Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 & Naked Palette 2 – Side by Side comparison

I realise I may be a bit late in getting into Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes.  You may also recall a previous post in which I admitted to forgoing the first Naked Palette, and my reasons for doing so.  Anyhow in my recent research for work, I purchased both, and thought I’d do a comparison of the two.

Just to clarify, I purchased these on company expense.  As such they don’t belong to me, and this review is based purely on first impression and swatching them.

1.  Outer Packaging

Naked Palettes Closed Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 & Naked Palette 2   Side by Side comparison

The original Naked Palette is made of cardboard case that is covered with hot stamped velvet.  It feels luxurious and remains compact and light.

Naked Palette 2, on the other hand is made from plastic case and sits within an embossed metal case.  Feels solid and would withstand wear and tear better than the original Naked Palette, however make it a little too heavy for my liking.

Winner – Original Naked Palette

2.  Internal Content

Naked Palettes Open Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 & Naked Palette 2   Side by Side comparisonThe internal appearances for both palettes are extension of the outside, so Naked Palette 2 looks a little more industrial with its use of plastic and metal.  I didn’t check the weight of the eyeshadows, although I would assume they would be the same.

However, you can see that the mirror is much bigger in Naked Palette 2.  This makes using the palette on the go much more convenient.

Winner: Naked Palette 2

3.  Brushes

Naked Palettes Brushes Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 & Naked Palette 2   Side by Side comparison

The brushes included in Naked Palettes are outstanding – nice soft bristles with solid handles.  The main difference, is the brush that comes with Naked Palette 2 is duo ended.  On one side is a short, rounded flat brush like the one in Naked Palette 1 – which is great for depositing pigments on the eyelids.

But a BIG plus is the eye fluffer on the other end of the brush in Naked Palette 2.  I LOVE eye fluffers as they are so awesome for blending out the different colours, especially in the crease area.  For a palette with 12 colours, I think it’s essential.

Winner: Naked Palette 2

3.  Pigments

Naked Palettes Swatches Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 & Naked Palette 2   Side by Side comparison

Both palettes feature neutral tones (hence the name) and all pigments have good colour pay-off.  Each eyeshadow vary in depth of colour and range from matte to shimmer.

To me, it seems more thoughts were put into the first palette, in that each colour is quite different, and the textures suit what each colour would be used for.  I was pleasantly surprised by the colours in the original Naked Palette, even though I already have so many neutral eyeshadows, there are a lot in this palette unlike what I already have, and can see myself using quite frequently.

Naked Palette 2 is more ordinary to me.  A few shades are too similar to each other, and to what’s already in the first Naked Palette.  There also seem to be less logic in the varying textures.

Winner – Original Naked Palette 

4.  Mini GWP

Naked Palettes Mini Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 & Naked Palette 2   Side by Side comparison

The original Naked Palette comes with a miniature size of Primer Potion, whilst Naked Palette 2 comes with a mini ligloss.  No competition here – the Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) is one of my HG products.  It is the only thing that locks in my eye makeup, all day long.  And lipgloss is…. well, a lipgloss.

Winner – Original Naked Palette 

The verdict:

After swatching both, I’m actually very tempted to purchase a Naked Palette 1 for myself!  The inclusion of UDPP and the great pigments make it great for makeup beginners to professionals equally.  The smaller mirror is not a big deal, as doing the eye makeup should be something reserved in private and in front of a full sized mirror anyhow.

Naked Palette 2 has the edge with its duo ended brush, but that is easily overcome with your own additional brush(es).

I don’t believe one needs both Naked Palettes – the original one is better value for money, and can then be mixed and matched with other more daring colours.

Urban Decay Naked Palette 1 and 2 both retail for USD$50 and is available for world-wide delivery on http://www.beautybay.com/

Happy Mother’s Day! What’s my Mummy’s beauty stash?

I read Tine’s blog post today, and loved it so much that I’m stealing her idea for my post today!

Rather than doing a Q & A, I’m going to share with you my mummy’s beauty stash:

Skincare:

Ever since introducing my mummy to Simplicite skincare, she’s been a big fan of the brand as well.  So for Mother’s Day, I gifted my mummy her staple products in the range – Result Lift Gel (which she says gives her super soft skin), Rosewood Face Oil (the most nourishing thing she’s come across for her dry skin), Damask Rose Day Creme, and Revitalising Night Creme.

