Review: Gro-Egg Digital Room Thermometer

To be honest, I'm not as vigilant as I should be when it comes to checking James' room temperature. So when I was offered to test out one of the Gro Company's products, I decided to try the Gro-Egg Digital Room Thermometer. 

If you haven't heard of a Gro-Egg, it's basically a room thermometer and nightlight in one. The light changes colour depending on whether the room is hot, cold or just right. 

We all know that a safe sleeping environment for our little ones is a room temperature of between 16-20 degrees, however this is not always possible. Sometimes it may be colder than this and other times it will be warmer, and knowing what the temperature is at a quick glance allows you to figure out what to dress your bub in for the night. If you're a little unsure you can always check the clothing guide that comes with the Gro-Egg.

The first thing I noticed about the Gro-Egg was the size. For some reason, I had pictured it to be a lot bigger than it was.. not that size matters in this case. In fact, I like that it's small enough to fit in the palm of my hand, making it easy to pack when travelling. 

The light is a little more subtle than your stock standard night light, but it gives out a nice glow. We've been using it in James' nursery for the last week and he loves it. It's been great for us too, just being able to pop our heads in and quickly see the temperature of the room. 

Now I'm keen to get one of the super cute Gro-shells for it..

I'm leaning towards the Owl, which do you like best?

xx

Review: L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Mist for Fine Hair

After running out of my trusty leave-in conditioner, I went in search for a replacement. I had used Moroccan Oil in the past and was keen to use something similar, but not as heavy (it weighed down my fine hair). I looked online at the Morrocan Oil "Light" and was contemplating buying it when I received a tiny sample of the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil from Priceline as part of their regular newsletter. 

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much, just something to get me through the next few days. I decided to use it when my hair was wet to help detangle it, which it did.. but not only that, it also left my hair feeling super soft. I said to myself "I have to get this oil!". So I went out and picked up the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Mist for Fine Hair. I figured that the spray would be more versatile than the pump, as I could use it when my hair was both wet and dry. It would also be less messy as I wouldn't need to rub it in with my hands, just spray and brush! 

Now I am absolutely in-love with this product! It leaves my hair feeling smooth, shiny and frizz free. It also smells amazing (my hubby even commented on how good my hair smells!). It's a bargain too at only $20 (as opposed to $40+ for the "high street" version). I've totally been converted and won't be going back to leave-in conditioner.. it's oil mist all the way!

Do you use a hair oil or oil mist?

xx

April Native Box

If you haven't heard of the Native Box, it's basically a monthly subscription ($25/mth) to eco-conscious, healthy and safe products. I signed up a few months ago when I was feeling enthusiastic about using more natural beauty/cleaning products and eating organically (I must have been reading women's health magazine or something!). So far I've been really happy with the boxes I've received, especially with the beauty products (some of which I've already purchased full size).

So in this month's Native Box, I received:

Piranha Lime & Sea Salt Chicca Chips 

Norbu Natural Sweetener

Buderim Naked Ginger

Pure Food Essentials 

Organic Turmeric Powder

Sol Breads Spelt Hot X Bun

Wotnot Facial Wipes for Oily/Sensitive Skin

La Mav Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair Nectar

& Probiotic Solutions Bathroom Bliss

Overall I'm happy with the April Native Box and am looking forward to eating/using these products... she says as she munches down on the Lime & Sea Salt Chicca Chips (yummo!)

xx

Review: Mask in a Cup

What's a Mask in a Cup you ask? Well it's just that! A salon quality mask in a take home cup! I love to treat my skin to a face mask on the weekend to freshen up and have a bit of a pamper session. This weekend I road tested the Mask in a Cup for dry skin (also available for sensitive, dehydrated and oily skin).



Each mask combines pomegranate antioxidants with active clay..



and are packaged dry to ensure that all the minerals are retained (which means no added preservatives).



All you need to do is add some water, mix the mask using the enclosed spatula and voila! you'll have an active, fresh mask ready to use.



The mask itself is a chestnut red colour and the texture is thick and creamy. It's very cooling on the skin and spreads smoothly.

It dries hard (which I always like in a mask) and changes to a light pink colour. After 15 minutes, you can remove the mask using a cloth or sponge (I used a Konjacu Fibre Sponge) which I recommend doing in the bath or shower as it can get a little messy.



After I took the mask off, the redness on my face had dramatically reduced and my skin was left feeling super soft. Not many face masks give such noticeable instant results, so I was highly impressed with this.

