Nude by Nature skincare range

Where I got it: I got sent this for review, but they are available from Farmers and leading pharmacies.

What I got: I got a Nude Daily Cleanser, Nude Miracle Serum, Nude Oil and a Nude Intense Moisturiser.

How I find it:

Daily Cleanser 125ml $24.95: This cleanser comes in a tube and is suitable for all skin types. The formula is clear and smells like lemons!! It smells soo refreshing! It has a gel texture that is quite slippery. The cleanser contains witch hazel, Pro-vitamin B5 and Vitamin E. The gel foams up easily, but it does feel a little too slippery for me. Washing off does need a bit of help because it can feel like there is a slippery residue. However, after thoroughly washing off, skin feels really clean and fresh!

Miracle Serum 30mL $38.95: This serum comes in a glass bottle with a dropper. The texture is kind of like a gel-cream therefore when it comes out from the dropper it doesn’t come out like a drop of serum, more like a blob of gel-cream. The serum does melt into a gel texture on my hand because of the warmth. I use about 3 drops for my entire face. The serum is oil-free and contains ingredients like green tea extract and Hyaluronic acid to hydrate and protect against free radicals.

Nude Intense Moisturiser 60mL $29.95: This is for normal to dry skin. It deeply hydrates and protect the skin with naturally derived ingredients including Jojoba Oil and beetroot complex, while hyaluronic acid helps reduce visible signs of ageing. I use about 2 pumps for my entire face and neck as I have combination skin. It is a bit thick, but not greasy and sticky at all. Absorbs quickly and easily, it doesn’t leave my combination skin feeling uncomfortable. The scent is somewhat interesting and I can’t seem to pin-point what it smells like.

Nude Oil 60mL $24.95: This natural blend of oils will deeply hydrate the skin leaving it soft and supple to reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Contains Vitamin A & E, Rosehip oil, Calendula and Chamomile oils. The oil is clear and is absorbed easily. The ingredients in this oil is safe to use during pregnancy to prevent stretch marks. I use about 3 drops for the face, but more for my belly 🙂

Overall: The packaging of the products are beautiful are quite unique. I love the semi-clear glass bottles for the oil and serum. The serum is my favorite while the Nude oil is second runner up. The cleanser is a bit slippery for my liking, but it held its points because of its lovely lemon scent. The moisturiser I can use during colder months or when my  skin is feeling it needs a bit more moisture.

Disclaimer: I am not paid to do these reviews. All reviews are of my honest and personal opinions.

Plantae Certified Organic Supercritical Rosehip Fruit + Seed Facial Serum

Where I got it: I was sent this for review but you can get this from the Plantae website for $44.90.

What I got: This is a bottle of the Certified Organic Supercritical Rosehip Fruit + seed facial serum from Plantae. A high potency Rosehip Oil concentrate containing the complete nutritive benefits of the whole fruit. This unique synergistic blend of both Rosehip Fruit + Seed delivers natural Vitamin C, Pro-Vitamin A and Essential fatty acids to condition and improve skin firmness and elasticity.

How I find it: After cleansing and toning, I use the dropper to dispense 3-5 drops of this oil to my palms, warm it up by rubbing my palms together then press it onto my face. The oil smells really nice of Rosehip and feels non-greasy after about a minute for the skin to absorb. I use this at night only because it tends to be a bit too oily to use during day time.

Overall: The facial serum is lovely to use and I love the smell of rosehip! The dropper bottle is also very easy to use. I am getting quite careful of what I use as skincare now that I am pregnant. Rosehip and rose oil are fine and all Plantae products are paraben free and certified organic.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System

Where I got it: I was sent this for review, but this is widely available from leading pharmacies, supermarkets, etc. for $34.49. Replacement heads are $9.99 for 2.

What I got: This is the Olay Regenerist Advanced Cleansing System (also known as ProX system in other parts of the world). The set comes in a beautiful box complete with instructions, the hand-held device, 2xAA batteries, 20ml gentle cleanser and a brush head. This system is said to be a more affordable version of the Clarisonic (I have the Clarisonic Mia2 and I love it!)

