Summer Beauty: 3 Moisture-Boost Natural Lipsticks To Try From Antipodes - South Pacific Coral, Golden Bay Nectar & Piha Beach Tangerine - Review & Swatches

It's way too hot to be wearing a full face of makeup this week (hello UK heatwave!), but I can't resist how good a bare face looks with a bright lippie and I've been loving these summery shades from Antipodes. Not a fan of brights? Don't worry, I've also included a neutral option to cover all bases ;)

I've been wanting to try out these Moisture-Boost Natural Lipsticks from Antipodes ever since they launched about two years ago, and now I've finally gotten my hands on three of them, I can say that they were definitely worth the wait!

From L-R: Antipodes Moisture-Boost Natural Lipsticks in Golden Bay Nectar, South Pacific Coral & Piha Beach Tangerine

With a catchy 'I'm so healthy you could almost eat me' tagline, these lipsticks are made from mainly natural ingredients and only have very low levels of colour pigments which have been included for vibrancy aesthetics. The Moisture-Boost formula features a blissfully hydrating blend of Castor Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Avocado Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Argan Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil and Vitamin E, to keep your lips kissably soft and moisturised for longer.

They glide on easily and the brighter shades, in particular, are richly pigmented with an intense colour payoff. The combination of the plant-based oils and waxes that I mentioned above also delivers a glossy sheen finish that I really like and surprisingly, they lasted a lot longer than I expected them to before a touch-up was required which is always impressive for a natural lipstick.

There is a wide range of shades available, and here are my top three to whet your appetite!

Antipodes Moisture-Boost Natural Lipstick in Golden Bay Nectar

If you only wear neutral shades or are looking for something that you can wear every day to work, Golden Bay Nectar is the one for you. It's a classic shade with hints of nude and peach and although it's the least pigmented out of the three, it has a great tinted lip balm feel to it, but with buildable coverage. Absolutely gorgeous, it's such a very easy shade to wear!

Antipodes Moisture-Boost Natural Lipstick in South Pacific Coral

For a pop of hot coral-pink, you can't go wrong with South Pacific Coral which has quickly become one of my favourite Summer lipsticks to reach for this year. I always get a lot of compliments when I wear it and I love how it helps to brighten up my whole face.

Antipodes Moisture-Boost Natural Lipstick in Piha Beach Tangerine

How bright and juicy is this one?! Piha Beach Tangerine is a straight-up orangey-red that really pops against dark skin or if you have a tan. It's a shade that pulls me out of my comfort zone and demands to be worn on a beach with a bare face for a fun and youthful look!

Swatches! From L-R: Antipodes Moisture-Boost Lipsticks - Piha Beach Tangerine, South Pacific Coral and Golden Bay Nectar

Shop Antipodes Moisture-Boost Natural Lipsticks* (4g, £19.99 each) at antipodesnature.com and lovelula.com

What are your favourite Summer lipsticks?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Payday Treats: 4 Products To Try From Antipodes

Antipodes are one of my favourite natural and organic skincare brands, and if you're looking to treat yourself to something new this payday, here are a few suggestions to add to your skincare basket.

My love for this New Zealand brand has been one that's grown ever stronger over the years, and if you haven't tried anything from them before, I urge you to have a leisurely read through my previous features and reviews for all things Antipodes related - you'll find a bunch here to start you off in the right direction. With such a vast range of skincare and body care available, Antipodes still manages to surprise me and the products below are mostly new-to-me, which I've been testing out over the past couple of weeks. 

Antipodes Resurrect Clarifying Facial Toner* (100ml, £18.99, link)

Usually at this time of the year, I'll still be reaching for the hydrating mists in my skincare routine, but thanks to this absolutely balmy warmer weather we've been having lately, my skin has been asking for something much more balancing instead. In steps Antipodes Resurrect Clarifying Toner; one of the best toners that I've tried for oily and combination skin types. Not only does it feel instantly wonderfully refreshing when you spritz it on, but it does a fantastic job of balancing oily skin which results in pores looking more refined and clearer. It also helps other products absorb better into the skin afterwards and can be used morning and night.

Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream* (30ml, £24.99, link)

Oh, how I adore this eye cream! It's become one of my most frequently recommended products ever, and if I see anyone looking for a new eye cream to try out, I always suggest this one without fail. Packed full of Avocado Oil, Vitamin E, Vinanza Grape, Borage Oil and Kiwi Seed Oil, this eye cream has a beautifully rich and silky texture, yet somehow manages to feel light at the same time and is easily absorbed into the skin. It's ultra-nourishing and hydrating, but never seems to overload the delicate undereye area either. Perfect in every way - I'll always have a jar of this in my skincare cabinet.

Antipodes Halo Skin-Brightening Mud Mask* (75g, £26.99, link)

One of the newer products from Antipodes, the Halo Skin-Brightening Mud Mask was only released last year and quickly became very popular online. I've been dying to try it out for such a long time and I'm pleased to say that it really does live up to all of the hype. This mask is what I would call a true multi-tasker because it delivers so many benefits for the skin, and is fantastic if you're after a quick fix before a special occasion or night out. With a base of Kaolin Clay and Volcanic New Zealand Mud, Halo will brighten and tighten your complexion in a mere 15 minutes - it's a must try!

Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum* (30ml, £36.99, link)

If you're looking to jumpstart your evening skincare routine, one of the easiest ways to start seeing noticeable results is with a high-quality night serum and Joyous ticks all of the right boxes for what my skin needs right now. This intensive treatment serum contains an expert blend of natural active ingredients to eradicate signs of dryness and dehydration, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and help repair any damage from free radicals. Key ingredients include Himalayan Goji Berry which contains 19 amino acids to replenish the skin deep down; Red Raspberry Seed Oil and New Zealand Blackcurrant, both offering rich sources of essential fats such as Gamma-Linolenic Acid, and Kiwi Seed Oil to further nourish and hydrate. 

Joyous has a gorgeous, natural berry-rich scent that I find very relaxing and spa-like, and it layers well underneath moisturisers and facial oils. I believe most skin types will enjoy this, especially if your complexion needs a moisturising boost and if the first signs of ageing are a concern to you, this will help to keep them at bay for a little longer.

Do you have any favourites from Antipodes?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Superfood Skincare: 4 Avocado Oil Heroes from Antipodes

Since the birth of the Instagram-worthy 'Avocado On Toast' craze that transformed everyone's breakfasts and brunches, there's been a lot of renewed interest into the health and skincare benefits of the humble avocado. 

Needless to say, the skincare world was way ahead of the trend as many brands, especially organic/natural beauty ones, were already using ingredients like Avocado Oil in their products. One such brand to use this hero ingredient are Antipodes who use Organic Avocado Oil in a number of their skincare products. I'm a big fan of Antipodes as regular readers will know, so I jumped at the chance to adapt some of my skincare routine to include these four products which are rich in Avocado Oil to see whether I would see a difference in my skin. I've been testing them out for around 4 weeks now, so here are my thoughts. 

 Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream* (60ml, £28.99, link)

I've been through a couple of tubes of this moisturiser in the past and it's definitely something that I can see myself going back to again and again in the future. Whenever I return to it, I always think - "Why did I stop using this?!", so it's been a pleasure to be reunited with it. The Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream is suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types and it's very different from most moisturisers aimed at these categories, simply because it's very hydrating and doesn't leave the skin matte or stripped of its natural oils. Instead, it uses a whole host of organic ingredients such as Manuka Flower Oil, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil and Jojoba Oil, to regenerate, moisturise and balance the skin, resulting in softer, smoother skin. I've also noticed that my skin has become less oily over time - the longer I've used it, the more balanced I've seen it become.

With this moisturiser, a little goes a long way and you'll likely need to use a lot less than you initially think because it's so hydrating. The packaging is a bit unconventional as it comes in a recycled tube (watch out the very first time you open it as a lot of the product wants to come out!), but I've soon gotten used to it!

 Antipodes Divine Face Oil* (30ml, £19.99, link)

If you only try one product from Antipodes, go for this one! It's amazing and surprisingly very affordable compared to similar products from other brands that I've used. Their Divine Face Oil is something that I would recommend to anyone who's new to the world of face oils as it's light, not greasy and absorbs easily. I know some people are put off by the thought of a heavy oil, so this one offers a much nicer sensory introduction! 