Another great thing about these masks is the price.. they're only $9 which is a steal in my opinion. You can pick them up at selected pharmacies, health and beauty stores or online here.

All in all, a lovely, refreshing mask.

xx

Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayons - Product Review

I'm so excited that I finally got my hands on these Face of Australia Lip Crayons! There has been so much hype about them and I couldn't wait to see what all the fuss was about..

After searching high and low, I eventually found them at Big W.



Lip Crayons seem to be the new kid on the block in the beauty world and I have to say I wasn't too sure what to make of them at first. They kinda remind me of permanent markers (haha don't you think?) I can assure you though.. these are nothing like permanent markers.. they're fabulous!

They're super moisturising, provide a nice tinted glossy finish and smell delicious!

I also love the cute packaging and that they have a wind up applicator.



They come in 3 different shades, all of which have dessert inspired names (and smell like vanilla)..





My favourite of the 3 is Macaron, followed by Cupcake. I'm not really sure yet if I like Sundae.. I think it clashes with my fair skin tone. For only $14.95 though this pack is an absolute steal!

If you haven't already tried them, you should definitely run out and grab them! Be quick though because these packs are limited edition!

Have you tried these lip crayons yet?

xx

MAC Cleanse Off Oil - Product Review

My Skin Type

Combination/Normal

Concerns

Blemishes, Blackheads, Redness & Wrinkles

Description

An industry-strength oil-based makeup remover that's gentle on the skin. Botanically formulated with oils of olive fruit, evening primrose and jojoba seed and absolutely 100 per cent mineral-oil free. Massages onto the skin to loosen all makeup, including waterproof mascara. Emulsifies into a lotion-type liquid with water: rinses off easily, no tissues required - and no residue! Protects with vitamin E. Skin softening and conditioning. Good for all skin types.

Price & Size

AU$37 for 150ml

Pros

♥ A little goes a long way

Cons

♥ It's expensive
♥ It stings my eyes
♥ It breaks me out
♥ It doesn't remove waterproof mascara
♥ It leaks so it's not great for travelling

Would I buy it again?

No and I regret buying it! Soo many people raved about this stuff that I thought it would be amazing but I was wrong. Maybe it's just me but this oil just does nothing for me, not only does it not remove my makeup very well, it stings my eyes, breaks me out and is really expensive for a makeup remover.

If I were you I’d buy one of these makeup removers instead..

♥ Clinque Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips (AU$35)
♥ Dove Deep Cleansing Cream (AU$10)

xx

Laura Mercier Undercover Concealer Pot - Product Review

My Skin Type

Combination/Normal

Description

Open the top lid to view the award-winning Secret Camouflage and Secret Concealer. The unique Secret Camouflage formula is oil free and stays in place all day long to cover blemishes, scars, and imperfections. Combat under-eye circles with the Secret Concealer— its emollient formula allows for a smooth application in the sensitive eye area. Finally, set your makeup with the Translucent Loose Setting Powder. The lightweight, silky powder adds a velvety finish to any makeup.

Price & Size

AU$52 for 5.80g

Pros

♥ Conceals perfectly
♥ Lasts all day
♥ A little goes a long way
♥ Convenient package

Cons

♥ It's expensive

Would I buy it again?

Yep, it's ideal for covering blemishes and doesn't create that caked-on look I hate. The under-eye concealer is good, but for me it's all about the secret camouflage concealer. If you're looking for heavy under-eye coverage this product probably isn't for you, but if you're wanting to cover blemishes, scars etc then look no further, this concealer is perfect for you!

xx

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation - Product Review

My Skin Type

Combination/Normal

Description

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation is a rich and luminous foundation offering full coverage while hydrating and protecting the skin. Offers the most coverage out of all Laura Mercier's foundations oil-free, fragrance-free and extremely long wearing. Hydrates and protects while causing fine lines and imperfections to optically disappear through its advanced light-reflecting qualities. Ideal for persons with rosacea or hard-to-cover pigmentation.

Price & Size

AU$82 for 35ml

Pros

♥ Looks good in photos
♥ Long lasting

Cons

♥ It's expensive
♥ It looks cakey
♥ It settled into fine lines
♥ It accentuates pores

Would I buy it again?

No I hate it. I wish I loved it as soooo many people rave about it but it just didn't do my skin any favours. It accentuated my pores and wrinkles and made my skin look super cakey (even if I applied the smallest amount).

If I were you I’d buy one of these foundations instead..

