Review: Biotherm SKIN.ERGETIC Skincare Range

Biotherm has launched an exciting innovative skincare range which combines the beauty of nature and science... it's the new Biotherm SKIN.ERGETIC skincare range!

SKIN.ERGETIC is an anti-fatigue concentrate which helps to reduce the appearance and visible signs of fatigue and stress so that the skin will look and feel radiant.

There are three products in this range which are formulated with five fruit and vegetable extracts which are beneficial to the skin:

The SKIN.ERGETIC Skincare Range is:

Paraben-Free
Mineral Oil-Free
Synthetic Colorant-Free

SKIN.ERGETIC Energy Up Complex/Serum (50 mL, $AUD74)

Preserved Fraction- 10 x More concentrated than the day care
Broccoli (sulforaphane)
Apple (botanical cell)
Soy (protein)
Lemon (AHA)
Sugar cane (AHA)

Biotherm- 'To fight the most visible signs of fatigue, give your skin a new energy source - a powerful boost of moisture and radiance. Biotherm anti-fatigue revolution: Last-minute cosmetic activation to protect its natural quality and high efficacy. Biotherm creates SKIN.ERGETIC, its first signs of fatigue repairing concentrate, to reduce visible signs of fatigue and fight against their appearance, all day long.' 
 

The unique and innovative features of this range is in the formulation, packaging and concept of the SKIN.ERGETIC Energy Up Complex/Serum. 

Most of you are well and aware that all skincare formulas have an expiry and shelf life due to the concoction of ingredients which contain active ingredients that lose their ability to benefit the skin when exposed to the air over a long period of time. 


Biotherm created this serum so that we are 100% guaranteed the serum is fresh the second we say 'GO!'. Bascially, this serum contains extracts of broccoli that have been freeze dried to a powder so that you can mix this powder into the formula before it's ready to be used. The formula lasts 3 months for the serum to work at it's potential and you can write down the date you activated the formula on the space provided on the bottle. 

SKIN.ERGETIC Anti-Ox Day Cream-Gel (50 mL, $AUD64)

Available in a cream-gel formula for normal/combination skin types or
rich cream for dry skin types

Fruit and Vegetable Extracts:

Apple (neohesperidine)

Tomato (lycopene)

Grape (polyphenol)

Pomegranate (polyphenol)

Seville Orange (botanical cell)

Biotherm- 'A combination of naturality and high-efficacy. Biotherm creates SKIN.ERGETIC, its non-stop anti-fatigue moisturizer with 5 fruit and vegetable fractions. A formula with an optimal anti-oxidant complex that reduces visible signs of fatigue so that they don't become signs of aging.'

SKIN.ERGETIC D-Tox Night Cream (50 mL, $AUD64)

Tea and Seed Fractions:
Tea (catechine)
Bucwheat (lipid)
Ruscus (saponin) 

Soy (protein)
Cranberry (lipid)

Biotherm- 'A combination of naturality and high-efficacy. Biotherm creates SKIN.ERGETIC, its overnight visible high-recovery moisturizer with 5 tea and seed fractions. A formula with a purifying complex that promoted the elimination of impuritieis generated by free radicals on sin surface and diminishes visible signs of fatigue so that they don't become signs of aging.'

I work in an air-conditioned room and usually arrive home with tired, dull and moisture-lacking skin. My skin is also exposed to the city atmosphere almost everyday, which means my skin easily accumulates impurities on its surface. 

Biotherm's SKIN.ERGETIC skincare range seems like the perfect solution for my skin concerns, so that's why I decided to try it out. I don't use a separate moisturiser for day and night, so it was a nice that I was given a deluxe sample of the day and night creams to try with my SKIN.ERGETIC Energy Up Complex.

How to 'activate' SKIN.ERGETIC Energy Up Complex/Serum:

1. Position the white cap, which contains the broccoli extract in powder form, onto the Energy Up bottle. To release the powder into the formula, press the top of this white cap until you hear a 'click' sound.

2. Shake well for a homogenoeus (uniform) formula.

3. Remove the white cap and replace it with the dropper applicator.

I like the idea of initiating the final step in the formulation of the Energy Up Complex and the fact that all three products, serum, day and night creams, contain fruit and vege extracts. The Biotherm lady on counter explained that the idea of these extracts formulated in these creams is that the skin can also enjoy the benefits of fruit and vege that we consume. 

SKIN.ERGETIC Energy Up Complex is a serum which I apply after cleansing and toning my skin. Serums are loaded with nutrients and absorb and penetrate deeper into the skin than a moisturiser. Energy Up serum feels instantly refreshing on my skin and revived my senses due to the yummy, mainly apple, scent. The serum doesn't leave a greasy trail, instead it absorbs quickly into the skin.

