Skin Physics Pore Away Intensive Refining Serum

Skin Physics is an Australian skincare and beauty brand that I have recently come across and their Pore Away skincare range has sparked my interest as my combination/oily skin suffers from visible pores, redness and uneven skintone. Recently, I was given the opportunity to trial a product from the Skin Physics range and I selected the Pore Away Intensive Refining Serum (A$69/30ml), which targets large pores, and uneven skintone and texture. Skin Physics Pore Away Intensive Refining Serum works to minimise the appearance of pores, absorb excess oil on the skin, reduce redness and even skintone and texture.

Skin Physics Pore Away Intensive Refining Serum is housed in a very convenient pump bottle where the nozzle of the pump pops up once you rotate the base of the bottle. Just a couple of pumps dispenses a large pearl sized amount of the semi-transparent clear gel serum. I use this serum twice daily and distribute it evenly across my face and decolletage. The serum glides on smoothly and absorbs very quick, leaving my skin looking matte and feeling soft and supple. The serum is formulated using a Pore Away complex which consists of a medical resin derived from the bark of a tree grown on the Greek island of Chios. After about 4 weeks of usage I've started to notice that my skin has started to stay in control and reduce the production of excess sebum and skin oils. As a result, my skin appears to be more clear and radiant as each week goes on. However, in terms of reducing the appearance of pores, this claim did not occur for me. Despite this, I did find this serum effective as a skin primer to prep my skin before foundation application, since this serum does leave a matte and smooth canvas.

Skin Physics  is available at Priceline, and selected Myer stores and pharmacies nationally. For additional information on the Skin Physics range please visit their website here.

Do you have large pores that are difficult to minimise in size?

Which pore refining serums do you use?

xx Rose

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

Review: Grown Botanical Beauty Facial Serum

Grown Botanical Skincare is a fairly new natural organic brand to me, so when a bottle of Grown Facial Serum arrived at my desk I was intrigued to see what it is like. 

Grown is Australian made and owned and their philosophy is 'beautiful healthy looking skin comes from a profound understanding of nature's power.'

Grown Facial Serum (25ml A$59) is a certified organic serum formulated using a concoction of antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and natural extracts (sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, jojoba seed oil, cranberry seed oil and rice bran). The core ingredients are Borogo to help boost hydration, Rosehip and Buckthorn Berry to support the skin's elasticity, nourish and moisturise the skin. It claims to help restore elasticity, reduce fines lines, firm, soften and smooth skin while simultaneously hydrate and protect the skin from premature aging. 

 

 I have been using Grown Facial Serum once per night on my face and décolletage after toning my skin and before applying moisturiser. Applying serum is an important step of my skin regime as it is packed full of antioxidants and vitamins which help improve the skin texture and prolong the aging process. I apply a few drops from the pipette to my fingertips and lightly tap the serum onto my skin. Grown Facial Serum is lightweight and you only need about 2-3 drops to apply on the face and décolletage.

The scent is relatively strong with a calming botanical scent which I find soothes my senses. I don't have any issues with the scent as it is a very pleasant scent which I assume originates from the mixture of natural extracts formulated in this serum.

My skin feels instantly hydrated, smooth and relaxed. I love the fact that Grown Facial Serum contains a plethora of natural ingredients to help boost hydration and nourish my skin. The serum does not leave my skin feeling congested or greasy, however, the serum does take awhile to absorb completely through the skin. This is the reason why I only use Grown Facial Serum as a night treatment to help restore and nourish the skin during my beauty sleep.

 Which serums are you currently lusting after?

xx Rose
 

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

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: 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: 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.