♥ Chanel Aqua Vitalumiere Foundation (AU$56)
♥ Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (AU$32)

xx

Endota Spa Rosehip Oil - Product Review

My Skin Type

Oily and slightly sun-damaged

Description

Endota spa organic rosehip oil contains certified organic rosehip which contains essential fatty acids and beta-carotene to balance and moisturise skin, vitamin C to maintain and improve softness of skin as well as tone and vitamin E, an antioxidant which also acts as an anti-inflammatory, improving the appearance of unwanted scars and blemishes. Can also be used as an intense eye contour treatment.

Price & Size

AU$23 (from David Jones)

Pros

♥ Long lasting
♥ Leaves skin feeling soft
♥ Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
♥ Evens skintone

Cons

♥ Unpleasant smell

Would I buy it again?

Yep and already have! This stuff is AMAZING! My skin has seriously never looked so good. I thought because it was an oil it was cause me to break-out but it’s done the opposite.. I’ve had like one break out since I started using it (back in April). Trust me on this one girls... you need to buy some rosehip oil immediately!

xx

Oh and don't forget to enter my Lush Giveaway!

NARS Pressed Powder - Product Review

My Skin Type

Oily and slightly sun-damaged

Description

Translucent, triple milled powder for a sheer and ultra-natural complexion. The light and airy texture helps set makeup with a smooth, sheer finish. Perfect for creating a naturally radiant look and for retouching.

Price & Size

AU$72

Pros

♥ Packaging is attractive
♥ Convenient size

Cons

♥ Poor coverage
♥ Doesn’t last
♥ Looks almost cakey (as it falls into pores/lines rather than gliding over them)

Would I buy it again?

No, definitely not. I was expecting great things from this powder (especially for the price) and was severely disappointed. I know the powder is translucent but it just did nothing for me. It created a cakey effect and accentuated my pores and wrinkles without providing any real coverage. I also found that after a few hours wear (if that) the powder seemed to have worn off.

If I were you I’d buy one of these powders instead..

♥ L'Oreal Mineral Finish Face Powder in Translucent Matte (AU$30)
♥ MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Face Powder (AU$47)

xx

Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-on - Product Review

My Skin Type

Oily and slightly sun-damaged

Description

Garnier Youthful Radiance Caffeine Eye Roll-On is an innovative anti-dark circles and anti-puffiness eye treatment enriched with caffeine and grape anti-oxidants for an instant refreshing effect.

Price & Size

$17.75 (AU) for 15ml

Pros

♥ Cools your skin
♥ Reduces puffiness & tightens your skin
♥ Cheap
♥ Convenient size
♥ Dries quickly

Cons

♥ Saw no difference to dark circles

Would I buy it again?

I do love how it cools my tired eyes in the morning and reduces puffiness.. although I suffer from dark circles and would really love something that reduces the appearance of these also. Next time I’ll probably get Garnier’s anti-dark circles roll-on (with built-in concealer) instead.

xx

B.liv by Cellnique – Product Review

A few weeks ago I received a parcel from B.liv by Cellnique who were kind enough to send me some products to try out and review for you.

Here’s what they sent me –

They tailored the products to suit my skin type which is oily and slightly sun-damaged.

I've used these products religiously for the last two weeks and my thoughts are..

Off with those heads blackhead sebum gel

Description

This light cooling gel promises to remove stubborn blackheads and whiteheads painlessly in just 14 days of application and stop them from appearing ever again. It keeps excessive oil secretion under control and skin irritation will never rule again.

Price & Size
$49 for 30ml

Pros

♥ Lightweight
♥ You only need a small amount
♥ Improved the appearance of pimples instantly
♥ Pimples disappeared within a few days and didn't return

Cons

♥ Overpowering smell (peppermint)
♥ Expensive
♥ No change to blackheads

Would I buy it again?

OMG yes! I have never used anything in my life that has removed my pimples so quickly and left me with clear skin. For months I was battling acne on my chin (used clearasil & proactiv but neither helped), then I tried this and voila they were gone in days and have yet to return (even when I've been eating badly). The price is nothing when you compare it to other acne solution products so that doesn't bother me, it would though if I bought this to remove blackheads as I didn't see a difference in their appearance. If you have trouble with whiteheads (like me!), I would definitely recommend this product for you.
Got me covered sunblock & foundation

Description

Get rid of greasy facial complexion with this natural skin tone, oil-free sunblock. Got Me Covered (SPF35, PA+++) shields your skin from harmful UVs and maintains your complexion’s allure. It keeps a tight rein on your excessive oil secretion to ensure blackheads and whiteheads are forever on the run. A non-pore-clogging, weightless and mattifying formulation that got you covered perfectly.