I love how the glass bottle comes with a dropper so you don't need to use a spatula to scoop the product onto your hand. Using this dropper is very hygenic and you only need about 3 drops for one application.

SKIN.ERGETIC Anti-Ox Day Cream is lightweight and its fruity scent is absolutely amazing! This day cream is formulated with antioxidants which helps to maintain the youthfulness of the skin. This cream makes my skin feel revived and great! This cream didn't irritate my sensitive skin, instead it penetrated my skin very quickly.  

The Anti-Ox Day Cream does not contain any SPF, however, it contains anti-oxidant extracts which deter the ageing process. Wearing this day cream means you must apply sunscreen to product the skin from the sun's harmful rays. 

 SKIN.ERGETIC D-Tox Night Cream acts as a d-tox to maintain and provide nutrients within the skin while you sleep. I'm unable to certify the detoxification part of this night cream, though I can tell you that this night cream is slightly rich in texture (so you only need a small amount) in comparison to the day cream. Similarly, this cream absorbed very well and it made my skin feel supple and well moisturised. When I woke up in the morning, my skin looked and felt refreshed! I'm really satisfied with this night cream! 

The texture of the day and night creams are slightly rich in comparison to the serum, however, both products did not feel heavy nor greasy. I only use a tiny amount as these creams blend and spread easily for an even application.

The packaging and method of application is one of the most important features of skincare products. I'm not a fan of skincare products encased in a jar, simply because the product is directly exposed to the air everytime the jar is opened. Hence, the benefits of the ingredients to work well will be short lived.

Delicious and yummy scented skincare serums/creams attract my interests all the time and these products are packed full of fruity and sweet scents. I enjoyed using the serum in conjunction with the day and night creams as these helped to maintain the nutrients and moisture of my skin. My skin feels fresh and supple, which is great to see in Biotherm's new and innovative SKIN.ERGETIC range. I would definitely reccommend this if your skin needs a boost in nutrients and radiance!

Have you discovered Biotherm's new SKIN.ERGETIC skincare range?

What are you thoughts on broccoli extracts in SKIN.ERGETIC Energy Up Complex?

Rose

Review: Ecoya Lip Balm

Ecoya is an Australian brand born in Botany Bay, Sydney, and the range includes hand crafted wax candles made from luxurious Soy wax. The candle wick is also natural based and made from pure cotton. The brand also houses botanical natural based body products. The range looks amazing and makes me want to indulge in a relaxing massage and feel stree-free!

I've got my paws on the Ecoya Lip Balm. The packaging looks luxurious, sleek and sophisticated for a lip balm! The slimline and sturdy packaging has a slanted tip applicator, which makes it easy to apply the balm directly to the lips. I love the waterlily quilt pattern accross the tube. The box in which this lip balm is packaged in has a nice synthetic wax seal with the waterlily embossed at the front. It reminds me of those ancient letters sealed with a red signature wax seal.  

I've tried a myriad of lip balms thus far and I find Ecoya Lip Balm unique. Ecoya Lip Balm is enriched with macadamia oil, shea butter and manuka honey to help protect, moisturise, soften and heal dry and/or cracked lips. The formula is very soothing nourishing to my sensitive and dry lips which is a great bonus! This lip balm provides a glossy finish which I love! 

 The presence of macadamia oil helps to heal and protect sunburnt skin, scars and dry cuticles. I apply a teeny tiny amount to my cuticles to prevent them from drying as winter is the season my cuticles are prone to becoming damaged and may lose their ability to protect the nail root from infection.

Macadamia oil has a higher absorption rate than most other ingredients, hence, it has great moisturising properties.  

Shea butter works as a fantastic mosituriser and has great healing properties. If you have dry and sensitive skin, the presence of shea butter is the ingredient you should look out for. 


Manuke honey is the ingredient which make this lip balm feel soothing to the lips and also helps to heal severely cracked and dry lips.

The consistency is thick, probably the thickest formula of lip balm I've ever tried. Due to the thick consistency, this balm is a little difficult to squeeze out. However, on the upside, you won't end up with excess product and you only need to apply a thin layer to the lips!

The scent has a hint of macadamia and I'm glad this balm has such a subtle scent. Sometimes, heavily fragranced balms are a little off-putting. 

Even though it's winter and that clouds usually dominate the high skies, it is absolutely important to always protect your skin and lips using products which contain SPF.  It's unfortunate this lip balm does not contain any SPF. So, since I'm in love with this lip balm, I have to first apply a layer of Ecoya Lip Balm followed by Blistex, which has SPF.

