Neova Reveal Exfoliator (20% Glycolic)

Hiya Everyone

I've said it before, and I say it again - I absolutely love glycolic products!  My initial love for glycolic products started with Alpha H, and has now been expanded to include Neova.

Important Information

Name:     Neova Reveal Exfoliator (20% Glycolic)

Size:       59ml/2.0 fl oz

Cost:       $42.00USD from Futurederm

What is it?

Per Neova's website: - 

A new, high-performance glycolic exfoliator that rids dead surface cells from skin’s surface to reveal a healthier, more vibrant and even toned appearance. A perfect bi-weekly booster that prepares the skin for maximum penetration of treatment products to follow.

Fades visible signs of photodamage

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Refines skin texture and clarity
• Reduces the appearance of pore size
• Suitable for all skin types

Ingredients

The Product

The exfoliator is packaged in a white tube with a grey cap, and is about the size of most hand creams I have.  The packaging itself looks very "serious" - there's nothing pretty and there's no faff - its neat functional packaging.  However, from a scientifically based brand like Neova, I wouldn't expect anything else.

The exfoliator is a clear gel consistency, and its neither particularly stiff nor overly runny - to me, it feels similar to aloe vera gel.  It spreads easily onto the skin.  I use an amount about the size of a peanut m&m.

With this sort of product, it's really important to follow the directions precisely, or you could end up damaging your skin.  The directions say to apply it evenly over a cleansed face, neck, décolletage, and the back of the hands.  Leave for 3-5 minutes and then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.  The exfoliator can be used once or twice a week - or as the skin tolerates.

As with any product that removes a layer of skin (and in general really), the use of a broad spectrum SPF is recommended to prevent skin damage.

How'd it Go?

I have reasonably sensitive skin.  I am prone to eczema, so I have to be careful of what I put on my face.  I have used this product 4 times now, and the first time I used it, it was a battle to keep it on for the full 5 minutes, as it was incredibly uncomfortable on the skin - similar to a prickly burning feeling - I was all but dancing on the spot until I could rinse it off my face!  However, which each subsequent use, that feeling is fading.  While it still isn't comfortable, its no longer difficult to keep it on for 5 minutes.  I would recommended doing a patch test before slathering this all over your face.

Although my skin is on the sensitive side, I haven't had any adverse reaction to using a product with such a high glycolic percentage.  My skin is quite red for an hour or so after I've washed it off, but then it fades.  I definitely wouldn't recommend using this before heading out!   I've also  had some pealing along my nasolabial lines the first couple of times I used this product, but that hasn't recurred since.  

After washing the gel off, my skin feels ever so slightly irritated.  However, my understanding is one of glycolics functions is to trick the skin into thinking its been injured by mildly irritating it.  This irritation triggers the production of collagen to assist in the healing process.  Collagen production = anti-aging benefits = yippee!!!  Immediately after removing the gel, my skin feels really smooth, and the appearance of my pores is diminished.  My complexion is more luminous since using the gel.

Oh, I have also been using it on the back of my hands as recommended, and I don't think my hands have ever looked better.

The Verdict?

Love, love, love it!  This has skyrocketed in my stash to be a holy grail product.  I'm so pleased that when I bought this from Futurederm, they were having a 40% off sale, so a snagged a back up.  For me, $42USD is a lot of money to spend on one product, but I will buy this again when I run out, whether there's a sale on or not.

Beauty Tips the Internet Has Taught Me

Hiya everyone

I'm back!  It must be a least 3 months since I last posted.  In that time, I gave birth to my second daughter and have been coming to terms with life with a new baby and a 3 year old!

Anyway, to get back into the swing of things, I thought I would do a post on beauty tips the internet has taught me - be it Youtube, blogs or web pages.  

Back in the 90's when I was a teenager, the internet wasn't like it is today.  Back then, I don't think there were beauty blogs, and there certainly wasn't Youtube.  To get any sort of beauty information, I had my older sister and magazines.  But today!  Geez, I don't think there is anything you can't find out on the internet - in any field.  I even connect my treadmill to the internet and have a virtual walk anywhere in the world (using iFit) - complete the terrain modulations.  I have spent the last week walking through US national parks - and I live in Australia!  Anyway, I digress......

The Importance of Acids in Skincare

I love acids for the skin - specifically AHA's and Hyaluronic

AHA's include glycolic and lactic acids (among others).  Essentially, I believe AHA's work by removing the dead skill cell skins which not only make your skin look dull, but also reduce the effectiveness of other skincare.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that can hold 1000 times its weight in water.  It is an excellent moisturiser and really plumps up the skin.

