Lush Cosmetics - Mothers Day Haul

GUYS! It is crunch time, Mothers Day is just around the corner. So time to get yourself into gear if you haven't already. And if you haven't then Lush Cosmetics have you covered for all the wonderful and beautiful last minute gift ideas.

This years collection has a lot of bath products, and what mum wouldn't love a beautiful evening being spoilt and topped off with a relaxing bath.

So lets get into it...

Mum Bath Bomb - $6.95 
This is such a relaxing and fresh scented floral bath bomb with hints of lemon and orange oils. Its the type of scent that you could really drift away with. Available in Pink & Yellow.

Ups a Daisy Bath Bomb - $7.95
A more earthy scented bath bomb, still with a hint of rose. I can't wait to see this one dissolve, the various colours will be incredible to see.

Baa Bar Bubble Bar - $8.95
The perfect addiction to any Bath Bomb, a bath really isn't complete (in my opinion anyway) without the addition of a bubble bar. This little Baa Bar is so adorable and has the most incredible scent or lavender, rose and ylang ylang - probably one of my favourite combinations. If the bath bomb didn't whisk you away, well this then sure will.

For those Mummy's that prefer a shower, well they have not been forgotten about.

Yummy Mummy Shower Cream - $10.50/100g
For those short on time, you still don't have to miss out on the pamper experience. This shower cream includes organic cocoa butter to condition and soften your tired skin. The scent is interesting and not something I can pin point but it definitely keeps me coming back for more.

Pink Custard Shower Jelly - $7.50/100g
This might be the product I am most excited about... almost. Mainly as I have never used a shower jelly before! It seriously feels like a jelly pudding and the lavender smell is incredible.

And to not forget those after bath/shower pamper moments..

Scrubee Body Butter - $14.95
This is actually definitely the product I am most excited about! I have a confession - and I love buffing products. This product looks cute and innocent but in with the beautiful hydrating honey and cocoa butter is a mix packed full of coconut shells and ground almonds. I can't wait to get this one into the shower. Perfect way to exfoliate and relax in bath as well.

Honey Lip Scrub - $9.95
Lip scrubs are some of my favourite products, especially coming into winter - they help refresh and prep the lips. The vanilla and citrus scent is stronger than the lower honey notes. It reminds me of butter menthols - could be a little dangerous.


Also not to forget that if you just can't pick, remember Lush have gift packs available as well. That way the wrapping and everything is taken care for you as well.

So what will you be getting Mum this Mothers Day? xx 

Mineral Make Up

I am someone who has always been very aware and conscious of health. I am continuously learning and challenging myself. It wasn't until recently I thought about mineral make up and why I hadn't tried to incorporate it into my lifestyle sooner. After all, as we are continuously told, our skin is our biggest organ.

If you follow me on instagram (shannon_gibb) you would be aware I have been 'experimenting' in the world of mineral make up. I use the word experiment very loosely, as it really is a no brainer and there are no actual risks involved. I am not going to be throwing out my collection but I do plan on making more of an effort to use and support mineral make up brands.


So firstly, what is mineral make up ?

It is make up made of minerals such as mica, zinc oxide, iron oxides and titanium dioxide (which has anti-inflammatory properties - wooo) and are free from filler ingredients preservatives like parabens, chemical dyes, binders and fragrances.

So obviously the absence of these filler ingredients is part of what makes mineral make up so much better for your skin. Also not adding these onto your skin, to be absorbed into your body unnecessarily is always a bonus. A lot of people also claim that by swapping to a mineral base it has helped clear up their acne issues.

The inclusion of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in mineral make up can actually offer you protection from the sun and from the effects of aging. These are Ingredients which can be found in sunscreen - cool isn't it.


For me, I would like to start by including more mineral base products into my collection. I feel the base would be the best and most exciting place to start.


So what I want to know, do you use mineral make up? Leave a comment below of your favourite mineral make up brands.

Facial Cleansing Brush: Foreo Luna 2 Mini Review

I was lucky enough to be sent a Foreo Luna Mini 2 to put to the test. If you want to read the full haul from ry.com.au click here. I have used a few types of cleansing tools and brushes previously. What had my attention and what I felt separated this brush from the rest was that it was made entirely of silicon.

