Blended

Alternative healing and contemporary Aboriginal Art
Ships Australia, New Zealand, US, UK and Ireland

https://earthblended.com/

Epara Skincare

Luxury organic and natural skin care using African ingredients.
Ships Internationally

https://www.eparaskincare.com/

Fenty Beauty

A range of colour cosmetics by Rhianna
Ships Internationally

https://www.fentybeauty.com/

Form Beauty

Premium hair care for consumers with coily and curly hair. Offers 30 day money back guarantee.
Shipping Information TBC

https://formbeauty.com

Fortify'd Naturals

Natural hair care products, cruelty free
Ships Internationally

https://www.fortifydnaturals.com

Foxie Cosmetics

Vegan and handcrafted bath, shower, face, body, hair and fragrance.
Ships US, Canada, UK and Mexico. Also offers local pickups (free of charge in Nashville Only)

https://foxiecosmetics.com

Frederick Benjamin Grooming

Men's Grooming
Ships Internationally

https://shop.frederickbenjamin.com/

Golde

Superfood health and beauty products
Ships US

https://golde.co/

Hair Rules

Wide range of hair care products + Salon in New York and Los Angeles
Ships US

https://hairrules.com

Hanahana Beauty

Handcrafted skincare using 100% natural products + merch
Ships Internationally

https://www.hanahanabeauty.com/

Holy Curls

UK based vegan and cruelty free curly hair care made with naturally derived ingredients.
Ships Internationally

https://www.holycurls.com

Hyper Skin

Cruelty free skincare that treats hyper-pigmentation and enhances glow
Ships US (working towards international shipping, please check back)

https://gethyperskin.com/

Indigiearth

Range of skincare, soaps and oil and premium bush foods (incl, chocolates, chutney, jams, spices, teas etc)
Ships Australia

https://indigiearth.com.au

Iman Cosmetics

A selection of foundations, highlighters and coloured cosmetics
Ships US, Alaska and Hawaii (IMAN Cosmetic Partner in Africa, France and UK see here)

https://imancosmetics.com

J

Jane Carter Solution

Natural hair care products for all hair types and textures
Ships US

https://janecartersolution.com/

Janet and Jo

Vegan, cruelty free, 10 free nail lacquers
Ships US

https://www.janetandjo.com/

Juddarnje

Natural chemical free skincare using Indigenous Australia ingredients
Ships Australia and New Zealand

https://juddarnje.com.au/

Juvia's Place

A range of cruelty free colour cosmetics
Ships Internationally

https://www.juviasplace.com

Kakadu Tiny Tots

Soaps Candles and Aboriginal Children's Clothing
Ships Australia (Please email for International Shipping)

http://www.kakadutinytots.com.au

Karen's Body Beautiful

Retail store and spa for natural hair care
Ships to a selection of international countries

https://www.karensbodybeautiful.com/

Kayaire CBD Skincare

Luxury CBD Skincare line
Ships Internationally

https://www.kayaire.com/

Kaylux Cosmetics

A range of highlighters, lip products, lashes and powder
Ships Internationally

http://www.kayluxcosmetics.com

Kintsugi Candle Co

Scented Candles + Apparels and Accessories
Ships Internationally

https://www.kintsugicandleco.com/

KNC Beauty

All natural lip mask + tools
Ships Internationally

https://kncbeauty.com/

Koyvoca

A selection of hand crafted colour makeup
Shipping Location TBC

https://koyvoca.bigcartel.com/ (website under maintenance see Instagram here)

Kurly Belle

Hair care for curly hair, natural hair and relaxed hair.
Ships US Canada Europe and UK

https://kurleebelle.com/

L

Lamik Beauty

Makeup line made with vegan, natural and organic ingredients + merch
Ships US

https://lamikbeauty.com

Lauren Napier Beauty

Range of skincare for different skin types
Ships Internationally

https://www.laurennapier.com

Lena Lashes

Lashes, mink lashes, liquid lipsticks
Ships Internationally

https://www.lenalashes.com

LimeGreen

Natural, Vegan, Multi-Use Skincare
Ships to a selection of International Countries that can be found in the Country/Region drop down box at checkout