I will not be without these two ever - full stop.

Don't be Cleansing Lazy

I'll admit it - I haven't always been consistent with cleansing my skin at night - my bad.  I didn't realise the damage I could be doing to my skin by not cleansing every-night - whether I had worn make up that day or not.  

As the skin ages, pores don't "snap back" the way they used to.  If a pore is clogged with crap (makeup/sebum/general gunk) and isn't cleansed out asap, after time, the pore will begin to stretch and not "snap back".  Sagging pores are one of the many signs of ageing skin.

Korean Skincare is Awesome (though kinda complicated)

I love Korean skincare - initially introduced to me via Youtube (Memebox reviews by Coffee Break with Dani), I have since expanded beyond Memebox and have been sampling all sorts of goodies.  I particularly love sheet masks and sleeping packs.

The products themselves are a bit different to those typically available in Australia (i.e. a toner has a moisturising component, rather than being astringent), so that's taken a bit of time to get my head around.  Additionally, the average Korean womans daily skincare regime can include more than 10 steps.  If you are interested, Skin and Tonics has an excellent summary of the Korean skin care regime, which is linked here.

Priming the Skin

I remember reading years ago, a quote by Napolean Perdis, which was "To not prime is a crime" (or words to that effect).  At the time I though it was kinda naff and was an attempt to sell more product.  I was wrong!

Watching Youtube, I would see all these You-tubers priming their skin before applying their foundation.  After a while, I figured there must be something to this.  I gave it a try and my skin has never looked better while wearing foundation.  My pores are less obvious, and the longevity of my foundation has increased.

Priming the Eyes 

Similarly to skin priming, I haven't looked back since I started priming my eyes.  Not only does priming increase the longevity of the shadow and decreasing creasing, it also intensifies the colours themselves.  

If an Eyeliner is Not Long Wearing and Budge-proof, I don't Wanna Know it!

So much so, that I have thrown out/given to family any eyeliner I previously owned that don't meet both these criteria.  Life is too short for eyeliner that likes to go for a walk off the eyes - period.

One Eyeshadow brush is not Enough (well at least not for me)

For years I got along quite nicely using one eyeshadow brush (sponge tip), and I made that work.  I could both apply and blend colour really effectively.  However, having my eyes opened to the joy of the blending brush has made that task so much easier - I've never looked back.  That fact that I've know got overt 60 brushes (whole face) is a whole different story.........

My Makeup Collection is Not Insane

Well, combatively speaking to other makeup collections I see on Youtube.  The fact a reasonable number of Youtubers make a living through makeup, I am willing to completely overlook haha.

More a Confirmation than Anything

Makeup and cosmetics in Australia are an absolute rip off!!  A Mac lipstick in the US is about $16 - there they are $36.  Likewise, a Revlon lipstick is $6 in the US, while they are $25 here.  

The Australian dollar is $.90 roughly (as of today) to the US dollar - so currency isn't a factor.  I know some things are more expensive in Australia, but I don't believe for a second that they are so significant that the price is justified being doubled.

Also Nyx just launched in Austrlia at Target - some of the lip products are $15!  The most expensive Nyx product I have seen on CherryCulture for Nyx is $7 - and that's for Nyx's top of the line lipstick that Target doesn't even carry! Oh, and don't even get me started on E.L.F ($8 for the eyebrow kit!) grrrrrrrrrrrr.

I'm sure there are more things I could write here, but this is all I can't think off right now. What beauty stuff has the internet taught you?

Have a great day!

Labour & Makeup????

Happy Sunday morning to everyone!

 

As I type this, I am 38+3 weeks pregnant.  I'm still working full-time (from home) and am all round pretty uncomfortable and grumpy waiting for my youngest arrival.

 

Even though I'm still working, I find it very hard to concentrate on work - my mind wanders about everywhere.  Mind you, I think that because my baby could arrive at any stage, I'm find it hard to concentrate on anything.

 

So my mind got to wandering about what, if any, makeup I'll be wearing when the day finally arrives.

 

When I had my eldest, I went into labour in the early evening and went off to hospital sans doing anything to myself (no makeup, hair piled on top of my head in a bun), because frankly I was in too much pain to worry about faffing about with makeup.  The most important part of that day was the safe arrival of my daughter.

 

I treasure all those first pictures with her and my husband as our new little family.  But, there's no getting over the fact though that I was pale as a ghost in those photos after giving birth - its really quite strenuous and tiring (couldn't be a greater understatement if it tried)

 

I have packed a BB cream and mascara for my hospital bag so when I have visitors I'll have a bit more colour in my face.  But I'm thinking while I'm waiting to go into labour, even if I'm not going anywhere during the day, just to put a light BB cream and some mascara on each day, so I'm not completely bare - that way in those first few pictures, I won't look so ghostly.

