David Babaii Polished Creme Serum

David Babaii is a well known celebrity stylist who actually styled the gorgeous Gwenyth Paltrow's super sleek hair at the Los Angeles movie premiere of Iron Man 3 a few weeks ago. David Babaii has his own revolutionary hair styling product line and I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to trial one of his hair products. I was sent the David Babaii Polished Creme Serum (A$24.50/50ml) which is used as a finishing touch to styling super sleek hair, smooth a ponytail or even help to smooth the hair to create an up-do. The primary purpose of David Babaii's Polished Creme Serum is to add shine, tame fly-aways and eliminate frizz. David Babaii hair products are animal cruelty-free, sulphate-free, paraben-free, petrochemical-free and colour safe.

David Babaii - 'My collection fuses luxury with nature, beauty with science and style with performance. Formulated with superior active ingredients and none of the nasties, it's what beautiful should feel like.'

David Babaii Polished Creme Serum is a lovely lightweight creme which contains minuscule shimmers which help to boost shine to the hair. The pump of the bottle helps to allow easy dispensing to obtain the desired amount of product and typically I only need about a 10 cent coin size amount for my medium-length hair.

My hair feels ultra smooth, weightless and silky soft to touch. It's a lovely feeling for my hair and flyaways are nowhere to be seen. My hair also feels nourished, strengthened and protected due to the lush blend of natural extracts of Nettle, Orchid, Cucumber, Oat and White Ginger and also hydrates and moisturises my hair thanks to the ingredients Moringa Oil and Phyto Stem Cell extract. 

I absolutely LOVE the coconut and floral scents of this creme and it gives my hair a subtle hint of delightful-ness after applying to my heat-styled hair. It's not only a great creme serum for straightened hair, but it's also fantastic to use after curling my hair as it tames flyaways and reduces the amount of frizz I tend to get from using heat styling products. The frizz in my hair does not completely disappear when curling my hair, however, this creme serum does keep my hair looking shiny and feeling beautiful!

Have you used David Babaii products before?

Does your hair tend to appear frizzy? 

Which products have you used to tame flyaways and eliminate frizz?

xx Rose 

Product was provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with David Babaii and did not receive remuneration to post this product review.   

Lancôme Vernis in Love Nail Lacquer Rose The 350M

After the successful launch of the new Lancôme Rouge in Love lip colour collection in 2012 (my review on the shade Corail in Love 322M here), Lancôme introduced their new range of Lancôme Vernis in Love nail lacquers shortly thereafter.  I've always overlooked the range of nail lacquers at Lancôme counters as I've always been mesmerised about their colour and foundation makeup products. Anyway, when I was at the Lancôme counter the other day I was quite shocked to learn that a full size bottle of Lancôme Vernis in Love retails for A$29/6ml! Despite the small volume of product and high price, I decided to to make the jump into buying this luxury nail lacquer... and I have not looked back!

Lancôme Vernis in Love nail lacquer in Rose The 350M

I purchased the Lancôme Vernis in Love nail lacquer in the shade Rose The 350M (the name of the shade kinda made me more inclined to pick this shade out ^_^). The letter 'M' denotes that this shade is part of the Jolis Matins category or mood which means that the shades in this category are 'fresh shades for daytime wear'. Rose The is a warm brownish pink which is a great shade to wear during the cooler months, especially during autumn. I believe the warmth of this shade is suitable for all skin tones. 

The formula of Lancôme Vernis in Love is quite decent in consistency, very creamy in texture and surprisingly yields an almost opaque finish after the first coat. Two coats will hands down provide your nails an intense and extremely pigmented look with a highly glossy finish. I was really astounded by the pigmentation of this formula as I have not used any nail lacquers in the past which provide such a high level of opacity after one coat. The applicator brush is also unique as it is flat and quite rounded at the tip so that you could distribute uniform colour across the nail bed. I found that the shape of this brush applicator made it extremely easy for achieve a perfect manicure. 

I'm very satisfied with the formula of Lancôme Vernis in Love and the shade Rose The is no way near close to any of the pink and red shades in my nail lacquer collection. A bottle of Lancôme Vernis in Love is quite dear, however, it's the quality of the formula that counts for me. Two full coats lasted on my nails for 3 days without any signs of chipping, so another bonus point there!