https://www.brooklynlimegreen.com

Loving Culture

Revitalising organic hair oil
Ships US, US territories and Canadian territories. For international shipment email info@lovingculture.com

https://lovingculture.com

Luv Scrub

The original mesh Body Exfoliator
Ships Internationally

https://www.theluvscrub.com/

Lowanna Skincare

Indigenous owned, Australian made native ingredients 100% cruelty free and vegan skincare.
Ships Internationally

https://lowannaskincare.com/

Makeup by Sparkle

A range of lip kits, sets, gloss, mattes and vinyl
Ships US

https://www.makeupbysparkle.com

Mary Louise Cosmetics

Natural Skincare made easy
Ships Internationally

https://www.mymarylouise.com

MDM Flow

A range of coloured cruelty free lip products and Mascara
Ships Internationally

https://mdmflow.com

Mented Cosmetics

Cruelty free and vegan makeup
Ships US only - International shipping to launch soon

https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/

Mielle

Organic hair and all natural skincare
Ships Internationally

https://mielleorganics.com

Mira's Hand

Simple Moroccan skincare + Body care
Ships Australia

https://mirashand.com.au/

Mischo Beauty

Luxury vegan 10 free nail lacquer + tools
Ships US and Canada

https://www.mischobeauty.com/

Naturall Club

Handmade Avocado hair products
Ships: US and Canada (Form Available if you wish to be notified when they ship Internationally)

https://naturallclub.com/

Nine Three Beauty

Hand Crafted cruelty free highlighters
Ships Internationally

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ninethreebeauty

Noodle and Co Apothecary

Hand crafted soaps
Ships Internationally

https://www.noodleandcoapothecary.com/

NolaSkinsentials

Handcrafted, all natural, cruelty free vegan skincare
Ships US, UK and Canada

https://www.nolaskinsentials.com/

Nyakio

hand made, small batch beauty products using cold-pressed oils crafted with ethical, sustainable and natural ingredients from around the world.
Ships US Available from Target(US)

https://www.nyakio.com/

Oui the People

Skin razor, Shave Gel to Milk, refills and bodycare
Ships US and Canada

https://www.ouithepeople.com

Oyin Handmade

Skincare made with natural, organic and food grade ingredients
Ships Internationally

https://oyinhandmade.com/

Pat McGrath Labs

A wide selection of high quality makeup products
Ships Internationally (store locations available here)

https://www.patmcgrath.com

Pattern Beauty

Hair Care + Tools and Accessories
Ships to selected International Countries, please see pic above. Email hello@patternbeauty.com to request your country

https://patternbeauty.com/

Pear Nova

Cruelty Free Nail products, Merch and nail appointments
Ships US (check back for International Shipping)

https://www.pearnova.com

Pholk Beauty

Natural, vegan, affordable skincare
Ships Internationally

https://pholkbeauty.com

Plain Jane Beauty

Clean, cruelty free organic cosmetics
Ships US and Canada

https://plainjanebeauty.net/

Prime Beauty Cosmetics

A range of cosmetics pigments, eyeshadow palettes, lip products and apparel
Ships Internationally

https://primebeautycosmetics.com/

Q

R

Range Beauty

Affordable, high performance, clean makeup products
Ships Internationally

https://www.rangebeauty.com

Rosen Skincare

Skincare for acne prone skin types
Ships US, Canada, Australia, Germany, UK, Ireland and France

https://www.rosenskincare.com/

Salt Spray Salt Co

Bermuda based scented handmade soap and body products
Ships Internationally

https://saltspraysoap.com

Scotch Porter

Men's grooming products
Ships Internationally

https://www.scotchporter.com/

Countries where delivery services are not available for Shani Darden Skincare

Shani Darden Skincare

Anti aging products and skincare
Ships to 150+ countries across the globe List of countries they do not offer delivery services above.