My main concern with cleansing brushes in the past has been the hygiene and cleanliness of them, regardless of the amount of cleaning and changing of the brush heads. The idea of the brush is to help improve the overall skin and to clear up congested skins with open pores, blockages and breakouts. But this seems counter productive when you are potentially using a brush full of bacteria and who knows what else.


By using Ultra-hygienic silicone the device can overcome those issues and hesitations due to silicon being nonporous and then able to resist bacteria buildup. It has also been found that silicon and Foreo is 35X more hygienic than standard nylon cleansing brushes.

If that wasn't enough to make it a clear winner in the brush cleansing world, here are some other awesome facts about the device.

• Another big win for this device is that it is actually BUDGET FRIENDLY (in my eyes), once you purchase the brush you don't have to worry about repeatedly changing brush heads, especially if you want it to remain hygienic. Multiple brush heads every year add up to a massive extra cost on top of the device.

• I love the small compact size of the brush. It is surprising how light it is as well, which is awesome when factoring in travel use. I also kept the clear hard plastic container if came in - I thought this would be perfect as a travel case. Although it would easily fit in a toiletry case.

• The device is USB chargeable (the only point I was a little unsure about at first). The battery life on this little guy is incredible. Foreo claims it should last 300 uses of a single charge (roughly every 5 months). I have been using it once daily for a little over 2 months now and it is still going strong.

• The brush head has 3 different zones for different cleansing requirements; Thinner touch-points gently cleanse sensitive and normal skin, Thicker touch-points for precision cleansing & also broader touch-points on the reverse side address oilier skin.

I have been really enjoying using the Foreo Luna mini 2. I trust the cleanliness of the product and appreciate the convenience of a longer battery life. I was able to notice a deep clean using this device whilst surprised at how gentle it was on my face.


You can purchase any of the Foreo devices from ry.com.au




Have you heard of the Luna cleansing Brush? What tool do you use for cleansing your face? Let me know in the comments below.


*Products were kindly sent to me for consideration. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.

SNEAK PEEK: Lush 2017 Easter Collection

Can you believe it, it is actually almost easter. Easter is actually one of my favourite times of the year, for a few reasons. 1. Chocolate 2. My birthday & 3. LUSH EASTER COLLECTION! 

As with any collection launch at Lush, this years release does not disappoint, bringing back some old favourites and some extra new surprises. The collection will be available from March 23rd - April 27th, here are a few of the collection which I was lucky enough to receive. 

Which Came First - $9.95 

I am super excited to use this bath both, as it is new to the easter collection this year & it contains a hidden egg (I am assuming) by the rattling. Obviously I cant shake it too much or I would ruin the surprise. I love the citrus scent of Sicilian lemon and grapefruit, it is really uplifting. 

Chick 'N' Mix - $11.95

This bath bomb is also new to this years collection - and quite possibly my favourite ever bath bomb visually. It is comprised of 3 separate sections; the yellow (chicken), the blue (egg) and then a mini egg inside. What is actually really cool is that you could use this as 1, 2 or 3 bath bombs - so really bang for you buck. The sweet smell of bergamot is hard to miss, this oil is amazing for its calming and uplifting properties - seriously perfect for bath time relaxation after a stressful day.

Chocolate Easter Egg - $6.95/100g

I am definitely not waiting until easter to tuck into this chocolate egg. I am usually not much of a soap bar person, I would rather opt for creams and gel, however I am excited to give this one a try. The scent is really something different, it is described as rich and creamy and that it is. With vanilla, citrus, coconut oil and cocoa butter - I can't see this soap disappointing.  

Chocolate Lip Scrub - $9.95

The chocolate lip scrub is the latest addition to the cult favourite Lush lip scrub range. This delicious sugary scrub is an incredible combo of dark chocolate cocoa, tangerine and sweet orange oils - seriously lip licking worthy... and you can - like all Lush lip scrubs, this goodie is edible. 