I have to say that Ecoya Lip Balm is definitely my winter saviour as it absorbs quickly to my dry lips/skin and protects it from the harsh winter elements!

Ecoya Lip Balm (15 mL) can be purchased onine at:

www.ecoya.com.au

Have you tried any of Ecoya's luxurious range of products?

Which is your favouite Ecoya product?

Rose

Estee Lauder GWP at David Jones

Estee Lauder at David Jones has started their fabulous gift with purchase!

Receive your custom gift with the purchase of $75 or more:

This offer is available until Sunday 7th of August 2011, while stocks last.

MIM Precious VIP Launch Event

Last night, I had a fabulous time at the MIM Precious VIP launch event at the brand new MIMCO boutique in QueensPlaza, Brisbane.


During the event, MIMCO offered all customers 20% off full price collection and the first 30 purchasers received an amazing gift bag filled to the top with cute treasures and trinkets (one of which was a MIM Precious Charm; I felt so spoilt!).


As I walked through the doors half an hour before the launch at 6 pm, I was greeted by the lovely MIMCO ladies and handed a copy of their latest booklet featuring the beautiful designs from the MIM Precious Collection. 

A few steps in, there was a table occupied with some bubbly and delicious sweets and treats  from by The Candy Buffet Company! YUM!! There were a selection of delectable treats such as coconut rough, jelly beans, marshmallows, black forest candies, oh the list goes on! There were so many treats that we were even given a small lolly bag to fill up and take home!

Candy Buffet. Source: Mimco.

The launch of MIM Precious Collection also celebrates 15 years since MIMCO established in 1996. The MIM Precious collection consists of stunning designs including semi-precious rings, bracelets and necklaces in both sterling silver and sterling silver plated 14 carat yellow gold. A number of classic and collectible pieces have also been designed to celebrate MIMCO's 15th Birthday.  I'm especially in LOVE with the cute sterling silver charms with marcarsite stones!

Here are a few of my favourite charms from the collection:

Irish Luck 4 Leaf Clover, MIM bow and Crystalised Shoe

A special limited edition Mimco birthday charm has also been created and there are only 300 pieces available worldwide! Each piece has a number engraved, so the holder will have a special and unique piece from MIMCO. The following words are engraved on the front of this charm:


''15 Years of dreaming, exploring and playing...'


If you want to get you paws on this limited edition '15 year' charm I suggest you head out to MIMCO asap! The online MIMCO store has already sold out and I'm assuming only a handful of these charms are waiting to be picked up!

MIMCO Treasures in the VIP Gift Bag

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Skin Primer + $10 gift card, Kevin Murphy Session Hair Spray, Mimco compact mirror and a MIM Precious charm.

Wishing Well Charm

 Also included in the gift bag was the current issue of Madison with Emma Watson looking stunning as usual on the cover. I was stoked to find a MIMCO voucher inside! 

To celebrate the launch of MIMCO's new season collection, Wilderness Manifesto, MIMCO is offering all Madison readers $30 off any full priced item at MIMCO boutiques or online using the voucher code WILDERNESS at checkout.

Aussie Model Alyssa Sutherland. Source: Mimco

So, there's more of a reason to head out and grab your copy of Madison magazine and stop by MIMCO to check out their fabulous Wilderness Manifesto and MIM Precious Collection and maybe walk away with something special! 

Have you explored the MIM Precious Collection yet? 

Which charm is your favourite?

Rose

Cleo Magazine + FREE ModelCo eye shadow trio!!

For all Cleo magazine readers and/or ModelCo fanatics out there, the August issue of Cleo (Australia) comes with a FREE ModelCo eye shadow trio worth $39! 

There are three shades to choose from: Smokey Eye, Bronzed Goddess and Island Fever.

Head out to your nearest Coles/Woolworths/Newsagent to grab your copy of Cleo (with Cameron Diaz on the cover)!

Each compact is packaged in a slim-line compact with inbuilt mirror and a dual ended eye shadow applicator. 



Smokey Eye: Mykonos (icy pearl sheen), Shanghai (smokey gunmetal) and Arabia (intense matte black)





Island Fever: Costa Rica(neutral beige sheen), Positano (shimmering tropical turquoise) and Tahiti(matte midnight navy)





Bronzed Goddess: Maldives (pale vanilla shimmer), St Barts (frosted rose gold) and Jamaica (deep bronze sheen)



Review: Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

As part of the Kiehl's Healthy Skin Essentials range, a product called 

Midnight Recovery Concentrate 

has been developed from natural essential oils to nourish the skin and allowing it to appear radiant.