https://www.shanidarden.com

Shea Moisture

Raw Shea butter, African Black Soap, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Manuka honey, Coconut oil. Skin and hair care.
Ships Australia, US (Available in Canada via Stockists)

https://sheamoisture.com.au

Shop Kaike

Plant based skincare brand + Bath and Body
Ships US

https://www.shopkaike.com/

Skimdo

The Cult 7 day hold curl styling cream + merch
Ships Internationally. Stockists available in England and Brooklyn, USA

https://www.skimdo.com

Skin Buttr

Natural skincare products made from shea butter
Ships Internationally

https://skinbuttr.com/

Tahlia Waajid

Natural hair care using nature inspired ingredients
Ships Internationally (COVID Restrictions apply)

https://naturalhair.org/

The Crayon Case

Colour cosmetics line dedicated to amateur makeup users
Ships Internationally

https://www.thecrayoncase.com/

The Honey Pot Company

Wipes and pads for female health through plant based products
Ships Internationally

https://thehoneypot.co/

The Lip Bar

Vegan Cruelty Free lip Colors
Ships Internationally

https://www.thelipbar.com/

The Mane Choice

Vitamin rich hair products
Shipping locations TBC

https://themanechoice.com/

TPH By Taraji

Clean and Luxe hair care
Ships US (Purchase from Target.com)

https://tphbytaraji.com/

U

Undefined Beauty

Cruelty free, Clean beauty skincare
Ships Internationally

https://un-definedbeauty.com

Uhai

Superfood (Baobab) hair care products
Ships US

https://uhaihair.com

UnSun Cosmetics

Mineral Based, Broad Spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB Sunscreen
Ships Internationally

https://www.unsuncosmetics.com/

Uoma Beauty

A range of coloured cosmetics and foundations
Ships Internationally

https://uomabeauty.com/

Vernon Francois

Hair styling collection for textured and curly hair
Ships Internationally

https://www.vernonfrancois.com/

Willow & Co

Australian Indigenous beauty brand. Vegan, Cruelty free organic skincare
Ships Internationally

https://www.willowcoorganics.com/

X

Y

Z

REVIEW: Bellflower Azulene Calming Overnight Cream + Coconut Daily Moisture Cream

2020-04-06T16:23:00.000+10:00

I have used Bellflower products before and they impressed me. Shipping to me directly from South Korea, I have always had a soft spot for k-beauty. Why? Because they are effective, affordable and works as well as high end skin care. Bellflower offers a range serums and creams to address a variety of skin concerns.

For the past couple of weeks, I have been trying two beautiful creams from Bellflower - their Calming Overnight Cream and Daily Moisture Cream.

MY VERDICT

Bellflower Azulene Calming Overnight Cream - 15USD

HOW I USE IT: I use this as a sleeping mask, I would still apply my toner and serum underneath. Rub a dollop of the calming overnight cream between my palms and pat it all over my face.
DOES IT WORK? This product contain Centella to help calm and smooth the skin. My skin's been highly inflamed lately, a lot of breakouts and a lot of redness. I find that when I use this cream, the redness will ease in the morning. It doesn't get rid of my pimples, but it definitely calms my skin after treatment.
TEXTURE: A thick gel like texture that is easily absorbed into my skin after application. Unlike other creams/sleeping masks that usually sits on the surface of your skin, this seeps right through. So I won't need to worry about they pillow transfers. The colour of the cream is light violet. Non greasy at all.
SCENT: A very very subtle scent - hard to put my finger on it. But maybe a fruity/floral scent.

Bellflower Coconut Daily Moisture Cream - 14USD

HOW I USE IT: Similar to the calming cream, I use this over my serum in the morning. This product does not have an SPF so if you are going outside, make sure you apply an SPF. However.... since I am working from home and rarely going outside these days, this cream is just perfect.
DOES IT WORK? This product contain coconut oil, coconut extra and aloe vera extract to help moisturise your skin. My skin does feel supple and moisturised after use, it sits really well on top of my serum and under my SPF.
TEXTURE: I find the texture to be a lot thinner than the Calming Cream. It's easy to spread and easily absorbed into your skin. If I put a small amount of the back of my hand, it will literally be absorbed within 20 seconds. Not greasy and no stickness.
SCENT: This cream does not smell like coconut, it's more of a fruity sweet scent. Not as subtle as the night cream but not overwhelming either.

PR Samples featured

Sisley Les Phyto Ombres Single Eyeshadow Review and Swatches

2020-03-24T17:23:00.000+11:00

I jumped up and down when I saw these new eyeshadows from Sisley. I have one of their quads and it's so precious that I pretty much only use it for "special occasions" or when I want my eyeshadow to last all night long. There are 20 luminous shades to this new range with 5 types of finishes; matte, silky, metallic, glow and sparkling to create a 3D effect on your lids. The texture is unique, it's half-powder, half-cream hybrid texture - meaning smooth, creamy and glides on your lids. I adore the Sisley products that I have, they are known for being high quality, well researched and luxurious.