I hope you have enjoyed this small sneak preview into the 2017 Lush Easter Collection. Which products do you have your eye on? Will you be picking up some old favourites or trying the some of the new collection. 

RY Beauty launches a new range of LUX Skincare!

If you are an avid beauty lover like me; and considering you are reading this I am going to say – yes you are. Then you would have heard of RY Beauty – ry.com.au before. It is Australia’s largest Haircare & Skincare online store AND they have just released a new category in their skincare range of Luxe Skincare.

The Luxe Skincare range features 24 highend, luxurious brands. It is literally the cream of the skincare crop. I was lucky enough to receive some incredible products to try from the Luxe Skincare range (and yes, I may have cried with pure excitement when receiving this package).

If you are beyond excited and can’t possibly read on, click here to check out the new range. I also have a special code, only valid for March which gives you 10% off – SHANNON4RY.

I have started using a few of the products received, I obviously couldn’t start all at the same time as I wanted to know exactly how each behaved with my skin – It is still early days, but please let me know if you would like a further in detail review on any of the products below.

Elemis – Papaya Enzyme Peel

I have actually used this peel before and I love it. I actually didn’t know how to repurchase it as it was gifted through a beauty event. I am so happy I now know I can easily repurchase via RY.com.au. It is a cream exfoliator based on papaya, pineapple and bladderwrack which helps improve the skin by refining, revitalising & smoothing.

Payot – My Payot Sleeping Pack

This product sounds really cool, I had never heard of it or the brand previously. It uses new technology to help combat the signs of fatigue. It does all the work whilst you sleep, because as we know this is when the skin is actually the most receptive to ingredients. It is designed to help the skin recover while you sleep, letting you wake up with improved and radiant skin – sounds incredible.

ASAP – DNA Renewal Treatment

I have used this brand before and experienced really good results. What actually really excited me about this product was the mention of ‘Telomere Protection’, as I am currently reading a book called ‘The Telomere Effect’. This cream is using technology designed to aid in the protection and repair of DNA damage – SERIOUSLY SO COOL. I can’t wait to start using this one, maybe before & afters will be necessary.

Pier Auge – Eye Gel PA 24

I absolutely LOVE French skin care! Pier Auge source only the purest and finest ingredients and is suitable for all skin types and conditions, using ingredients which are designed to exactly match the composition of skin. Sounds really cool. I have been looking for a good eye gel to add to my routine and this one sounds divine, aiding in the regeneration of the delicate epidermis of the eyelids.

Thalgo – Eveil A LA MER Micellaire Foaming Cleansing Lotion & Source Marine Hydra Cream

These two products are the two I instantly had to start using, the look and feel so luxurious. I wish I could add a scratch and sniff section to the blog, just so you could experience it! So far my skin is loving both of these products, they feel like a winning combo. My skin is feeling beautifully cleaned and the cream sinks into the skin really well.

FOREO Luna Mini 2

I have heard quite a lot about this device and was actually very intrigued to try it. It is a ‘T-Sonic Cleansing Device’ and it is suited for all skin types – however I would not recommend using on active acne. This device claims to be ultra-hygienic, which is something I had concerns with when using over cleansing devices – I can see how this could be more hygienic due to the silicone brush. I also thought it was super awesome that one charge will give you approx. 5 months of use.

Again, if you are interested in hearing any more about a certain product in particular, please let me know in the comments. Also don’t forget the 10% discount code for March – SHANNON4RY

Shan x.  

 

Why you need Rosehip Oil

Rosehip Oil has been around for a while now, it was one of those craze products which received a lot of hype. I am sure you were left wondering if it was really worth it and if you should be adding it into your skincare regime or not.

Well I am here to tell you – DO IT!

Rosehip oil is a fruit oil that is extracted from the hip of the rose. It is the fruit which is actually left behind once the flower has bloomed and lost its petals. I do think a lot of people get this confused with Rose Essential Oil.

There are many Benefits of using Rosehip Oil;

·         Natural source of Vitamin E & C

·         Natural source of Essential Fatty Acids

·         Natural source of Antioxidants

All of that aside, I wanted to talk to you about my personal experience with Natural Instinct Rejuvenating Rosehip Oil – Certified Organic (yippie) with Antioxidant and Omega Boost.