Mummys skincare 1 Happy Mothers Day! Whats my Mummys beauty stash?

For cleansing and toning, she uses her all-time favourite brand, Lancôme.  For mask, my mummy loves My Beauty Diary’s Nato sheet masks.

Mummys skincare 2 Happy Mothers Day! Whats my Mummys beauty stash?

Make-up:

My mummy’s everyday makeup routine is a little eyeliner, mascara and lippy/gloss.  Foundation, blush and eyeshadow are reserved for special occasions, and since I usually do her makeup for those times, my mummy has a significantly smaller stash than I do icon biggrin Happy Mothers Day! Whats my Mummys beauty stash?

Mummys makeup Happy Mothers Day! Whats my Mummys beauty stash?Brushes:

But my mummy loves her hair, hence the number of hair brushes she has.  Also note her makeup brushes – she knows how important they are for makeup application!

Mummys brushes Happy Mothers Day! Whats my Mummys beauty stash?A nice, compact and effective beauty stash don’t you think?  My mummy is definitely lower maintenance than I am, and with good reasons – she’s a natural beauty!

Mummy Happy Mothers Day! Whats my Mummys beauty stash?

My gorgeous mummy at her engagement

Mummy and Baby Me Happy Mothers Day! Whats my Mummys beauty stash?

Mummy and baby me

Mummy and Me Happy Mothers Day! Whats my Mummys beauty stash?

Mummy and me - I think I was about 2.5 y.o.

Isn’t she pretty?  I love my mummy’s big double lid eyes, and her sweet smile.

Happy Mother’s Day mummy – I love you!

FOTD – Have-It-All Evening Glamour

Getting the right balance between eyes, cheeks and lips is tricky.  The old rule of thumb in makeup, is that where you focus on one, you play down the others.

But greedy me want it all!  I love having smokey eyes, flushed cheeks AND vibrant lips.  So what to do?  Luckily, the BÉBÉ POSHÉ Sweet Doll Super Palette I purchased in Taiwan showed me the way.

Have It All Evening Glamour FOTD   Have It All Evening Glamour

I’ve worn this look to a wedding reception, and a night out on the town with the girls, and really like it!  It’s not too OTT, as the full-on smokey eyes and beige lips can be too harsh for evening events, and bright lips and nude eyes are a bit, too understated for my liking icon biggrin FOTD   Have It All Evening Glamour

Face:

Of course, luminous skin is a must, and also needs to be budge-proof to withstand the hours of party time icon biggrin FOTD   Have It All Evening Glamour .  For blush, I’ve really been loving BÉBÉ POSHÉ Sweet Doll Super Palette’s tip, in that you use a peach shimmer blush all over the cheek area, and a girlie pink on the apples.

  • Za BB Cream
  • Face of Australia Stick Foundation Ivory
  • YSL Touche Éclat Radiant Touch
  • Face of Australia Translucent Loose Powder
  • BÉBÉ POSHÉ Sweet Doll Super Palette – colours A, B and highlighting stick (see details here)

Eyes:

Again I rely on the BÉBÉ POSHÉ Sweet Doll Super Palette for the just right smokey eyes.  I find the key to smokey eyes that don’t look intimidating, is to use pink on the inner corners, and terracotta along the socket line (I blend a bit of colour A of BÉBÉ POSHÉ Sweet Doll Super Palette into it).

Leave the brows until after the eyes are done, and go slowly when building up the colours on the eyes – put a bit on, look at your eyes in the mirror, then put more on as required.

I also use 2 pairs of eyelashes, as I find that to give the most natural yet dramatic look.

Have It All Evening Glamour closed eyes FOTD   Have It All Evening Glamour

  • GEO Circle Lenses Magic Black
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion
  • BÉBÉ POSHÉ Sweet Doll Super Palette
  • Solone Waterproof Gel Eyeliner Pencil Black
  • Benefit Brow-a-go-go
  • Face of Australia Imoact Curl Mascara Black
  • Fake Lashes Princess Lee No. 7 and Chanti No. 135

Lips:

I applied a bright lip colour, but with a lip brush so that it looks sheer.

