Five Beauty Products You Need To Try In 2019

January 24, 2019 / THESPOTBEAUTY / Leave a comment

Hello 2019 – wow that came around so quick! A new year means sharing some new beauty products and skincare that I have discovered in the last year. In 2018 a few of my favourite brands launched innovative and noteworthy beauty products that are definitely worth knowing about. These new product launches range from skincare to makeup – with unique formulations and intelligent ingredients that really impressed me and my skin!

After trying and loving these new launches, I have 5 new products that are a MUST to try in 2019!

Sleeping Masks have got to be my favourite new discovery in 2018. You sleep – they work it is that simple. Last year Trilogy Skincare launched their Age-Proof Overnight Mask. This overnight (sleeping mask) is like no other, formulated with Glycablend, L22, Vitamin C as well as other brightening and nourishing botanical ingredients, it helps to mimic the skin lipids of a 22 year old – yes you read right a 22 year old! The results I experienced from this mask were absolutely IMPRESSIVE! I woke up to a dewy and luminous complexion the next day, this is such a great hydrating mask and glow getter. The Glycablend and L22 are the start ingredients in this mask that help deliver those luminous and youthful skin results – I can honestly say that this is a miracle in a jar!

If you love face mists you are going to love the new botanical face mist from Max and Me. It’s called The Intuitive – because this delicate floral mist is perceptive, holistic and like many of the Max and Me products it provides a feeling and sensation of higher vibrations. Formulated with a beautiful combination of healing Palo Santo (that is ethically sourced) and calming floral waters, this mist helps soothe and rejuvenate your skin, surroundings and sacred space. The soft woody aroma creates a purifying and relaxing feel. I love spraying it before I sleep to create a peaceful and cleansed space. The carefully selected essential oils and botanical ingredients help treat and soften your complexion. This unique mist provides me with a healing experience, with each spray I feel like I am purifying my skin and personal space. A beautiful new addition to the Max and me line.

Breast health is a subject familiar to most people but an area of the body that is often quite neglected. This topic is near and dear to my heart as I experienced my mother undergo breast cancer and saw first hand how devastating the effects are. There has been a gap in the wellness and beauty sector in relation to products that are beneficial for breast health. Last year 5Yina created and launched GUIYING: a décolletage treatment balm designed to help heal and nourish the delicate area around the breasts, chest and neck. The formulation is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine that is efficacious, anti-inflammatory, help to dissipate lumps and harmonise the Qi in the chest area. This pink silky smooth balm aids lymphatic circulation, provides nourishment as well as revitalising the delicate skin around the chest, neck, underarms and breasts – very beneficial and important step in breast health. I love this balm, it glides on the skin like a dream and has such an appeasing aroma – I know with every use I am helping to regenerate this tender area of the body.

One of my favourite standout launches from last year is the Infusion – a Micro Liquid Serum from African Botanics. It has a light liquid consistency and is a floral concentrate of active medicinal botanicals, phytonutrients and antioxidants specially formulated to help protect skin from High Energy Visible Light (think computers & phones) as well as oxidative stress and pollution. We spend so much time looking at the screens of our phones and computers that only now information has come out revealing the degeneration and negative effects of this on our skin. HEVL (High Energy Visible Light) has been compared to the damaging effects of UV rays from sunlight. Which is why I love, love, love this product- as it aims to protect skin from this adverse light! The Infusion is an innovative and highly effective (liquid) serum that is a must for your skincare routine, it performs exceptionally on all skin types and you will notice the hydrating, repairing and plumping benefits from this serum after a few uses. I personally think that this product is a vital and imperative step in maintaining the health of your skin especially in this day and age.

If you’re a lipstick lover like me then you are going to love the Olive Oil Lipsticks from Ere Perez. These gorgeous lipsticks are formulated with Olive oil and have a subtle matte finish on the lips. The Olive Oil helps to provide your lips with a hydrating feel and has a lovely smooth feel to it. They are the perfect matte lipstick that don’t dry your lips or create a cracked look. With a variety of colourful and bright shades there are so many gorgeous colours to choose from – I’m obsessed with the coral red and orange tones and I’m a big fan of these beautiful natural lipsticks. Ere Perez has such a great range of natural, vegan, cruelty free makeup that is actually beneficial for your skin. Makeup that acts like skincare, a gorgeous Australian brand.

Bondi Chic – Clean Beauty Skincare

January 10, 2019January 10, 2019 / THESPOTBEAUTY / 1 Comment

A few months ago Bondi Chic launched their new line of clean, biocompatible and natural skincare. This innovative Australian brand has created a range of beauty products that are based on science, natural ingredients, technology and delivering results without comprising your health. Bondi Chic harnesses the goodness of local Australian spring water, native botanicals and plant extracts that have many beneficial vitamins and nutrients that help to strengthen, nourish and repair the skin.

I love a new skincare launch and was super excited to try the products. I’ve had the chance to test and use the products for a sufficient period of time and have fallen in love with the Zinc Ionised Blue Mountains Natural Spring Water Toner as well as the Four Seasons Envi Hydrating Moisturiser-Night. Both these products are formulated with natural Spring water from the Blue Mountains in Sydney – the water has an abundance of vital minerals that are highly beneficial for healthy and soothed looking skin.

The Bondi Chic Zinc Ionised Toner – is an absolute skin beauty regimen must have! It’s a multitasking product that does so much for your complexion as well as the health of your skin. This mineral rich toner is not your average “toner” it’s a moisturising mist and toner in one; that helps to provide hydration without disrupting the natural pH of your skin. The Zinc, Aloe Leaf, Sugar free Lemon Enzyme and Witch hazel have profound benefits and effects on the skin. This careful formulation of antioxidants, astringents and minerals help to promote the healing and rejuvenation of skin as well as providing protection from environmental and urban city damage. I love spraying this on my face and neck as my am routine it’s the perfect step to help renew and protect my skin whilst also providing a brightening effect.

If you love gel (creams) or sleeping masks you are definitely going to love the Four Seasons Envi Hydrating Moisturiser – this is the perfect product for your pm skin routine. This Hydrating Moisturiser has really impressed me – because it’s quite difficult to find hydrating gel products that are formulated with clean, botanical ingredients that work for my (oily/combo) skin type. It doesn’t clog my pores or leave an excess of product behind – it’s actually well suited for all skin types especially those prone to congestion and breakouts. The Envi Hydrating Moisturiser has the perfect lightweight gel consistency that glides onto your skin like a dream, providing an instant tightening and hydrating effect. Your skin instantly looks brighter and even more luminous upon rising the next day. I love how the product works its magic whilst you sleep and with continued use you can really start to see the remarkable results for yourself. Formulated with potent botanicals, native extracts and vitamins like: Vitamin C, Noni, Trehalose, Manuka Honey, Finger Lime as well as Spring water from the Blue Mountains. These healing and natural ingredients assist the skin whilst delivering minerals and antioxidants; that are imperative to the regeneration of skin.

If you’re after products that deliver results and are conscious of the ingredients that they are formulated with – I highly recommend trying Bondi Chic.

BOXWALLA + MODERN ORGANIC SACRED SKINCARE

May 26, 2018June 13, 2018 / THESPOTBEAUTY / Leave a comment

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!

WILDCRAFTED ORGANICS

February 16, 2018 / THESPOTBEAUTY / Leave a comment

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.

YOUTH TO THE PEOPLE

August 1, 2017August 10, 2017 / THESPOTBEAUTY / Leave a comment

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.

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