Summer Favourites

Yes, it's summer! And I've been waiting all year for summer... despite the fact that I'm kind of missing the winter chill but nevertheless, this means.. trips to the beach, endless days of sunshine (of course!), ice cold drinks and most importantly slapping on that sunscreen!

So... since summer in Sydney is getting pretty humid and sticky. Make up wise, I've been keeping it minimal and natural.. as usual! Here are a few things I use / carry along with me on the regular.

September's Lust Have It

So before heading out to work today around... 2pm. My mum handed me three parcels to me. One was from Sleek MakeUp (which I will review real soon) and another was some accessories I got from eBay. Last but not least it was also this month's Lust Have It box! I ripped that box quickly and had a good suss at the items I got this month before I left for work today!

This month's Lust Have It has been a bit of an improvement as opposed to the past 2 months or so (if I believe so.) I didn't blog about last month's Lust Have It because I was that disappointed and I couldn't say too much about it. Anywho, with a slight positive outlook towards this post - I was excited and thrilled to check out what I got for this months subscription.

I'm somewhat satisfied with this months box as opposed to the previous ones so far only because there were items I actually find pretty useful and also they're pretty good sample sizes or trial sizes considering how pricey they usually are. (I'm talking about the Dermologica ones, I think they were the ones that got me excited the most)

This month, it came in a silver pouch. Last month it came in a box to celebrate Lust Have It's 1st Birthday. The contents on last months box were mediocre but we shall focus on this months box which I quite like!

I got two Dermologica trial size products! Enough said. I am happy! For the rest of the item they were like... meh. I've been keen on trying their products so this is a great opportunity to try them!  Also, it's my first time trying out a Mirenesse product that was included in this months subscription. There was also a free $90 voucher for a Dermologica facial (if you make a $50 purchase in store) and also there was a voucher where you can redeem for a free Cat Liner Eyeliner from Mirenesse worth $39? I think it was. Davroe came with a coupon for a free hair styling product. The code is 'BEAUTY' if you're interested.

I apologise for the bad photos, my camera was just not focusing much today and it was hella annoying. Bare with me for now!

So what did I get...

1. Dermalogica PreCleanse (150ml @ $65.50 - Received 15ml) - Gently permeates and liquefies sebum and oil based debris from the skin's surface, encapsulating it so it is readily rinsed away without leaving behind any greasy residue.

Haven't tried this product yet but it was depicted on the Lust Have It description card that the Precleanse was very popular on the set of the Twilight Eclipse movie, as the make-up artist used it to remove heavy make-up from actors without harsh rubbing or over cleansing.

2. Dermalogica Active Toner (250ml @ $51 - Received 30ml) - Spritz on for critical hydration with this refreshing blend of skin-repairing Aloe, moisture binding Sodium PCA plus soothing Lavender, Balm Mint and Arnica. Excellent for all skin conditions.

This product reminds me of the Puretopia Refresh and Balance Facial Mist & Toner. It can possibly be a cheaper dupe. If you own the Puretopia Refresh & Balance Facial Mist you know what I'm talking about. This toner leaves this numbing tingly feeling on my face after spritzing it. I don't know if that's good or bad... LOL. But it then leaves my skin smooth and refreshed.


3. Davroe Ultimatum Non Aerosol Hairspray (200ml @ $19.95 - Received 50ml) - A finishing spray that provides a long lasting maximum hold to any style. This quick drying formula includes Rosemary and Hops to help protect the hairs natural moisture balance and adds natural shine.

I used this today before heading to work, it was meh. Felt like a typical hair spray and I didn't like how it made my hair solid (you know that feeling with hair spray?) Yeah, I like my De Lorenzo Elements Ocean Mist Hair Spray which I got with April's Lust Have It box which I use from time to time for work to just set my stray baby hairs in place.

4. Mirenesse "Protect Me" - Tinted or Regular (18g @ $69 - Received a 'Tinted' sample size roughly 5gs?) - A unique 2-in-1 anti-ageing balm that's infused with high performance Mineral Sunscreens (not chemical) that protect against UVA & UVB rays.

Haven't tried this yet but I'm assuming it's a tinted moisturiser from the description.

5. Say It With Scent - Green Tea or Vanilla or Frangipani (200ml @ $26.80 - Received a 30ml 'Vanilla' scent - A non-greasy easily absorbed lotion, enriched with Shea Butter and natural vitamin E. This lotion is plant based and contains no petro chemicals.

I was kinda meh when I saw this considering the amount of lotions Lust Have It always shoves in their monthly subscriptions. But I do love the heavy vanilla scent, it's heavenly pleasant that you might be tempted to lick the cream... LOL. Trust me this vanilla scent is not sickening but smells so good that you wanna eat it.