  • Face of Australia Lip Quench Lipstick Forbidden Fruit

The best thing I like about this look, is that it goes well from evening to night.  It doesn’t look too heavy in the early hours of the evening, but then the eyes take on a more smouldering effect into the night.  The result is sexy, yet elegant.

Have It All Evening Glamour2 FOTD   Have It All Evening GlamourHave It All Evening Glamour3 FOTD   Have It All Evening Glamour

My next chapter: One way ticket to Taiwan

Taiwan My next chapter: One way ticket to Taiwan

Please excuse the self-indulgent nature and the wordiness of this post, but following some conversations I had on Twitter today, thought I’d wrap it all up in a blog post.

Friday 25th May (this month) will be my last day as Brand Manager for Face of Australia cosmetics, as I will be relocating back to my home country, Taiwan, around mid June. This is something that has been in the works for a few months, and it was during my last trip to Taiwan, that Mr Ronan made his relocation.

What brought on this decision?

Mr Ronan and I first visited Taiwan together about 6 years ago, and we’ve been talking about moving there, on and off, since then.  It was a couple of months after our trip back there in July last year, when we talked about as a solid plan.

It was agreed that Mr Ronan will make the transition first.  Since he needs to have a spousal Visa to apply for English teaching jobs, it was necessary for him to make the move then and there.  I’m still a Taiwanese citizen, so have the freedom of relocating back to Taiwan whenever I choose, and be eligible to work there straight away.

So the main purpose of my last trip to Taiwan, was to apply for a spousal Visa for Mr Ronan.  During the same period I looked for jobs in Taiwan, and was offered one on the second day of my arrival.

What will I be doing?

Envie De Neuf My next chapter: One way ticket to Taiwan

I am very lucky to have found myself a role as Assistant Brand Manager for a skincare company http://www.enviedeneuf.com.tw/, which has allowed me to start in 3 months time after they offered me the role.  Whilst on face value, to go to an Assistant Brand Manager role with 1/2 the salary I’m on currently is a step down, to me it’s not so.  I’ve not had any experience in the Asian market, not to mention I’m very rusty when it comes to writing in Chinese, and have NEVER typed in Chinese.

Envie de Neuf is a skincare company that is looking to launch many brands with a focus of entering the mainland China market, and already has many counters in department stores Taiwan-wide.  It’s a role in which I’d no doubt learn a great deal, and I look forward to tackling it head on.

Other than that, I plan to continue blogging, and set up a mail forwarding/shopping service on my blog (stay tuned).  Oh, and my biological clock tells me that having babies should be on my To-Do list too!

Face of Australia

FoAlogo My next chapter: One way ticket to Taiwan

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as the Brand Manager for Face of Australia cosmetics; an unique role which has given me exposure to all aspects of Marketing. During my 18 months of being in the role, I have conceptualised and followed through every step of developing many new products, all of which have been successful in the market place.

My Work at FOA 1 My next chapter: One way ticket to TaiwanMy Work at FOA 2 My next chapter: One way ticket to TaiwanI was also responsible for photo shoot, customer service, merchandising, advertising, social media marketing, and of course PR and events for the wonderful beauty bloggers in Australia (and some beyond).

A big thank you to all the customers, beauty bloggers and my Sales & Marketing team for supporting my launches and initiatives.  A special THANK YOU & LOVE YOU to Briony, who has made all my concepts into creative realities – how she manages to take my few words to such awesome packaging and advert (examples above and below) I’d never know :’)

Makeup Remover circus poster My next chapter: One way ticket to TaiwanOkay… time to shut up

Needless to say, it’s going to be a hectic few weeks and likely a few months ahead.  In addition to wrapping things up with Face of Australia, I’m also in the midst of moving my life over to and then settling in Taiwan.  I’m going to try my hardest to keep everything afloat, but please excuse the (even more) sporadic blog posts on Chasing Elixir.

There will be more great launches from Face of Australia in the coming months, and I have put in product plans for the next 2 years.  So please continue your support for the brand; I truly believe it’s a gem within the Australian cosmetic market.