How I find it: Putting together the parts is quite easy really, the hardest part is getting the battery compartment out because if your hands don’t have grip, its really hard to pull the bottom part out which is where the batteries go. As soon as the batteries are in, I just pop on the brush head and its ready! The first time using this I cleansed my face from makeup with cleansing oil, then rinsed off. I then wet the Olay Cleansing brush head and apply some of the Olay Regenerist Skin Renewal cleanser onto the brush head. Switch it on and start moving it around my face. I use the low speed first to spread the cleanser around, then use the high speed to deep clean. After about a minute, I rinse off the cleanser and my skin feels really clean and soft.

Overall: The bristles are really soft and the rotational motion is rather gentle as well. It cleanses well and the brush head is easy to clean. I use this with my Michael Todd Charcoal cleanser or my Shiseido Ibuki cleanser and they all work fantastic. I would avoid using a cleanser with beads that will get caught between the bristles.

For the comparison to Clarisonic. This uses batteries and needs to be replaced, Clarisonic is rechargable. They are both waterproof so you can use them both in the shower. Olay is definitely more affordable than Clarisonic. Olay is a rotational motion, but Clarisonic is a super fast back and forth (clockwise, anticlockwise motion with forward and backward) motion. Clarisonic cleanses deeper but can be a bit harsh to sensitive skin. Olay has only one type of brush head for all skin types, Clarisonic has a couple to choose from for different skin types. Clarisonic has a timer (1 minute), Olay doesn’t. Olay is more gentle (I would use it on my eyes sometimes to remove really stubborn waterproof mascara residue) than the Clarisonic.

Overall, I think Olay is definitely a easy to access and affordable option from the Clarisonic.

Michael Todd True Organics Walnut Grapefruit Polishing Scrub

Where I got it: I got this as a gift in a special offer on Michael Todd website – it was buy anything from the website and get this scrub and a travel size Pumpkin Mask for free. In this offer, I got the Blue Green Algae Toner and got this for free. This is usually USD$ 14.00.

What I got: This is a 300ml tube of Walnut Grapefruit Polishing Scrub by Michael Todd True Organics. This organically based body polishing scrub needs to be used to be truly appreciated. The first thing you notice is the delicious grapefruit scent which is just so fresh and clean it primes your senses for what is about to follow. Then the powerful cleanser infused with walnut shell powder polishes away the dead, dry, flaky skin and stimulates production of fresh, healthy layers of skin. Reduces the size and frequency of blemishes and leaves the skin soft, smooth and more youthful looking while providing critical hydration. 70% organic.

How I find it: This scrub is absolutely fantastic! The fluid texture of this scrub makes it really easy to spread. The exfoliating beads are really fine and not abrasive at all. The scrub smells really nice and it is not slippery at all. Once you have scrubbed to your hearts content, washing off is easy. I am then left with silky and polished skin. I love it.

Overall: Love this scrub. My previous favourite scrub (St Ives) was no longer produced, but now I have found a new favourite! However the tube or formula does make it a little difficult to squeeze out. Sometimes it is too liquid, sometimes it is too grainy. You need to gently mix it up before you use it, but don’t shake it up otherwise the scrub will come out foamy. Michael Todd has just done a new packaging of this scrub in a bottle packaging which will me much easier to use! Definitely going to repurchase.

Disclaimer: I am not paid to do these reviews. All reviews are of my honest and personal opinions.

Michael Todd True Organics Blue Green Algae Toner

Where I got it: I got this from the Michael Todd website for USD$18.00. I have also bought the Acne or Oily Skin Regime for USD$70 (RRP $132, but its always on sale).

What I got: This is a 250ml bottle of Michael Todd True Organics Blue Green Algae Toner. This organic toner’s fragrance of fresh lavender with a hint of birchwood will have you thinking you just stepped into a luxury spa. Rich in vital nutrients, trace elements and amino acids, blue green algae and organic kelp in a base of soothing aloe vera juice penetrate deeply into the skin to speed the elimination of toxins, promote cellular renewal, naturally nourish and neutralizes the skin.  Also contains black willow tree extract recognized for thousands of years for its healing power and fresh, warm, spicy tea tree oil a powerful immune stimulant to help fight infections and promote clear skin. 97% organic. I also have the Organic Lemon AHA +DMAE toner.

How I find it: After cleansing, I use a good amount of this toner with a cotton pad then wipe all over my face. It takes the rest of the dirt off my face and leaves it feeling clean and soft. Then I will apply my serum and moisturiser as usual.