This wraps up this post, I've been hella busy and I apologise my recent rant on twitter about Uni. You know... a girls gotta rant... Anywho, be back soon with more reviews (Mid-Semester Break next week! Woop!)

Love, J 

A Selection of Pantene's Aqua Light Range

Apologies for not updating for a while. I've (and still currently) sick. I have a really bad chesty cough which I probably contracted from the gym and currently taking antibiotics which is heaps annoying. 

Anywho, I've been meaning to do this post for a long while but since I've got so many things to get through and other things I wanted to share first I've finally got around to doing this review. It's been on my mind for 3 weeks or so and I can say I can give you guys a good review on these products!

I was contacted by a PR in order to trial out a few items from Pantene's Aqua Light range, I've trialed them before in a sample size I received ages ago but that sample size only lasted like 3 washes and I suppose I needed more in order to determine if I should buy the actual product or not. 

Anywho, so far I've been using these for nearly a month or maybe a month now and I'm loving the condition of my hair and how affordable the this range from Pantene is. 

So what Pantene has to say is... 

The silicone-free formula in new Pantene Aqua Light shampoo contains groundbreaking water-soluble beads that rinse the hair from root to tip in seconds, leaving it feeling as light as a feather and beautifully nourished.

• Free of silicone and other heavy ingredients
• Features Clean Rinse technology to rinse hair fast, leaving it feeling fresh, clean and lightweight
• Nourishes hair from root to tip, leaving it full of health, not residue
• Removes all trace of residue and prepares hair perfectly for Pantene Aqua Light conditioner

I couldn't agree more with the 'Aqua Light' feeling. For reference, my asian hair is really thick and coarse also it's dry on the ends (due to my hair straightener and also colouring). I found that the Shampoo by itself makes my hair really light and not weighed down by my natural hair (regardless of the conditioner) with the Conditioner it's adds the extra shine and also softness and also revives my ends making them moisturised? Um... well, the appearance of the dead/dry ends is less noticeable. Not to mention, how it kind of makes my hair a little thin (due to the fact that it makes my hair lighter in texture, if that makes any sense)

When paired with the Treatment, it takes the conditioning and repairing of my dry hair to another level. You can use it by itself but it's best to use all the products together (as you will see the full extent of the effects on your hair). What I basically did was I shampooed my hair rinse it out then condition my hair and leave it in for at least a minute or two, rinse that off and then apply the treatment for at least another two minutes or so and then wash it out. Trust me, even though that sounds like a lot in that time I'm usually cleansing my face and also my body so it's all gooooooood! All under 10 minutes in the shower! 

After I'm done I apply the Split End Fuser to my hair (when my hair is lightly dried with a towel), I apply the whole product (and it's a lot!) to my ends and whatevers left over I apply it on the rest of my hair. After that, you are done!

After my hair has completely dried and everything my hair feels super super soft and also looks really healthy. I never thought that these products would do so much to my hair and considering how they're not a high ended brand is really awesome!  I swear this whole system and it is amazing! I couldn't believe how healthy my hair looked. Honestly!

The best part is that this whole kit would probably cost less than a shampoo and conditioner in a high end brand and works just as well as a high end branded shampoo and conditioner (I'm talking about the salon branded ones for those who don't know).

Even though there are a lot of steps involved, you don't need to do this EVERYDAY or every other day. Maybe once or twice a week is enough. I shampoo and condition my hair every other second day and this is great to use on anyone who suffers from dandruff. I was a bit skeptical when I first used the shampoo because I have dandruff from time to time but if you're really skeptical just add a little of your regular dandruff shampoo with this shampoo and it should work. I don't because it works fine with my dandruff prone hair.

You may like it because...

• Widely available at Supermarkets, Big W, Target & Priceline (anywhere Pantene is sold) 
• Affordable. I believe the Shampoo & Conditioners cost $7.89 each for a 350ml bottle which is pretty good. 
• Gives hair a healthy shine, feel and look - repairing your split/dry/dead ends
• Noticeable results after 1 wash (also really good when you're just using the Shampoo & Conditioner)
• Hair feels super light, great for those who have thick hair and love 'light' feeling hair. 

You may not like it because...

• There is too many steps involved? Probably. 
• If you naturally have thin hair.
• You have to keep using the product to see the results
• To see the full effect it's best to use those products together. But I'm pretty sure with a good shampoo and conditioner it may work. I did try that but I didn't see the full effect I was getting without using Pantene.

Overall, it's a great affordable product for those who are looking for something to repair or get healthy looking hair on a budget without going to the high end of things. It gets my approval! 

Have you tried this range or any other Pantene products?!

Love, J

*PR Sent for Consideration. This has not effected my opinion and thoughts on this item. I provide a honest review with all things unbias. For more information please see my disclosure policy. 

Lush Haul #2

As much as I adore Lush, this is my second Haul and probably my second transaction I've made from them. Nevertheless, it burnt a little hole in my pocket but it's heaps worth it. Out of all the beauty (okay not so beauty?) well, products - these are my favourite. Why? THEY SMELL FANTASTIC! 

So the other day, the boyfriend and I went to the city and went to our favourite sushi train place at Market City - Takumi Sushi Train. It's the best place and has a great combination for a great price, I always went to that Sushi Train place when I was still studying Business at UTS (oh the memories) and that's how i discovered this little place. Anywho, after having our late lunch there we headed to QVB/Westfield Sydney and mainly I was looking forward to heading my head into the Lush store. 

L2R: Bohemian Soap, Godiva Shampoo & Conditioning Bar, Lush Retread Liquid Conditioner Sample (The SA gave me!), Dirty Tooth Tabs (a post here), Honey I Washed The Kids Soap.

I finally bought myself a solid shampoo, the sales assistant at the Penrith store told me these last 3 times longer than normal liquid shampoo - I hope they do. I'm currently loving this because it a 2 in 1 (Shampoo & Cond) and it leave my hair smelling like fresh Jasmine! 

My boyfriend complemented on my hair and said it smells amazing! And I think I might get another one of these along with a dandruff one when I ran out. 

This is Lush's most famous soap and I know why. IT SMELLS AMAZING!!!!! (Like mentioned) It's smells like Palmers Coco Butter with hints of fresh honey?! I can't describe it but it's smells so good you could take a bite out of it. 

It's moisturising and leave my skin feeling soft!

I asked the Sales Assistant for a brightening soap? I know there might not be such a thing at Lush but since this Bohemian Soap has Lemon, it might as well aid in the brightening process. I wanted to get rid of my dark tan lines on my upper shoulder and anywhere else on my body cause of my uneven natural tan from the sun over the years, also it's a great soap in the morning because it wakes you up with this scent of lemon. I love it, it's smells like i'm rubbing fresh lemonade on myself LOLOLOL. 

This whole lot cost me $33~ 

The Soaps were roughly $7-8 because they're around $6.95 per 100g and they weigh it, cut it etc. 

Toothy Tabs were $3.95

Godiva Solid Shampoo was $13.95

The following bath bombs are Lorenzo's which he bought. I swear they 'evolve' into something so magical when they explode in the bath tub. 

Dragon Egg Bath Bomb

Rose Queen Bath Bomb

Think Pink Bath Bomb

That was my second Lush haul and I can't wait to do more hauls from Lush.

OH and don't forget to follow me on Instagram btw guys! (My follow link is on the left!)

Love, J. 

Hair Fixation.

So lately my hair has been really dry and these are the current hair products I have on hand and that I use. Some I use frequently, some rarely but I'll go through each one. These are ranked from most used to the least. :) 

Go Hair Silky Seaweed Nutrients - $18~25

This is sold at Asian Hair Salons (Preferably around Cabramatta if still Avaliable) 

My dad uses this and it makes your hair silky, soft and also hydrated?! 

My aunty whos a hairdresser highly recommends this and also she used this as a heat protectant (and I do too nearly all the time when I straighten) when I got my hair permanently straightened. 

It contains seaweed extract which is supposedly good for strengthen hair follicles and has been found to feed the roots and shafts of hair follicles on the scalp and has even been linked to both the thickness and shine that is often associated with healthy-looking hair. 

I love this product so much that I cannot find it anywhere anymore! But I have half the bottle left so hopefully it will last me a while. 

It's Made in Thailand and I tried getting my dad to buy some overseas but unfortunately they don't have it there. If anyone knows where I can get it online or somewhere in Sydney, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. 

This probably my most favouritest hair product out of all! 

Lush R&B Hair Moisturiser - $19.95

I use these on the ends of my hair and I don't use too much because it becomes greasy and feels like you've haven't washed your hair in days. 

Avoid using it around your whole head because it tends to feel icky - but the outcome of your hair is amazing and if used in small tiny amounts it makes your look and feel hair luscious! 

Tresemme Refreshing Mist - $3.95

I was so devastated when Sunsilk discontinued their Refreshing Mist (AGES AGO) and I was on the hunt to find a new one, and volia! I found this!

This is for days when I skip shampooing my hair for a day and I feel guilty not washing it because personally, I do not shampoo everyday. I shampoo every second day to prevent dandruff. 