 

Even as I type that, I think it sounds really vain - but its not.  I don't usually go down the shop unless I have foundation/BB cream and mascara on - I've done it for so long I almost don't feel like myself if my face is completely naked when I leave the house.

 

All that being typed, if I go into labour in the middle of the night all bets will be off.  All efforts will be towards getting dressed, getting my eldest to my parents on the way to the hospital, and getting to the hospital in time - makeup and what I look like will be the least of my worries!

 

Have a great day!

 

 

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish - Rose

Hiya

I'm a bit of a nail polish hoarder - I've got about 60 odd bottles which probably isn't too bad really.  And up until recently, I ONLY had O.P.I nail polishes.  I'm trying to make myself stop being such a nail polish snob and try some other brands.

My first foray into nail polishes that aren't O.P.I are the Ruby Wing Color Change nail polishes (I have spelt it per the bottle).  I love a gimmick - and a nail polish that changes colour in the sunshine is right up my ally.

I was quite surprised with how drastic the changes can be.  Todays review is an example of a fairly drastic change.

Important Info 

Name:   Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish

Shade:   Rose

Size:     15ml/0.5oz

What is it?

A nail polish that changes shade when exposed to the sunshine/UV - which is a bit different to the usual heat activated change.

 

The colour change is from a soft pink to a deep rosy shade.  Rose is part of the Champagne and Cupcakes collection.

 

This shade is also scented.  I've never really understood the theory of scented nail polishes.  Once it dried it smelled okay, but the smell was completely gone the next day.

 

Packaging

The glass bottle is rectangular shaped, and the brush handle is circular shaped gold.  The Font on the bottle is really pretty and whimsical.

 

 

 

 Picture courtesy of www.rubywing.com 

First Impressions

The brush was a good width and nicely cut making application easy.

The particular formula I used was of the micro-glitter variety.  The polish applied evenly without any patchiness.  The glitter did bunch up every so slightly at the tips of my nail, but nothing that was noticeable once it levelled out.  
 

Was it Any Good?

The colour change was really dramatic and happened almost instantly when exposed to UV - I was expecting it to take a couple of minutes, but it must have been less than 15 seconds for a full colour change.  The change back from dark to light, took longer - I think a minute or so.

In the pictures below, only 1 coat was applied - so I'm not sure if that's why my indoor shade isn't as rosy as the picture from the Ruby Wing website.  I'm not too fussed though, because I like the light pink shade I got.

 

I'm not 100% sure about wear time, as I removed it after 2 days to reapply my missing gel nail.  I have fairly weak nails, and wore it for 2 days without any chipping - and that's with a single coat with no base or top coats applied.  I don't know if the colour change aspect would be inhibited by a top coat - wish I'd thought to test that!

I think the only thing I would do differently in the future is the try and paint my nails in the sunshine where possible, so I can see how the darker shade will look.  Light colours are much more forgiving for an uneven application - but darker colours less so.  My theory is if I can make it look nice when darker, it'll look nice light by default.  This shade looked nice enough indoor, but I could see a little messiness when the darker shade was visible.

 

Oh, please excuse the different colour nail polishes - the day this polish arrived I had lost a gel nail, so I took the opportunity to try it out on a single nail.

 

 Indoor - window lit

 



Outdoor - direct sunlight 

Rating

4/5

 

Where Can I Get It?

I bought mine from EBay, but the polishes can also be purchased directly from Ruby Wings website.

 

 

Hanskin Bio Origin Royal Ampoule BB SPF 30PA++

Hiya Everyone

I had always hated BB creams - at least the ones I would buy here in Australia.  They seemed pretty pointless; the coverage was rubbish, the finish was rubbish, and I'm pretty sure it took me longer to apply them, than how long they actually stayed on my face.

Enter Asian BB creams...... now these are products that have coverage, lasting power, and a great finish (at least the ones I've just anyway).  My first foray into the land of Asian BB creams was the Liole Triple the Solution BB cream, and I absolutely love it.  I have been using it consistently for well over a year, and I haven't' finished it yet.  I think it cost me about $20 for a 50g tube off of Ebay, so it was definitely a great buy.

Anyway, I digress.......  today's review is of an Asian BB cream that is a little different - it comes in the form of an ampoule and dropper - the kind of packaging you'd normally see for a serum.  I was intrigued........
 