Overall: This is a fantastic toner! I like how it is antibacterial but does not contain alcohol so it doesn’t make my skin dry at all! The smell is different but I quite like it. I think this is one of my favorite product in the Michael Todd True Organics skincare range.

Disclaimer: I am not paid to do these reviews. All reviews are of my honest and personal opinions.

Michael Todd True Organics for Acne/Oily Skin

Where I got it: I got this on the Michael Todd website while it is on special at USD$70 and I got a 30% discount code as a limited offer! That makes it USD$56.95 (total value of $130.00!). Keep an eye out for discount codes because they happen often and there are plenty of beauty gurus out there with 20% discount code! Here’s my invite link for the Michael Todd products! Once you have made your first purchase, you automatically get 20% off all orders for an entire year (the discount will not be combined with any other offer).

Above: My box arrived safe and sound! Soooo excited!

What I got: This is a Michael Todd True Organics skincare set for acne or oily skin. The set contains full-sized products: Charcoal Detox cleanser, Organic Lemon AHA + DMAE toner, Kaolin Clay mask, Antioxidant Carrot serum and Jojoba Charcoal Scrub plus a travel size Pumpkin mask. This is such a bargain – about NZD$70 for 5 products that has so much hype on the internet!

Above: The line up of products!

How I find it:

Charcoal Detox Cleanser $24.00: This 210mL pump bottle of detoxifying facial cleanser is particularly effective in caring for blemished and oily skin types as well as combination and normal skin. The creamy vegan cleanser is infused with Activated Charcoal to deeply clean pores of toxins and bacteria for smoother clearer skin. Activated Charcoal is an amazingly absorbent substance, widely known for its ability to effectively cleanse the skin, unclog pores, and remove deeper impurities and dead skin cells. It’s ingredients are 70% organic. I remove makeup first, then I wet my face and hands and use one full pump of this cleanser on my palms, rub them together and massage on my face. The black gel texture is rather thick so it didn’t lather up quite a lot using hands (not even with my Clarisonic. The cleanser is really comfortable to use and it rinses off easily without having to rub it off with my hands too much. Smells great and feels great after washing off. On closer look, it is a clear gel base with fine charcoal particles.

Above: Charcoal detox gel cleanser – single pump

Organic Lemon AHA + DMAE toner $18.00: This 250mL bottle of cool and refreshing organic lemon toner literally smells like a freshly made lemon pie. Made with extracts of lemons, oranges and cranberries in a base of healing organic aloe vera juce and blended with DMAE and alpha hydroxy acids. Also contains black willow tree extract recognized for thousands of years for its healing power and fresh, warm, spicy tea tree oil a powerful immune stimulant to help fight infections and promote clear skin. Clears away excess oil and lingering impurities while working to maintain the skin’s ideal moisture levels. It’s ingredients are 96% organic! After washing my face and drying off, I use a few drops of this toner on a cotton pad and wipe all over my face. This toner smells really really nice and it feels nice on my skin too! It is not too drying or tingling and I love how it has tea tree in here. This toner has been praised by a lot of people using the Michael Todd skincare range so I need to use this consistently to see what they hype is all about!

Above: Organic Lemon Toner on cotton pad

Kaolin Clay mask $34.00: This 100mL bottle of soft purifying clay mask uses the exceptional absorbent properties of French green and white and pink Kaolin clays to detoxify the skin, replace minerals and improve skin tone without dryness or irritation. Tightens pores and significantly improves smoothness. Also balances oiliness and aids in the elimination of blemishes. Not suitable for sensitive skin. 2-3 times a week, after washing and drying my face, I use 2-3 pumps of this clay mask onto my face evenly (love the pump design). I was expecting a white and thick clay consistency, but it was a orange-brown colour with a lotion texture. Upon application, I can feel the tingling on my skin immediately! It lingers for a bit but once its starts to dry up, the tingling fades. I love the tingling feeling because it feels like it is actually working, but I do know that it can be irritating to people with really sensitive skin. After about 10 minutes the clay mask dries and wash off is easy as well. Skin feels clean and smooth after washing off and I have experience no redness.

Above: Kaolin Clay mask – 2 pumps with this convenient air-tight pump dispenser

Antioxidant Carrot serum $37.00: This 30mL bottle of powerful anti-oxidant facial serum which is designed to balance all skin types and help it regenerate in a healthful fashion. Utilizes ingredients like organic aloe, green tea and vitamin B3 to minimize redness associated with acne and soothe the skin. It’s ingredients are 75% organic. After toning my skin, I use 1 pump of this carrot serum which to me is like a moisturiser. The air-tight pump dispenser is really good so that the product stays fresh and active. The serum is not too rich and not too light, it feels just right on the skin although it does require a minute or two to settle into the skin. I don’t even need a moisturiser after this!

