Product Review: Image Skincare

In August I attended the Beauty expo in Sydney. There were hundred of stands and thousands of products. I stumbled across an Image Skincare stand. I'd never heard of them before and they were offering free facials. I couldn't resist for three reasons. It's a facial, I am a product whore and I needed to get off my tired, sore feet.

I immediately loved these products on a very shallow level. They smelled amazing and felt gorgeous. But smelling and feeling good isn't enough. DO THEY WORK?

Let's get real here. I am almost 40 years old. I have suffered from pimples and blackheads all my life. Pregnancy blessed me with lovely hyper-pigmentation and now I have wrinkles to add to the mix.

Immediately
My skin looked great after the facial. I bought a small trial pack and within a week I was contacting them to purchase more. Still, one week isn't enough to know if they really work but it's long enough to know that they are working at a low level and my skin was reacting in a positive way

4 Months Later
I have had another two level 1 peels. My skin is smoother than it has ever been and my pigmentation is definitely fading. My love of these products had deepened. I am planning a few level 2 peels before my 40th as a present to myself. I am really excited to see the results.

What I like

• My home care range includes only 6 products. I love that I don't need to buy 25 products to achieve results at home
• I also find them well priced compared to other high end products.
• They work at a cellular level
• They are Paraben free, animal cruelty free, environmentally friendly, no chemicals preservatives or artificial fragrances

I am thrilled that my local beauty salon fell in love with Image too. This is very convenient. If you would like to check them out for yourself, contact Beautiful You and tell them I sent you ;)

This is not a sponsored post but an honest review of some gorgeous products.

Beautiful You Hair and Beauty
07 3284 6463
beautifulu@bigpond.com

I've been lashed and I love it!

In preparation of Blogopolis this weekend (yes I am mentioning it again) I dropped into Lash Me at North Lakes for a brow shape n' tint and some eyelash extensions. I know this seems a little over the top for a convention, but I had been hearing about their new Cheveux Eyelash extensions and this seemed like a great time to give them a whirl.

What makes these extensions different is that that are made from human hair. I know this sounds a little Buffalo Bill (from Silence of the Lambs) but I have only heard great things. They are cruelty free, lightweight, finer than mink or acrylic and have a consistent curl.

My technician was magic fingers Michelle. She is so light fingered, gentle and is a complete perfectionist. I love that. There was not one unruly brow hair that went unplucked or one stubby lash that went unattended.

This is my before. I am kind of surprised how sparse my lashes and brows are looking in the photo. 

After, I only have a little eyeliner on. I can not wait to see how these babies look with some liquid eyeliner and shadow.

I love that Katrina at Lash Me is always on the lookout for the latest and best products in her field. I think she really knocked it out of the park with these. She has now opened up salons in Noosa, Melbourne and Sydney.

Lash Me Extensions
14 Discovery Drive, North Lakes
1300 LASH ME
(Also in Paddington and New Farm)
www.lashme.com.au

I received the product to review but I did not receive any payment to review it. I am happy to receive payment but I will always give an honest opinion.

Wrinkles be gone!!

When I was little we called wrinkles 'crinkles'. I am going to stick with it because it certainly makes them sound cuter. I have no problem with ageing. I don't even mind crinkles as long as they are happy crinkles. I also don't mind slowing down ageing just a little when an opportunity drops into my lap.

I have been sent two products from John Plunkett Pharmaceuticals to trial. I have been using them for a week but the best results are after using them for a few months. So, my thoughts so far...

Advanced Collagen Lift Moisturiser usually $59.95 but currently $54.95. I have sensitive skin and it is prone to breakouts if I use anything except very light moisturisers. When I saw the thickness I was a little concerned but I haven't broken out. What I really like about this is the matt finish it gives to my skin after application. My skin feels nice and doesn't look shiny. I do feel that any crinkles have been lessened. It could be my imagination, but I chose to believe it is this product working some magic. I really look forward to seeing the results in a few more weeks or months.