Price & Size
$32 for 45ml

Pros

♥ Nice creamy texture (not watery or too drying)
♥ You only need a small amount
♥ Light coverage with dewy finish
♥ Doesn't feel sticky, oily or cakey
♥ Good oil control

Cons

♥ Requires translucent powder to look matte

Would I buy it again?

Yes definitely, I'd buy it and use it instead of tinted moisturiser. I would still use a translucent powder over it though as I prefer a matte finish. I love it.. it's 10 x better than the last sunscreen I was using (clinique city block), gives good coverage and helps fight blackheads/whiteheads.. what more could you want?

xx

For more information about b.liv by cellnique products check out their website or fanpage

Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Creme - Product Review

My Skin Type

Oily and slightly sun-damaged

Description

This highly effective formula empowers your skin to look more lifted and more contoured - faster than ever.

Price & Size

$140 for 50ml

Pros

♥ Lightweight
♥ You only need a small amount
♥ Left skin feeling soft and smooth

Cons

♥ Overpowering smell
♥ Expensive
♥ Caused breakouts
♥ Didn't improve the look of wrinkles

Would I buy it again?

No, I don't think so. Although it made my skin feel soft, it also caused breakouts which is never a good thing. I also thought it would help to decrease the appearance of some new (unwelcome) wrinkles that have popped up on my forehead, but it didn't seem to make a difference. For the price I expected something amazing but what I got was a pretty average product. If I were you, I'd save your money and buy a new outfit instead!

xx

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo – Product Review

My Hair Type

Fine, long, straight, dyed blonde and knots easily

Description

Klorane dry shampoo is based on softening, protective oat extract, cyclodextrins and natural polysaccharides to clean the hair without washing, as often as required. The hair regains volume and lightness within minutes. Quick and practical to use, suitable for busy people or the bed-ridden, who cannot wash their hair.

Price & Size

$17 for 150ml

Pros

♥ Adds volume
♥ Makes hair feel light
♥ Makes hair look fresh
♥ Smells good

Cons

♥ It's expensive

Would I buy it again?

Yes, definitely! It’s a lifesaver in-between washes (I wash my hair every second day) and it makes my hair look and feel great. It gives me volume and gets rid of all the oiliness in my hair, what more could you want from a dry shampoo? For me, it’s worth what it costs.

xx

Napoleon Perdis Long Black Mascara – Product Review

Description

This innovative formula delivers lash-loving conditioning, thanks to allantoin, candelilla wax and beeswax. A double shot of black pigment sets the stage for intense dramatic eyes. Bent wand applicator acts as a built-in lash curler and gives good contour and control over unruly lashes.

Pros

♥ Nice Scent
♥ Adds great length
♥ Curls lashes

Cons

♥ Expensive
♥ Smudges
♥ Hard to remove
♥ Clumps lashes

Would I buy it again?

Definitely not! I was really disappointed with this mascara. Throughout the day I’d have to go to the bathroom and wipe under my eyes as the mascara was smudging (not very attractive). The worst part I think though is trying to remove it, I have to scrub and scrub to get it off which hurts and can’t be good for my eyes. My advice.. Don’t buy this mascara, the cons out-weigh the pros.

xx

Don't forget to enter my Zoemou Necklace Giveaway!

Lush BIG Shampoo - Product Review

This will be my first product review so bare with me!

I thought rather than giving you an essay, I'd give you "need-to-know" info -

My Hair Type

Fine, long, straight, dyed and knots easily

Description

It contains raw salt, seaweed and lime juice. It's very different from any other shampoo, the raw salt makes it feel more like an exfoliator than anything else.

Pros

♥ Adds shine
♥ A tiny amount creates a thick, creamy lather
♥ Leaves hair feeling squeaky clean
♥ Adds volume
♥ Smells good (and left my hair smelling good all day)
♥ I can run my fingers through my hair without them getting caught

Cons

♥ It's expensive
♥ Conditioner is definitely required afterwards as it strips your hair
♥ Not good for everyday use

Would I buy it again?

Hell yeah! I love it, although I wouldn't use it everyday as it tends to make my hair a bit greasy in-between washs (I wash my hair every second day).. But I'd treat myself on the weekends with it, wowing my friends with my great looking (and smelling) hair! :D

xx

Don't forget to enter my T2 giveaway!