Tried & Loved - Biotherm Holiday Pack

The festive season is upon us, and I don't know about you guys but I LOVE this time of year as it means all the amazing Holiday packs start hitting the shelves! <3 It's a great way to pick up some new products you've had your eye on in a great value pack, or of course to give as a gift (but who can stop from buying themselves presents as well when you're out shopping for others?! hehe)

Today I have a GREAT pack that I've tested out from Biotherm, and it comes in the cutest packaging ever - with an even greater cause behind it! 

As soon as I saw this box I fell in love. I'm such a sucker for cute packaging, and this fancy little under the sea theme in stand-out foils is a divine! Biotherm has collaborated with Swedish illustrator Ingela Peterson Arrhenius for the beautiful design and a minimum of 250,000€ from the sales of these limited editions will go to the global ocean charity, Mission Blue, founded by renowned oceanographer  Dr Sylvia Earle, for the protection of the Ross Sea in Antarctica. How great is that! So if you want to give a gift that gives back, this one is a beauty. 

But aside from the brilliant packaging, I must say I am super impressed with the Biotherm products within! I haven't tried much from their range prior to this, but I was aware of the brand so when I was given the chance to give it a test run I jumped on it! 

This holiday pack featured includes:

- 50 ml BIOSOURCE HYDRA-MINERAL CLEANSER NORMAL SKIN - cleansing mousse with zinc to balance normal and combination skin

- 125 ml BIOSOURCE HYDRA-MINERAL CLEANSER NORMAL SKIN - toning water with zinc to balance normal and combination skin

- 50 ml AQUASOURCE NON-STOP MOISTURISER NORMAL AND COMBINATION SKIN - 24h* deep hydration replenishing gel with thermal plankton cellular water

The cleanser is a super rich hydrating paste that you rub in your hands with water until it's creamy, then cleanse your face as normal. It has a really mild scent and what I can only describe as a "clean" smell to it. It easily removed all traces of makeup (apart from my eyes which should be avoided as with most cleansers) and it left my skin feeling soft and supple. A lot of cleansers can leave my skin feeling a bit tight and dry and I feel like I need to tone and moisturise straight away to get my skin feeling back to normal, but this was definitely not the case with this cleanser. My skin just felt great! It's really mild on the skin and I think it would be suitable for young and older skin. It contains 70 revitalising minerals, 5,000L* of thermal spring water (*reduced to the concentration of pure extract of thermal plankton) PLUS Zinc, formulated to balance normal and combination skin. No wonder my skin felt so refreshed after using it. Haha. 

The toner is just as mild as the cleanser, but with great results again. After using it my skin isn't irritated at all, but it feels like I get rid of everything that might be left lingering on my face. My skin feels smooth and soft afterwards and it takes only a few moments for it to dry and my skin to be back to it's natural state. The toner has less scent than the cleanser, but is in the same neutral scent range and just further impresses the "clean" feeling on me. I love that this isn't abrasive at all and would be great for everyday use, and again perfect for a range of skin types. 

The gel moisturiser is probably the most scented of all the products in this range, but the scent fades after it soaks into your skin. The moisturising gel feels extremely luxurious from the classic glass packaging, all the way to the intensely refreshing feeling it leaves on your skin as you apply it. I could sit and apply this stuff all day, but I really don't need to (darn, haha). The gel soaks in quite quickly, but the results are long lasting. I often only wear powder coverage to work and this balances out any dryness that can come with that perfectly. My face feels soft, supple and hydrated all day. 

When I started using this I had a few small breakouts and I can say that this has definitely improved the appearance of my skin and stopped any further breakouts from occurring  I get a bit worried with hydrating facial products that my skin will look oily by the end of the day, but this set has proven that completely wrong. The zinc included balanced my skin out perfectly and I love that the moisturiser is a gel; it worked wonderfully for my combination skin. This set is for normal/combination skin, but the Biotherm range with these holiday sets includes a range of products to suit every skin type. You can check out the rest of the packs and range on their website here.  

Overall I am blown away with the quality of these products and it's no wonder as the company has been creating wonderful skin care products since 1952!

You can pick up this perfect holiday treat that gives and gives back from Myer and any of the stores/sites listed on their website here for $64. 

