- May 02, 2024
A Month In Beauty, April.
LESSE Refining Cleanser: I had been wanting to try this cleanser for what felt like forever and I finally picked myself up a bottle, and I am so glad I did. It's essentially an exfoliating cleanser that I know a lot of people might use as a daily cleanser but I personally use it a few times a week and especially post-shaving.
As you all may know I am a huge believer in regular exfoliation and using this cleanser a few times a week helps me to do that as it easily slots into my routine, this cleanser uses Aloe Vera to calm the skin whilst Charcoal detoxifies. It uses fine grains to physically slough away dead skin cells and I can notice a huge difference in my skin immediately after I rinse it off, my skin looks brighter and more even-toned.
It can be hard sometimes to see results with products like this but with this one, I see immediate ones and notice how bright and smooth my skin looks throughout the day, I especially like using it prior to an event as it preps my skin for makeup and allows my makeup to apply better.
*Aesop Immaculate Facial Tonic: As a big fan of Aesop I know that they only release products that have been carefully thought out and products that will easily slot into already established routines, I like when brands take the time and do their research and only launch products that they truly believe in.
The latest addition to their Skincare+ range is the Immaculate Facial Tonic which is essentially a toner that can be used after cleansing, I always use a toner as I find it helps to add a layer of hydration to my skin and whilst my skin is slightly damp from the product it helps my other products absorb better.
This tonic uses vitamins and a gentle chemical exfoliant to dissolve away dead skin cells which in turn can help to brighten your skin and will allow for better product absorption, While it is an exfoliant my skin has no irritation to it at all and it has easily slotted into my skincare routine. I tend to use it more in the mornings and like that it gives me a light exfoliation but is also very hydrating, I love Aesop and in my eyes, they can do no wrong and this product is a true example of that.
*iS Clinical Active Serum: This serum is a bit of an icon in the beauty world and I am so glad to of finally been able to try it, I always knew I would love this product and even though I have only been using it for the last few weeks, I can already say that it is a favourite.
For those who don't know about it, essentially it's an exfoliating serum that helps with anything from fine lines to pore size and breakouts, I especially like it for its ability to calm down any breakouts that I have and as someone who has used active products for a very long time, when I use this serum, in particular, I feel like it is really going into my skin and working its magic.
A little bit goes a long way with this serum and it absorbs beautifully into the skin allowing me to apply my other product over it straight away.
*Editors note: When using any sort of exfoliating product it's always important to wear an SPF on a daily basis to protect your skin.
Click here for more information and stockists.
Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Treatment Cream: I got this product as a gift with purchase when I ordered some products from the brand and I am so glad that I received it because I immediately fell in love with it when I used it and it would have taken me a while to of tried it otherwise, on the website it says it can be used as a leave-on mask a couple of times a week but as my skin has been affected by the recent drop in weather in Melbourne, I have been using it every night as my night cream and final step in my skincare routine.
It's quite an interesting texture and one that I have never felt before, it's almost like a combination of a balm and a cream, it's thick but not so thick that it clogged my oily-combination skin type and immediately absorbs into my skin almost leaving the feeling of an oil without the greasy residue left behind.
It uses ingredients to rebalance the skin and repair it from any UV and environmental stress, think of it like a repair cream for your skin and I can honestly say this has done wonders at keeping my winter-prone skin nourished and protected. It's not often I fall so hard for a product after only one application but with this, I did.
*Chloe Zara Hair & Body Perfume Oil: I never thought I would be so hooked on a hair oil, but here we are. This hair and body oil from Chloe Zara has been an absolute miracle for my dry and damaged hair, I have been using it in a few different ways and it has honestly been so beneficial for the overall health and general look of my hair.
I use it the night before I wash my hair as almost a pre-treatment, I use it as a styling product to tame frizziness and flyaways and then I use it after I have washed my hair almost like I would a leave-in conditioner. I just love the way it makes my hair feel and how well it's kept my hair in a healthy condition.
It uses a blend of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids to nourish the hair as well as perfuming it with Sandalwood, Fig, Pineapple and Saffron which as you can imagine smells like a dream.
Bravo Chloe Zara, Bravo.
