beautytips

SYNERGIE SKINCARE

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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.

 

 

 

Meet the Maker: Holistic Green Beauty

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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.

 

BOXWALLA + MODERN ORGANIC SACRED SKINCARE

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The theme for the June Boxwalla Beauty Box is MOSSAIC and features two full size products from MOSS (Modern Organic Sacred Skincare). Relatively new to the brand I was so excited when I found out The Boxwalla was featuring MOSS. I have always wanted to try the MOSS products and I’ve been really drawn to the formulations of the products. The products showcased are the Beurre Céleste Cleansing Balm and the Illumina Vitamin C Treatment Serum. Founder and formulator Celestyna Higgins comes from an interesting background in astrophysics, fashion and yoga. Her diversity and worldly knowledge have allowed her to create some of the most pure, powerful and active skincare that helps treat a mosaic of skin issues and types especially adult acne as well as mature and sensitive skin types. A natural skincare brand that is effective and performs.

MOSS’s mission is to deliver truly effective, luxurious skincare that doesn’t contain “fairy dust,” toxins or fillers of any kind. A synergy of natural ingredients mixed with skincare actives like ceramides, peptides that are effective and non-toxic.

After my first cleanse using the Beurre Céleste Cleansing Balm, I was immediately impressed and in awe of the results. I’m not usually drawn to cleansing balms but this exceeded all my expectations and actually “wowed” me! This honey infused rinsable cleansing balm is like no other and does not require you to follow with a washcloth. It is specially formulated with raw neem honey, macadamia nut oil, sunflower seed oil, kokum butter, lemon myrtle, seabuckthorn pulp extract and without the use of any preservatives. The ingredients have been carefully selected to allow the cleanser to permeate and aid in the reconstruction of the skin’s barrier. Never stripping your skin or leaving any residue behind. It also doubles as a nourishing mask and gives skin a brightening glow. I love using this in the evening as a cleanser and as a mask in the mornings, a truly impressive and unique cleansing balm.

The Illumina Decongesting Radiance Concentrate is another impressive product. As someone who has quite congested skin and is prone to breakouts this multitasking serum is absolute perfection for my skin. It’s a gentle (retinol free) yet high performing serum that has a high concentration of Vitamin C (4 x the usual amount of Vitamin C) derived from Sodium Ascorbic Phosphate – which means it’s a stable form of Vitamin C and will not oxidise.

Formulated with pumpkin enzyme, moth bean (a natural retinol alternative), plant ceramides, Vitamin C and a selection of other beautiful botanical extracts that allow skin to be gently exfoliated, promoting collagen as well as providing skin with anti inflammatory and antibacterial relief. The benefits don’t stop there, it also aids in the soothing and purification of the skin, making it a great treatment for skin that is inflamed (perfect for breakouts and acne). I’m excited to add this to my evening routine and see the benefits. I am so impressed with how Celestyna has created such an innovative and natural product that delivers results. It is recommended that you start using the serum once a day to once a week. Then proceed to using it every two to three days for glow skin.

The date for the this box has been extended to June 5th, a great Beauty box with some seriously impressive products! Head to the Boxwalla site to grab your box!

OCINIUM SKINCARE

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Ocinium has been on my radar for a while, as they are a luxurious beauty brand with a range of very interesting products backed by clinical science.

This Australian beauty brand focuses on the skin-enhancing powers of natural ingredients and combines this with cosmeceutical actives to deliver a range of skincare that is formulated without sulfates, silicones, parabens and is cruelty free.

I have tried the Ocinium Age-Defiance Discovery Pack. This is a great way to introduce yourself to the products, test them and see how they perform for your skin. This little set of three mini Ocinium products, features the Ecdysis Cleanser, Immortelle Vitamin B3 Serum and Metamorphis Crème. This trio is designed to boost collagen, promote DNA repair, reduce the early signs of fine lines and wrinkles and deliver age-defying benefits to address modern skin concerns.

The Ocinium Ecdysis Cleanser is a cream based cleanser that has worked wonderfully on my (oily/combo) skin. It not only effectively cleanses, it also gently exfoliates the skin as well. Formulated with probiotic fruit ferments, alpha-hydroxy acids and enzymes, the cleanser promotes cellular turnover, brightness the complexion and leaves skin feeling balanced. A great and impressive cleanser that can easily be incorporated into your a.m. and p.m. routine.

