SEPHORA - Sydney

So... I'm super excited to hear that Sephora will be selling make up at US prices when it opens in Pitt St Mall.

Check it out here

That is all... that is all.

Laters,
Ivy

Organi - Cleanser and Toner

About a month ago I was contacted by GS Cosmetics (the only official distributors in NSW for Organi) to meet with them about the Organi and to review a product - Organi Cleanser and Toner.

Note - this review reflects my own opinions and is not influenced by receiving a free product.

Photo from the GS Cosmetics website - click here

Here is some information about the brand -

• At least 80% of the products are made from organic products
• Australian made and owned
• No animal testing
• High end / luxury product - high quality and mainly natural products
• They let the product speak for itself, therefore no celebrity endorsements
• Hypoallergenic
• New product lines include; Anti Aging and Balancing Brightening (in stores only)

How to use -
"Apply a small amount on fingertips and gently massage the face in circular motions, and rinse well with water. Use morning and evening. For best results follow with Organi Day Cream or Night cream."

Product size -
200mL

Price - lowest to highest as at 23 December 2013

• GS Cosmetics - AU$94.95 (NSW only)
• The Mineral Miracle - AU$119.95 (everywhere except NSW metro)
• Organi Website - AU$120.00

Locations - click for map and exact store locations
They have opened a store rather than a kiosk in Westfield Parramatta.
Otherwise, check these Westfields for Kiosks - Sydney (Pitt St) and there are two at Bondi Junction.

Initial thoughts -
I was sceptical about having a cleanser and toner in one. I really like having a cleanser that makes my face feel squeaky clean (it took me a while to get use to my Cetaphil when I was using it) and then using a nice refreshing toner to balance my skin before my serum followed by a moisturiser. I also felt that if I had to pay for this myself, I probably wouldn't buy it unless it was on sale as it's just too expensive for my budget.

Pros -

• Very gentle on your skin. If you like a gentle cleanser and do not like the squeaky clean tight feel you will like this product. Also, if you have sensitive or dry skin this cleanser and toner will be perfect for you. On the flip side, if you have oily/normal skin you will also be pleased. The product doesn't strip away all your natural oils that are keeping your skin supple instead, it removes the dirt and adds natural oils and skin healing ingredients.  
• A little goes a long way. You only need a pea size amount to cleanse your face and neck.
• Clear container, so you see when you're running low. This would also be good for travelling as the container shape is quite slim.
• Nice smell. It kind of has almost no smell... just a faint hint of cinnamon. Yum.
• I think the combined cleanser and toner work well in this product because it's so gentle and natural it can cleanse and tone at the same time because it's not stripping out all the oils in your skin so it essentially balancing at the same time. Hope that made sense.

Cons -

• For me the price is a bit of a killer. I do like the fact that it's an Australia brand, there's no testing on animals and it's organic but at the end of the day, I can't afford a high end cleanser. The product would last me approximately 4 to 4 and a 1/2 months. I have been using it for a month, twice a day so far.
• I really like the squeaky clean feel so this isn't really a cleanser and toner for me. There's also no foaming action which I like. The GS Cosmetic manager did tell me that the foaming action is due to a chemical reaction and that the same foaming reaction is found in other harsh products such as washing powders etc, but I really, really like the foaming action. I think it's just something I'm use to.
• If you're use to having your cleanser and toner separate, it may take you a while to become use to this 2 in 1 product.
• Due to the gentleness of the cleanser, I found that it wasn't great in removing waterproof and long lasting make up. You'll probably need to use a make up remover wipe, or an oil cleanser first.
• There's no flip top lid and the lid isn't flat. This is a really minor point, but I like being able to stand a product upside down to ensure I'm using everything up. You can stand it upside down to ensure it all sinks down to the opening, but it is slightly domed and can fall over if not sitting between other containers. Also, the lid is a screw top so it's not a one hand open and close. Small points, but good for convenience.

Final thoughts -
If you are looking for an organic, hypoallergenic, gentle, 2 in 1 cleanser and toner, against animal testing, Australian owned and made, luxury product then this is the product for you.  

Useful websites -
GS Cosmetics Organi Cleanser and Toner
Organi Website Organi Cleanser and Toner
The Mineral Miracle Organi Cleanser and Toner

Laters,
Ivy

Update 27 December 2013

If you would like to read my review on the Organi - Honey Peel please click here.

Fruit Lip Cream - Cherry (Japanese lip balm)

Quick post on Cherry Fruit Lip Cream!!!

Lip cream?!?! Yes lip cream. There is an awesome Dollar King in Market City (click here) that sells all Japanese items for the low price of AU$2.80! That's right... only two dollars and eighty cents! BARGIN!

Note: this is not a sponsored Dollar King post! Hahaha!