Packed full of skin nourishing ingredients like Rosehip Oil, Macadamia Oil, Jojoba Oil, and our hero Avocado Oil, the Divine Face Oil is a real treat for the skin as it offers deep hydration and also helps to balance it out. The biggest difference that I see when I use this, is that my skin looks a lot more glowy in the morning (I always tend to use face oils at night but you can, of course, use it in the day if you like as it works well underneath makeup), so it's ideal for anyone who wants a brightening pick-me-up for dull skin.

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream* (60ml, £32.99, link)

This night cream is a firm favourite amongst skincare gurus and bloggers alike, so I was really excited to finally try it for myself. It's won a Green Beauty Bible Award, and like many of Antipodes' products, has been scientifically shown to stimulate Type 1 Collagen Production in Humans (this particular night cream boasts up to 92% stimulation!), providing the proof that natural based skincare can be just as effective as mainstream equivalents when a brand knows what they're doing with formulas and skincare technology.

I've been enjoying using the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream, especially throughout February when it was really cold as I felt like it protected my skin against the elements and also helped to keep it thoroughly hydrated. I have a feeling though that this may be too rich for me to use during the summer months, and I can imagine this suiting drier and more mature skin types a lot more than oily/combination ones due to the high content of ingredients such as Shea Butter, Squalene, Avocado Oil and Coconut Oil. That said, I can use it sparingly and so far my skin has been thanking me for it! 

 Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream* (120ml, £28.99, link)

Joyful is a Hand & Body Cream that's truly fit for a Queen. It has one of the most luxurious scents that I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing (think fresh juicy berries and floral Hibiscus - mmm!), and the velvety texture of the cream is just incredible. It's made from a 98% naturally derived formulation which makes the most out of two ultra-hydrating ingredients; Avocado Oil and Macadamia Oil, leaving hands and body feeling as soft as a newborn baby. 

This is definitely something that I reserve for 'pampering treats' and special occasions, and it's a lovely product to reach for if you've had a crappy day and need some cheering up. The colour of the packaging alone just makes me feel instantly happier whenever I see it and the fragrance is simply heavenly. A real luxury treat to use!

 Have you tried any of these?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Travel Size Beauty: Plastic-Free Minis from Antipodes (Get 20% off at Feel Unique & Beauty Bay)

Lucky enough to be getting some Winter Sun this month? If you're jetting off to sunnier climes, make sure to pop these brilliant plastic-free beauty minis from Antipodes into your carry-on.

As regular readers will know, I absolutely love Antipodes natural and organic skincare, and I was pleased to discover recently that their range of minis is virtually plastic-free - yay! Instead, the main element of packaging comes in either glass or aluminium tubes, both of which can be easily recycled after use.

So if you're stocking up on your beauty minis for your travels this year, why not check these out? They're also perfect for anyone who wants to try out the products before committing to purchasing the full-sizes and I have three of the brand's bestsellers for travellers below:-

 Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum* (10ml, £12.49)

Travelling can really suck all of the moisture out of your skin, especially if you're flying, so make sure you're prepared with an intensive hydrating serum such as Hosanna. This incredible oil-free serum is beautifully lightweight and easily absorbed to help improve the skin's overall appearance for a more youthful and plumped up glow. Key ingredients include Vinanza Grape which helps to boost elasticity, firmness and prevents moisture loss, Mamaku Black Fern to further firm up and protect the skin's natural barrier and Waiwera Artesian Water which delivers essential nutrients and antioxidants to the skin's epidermal layer for a healthier-looking complexion.

Antipodes Worship Skin Defence Antioxidant Serum* (10ml, £12.49)

For skin that's fighting the early signs of ageing, Worship is a fantastic antioxidant-rich serum that works as a preventative against future free radical damage. Boasting an interesting superfruit complex called Vinanza Oxifend Plus which is made up of potent extracts of Boysenberry, Blackcurrant, Kiwifruit and Vinanza Grape, this serum acts as your secret weapon to keep skin looking younger and more vibrant for longer. I'd recommend it for all skin types and ages over 30+.

Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream* (15ml, £11.95)

To compliment your serum, a rich nourishing night cream can definitely help to lock in all of that goodness, whilst providing additional skincare benefits of its own as Avocado Pear clearly demonstrates. This luxurious feeling nighttime moisturiser is packed full of hydrating heroes such as Avocado Oil, Manuka Honey and Vinanza Grape, and it helps to stimulate collagen production by up to 92%. A wonderful all-rounder for those who are looking for an evening skincare routine which does more!

Shop Antipodes minis at Feel Unique and Beauty Bay currently with 20% off for a limited time

Are you a fan of Antipodes?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Autumn Skincare: 3 Serums & Oils To Try From Antipodes

It might not be time to put the central heating on just yet, but if you've been feeling like your skin could use some extra TLC now that Autumn is here, why not try one of these products from Antipodes?

Autumn can be a tricky time for skincare as your normal routine may require some little tweaks here and there to help prep your skin for the colder weather. One easy way to instantly upgrade your morning and/or evening skincare routine is to add a more hydrating product, and this can be beneficial for all skin types to keep it looking its best against the colder elements.

Below are my three top picks from the popular organic and natural skincare brand Antipodes, which I've been enjoying using lately.

Best For Oily, Combination & Acne Prone Skin: Antipodes H20 Hosanna Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum* (25ml, £27.99, link)

For those of you that have oily or acne-prone skin, you may choose to skip a serum or a face oil for fear of it breaking you out, but a high-quality serum with the right ingredients and formula can give your skin the essential moisture that it needs, but without overloading it or clogging pores. Antipodes' H20 Hosanna Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum is a brilliant example of a product that can work for these more troublesome skin types because it's oil-free and wonderfully lightweight. This serum helps to boosts the skin's natural production of Type l and lll collagen and elastin by up to 72%, plus it contains plant-based antioxidants to plump up and repair damaged skin, making it ideal for those who are looking to improve the appearance of acne and blemish scars.

Best For Early Signs Of Ageing & Anti-Ageing: Antipodes Worship Superfruit Antioxidant Serum* (30ml, £33.99, link)

If you're after something that's on the next level up when it comes to powerful and effective antioxidants, Worship Superfruit Antioxidant Serum is the one to try as it's packed full of them! Featuring Antipodes' unique Vinanza Oxifend Plus® superfruit complex which combines Boysenberry, Blackcurrant, Kiwi Fruit and Vinanza Grape Seeds, Worship gives the skin a real boost which helps to fortify the natural barrier against free radical damage, thus preventing some of those telltale early signs of ageing. I really love using this water-based serum, which has a great lightweight texture and is easily absorbed, because it layers nicely underneath other moisturisers and face oils, and makes my skin feel fully protected.

Best For Dry, Stressed & Dehydrated: Antipodes Divine Face Oil* (30ml, £18.99, link) 

I always find that I use more face oils during the Autumn and Winter months than at any other time of the year, and once again, I've been reaching for the Divine Face Oil which I've been a long-term fan of for many years now. Divine contains a superb blend of plant-based oils that are rich in fatty acids such Omega 9 that keeps the skin moisturised and strong, no matter what the weather throws at it. Avocado, Macadamia, Jojoba and Rosehip Oils all work together with added Vitamin E to make sure that your skin is hydrated, feels soft and looks more radiant. There's also a small amount of Ylang Ylang, Sweet Orange and Jasmine essential oils which give it a thoroughly luxurious and pampering subtle fragrance, that makes this face oil such a pleasure to use, especially before going to bed.

Have you tried any of these?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Currently Loving: 4 Vegan-Friendly Skincare Favourites from Antipodes

Antipodes are one of my favourite natural and organic skincare brands, but did you know that many of their products are also suitable for vegans to use? Here are my top 4 vegan-friendly picks from the popular luxury New Zealand brand. 

Best for Sensitive Skin: Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser* (120ml, £24.99, link) 

One of the most annoying things about the mainstream skincare industry is the prevalence of products that are targeted at sensitive skin, which are anything but gentle. The mind truly boggles! Luckily though, sensitive skin types can enjoy this Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser from Antipodes which is fragrance-free and dermatologically approved for sensitive and irritated skin. The ultra-soothing formula uses a natural but powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient called Vinanza Oxifend, which is extracted from sustainably grown Pinot Noir Grapes. It also contains Avocado Oil and Marigold Bloom to nourish and soften, making this cleanser suitable for both morning and evening use. You can use Grace as a makeup remover too, but I prefer it more as a second cleanser in the evening, as it struggles with waterproof and stubborn liquid foundation formulas. However, if you wear light or mineral based makeup though, this will work a treat!