The Immortelle Vitamin B3 Serum is undeniably my favourite product from the trio. Upon first use, this serum did wonders for my skin (Hello glowing skin). The B Vitamins and Hyaluronic Acid in the serum aid in repairing the upper most layer of the skin, providing hydration and moisture as well as treating an array of skin concerns. Think of this product a your one step solution to treating  your skin’s issues. It is brimming with vitamins, plant based botanicals and antioxidants that assist the skin to look brighter and calmer. If you are after a serum that gives your skin that healthy glow, you definitely need to try this serum.

The Metamorphis Multi-Vitamin Crème is the last step in the trio and provides the skin with immediate hydration. The innovative formula of plant nutrients, antioxidants and actives protect the skin, stimulate collagen and promote cell renewal. This nourishing face cream maintains the moisture in skin leaving it to feel supple and soft. An elegant and beneficial product that works well in the a.m. beauty routine.

If you are after a high-performing, organic, science-lead skincare, I can highly recommend Ocinium.

 

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WILDCRAFTED ORGANICS

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Wildcrafted Organics is an Australian skincare line that is inspired by the healing power of plants. Nicole, the founder has a background in nutrition, botanical medicine and extensive experience in the area of herbalism. Her broad knowledge and practice in this field led her to create clean and pure skincare products that incorporate Australian botanicals that are unique and wild crafted. Read about the importance of wildcrafting in the interview with Nicole below.

What is wildcrafting?

Wildcrafting is the practice of harvesting certain plants from their natural or wild environment to use for food or medicinal purposes. Its something that has to be done sustainably and with considerable respect for the environment and in some cases would involve only removing a certain part of the plant so as not to endanger the species.

Why are wildcrafted ingredients so important to your line of products?

Wild Plants have grown without any interference, they develop differently as they must survive in the harshest of environments and it is here that they don’t just survive – they thrive where other plants could not exist. Incredibly high levels of antioxidants are produced to enable their survival and it is these bio active antioxidants that are so beneficial for our skin. The essence of all things “Wild” – Strength, Wisdom and Beauty.

Can you tell us more about where your ingredients come from?

I use only the purist organic or wildcrafted ingredients in my products and they come from all over the world but it is Australia’s unique botanicals that excite me the most. As an Island Australia is a sanctuary where nature evolves and flourishes in a pure environment, sheltered from the influence of the rest of the world. Australia has an abundance of unique botanicals that the Aboriginal people have been Wildcrafting for thousands of years and as these plants are studied using advanced extraction methods we are seeing incredibly high levels of bioactive ingredients. An example of this is Kakadu Plum which has the world s highest Vitamin C concentration, equivalent to 100x that of an orange. The Kakadu Plum powder I use  comes from the Dampier Peninsula just north of Broome in Australia and it is here that Bruno Dann is bringing back to his community the traditional ways of taking care of the land and the Kakadu Plum or Gumbinge trees, which is helping restore the amazing bush in this region. All profits from this product are sent back to the Nyui Nyui people who wild harvist it. Other native botanicals I use are found in pristine parts of  North/ North East Australia and are now being organically grown so as to ensure the sustainability and survival of the plant.

What are your favourite ingredients to work with?

I use a bioactive complex of three indigenous Australian plums Kakadu Plum, Illawarra Plum and Burdekin Plum. The research on this particular extract is compelling showing it to to contain incredibly high levels of antioxidants, stimulate Hyaluronic acid, pro-collagen 1and fibronectin synthesis in the skin reducing fine lines and wrinkles and increases hydration while strengthening the skins barrier.

What was the first product your created for Wildcrafted Organics?

The first product in the collection was my Wildflowers Rejuvinating Serum, from the beginnning it was so important to me that all of  the products were concentrated in skin loving ingredients, nutrients and bioactive botanicals – no ingredient is added to reduce cost or fill and all bioactives are used at the required level for efficacy. This product is used instead of a moisturiser and is basically a daily multi vitamin for your skin with a scent of wild jasmine and cacao.

What is your hero product from the line?

The Everlasting Beauty Balm Concentrate with 24 kt gold. So concentrated in skin regenerating / collagen promoting / healing butters and precious oils. It absorbs effortlessly into the skin leaving no trace but providing a level of nourishment that moisturisers just can’t compete with. Multi tasking it transforms into a luminous, skin loving foundation when mixed with your dry mineral make up and can be used anywhere that needs extra nourishment. Is suitable for all skin types but especially dry, stressed, scarred or sun damaged skin. Massage into the skin with a Gua Sha for an incredibly indulgent treat.

