Review: The Jojoba Company Skincare Products

Recently, I was given the opportunity to trial the Pure Australian Golden Jojoba and Jojoba Absolute Serum from The Jojoba Company- Australia's primary producer of pure, golden jojoba and jojoba based skincare products.

L-R: Jojoba Absolute Serum and Pure Australian Golden Jojoba

I've never come across The Jojoba Company until now and my initial thoughts about the brand name is that their products must be natural based and have Jojoba as the key ingredient. On the basis of The Jojoba Company, the entire range is natural based and formulated from the amazing qualities of pure Australian golden jojoba. I love using Australian and natural based skincare products as these products are always gentle and compatible with my skintype and texture. Ingredients derived from Australian plant extracts are considered as friendly to the skin and natural based skincare products are beneficial for the skin.

'Jojoba Oil is very similar to the natural oil our skin produces. It contains vitamins A,B, D and E and is very rich in anti oxidants. It penetrates the skin rapidly and restores the skin's natural PH. It is excellent for acne as it dissolves excess sebum from the skin, reinforces the skin and cleans the pores. It helps to reduce stretch marks, scarring, skin marks and wrinkles'-The Jojoba Company

Juniper

(Juniperus communis)

Juniper Essential Oil
Juniper essential oil has a tonic and cleansing effect on oily skin It is well known for its antiseptic and detoxifying properties.

Kakadu plum

(Terminalia ferdinandiana)

Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu plum) fruit extract
Kakadu Plum is also known as Billy Goat Plum. It contains the highest natural form of Vitamin C known in the world. It is high in antioxidants and is a gentle form of AHA (alpha hydroxyl acid). It has anti-inflammatory properties so is good for acne.

Kiwi Fruit

(Actinidia deliciosaa)

Actinidia chinensis (kiwi) fruit extract
Kiwi fruit is also known as the Chinese Gooseberry. Kiwi seed oil is high in Vitamin C and known to be anti-aging.

Kukui

(Aleurites moluccan)

Aleurites moluccana (Kukui) nut
Kukui Nut oil is obtained from the kernal of the Hawaiin kukui nut. It is rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids and helps to moisturise, soften and revitalise the skin. It is wonderful for sensitive, mature, damaged and wrinkled skin.

Lemon

(Citrus limon)

Citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil
Lemon is a fruit that contains both citric acid and vitamin C. It is good at cutting grease and is one of the few natural ingredients that can retain its properties after chemical extraction.

Lilly pilly

(Syzygeium smithii)

Syzygeim smithii (lilly pilly)
Lilly Pilly is an Australian extract which is very high in Vitamin C.

Lime

(Citrus aurantifolia)

Citrus aurantifolia (lime) Oil
Lime is a versatile fruit with a fragrant aroma. Its aroma rejuvenates the senses.

Liquorice

(Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Liquorice root extract
Liquorice Root offers excellent hydrating properties, helping to rebalance dryness and enhance skin brightness and overall radiance. It treats acne and clams allergic skin. It is 75 times stronger than vitamin C. This anti-irritant is also known as "sweet wood."

Mandarin

(Citrus reticulata)

Mandarin oil
Mandarin oil has various benefits such as refining the texture of the skin, while also having good antiseptic and cell rejuvenating properties. Contains flavonoids and vitamins A, B, C and E. A natural skin purifier with an uplifting fruity scent.

Mango

(Mangifera Indica)

Mangifera indica (mango) seed oil
Mango butter comes from pressing the mango seed into a "butter". It is a protective moisturiser that melts into the skin and uses unique fatty acids to help condition and hydrate.

Manuka

(Leptospermum scopariu)

Manuka Essential oil
Manuka (Tea Tree) oil was originally used therapeutically by the New Zealand Maori. It has natural antibacterial, antifungal, anti-allergenic, and anti-inflammatory properties to assist in the relief of skin, mucous membrane and rheumatic ailments. It is an essential ingredient for acne treatment.