And as a special offer right now if you'd like to try these products for free you can click the link: http://www.biotherm.com.au/club/christmasoffer/ , download the voucher and head in-store to Myer for a free sample! See if you love these products just as much as I did and grab a pack while you still can. :)

Have you tried anything from the Biotherm range before? What do you think about this cute holiday packaging? x

Tried & Loved - Facial Fresh - Vitamin C - Cloth Facial Treatment Mask

Recently I was lucky enough to test the Facial Fresh - Vitamin C - Cloth Facial Treatment Mask and I'm happy to share that it was an easy, rewarding experience! 

The cloth masks are something that I've seen appearing a little bit more frequently lately, and I have to say that I'm definitely a fan. They are super easy to use and to clean up after. The packaging is small and neat so they travel well, and because they're packed individually you never have issues with them drying out. 

Applying the mask is as easy as described in the 3 step diagram on the back of the packaging seen in the photo above. Remove the mask from the silver foil fresh packet (be careful as you're opening this as I found there is quite a lot of liquid within to keep the mask fully soaked - no skimping here!), then fit the mask to your face lining up the eye, nose and mouth holes provided. The mask is quite wet with the active liquid so it sticks really well, and there is plenty of room to breathe through the holes provided, I was even able to eat with it on (I was hungry and couldn't wait, hehe). I left the mask on for around 15 - 20 minutes as suggested and the mask stayed moist the whole time. Taking it off was simple, and I opted to rub the leftover moisture into my skin. 

The Vitamin C mask that I tested is described on the Facial Fresh website as: 

"Brighten and energise dull or lack-lustre skin, with a boost of youthful radiance. With its immediate invigorating effects, the Vitamin C Mask leaves skin looking clear, revitalised and glowing with health. One of the most favoured natural antioxidants, Vitamin C helps nourish and protect skin cells. Suitable for all skin types, including mature skin.

Each Facial Fresh face mask delivers a precise dose of fresh concentrated serum to your skin in hygienically sealed sachets."

The mask definitely felt like it delivered as the description suggests. After using the mask my skin appeared instantly brighter, felt softer, and the pleasant smell left me feeling energised. The scent is not overpowering at all, it's a refreshing somewhat citrus scent. Leaving the mask on for 15-20 minutes my skin didn't tingle or burn so I think it would be appropriate for all skin types as they suggest. It's a really gentle mask, that still delivers on results. I can imagine using this every week would really benefit my skin!

The mask is availabe from The Facial Fresh website here and there are several other versions of this mask with different benefits that would be great to check out depending on your skin requirements. The masks range in price from $8.95 currently for a single mask, or starting at $20.95 for a 3 pack. 

Have you tried a Facial Fresh Cloth Facial Treatment Mask before? What's your favourite skin care mask that you can't live without? x

Tried and Loved - Peter Thomas Roth - Gentle Complexion Correction Pads

 

 

My skin has been really clear lately, and I think I can mostly attribute it to these to be honest! If you're looking for a quick, neat and easy way to get your skin really squeaky clean, then this might be a good option for you too.

The Peter Thomas Roth Gentle Complexion Correction Pads are described on the PTR website as:
"Exclusively formulated to cleanse skin, clear blackheads, refine pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

• Pads contain potent Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Glycolic Acid Complex 10%) and Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid 1/2%) in an advanced botanical formulation creating a unique, clarifying, synergistic action to help cleanse the skin, clear up active acne blemishes, minimize pore size, and prevent the formation of new blackheads and blemishes
• Helps regulate healthy cell turnover and delivers proven anti-aging benefits that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Double-sided pads deliver gentle cleansing action on one side and superior pore-refining exfoliation on the textured side
• Provides a veil of fresh, peach bellini scent that offer a nice option to replace traditional antiseptic pads "

Personally I don't have horrible skin to start with which makes it a little easier to control breakouts, but it hasn't always been that way. I would say I have normal/combination skin now, it's not very oily, it's not too dry, and I get the occasional breakout. Your skin type isn't necessarily always going to be a certain way. I used to have terrible skin, with breakouts all the time. I think the only way to really control it is to trial products catered to your skin troubles, find the best skin care that works for you for your specific issues, and then to stick to a good routine with it.

For many years now I have used the Clinique 3 step program, and I really feel that this was able to balance my skin again and has left me quite clear since using it. I think adding these Peter Thomas Roth Complexion Correction Pads to the equation has been the final step in finding a nice balance for my skin though.