Simon x
*Products featured in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand/pr, otherwise, the product has been purchased by myself. As always all reviews are my own and all words and images are my own unless mentioned otherwise.
- April 18, 2024
Nutrimetics Basics.
As the weather is cooling down in Melbourne and I am starting to reorganize my wardrobe with knits and cardigans, I am also changing my skincare routine to incorporate more hydrating products. My skin is mostly affected by weather changes and going from hot to cold has definitely had an impact on it as of late, which is why the Nutrimetics Basic range has easily slotted into my skincare routine.
The products in this range are all focused on nourishing and hydrating your skin, nobody loves an active or an exfoliant more than I do but in saying that I believe a skincare routine should be balanced with actives and products that hydrate your skin, soothe it and protect the skin's barrier.
Here are the current products from Nutrimetics that I have recently added to my routine, it's not that often that I get a range of products that easily slot into my routine but with these products, they have made great additions to my weather-ravaged skin.
Skin Clean Cleansing Milk: I always like starting my routine off with a cleansing milk in the cooler months, I still like a cleanser to cleanse my skin thoroughly but I find that with a cleansing milk it does that without stripping my skin or leaving it feeling tight after I rinse it off.
This cleanser contains Sesame Oil and Soybean Oil which provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that all help to protect and nourish the skin whilst cleansing.
It does a good job of removing makeup and it's quite rich but still gentle and works well on my skin morning and night.
Skin Fresh Toning Lotion: I always like to tone my skin with a mist after cleansing as I find it adds a layer of hydration to my skin and allows my other products to absorb better, it's also good to keep one by your desk or in your bag to keep your skin refreshed throughout the day and also helps to refresh your makeup.
This citrus-infused toning lotion from Nutrimetics is a lovely fine mist that uses a blend of Lemon Oil and Orange Blossom which work together to purify the skin and has antibacterial properties so great if you have breakout-prone skin. It also contains Chamomille which is well known for its soothing properties.
Apricot Facial Masque & Scrub: Whilst as I have gotten older and my skin has changed and I can't exfoliate as much as I used to, I am a huge believer in exfoliation and believe it can be very beneficial to the skin, especially if you have drier skin or your skin is more prone to drying out in winter as exfoliating can help slough away dry skin patches and as it cleans away dead skin cells it will help your hydrating products absorb better.
This Masque and Scrub from Nutrimetics uses fruit enzymes like Mango, Pineapple and Papaya that dissolve away dead skin cells which in turn help with skin texture and brightness, Apricot Kernel Powder works as a physical exfoliant to buff away dead skin and impurities and Kaolin Clay detoxifies.
The beauty of this product is it's up to you how long you leave it on for and can be easily slotted into your routine, with a product like this I'll put it on as soon as I wake up and let it sit on my skin whilst Im making my coffee and then hop in the shower and rinse it off.
Nutri Moist Moisturising Creme: A moisturiser is an essential product all year round but especially in the cooler months, even if you have oily or breakout-prone skin wearing a moisturiser can help keep your skin become nourished and balanced.
This one from Nutrimetics is lovely as it strikes that perfect balance of being moisturising but not too heavy, it helps to protect the skin with antioxidants whilst keeping the skin moisturised and the skin's barrier protected.
It's not a super active moisturiser which I personally like as I use active serums and it's nice to use a nourishing creme like this one to form a nourishing blanket over my skin and I really enjoy using this one.
For more information on the Nutrimetics Basics Click Here.
Simon x
*The products mentioned in this post have been sent to me via the brand, as always all opinions are my own and the image was shot and styled by me.
- April 10, 2024
The Australian Beauty Brands Currently On My Radar, Part Five.
Tomorrow-Today Beauty: I saw this brand do the rounds on social media and I was very intrigued by what they were offering, the range currently consists of a serum that helps to protect your skin from blue light [phones, computers, etc] whilst using hydrating and repairing ingredients to treat your skin whilst you wear it. It's hard to deny how much time I spend looking at a screen, sometimes without even realizing it so it's nice knowing that there's a serum like this one to keep my skin protected.
I like using it in the mornings after my Vitamin C serum and before my moisturiser and sunscreen, sometimes I even like wearing it as the last step in my routine almost as a finishing serum or primer as my makeup sits beautifully on top of it and it makes my skin feel hydrated and fresh throughout the day.
Click Here For More Information On The Brand.
Saint Louve: Saint Louve is a skincare brand designed by Elly who runs her own clinic and currently consists of four products including a Vitamin C Serum, a Retinol Serum, an Exfoliating Serum and a Hydrating Serum which in my eyes are the key essentials for any skincare routine.
I have used skincare for a very long time and could immediately tell how much work and effort had gone into these products, from the packaging to the formulations themselves it's hard not to appreciate just how much time and work had gone into them.
They are quite active which I personally love and as my skin is used to using active products they have worked wonders and caused my skin no sensitivity or issue and have easily slotted into my skincare routine, I can see myself repurchasing the products which for someone who gets to try a lot of products I feel like is a big compliment and I am so happy to of been able to try the brand as I really enjoy having the products in my routine.
I am very excited to see what the brand does next.
Click Here For More Information On The Brand.
Wyuna Botanicals: Wyuna Botanicals is a brand that focuses on using organic ingredients in their products and also likes to focus on using Australian and Indigenous ingredients, the range currently consists of a cleansing balm, face spritz and a moisturiser.
The brand is edited but the products have been carefully thought out and all are very lovely to use and efficacious. My skin has gotten along with all the products in the range and the scents and textures of the products make them a joy to use.
I am happy to have tried this range and looking forward to seeing what they do next.
Click Here For More Information On The Brand.
EauLunaire: EauLunaire is a brand that I discovered last year and currently consists of lip and cheek balms and highlighters that either come in stick form or pot form.
The products are really easy to use and apply beautifully to the skin, they also sit well with other products. They also contain skincare ingredients like Mango Butter and Shea Butter amongst others that help to nourish and treat your skin whilst you wear them.
Click Here For More Information On The Brand.
Synth Labs Intl: Synth Labs Intl is a skincare brand that contains a whole host of different products in their range from various serums and a mask to suit different skin types. The range focuses on using the correct amount of actives that deliver results with continued use, they use natural ingredients in their products and are environmentally friendly.
I can tell that a lot of research and effort has gone into creating the products and whilst I haven't tried much from the range I can tell by just reading the ingredient lists that a lot of work has gone into them and I can see that the products would be very efficacious.
I like seeing brands that have an edited and tailored selection of products and this brand is one that intrigues me and one I would like to use more of and see more from.
Click Here For More Information On The Brand.
Simon x
*The products mentioned in this post have been sent to me via the brand/pr, as always all opinions are my own and all words and images are my own.
- April 02, 2024
The Products From Aesop You Will Always Find In My Bathroom, Desk And Bag.
This cleanser from Aesop is a light foaming gel cleanser that does a good job of cleansing my skin without stripping it or leaving it feeling tight after rinsing off, it contains Salicylic Acid which is an exfoliating ingredient that gets deep down into the pores and cleans them out, it's also well known for its blemish fighting properties.
I have learnt recently how much my cleanser can influence how my skin is and choosing one is more important for me now than ever, this cleanser suits my skin type and is one that I can see myself using repeatedly.
Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste: I have used this product for years now and I am always amazed how no matter how many times I use it, it still gives me the results I want from an exfoliant. It does wonders at keeping my skin texture even and my breakouts at bay and when I use it before an event or something special my makeup always sits better and looks better on my skin.
It uses a mix of physical and chemical exfoliants and whilst it uses Fine Quartz as it's physical component it doesn't feel scratchy or irritating on the skin. The chemical component is Lactic Acid which is one of the exfoliating acids I love as it hydrates whilst exfoliating, I like to leave this product on my skin for a few minutes to make sure I am getting all of the exfoliating properties.
I love the glow this product gives to my skin and it's a product I know I will always have in my routine.
*Lucent Facial Concentrate: I have used a Vitamin C serum in my morning skincare routine for years now and for me, it's a non-negotiable, whilst I have my favourites I am always on the hunt for a new one to try, I tend to look for ones that are lightweight and contains a blend of ingredients to help keep my skin nourished while giving me the benefits of Vitamin C.
The one that I have incorporated into my routine recently is this one from Aesop which is a part of their Skincare+ range. It's a lightweight serum that absorbs beautifully into my skin and sits well with my other products.
It uses Vitamin C in the form of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which helps to brighten your skin tone whilst providing antioxidant protection and Niacinamide helps to support your skin barrier. I like using this serum as it contains both Vitamin C and Niacinamide which I normally use separately so it's nice knowing it's all in one product. I love how lightweight this serum is and how hydrating it is, This serum suits my skin type very well and is a joy to use, it will definitely become a favourite in my Vitamin C arsenal.
*B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel: I don't know what took me so long to try this product but I am so happy to finally have it in my routine, the texture of this product is unlike anything I have ever used before, and it is almost like a honey consistency but once it is massaged into your skin turns into a gel that gives my skin immediate glow and nourishment.
My skin has been a bit up and down lately, living in Melbourne with the constant weather changes has really affected my skin and this has helped to keep my skin protected from the elements and has almost formed a protective barrier on my skin while using ingredients to keep it nourished underneath.
It uses Provitamin B and Vitamin C to provide antioxidant protection and keep the skin balanced. I could not live without this product once I have tried it and I can imagine it being a product that I would always want in my beauty cupboard for when my skin needs that extra boost of nourishment.
Moroccan Neroli Shaving Serum: There are a few products in my routine that are non-negotiables and this product is one of them, as someone who shaves regularly I am always looking for ways to make the process easier and more enjoyable and this product does that.
I love the consistency as it lathers up but not too much to the point where it's clogging your razor but still gives your skin enough slip for the razor to glide over, it feels like it's moisturising my skin whilst I use it and there's something about this product that gives my skin a really close shave like nothing else.
This product is a pure luxury for me and every time I use it, it feels like a proper treat.
Rind Concentrate Body Balm: To say I am obsessed with this body balm would be an understatement, I have one of the tubes in every bag and by my desk and also the big 500ml bottle in my bathroom, as a lover of anything citrus scented this product is my ideal body product.
It contains notes of Pink Grapefruit, Orange Rind and Lemon Rind and has the most delicious zingy zesty smell to it, it immediately makes me feel more refreshed and as I wear citrus fragrances it acts well alongside them.
It's very moisturising and absorbs well into my skin allowing me to get dressed and do things straight away, I will forever have this product in my routine.
Simon x
*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand/pr, otherwise the products have been purchased by myself. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own and the image was shot and styled by me.
- March 15, 2024
How Changing My Cleanser Completely Changed My Skincare Routine, And My Skin.
- March 07, 2024
A Month In Beauty, February.
This is currently my main exfoliating product and whilst it can be used morning and night, I tend to use it more at night after cleansing and it does wonders at keeping my breakouts at bay and overall keeping my skin balanced.
I will continue to use this product and I like how it has streamlined my night routine, once I finish this bottle I will definitely be repurchasing.
Saint Louve 15% Vitamin C Lustrum Serum: I have been using a Vitamin C serum as part of my morning skincare routine for years now and for me, it's a non-negotiable, the current one that I am using and loving is this one from Saint Louve.
It uses five forms of Vitamin C along with Ferulic Acid and other amazing antioxidants and brighteners to provide the skin with antioxidant protection and does wonders at keeping the skin even and bright.
I have some pigmentation around my eye area on the sides of my face and this has done wonders at fading it, I like knowing that I am getting antioxidant protection on a daily basis and this serum has been an absolute joy to use.
Aesop Hwyl Eau De Parfum: When I was in Brisbane at the beginning of this year I went into the Aesop store in Queens Plaza as it's my goal in life to visit any Aesop store wherever I am and was amazed at how beautifully designed the store was, as I had some time to have a proper browse I picked up a couple of essentials and always asked one of the girls there to talk me through some of the fragrances.
We tried a few different ones and I liked quite a few but Hwyl was the one that struck me the most, it's a huge departure for me scent-wise as I tend to like more cologne citrus scents and this scent is very smoky, spicy and green but I absolutely love it and haven't been able to stop wearing it since I brought it.