I personally have struggled with my skin hydration levels & also a mild butterfly type rash for years. When it was first suggested that I try rosehip oil, I will admit – I thought there was no way a ‘simple oil’ would be able to fix either, let along both issues. I am so happy to be able to tell you, I WAS WRONG.

I started by only applying 2-3 drops underneath my night time moisturiser every 2-3 nights. My skins appearance improved dramatically overnight. It appeared more supple and like my tired fine lines has been reduced. To be honest, my skin looked younger and healthier – I know big claims. With continued use I was really able to see a reduction in the redness on my cheeks. What set this oil apart from others for me was the light weight non-greasy consistency of it; I didn’t feel like a big shiny oil slick after applying. It is now a weekly necessity in my skincare routine.

I have also tried using rosehip oil under my morning cream, but as I am time poor in the morning I don’t think I have ever been able to allow it enough time to truly sink in prior to applying foundation. I will definitely have to give it a go on the weekends but it’s just not something I remember as I am happy enough with the affects from just night time use.

Natural Instinct Rejuvenating Rosehip oil is also jam packed full of other skin nourishing extras; 

• CAMELLIA OIL - Rich in vitamins A, B, E and high in oleic acid to help promote skin elasticity, improves skin hydration and helps prevent the signs of ageing.
• SEABUCKTHORN EXTRACT - Rich in Omega 7, essential fatty acids and natural tocopherols making it an excellent anti-aging ingredient. Improves skin suppleness and helps rebuild skin cell structure.
• ROSEMARY EXTRACT - High source of natural antioxidants to help restore and protect the skin from environmental free radical damage.

Do you use a rosehip oil? I would love to hear about your own personal experiences.

Shan x.

*Products were kindly sent to me for consideration. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.

5 Tips For Better Looking Skin

In the coming weeks I will be sharing with you my full Adult Acne Story. First though, I thought I would share with you 5 things which I changed or incorporated to help improve my overall skin health.

There are loads of reasons as to why we should look after our skin, it is after all our biggest organ & it does a mighty good job of keeping all of our bits in where they should be. But also good skin helps to boost self-confidence and in turn this makes us happier. Maintaining healthy skin overall (as superficial as it sounds) improves the way we think and feel about ourselves.

5 Tips For Healthier Looking Skin;

1.Face Mapping

I think this is a bit of a forgotten art form. A lot of people I mention it too respond with ‘What is that’, followed by a bit of an ‘a-hah’ moment. Face Mapping is an ancient Chinese form of skin analysis. It is your bodies’ way of letting you know and help you understand the reasoning behind the spots and congestion. I have found by knowing what is going on and having a better understanding behind my skin issues, I can then treat it better and I also feel less down on myself about it.

Image Source: The Snow Fairy – also check out the blog for more detail on face mapping here.

http://www.thesnowfairy.com/acne-face-map-what-acne-revealing-about-your-health/


2. Invest in good Skin Care

I am not saying go and spend a fortune on skin care, as there are definitely some incredible products which are on the cheaper end. But listen to your body, if you are using a cheaper cleanser and your face feels incredibly clean – however you are still battling breakouts and oil problems. That cleanser probably isn’t for you – it’s actually over cleansing and stripping your skin of its natural necessary oils.  Keep it Simple with Skin Care, but not simple as in cleanser and moisturiser. Simple in the sense as focus on one or two skin care ranges. You will find brands create products which work well together and you will get more benefit when using them in conjunction with each other. For me, I have found the Skinstitut range has worked wonders with my skin and the large range of products helps me target specific problems and issues.

3. Monitor your Dairy

Again this can also go back to face mapping point, but dairy products, including milk & cheese contain growth hormones and can have an inflammatory affect which actually clog your pores. If you can’t give up the cheese like me, definitely try cutting back when it comes to that time of the month. I personally limit my cheese intake and never drink milk. I notice a massive difference in my skin as soon as I reduce my intake.