These little beauties are tolerance tested under ophthalmological and dermatological control, they are perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

RRP $65AUD

Sparkling Topaze - my fav shade!

MY VERDICT

Texture: Silk smooth, a cream to powder texture where you are able to pick up a good amount of product with a pretty light touch. I recommend using your fingers or a sponge tip for application over a dense brush - a fluffy brush would also work well. The product itself literally glides with ease. Absolutely no fall outs when I use my finger. It's crazy!
Pigmentation: What you see is what you get with Sisley eyeshadows. Although I noticed the blue seems to have more of an iridescent blue shimmer and a darker base. It's absolutely beautiful. I have always been impressed with Sisley's pigmentation and quality.
Wear Time/will it crease?: Wear time depends on the eyeshadow itself, I find that lighter shadows holds better. I noticed fading after approximately 4-5 hours (I did take a nap with sparkling topaze - in fact, I took TWO naps and possibly rubbed some of my pillow. While the sparkling did disappear, pigmentation was still there and it did NOT crease). The only shadow where I noticed minor creasing was Mat Cocoa, as darker shades are more prone to crease - as well as my oily lids. Despite all, Sisley's shadows are definitely longer wearing and higher quality than a lot of my other shadows. I usually use Sisley for special occasions or events! It is precious!!

SWATCHES

TOP TO BOTTOM: Silky Rose, Sparkling Topaze, Glow Pearl, Silky French Blue, Mat Cocoa

PR Samples featured

Issey Miyake L'eau D'Issey Wood & Wood + Rose & Rose

2020-01-02T14:07:00.001+11:00

Happy New Year! I can't believe we are in a new year and a new decade. Hoping this year will bring good vibes only. Today I wanted to talk about Issey Miyake's His & Hers perfume collection - Rose & Rose + Wood & Wood.

This ultimate power duo was described as..

Intriguing, Powerful, Poetic, Nature keeps being surprising. A fragrance that translates the generous and polymorphic sides of nature.

L'eau D'Issey Wood & Wood EDP Intense

Cedarwood and sandalwood offset by the fresh tang of grapefruit gives a double intensity. This is the ultimate fragrance for men. It's fuelled with strength, power and assured masculinity. The intense version goes all out on woody notes. This primary note to this fragrance is cedarwood coupled with a subtle smooth and creamy sandalwood scent.

The top note is composed of spicy grapefruit, lively cardamom and sharp elemi essence. The middle notes contain the vigorous power of wood interwoven with essences of Virginia cedarwood and sandalwood alongside ambrox and apricot.

Issey Miyake L'eau D'issey Rose and Rose Intense EDP

Rose & Rose is a beautiful floral and fruity scent that will allow you to experience the wilderness of a rose. It's slightly sweet and slightly fruity, perfect for summer wear.

The top note is rose with dazzling sparkle of pink pepper, accompanied by an enticing fruity hint of raspberry and pear. The generous middle note is resolutely floral, with Bulgarian rose essence and rose infusion, completed by the fruity tones of osmanthus.

PR Samples Featured

MECCA CHRISTMAS GIFT SETS

2019-12-01T11:19:00.001+11:00

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to head to Mecca to spoil yourself and your friends! I have been lucky to have receive a generous box of gift sets from Mecca and would like to showcase some of the fantastic gift ideas!

These are limited edition gift sets so you need to get in quick before they fly off the shelves.

Ren Clean Skincare is a beautiful clean skincare brand that uses high quality potent ingredients. Ren pride themselves on sourcing sustainable ingredients and packaging. Ren is for all skin types, vegan, cruelty free and made in the UK - free from parabens, phthalates, paraffins, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, SLS and SLES.

Beauty Sleep Booster is the ultimate overnight kit that is tailored for your beauty sleep. This kit consists of Ren's No. 1 Purity Cleansing Balm; V-CENSE Revitalising Nigh Cream and Now to Sleep Pillow Spray.