What do you think of Lancôme Vernis in Love Nail Laquers?

  What's on your nails at the moment?

xx Rose

Have you entered my 2 year anniversary giveaway yet? 

Click here for your chance to win 1 of 2 beauty packs!

Look After your Hands and Nails with Lanolips

The winter season is just around the corner and thankfully, Lanolips have got my hands and nails covered to combat dry hands and weak nails! My hands gradually become dry towards this cold and chilly season, so to hydrate my hands and pamper them I've been trialling Lanolips Rose Balm Intense for Very Dry Hands & Nails (A$15.95/50ml). The Rose Balm Intense Hand & Nail cream is a pale pink cream which is relatively thick in consistency and is enriched with medical-grade Lanolin, Shea Butter, Cocoa Seed Butter, Wheat Germ Oil and rich natural oils to protect and nourish the hands and nails. The formula also contains Rose Oil which makes this cream smell lovely with a hint of musk. The scent is not overpowering but subtle which disappears after awhile. The cream does take awhile to absorb and I found that you only need a small amount as this formula feels quite rich.

To condition my nails, I apply Lanolips 101 Ointment (A$17.95/17.5ml) which is a multipurpose balm that instantly hydrates and keeps my nails moist and supple.  I use 101 Ointment after applying the Rose Balm Intense cream to target my weak nails. Being a multipurpose balm, 101 Ointment could also be used for chapped and dry lips, dry nasal passages and critically dry skin patches. 101 Ointment is formulated from 100% naturally derived medical-grade Lanolin which is no wonder why my cuticles feel well looked after! The 101 Ointment balm is quite thick and balmy in texture and slightly sticky once applied. My nails feel very well nourished when used in the evening as a night treatment. I've also used 101 Ointment on my lips, however, I am quite particular with lip balms which do not contain any sun factor, so this balm is mainly used for my cuticles.

Overall, Lanolips Rose Balm Intense for Very Dry Hands & Nails is a rich cream which nourishes and hydrates my hands effectively, leaving a completely matte finish, while Lanolips 101 Ointment  is a handy multipurpose balm which conditions my nails and dry skin patches. These two products come in cute travel friendly sizes which are perfect for the handbag! 

Have you used Lanolips products before?

How do you keep your hands and nails in top shape during the autumn and winter seasons?

xx Rose

Products were provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Lanolips and did not receive remuneration to post this product review.  

Have you entered my 2 year anniversary giveaway yet? 

Click here for your chance to win 1 of 2 beauty packs!

Lancôme GWP at Myer

Photo: Lancôme Aus Facebook page

Lancôme is currently offering an 8-piece GWP at Myer when you spend A$75 or more on Lancôme products. The contents in this GWP include:

• Galateis Douceur Gentle Softening Cleansing Fluid for Face and Eyes 125ml (full size)
• Hydra Intense Mask 15ml
• La vie est Belle EDP miniature 4ml
• Hypnose Star Mascara 2ml
• Color Design Lipstic
• Sparkling silver Lancôme pouch

PLUS your choice of skincare duo:

• Hydra Zen Night Cream 15ml and Gel Essence 10ml
• Renergie Multi-Lift Night Cream 15ml and Plasma 5ml
• Absolue Premium Night Cream 15ml and Oleo Serum 3ml

This Lancôme GWP offer is only available at Myer Department stores until 2nd June 2013 or while stocks last.

Enjoy!

xx Rose

Have you entered my 2 year anniversary giveaway yet? 

Click here for your chance to win 1 of 2 beauty packs!

Adore Beauty Best of the Best Sampler Packs

I've just been told by the lovely Kate from Adore Beauty that the Best of the Best sampler packs (A$34.95 each) have just been released on the Adore Beauty online store!! These sampler packs are a great way to explore and test out a variety of beauty products before you decide to buy the full size product. 

There are two spectacular packs available, Skincare + Makeup and Skincare + Haircare, and when they say 'best of the best' they really do mean it! Each pack features 7 deluxe trial size products that will surely last a good few weeks!

Also, each pack comes with a voucher which entitles you to a 10% discount when you purchase the full size product of the sample size product.

Adore Beauty Skincare + Makeup Sampler Pack

Adore Beauty Best of the Best Sampler: Skincare + Makeup
Bioderma Crealine 20ml
Philosophy Purity 30ml
Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer 15ml
St Tropez Skin Illuminator 30ml
theBalm Hot Mama 1g
Lanolips Rose Balm Intense for very Dry Hands 25ml
BeneFit They're Real! Mascara 3g

Adore Beauty Skincare + Haircare Sampler Pack

Adore Beauty Best of the Best Sampler: Skincare + Haircare
KEVIN.MURPHY ANGEL.WASH 40ml
KEVIN.MURPHY ANGEL.RINSE 40ml
Lanolips Rose Balm Intense for very Dry Hands 25ml
Terax Crema Conditioner 60ml
Smith's Rosebud Balm (mixed)
Philosophy Purity 30ml
Alpha-H Liquid Gold 5ml

 Enjoy!

xx Rose

Have you entered my 2 year anniversary giveaway yet? 

Click here for your chance to win 1 of 2 beauty packs!

Biotherm Pure.Fect Skin Trio

Pure.Fect skin care range is the latest offering in skin care by Biotherm and the range is suitable for people who have combination to oily and imperfection-prone skin. The Pure.Fect products target enlarged pores, blemishes and the shine that develops on the skin as the day progresses. The key ingredient is L.Digitata (sounds kinda funky, doesn't it?!), which is a marine algae that provides effective anti-bacterial protection to help matify the skin, whilst keeping it balanced, hydrated and clear of blemishes.

The range includes: Anti-Shine Purifying Cleansing Gel (A$29/125ml), Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner (A$32/200ml), Pure Skin Effect Hydrating Gel (A$38/50ml), Anti-Imperfection Targeted Solution (A$32/15ml) and a Gentle Scrub Soap Bar (A$25/100g).

Biotherm Pure.Fect Anti-Shine Purifying Cleansing Gel is a transparent gel which has a relatively thin consistency. This gel cleanser lathers up nicely against my skin and forms micro-bubbles which have a strong affinity to my skin. The citrus scent was quite nice, though slightly overpowering to my personal preference. My skin feels revitalised and pores felt slightly tight, although my skin did not feel like it was severely lacking hydration. This gel cleanser thoroughly cleanses my skin and my skin feels refreshed, clean and smooth. 

Biotherm Pure.Fect Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner is a transparent lotion that has a strong citrus scent with hints of floral notes, however, after applying the toner using cotton wool, the scent disappears completely. For those of you who have sensitive olefactory senses, this toner may not be for you. 

At first, the toner did seem quite harsh to my skin due to the mild stinging sensation, although, after a few seconds of application this feeling could have possibly been a 'cooling' sensation due to the exfoliating action of the toner as my skin did not appear red or in any pain. 

This toner contains salicylic acid which helps to reduce sebum production on the skin and helps to unclog pores. My pores felt slightly tightened and impurities trapped in my pores that were not removed by the gel cleanser could be clearly seen on the cotton wool. My skin felt smooth, matte and despite the fact that this toner made my skin feel slightly tight, my skin did not feel dehydrated, rather more balanced. Pure.Fect Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner was quite effective as an exfoliator and purifier to help maintain the balance in my skin, so I would definitely recommend this toner if you have combination to oily skin, but not if you have sensitive skin.

Biotherm Pure.Fect Pure Skin Effect Hydrating Gel is an opaque white gel which brings in the moisture to balance the natural oils of the skin. The scent of this gel moisturiser also has a pleasant citrus and floral aroma that is markedly similar to the Pure.Fect Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Toner. This gel absorbed nicely, while leaving a slightly sticky feel to my skin. After gently massaging the gel into my skin and allowing a few seconds for the gel to absorb, my skin appears matte, feels fresh, well hydrated, smooth and soft. My skin appears shine-free during most of the day, however, the shine eventually starts to appear. Although Biotherm Pure.Fect Pure Skin Effect Hydrating Gel did not completely control the shine on my skin, the ability of this gel to balance and keep my skin clear was a plus.

Overall, Biotherm Pure.Fect skin care trio effectively purifies my skin to keep blemishes and imperfections at bay, however, the control in shine was to no avail.  I would recommend this range if you have combination to oil and blemish-prone skin, however, if you experience a 'glitter-ball' finish to the skin in general, I would recommend other products that are specifically aimed to control shine.

Have you tried Biotherm products in the past? Which products do you use to control shine?

xx Rose

Have you entered my 2 year anniversary giveaway yet? 

Click here for your chance to win 1 of 2 beauty packs!

Google Reader to close + TBRR Turns 2 Giveaway!

I’m sure most of you beauties are well aware that Google Reader (news has been floating around that GFC will not close, only Google Reader) will come to an end on July 1^st2013. It’s sad news indeed, however, one way in which we can all keep connected and on track in the beauty blogosphere is to use Bloglovin’, which is similar in contrast to Google Reader. The main difference is that you need to login to the Bloglovin' website to view the list of blogs you follow and as for those who are following your blog... well you can choose to receive an e-mail notification once someone follows your blog, since the list of your followers seems to be non-existent. Despite this, the settings and layout of Bloglovin' are coherent and very easy to navigate. 

On a side note, The Beauty of Red Roses turns TWO and I’m hosting a Giveaway to celebrate! I’d like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of my loyal readers for coming by and spending some time on The Beauty of Red Roses. I’m very grateful to have met so many lovely beauty bloggers in person and via the blogosphere since The Beauty of Red Roses was born, so thank you all once again for your support! 

Without further ado, here are the details of my Giveaway! 

I’ve collected a few beauty products and accessories from my favourite brands and I will be giving away this bunch of beauty/accessory products to TWO lucky winners! Please see the Rafflecopter Widget below (you may need to wait awhile for it to load) and there will be a few questions and tasks that you may choose to do to earn more chances to win the draw.

This Giveaway will be open until May 30^th 2013 and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Giveaway is open internationally!

Beauty Pack ONE

 Beauty Pack ONE

Strawberry Shaped Hair Rollers

Heart Shaped Curling Sticks

MIMCO Hair Barrette/Clip 

Kiss Everlasting French Salon Nails

Revlon  ColorBurst Lipstick in Petal

Bourjois Beauty'Full Volume Mascara in 01 Beauty'Full Black

Sally Hansen Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen

Bloom Cosmetics Eye Definer Crayon in Black

Models Prefer Multipurpose makeup Sponge 

  

Beauty Pack TWO

 Beauty Pack TWO

Strawberry Shaped Hair Rollers  

Heart Shaped Curling Sticks 

Lady Jayne Bun Styl'r Kit

L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes in Extra Black

Mirenesse Tight Liner Hydra Gel Eye Liner in Saphire Blue

Eylure Eyebrow Shapers

Eylure Naturalites Lengthening False Lashes

Bloom Cosmetics Mango Tango Natural Flavour Lip Balm

Manicare Disposable Mascara Brushes mixed pack of 20 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck! 

Clinique GWP at David Jones

Clinique at David Jones is currently offering a fantastic gift with purchase when you spend A$60 or more on Clinique products. The 9-piece gift includes the following:

• Turnaround Overnight Moisturiser, 15ml
• Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renewer, 15ml
• Aromatics Elixir Perfume Spray, 4g
• Small Silver Compact in Blushing Blush, 3.1g
• Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour in Woppin Watermelon, 1.2g
• High Impact Mascara in Black, 3.5ml
• Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream, 30ml

This offer is available from 5th May to the 19th Mar 2013, while stocks last.

Enjoy!

NEW Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream

Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream (A$44.95/15ml) launched just a few days ago and I've been very fortunate to have the opportunity to trial this eye cream a fortnight before it launched in-store. Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream sounds very catchy doesn't it?! The marker pen-like tube applicator looks like an interesting tool for applying eye cream and it is conveniently shaped for easy storage in my makeup pouch and ensure application is hygienic.

Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream is a potent concoction of active ingredient PhytoCellTex (derived from a rare Swiss apple), White Tea Extract, Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil, Shea Butter and Carrot Oil. PhytoCellTex is the star ingredient of Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream as it has been clinically-studied to be an effective aid to combat the signs of ageing by minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. White Tea Extract and Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil help to brighten dark under eye areas and reduce the signs of wrinkles.