Marine collagen

Hydrolyzed (marine) collagen
Marine Collagen is an amino acid which comes from a type of seaweed. It is a hexapeptide and helps to nourish and plump the skin.

Marula

(Sclerocarya birrea, Anacardiaceae)

Sclerocarya birrea (marula) seed oil
Marula oil comes from Africa and represents the hand of friendship from the nut. It as a very high content of antioxidants and has significant skin healing and hydrating properties.

Meadow foam

(Limnanthes alba)

Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil
Meadow Foam oil is a seed oil that is highly moisturising and will stabilise all other carrier oils. It is high in essential fatty acids.

Melon

Cucumis melo (melon) fruit extract
Melon fruit extract is an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) which cleanses and firms the pores an increases the rate of new cell formation.

Neroli

(Citrus aurantium)

Citrus aurantium amara (neroli) flower oil
Neroli is produced from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree. It is revitalizing and uplifting and good for repairing broken capillaries.

Nettle

(Urticacae)

Nettle extract
Nettle is rich in vitamins, minerals and silica. It is an astringent and is used to help rebalance oiliness on the skin and hair to leave it clean and refreshed. It is high in vitamin C.

Olive

(Olea europaea)

Olea europaea (olive) leaf extract
The olive leaf is slightly astringent and is good for acne or clogged skin. It contains high antioxidant levels and helps to build and strengthen the skin.

Organic Olive
Organic Olive Leaf helps to reduce skin damage due to UV radiation and pollution.

Coconut

(Cocos nucifera)

Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil
Organic coconut oil provides superior hydration due to its high concentration of fructose and glucose. It has antiseptic, anti fungal and UV protection properties and is very cleansing. It softens and conditions the skin and is an excellent soother after waxing or shaving.

Macadamia

(Macadamia integrifolia)

Macadamia integrifolia (macadamia) seed oil
Macadamia nut oil is pressed from the macadamia nut, which is an evergreen tree grown mainly in Hawaii. Macadamia nut oil is similar to sebum, the oil naturally produced by human skin to protect it. It absorbs well into the skin, is highly emollient, anti-irritant and soothing. It is a natural anti-inflammatory.

Shea

(Butyrospermum Parkii)

Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)
Shea butter is extracted from the nut of the fruit of the Shea tree. It is widely recognized as a rich, skin-softening moisturizer and emollient, as well as for its soothing properties. It contains vitamins A and E.

Papaya

(Carica papaya)

Carica papaya (papaya) fruit extract
Papaya is a very strong fruit acid, natural exfoliant and light AHA.

Peppermint

(Mentha piperita)

Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil
Peppermint is a stimulating & revitalising oil.

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a pure alcohol (see explanation of alcohol below). It is an aromatic ether alcohol and is classified as both an alcohol and an ether.  It is a bactericide, often known as Rose ether. It is used to help preserve the integrity of certain products and prevent bacterial contamination. Not to be confused with ethyl alcohol which can irritate the skin.

 'Jojoba Absolute Serum is an intensive blend of hyaluronic acid, beta glucan, vitamin B3, coffee fruit extract, Siberian ginseng to tighten and firm, lilli pilli, Kakadu plum with ultra concentrated vitamin C and pure, cold pressed golden jojoba.'-The Jojoba Company

'Hyaluronic acid is an acid that occurs naturally in the skin. It holds 1000 times its own weight in water and will naturally plump the skin. It helps t the skin to retain its natural moisture by adjusting its moisture absorption depending on the humidity in the air. It boosts hydration and elasticity and helps to maintain levels of collagen and elastin.'-The Jojoba Company

The Jojoba Company skincare products are formulated using natural ingredients and are NOT tested on animals. This is something that I usually look for in skincare and cosmetic products.

The Jojoba Company skincare products are also free of nasty ingredients such as: parabens, sulphates, silicones, petrochemicals, phthalates, mineral oil, paraffin and artificial fragrance or colours.