4. Look after your Gut

Having an excess amount of bad gut bacteria can lead to a number of problems, one of them being acne. I take a number of tablets every morning and one of them is a probiotic. I find this helps my body and in particular my gut function better in so many ways. I have found two which I particularly like, Polybac8  & Bio Ceuticals.

5. Make the most of masking

Be sure to not overdo it, I see a lot of people using masks daily or every second day as they are not happy with how their skin is looking. I know we all can love the feeling of a freshly exfoliated face, but over exfoliating can also get rid of the healthy skin cells which act as a natural barrier. This could also lead to hypersensitivity and excess oil to compensate. The same goes for clay masks, these are only designed to be used 1-2 times a week. Using them any more often can have as adverse effect and the benefits won’t be as noticeable.


BONUS TIP: Drink more water… now this wouldn’t of been a skin post without mentioning drinking more water. I keep a large bottle on my desk at work. It’s also easier to keep this on you on weekends rather than buying water etc.

Check out:

https://madebyfressko.com/au/

https://www.thebigbottleco.com/

Subscription Service: The Change Box

If you have been following me for a while, then you would know I love a good subscription box. You can read my previous post here.

When The Change Box contacted me and offered to send me their February box I was beyond excited. Not only was it a subscription service that I had never used before but it was truly a box with a difference. Each product within the box helps support a different cause or charity - seriously, how cool is that! All of the products that you receive are ethical, sustainable and plant based. 

If you are interested in subscribing or trying a one off box - they start at $54.95/month. 

www.thechangebox.com.au

Below is a what I received  in this month's February box! 

Clutch: I love the feather detailing on this clutch & the gold on navy is a beautiful casual combo. The clutch is fair-trade and made from sustainable, 100% organic cotton. Liminal Apparel help create better employment opportunities for women caught in human trafficking. 

Candle: This soy candle is incredible & it smells just as it is described - like vanilla icing. There are so many other delicious sounding flavours; like red velvet cupcake,  doughnuts and even unicorn poo! The Prospect Project donate 10% of profits to Youth Focus. 

Granola: The granola is also made by The Prospect Project - you seriously need to check out their Instagram, so many cool projects with hilarious names. I plan on making a delicious breakfast with this vegan granola. 

Dry Oil: This Lux Aestiva Gypsy Oil is seriously that, LUX. It is a hair and skin nourishing oil which is handmade, vegan, cruelty and toxin free! Lux Aestiva gives back to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and World Vision. 

Lip Balm: This Salt & Glow So Loved Lip Balm in Tinted Rose is so nourishing on the lips, with a beautiful hint of colour. I can see this being a winter must have in my bag. It is also plant-based and Natural. 100% of profits from the SO LOVED range go towards Roslin Orphanage. 

Cashew Nuts: These were the most incredibly delicious snack, they also packed a little bit of a kick. But that sure didn't stop Matt or myself - They were gone as quick as we opened the box! East Bali Cashews provide fair trade working conditions to farmers in Bali. Supporting community development and empowerment by creating jobs and encouraging gender equality. 

Hope you enjoyed, what's your favourite subscription service? Have you ever tried The Change Box? Make sure you leave me a comment. 

 

Shannon x. 

Brand Focus: The Divine Company

Hey Guys, 

Hope you are all having a wonderful week, can you believe it is the end of January already! 

I wanted to start sharing with you more about the events I am lucky enough to be invited to. 

The first event I wanted to talk about, was actually held by The Divine Company, for the launch of their newest collection – Divine Woman. (Mind you this event was held in November, so I am a little late on letting you know about this one)

‘The Divine Woman is authentic, confident and discerning, the choices she makes are an extension of her values.’

The event was hosted by Nick Allan, Managing Director of The Divine Company; it was fantastic to meet the heart and soul behind such an interesting company. I was able to have a wonderful conversation with Nick and could really see how passionate and educated he was on not only the products but more so the ingredients and the choices behind them. 

What I particularly liked about this brand was the authentic vibe I felt whilst talking to them about their brand. The energy and philosophy was really inspiring. I was also able to connect as I had very similar opinions on health and wellness to some of the ladies I spoke with. 