My Dermal Filler & Freezer Experience

Dermal fillers are injectables that add volume to the face – and are used to fill in wrinkles, add thickness (eg. lips) and contour the face (eg. nose – see my non-surgical nose augmentation round 1 and round 2).

Freezers, on the other hand, paralyse the muscles which cause action wrinkles (eg. forehead, crows feet), and also can be used to slim the jawlines and stop downward pull of certain muscles.

During my last trip to Taiwan, I booked myself in to get both.  As much as topical skincare, natural genetic and makeup can help, there are still some areas that were getting worse with age.  Thermage improved the situation somewhat, but it’s time to go the next step.

Fillers Botox Before My Dermal Filler & Freezer Experience

I was the most concerned about the indented lines across my cheeks, nasolabial lines, and my down-turned mouth.  Fillers would be able to puff out the cheek indentations and nasolabial lines, and freezers would be able to stop the downward pull on the corners of my mouth.

I went with Jin Yen Clinic in Taipei, as it’s frequented by one of my favourite Taiwanese beauty bloggers, Gisele.  My appointment was with the head of the clinic, who specialises in Thermage and injectables.

Upon arrival, I first spoke to one of the consultants, who went through my concerns and recommended the treatments I required, as well as the price.  After which they gave me a brief hydrating facial, and applied anaesthetic cream on my face.

Fillers Botox During My Dermal Filler & Freezer Experience

I had 3ml of Perlane (a medium sized filler) injected along the cheek lines, and nasolabial lines starting from the sides of my nostrials.  2 quick jabs of Botox were injected on the points of the jaw that are directly under the corners of my mouth.

It’s worth noting that I had local anaesthetic injected on the cheeks.  This is important as getting fillers is rather painful!  Even with the local anaesthetic I could feel the needles going into the skin, and worked around underneath.  I did have to utilise the 2 Restylane branded stress balls to make it through!

Botox on the other hand was rather painless.  The needle is finer, and since I only needed a very small amount, it took mere seconds.

I was sent home with some pain-killers, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics and topical gel to alleviate bruising.  A week later I went back for follow-up appointment, during which I decided more fillers were required for the left side, and a little more Botox.

Fillers Botox After My Dermal Filler & Freezer Experience

Top left: The day after my first appointment; Top right: after my follow-up appointment; Bottom 2: The day after my follow-up appointment.

All up, I used 4ml of Perlane and 12 units of Botox.  There was a bit more bruising after my follow-up appointment, and it took about a week to clear up.  The fillers take about a month to soften – before which you can feel something a bit hard underneath the skin when pressing, though not visible to the eye.

Before and After

The difference from the side is not as noticeable, since I didn’t use enough fillers to get drastic volume enhancement or lifting.  Here are the pics of me just before the Taiwan trip (and 8 months after Thermage):

Thermage Effects2 My Dermal Filler & Freezer Experience

Here are the pics now (1 month after Perlane and Botox):

Fillers Botox Now My Dermal Filler & Freezer Experience

The depth and length of the nasolabial lines have decreased, and the corners of my mouth are now up-turned.

The differences front-on are much more obvious:

Fillers Botox Comparison My Dermal Filler & Freezer Experience

My cheeks are much smoother, the nasolabial lines much less deep.  And although not so obvious in above photos, I was absolutely thrilled with how Botox worked for me – it lifted the corners of my mouth and gave me poutier lips!

Botox Mouth Corners My Dermal Filler & Freezer Experience

Perlane lasts 8-18 months and Botox about 3 months.  I will definitely be re-visiting to keep both up, and highly recommend both procedures.

Lancôme Blush Subtil Rose Multi-Colour Powder Blusher #40

Another Lancôme product today!  Lancôme has a very special place in my heart, as it’s the brand that my mum has always loved and used.  Shortly after I started playing with make-up & skincare in my early teens, my mum (in fear of me turning into a teenage drag queen) took me to the local Lancôme counter and bought both of us armfuls of goodies.

So, with Mother’s Day around the corner, I’d like to say thank you to my mum.  For supporting what turns out to be a life-long obsession with beauty products, and such fond memories for an iconic brand.