Instant Wrinkle Filler usually $39.95 but currently $34.95. I have been using this in my crinkles after the Advanced Collagen Lift Moisturiser. This also has a nice matt finish. It didn't fill in all my crinkles but certainly minimised them. I can tell that makeup isn't gathering in places it shouldn't. This really does create a nicer base for makeup and my makeup was lasting longer. This has made it into my 'must use' makeup bag.

I really look forward to seeing the results in a few months. I think there is still a chance I may be asked to show my I.D. to prove I am over 18 again.  Even if I have to beg them to ask.

I have not receive any payment to review this product. I am happy to receive payment but I will always give an honest opinion.

On Tuesdays I link up with Diary of a SAHM

The B.B. Bandwagon

Everyone is talking about BB creams. So, of course, I have to jump on the band wagon and check them out.

I have chosen three to play with, Missha M Perfect Cover B.B. Cream in No. 23, Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector in Medium and Olay Complete Care Touch of Foundation Even Complexion in medium. These names are all ridiculously long so I am going to call them Missha, Garnier and Olay.

Here I am all clean and fresh as a wilted daisy.

Missha costs about $15 (guessing here) and I bought in on ebay. This is very, very thick and a little clay like. It smells strongly of sunscreen but it does cover those imperfections. I wanted to rip my face off after 30 minutes, so this is not a great one for me.

I bought the Garnier on sale at Woolies for about $10. This is very sheer and shiny. I feel like I look a little dirty when I first put it on, then I stopped noticing. This would be the sheerest of the three.

I picked up the Olay when I was grocery shopping yesterday. It had 30% off which made it about $10. When I put it on, it was like coming home. I think I may have even groaned as I applied it. I really like the feel of it on my skin and it has a matter finish than the others.

Today is Easter Sunday and we are heading off to Imbil for a picnic with my In-laws. The winner of the BB/tinted moisturisers for this outing was..............................

The Olay by a landslide. This will be my go to for casual day wear. It only has 15 SPF but looks, feels and smells the best.

Do you have a dribbling problem?

As you know, I am a big supporter of local businesses and you can't get more local than around the corner from me in Scarborough. A lovely local lady, cuts, makes, packages and sells Bibska Bibs. These are for babies and are so very cute. She sent me over a Bibska Dribble bib to look at. Why didn't I know about these when my oldest was a baby? She was covered in dribble for the first three years of her life.

I love that these bibs look cool and can blend or match an outfit. Plus, (sorry Belinda you might want to turn away for a minute) my dog looked super cute in it too.

You should go on line to look at the complete range, they are so cute. It makes me want another baby just to dress them up.

I think I might need a sequin red one when I head into town with the girls on Saturday. Sometimes my drinks miss my mouth and this might be handy.


www.bibska.com.au
www.facebook.com/bibska
sales@bibska.com.au

I have not receive any payment to review this item.

Fantastic Giveaway - TK's Lashes

I am excited.  I previously wrote about TK's Lashes for a guest post on The Best Beauty Blog (This is one of my favourite bloggers, check her out). TK's Lashes enjoyed the article and were kind enough to send me a set of the TK's Lashes Eyelash Extension kit for one lucky reader RRP $84.95.  To register your interest in winning this great product all you need to do is:

1. "Like" TK's Lashes on facebook - you can do that here;
2. "Like" Redcliffe Style on facebook - you can do that here;
3. Comment about why you would like this product - either below or on facebook; and
4. Make sure you do this prior to 6am on 21 February 2012.

This is a copy of what I wrote for The Best Beauty Blog.  

"...I am a complete make-up minx. I can spend hours in make-up departments opening, smelling and trying on every tester. I love the scents, packaging and dreams associated with this department and I am always on the look out for something new and different. This week I hit gold while my 8yo daughter was having her hair cut at a local hair and beauty salon. My 6yo daughter and I slowly slunk over to the shiny, colourful make-up stand. Standing up right, taking centre stage of the stand was a small but powerful black box - TK's Lashes. The brochure beside this box made promises. Surely, it couldn't follow through with the promise of making lashes 300% longer. I cannot resist a challenge. I was going to test and scoff at this and I was going to use my innocent little 6 year old as my guinea pig to do it. Feeling like I was participating in an episode of Myth Busters, I opened the black box and inside were two tubes. First you use the larger gel tube to brush onto the lashes. Then you use the smaller tube to brush on the fibres, then set again with the gel brush.  Seriously, UNBELIEVABLE results. My daughter looked like the cutest little drag queen with her lovely, long lashes.  

Now, I love mascara and I use it daily. For special occasions I use to get the individual lashes put on. Recently I discovered lash extensions and I love them, but can't afford to keep them permanently. The TK's Lashes are something else. They truly do make your lashes look ridiculously long, but still natural and you can wash them off. I think this is a must have in any make-up stash."

You can buy these online at www.tkslashes.com.nz. No mess, no fuss, no glue.



TK's Lashes
www.tkslashes.co.nz
sales@tkslashes.co.nz
+64 800855274

I did not receive payment for this product review and this is my honest opinion of the product.  I am not adverse to receiving payment, in fact I would love it but I will always be honest.

Naturally Timeless

I met up with a good friend recently and she was looking amazing. Well, she already look great, but she had taken it to another level.  I needed to get on that band wagon and I needed to do it now! What was her little secret? Botox? Nightingale droppings? caviar facials? I could have sat there silently imagining all sort of weird things but decided to ask her outright.

She gave up the secret pretty quickly, she had start using some new skin care products and she was raving about them and, as she looked across the table at my sallow complexion, dark haggard eyes and permanent frown, she strongly recommended I give them a go. SOLD!!

This is my self portrait of what she must have seen across the table.
I still gave myself Lash me extensions.

She was using a Norwex skin care range. I will admit it, I was a little surprised. I love Norwex cleaning products and the whole "love the environment and reducing chemicals" spiel. I mainly love them for cutting my cleaning time in half, but the fact I am looking after the environment as well makes me feel all warm and gooey too.

I got onto my supplier and ordered some Naturally Timeless to be delivered STAT! Actually, that's not true, my friend was kind enough to share a little of hers with me. What is interesting is that they don't use a cleanser or toner but a face cloth but I climbed down from the product high horse I had made for myself and tried it. I can tell you that I love that cloth, I mean, really love it. The cloth cleans the skin without using harsh chemicals or alcohol. This cloth is so soft that I need a few more, so I can use them all over my body. That's how much I love it.

Then I used the Naturally Timeless Face Serum.  Just a pump (or two) and you pat it all over. My face sucked it up immediately and begged for more. It felt so nice. Then the Naturally Timeless day cream goes on top. This cream seems thicker that what I would normally use, but I only needed a small amount. I was worried that I would feel heavy and greasy, but I shouldn't have worried. I have been using the products for over a week and I think my skin is looking great. I do miss toner a little bit, but I can see that it it isn't necessary with these products. I'm dying to try the night cream, I am sure it will be equally lovely.

Norwex
Local supplier
Sandra Russell

Like her on facebook and visit her website for complete product information.

"Improving the quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in cleaning and personal products."

Keeping busy...and a Giveaway

It still raining here in Brisbane and we have been stuck inside for days. I can't tell you how excited my girls were when I showed them some gorgeous Goose Grease craft kits I received from Finlee & Me. I love that these kits include everything you need for an art activity. As well as the main craft item, they include the brushes, paint and the topcoat (and 2 hours of silence) all in a neat little carry bag. They are great to use now or to pack away for a rainy day or holidays.

My girls have been busy making wooden versions of our family. I am not sure why they are giggling so much while they are decorating the version of me. If I was a more arty mum, I can imagine it would be fun to cut up fabric, use sequins and little buttons and glue them on.

Next we are tackling the DYI Yo-yos. I think I am more excited than the girls. I think I will break out the sequins for this, it'll look more impressive when I do 'around-the-world' or 'walk-the-dog'.

Giveaway
To add to the excitment, Finley & Me has offered three lucky people the chance to win one DYI kit each. The three prizes are One DYI Family kit, one DYI Top kit and a DYI Yo Yo kit. It is so easy to enter, you need to like Finlee & Me and Redcliffe Style on facebook and comment either below or on facebook to register your interest. Make sure you do this before 6am on 6th February 2012. How easy is that??