Kiehl's- ''The elixir works all night to replenish the skin with moisture and leave younger-looking. skin by morning. Enriched with a blend of naturally derived ingredients including Squalane, Evening Primrose, and a blend of essential oils.''

Kiehl's-''This readily absorbed elixir helps the skin to recover radiance by morning, with skin feeling smoother and softer. Enriched with Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil, Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential Oils including Lavender, our formula provides a boost of intensive moisture to dehydrated skin. The formula instantly penetrates the skin surface to help replenish it with moisture. Our concentrate is designed to work at night; with skin hydrated, supple and soft, rest assured you can say goodnight to a tired-looking complexion.''

I received a deluxe sample of this product which was part of my recent Kiehl's haul from the new Kiehl's Australian Online store. 

How to use:

1. Apply 2-3 drops to cleansed skin.

2. Gently press concentrate onto skin.

3. Allow about 1 minute for the concentrate to penetrate the skin, then apply your usual moisturiser.

Review:

I enjoy using natural based products as these products are gentle and compatible with my skin type. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate is comprised of  99.8 % naturally derived ingredients and is paraben-free.

I've been using this product everynight for about a week and I still have a small amount of product left of this 2 mL sample. This concentrate looks a little like a colourless oil and there was no obvious scent. After applying the product to my entire face, my skin felt instantly smooth, soft and soothed. I really love this feeling as it doesn't irritate my skin nor make my skin feel congested. 

My skin looks hydrated, clear and radiant after 1 week of use and I'm surprised how effective this product is come about.  It's not usual that I would come across a product which makes a difference after several days of usage.

The price of this product is reasonable and since you only need a couple of drops each night, I would think that this product will last a long time. 

Midnight Recover Concentrate is available in one size:

30 mL bottle, $AUD 59

Have you used Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate before?

Are you getting great results with this product like I am?

Rose

Review: Nail Rock Nail Wraps in Gold Lace on White

Nail Rock is one of the innovative creations of todays nail industry! 

This review is based on Nail Rock Nail Wraps in Gold Lace on White, which was part of my Sportsgirl haul from a few weeks ago. I have also included instructions on how to apply Nail Rock in my Sportsgirl haul post.

This is the first time I've attempted to apply these nail wraps and here are the results!

These Nail Rock Nail wraps require heat (from a hair dryer) so that the adhesive of these nail wraps can effectively stick onto the bed of the nails. At first, I used a small travel hair dryer and found that the heat was not sufficient to soften these nail wraps. So, I ended up using a my large hair dryer, which was a success.

The good thing about this little pack is you get 24 nails wraps, so you would have backup if they didn't fit securely and/or you could get two full uses of out these. The sizes are decent and you can easily fit them to size by using a nail cutter after applying them on your nails.

I absolutely love Gold Lace on White as the shiny gold pattern stands out really well with the stark white base.

The range of Nail Rock is quite limited and the main styles include vaious shades of lace, cheetah designs, stipes and polka dots.

You can visit the Nail Rock Australian Online store here to view their entire range.

Which Nail Rock design would you love to wear?

Rose

Review: Kiehls Scented Lip Balm in Pear

Kiehl's Scented Lip Balm #1 is part of Kiehls lip care range.

There are four scents in this range:

Coconut

Cranberry

Mango

Mint 

Pear

I purchased this product in Pear. I've never come across any skincare/cosmetic products containing the scent of Pear, so I was intrigued to test this Pear flavoured lip balm. 

Pros:

The pear scent of this lip balm is absolutely divine and smells slightly sweet! I love this scent as it really does remind me of sweet and ripe pears! The scent is not artificial like most other products I have used.

The balmy formula is similar to Vaseline, however, the texture is more thick. This lip balm is colourless and goes on clear.

This lip balm mositurised my dry lips very well and leaves my lips looking shining. My lips have gotten dry from the winter breeze and I'm glad this Kiehls Lip Balm came to the rescue as it really does relieve sore and dry lips.

The SPF factor is 4, so it's great to see that this lip balm contains an SPF factor.  Even though it's winter, it's still important to protect the lips with products containing SPF.

Cons:

The packaging is inconvenient for application, as the tip is flat and NOT slanted, as I had anticipated. You would need to squeeze the tube and apply a small amount of product to your fingertip before application. 

Since this lip balm is no way near to being sticky like lip gloss, it just sits on the surface of my lips and acts as a barrier. However, this barrier disappeared after about an hour. I was quite disappointed with the staying power of this balm. 

