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.

Summer Beauty Favourites

December 17, 2018 / THESPOTBEAUTY / 2 Comments

It’s officially summer here in Australia and what better way to kick off my favourite season with some Summer Beauty Favourites! With the extreme heat and humidity we face here, we definitely need beauty products and skincare that are going be “melt proof” as well as provide us with soothing and beneficial hydration during the warmer months.

Lets start with haircare: summer sun can definitely damage your locks, cause frizz and dry out hair cuticles. The Evolv h Smart Color Shampoo and Conditioner are the perfect duo to help look after your hair all summer long. Both products contain rich nourishing and organic ingredients that provide the right amount of hydration to your hair without weighing it down. As the name suggests it is designed for colour treated hair, however it works effectively on non colour treated hair as well. The Kuki Seed oil, Cupacu Seed Butter, Kiwi Seed Oil and Almond Oil are just a few of the key ingredients that help nourish hair. This new eco-lux line form Evolv h is absolutely BRILLIANT – clean and efficacious haircare that works well on all hair types.

Body Care: we all want to be bikini ready for summer and fit into our swimsuits overnight. Biotyspa have the perfect summer protocol for you! By no means is this a quick fix or going to make you slim overnight – it’s a structured slimming system to help fight cellulite, drain and smooth skin around common problem areas. The Slimming Oil is my favourite – the rich coffee and coconut aroma is so invigorating on the skin and it helps to detox and improve skin tone (yes to smoother thighs). It works best with the Slimming Cup – a great tool and a must-have for getting your body ready for summer! It breaks fat cells and cellulite through the massaging movements. It imitates lymphatic drainage and the famous French “palpate roll” massage, boosting circulation, removing toxins and reducing water retention. Get yourself the Slimming Starter pack and get your body summer ready!

Lets talk Summer skincare and hydration: two important topics that are often neglected during the warmer months. Our skin loses quite a lot of moisture during summer and it’s important to protect it. 5Yina is a line of skincare that is based on Traditional Chinese medicine. Their approach to skin and beauty is intelligent: the products are designed to address skins needs depending on the seasons. As seasons change so do the requirements of our skin. The 5Yina beauty products utilise the efficacy of adaptogenic plants and botanicals to enhance your skin’s resilience to seasonal change. The Lucent Beauty (Summer Beauty Oil and Summer Hydrolat) range is specifically designed for Summer and have become my favourite duo this season. It is lightweight, rebalancing and brimming with pure and potent plant goodness. Further it provides hydration with soothing and calming properties, as well as antioxidants, vitamins and an abundance of micronutrients. If you’re looking for a face oil that’s not too heavy and extremely effective for summer, you need to try The Lucent Beauty Oil (I’m officially obsessed with this)!

One of the best ways to get that GLOW for summer is through inner beauty products. The Beauty Chef has a line of inner beauty powders and beauty boosters that are designed to help you achieve that glow from the inside out! Founder Carla Oates believes that beauty begins in the belly – healthy gut equals healthy skin. The Glow Inner Beauty Powder is an effective product that I have incorporated in my beauty regimen for many years. This powder is a pheneonmel product that does so much for your body – it aids and supports gut health, boosts skin health, promotes the synthesis of collagen and is absolutely delicious as well! When taken regular you can see the benefits and yes, you will literally glow! With certified organic, bio fermented superfoods, pre and probiotics it is bursting with nutritious superfoods that help to benefit your wellbeing, skin, hair and nails. This product helps give you a luminous glow that no skincare or makeup can – it should be part of everyones beauty and wellbeing routine.

Last but not least lets talk about plump, youthful and strong skin all summer long. One of the best ways to achieve these results is through collagen derived skincare. Collagen is an essential protein that provides structure to the connective tissue in our skin. It also aids the skins ability to glow, appear more youthful and hydrated. Earlier this year Vida Glow launched a line of skincare that incorporated collagen and red algae. The beauty products will help you achieve dewy, plump and healthy skin as well as provide skin with rich hydration all summer long. One of my favourites is the Active Vitamin C Serum with the added benefits of collagen and red algae this product is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that help protect skin cells as well as treating ultraviolet heat damage (sunburn and pigmentation). Think of this product as preventative – whilst it’s hydrating your skin and providing an abundance of vitamins, it’s also protecting you from the harmful effects of the sun and the damage we may not see. What better way to prepare for your skin for summer than by helping boost your own skins collagen.