Lancôme Blush Subtil Rose Multi-Colour Powder Blusher is a blusher palette that was gifted to me as a part of #MBBE 2011.  My bad for not blogging about it sooner – it’s so pretty I couldn’t bare to touch it!

Lacome Blush Subtil Rose 40 Lancôme Blush Subtil Rose Multi Colour Powder Blusher #40

Available in 4 variants, the Lancôme Blush Subtil Rose Multi-Colour Powder Blusher contains 4 shades in one palette to highlight, sculpt and bring warmth to the face.

I love the packaging of Lancôme compacts – they are as solid and elegant now as they were 20 years ago.  Same can be said about the brush – soft and substantial enough for it to be actually useful.  For me, holding a Lancôme compact provokes an elated mixture of nostalgia and lusty butterflies.

The pigments in the Blush Subtil Rose Multi-Colour Powder Blusher have great colour pay-off, and so expertly pressed into the pan.

Lacome Blush Subtil Rose 40 close up Lancôme Blush Subtil Rose Multi Colour Powder Blusher #40

The 4 colours can be used all together, or you can pick and choose which one(s) suit your look for the day.  The top left corner is a shimmery highlighter, to its right a subtle contour colour, then 2 blushers – a soft pink and a red.

The shimmery highlight is a little too shimmery for my liking to be used on the face, but is great for the eyes.  I love the contour colour for either sides of my nose; I use the pink for the entire cheek area and the red for the apples.  Be aware that due to the great colour pay-off, it’s better to use a full size blush brush to blend out the pink and red.

Lancôme Blush Subtil Rose Multi-Colour Powder Blusher retails for AUD$72 and is available at Lancôme counters nation-wide.

Lancôme Rouge In Love 163M Dans Ses Bras

Love your lippies?  Lancôme’s latest launch is a lipstick that loves your lips.  Introducing Rouge In Love – a radiant lip colour that lasts for up to 6 hours, yet feels feather-light and is moisturising to the lips.

Lancome Rouge In Love Emma Watson Lancôme Rouge In Love 163M Dans Ses Bras

I was treated to Lancôme’s much anticipated launch of Rouge In Love last week, and have since been wearing it everyday.  I have to say – I am impressed!

The shade I was given was #163M Dans Ses Bras, a vibrant raspberry red shade.

Lancome Rouge In Love 163M product shot Lancôme Rouge In Love 163M Dans Ses Bras

The texture of this lipstick is amazing, it melts into the lip upon application, and leave a shiny, juicy finish.  It glides on super smooth, and the colour just pops.  My lips felt moisturised and soft the entire time I have it on.

Lancome Rouge In Love 163M group Lancôme Rouge In Love 163M Dans Ses Bras

I don’t really pay that much attention to hours of wear, as to be honest, it’s one of those claims that can’t be substantiated.  Wear of lipstick really depends on what you do during the day – I am always sipping on water so I don’t expect any lipstick to last through that (and I eat lunch).

For a lippy as moisturising as Rouge In Love, I am surprised that they would make a 6-hour wear claim.  I can say that the 163M Dans Ses Bras does withstand my constant water drinking, in the sense that it fades to a rose colour tint.  Given the vibrancy of this shade, the tint is still pretty.  But since I love the way it looks and feels when freshly applied, I prefer to do so every 3-4 hours.

Lancome Rouge In Love 163M swatch Lancôme Rouge In Love 163M Dans Ses Bras

I am definitely in love with Rouge In Love, next on my list is #377N Midnight Rose – a vibrant fuchsia that looks different but equally gorgeous on every complexion.

Lancôme Rouge In Love is available in 21 shades.  Retail for AUD$45 at Lancôme counters nation-wide.

Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 Collection

Following its spectacular launch into the beauty market, Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée will again set our hearts aflutter with its upcoming Summer 2012 collection.  You may have noticed that the first collection focused very much on base and cheek products; the Summer 2012, will be all about eyes.