Best for All Skin Types: Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator* (75ml, £21.99, link)

If you're looking for an extremely gentle manual exfoliator to add to your skincare routine, Reincarnation is a must-try. Key ingredients include Avocado Oil, Kaolin, Apricot Oil, Calendula Oil and Marigold Flower Oil, which results in a thick and creamy formula that's studded with tiny, natural Jojoba beads. These minute scrubby particles expertly lift away dull, dead skin cells, leaving your complexion looking much clearer and brighter in a matter of minutes. The beauty of this exfoliator is that it's so gentle and feels very nourishing, so if you suffer from blackheads or clogged pores, you can use this on a more regular basis than most other manual face polishes, without worrying about it being too harsh or abrasive for your skin. 

Best for Oily, Sensitive & Combination Skin: Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream* (60ml, £25.99, link)

I've used this moisturiser on and off for many years now and it's one of the best light day creams that I've found for oily skin. In fact, it's one that I use the most during the Summer months when my combination skin is at its oiliest because it does such a fantastic job of helping to balance those excess sebum levels. I think Rejoice works so well for me because of this awesome balancing formula - it doesn't strip the skin and it doesn't mattify, which is the most common downfall of most moisturisers that are aimed at oily skin types (stripping and mattifying only leads the skin to produce even more sebum as it tries to compensate for this moisture loss, so you end up getting stuck in a vicious cycle!).  Alongside Avocado, Macadamia and Jojoba Oils, you'll find Organic Manuka Flower Oil which is revered for its natural healing properties and I feel like this plays a part in helping to keep blemishes at bay. If all that doesn't sound good enough, this moisturiser is also clinically proven to boost the skin's natural production of Type l and lll collagen and elastin by up to 59%, so it's great for anti-ageing too.

Best for Everyone: Antipodes Immortal SPF 15 Face & Body Moisturiser* (60ml, £28.99, link)

Although Summer is a long way off, if you're starting to think about SPF protection for the coming Spring months, swapping your moisturiser for one that contains SPF 15 like Immortal can be a very beneficial skincare step to take. Formulated with a hero plant-based Hyaluronic Acid that locks in moisture, it also has the likes of Vinanza Grape, Kiwi Extract and Reishi, the latter of which encourages healthy cell growth, so this moisturiser is ideal for those looking for anti-ageing and firming benefits. Suitable for both face and body, Immortal has a slightly thicker than I was expecting consistency and feels a bit greasy when first applied, however after a few minutes or so, it absorbs and creates a nice smooth canvas for applying makeup afterwards. A hidden gem in Antipodes' skincare range!

Have you tried any of these?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Green Beauty Must-Haves: Antipodes Hand & Body Creams review

Many green beauty fans love Antipodes' skincare with their gorgeous serums and face oils being incredibly popular all over the world, but have you tried their Hand & Body Creams? These hidden gems are a must-have for anyone who likes to indulge in some luxurious pampering.

There's rarely a month that goes by where I don't sing the praises of the New Zealand based, cruelty-free brand Antipodes - they are one of my all-time favourite natural and organic companies and you can find all of my reviews and features of the products that I've used from them here if you fancy a catch-up read.

I've long been a fan of their Joyful Hand & Body Cream which has the most divine fragrance (seriously, you have to experience it for yourself!), so I was really excited to receive their two other versions in the post last month. These are all packaged in fully recyclable aluminium tubes so they're a great luxury option for those looking to cut down on their plastic waste.  Let's check these beauties out!

Antipodes Delight Hand & Body Cream* 

Starting off with Delight, this 98% natural Hand & Body Cream contains some key hydrating wonders from the plant world such as Macadamia Oil, Vinanza Grape, Avocado Oil and Marigold Flower Oil to deeply hydrate and keep skin softer for longer. This is a good one to try if you enjoy sweet, creamy floral scents as it features a strong Vintage Gardenia fragrance which means that you can skip wearing your usual perfume for the day.

Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream* 

My dear long-time lover, the decadent and heady scent of Joyful always puts me in a good mood, bringing a guaranteed amount of joy to any pampering/self-care session at home! It's also one of my favourite summer fragrances thanks to an exotic floral blend of Wild Blackcurrants and Hibiscus Flower. The moisturising base formula contains Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil, Marigold Flower Oil and Vitamin E for silky soft skin.

Antipodes Jubilation Hand & Body Cream*

If you have very dry skin and want to take it up a notch in the hydration stakes, Jubilation is the one for you. This ultra-nourishing Hand & Body Cream has a slightly richer and thicker texture than the two above, and it features essential Omegas 3, 6 and 9, as well as Vitamins A, C and E to feed your skin all the good stuff that it needs to replenish and repair. Avocado Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, and Kiwifruit Seed Oil work together to deeply moisturise dry skin types, whilst Feijoa and Wild Blackcurrant essential oils offer an uplifting and sophisticated floral fragrance.

Have you tried any of these?

Antipodes Hand & Body Creams (120ml, £28.99 each) are available from LoveLula.com

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Skincare Review: Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream & Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum

Throughout Organic September last month, I've been trialling this skincare duo from the much loved natural New Zealand brand, Antipodes. Here are my thoughts on these two blogger favourites.

Read more

Skincare Review: Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream & Eye Cream

Fans of Antipodes' much loved Aura Manuka Honey Mask will be delighted to learn that two new products have recently been launched to extend the Manuka Honey range; a brightening Light Day Cream and a matching Eye Cream. I've been putting them to the test for the past month.

Read more

Skincare Review: The Double Cleanse with Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser & Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser

Double cleansing is something that I got into about two years ago and it's really helped to clear up my skin. I tend to switch around the cleansers that I use for doing it, and currently, these two from Antipodes have been working exceptionally well for me.

Read more

December Empties: Products I've Used Up

 

Happy New Year! It seems rather fitting to kick start the new year with an Empties post as we say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new! I have a LOT of empties so let's jump straight in, shall we? Here's what I've used up recently, my final thoughts on them and which ones I'll be repurchasing again in the future.

Nature's Notes Stress Relief Bergamot & Lavender Soap Bar* (review)

Nature's Notes were one of my favourite indie beauty finds of 2020 and I absolutely love their gorgeous range of natural soap bars. This Stress Relief Soap had a lovely relaxing scent which made it ideal to use in the shower, and they're great as a hand soap as well. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up a few others!

Antipodes Jubilation Hand & Body Cream* (review)

For a luxury natural hand and body cream, you really can't go wrong with anything from Antipodes and their iconic colourful metal tubes are incredibly popular for a reason. The texture of these moisturisers leaves skin velvety soft and the fragrances are beautiful - Jubilation is a good one to try if you love floral scents. Repurchase? Yes.

Balade en Provence Solid Night Cream* (review)

Featured back in my November Beauty Favourites, I've really enjoyed using this Solid Night Cream bar from Balade en Provence. If you want to include more zero-waste products in your skincare routine, I would highly recommend it! The only problem I had with it was that it became a bit more difficult to melt and use in my hands as the temperature dropped so I'll be waiting until Spring before I buy it again. Repurchase? Yes.

Fair Squared Apricot Facial Mask* (review)

Plastic-free skincare fans will love this Fair Squared Apricot Facial Mask which you can use with their cotton face mask that's 100% reusable as you can wash it after use. It's a brilliant alternative to disposable sheet masks! I got around 4-5 applications from this glass bottle. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel* (review)

One of the most hyped skincare releases of 2020, Antipodes' Baptise H2O Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel does what it says on the jar as it offers essential hydration to all skin types in a light and water-based gel moisturiser. If you hate heavy face creams, this is definitely one to try. Repurchase? Will do once I've used up some others.

Odacité Black Cumin Serum Concentrate* (review)

I've been fighting blemishes and breakouts with another bottle of Odacité Black Cumin Concentrate - this must be my third or fourth bottle that I've used up over the years. As the name suggests, it's a concentrated serum, so only a tiny amount is needed and I dab this directly onto any spots or congested areas. Come morning, most blemishes are gone or their appearance has been diminished significantly. I can't recommend it enough! Repurchase? Definitely!