Happy Summer everyone! xxx

ISUN BALANCING ROUTINE

September 26, 2018 / THESPOTBEAUTY / 2 Comments

ISUN Skincare need no introduction, this artisanal, wildcrafted and organic line have definitely made an impact on my skin in a positive manner. I have been lucky enough to incorporate more of the products in my routines and have thoroughly enjoyed the results as well.

The brands ethos is all about pure and pristine ingredients which have a direct correlation when using the products and getting the results you’re after for healthy skin. There are many organic or “natural” products on the market but there is definitely something unique and special about ISUN.

This three step trio has been conscientiously tested for over a period of time to see how it would work with my skin as well as other products in my am and pm routines. What I love about the products is that they work well layered with each other or when used alone. They perform effectively as a trio and can also be used with other skincare or makeup.

First Step – Cleanse with the Lavender Sage Facial Cleansing Gele. The combination of aloe vera, green tea, sage, goji berry, lavender and other purifying herbs allows oily/combination skin to be thoroughly cleansed without being stripped of your skins natural oils. A great gentle yet soothing cleanser that works well in the am or pm to help calm inflamed, congested and acne prone skin types.

Second Step – Moisturise and treat with the Sunstone Facial Oil. This face oil is the perfect synergy of herbs and botanical ingredients that help hydrate and balance oily skin. It contains the queen of herbs – Holy Basil also know as Tulsi, Hibiscus, Sandalwood, Echinacea, Barberry and Milk Thistle as well as other purifying plant based botanicals to aid and assist your skins ability to purify and repair itself. In my opinion this is one of the best facial oils made specifically for oily/combination skin types that addresses the main concern. The ingredients chosen are highly beneficial for the (oily/combo) skin to help revitalise, repair and restore your complexion. It also makes for the perfect dewy glow when mixed with a little foundation or tinted moisturiser.

Third step – Treat eyes with the Revive Eye Gel. It’s definitely not easy finding an eye treatment or cream that works or delivers the results you’re after. The eye area is a very delicate and sensitive part of the face and requires gentle and effective care. The first time I applied the revive Eye Gel, I noticed a reduction in the puffiness around my eyes. Which is why I love using this in my morning routine. I find it particularly helpful to ease swelling and soothe the eye area leaving a light, refreshing texture on the skin. It contains an abundance of vital ingredients and herbs like caffeine, cucumber, hyaluronic acid that help to minimise dark circles, puffiness and hydrate the eye area.

ISUN products are truly eco and organic. The skincare is made with care, active ingredients, healing herbs and integrity. It’s more than just a routine, it’s a daily reminder to care of your health, yourself and your skin.

Meet the Maker: Holistic Green Beauty

June 24, 2018June 24, 2018 / 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.

BOXWALLA + TWELVE BEAUTY

June 11, 2018June 13, 2018 / THESPOTBEAUTY / Leave a comment

The April Boxwalla showcased two unique and incredible products from the Twelve Skincare line: the London Mask (my absolute favourite) and the Ideal brightening Corrective Serum. Both products are outstanding and demonstrate Dr Pedro’s talent at creating plant based products that perform.

The London Mask is like no other, this pretty pink mask will have you masking every other night. An impressive mask that effectively treats skin. Typically most clay based masks dry out the skin or leave it feeling tight and stripped. The London Mask provides skin with moisturise and has a soothing effect. I found the mask works to combat dullness and redness as well. Formulated to treat the most sensitive skin types this lush mask has been very effective on my oily skin. All skin types will benefit from this mask, as it was inspired and created by Dr Pedro to help combat the stresses and pollution of living in London. With an abundance of gentle yet powerful plants this mask delivers a detoxing yet soothing result. A great mask to pop on the end of the day that aids in eliminating daily toxins and pollution build up as well proving skin with a brighter complexion.

The second product featured is the Ideal Brightening Corrective Serum. Like all Twelve Beauty products this serum delivers hydration, potent herbal ingredients and skin loving results. As the name suggests it has been formulated to treat and correct a variety of skin concerns making it a multitasking serum. This smooth serum consists of 12 effective herbs that work in harmony together to help treat dark spots, acne scars, sun damaged skin as well as the brightening tone and complexion of the skin. It has a creamy, gel like consistency is light weight and easily absorbed into the skin. An ideal evening treatment that can be layered with a face oil or moisturise and making it a perfect corrective skin booster. The results from this serum are powerful and will amaze you. Nature delivers results and Dr Pedro has formulated a brilliant product that harnesses the power of herbs and plants, that works!

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!

OCINIUM SKINCARE

April 25, 2018 / THESPOTBEAUTY / Leave a comment

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.

AIKA WELLNESS

April 6, 2018 / THESPOTBEAUTY / Leave a comment

Aika Wellness launched late 2017, Aika is the world’s first 100% certified organic Ayurvedic inspired range of skincare for purists. As the winner of Australian Organic’s (ACO) Cosmetic of the Year award in its launch year, Aika sets a new standard in luxury certified organic skincare.

Created in a wellness spa environment over fourteen years of concentrated research and hands on spa therapy, Aika skincare draws on its founder Eranthi Bonney’s Sri Lankan heritage steeped in Ayurveda and her extensive background in owning and running wellness spas.

Uniquely formulated with spa grade high performance results, Aika sources only the most premium certified organic ingredients available worldwide for the ultimate spa at home sensory ritual. All products are lovingly hand made in small batches in Melbourne, at Aika’s own certified organic studio ‘The Lighthouse’.

More than functional skincare, Aika’s philosophy is about the whole person where the goal is to awaken the healing power of the skin, body, emotions and mind so that true healing and rejuvenation can take place.

Daily Rituals for lasting wellbeing

A key concept in Aika’s skincare is the Ayurvedic practice of dinacharya, meaning the ‘daily routine’ to support your body’s natural energy and daily rhythmic cycle. Aika’s products empower you to set aside precious time each day to take care of yourself, to love and honour the skin and body you’re in.

This daily regimen of caring for ourselves through adequate rest, healthy eating, movement and spiritual practice has a cumulative affect that is quite powerful and results in a greatly improved sense of wellbeing in a very short period of time.

Here are three simple steps for your morning and evening rituals to help support your wellbeing and get glowing skin with Aika skincare.

AM – ARISE

Rise and Shine. Ideally wake up with the sun. After a refreshing shower smooth over Aika’s Body Anoint to lock in moisture and keep your skin soft and silken. Cleansing your face is an important morning step and Aika’s Pure Polishes are a luxurious treat to help gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells that have been shed overnight to reveal a glowing face.
Get Moving. A walk, run, yoga or stretching can help you get your mind and body ready for the day. Aika’s Tonics help this awakening process by infusing your skin with herbal extracts and essences to refresh, remineralise and increase your skin’s circulation for a new day.
Nourish yourself. Eat a breakfast packed with whole fruit and vegetables to give you the energy to perform at your peak. For your face, Aika’s Balms are concentrated skin food that melt into your skin to lock in hydration, providing essential nutrients your skin needs during the day while strengthening its barrier function from environmental damage.

PM – RETREAT

Remove the day. De-stress by having a warm bath or shower with Aika’s herbal salt Body Polishes. Thoroughly cleanse your face with Aika’s Deep Cleansers which contain clay for drawing out toxins and pollution from the day and removing makeup.
Restore your mojo. Replenish your prana or energy with a mindful activity such as meditation, breathing exercises or visualisation to move from the external focus of the day to an internal one of connecting to your essence. Aika’s Ayuressences are created to balance your energy and calm the emotions while promoting your skin’s overnight cellular turnover.
Increase the peace. Dim the lights or light a candle to help your mind adjust to slowing down. Aika’s Elixirs facilitates your skin’s overnight renewal process with a boost of anti-oxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids for ultimate rejuvenation. Finally massage your head with Aika’s Hair and Scalp elixir which helps slow down the mind and soothe the emotions preparing you for a restful sleep.

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.

CLAYTOX / DETOX FACE MASQUE

September 8, 2017 / THESPOTBEAUTY / 4 Comments

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.

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