CLAYTOX / DETOX FACE MASQUE

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There is nothing better than a detox face masque session in the luxury of your own home. We all have our skincare rituals – one of my favourite at-home spa day rituals is using a clay based masque to pamper, nourish and detox my skin. My favourite way to do this is with my Claytox Detox Face Masque.

Claytox is an Australian skincare company specialising in natural, organic, handmade and vegan face masques. All the masques are ethically sourced and always made without the use any additives and chemicals, making Claytox Masques truly natural and pure.

The masque is made out of Alumina Silicate (Sea Clay), which is packed full of natural occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, bromide, potassium and sulphate. These minerals have unique properties allowing the skin to fight off free radicals, promote cell renewal, repair skin cells, balance moisture and soothe the skin.

It comes in a pack that includes a silicone bowl, spoon and bamboo brush for easy application. The clay masques must be mixed in the silicon bowl (provided) so it doesn’t interfere or react with the natural clay. Mixing the clay with metal can counteract the natural properties of the masque. You can also mix the clay with your favourite face mists, yoghurt and honey for extra nourishment.

 

 

 

 

During the week I make sure I set some time aside to do my face masque ritual. Having oily, congested and skin prone to breakouts, masking is a very important step that helps purify and heal my skin. Alumni Silicate being such a gentle and nutrient dense ingredient allows my skin to receive a deep yet gentle cleanse without stripping or drying it off.

I felt in love with this product straight away. After my first use the results were amazing. My skin looked refreshed and more vibrant, giving it a beautiful glow. In addition, it can also be used on your body as a gentle exfoliant, whilst helping the reduction of cellulite. It works as a great spot or t-zone treatment to target those stubborn blackheads or pimples. Immediately after the first use I noticed that my pores were more refined as it cleans all the debris and oil from them.

I highly recommend the Claytox Detox Face Masque, not only for its results but also for the relaxing spa ritual in the comfort of your own home.

 

 

 

BORN AGAIN BODY

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MEET THE MAKER: BORN AGAIN BODY

I had the opportunity to meet with Jess, the founder of Born Again Body. We spent the day at the beach, soaking up the sunshine and moisturising ourselves with her refreshing and unique Skin Tonic.

The motivation behind Born Again Body came while Jess was living in Bali and  experienced how basically every body lotion and cream she applied simply melted or glided off because of the hot and humid conditions. After lots of research and development she created a very unique solution, a hydrating skin tonic, which has all the moisturising benefits and withstands heat and humidity – conditioning your skin.

Spending the day with Jess in the sun and heat, I was able to experience the benefits of the tonic first hand. The product feels absolutely AMAZING – fresh, light and hydrating. I really like that this moisturiser is a tonic and not a cream – and can be applied within seconds. Although originally designed for hot summer conditions, it can be effortlessly and used all year round.

Enjoy the interview below.

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After living in Bali, your idea for Born Again Body was born. Has the lifestyle and culture in Bali influenced Born Again Body?

Bali was such a special, uplifting and life-changing time for me. The simple lifestyle, complex culture and yet beautiful landscape all had a huge impact and influence on the direction of Born Again Body. While I was living there I found it so hard to look after my skin, particularly living under the harsh sun. Most of the products I found were either full of toxic ingredients or were too thick and greasy for the humid climate. Having spent most of my days outdoors I needed a product that was lightweight, non-greasy and preferably natural. It had to complement this kind of active lifestyle. For me, being outdoors and in nature is so important; it re-energizes and inspires me. Which has become the ethos behind the Born Again Body brand and the essence I’ve tried to capture in our signature product.

How important are the ingredients you have chosen for the Hydrating Skin Tonic?

The ingredients I chose for the Hydrating Skint Tonic have been carefully thought out and researched. I didn’t want to jump on the latest beauty bandwagon, I didn’t want to use the latest beauty craze ingredient. I wanted to use trusted, reliable and natural ingredients that actually work and have stood the test of time. Hence why some of the main active ingredients include aloe vera, cucumber seed oil, vitamin E, rose oil, green tea and jojoba oil. This combination not only performs so well together but each individual ingredient plays its own important role in hydrating and replenishing the skin.

What is your approach to beauty?