Directions and Ingredients list of the Jojoba Absolute Serum

How to use Pure Australian Golden Jojoba and Jojoba Absolute Serum:

1. After cleansing and toning the skin, apply 2-3 drops of Golden Jojoba onto the palm of your clean hand

2. Tap fingertips onto the Golden Jojoba lightly

3. Press fingertips gently for about 2 seconds on the cheeks, forehead, chin and décolletage to distribute evenly. Make sure you avoid rubbing the product onto the skin as this type of movement may stretch the skin.

4. Whilst the skin is still moist, apply 1-2 drops of Jojoba Absolute Serum to your fingertips and apply the product the same way as applying the Golden Jojoba. 

5. Lastly, apply your usual day/night moisturiser.

Review:

Both the Pure Australian Golden Jojoba and Jojoba Absolute Serum are packaged in a simple yet sophisticated frosted glass bottle with a convenient pump and cap. The small nozzle allows for an easy flow and control of dispensing the product.

I like the idea of this type of packaging as you could re-use the bottles.

Pure Australian Golden Jojoba is not a cream, nor gel, nor fluid, nor oil...it's a liquid wax! 

My initial thoughts of this Golden Jojoba is that it might just sit on my skin. I was infact wrong! The key step to applying the Jojoba is by gently pressing it onto the skin. It doesn't clog/block my pores and doesn't leave a greasy trail. Golden Jojoba penetrates through my skin as it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and a little bit shiny at the surface

(this is a good thing and I'll tell you why soon).

I also apply Golden Jojoba to my nails, the heels of my feet and my elbows to reduce the look of dry skin and lock in the moisture that my skin needs.  

I enjoyed using this product as it is versatile.

The Jojoba Absolute Serum has a gel/fluid-like consistency which makes it very easy to spread across the face evenly. My skin feels revitalised and it's great that this serum is concentrated with antioxidants and nutrients to protect and nourish the skin. Serums are used so that these good nutrients and ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin in comparison to a moisturiser. Applying the serum to moist skin helps the serum to absorb efficiently into the skin. 
I found the serum to be very compatible with the use of the Golden Jojoba.

My skincare regime including Pure Australian Golden Jojoba and Jojoba Absolute Serum worked like a breeze to provide my skin with the daily intake of nutrients and vitamins, however, these products did leave my skin (combination skintype) looking a little shiny after application. Despite this, I am still using these products, because I love how soothing and replenishing these products feel on my skin and will only use these as part of my night time regime.

Pure Australian Golden Jojoba is available in three sizes: 

30 mL ($18.95)

85 mL ($22.95)

175 mL ($29.95)

Jojoba Absolute Serum is only available in one size

30 mL ($79.95)

Check out The Jojoba Company website to browse their entire range

www.thejojobacompany.com.au

Have you used skincare products containing pure Jojoba before?

Rose

These products were provided for consideration. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with The Jojoba Company and did not receive remuneration to post this product review.

Marc Jacobs Fragrance GWP at David Jones

I love Marc Jacobs Fragrances! The following are my favourites!

Lola

Bang (for my man!)

Daisy

Daisy Eau So Fresh

David Jones has an exciting GWP, where you will receive a funky tote with various badges as your gift when you purchase a 75 mL or 100 mL fragrance from the Marc Jacobs range.

How cute is that tote bag?!

Which is your favourite Marc Jacobs fragrance?

Rose

Brisbane Wintergarden Friday Night Pamper Treat

Wintergarden Shopping Centre in Brisbane City has been going through a huge makeover these last few months and to celebrate the completion of Stage One, Wintergarden is offering shoppers a special Pamper Treat every Friday night between 

24th June- 15th July 2011 from 5-7 pm.

What a great way to finish off a busy week!

Have you seen the amazing layout of Wintergarden's Stage One yet?

Will you be at Wintergarden tomorrow night?