Overall:

Kiehl's Scented Lip Balm #1 in Pear smells absolutely divine! This product does moisturise my lips, however, it didn't maintain the moisture of my lips in the long run.

Each Kiehl's Scented Lip Balm #1 tube is 15 mL and costs $AUD 12.

www.kiehls.com.au

Have you tried any of Kiehl's Scented Lip Balms before?

If so, which is your favourite scent?

Rose

Review: Shiseido Perfect Rouge and Jayson Brunsdon Designed Purse

A couple of months ago, Instyle magazine teamed up with Australian fashion designer Jayson Brunsdon and luxury beauty brand Shiseido to give Instyle readers the chance to win an exclusive Jayson Brunsdon designed purse containing miniature products of Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick and Smoothing Lip Pencil. I was one of the lucky 2,000 readers to have won this gorgeous pack and this is my review on the lip products.

Shiseido Smoothing Lip Pencil in RS303 (Mauve)  glides on my lips oh-so-smoothly and beautifully. This red/pink shade goes on sheer and silky. Hence, the colour is buildable to suit dark pink to red shades of lipstick. I love makeup products that are versatile! 

To get the most out of creating a red lip, I suggest shading the entire lip area with this smoothing lip pencil and wear this alone or as a base for long lasting colour. 

I always stick to this idea when I attend weddings or any events where I do not have the time to re-apply lipstick.

 Shiseido Perfect Rouge Lipstick in RD305 (Salon) is a highly pigmented classic red shade. Instant shine and truly red lips is what you get with this lipstick! The formula of this lipstick is exceptionally good as it doesn't just wipe off. 

Perfect Rouge Lipstick was formulated to provide moisturising properties (due to the presence of Macadamia Seed Oil) and lasting staying power and I would definitely say that this lipstick does work well to give brilliant classic red lips. 

Do you love wearing red lipstick?

Which is your BEST red lip product?

Rose

Review: OPI Irre-Swiss-Ables Collection

Another incredibly irresistible OPI mini limited edition set!

But, this one is slightly different, besides from shades of course! 

Here is the OPI IRRE-SWISS-ABLES mini collection set

This OPI Irre-Swiss-Ables collection features 3 bold and hot shades from the 
OPI Texas Spring 2011 collection plus one RapiDry Top Coat.

I've never used any top coat polishes from OPI, so this was a great chance to test it out! 

RapiDry is intended to give lasting shine and colour to nail polish.

Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous

Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous definitely does look spectacular! I love the bold and shimmery look of this shade! The true tone of this silver grey shade looks much darker than shown in the above photo.

Yodel Me On My Cell

Yodel Me On My Cell is an intense blue shade with a metallic finish. I had to apply about three coats to get an overall opaque finish. I was a little disappointed when I applied the first coat as it went on sheer on my nails. This may be the cause of the formula which was a tiny bit gooey due to the miniscule shimmers within this nail polish formula.

Color So Hot It Berns

Color So Hot It Berns is an amazing spicy hot red that goes on opaque after two coats. I love this true red shade as it's bold and classy! 

Which shade from the Irre-Swiss-Ables collection set do you like best?

Do you have any OPI mini sets in your stash?

Rose

Kiehls Mini Haul #2!

Have you seen my first Kiehl''s haul yet? 

I was so impressed with the prompt delivery and fabulous goodies that accompanied my Kiehls Scented Lip Balm that I decided to make another purchase online. 

Here's what I received in the mail.

The products were wrapt neatly in tissue paper and sealed with a signature Kiehls sticker

What's inside?

I purchased the Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser 

and received the following complimentary goodies:

Midnight Recovery Concentrate sample

Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask sample

Rare Earth Pore Minimizing Lotion, 30 mL deluxe sample
 

Another Kiehls Lip Gloss in Black Raspberry, full size (freebie for the month of June)

Since I purchased the cleanser from the Rare Earth skincare range, it was very thoughtful of the team at Kiehl's as they included a sample of toner, lotion and face mask from the Rare Earth skincarerange so that I could experience the complete skincare regime.

A Kiehl's booklet which listed all of Kiehl''s products was included. The samples I received with my purchase were highlighted in the book, so that I could read up on the product descriptions.

Also included was a lengthy handwritten thank you letter from Kiehl's. How thoughtful!

Everything was enclosed in a re-usable soft plastic Kiehl's signature case, 

which looks pretty useful for travel!

Do check out the new Kiehl's website at www.kiehls.com.au

You won't be disappointed!

Reviews of the products in this haul will follow after I've tested them!

Have you made your purchase from Kiehl's online store yet?

What do you think about their service?

Rose