If you are looking for a good night's sleep especially after a long haul flight - this is your go to. This incredible set is valued at $73AUD and retailing for just $43AUD!

The second glorious Ren set is Get the Glow. It's all in the name. Glowy skin triumphs layers of foundation for me any day. This three-piece set will you have ready for a beautiful glow this summer. You will receive 3 travel friendly products - Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask; Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic and Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream.

This set is valued at $53AUD and retails for just $40AUD

The second brand I want to talk to you about is Korres. I discovered Korres a long time ago and bought 2 pots of their lip butter - it was heavenly and the rest is history.

Here we have Korres Spread the Joy $16 mini shower gel sets - this limited edition collection includes six of the most loved shower gels - Santorini, Neroli Iris, Lavender Blossom, Ginger Lime, Cucumber Bamboo and Basil Lemon. They come in 40ml bottles - again perfect for travel!

If you are looking for some non travel sized selections, check out Korres The Cucumber Bamboo Collection $29 (Valued at $43). This collection includes Cucumber Bamboo Shower Gel (250ml) and Cucumber Bamboo Body Milk (200ml). The key ingredients to this set is Wheat Protein (to maintain moisture levels), Almond oil and Aloe (used to enhance skin's suppleness).

If there is a man in your life, The Vetiver Collection for Him $80 is your pick! This includes a stunning limited edition shower gel and fragrance for your special guy. This set contains Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood EDT (50ml) and Vetiver Root Green Tea Cedarwood Shower Gel (250ml).

You simply can't go festive shopping without popping in a sneaky candle. Boys Smells Cedar Stack Holdiday Candle $52 will give you an unforgettable woody scent. The candle is held in an embossed matte red glass tumbler. The scent is cedarwood chips and dried tobacco, slightly smoked with bay leaf and crushed peppercorn. The candle wax has been formulated from coconut and beeswax. Made without alcohol, sulphates, parabens, paraffin and phthalates.

Let me know your Mecca Christmas Picks!

Kindly gifted for editorial purposes

REVIEW: ELLA BACHE GREAT MOUSSE TAN DARK WITH BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTO

2019-10-12T22:40:00.001+11:00

PRODUCT CLAIM:

Enriched with superfood greens - Avocado oil, Aloe Vera and moisture-enhancing actives to protect against dehydration while green tea extract protects the skin's surface from free radicals.
Dark is one of the darkest tans on the market and Ella Bache's darkest tan yet. With 12% DHA. It applies with a violet base guide tan to provide instant colour, ensures deep flawless tanning results and long lasting colour with no fake tan smell.
Super light weight, easy to apply tan that dries in minutes.
Won't transfer onto clothes or sheets.

Price $29 for 150ml

MY VERDICT:

No fake tan smell? It's true. The scent is very minute, I was only able to smell a minor scent if I put my nose onto my arm immediately post tan. It's so refreshing and pleasant not to smell like fake tan after tanning!
It was indeed easy to apply, I used a regular tanning mitt and the mousse went on with ease.
The colour was instant. As soon as the mousse was rubbed in using the mitt, I was able to see where it had applied, making things a lot easier.
No streaking (that line on my left thigh is a massive scratch that went darker after the tan) and no orange mess. Thank goodness. I have used tanning products that streaked or left me looking extra orange. Take care when applying around the elbows, knees and ankles.
After one coat, I looked like I had a nice tan. I think it's buildable but I can't comment on whether this is the darkest tan I have ever used. I think there are darker tans out there but I am about 2 shades darker post application and it's a very pleasant colour after one application.
I didn't feel as sticky as I did with some tanner immediately after application, but I was able to feel the tanning product on my skin. I just sat on a stool for 15-20 minutes and went back on the couch shortly after.
After 20 or so minutes, I put my clothes back on and only noticed a tiny amount of transfer on the white waist bands of my pants. No other transfers noted.
The only negative thing I can pick out is that some of the residual mousse gets left in the pump and can leak if you have the tanner lying around. Make sure it's placed standing upright after use.
Tan lasted for approximately 4-5 days
Overall, very pleased with this self tanner. I love the colour and have received compliments on how natural it looks. I think I might use this for my wedding.

You can purchase Great Mousse here.

PR Sample featured