SYNERGIE SKINCARE

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / 1 Comment

_ND89183.jpg

_ND89204.jpg

_ND89188.jpg

About a year ago an aesthetician explained the importance of incorporating a Vitamin A+B serum into my skincare routine to help strengthen my skin, treat acne and scars. She recommended three different serums from Synergie Skin.

Fast forward to 8 months later and I am absolutely hooked on these products.
Synergie Skin is an Australian cosmeceutical company that has a focus on clean science, creating ethical products that deliver results.

The three different serums I have tried and continue using today are: ‘The Ultimate A’ serum, the ‘Vitamin B‘ serum and the ‘Reveal’ serum. These products are designed to heal, treat, regulate and strengthen all skin types and are especially beneficial for oily/congested skins as well. Most products that are on the market for acne or oily skin may treat the skin or blemishes quite quickly but can also damage the skin in the long run and may have other side effects.

The Reveal serum is one of my HOLY GRAIL products when it comes to treating congestion and acne. It is an amazing multitasking serum. It is an exfoliant, it is gentle, it removes dead skin cells and also provides antioxidants to the skin. The combination of AHAs and BHAs (acids) not only treat congestion but they help with pigmentation and sun damaged skin.

The Ultimate A and Vitamin B serums are part of my evening skin routine. I rotate between these two products and sometimes pair them together depending on what my skin needs. The Ultimate A serum is one of the most effective, yet gentle Vitamin A serums I have ever used. Most products on the market that contain Vitamin A are quite harsh on the skin. This product however is a good skin regulator and great to use when skin is playing up. It is a staple for your skin regimen.

The Vitamin B serum is another essential product to me, that helps with strengthening and treating the skin. It pairs well with Ultimate A serum and is beneficial for all skin types. My results with this serum have been fantastic, it has helped with hydration (“Hello, plump skin!”) and providing my skin with a glow. My complexion looks luminous and a lot more balanced.

Personally I have tried many different cosmeceuticals – and I must say that Synergie Skin have by far the cleanest ingredients, that are effective and do not irritate the skin. I am a big fan of these products and highly recommend them.

 

 

 

Sardinia

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / 2 Comments

Sardinia is an Italian Island located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is home to the most stunning coastlines, beaches, mountains, archipelagos, pink sand and grottos. Sardinia is a popular holiday destination amongst many europeans especially the Italians. This Island is brimming with historical culture, delicious cuisine, colourful churches, beautiful beaches and is definitely a place you must visit if you are planning a summer vacation.

This was my first time visiting Sardinia, and I fell in love with this magical Island. I got to explore the town of Olbia and its surrounding area as well as other famous spots. There is one thing I loved most about Sardinia (a part from the beaches), the food! The cuisine is of course Italian but the style varies and it is absolutely delectable! The most delicious pasta, pizza and gelato you will ever have!

Below are some recommendations a guide to make sure you don’t miss out on the hot spots in Sardnia.

Beaches: Spiaggia Di Chia, Spiaggia Di Is Arutas, Spiaggia Di Cala Luna, Spiaggia Mari Pintau.

Food Specialities: Mirto, Local nougat, Pane Carasau (traditntal flat bread), Pecorino, Pasta and Sardinian Red Wine.

Visit: Porto Cervo, Alghero, Olbia, Costa Smeralda, The caves of Neptune, Madalena Archipelago and the Salt Flats where pink flamingos reside (South of the Island).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BARCELONA

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / 1 Comment

Barcelona is one of my favourite places in Spain. I love the this vibrant and colourful city, it is rich in culture, arts, delicious food and history. There are many famous architectural landmarks and attractions to visit, as well as some hip and happening neighbourhoods.

This was my third time visiting Barcelona, and this time I wanted to explore like a local.

When in Barcelona, you have to check out the rooftop bars and rooftop pools. Not only do you get spectacular views of the city, you also get to see Barcelona from a different perspective. After all the city does have stunning architecture and this is a great way to admire the details – and have some great cocktails too! There are two great rooftops I visited this time and can recommend: The Ohla Hotel – has the coolest see-through swimming pool and a vibrant bar. The Yurbban Passage and Yurbban Trafalgar (located on the same street) both have gorgeous views of the city with an outdoor rooftop pool – offering a very cosmopolitan vibe.