It has notes of Cypress, Frankincense and Vetiver and has that clean skin-like smell to it, I highly recommend you pop into one of their stores to first try this scent but also marvel at the design and styling of their stores.
Tomorrow-Today Beauty Tech Protect Serum: There's no denying how much time we are spending in front of a screen, and I can attest to the fact I am definitely looking at a screen more often than not, luckily Tomorrow-Today Beauty has created a product that can at least help with this issue.
They have created a serum that contains ingredients to protect your skin from blue light whilst repairing it, it also contains a whole host of hydrating ingredients that give your skin an immediate glow and does wonders at keeping my oily-combination skin hydrated throughout the day.
It feels lovely on the skin and sits well with my other products and under makeup, I either use it before my moisturiser or as the last step in my routine almost like a finishing serum or primer. It's a great idea and I look forward to seeing what they do next.
Dermalogica Phyto Nature Oxygen Cream: A moisturiser can seem like a pretty standard product when it comes to talking about skincare routines but for me, it's important to use one that works well for my skin type, as someone with oily-combination skin I still that need that hydration from a moisturiser but without it being too oily or pore clogging.
Dermalogica moisturisers always suit my skin very well and this Phyto Nature Oxygen Cream is a product I keep going back to as it offers my skin the hydration it needs whilst remaining light as doesn't make my skin feel oily after I use it, it also sits well under makeup and with my other products.
I find it quite firming too, I feel like it gives my skin a nice bounce to it and a lovely glow. Another product from Dermalogica that I would continue to repurchase.
Simon x
*Some products mentioned in this post have been gifted to me via the brand and some have been purchased by myself, as always all my reviews are my honest opinion and all images and words are my own unless otherwise mentioned.
- January 16, 2024
Sky Derma Clinic.
Bonnie is really knowledgeable on all things skin and treatments and does an amazing job at looking at my skin and basically telling me what I need, I have said in the past that as a Melbournian there are a few people you can really trust, one of them being your facialist and in this scenario, I trust Bonnie more than anything to take care of my skin.
I came into the clinic with my main skin concerns being breakouts and texture irregularities, another main concern being these small white bumps that were scattered over my face which we discovered were actually Sebaceous Hyperplasia.
I have had a few treatments with Bonnie now, a milk peel and a TCA peel to combat my hyperplasia which I immediately saw results from as the peels helped to dramatically reduce their appearance and actually get rid of some of the bumps. Both treatments had been followed by an LED light treatment which I have done regularly and does wonders for my skin.
Alongside my treatments, Bonnie has also recommended some products from Dermaceutic and Biopelle which I have loved and will give a quick run-through below.
Biopelle Tensage Antioxidant Defense Serum: Essentially this is an antioxidant serum that uses Vitamin C which is a well-known brightening ingredient, Ferulic Acid and Growth Factors which all work together to protect your skin against environmental stresses. I feel like when I use this serum it really does form a barrier for daily stresses and it sits well with my other products.
Dermaceutic Actibiome Acne-Prone Skin Night Cream: A moisturiser that exfoliates your skin overnight helping with breakouts and skin texture, it uses a blend of Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid to gently dissolve away dead skin cells and does wonders at smoothing out my skin texture and keeping my breakouts at bay. I have to be careful with moisturisers as they can sometimes clog my skin but that isn't the case with this one, it works very well for my skin.
Dermaceutic Dual+ Anti Blemish Serum: I love this serum because, for my skin that is used to using active products, it feels more gentle on my skin as sometimes I find when products are targeted to breakouts they can be quite harsh but I don't find that with this serum at all. Another thing I love is that whilst it does target breakouts it also uses ingredients that help to fade the pigmentation left behind from spots which is something that I struggle with so knowing that this serum does both is why it remains a favourite in my routine.
Dermaceutic K Ceutic Post Treatment Cream: This is a great product to use on a daily basis but especially after any sort of skin treatment, it also has a slight yellow tint to it which is good at covering redness and does slightly even out your skin tone with the tint.
These products are all sold at Sky Derma Clinic and I would highly recommend looking into them.
Sky Derma Clinic is located at 7/439 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008 and their website is www.skyderma.com.au.
Simon x
*Treatments have been gifted to me for content inclusion but as always all thoughts and opinions are my own.