We will announce the winners on Monday 6th February.

Please visit Finlee and Me, this is a wonderful site with so many fun and great products for children.

Miss 6 review - "It's all good, I like the painting and the brushes are really good"

Miss 8 review - "It was fun and creative, I liked painting the daddy"

Delightful de Leon

Today I have been playing with my de Leon cosmetics.  This business is located in Redcliffe, and if that doesn't make you proud enough, they produce fantastic products, good enough to rival any cosmetics giant in Myer.  I usually buy glosses and I do this because if I leave them in the car, they won't melt.

What I love about the de Leon lip glosses are:

• Great packaging with fun names, you feel wittier just using them;
• They are not sticky.  I hate driving in the car with my window down and my glamorous windblown hair stuck to my lips and leaving gloss tracks along my cheeks;
• They aren't too glossy.  I am not a fan of high gloss, leave that to the Kardashians;
• No weird taste or odour.  With children and a dog there are enough weird odours around; and
• Well priced.

I also purchased de Leon's eye primer.  This is completely different to any primer you may have seen before.  It's a thick paste that you dig a little out and it'll melt on the lid and your eye shadow will stay put.  It looks white but goes clear. I then used their eyeshadow #53 Indecent Exposure.  This was a lovely textured, gorgeous nude, the perfect base. Today is a hot day and I have been running around for 5 hours, my eyeshadow is perfect, no creases.

These can be bought online at www.deleon.com.au

de Leon Cosmetics
PO Box 4, Margate Beach, Qld, 4019
www.deleoncosmetics.com.au
info@deleon.com.au

This lovely pinky colour is #10 Ambassador.  Perfect everyday colour.

This colour is #1 Looks better in Red.  This is the perfect shade of red for me. 

 #1 Looks better in red, #10 Ambassador and #29 Stay n' Gloat

 Eye Primer

 Gloss Packaging

Product Review - Clinique turnaround overnight moisturiser

I received a sample of this to review. I am always a little wary of night time creams. I love a nice light night gel that smells great and performs miracles while I am sleeping (like reversing time and longer legs). This was a little heavier than I usually like and didn't smell like I was skipping through a field of roses with a handsome besotted prince. The clinique write up mentions the miracles it should perform while I sleep "Instantly replaces dull, worn-out surface cells with livelier, more luminous ones. Skin breathes. Accepts moister better. Then, it optimizes up-an-coming cells to help the best and brightest emerge". Wow, that's a lot to live up to, I even feel a little sorry for dull worn-out cells.

I can't confirm that it will optimize your up-and-coming cells, nor confirm it will it search and destroy dull surface cells and find the livelier, more luminous ones (until it's time for their death too). My jar is only small, I did wake up looking fresher, it could be because of sleep but I think the cream was nice, not too heavy and maybe took a few dull, underactive cells and replaced them with not so dull ones. This jar may last two weeks. I'll update up and confirm the status of my luminous cells.

Product Review - Bubalina Natural Organics

I have admitted to being a bit of a tart when it comes to beauty and skin care products.  I am not ashamed of this.  I won't leave my house unless I am slathered in moisturiser from head to toe, sunscreened and big glops of eye cream.  So you can imagine my excitement when I received a big envelope in the mail full of Bubalina Natural Organics hand and body lotions. Ahhh.

My daughters and I were in heaven opening, smelling and trying all the amazing scented products.  My favourites are dolcetto, cranberry brown sugar and the yummy citron rose.  My girls loved peach mango and chocolate.  The chocolate smelt so good our dog tried to steal it.  I can't blame her.

I gave some samples to family and friends and beside the fact they thought I was awesome and generous, they loved the smells and how nice they felt.

I am quite particular when I comes to hand or body moisturisers.  I can't stand feeling sticky, slimy or greasy.  These lotions feel gorgeous, absorb well and even better, they are organic, paraben free and not tested on animals.

These wonderful products are available through Body Wash supplies.  Carlie Cox is the owner and is a lovely local lady.

Body Wash Supplies
www.bodywashsupplies.com.au
07 3385 6241