November Favourites
Every month I sum up the hits & misses and lukewarm verdicts of beauty products that come my way. Think of LOVE IT as products I would swear by, and NOT FOR MEis for products that didn’t work for me, but might for someone else. LIKE IT is for products that I feel differently depending which day you’re asking, which really means I’m hanging on until I find something that ticks all my boxes.
Here’s my picks for November.
1. LA PURETÉ Okuru Resurrection Night Crème
If the thought of needles and knives is too much to handle, you’ll be pleased to know that French scientists have discovered Okuru - a plant grown for centuries in Western Africa - to contain a combination of peptides that minimises lines in a similar way to Botox. The key difference is that Okuru is all natural and can be applied topically. This cream combines the peptides of Okuru and Sweet Pea with another star ingredient dubbed “The Resurrection Plant” known for its antioxidant and intense hydration properties capable of 24 hour moisturisation.
My mum, whose skin type is very dry, with noticeable loss of elasticity and thinning, could not stop raving about the stellar results after this cream. Despite living in the dry climate of South Australia (where the water is also hard), this cream provided long lasting moisturisation, and noticeable reduction in the depth of crows feet and improved elasticity. I didn’t even need to tell her that it’s only RRP $59.90 AUD (50 ml), she already spotted it her local chemist’s catalogue and has her mind set on restocking it soon.
2. TAUT Collagen Infusion Mask
“These are much better than SKII facial masks!” These were the exact words that came from mum, who benefited from the fact that I wasn’t able to trial this product due to the concentration of squalene (shark liver oil). Exactly how good was it you wonder? Well! Firstly the masks was so rich in moisture that mum didn’t even need moisturiser after patting in the excess essence & her mature dry skin stayed hydrated right through to the morning thanks to the squalene, hyaluronic acid and hydrolysed collagen. Not only that, her wrinkles were noticeably softened, skin plumped and radiant – like she had a facial, except she hadn’t. I feel like I’ve missed out big time, but I was hesitant to try it given the squalene in Taut’s Collagen Orange Drink set off my seafood allergies & didn’t sit well in my stomach. For mums who are afraid of shopping online, these masks are also available at GNC Live Well stores for RRP $44.95 AUD (5 masks per box).
3. ORIGINAL MINERAL Seven Day Miracle & Power Base
A picture says a thousand words, and I shall leave you with a photo that sums up nicely why I am hopelessly in love with these two masks. To pick a favourite out of the two is too difficult – I love Seven Day Miracle for its intense moisturisation, and Power Base (protein treatment) for its ability to restore damaged hair with into high shine, bouncy and strong locks. I was in a hurry the day I had this photo taken, so I used the two maks together for maximum effect. The shine is more obvious in the 3rd pic with flash, but the shine was visible even in the 2nd pic, so much that even fellow bloggers at the Oscar Oscar event commented on it! Sulfate free and does not contain Parabens, MIT, Propylene Glycol, Phthalates or Triclosan. O&M products are Not Tested on Animals. Seven Day Miracle will set you back RRP $32 AUD (250ml) and Power Base $29.95 AUD (250ml). Both are available at Adore Beauty & selected salons.
8 hours later (after brushing it out several times), some of my curls stayed tight from the Cloud Nine Wand, but my chemically straightened hair seems to be stubborn in the middle section.
4. ORIGINAL MINERAL Rootalicious
This month I bring you yet another hair volumising product. This time it’s not a mousse, but a root lifting foam that you spray directly at the roots to form an invisible barrier around the roots to give them support and life. Unlike some lifting products that can make hair crunchy, Rootalicious contains Australian Kakadu Plum, Lilly Pilly and Quandong to protect and condition. The result? Amazingly long lasting volume that’s weightless and strong hold. Sulfate free and does not contain Parabens, MIT, Propylene Glycol, Phthalates or Triclosan. Not Tested on Animals. RRP: $29.95 AUD (270ml) available at Adore Beauty & selected salons.
5. AEOS Refreshing Hydrating Mist
To calm my skin and senses after a shower, I like to spray this blue coloured facial mist several times all over my face to refresh and re-hydrate my skin with essential oils & flower extracts as the first step in my skincare routine. With organic and bio-dynamic ingredients such as rosewater, lavender extract, orange extract, spelt oil and lemon myrtle oil, the relaxing fragrance is incredibly therapeutic at the end a long stressful day at work & helps me unwind ready for bed time. At $89 AUD for 100ml, it’s definitely a spritz of indulgence compared to other mists, but its therapeutic calming effects are second to none. Available in Australia at www.begenkishop.com
This serum is perfect for those that like their skincare to be natural yet luxurious, organic yet highly effective. Unlike other natural serums, this serum is gentle enough to use around the eyes, and features crystal essences (like opal, amethyst, turquoise, even emerald) along with hyaluronic acid to provide multi-layered hydration and moisture protection. For my skin type (normal / dry) this helped to keep skin hydrated and dewy with a slightly sticky finish, but I found it was not hydrating enough on its own for air conditioning and I needed to top up with another hydrating serum. Its lightweight texture makes it the perfect summer time serum, or if you have combination skin. Other than hydration and soothed skin, I didn’t experience any particular improvements to the other signs of aging, bringing down to the “Like” rather than “Love” category. The blue colour of the serum is 100% natural and derived from gardenias. RRP $165 AUD (50ml) available in Australia at www.begenkishop.com
7. CLINIQUE High Impact Mascara
I confess that when it comes to mascaras, Clinique wasn’t exactly front of mind if I was asked to name my top 3 favourites. That was until I tried Clinique High Impact Mascara. It lengthens, thickens and somehow manages to multiply my short sparse lashes by a hundred, in a deep black colour. The fine bristles grip onto the lashes so you can feel it hugging your lashes and separating them while thickening them. At $38 AUD, it’s smduge proof, washes off in warm water and is ophthalmologist tested. Instant holy grail status.
8. BENEFIT They’re Real! Real Mascara
Don’t get me wrong, this mascara thickens beautifully, is smudge proof and lengthens with a jet black finish. But the type of bristle is just not right for my lash type. Its spiky bristles are too widely separated to create thickness and evenly coat my short sparse lashes. Also my lashes are so short that I need to get close to the roots, and it can get uncomfortable if you accidentally poke yourself with the stiff spiky bristles. At $38 AUD, I recommend this type of bristle for those that have naturally thick and full lashes.
Have you tried these products? Vote below on which of my November Favourites you actually love.
Loading ...Products marked with an asterisk were purchased by me. All other products featured were sent for consideration.