Also it's great when you have styled your hair and you don't want to wash it but you still want the style intact, this refreshing mist makes your scalp feel... refreshed and clean! 

It's also great for people who tend to have oily hair really quickly. I use this too, it's inexpensive and lasts a while AND it's smells and feels great on your head. 

Though I wouldn't use this long term.  

De Lorenzo Rejuven8 The Ends - $11

This is used after straightening hair to seal, strengthen and protect the stressed out ends on my hair. I use it from time to time when I'm bothered and it leaves my hair soft and silky. 

I would alternative between my Go Hair and this product all the time. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo - $4.95

Dry Shampoo, pretty self-explanatory, but for those who don't know. 

The Dry Shampoo has a light floral fragrance with notes of red hibiscus, orange, freesia, green leaf, tuberose, peony, lily, spice musk and vetiver. When sprayed directly onto the hair, the water-less formulation penetrates and absorbs dirt and any other cosmetic product. 

A gentle rub of the scalp and brushing of the hair removes impurities to leave hair soft, clean, fresh and completely revitalised. 

Hope you found this post useful and happy reading!

Love, J

Lush Goodies!

So on Tuesday, after having stuffing our faces at Star Buffet at Club Marconi. The boyfriend and I headed to Westfield Penrith just to kill time before he had Uni. I headed to Lush before I caught the train home and I wasn't expecting on buying anything, but.... I did! It's my first time buying anything from Lush and finally I got some awesome goodies to try out!

 

So I got myself...

R&B (Revive & Balance) Finishing Hair Moisturiser - $19.95

Vanillary Solid Perfume - $10.95

Dirty Toothy Tabs - $3.95

R&B Hair Moisturiser is lovely, especially if you want your hair 'revived' into soft and also smooth hair. It's great if you have dry/damaged hair and is in need of a good instant fix. It's great because you don't need to wash it off and also helps protect your hair from the harsh heat because of the use of hair straighteners and curling irons. 

I use this as a 'primer' for my hair when I straighten as well as my heat protectant and the scent is a lovely Lemony scent which adds a little touch when doing my hair before I head out.

As for Vanillary Solid Perfume. I've been using this like crazy! Basically it's like a glue stick and then you apply this on your body and you smell like Vanilla! 

I know this might not sound so appealing but anyways I freaking love it! I try and avoid applying this in public or else people think I'm applying glue on myself and they would probably think I'm crazy but anywho, I freaking sniff this all the time LOL. (Okay being weird again)

It also contains organic jojoba oil and some other moisturising ingredients with properties to make your skin nice and smooth as well as hydrated - so that's awesome! 

 

So for these Toothy Tabs, I've been using them in the past week ever since I got them and I gotta say they have made my teeth whiter and also they're heaps amazing for just a little product!

So basically, what it is - is that it's like a Mint, you wet the tab and nibble on it with your front teeth. Wet your toothbrush and brush like you would normally brush your teeth. Sometimes, just for that extra touch of that whole minty 'fresh breath' feeling - I finishing off with my regular Sensodyne toothpaste or Listerine. 

I absolutely love this product and for the price. It's so worth it! I love the fact that out of all the toothpastes I've tried none of them do anything to whiten my teeth and when I used these Toothy Tabs they worked from the moment I started using them! So awesome!!! The thing I don't like about this product is that it's in a cardboard box, so I got my Happy Lab Tub which I had, washed it out and placed my Toothy Tabs in that! It looks like I have a bunch of drugs there... LOL but anyways! It's not. Okay kids?! 

Also if you're wondering what that sticker is, Lush has this thing where they place stickers on products that are made from certain people. Overall, Lush Products are all handmade and use only organic ingredients and they're vegan friendly. The products that are sold at Lush in Australia - are Made in Australia. (Because Lush is also originated from the UK as well) along with that sticker displays when it was made and also when it expires. So you know the lifetime of the product!

I wanted to try out their Solid Shampoos after reading Amanda's posts on her Lush Products (which made me wanna try Lush in the first place), but I have too many at home already so I'll leave it til next time when I'm about to run out and order them online. But for the moment, I was nice enough to grab some samples from the guy who served me at Lush. He was a bit cocky... but whatever. I got free samples! 

Has anyone used these shampoos/conditioners? I haven't tried them yet, the Cynthia Sylvia Stout one smells.. a bit horrid for me - considering it contains.. Stout. Bleh. But the American Cream Liquid Conditioner is heavenly nice! 

So yeah! This is my little Lush 'haul' - I suppose, you can put it that way!

My question to you is... Have you tried any Lush products and if so which ones do you recommend?! Or which ones would you like to try!

Til later!

Love, J.