I picked up some lip cream from the Japanese section. Some could call it a balm.

I really like this product!

You receive... well I can't really tell you because the only English on the product is what I have taken a photo of.

It smells like cherry, without being too strong.
It is really creamy, so I totally understand why it's called a cream.
It gives the slightest tint of colour, you won't actually notice it, but it makes your lips look healthy.

That's it!

Laters,
Ivy

Organi - Organic Honey Peel

Let me start off by stating, that usually I'm not one to stop when random sales assistants try and sell me products in the mall. I'm one of those people who quickens their pace, looks the other way and if they do speak to me I just shake my head politely and say "No thanks" with a smile. Usually that's enough.

However...

...the other day I tried this and as I was just about to keep on walking after giving the assistant the "No thanks" smile routine, I stopped when I heard her say "I'll give you a free hand scrub". Truthfully, I had no idea what the sales stand was about but as soon as she said those magic words I thought I'd hear her out, as I could just say no when it was all over and keep going about my business.

It was an Organi stand and I received my hand scrub which was lovely. You can check it this product out on their website (links below). I then had body moisturiser applied which smelled great (I am a sucker for the fragrance) and then they applied the Organic Honey Peel to my arm followed by the daytime face cream.

I ended up purchasing the Organic Honey Peel.

I am going to bullet point this otherwise I will just keep on rambling (as above).

• Product - Organi Organic Honey Peel
• Cost - AU$160 at Organi or AU$139.95 at The Mineral Miracle (yes my wallet is taking one for the team with this product)
• Where to buy - online at Organi or at The Mineral Miracle. You can also visit their store in Westfield (Pitt St, Sydney) or there might be a pop stand at your local mall.
• Size of product - 50gm/1.8oz
• Product life - the packaging recommends 12 months after opening. However, the sales assistant advised that it will never expire and 50gm should last me a year.
• What it promises - this organic and hypoallergenic honey peel "is a totally un-abrasive exfoliation formula using Honey Enzyme Extract to exfoliate and cleanse skin without scratching. Even the most sensitive skin will benefit by up to 97% exfoliation of dead skin, dirt and impurities, without damaging the skin matrix. Also helps in the treatment of acne, skin pigmentation and blemishes." This was taken off the packaging. The assistant advised that it uses Manuka Honey which is a natural antibacterial and the reason why it is expensive is because it uses organic products.
• Directions of use - "Wash face with Organi Cleanser and Toner, then apply Organi Honey Peel to damp skin. Leave for 10-15 seconds, massage gently and rinse with warm water. For best results follow with Organi Day Cream." Do not leave it to dry on your face as it's not designed for that and you will not receive the non abrasive exfoliation. This was a strict instruction from the assistant.
• Frequency of use - once a week (only use 1 gram which is 1 spoonful which is provided with the mask). On this basis the product then works out to be just over AU$3/week if you buy it from Organi.
• Reviews from others - have a search on Google but this one is by far the best review out there. It also contains loads of feedback from other users and even comments from Organi. Check it out - le geekSkin
• Product photos -

• My review

Here's how I use the product.

 

1. One spoonful of product.

 

2. Evenly distribute it onto your dry, clean face (in this photo I used the back of my hand).

 

3. By the time you have spread it all over, the product starts to dry and as you complete the massage phase it turns into little white balls. I am sure some of your dead skin is removed during this step.

 

4. Rinse your face and dry.

 

• Pros - I like the fact that it congeals to exfoliate as you massage your face. It's pretty cool and I am yet to come across another product (I'm sure they're out there) which does this. It also leaves your skin feeling full of moisture and ready to absorb whatever product you usually use after cleansing. I like that it only takes a minute to do and I am not having to wait 10-15 minutes before rinsing. I am a believer in Manuka honey so this is a positive and it smells good too!
• Cons - the price is a little bit of a killer for me. Good thing they have good sales assistants out there. When you think about it though, if you do only use this once a week then the cost of an organic, Australian made product which is only just over $3/week seems reasonable. I believe that they do have promotions from time to time which could see you saving some money.

 

Useful Links -

Organi website

The Mineral Miracle website

le geekSkin review

Facebook page - OrganiSkinCare

Twitter @OrganiSkinCare

 

 

 

Until next time!

 

Laters,

Ivy

Please note: I purchased this product with my own money.

UPDATE 15 October 2013

I have been advised that you can receive a $20 discount on any product purchased at www.gscosmetics.com.au who are the official distributor of Organi products in NSW.

All you need to do is enter "iamvip" and this code is valid for the remainder of 2013.

Happy shopping!

UPDATE 27 December 2013

I have just completed a review on the Organi - Cleanser and Toner.
To check it out, please click here.

Baviphat - