Dior GWP at Myer

I went by Myer yesterday and stumbled upon this Dior GWP happening at Myer. I don't know how long this offer will be available, though I would assume it's while stocks last (that's usually the case!). There were was no advertisements of this gift with purchase offer and the Dior sales assistant was no where to be seen!

All I know is that with your purchase of $110 or more on Dior products at Myer, you will receive this gorgeous pink Dior pouch containing five deluxe samples (new version of Miss Dior Cherie, Diorshow Extase mascara, Dior Capture Totale One skincare treatment, makeup remover and cleanser).

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base

Recently, I stumbled upon MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base which is said to prime the lids, neutralise lid colour, conceal discolouration of the lids and is used as a base for eye shadow and pigments.

The packaging is very simple and sleek. It comes in a thin plastic disc with a twist top lid. The lid and the box features a starry night sky with blue glitters and the usual black packaging. The packaging can get a bit fiddly as the lid is quite flat and if I'm not careful I would easily dig my nails into the primer. 

The formula of this eye base has a very creamy yet thin consistency and it is not rock solid, like most other primers/concealers I have used in the past. The smooth creamy texture makes this product easy to apply to the lids and just glides on effortlessly. My lids are slightly oily, though this eye base helps to give a smooth matte base for eye shadow.

I sometimes use my fingertips to apply this base to my lids so that the warmth from my fingertips helps to blend in the product. After applying this product, by gently dabbing and blending, you could instantly see how this eye base lightens up the lids and making them appear uniform in texture and tone. 

I sometimes use this product to conceal dark circles as it works perfectly to slightly moisturise my undereyes as well as cover up these circles before applying foundation. I would suggest to allow the product to settle for about half a minute before applying eye shadow. Since this is a cream-based formula, it is important to allow the product to set and dry. 

In my opinion, MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base is more of a concealer/corrector than a primer. The opaque finish of this product works very well to hide discolouration of the lids and this effect can make the intensity of eye shadow to appear bold and not sheer. 

MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base is available in three shades: 

 light, medium and medium dark

and retail for $A33 at MAC stores and online. 

Have you tried MAC Prep + Prime Eye Base before?
 Which eye primer is your holy grail?

Rose

Shop Til You Drop Magazine + FREE Kiehl's Lip Balm #1

Haven't tried Kiehl's famous Lip Balm #1 yet? Well, Kiehl's is celebrating its 160 years and to celebrate, you could score a FREE Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 (full size worth $12!) with the September issue of Shop Til You Drop magazine (with the lovely Jessica Alba on the cover). 

Just take the page (or snip off the pink corner voucher) from the Shop Til You Drop magazine and redeem your Kiehl's Lip Balm #1 at any participating Kiehl's counter in Australia.

To find your nearest Kiehl's counter, call (02) 9931 8888
or
visit www.kiehls.com.au

Hurry, as this offer is only available between 8th August 2011 until 11th September 2011, or until stocks last!

Kiehl's lip balms are so moisturising and soothing! If you've haven't read my review on the Kiehl's scented Lip balm #1 in Pear, click here to see the review.

Which Kiehl's lip product is your favourite? Lip Balm #1, Lip Balm #1 scented or Lip gloss?

Rose

Australia's First Ever Beauty Box: Exclusive Inivitations NOW OPEN!

Following the trend of Birchbox in the US, Luxe Box by Loose Button in Canada and GlossyBox in the UK, Australia has finally jumped on the bandwagon and have just started introducing this new concept. 

Introducing.... B E A U T Y  B O X!

Gorgeous Beauty Box!

Beauty Box is a monthly subscription in which a selection of up to 5 of the latest and best luxury beauty products on the market are beautifully gift wrapt, packaged in a 'Beauty Box' and sent to your door on the 10th of each month. Beauty products will include a selection of skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care. 

The beauty products associated with Beauty Box are HIGH END deluxe/miniature sample sizes, so that you could get a decent experience using the product before making that wise decision and purchase the full size if you are happy with the product. 