Rose

Sportsgirl Accessory Haul + Nail Rock

There are sales everywhere for the end of financial year sales. During the weekend, I went to Sportsgirl and there were a huge range of accessories on sale at 50 % of the red ticketed price. I came home with a few bits n pieces including some innovative and funky 'nail wraps'.

Jade green bracelet with diamonte designed florals

Gorgeous snowflake/flower earrings

Nail Rock Gold Lace on White design nail wraps

'Stick-on' nail strips/wraps have become a huge success this year as the funky and trendy designs are bound to attract everyone's attention! I discovered Nail Rock at Sportsgirl and picked up the design called 'Gold Lace on White'. Nail Rock is based in the UK and you can find their whole range of designs here.

I'm yet to try these on as I'm planning to wear these when I go interstate next month. Each pack includes 24 nail wraps and is made in the UK. The nail wraps, as they call it, are wide enough to fit on your toes! So, if you're going to wear them on your finger nails you can always trim the edges.

You need heat (hair dryer)  to apply these Nail Rock Wraps to your nails. I'll include a description from the site to this post on how to apply them and I will write up a review when I've tried these on. 

How to apply Nail Rock:

1. Ease back cuticle and ensure nails are bare and free of nail polish.
2. Shape and file the nail edge.
3. Gently remove surface shine using a nail buffer or a smooth nail file.
4. Select Nail Rock Wrap that best suits your cuticle size. These can be trimmed to fit if needed.
5. Do not touch the adhesive side of the wrap that will be used on your nail.
6. Place at the cuticle edge and apply heat from a small or travel hairdryer for a few seconds until the wrap is hot, soft and pliable.

It is important to keep the Nail Rock hot and pliable throughout the process, heating until it goes soft at each stage. The heat activates the adhesive and allows Nail Rock to fit over the curve of the nail. 

7. While the wrap is still hot, applying firm pressure, press the wrap down onto one side of the nail. Re-heat, making sure the wrap is soft again and firmly press it down onto the other side of the nail.
8. Heat again and push firmly over the entire nail for a secure fit. If there is a crease; re-heat, gently lift the wrap off the nail and reapply adding further heat and firm pressure.
9. To complete the seal, heat the whole area again and then gently pull the excess part of the wrap over the filed edge of the nail so that the shape of the edge becomes apparent through the wrap. Pull firmly but be careful not to stretch the wrap.
10. File off excess wrap at the end of the nail in a downward motion with a fine wooden file.

A little practice, careful removal of the shine from the nail, plenty of heat and firm pressure will result in a stunning, long lasting finish. 

The process sounds quite lengthy and the use of heat from a small handheld hairdryer sounds tedious, though I do hope these nail wraps last long on my nails.

You could also purchase the 'Furry Cheetah' nail design on the Sportsgirl website in the SALE section.

http://m.sportsgirl.com.au/mobile/shop/product/490407000/?iphoneApp=true

Right now, Sportsgirl is offering a further 25% off aready reduced items! 

Have you been to the Sportsgirl sale yet?

What do you think of Nail Rock Nail Wraps?

Rose 

Napoleon Perdis Exclusive Beauty Sale

The Napoleon Perdis warehouse sale has already happened at the Napoleon Perdis Makeup Academy in Sydney and Melbourne. I've heard of exciting hauls and lots and lots of amazing products including beloved discontinued lines and limited edition gift packs. 

For the Napoleon Perdis beauties in QLD and WA, the sale is on in less than a week!

This is a sale not to be missed!

Have you been to the sale in Sydney or Melbourne?

How did you find the sales?

Rose

Carrie Underwood in Brisbane City

American Idol winner Carrie Underwood (2004) was on stage in the heart of Brisbane City yesterday to promote her Australian Deluxe Edition of her latest album 'Play On'. 

She looked amazing and there was a huge line of her fans down Queen Street Mall waiting to get her autograph and photo taken.