Weleda Calendula Massage & Body Oil

I treated myself to this over the Summer months and just love the lemony-sherbert style scent it has as it's so fresh and uplifting. The oil itself is beautiful and silky - a great way to enjoy a pampering session at home after a long hot bath. Repurchase? Yes.

EQ EVOA Siberian Balm* (review)

A highly potent all-natural balm for clearing congested chests/noses when you have the flu or a bad cold, EQ EVOA Siberian Balm is one of the best natural remedies that I've tried. A tiny amount goes a long way and it gets to work immediately when you need it the most. Repurchase? Yes.

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil

You can't beat a nice hot bath when it's freezing cold outside and I just love all the Bath & Shower Oils that Aromatherapy Associates do - over the years, I must have tried them all! One of my absolute favourites is called Revive Morning as it does just that and is a great way to wake up when you have some extra time on your hands.

Antipodes Resurrect Clarifying Facial Toner* (review)

If you have oily/combination skin, you can't go wrong with Antipodes Resurrect Clarifying Facial Toner. I use this a lot when my skin is playing up as it always helps to calm everything down, reduces any redness and rebalances excess oiliness, especially on the T-zone area for a clearer complexion. Repurchase? Yes.

Antipodes Divine Face Oil* (review)

Especially useful for dry, combination, dehydrated and stressed skin types, Antipodes Divine Face Oil is one of those products that I always have in my skincare arsenal and I've been using it for years now. It's a rich, plant-based oil so a little goes a long way, and I find it works particularly well when added to your skincare routine from Autumn onwards. Repurchase? Yes.

REN Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash* (review)

Last but not least, I've finished up another bottle of REN Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Body Wash - a lovely luxury shower gel infused with Magnesium to soothe tired and sore muscles. It's great to use after pilates and yoga sessions. Repurchase? Yes.

P.S - How To Recycle Your Beauty Empties!

All of the glass and easy-to-recycle plastic PET empties will be put into my council's blue bin kerbside recycling scheme, but for the harder-to-recycle stuff, I will be:-

• Recycling the pumps, lids and atomisers with Neal's Yard Remedies - more info at the bottom of their website here.
• Recycling any other products that my local council doesn't accept at The Body Shop, L'Occitane or with Garnier's Terracycle partnership - more info here.

What have you used up recently?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Currently Loving: Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream review

My dry undereyes may have finally found their perfect partner in Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream.  For anyone who suffers from the same problem, this one is definitely worth trying out.  

Read more

New In Beauty: Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream review

 

If you've been following my blog for a while now, you'll know that Antipodes are one of my favourite natural and organic skincare brands, so it's always exciting when I receive a new product release from them! Introducing their new Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream and all the reasons why you should be adding this to your shopping list ASAP.

What Is It?

Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream is a weightless water cream that delivers skin-loving probiotics and all-night hydration. Think of it as a repairing and nourishing nighttime moisturiser.

What Are The Key Ingredients?

This cream has been formulated with an innovative probiotic called Kalibiome AGE which is made up of entirely natural bacteria that's been carefully chosen to help repair and replenish the skin whilst you sleep. Other key ingredients include the ultra-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and the New Zealand sourced Mamaku Black Fern extract to boost moisture levels even further.

Full INCI is: Aqua (water), glycerine, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, sodium acrylates copolymer & lecithin, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) oil, dehydroacetic acid, benzyl alcohol, glyceryl caprylate, bisabolol, sodium hyaluronate, xanthan gum & lecithin & sclerotium gum & pullulan, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract, organic, Lactobacillus ferment, mannitol, maltodextrin, sodium citrate, Cyathea medullaris (mamaku) black fern extract, Phormium tenax (harakeke) flax extract, Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) flower extract, mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, manganese violet, Fragrance of Deep Fresh Rose: citral†, citronellol†, geraniol†, d-Limonene†, linalool†.

Which Skin Types Can Use It?

This moisturiser is ideal for Dull, Tired, Stressed and Dehydrated skin types, however, I imagine all skin types will enjoy using it. It's 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. 

How Do I Use It?

After cleansing and toning in the evening, apply a small amount all over the face, massaging it in. As it's so hydrating, it's not necessary to use any additional products afterward so it's the last step in your evening skincare routine.

Overall Thoughts

I've really been enjoying using the Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream. I love the super light, weightless feel of this product as I find that so many 'very moisturising' creams are too heavy and sticky for my skin, and this is the exact opposite. It absorbs quickly, yet my skin feels instantly plumped up and smoother, like it's had a big drink! 

In the morning, my complexion looks clearer and feels softer. I was initially a little worried that this may be too much moisture for my oily/combination skin type, but it just seems to balance everything out instead, so it's been brilliant to add to my nighttime skincare ritual. If you're already an Antipodes fan, it reminds me a lot of the Baptise Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel and the two combined would be a great fit to keep your skin's moisture levels at their best 24/7.

Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream* (60ml, £45, link)

Have you tried any new products recently?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more

Organic Beauty Week: Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask review

As Organic Beauty Week draws to a close, it feels fitting to feature a product that I like to use for Sunday pampering sessions, and one that a lot of skincare fans constantly rave about.

Read more

New In Beauty: Beauty Cleanse Nearly Everything Powder Mask, Samaya Rejuvenating Eye Cream Kapha & Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum review

 

Time for shiny newness in the green beauty world with these amazing new kids on the block from Beauty Cleanse, Samaya and Antipodes. Let's go!

The New Multi-Tasker: Beauty Cleanse Nearly Everything Powder Mask* (45g, £27, link)

Designed to declutter and simplify your skincare routine, Beauty Cleanse's new Nearly Everything Powder Mask is a true multi-tasking genius that will transform how you view your beauty products. As the name suggests, this is a 'do it all powder mask', which will help all skin types and concerns and is made from 100% natural ingredients such as Liquorice Root extract, Rice extract, Organic Aloe Vera extract, Vitamin C powder, Charcoal powder and Orange Turmeric extract. 

As it's waterless (which is better for the environment and your wallet as you get twice as much product), you simply mix a teaspoon of powder with a 1/3 of a teaspoon of water to create a smooth paste that you apply directly to clean skin. Leave for around 20 minutes and then rinse away with warm water. You can also use it as dedicated spot treatment, applying where it's needed, as well as a hand and foot mask too.

Thanks to the clever combination of ingredients, the Nearly Everything Powder Mask is brilliant for a deep cleanse to remove impurities and unclog pores, and it's amazing for giving the complexion a brightening and revitalised boost. A winner all round!

The New Luxury Eye Cream: Samaya Rejuvenating Eye Cream Kapha* (15ml, £59, link)

Fans of luxury ayurvedic skincare are going to fall in love with the new range of eye creams from Samaya. When I originally tried out Samaya a few years ago, I thought it would be a good idea for them to bring out an eye cream to compliment their cleansers and moisturisers, so it's fantastic to finally see this come to life and the wait has definitely been worth it!

Mixing together clinically proven plant-actives such as Probiotics, Caffeine and Green Tea, with specially selected potent Ayurvedic botanicals like Ashwagandha, Sandalwood, Vetivert and Gotu Kola, Samaya have created eye creams for each dosha type and I've been trialling the Kapha one with excellent results. Since using it over a month ago, my undereyes feel much smoother and my eyes look brighther overall. I'm also intrigued by the anti-pollution and photo-protection properties against different light forms such as UV and blue light to see what the long term results will be like.

The New Vitamin C Serum: Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum* (30ml, £35, link)

The last product that I wanted to mention in this New In Beauty round-up is the latest release by New Zealand brand Antipodes, who you all know I'm incredibly fond of and have used a lot of over the years. Again, I was very excited to see this newbie come onto the market as Antipodes are famed for their serums and I've always felt like they've been missing a Vitamin C based one - lo and behold, the Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum has been born!

Suitable for vegans, this serum is described as 'golden hour in a bottle' and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dull ones. The key superstar ingredient in this is called Kakadu Plum which contains 100x more Vitamin C than oranges. It's also rich in Bakuchiol and plant-based Hyaluronic Acid to plump skin, boost collagen and protect against free radicals that cause premature ageing. The brightening effects can be seen within less than four weeks of regular daily use, so get a head start on your glowing Christmas selfies and add this to your skincare routine now.

What's new on your beauty shelf?

Follow me on: BlogLovin' | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Read more