I use these at night every second or third night after cleansing, toning and removing all my makeup (you can use them every night if you feel you need to, but as with most skin products, you have to work to your own skins needs). I then use 1 pad on the 'bumpy' side to gently work my entire face in circular motions until my whole face is clean and gently exfoliated. They don't look these little bumps would do much, but I think it's the perfect way to get a little exfoliation without going overboard and without having to use harsh scrubs. Once you're done you don't need to rinse, you just wait for your skin to dry (it takes only moments) and then continue with your normal night routine (serum, eye cream and moisturiser for me!).

It's amazing that you think you clean your face so well, then use these and realise that there is always a little extra residue from the day still there. They really do eliminate any nasties and leave your skin feeling fresh and soft, without being drying at all (in fact I'm sometimes naughty and don't moisturise at night and don't feel like my skin is dry in the morning!). I feel that my skin looks instantly brighter after using these, and my serum and moisturiser soaks in even quicker aiding in the absorption of all the good vitamins my skin needs to stay fresh, soft and spot free.

They smell of a soft peach scent which is such a refreshing change to most toner/peel type products. I really love the smell and it's not over powering and quickly fades. They don't sting my eyes to the point of watering when I use the pads around my cheek bones which is also a pleasant change to what I've gotten used to with some skin care I've used over the years.

I would say these would be a suitable way to gently exfoliate your skin if you're too sensitive to use a scrub, or if you simply prefer a deep cleanse at the end of the night this will be a great option too. They have absolutely brightened and refined my skin and reduced the amount of breakouts that I get. I can't stress how much I love this product!

I purchased these from Kit Cosmetics for $44.95 and there are 60 pads in each container (this will last me ages as I really don't need to use them every night!). You can also purchase these from Mecca in Australia instore or online (they have a 4.7/5 rating on the Mecca website!).

Please note: I find it's always good to ask instore about skin care products so they can best address your skin care needs, so as always I would recommend popping into your local Kit or Mecca store so one of their friendly skin care experts can help you cater to your needs! Skin care really is such a personal thing and something that might work a treat for me, might not be so great for some one else.

Have you tried these Peter Thomas Roth pads? Are you a fan of the Peter Thomas Roth brand? What's your nightly skin care routine like? x

Lush - Cosmetic Warrior fresh face mask

If you're not too familiar with the brand Lush it's a handmade cosmetic company headquartered in the UK that produces and sells a variety of products made from fresh organic ingredients, and that do not test or buy from companies that test on animals. It's a great brand with some great ideas and although I avoided the shop for a long time due to the intense smell that usually emanates within a 5 metre radius of the shop, I'm so glad I finally bit the bullet a little while ago and ventured inside!

As you can see in the photos above, the ingredients really are fresh. Each batch comes with a sticker for when it was packaged (and by whom, how cute!), and for when the product will expire. Because the ingredients in these masks are of a nature to expire quite quickly (fresh organic eggs for example) the masks have to be kept in the fridge and do have a bit of a short expiry date, but it just gives you more of a reason to be treating your skin on an even more regular basis like it deserves.

This mask is described by Lush as "A superhero face mask to combat spots, cleanse dirt, calm and soothe all troubled skins. " I have previously tried the brazened honey mask which has a bit better smell than this mask as this one contains more potent ingredients like garlic and tea tree oil to help soothe troubled skin, but once it's on your face it's nothing noticeable at all. 

You apply a fairly thick layer of the mask and it dries within 5 - 10 minutes, then rinse clean with warm water leaving a fresh smooth surface. I'm not particularly prone to acne, but I do have a few spots here and there, and this mask does soothe my skin like it describes. It's not drying at all which I love, and my skin looks instantly brighter and more energised once I'm done with the mask. 

For me not being too prone to acne I don't know that I would use this particular mask again, but I would definitely recommend it for anyone who does suffer these issues. Your face will love it! I did see benefits from this mask even though my skin is pretty clear though so give it a try if you like how it sounds and see how you like it. :)

LUSH products are available to order online from www.lush.com.au, and this mask is online here for $15.95. Lush is also available throughout Australia in Lush shops, so if you're looking to head in and check out their range you can see where your closest shop is on the store locator here.

What's your favourite Lush product? Have you used this mask before? x