 

Important Info 

Name:   Hanskin BIO Origin Royal Ampoule BB SPF 30 PA++
Size:     35ml
Price:    $51.02USD from www.koreadepart.com

What is it?

Description from the Memebox information card
 

Hanskin's famous Royal Ampoule BB cream is packed with rich nutrition from royal jelly extracts and it lightly glides over your skin when applied, leaving a visibly silkier, brightened complexion.

Oh, if you're wondering what PA++ means, its a ranking system of how protected your skin will be from long term damage caused by UVA rays.  The more "+" the product has, the greater protection for your skin.
 

Packaging

I received a 5ml sample of this, so I can only speak to the sample packaging - though the picture of the full size product (with the exception of the shape, which is more pear shaped) I've seen seems to be pretty much the same thing.

This BB cream comes in a eye dropper form, with the product itself contained in dark purple sturdy plastic.  The packaging itself is luxurious looking and would look really nice sitting on any vanity.

Unfortunately, I don't think an eye dropper style packaging is the best for this product.  While it is a lot thinner than the average Asian BB cream, the eye dropper just doesn't seem to work - perhaps it's cause this is a sample size?  I think a squeeze tube would work a lot better - functionality over flashy.

I found that rather that expelling the BB cream out of the eyedropper, I actually have to wipe the sides of the eyedropper on my hand to get any product.

I have also found that the bottle got messy really quickly (2 uses) - I'm one of those anal people that keep their makeup really clean, so this irritates me :).

 

 

 

 

First Impressions

As noted above, this BB cream has a thinner consistency than other Asian BB creams I've used.  It has a lovely silky feel, which glides onto, and blends into the skin effortlessly.  My skin felt really velvety after application.  This BB cream did not feel the least bit sticky, and my skin felt like it had nothing on.

The colour match was really good for my skin - I'm light/medium on my face, but significantly paler on my inner forearms where the below was swatched.

Oh, I should probably add that I applied the BB cream to my face with my fingers.

Dabbed on my skin, and once blended.

 

Was it Any Good?

The texture and feel of the product was lovely, but it was missing the one thing I really look for - coverage.  The information on the Memebox card does specifically state to apply to the face, and then add extra to areas that require more coverage.

I'm not the sort of person who puts on one layer or product, and then will add layers until I'm satisfied with the coverage - I don't have time for that getting ready for work/going out with a toddler running about.  The coverage needs to be there from a single application.

I also found the product started to break down on my nose at around the 3 hour mark (not set with powder).

Despite this, this BB cream still runs rings around any BB cream I've purchased from Australia - but the coverage was just too sheer.  My husband even remarked that he wasn't used to still being able to see my freckles when my face is "done" - he didn't know I was trying a different product - he just came out with it. 

If you like a sheer BB cream, or are happy to build layers of product until you are satisfied with the coverage, then I think you'll really like this BB cream.  If you're time poor and like medium to full coverage, you might want to give this one a miss.

 

Rating

3/5

Pure Smile Non-Silicon Snail Treatment

Hiya Everyone

Another hair treatment review this week, and this one contains snail slime!

I love me some snails - not the annoying ones that cause havoc in my herb garden, but the types that are applied to my face.  Snail creams, serums and masks - I'm all over them..... or rather they're all over me. 

 

But until this week, I'd hadn't ventured into the world of snail hair treatments.

 

Important Info 

Name:   Pure Smile Non-Silicon Snail Treatment
Size:      250g
Price:    $8.00USD from www.imomoko.com

What is it?

Description from the Memebox information card
 

This non-silicon hair treatment is enriched with snail slime extracts which helps maintain the right moisture/oil balance and deeply nourishes dry, damaged hair for a shinier, youthful texture.
 

Packaging

The hair treatment comes in a large pink squeeze tube - not dissimilar to toothpaste.  It has a really cute motif of a snail on it, and some pretty font, and lots of little snail cartoons all over the bottom half od the tube.

I think it is a really good style of packaging for the thickness of this treatment, because I should be able to get every last drop out of it.
 

Picture courtesy of www.imomoko.com

 

First Impressions

The consistency of the hair treatment is of a thick conditioner - and its not at all slimy.  It has a  rose scent, which isn't that overpowering nauseating rose smell, but a pleasant rose scent.  Oh, and its really bright white - it almost looks blue tinged.

I used a large marble size of product in my hair, and massaged it in from about 3 inches from my roots down to the ends (my hair is 3/4 way down my back - its not thick, but I have a lot of it).  I wrapped in a bun on top of my head, and left it on long enough to cleanse my face with my Clarisonic, and brush my teeth.
 

Was it Any Good?