Laduree Summer 2012 Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 Collection

Eye Colour Palette

5 colour eyeshadow palette in an ultra-luxe, gold and white compact.  Mostly earthy tones, I’d imagine that the texture will be sheer like most Japanese eyeshadows.  Available in 5 variants, I like the look of 03 and 04 the most.  Retails  ¥4200 for refill; ¥525 for case and brush.

Laduree Eye Colour Palette Group sml Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 Collection

Eyebrow Palette

Features 1 wax/cream base and 2 colours of eyebrow powder, this would be the most practical item for me, as I love brow palettes!  Available in 3 variants and retails ¥4725.

Laduree Eyebrow Palette Group Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 Collection

Tinted Lip Balm

Sheer coloured lip balm which I’m sure would be beautifully scented.  The French Provincial design is just gorgeous!  Available in 5 shades and retails ¥2625.

Laduree Tinted Lip Balm Group Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 CollectionEye & Lip Makeup Remover

Have no idea what kind of formula this makeup remover would be, but hello how gorgeous is the bottle!?  Definitely one to be displayed.  Retails ¥2100.

Laduree Makeup Remover Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 Collection

Gift with Purchase

This is a gift with purchase available from 2nd May – 14th June, with purchases over ¥8400.

Laduree GWP Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 Collection

Although not as jaw-dropping as the first collection, which features petal blushes, Laduree’s Summer 2012 collection is still beautiful and to me, a bit more practical.  If by the time I’ve gone through my current brow palette, this collection is still available, I’ll definitely be purchasing 2, 3, or maybe 4 from the brand icon razz Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 Collection

Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012 Collection launches on 2nd May 2012.  Only available in Japan: Ginza Mitsukoshi, Nagoya Takashimaya and Perfumerie Sukiya department stores.

Bioderma Crealine H20

Bioderma is a French skincare brand developed by biologist Jean-Noel Thorel, and is the 3rd most prescribed brand in France.  It’s available in more than 80 countries worldwide, and is now available in Australia.

I first heard about the Bioderma “cleansing water” when a makeup artist asked me if the Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover is the same thing.  ”No it’s not” I said, since I’d never even heard of Bioderma or such a thing as cleansing water.  ”But please tell me more!” as I relish makeup artists’ trade secrets more than, oh I dunno, a teenage girl does a piece of half eaten Vegemite toast by a member of One Direction (*rubbing palms with glee of incoming Google searches*).

Bioderma Crealine H2O 250ml Bioderma Crealine H20

What they say:

  • At the cutting edge of innovation, BIODERMA has pioneered micellar solutions. Specially formulated for sensitive, normal to dry skins, the Sensibio H2O micelle solution gently cleanses face and eyes. It removes water-resistant make-up.
  • The micelles contained in its formula effectively micro-emulsify impurities while maintaining the skin’s balance (soap-free, physiological pH).
  • Soothing and decongesting active ingredients prevent the feelings of irritation often caused by cleansing.
  • Crealin H2O guarantees excellent cutaneous (skin) and ocular (eye) tolerance (tested under ophthalmological supervision).

Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Peg-6 Caprylic/Capril Glycerides, Propylene Glycol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Fructooligosaccharides, Mannitol, Xylitol, Rhamnose, Disodium Edta, Cetrimonium Bromide.

My experience:

Bioderma Crealine H2O is a micellar solution, which offers the functionality of oil in terms of cleansing power, but with a freshness of water.  It moisturises the skin and does not irritate, making it suitable for the most sensitive skins.

The solution pretty much looks like water, but with bigger bubbles/foams after shaking (note: it is soap free, and you don’t need to shake it to use it, I was just being curious icon biggrin Bioderma Crealine H20 )

Bioderma Crealine H2O product Bioderma Crealine H20

To use, I pour it onto cotton squares or toilet paper, and gently wipe it over my entire face.  The Bioderma Crealine H20 effectively removes my face makeup, and leaves my skin feeling fresh and softened.

At night, I use this like a pre-cleanse.  So after going over my face with Bioderma Crealine H20, I use Simplicite Plant Gel Cleanser, and then POD Liquid Detox.  Sometimes I go over my face again with Bioderma Crealine H20, as I really like how it softens my skin.