Above: Antioxidant Carrot Seum – one pump

Jojoba charcoal scrub $37.00: This 100mL tube of unique facial scrub formulated with Jojoba Wax Beads and Activated Charcoal to effectively remove dead skin, impurities and toxins. Jojoba Wax Beads provide gentle exfoliation without leaving microlacerations on delicate skin. Highly absorbent Activated Charcoal penetrates deeply into pores to draw out impurities and toxins. Refines texture and encourages skin renewal, leaving skin smooth and refreshed. After cleansing, I squeeze about a 2cm diameter of the scrub onto wet hands, dot on my face then massage with fingertips. The scrub has jojoba beads which gives exfoliation but not too abrasives.

Above: Jojoba Charcoal scrub – use on wet hands and face.

Pumpkin Mask: This mask contains pumpkin enzyme combining with glycolic acid to dissolve impurities like dead skin and clogged pores. Adds brightness and radiance to the skin and significantly improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after a single use. This product is for all skin types except sensitive. The powerful exfoliating properties of this mask may be irritating for certain skin types. Use caution when applying especially if you regularly use other exfoliating products such as Vitamin A, Alpha/Beta Hydroxy acids. This mask exfoliates using 5% glycolic acid and high concentrations of Proteolytic enzymes. Once a week after washing I apply about 2cm diameter of this pumpkin mask even over my face as a pick me up because this mask seems to be quite potent. Oh my, this looks and smell like PUMPKIN! I can’t believe it, I actually wanted to taste it!! After putting this pumpkin puree on my face for 5-10 minutes (with the same tingling sensation as the Kaolin mask), I rinse off with warm water and my skin just feels really smooth and bright! I did experience a small amount of redness on my cheeks but it wasn’t irritating and it faded after a minute or two.

Above: Pumpkin mask – this amount is enough for the whole face.

Overall: Love the cleanser and the toner. The masks area amazing, but be warned that they are rather strong (stings). The one item I don’t seem to use a lot would be the serum for some strange reason. I will be repurchasing these products and try some other masks and cleansers they have (I heard the Honey and Oat is quite good)

Thank you so much for reading!  xoxo

Disclaimer: I am not paid to do these reviews. All reviews are of my honest and personal opinions.

Plantæ Organic Eye Contour Cream

Where I got it: I was sent this for review but it is available on their website or a few selected stockist which can be found here for $40.90.

What I got: This is a 15ml pump bottle of Plantæ Certified Organic Eye Contour Cream with Pine Bark complex and Blackcurrant leaf extract. The light evanescent texture instantly absorbs with anti-ageing plant actives abundant with antioxidants, essential fatty acids (EFAs) and vitamins essential for skin regeneration. Blackcurrant Leaf and Pine Bark Complex contains polyphenols, a skin-nutrient that helps protect delicate skin from free radical damage by nurturing collagen synthesis.

How I find it:  Firstly I love the pump design and the very slight fragrance (smells really fresh and tree-like). The eye cream has a slight yellow tinge and the texture is quite creamy but not to the point it is really thick and sticky. It would suit normal skin and dry skin perfectly. People with combination/oily skin (like me) would prefer a lighter consistency for the day time and summer time as I find it takes me skin a while to fully absorb the eye cream. But during drier nights, I love using this to moisturise the skin around my eyes and keep fine lines at bay.

Overall: This is a lovely eye cream, the texture is smooth and leaves my skin moisturised. I like to use it at night when I am not wearing makeup and when my skin needs the moisture when it regenerates itself. The skin around my eye area is brighter and tighter! Loving Plantae products!

Disclaimer: I am not paid to do these reviews. All reviews are of my honest and personal opinions.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin

Where I got it: I was sent this for reviewing purposes but Neutrogena has been a brand that I have always love and feel confident about. This is available in your local supermarket, pharmacies and farmers, etc. for $15.99.

What I got:  This is a Neutrogena® Oil-Free Moisture for Combination Skin has a lightweight and non-greasy formula that is clinically proven to normalise combination skin. This moisturiser controls oil and shine, leaving skin with a natural, matte finish.