The company and products are certified organic; this is a big tick in my eyes. I love seeing how we can make nature work in its purest form to assist and enrich our beauty and skin care. 

We were lucky enough to be gifted the Divine Woman Miniature Series*. 

 

This pack included; 

• Hydrating Cream Cleanser
• Daily Renewal Lactic Gel Cleanser
• Soothing Rose Toner 
• Illuminating Day Cream

I have been loving this pack, especially the Soothing Rose Toner & the Illuminating Day Cream.

I was also lucky enough to be gifts a Ultra Perfecting Mask*, also from the Divine Woman range. 

Hydration is something I have always struggled with for my skin. I have been really enjoying this luxe feeling mask, it is really creamy and dewy on the skin. The mask suggestions leaving it on for 15-20minutes, however like with most hydration masks, I choose to leave it on overnight. As I feel this gives me the best results. After sleeping with this mask on, I wake up with my skin appearing softer and hydrated.

You can check out any of the products I have mentioned on The Divine Company website.

http://thedivinecompany.com

Please let me know if you enjoy these types of posts, I will be sure to take more event photos next time and share those as well. 

S x. 

*Products were kindly sent to me for consideration. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.

Product Focus: Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Day Cream & Retinol 1TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream

As some of you may be aware I have been experiencing some changes in my skin over the past 4-5 months. At first I was a little confused by the changes and couldn’t understand why all of a sudden I was experiencing adult acne. I decided to make a few alterations to my skin care routine to focus and improve the issues I was experiencing. If you would be interested in a full skin care post, including some before and after photos please let me know as I would be happy to share my experiences to date and what I have done to help make a vast improvement.

Firstly I wanted to focus solely on two of my current big loves in my skin care routine – my day and night creams. Both of these are from Medik8 – I absolutely adore this brand; I love the new and exciting skin care innovations which they continue to launch. I chose to keep my skin care routine limited to a few brands. I found this has many benefits in itself, as we need to understand each product and what its individual strengths are. I also don’t want to be overlapping on certain ingredients, as this could lead to an unnecessary high dose and a potential skin irritation. 

 Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Day Cream* - $129, activeskin.com.au :

Helps energise and brighten tired skin with added hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and support the skin’s natural barrier. Combined with vitamin E for added antioxidant benefits. Suitable for all skin types. For first signs of ageing. Ideal for those with super-sensitive skin that want to try out retinol, but still with the punch to give you results you will notice and love. Suitable for all skin types.

My Experience: I adored the texture of this cream; it is very light and feels extra hydrating on the skin. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky or anything either which is a nice added bonus. I found the absorption rate was also really good with this cream, which is very handy on those rushed mornings before work. I am also a big fan of anything that helps incorporate additional hyaluronic acid into my skincare routine, as I have struggled  with hydration levels for as long as I can remember. The added boost helps to brighten and even my skin tone.

Medik8 Retinol 1TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream* - $75, activeskin.com.au:

For first signs of ageing. Ideal for those with super-sensitive skin that want to try out retinol, but still with the punch to give you results you will notice and love. Suitable for all skin types. For first signs of ageing. Ideal for those with super-sensitive skin that want to try out retinol, but still with the punch to give you results you will notice and love. Suitable for all skin types.

 My Experience: This cream screams luxury for me; I love the thicker formula, especially for a night cream.  I am sure you are wondering what TR is in reference to, right? Well this is in relation to the advanced technology of a 0.1% dosage (very gentle) which is gradually released through an innovative ‘time release’ process. This aids the practice for a slow delivery to into the skin – this is what helps to ensure a more gentle approach and reduced irritation. I would still suggest a gradual introduction of this cream into your skin care routine to ensure the irritation from the retinol does not occur.

Overall I am really enjoying both of these creams and finding my skin is responding really well to them. I am finding my skin is less dull and has a more youthful bounce to it which was very much lacking a few months ago.

 

*Products were kindly sent to me for consideration. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.

 

 

 For first signs of ageing. Ideal for those with super-sensitive skin that want to try out retinol, but still with the punch to give you results you will notice and love. Suitable for all skin types.