The treatment rinsed out of my hair completely, meaning my hair didn't feel exceptionally heavy after use.  Immediately upon rinsing my hair felt really nice and soft.

I removed the excess water from my hair, and applied an oil to the ends, and a curl cream and then left it to dry.  Once my hair had dried completely, it did not have any frizz, and the ends were nicely curled up - they didn't look dry and dead which long curly hair can have a tendency to do.

As I type, I am on day 3 hair (because of my curls I only wash my hair every 4 days or so, otherwise my curls are unmanageable), and my ends still feel lovely and moisturised, and my hair is not the least bit oily.  I think this could be a really good product to use before heat styling because of the amount of nourishment it seems to give my ends.

On the first day, and still today, my hair has a lovely healthy sheen.

This treatment is definitely going to remain in the shower for continued use.

 

Rating

4/5

Things that made the most difference to my skin

Hiya Everyone

Today I thought I might share the things in my skincare routine that have made the most difference.

I am in my mid 30's, and have never had ache prone skin (luckily).  I have normal/combo skin (oily t-zone).  I've also got quite sensitive skin, and am prone to eczema.  I've got a little bit of pigmentation, but nothing too bad.  Unfortunately there a few wrinkles too  - mostly expression related.

Glycolic Acid

I have seen a significant improvement in the clarity of my skin since I started using chemical exfoliants including Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) - particularly glycolic acid.  A lot of people freak out at the thought of using a "acids" of their skin - thinking they must be very irritating and synthetic.

Glycolic acid is actually a natural substance which is derived from sugar cane.  The great thing about ingredients such as glycolic acids, is that they unbind the dead skin cells that get stuck on the skin, and allow them to be removed, revealing fresh skin.  It also helps other products (such as serums) get better absorbed into your skin because the product isn't blocked by the dead skin cells.

The only caveat is because fresh skin is being revealed, the chance of sunburn (and therefore skin damage) is increased when using AHA's.  I only use AHAs at night.

My favourite glycolic acid product is Alpha-H Liquid Gold.

Clarisonic Mia

Keeping with the exfoliating theme, next is my favourite manual exfoliant.

Between using glycolic acid's and the Clarisonic, I have pretty much completely gotten rid of all the little bumps I used to have on my forehead - they weren't active red bumps, just bumps under the skin.

I probably use my Clarisonic 3-4 times per week - with the sensitive brush head.  I don't use it more, mainly because I use glycolic's, and I don't want to over stimulate my skin.  

There was recently a sale of Ozsale where I purchased a sensitive, normal, delicate and deep pore brush heads for $35 including postage - that's a bargain considering I recently purchased a new brush head from David Jones for $32!!

Toners

I used to think toning was such a pointless thing to do - little did I know!  

Toners can help to remove any residual cleanser, re-balance the skins PH, and just freshen  up the skin in general.  I love the tingly feeling on my face just after I apply toner.  

There are lots of different types of toners with lots of different functions, but I try to avoid toners that have stripping ingredients, such as alcohol.  Stripped skin is only going to lead to oilier skin.

Since using toners I've noticed my skin is less oily, and makeup adheres better to my skin.

I have been using the Michael Todd Cranberry Anti-oxidant toner - that thing was enormous and took over 12 months to get through!

Hyaluronic Acid

I know, more acid.  Hyaluronic acid is something that naturally occurs in the skin.  It is a humectant, meaning it attracts and stores moisture up to 1000x's its weight - more moisture for the skin!

I can get dry under eyes from time to time, and I have found since using Hyaluronic acids on my entire face (including the under eye area), that the dryness has declined.  I definitely notice a significant difference in my skin if I don't put hyaluronic acid on my face each day.

My favourite hyaluronic acid product is Hydraluron - but I have recently purchased the Mizon hyaluronic acid - keen to see how that goes!

Masking 

I am trying to make an effort to use face masks at least a couple times a week - be they sheet masks, clay masks, or glycolic based masks.  I've never been a fan of peeling masks, so they are probably the only type I stay away from.

Sheet masks are definitely my favourite at the moment.  I think because although I can continue to do things whilst wearing them (read: housework), I am more inclined to just relax while they are on.  I find sheet masks to be particularly hydrating.

I have seen an improvement to the brightness of my skin since using masks a couple of times a week.  I have also noticed an improvement in the general level of moisture in my skin.

Well, that's about it.  I'm on a huge Korean skincare kick at the moment, but I don't see the above changing - the brands might, but the components won't - though they might grow!  From what I have read, the average Korean woman's skincare consists of at least 10 products - I'm not sure I have that much time in the morning! oh well.

Thanks for dropping by