El Born and the Gothic Quarter are two areas that are part of the Old Town and a must-visit. You will find some of the most amazing restaurants and traditional tapas venues in El Born. If you have a sweet tooth like me, then walk around the Gothic Quarter and you will find an abundance of delectable chocolate and Churros stores/cafes.

I love walking through the streets, getting lost and discovering other little alleys/streets. It is a great way to see the city and take it all in. There are other amazing and happening neighbourhoods to visit in Barcelona, each offering great choices to eat, shop and wander. These are some neighbourhoods worth checking out:

◦Gracia

◦Sant Antoni

◦Born

◦Poble Nou

◦El Raval

MALLORCA

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / 2 Comments

DSC_7644

DSC_7614

DSC_7483

DSC_7560

DSC_7520

A trip to the Spanish Island of Mallorca isn’t complete without having drinks and a swim at a rooftop pool. Or watching the sun go down and enjoying gorgeous views of Palma.

If you know me well, you know that I am obsessed with Mallorca. It’s one of my favourite Mediterranean destinations for summer. I have spent a lot of time on this Island and absolutely love the vibes and lifestyle here. The Spanish know how to live and enjoy life! You have access to the best beaches, delicious local cuisine, tapas and Spanish culture all in one destination.

Here are some of my insider travel tips for Mallorca:

Favourite Beaches on the Island:

Caló des Moro – this beach is stunning and by the far the most popular in Mallorca and in Europe. The water has the most breathtaking shades of turquoise. Pure bliss.

Cala Lombards – this beach has a small stretch of white sand and the water is also beautiful here too! Beautiful shades of blue, another great spot to swim!

Cala Agulla – is a lovely spot to snorkel and it’s surrounded by mountains. Another beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear waters and lovely shades of blue.

Favourite Tapas/Eats in Palma:

La Bodeguilla, 13%, Bar España, Es Baret, Fera Palma, Gaudeix, Abaco, Vermuteria La Rosa, Rivareno Gelato and for the best sunset spot on the island make sure you go to Sa Foradada – you will see the BEST sunset of your life!

Favourite walks:

Walk around the old town, it’s beautiful and historical with gorgeous architecture. Make sure you walk along Passeig Des Born and La Ramblas.

Favourite rooftops/pool hotels: 

Sant Francesc Hotel Singular and Nakar Hotel.

Outfit details: Top & Skirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

VIENNA PART 2

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / 2 Comments

Palmenhaus (Palm House) is an absolute joy and delight to visit in Vienna! This gorgeous greenhouse is located in the Schönbrunn Palace. Palmenhaus is divided into three climate zones and pavilions. The tallest room houses plants from the Mediterranean region, the Canary Islands, South Africa, America and Australia. The northern room houses plants from China, Japan, the Himalayas and New Zealand. Tropical and subtropical plants grow in the third area. It’s a beautiful greenhouse with architecture from the Art Nouveau era. It’s also a lovely walk through the lush greenery. You’ll love be surrounded by all the gorgeous greens – my favourite new discovery in Vienna.

Photography by Mona Torsan. Outfit Details: Dress

VIENNA

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / 4 Comments

thespotbeauty-411

thespotbeauty-339

Vienna is a beautiful city full of charm and is also known as the Imperial city. It is famous for it’s coffee houses (Viennese coffee), historical buildings, palaces, architecture and wine taverns. Every time I come to Vienna, I am in awe of the buildings and architecture, they are elaborate and spare no detail. I feel like I am walking through a scene from a fairytale – so magical.

Schönbrunn Palace is one of the most iconic sites to visit whilst in Vienna. It is also one of my favourite spots to walk around and admire the elegance of this beautiful Palace. This Baroque style Palace was the former summer residence of the Empress Sissi. An absolutely stunning and lavish Palace with over 1441 rooms. You can also take a stroll to visit the Palace park with its stunning gardens and the famous green house known as Palmenhaus Schönbrunn. A must when in Vienna.