When I say HIGH END products I mean products from the following brands:

Biotherm

Bobbi Brown
CK Fragrances 
Clinique

Garnier

John Frieda

Jurlique

Marc Jacobs

Playboy (Fragrances for women)

Sally Hansen

Shiseido

Shu Uemura
Yves Saint Laurent
Essie
Thalgo
Bio-Oil

How amazing are the above beauty brands?! As you all know I am a huge fan of Bobbi Brown, Jurlique and Shu Uemura just to name a few! I love the idea of receiving surprises in the mail and that the total value of the contents always end up being above the purchase price. This scheme is also a convenient way to introduce new products on shelf and even the chance to try luxury brands that you've never ever thought about purchasing.

Inivitations to subscribe has started today, so if you'd like to receive an invite, sign up at the Beauty Box website.

The monthly subscription costs $14.95 per month and you can cancel anytime.
There is also a prepaid 6 month subscription (with a discount), however, this is currently not available.

Have you subscribed to Beauty Box?

What do you think about the concept of purchasing deluxe sample sized beauty products?

Rose

Kiehl's Unveil NEW Ultra Facial Oil-Free Collection

Have you heard about the great news from Kiehl's yet??

New York skincare brand Kiehl's Since 1851 has launched an exciting, new and improved Ultra Facial skincare line today in Australia!

Introducing the

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Collection

A skincare solution produced for people with normal to oily/combintaion skin, large pores or clinically excessive oil production.

Kiehl's- ''Packed with pure, efficacious hydrator to help naturally rebalance moisture levels and control shine for 24 hours.''

The collection includes an Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser, Toner and Gel Cream, which provides all day moisturisation with 24-hour shine control. 

I love the striking blue packaging of these products as it gives the impression that these products provide high moisture content to the skin without that icky feel and shiny look.

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Collection is oil-free, paraben-free, silicone-free, dye-free and fragrance-free.

Here is a promotional clip of this exciting new range. You gotta love this cute animation!

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser (150mL, A$26)

Lightweight formula to remove excess oil and impurities

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner (250mL, A$28)

Hydrating formula to balance and freshen skin

Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream (50mL, A$34)

Hydrating Formula to balance and freshen skin

For a limited time, receive FREE SHIPPING (shipping is normally A$10) on your online purchase of A$70 or more:

http://www.kiehls.com.au/shop-by-collection/face-ultra-facial-oil-free.aspx

Images and media: press release.

What do you think of this brand new collection from Kiehl's?

Rose

Illamasqua Summer SALE up to 65% off!

Illasmasqua's online store (based in the UK) is currently holding a Summer SALE with a  HUGE selection of amazing cream and power eye shadows, eye liners, eye pencils, Pure Pigments, eye concealers, blushers, foundations, powder foundations, Intense and Sheer lipglosses and lipsticks! 

The products are categorised into three sections: £5 (A$7.80), £10 (A$15.70) and 25% rrp of selected Illamasqua cosmetic products. 

This really is a great chance to try a few of Illamasqua's fabulous range of high impact colour makeup at an affordable price!  

Shipping is a flat rate of £8.50 to Australia, so hop to it while stocks last!!

For price conversions, see the following link: www.xe.com 

Which Illamasqua products would you highly reccomend?

Which products are you going to purchase from the online sale?

Rose

Clinique GWP at Myer

Receive a FREE 10 piece Clinique gift with purchase (worth $229) when you spend $60 or more on Clinique products at Myer. 

The contents of this Clinique gift with purchase includes:

High Impact Mascara 3.5mL
Eyes 1, 2 & 3 Colour Compact with Colour Surge EyeShadow Trio (Blackberry Frost Shade, Night Plum and Slate)

 Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle and UV Damage Corrector 15mL
Youth Surge Day SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturiser 15 mL
7 day Scrub 50 mL
DDML 30mL
Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream 30mL
Superbalm Gloss 7ml
Cosmetics Bag with Companion bag

Offer available until 21st August 2011, or until stocks last.

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream

Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream

Recently, I had the privilege to attend the launch of Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream at the new Jurlique store located on level 1 of the Wintergarden Complex (Brisbane). This event was also a great opportunity to meet all the lovely Brisbane Beauty Bloggers for the first time. 

 

Laurence Crussol (general manager at Jurlique) on the left and Vivienne Hess (area manager at Jurlique International) talk about the new Ultra Firm and Lift cream

The Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream is the latest release from Jurlique and is part of the Purely Age-Defying range. This cream is suitable for all skin types (e.g., dry, oily and combination skin) and texture.

Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream is a high performance cream which contains a concoction of the most potent, biodynamic, organic and natural botanical ingredients collected from hand cultivated farms in South Australia. The key ingredients include Yeast Extract, Amino Acid Lipid Complex, Rock Samphire Extract and Beech Tree Extract to help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The ‘triple action formula’ arises from ingredients which help benefit the skin to promote firmness, lift slack skin by stimulating the regeneration of collagen and new skin cells and strengthen the elastic fibres of skin.

Triple Action Formula

In general, it is important to grasp an understanding of the key ingredients of skincare products as the skin is the largest organ of the body and it is vital to ensure the ingredients are compatible with the skin. Information on each key ingredient listed here is also shown on the Jurlique website.

Yeast Extract helps to promote collagen synthesis and acts as a tissue restructuring and repair agent

Amino Acid Lipid Complex promotes skin remodelling andcontraction of collagen fibres

Rock Samphire Extract supports skin density while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Beech Tree Bud Extract accelerates the production of new skin cells

As mentioned previously, Jurlique products are formulated from naturally derived extracts and there are no toxic/nasty chemicals/ingredients present in their products. Jurlique skincare products are purely focused on ‘Nature. Science. Innovation’, which is in fact, their tagline. This Aussie brand is all about simplistic thinking at its finest! Jurlique skincare products are gentle to the skin and leave your skin feeling smooth, luxurious and glowing. 

Clinical trials of the new Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream have been conducted and the results show that more than 90% of women experienced smoother, more hydrated skin almost instantly on the first application. After 6 weeks of using the product, 100% of women showed increased skin firmness and 84% of women saw a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. 

The Purely Age-Defying Collection

Products from the Purely Age-Defying Range include the following:

Purely Age-Defying Ultra Firm and Lift Cream (50 mL) A$90

Purely Age-Defying Refining Treatment (40 mL) A$42

A natural skin refiner with Apricot Seed and Calendula to enhance cell renewal and refine the skin for smoother, more even-toned and luminous skin.

Purely Age-Defying Facial Serum (30 mL) A$89

A highly concentrated serum with Black Elder and Licorice to help fade discolorations and help lessen fine lines and wrinkles.

David Jones Beauty Book Spring 2011

The David Jones Beauty Book Spring 2011 has just been released online (click HERE or download the pdf file HERE) and the hardcopy version will be released tomorrow! 

Gorgeous Miranda Kerr is on the cover looking hot and sexy with a bold red lip.

There are over 70 pages packed full of amazing beauty products with gift with purchase offers and fantastic instore offers. Click on image to enlarge.

Look out for your Lancome 9 piece gift with purchase (including your choice of skincare from either the Hydrazen, Renergie and Absolute range) when you spend $70 or more from the Lancome range.

 When you purchase two facial skincare products from Jurlique, receive a fabulous Skin Hydration Kit (worth $118), which includes three full sized products: Purely Age-Defying Eye Cream, Moisture Replenishing Day Cream and Moisturising Hand Sanitiser.

Spend $70 or more on L'Occitane products and receive your face & body care travel set as your gift which includes: shea extra-gentle milk soap 25g, verbena body lotion 75mL, almond shower oil 35mL, pivoine flora shower cream 75mL, immortelle divine cream 3mL, shea butter hand cream 15mL in a limited edition provence market tote bag.

Receive a luxurious and stylish Balenciaga Paris phone case and Eau de Parfum 7.5mL as your gift when you purchase a Balenciaga Paris 75mL perfume bottle. 

With any purchase from the beauty department at David Jones, you are eligible to purchase an exclusive Heritage tote bag filled with fantastic goodies for only $19.95. 

The list of products, valued at over $140, include: OPI nail lacquer 3.75mL, new David Jones beauty SPF 15 moisture cream lipstick in 'sunday best' 4g, Aveda dry remedy hair care trio 3 x 10mL, The Aromatherapy Co. hand and body lotion 200mL, Nude By Nature face oil 60mL, Revlon age defying with DNA advantage 10mL, Natio mineral pressed powder 12g, Burt's Bees honey lip balm 8.5g. Plus the following: Gorgeous Cosmetics lip liner 1.15g and Crabtree & Evelyn iris hand therapy 25mL, or Bloom mini lip gloss 3mL and Al'chemy & A'kin leave in conditioner 150mL.

Don't forget to grab your copy of the David Jones Beauty Book Spring 2011 edition tomorrow!

Image source: David Jones

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