Do you enjoy listening to Carrie Underwood's music?

She plays the guitar and piano, can you play any of these instruments?

Rose

Review: MAC A Tartan Tale Collection (Holiday 2010)

The MAC A Tartan Tale Holiday 2010 Colour Collection follows a different approach for the MAC Holiday 2010 Collection. Think Scottish Tartans, Tartan print cosmetic bags and orange coloured hair!!

''We're telling a slightly twisted Tartan Tale to celebrate holiday, in all its posh, punk, ancestral, anarchic, noble and naughty glory. Royal and raunchy, colours and patterns collide, fantasies come true, punk fairies take flight with enchanted new looks. Be transformed!''- MAC

Adored with a MAC gold shield, I purchased 

The Swinging Violets Mineralize Kit and 

Hark the Heraldry Face Kit

The Swinging Violets Mineralize Kit

 This kit comes with a selection of eye and lip products packaged in a tin case with a tartan print. This tin is really useful for keeping all my eye shadow pots in one place.

I found these shades to compliment each other and the dark eye shadow makes this collection suitable for night time events. Here's a description of the products in this kit.

Bare Study Paint Pot

Bare Study Paint Pot: Champagne with golden shimmer. Pearlised paint pot with a frost finish. This paint pot is one of my favourite shades as it is such a versatile product. Bare Study can be used as a primer, an eye shadow to illuminate the eyes and even a highlighter for the brow bone. Bare Study is creaseless, blends smoothly and is buildable. You could create a subtle finish or dramatic glow with this paint pot.

Earthly Riches Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo

Earthly Riches Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo: Mineralize duo with taupe and deep purple shades with fuchsia pink veining. I love how easy it is to use these shades for a smokey eye look. The shades are slightly muddy and dramatic for day time. Therefore, this duo is only great for night time wear. 

Icescape Lipglass and Zoomblack Mascara

Icescape Lipglass: Pastel pink with pearlised shimmer and lilac opalescence. This lipglass gives a pretty icey pink sheen to the lips and the slightly sticky formulation makes this lipglass last up until lunchtime. 

Zoomblack Mascara: Black mascara. The applicator is dense, however, clumps my lashes. It's different to other mascaras I have used and isn't a mascara that I would use. I'd prefer to use a lengthening mascara., which Zoomblack does not provide.

Left to right: Icescape, Earthly Riches Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo and Bare Study

Hark the Heraldry Face Kit

Left to right: Oh So Fair, Dame and Plum Foolery

Oh So Fair Beauty Powder: Soft light pink beauty powder for an all-over application. Oh So Fair gives my face a natural and glowy finish to my face. This beauty powder can be used to add glow and subtle colour to the face. I use this around the outer corners of my eyes to brighten up the eyes, the apples of my cheeks for a natural subtle daytime look and even across the entire face for a slightly bright and fresh face.

Dame Satin Blush: Cool-toned blue-pink blush. This is a gorgeous blush which suits my fair skintone. It's not highly pigmented, so applying the right amount was very easy. Dame adds a satin finish to my cheeks and brightens my face. I love wearing this blush as it's suitable for anytime of the day/night.

Plum Foolery Sheertone Blush: Shimmery plum shaded blush. The pigmentation is pretty good and for me, it's best to apply this blush with a light hand. A subtle sweep of this blush makes my cheeks look natural, however, applying more than needed isn't suitable for my fair skin.

Overall, despite some shades in this range were either repromoted from other MAC collections or permanent, I loved most of the products that I purchased. The tartan print of the tin case and face kit adds a unique look amongst my makeup collections. The intensity of the blushes and the shades of the eyeshadows were suitable for my fair skintone and they are products that I will reach back and use regularly. The only disappointment was in the Zoomblack mascara which did not work well with my eyelashes at all.

Do you own a part of the MAC Holiday 2010 Collection?

Which is your favourite product?