Photography by Mona Torsan. Outfit Details: Top, Skirt, Sandals.

Meet the Maker: Holistic Green Beauty

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / 1 Comment

 

 

Meet Holistic Green Beauty, a luxurious, organic and natural skincare brand founded by Danny Stokes and Scott Bentley. The two London-based founders created the line to help with health and skin issues they were suffering from. I have been using Holistic Green Beauty for a few years and fell in love with the products straight away. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of  interviewing Danny and Scott, to find out about their inspirations, motivations and their latest addition to their product line Mångata (The Road to organic beauty). They really have a unique and fascinating story to tell… enjoy the read:

1. What inspired you to create your own line of skincare?

Danny had a wealth of knowledge and an interest in skincare from a young age, due to his Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Danny graduated in Environmental Science at Bournemouth University in 2007.  He started a natural skincare blog in 2012 as a hobby. The blog featured everything from natural ingredients, health tips to mainly organic and natural skincare reviews. Each product review that Danny would create, went into detail and focused on the ingredients and their effectiveness. Over time Danny built his knowledge and together, with his partner Scott, started to experiment with creating their own range. Scott had suffered skin concerns throughout his teenage and young adult years, which, naturally gave him an interest in skincare and wellbeing.

At the time of creating and researching the new line, the market was saturated and we really wanted to create something special that was pure, personal, effective and unique. Holistic Green Beauty skincare was born and launched in 2015.

2.  What is your philosophy on Skincare?  

At Holistic Green Beauty skincare, we are great believers that skincare should be a lot like food, it should feed the skin. Products should be fresh, synthetic free, environmentally friendly and use organic and natural actives to deliver potent skin benefits. You should always protect your skin a with a high SPF but ensure you are maintaining those Vitamin D levels! We believe your skin gets the very best from organic skincare, we love to look out for up and coming natural ingredients and we search the globe for some of the highest quality botanicals to use in our formulations. We try to support local communities where we can and work to build trusting relationships with our suppliers to maintain quality.


3. How is the Mångata line different from your Holistic Green Beauty range? 

Mångata is a 100% organic line that is also as raw as possible. Every single ingredient is certified organic. It is for those that want ultimate pure skincare. The line also contains a cleaning oil, moisturising face balm and body serum, which, the Holistic Green Beauty line does not.

Our Holistic Green Beauty line is for those that are concerned with the signs of ageing. We incorporate some really exotic ingredients such as Pink Lotus, Orchid, Mafura Butter and Ximenia Oil. We use ingredients that are always 100% natural and as organic as possible. Not all of the ingredients contained in our HGB line are organic, this is due to them being unobtainable certified organic, however, many of these ingredients are wild crafted.

4. What are your favourite products from your line?

From Holistic Green Beauty our favourite product is the Pink Lotus Cellular Repair Oil. We adore its exquisite scent, the incredible array of antioxidant rich oils and the healthy results it gives our skin. We really notice a difference in our skin when we stop using this product. It is a real pleasure to use and exceptionally versatile.

From Mångata it would have to be the star of the line, Baume de la Rose. Danny is a huge fan of rose and it’s his favourite of all time. We spent many years searching for a rose extract to create the ultimate rose product and finally we found an Organic White Rose CO2 extract, which, is incredibly rare and unique. Being CO2 extracted, this White Rose extract is raw and you get all of the powerful skincare benefits of rose in its raw form. When rose lovers first smell Baume de la Rose they are blown away by its euphoric scent. The texture of the balm is lovely and we really enjoy massaging it into our skin.

5. What are your tips to stay healthy and glowing from within?

We believe in living an organic plant-based lifestyle. Eat the colour of the rainbow with fresh organic vegetables, fruits, healing spices and raw superfoods. Cook meals from scratch and eat food that has had minimal processing. Hydrate your body with matcha tea and the cleanest water available to you. It is very important to have a positive outlook on life and take time out for yourself to reduce stress. Selfcare of both the mind and body are ultra-important. Take care of your skin, protect it in the sun and use the most nourishing pure skincare products to feed it and destress your mind.