Less is more. As I’ve gotten older I wear less makeup because it makes me feel more confident, I’m less concerned about other people’s opinions of me and I want my skin care products to be super simple and no fuss. You also start to become more comfortable in your own skin and accepting of your “flaws”. What you think are your flaws are actually so beautiful and unique and what makes you different.

The Hydrating Skin Tonic is such a unique product. What is your favourite way to use it?

I love the simplicity of it. Like I said I’m all about products that are no fuss and are easy to integrate into your lifestyle. Through the colder months I’ve been spritzing it on my face during the day for extra hydration. And then during the warmer months I love the ease of jumping out of the shower, spraying it all over my body and within a minute my skin is nourished, hydrated and feeling smooth without that greasy feeling.

What is your beauty routine?

A beauty routine to me encompasses not only looking after what’s on the outside but also what’s on the inside. It’s about taking care of your body as well as your mind and heart. Every day I make sure I get up and move in some way; a walk along the beach, a hot yoga class or just stepping outside to get some fresh air. Plenty of sleep and staying hydrated also does wonders for the health of your skin. And the good ol’ cleanse, tone and moisturise has been a faithful routine of mine since I was quite young.

 

 

 

 

 

YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE

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MEET THE MAKER: YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE

I recently had the opportunity to meet Joe and Greg, the founders of Youth To The People. We spent the day drinking green juices, talking about superfoods, pressed juices, California and the inspiration behind their skincare. If you’re not familiar with the brand or you’re a huge fan (like me), you will definitely appreciate Youth to the People’s nature meets science approach to skincare. Read the full interview below.

 

How has the Californian lifestyle influenced YTTP?

The Californian lifestyle has been a big influence to YTTP, growing up in California we live active and healthy lifestyles. We have always been interested in a healthy lifestyle, our families were taking vitamins in the 70’s and 80’s and making natural skincare. Growing up in California has been a big part of YTTP, we enjoy the natural our surrounding and draw inspiration from the healthy lifestyle.

Green superfoods are keys ingredients in your products, how important are they to your line?

Prior to launching YTTP, we had a strong interest in superfoods and cold pressed juices.  Green superfoods contain large amounts of antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins and phytonutrients. Knowing the health benefits of drinking cold pressed juices, we thought how great they would work topically on skin.

We were consuming our green juices daily and wanted our skincare to have the same benefits as our diets.  Working with our chemist and getting an extract that would be ideal in skincare, we were able to build a line of products that provide a great source of antioxidants, whilst helping fight free radicals and preventing signs of ageing. All the things we love in our pressed juices, but being able to apply the benefits to your skin.

One of the more unique ingredients in your products is ALFALFA. Can you tell us more about it?

Alfalfa is used in the YTTP products as it contains high amounts of chlorophyll, being such a great detoxifier we use a lot of this in our skincare. Our cleanser contains alfalfa for this reason and it also gives it the green colour (naturally). We wanted an ingredient that is rich in antioxidants, calming on the skin and helps with the detoxification process and helps remove the daily build up of toxins and pollution. Knowing how important chlorophyll is internally, we wanted to apply this topically.

 

Your grandmother created skincare, how has she inspired YTTP?

Our grandmother launched her skincare line in 1979, she wanted to create her own line of products after seeing the various skincare trends in Europe. She created a botanical based line, as it was more effective for the skin. We grew up around the business and learnt about skincare, in the last five years we thought how can we create a skincare line that utilised our grandmothers creative ideas and experience, as well as our inspiration from drinking green juices/superfoods. Having our grandmothers industry experience and growing up in the skincare industry has really helped us make quality skincare, our aim is to create quality products that make a difference.

What are your grandmothers tips on skincare?

Our grandmother believes in creating quality and effective products that work for everyone. One of her tips is education, educate yourself about the products and ingredients you’re using, are they going to help with your skin goals. Our grandmother really believes in the importance of ingredients, educating yourself about ingredients and picking the correct products for your skin.

What is your hero product from the line?

Our hero product is the Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Age Prevention Cleanser and the Kale + Spinach Hyaluronic Acid Age Prevention Face Cream. It’s packed with so many great superfoods that help detoxify your skin as well as providing skin with an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins and hydration. The cleanser is our hero product, it was one of the first products we launched. We wanted to create a product that was a cleanser and toner in one, to help simplify the beauty routine as well creating a comfortable pH balance for skin. The Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Age Prevention Cleanser is our favourite hero product that multitasks and suits all skin types.