Rose

Review: MAC Magic, Mirth and Mischief (Holiday 2009)

''Magic, Mirth and Mischief is what M∙A∙C Holiday '09 is made of! All the sparkle, shine and seduction you need to dazzle and delight, with holiday colour to bring out the mischievous minx in each and every one of you. Have a ball!''-MAC

I loved the MAC Magic, Mirth and Mischief Holiday 2009 collection as I love all things pretty, sparkly and cute! I know that I'm writing this review 1.5 years after the launch of this collection, however, I wanted to include some information on the amazing products that I purchased and love from this collection. 

I was lucky to receive an early Christmas present from a relative and it was a $100 Myer gift card! The first thing that came to mind was the MAC Holiday 2009 Collection! With this gift card, I purchased three kits/sets from the MAC Magic, Mirth and Mischief Collection: House of Mirth (Deep Lip bag kit), Naughty Noir (Eye bag kit) and 5 Sexy Shenanigans (Lustreglass and Lipglass set).

House of Mirth Lip Bag

 Fantastia Lustre Lipstick: Deep pink rose lipstick. The high pigmentation enhances the natural lip colour. I love the fantastic colour payoff of Fantasia as it makes my lips look fuller.

Get Rich Quick Dazzleglass: Red-brown with light gold shimmer. This Dazzleglass is slightly sticky and thick, which lasts a good 4 hours during the day.

Cedar Lip Pencil:  Rose-brown lip pencil which is quite pigmented. I reccomend using a light hand if applying with Fantasia. The colour is buildable and is suitable for red-brown shades of lipstick. The quality is absolutely great as it prevents lipstick from bleeding and defines the lips very well.

Left to right: Get Rich Quick, Fantastia and Cedar

Left to right: Get Rich Quick, Fantastia and Cedar

Naughty Noir Eye Bag

Shimmertime Pigment: Soft pastel pink with incredibly high amounts of sparkle. Although the pigment appears to be pastel pink in the jar, upon application the finish appears translucent with high amounts of shimmer. Shimmertime, as the name speaks for itself, is great to illuminate other eyeshadows.

Blacktrack Fluidline: Deep black eye liner which has great lasting powder and is smudge-proof. I've been using Blacktrack almost everyday after I purchased this and there's still plenty of product left till this day! I use Blacktrack as an eye liner and to create a cat flick.

209SE Eye Liner Brush: This eye liner brush provides presicion for eye liner application. I only use this brush to apply Blacktrack along my waterline.

Zoomblack Mascara: This black mascara caused disappointment as it just clumped my lashes together. It was difficult to define my lashes as this mascara provided too much volume to my lashes.

5 Sexy Shenanigans

There are five gorgeous lip products in this 5 Sexy Shenanigans set. This set includes
two lustreglasses and three lipglasses (from left to right in the photo above):

Instant Gold Lustreglass: Translucent with penty of yellow and gold shimmer. Despite a sheer and glossy finish, the shimmers in this gloss is abundant!

Angel Wing Lustreglass: Deep raspberry red with red and lavender shimmer. 

This shade is absolutely gorgeous and gives a bold look.

Magnetique Lipglass: Bright magenta with lanvender shimmer. The pigmentation of this gloss is superb! It's almost comparable to that of lipstick! 

Gitane Lipglass: Terracotta brown/organge with subtle silver shimmer.

Pinkular Lipglass: This lipglass is nothing along the lines of pink. Copper with copper shimmer.

The swatches above are of: 

LHS, top to bottom: Angel Wing and Instant Gold. 

RHS, top to bottom, Magnetique, Gitane and Pinkular.

These lipglass and lustreglass products from the 5 Sexy Shananigans set is all about high quality pigmentation and high shine shimmers! These glosses are definitely described by the theme of Magic, Mirth and Mischief!

What are your thoughts on the MAC Magic, Mirth and Mischief Holiday 2009 Collection?

What do you think of these 5 Sexy Shenanigans?

Rose