 

Blush Tones

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / 2 Comments

 

Blush tones are a great way to break up the dull winter shades we’re used to. This shade of blush is the perfect way to warm your winter wardrobe palette and is so flattering on all skin tones.

This gorgeous flowy blouse is a mixture of chic yet edgy with the studded detailing. Dressed up or down it will look great with whatever you want to pair it with. A beautiful feminine and elegant blouse.

Outfit details: Top – Flannel, Skirt – Seed, Boots – Rag and Bone

 

 

Under The Skin

/ THESPOTBEAUTY / Leave a comment

 

When it comes to choosing skincare and makeup products that are clean, sustainable and high performing there are so many options available. However there are some products that are under the radar and definitely worth knowing about. I have come across three new and notable brands that are definitely worth trying – Kjaer Weis, Inlight Beauty and By Sarah London. All three brands share a common ethos and that is to create beauty products that are natural, ethical, sustainable, good for your skin/body and are high performing.

You may already be familiar with the luxury makeup brand Kjaer Weis. Their makeup is certified organic, has unique sustainable packaging and is formulated without parabens, silicones, petrochemical emulsifiers and synthetic fragrances. Most conventional makeup brands contain a lot of the fillers and ingredients that Kjaer simply will not formulate their makeup with. When it comes to lipsticks, it is actually very important to choose a brand that won’t comprise on ingredients – because conventional lipsticks contain some toxic and nasty ingredients like lead, carmine (crushed up beetles) as well as other heavy metals that are quite detrimental to your health. Which is why I love Kjaer Weis makeup, it’s luxurious, high performing, sustainable and most importanlty formulated without harmful ingredients. Their innovative and intelligent packaging is an important aspect of the brands ethos to be a sustainable brand. All products can be refilled, so wastage is minimised. It’s very clever if you ask me! Their creamy, dreamy lipsticks are not only nourishing on your lips, they also come in a variety of stunning shades. “Good for the world. Great for your skin”.

As I mentioned above conventional lipsticks contain undesirable ingredients and so do most lip balms/glosses. If you look at most lip balms they either contain petroleum jelly (petroleum jelly does include carcinogenic compounds), mineral oil and synthetic fragrances – ingredients that should defineately be avoided. Personally these are ingredients I avoid and don’t want to use on my skin. Instead you should opt for lip balms that are plant-based and formulated with skin loving oils that help to soothe and protect your lips. By Sarah London has a wonderful multitasking and organic lip balm. It’s made with three ingredients, coconut oil, apricot oil and beeswax. It’s a smooth, moisturising balm that also doubles as a lovely hydrating and protecting balm for cuticles, hands, elbows and other dry areas on your body. The brand is a transparent and pride themselves on being honest and open about all their organic ingredients and never testing on animals.

When it comes to taking care of the skin on our body we often neglect it as we focus solely on our face. It is important to direct attention and some tender loving care to the rest of the skin on our bodies, to help repair and restore our skin especially in areas we don’t often pay attention to. I recently switched to using a body oil because of the benefits and ability to deeply moisturise and nourish my skin. As well as having the benefits of firming and toning the skin as well. Which is why I love using Inlight Beauty, this barnd has been on my radar to try and I have always been intruiged by their natural meets scinec formulations. This award-winning beauty brand have a beautiful body oil, Firm and Tone. As the name suggests it is ideal to help tighten, tone and ease water retention. Made with an abundance of powerful plant actives and herbs this body oil is brimming with natural goodness for your skin. This silky smooth oil is fabulous for post travel swelling, swelling in general and also a great detoxifying treatment for cellulite. It contains some notable and detoxing herbs that stimulate circulation and are also effective at cellulite prevention. Oil-based formula means a high concentration of active ingredients – no fillers just pure organic, cold pressed oils and Inlight’s Bio Lipophilic Matrix®. Founder and formulator Dr. Spiezia comes from a background in medicine, medical herbalist and is a renowned skin expert. Inlight beauty combines ancient alchemy and modern science techniques to maximise the energy and beauty of each ingredient, bringing beauty to life.

These three products are from Rêve En Vert Rêve En Vert (REV), an eco sustainable company that is passion about bettering the world through the medium of beauty, fashion and lifestyle.