How I find it: This is a very ordinary moisturiser that provides oil-free moisturiser and nothing else. It is fuss-free and it is fragrance-free, colour-free so it will suit much teenage skin or people who do not want too much fuss about their moisturisers. This moisturiser works – end of story. It moisturises and it controls oil. I can use this day and night because it does not have SPF, so during the day I will use a Neutrogena sunscreen or a Shiseido sunscreen if I am not wearing any foundation. One pump is enough for the entire face.

Overall: Very trust-worthy product. Honestly I do like to try products that look more interesting with more effects (they claim). But in reality, products that are basic and simple (like Dove beauty bar) are my safety fall-backs when I have used too many different products and I start breaking out. When that happens, these products are like my detox weapons. So I always keep them for emergencies.

Disclaimer: I am not paid to do these reviews. All reviews are of my honest and personal opinions.

Health 2000 Antipodes competition!

Hello to all my readers! I was just told that Health2000 is holding a competition to win some amazing Antipodes products for sensitive skin including the Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser I reviewed here!

All you need to do is click on this link, enter your details, that’s it! I’ve already put my name down so fingers crossed!

The prize includes:    1 x Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser (120 x ml)
1 x Ananda Antioxidant- Rich Gentle Toner (100 x ml)
1 x Rejoice Light Facial Cream (60 x ml)

Good luck everyone!

(Competition closes 4pm on the 18th of October 2013. Winners will be notified via email.) 

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum and Eye Cream

Where I got it: I got sent this for reviewing purposes and I have been wanting to try this line from Neutrogena for a while now. You can get these from any large supermarkets, pharmacies , Farmers, etc. The serum and the eye cream are both RRP$39.99 each.

What I got: I am trying out the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair serum and eye cream. The range contains a unique combination of the following anti-aging essentials: Retinol SA to smooth wrinkles and reduces the appearance of age spots, Glucose Complex to help boost Retinol SA to accelerate skin surface activity for rapid results reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise, replenish and rejuvenate the look of skin. It claims to provide visible results in a week!

Above left to right: Serum, eye cream.

How I find it:

Rapid Wrinkle Repair serum: This is a 29mL tube of serum with a pump so that it is hygienic and provides a measured amount of product. I use this after cleansing and softening (I am loving Shiseido’s Ibuki Softening Concentrate at the moment. A staple in my routine), I use 1 full pump of this serum (about a pea size) and gently apply it all over my face. The serum was light and quickly absorbed and the texture is velvety and easily smoothed out. The box states that there may be a slight tingling sensation and redness and I did feel a little tingling and itchy after about 10 minutes around my hairline area, but not for long.  After that I apply my moisturiser and a sunscreen (VERY IMPORTANT when using a Retinol cream, otherwise you will burn the skin).

Above: The serum is a little yellow-tinted with a bit of light-reflecting particles. This is about half a pump.

Rapid Wrinkle Repair serum: This is a 14mL tube of eye cream. I use this after moisturiser and I use a small amount on my index finger and apply with light dabbing motion around my eye area. The eye cream is moisturising but not greasy so it is absorbed easily. I can’t really see the eye cream working yet, but I guess eye cream can take a bit of time to really work. But so far, no increase in fine lines and my eye area feels comfortable so I’d say its giving my eye area the moisture that it needs. I can use a concealer over this after it is absorbed. I also make sure I apply some sunscreen that is suitable for the eye area so I won’t burn the skin.

Above: The texture of the eye cream is just right and it does not have a scent so it will not irritate eyes.

Overall: After the first use of the serum, my skin felt so smooth overnight! I love the texture of the serum and how it feels on my skin during and after application. I do notice that after a few days of use, the serum did give me a bit of itchiness around my hairline area (I wonder if this is the cause), but my skin is looking more clear than before. I don’t have wrinkles yet, but I do have fine lines and I do feel that the serum is helping my skin to exfoliate and get rid of dead skin cells for cell renewal. Loving these products!

Repurchase? Yes for the serum, but not sure of the eye cream. I will probably try the moisturiser as well so they all work as a complete set.

Thank you so much for reading! Follow me on bloglovin for blog updates, follow me on twitter and instagram for more random beauty babble and updates! XOXO

Disclaimer: I am not paid to do these reviews. All reviews are of my honest and personal opinions.