Bioderma Crealine H20 is also effective at removing most eye makeup.  However as I have extremely oily skin, I usually make sure my eye makeup is totally budge-proof: eye primer, waterproof liner/mascara, plus heaps of eyelash glue if I’m wearing fake lashes. So for speediness I still use dual-phased makeup remover (Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover) for my eyes.

One other thing I’ve discovered Bioderma Crealine H20 is good for: ink marks.  You know when you get stamped at certain bars/clubs these days, and how impossible it is to remove it from your wrist for days?  Well a few swipes with Bioderma Crealine H20 and it’s almost all gone:

Bioderma Crealine H2O ink test Bioderma Crealine H20

Had to use a postage stamp since I clearly don't get out much these days icon razz Bioderma Crealine H20

I’ll definitely be purchasing Bioderma Crealine H20 when this bottle runs out – hopefully in 500ml or 1L bottles, which is not yet available in Australia.

Bioderma Crealine H20 retails $39.95 for 250ml and is available at selected pharmacies.  For stockists information or direct order please email contact@cosmetifrance.com

*This product was provided for consideration, for my disclosure policy see here.

POD Puraceuticals Liquid Detox

There are a number of products in my skincare regime that are Aussie made and owned, and at the risk of this coming out the wrong way, it wasn’t my intention.  The products I use on a regular basis are there because of their great formulation, and most importantly, deliver results on an on-going basis.  So it’s from an unbiased point of view that I can say that Aussie made skincare products are awesome in quality – which makes me so proud icon smile POD Puraceuticals Liquid Detox

POD Puraceuticals is an Aussie skincare company that offers anti-ageing skincare that utilise all natural ingredients.  Liquid Detox is essentially a cleanser.

POD Liquid Detox POD Puraceuticals Liquid Detox

What they say:

  • A three-in-one treatment that cleanses, tones, and exfoliates the skin.
  • Dramatically reduces blackheads and pores for an even skin tone.
  • Uses a breakthrough triple enzyme derived from papaya to gently break down dead and dull skin cells without abrasive chemicals or scrubbing
  • Helps dramatically reduce blackheads, blemishes, hormonal bumps, and sun-damage
  • Accelerates skin renewal for a younger looking complexion without damaging the skin
  • No sulfates means this cleanser won’t dry and strip the skin or leave a greasy residue
  • Replaces the use of cleansers, toners, exfoliants, and purifying masks

Ingredients:

Not sure if the way they’ve line-listed the ingredients in a little pamphlet is the legit way to display ingredient listing.  The 3 enzymes are Subtilisin, Protease, Papain, and Liquid Detox also includes antioxidants (Pomegranate, Green Tea, Calendula), Kakadu Plum, Shea Butter and various essential oils.

For a detailed ingredient list please see in store or email POD Puraceuticals.

My experience:

Dispensed from a airless pump, the formula is a gel that has a slight honey tinge.

POD Liquid Detox Texture POD Puraceuticals Liquid Detox

It lathers up slightly when rubbed on with water, more than it does on the face than on the back of my hand in above picture (maybe because there’s more grime on the face?). But you can see that the foam is very very fine, which is great for mature/ageing skin. Cleansers that foam up too much strips the face of natural oils and exacerbate ageing – so I avoid them at all costs!

The scent is a almost non-detectable natural woody smell, from essential oils such as rose damask, nag champa, geranium bourbon ylang ylang etc.  I love my botanical smells so actually would love it to come through more.

I use this cleanser either on its own in the shower, or as a second/third step cleanser (after my Simplicite Plant Gel Cleanser and Bioderma Crealine H2O Micellar Cleansing Water).  Either way it’s very effective at cleansing all the makeup, oil and dirt from my face at the end of a long day.  I can really feel that it cleanses right into the pores, but does not leave my face feeling tight and dry.

Squeaky clean is great for the dishes, but not the face!  So I’m happy that the POD Puraceuticals Liquid Detox leaves my skin “non-squeaky clean” – and that makes it another All Aussie beauty in my skincare regime!

POD Puraceuticals Liquid Detox retails $60 for 150ml and is available from Priceline, National Pharmacies and online.  For stockist info please visit http://www.podpuraceuticals.com/store-locator

*This product was provided for consideration, for my disclosure policy see here.