My dark and puffy under eye area has always been one of my main skin concerns and to overcome these problems I've been using Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream twice daily (morning and night) for the past couple of weeks. The applicator tool is a pump in which you should carefully dispense the product with a light hand, otherwise you would end up with excess product. My first attempt in dispensing the eye cream was a complete failure as the pump is quite sensitive.


The rich and creamy yellow formula hydrates and soothes my under eye area and the small and smooth curved paddle helps to allow gentle application of the cream to the skin with ease. Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream worked effectively to hydrate my under eye area without leaving any greasy residue. It's amazing how this eye cream leaves my eye area feeling smooth and well nourished. With regards to fine lines around my eyes, at this point in time I have not noticed any change, so I'm hoping continual usage for a longer period of time may provide me with positive results. 

In essence, Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream is a lovely nourishing eye cream with the benefits of PhytoCellTec and Rose Hip Oil to protect and prevent signs of ageing around the eye area. 

Kosmea Apple of My Eye Cream will be available from May 1st 2013 online and in-store at David Jones and selected Pharmacies nationally.

What do you think of Kosmea's concept of using an apple stem cell complex as part of their new eye cream?

xx Rose

Product was provided for consideration only. This review is 100% based on my own thoughts and opinions. I am not affiliated with Kosmea and did not receive remuneration to post this product review. 

March/April Empties

Pangea Organics Lip Balm in Egyptian Fennel with Grapefruit & Sweet Orange - I love the mildly scented and ultra-hydrating properties of this organic-based lip balm as it softens and soothes dry and chapped lips.

Dermalogica PreCleanse - Is a must-have in my skin care regime as cleansing the skin twice thoroughly removes residues which adhere strongly to the skin and inside pores.

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes - Smudge-proof and lasting eyeliner for the eyes, Clinique Quickliner enhances the eyes without any fuss.

Grown Facial Exfoliant with Peppermint, Jojoba Micro Bead and Juniper Berry - Grown skin care products are one of my favourite skin care brands! Grown Facial Exfoliant gently polishes my skin leaving it feel smooth and soft.

Pantene Pro-V All Day Smooth Leave in Crème - This hair care product  reminds me of hair treatment masks, however, you massage the creme through your hair and leave it in so hair stays hydrated and nourished through the day.

 

L'Occitane Lavande Body and Massage Gel - The scents of lavender helps to make me feel relaxed and revitalised. This body and massage gel is the perfect product for pampering the body.

L'Occitane Delice Des Fleurs EDT - A soft musk rose scent which is light and feminine, perfect for those who love soft floral scents.

Natural Secrets Goat Milk Hand and Body Cream - Goats Milk is ultra gentle for sensitive, dry and eczema-prone skin. This hand and body cream feels lovely on my skin and leaves my skin feeling soothed, soft and smooth.

Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - I'm not sure how I've accumulated so many travel sized bottles of Klorane Dry Shampoo, but anyhow, this product is gentle to my scalp and is effective in keeping my hair in good and clean condition.

Which products have you used up recently?

xx Rose

Revlon GWP at Myer

Revlon Bohemian Gift Set

Revlon Pop Gift Set

Revlon at Myer are currently offering an exclusive gift with purchase and there is a choice between the Bohemian and Pop gift set. Simply spend A$39.95 or more on Revlon products at Myer and you could score yourself one of these beauty packs which is valued at over A$112 each.

Bohemian Gift Set
NEW PhotoReady Primer + Shadow in Graffiti
ColorStay Eyeliner in Black
PhotoReady Sculpting Blush Palette in Berry
Super Lustrous Lipstick in Abstract Orange
Nail Enamel in Saucy 
Revlon Signature Pouch

Pop Gift Set
NEW PhotoReady Primer + Shadow in Metropolitan
ColorStay Creme Gel Eyeliner in Black
PhotoReady Sculpting Blush Palette in Pink
ColorBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait
Nail Enamel in Angelic  
Revlon Signature Pouch

This offer is only available from Wednesday 1st May to Saturday 18th May 2013, or while stocks last. For more information, please see Revlon Australia's Facebook page here.

Enjoy!

xx Rose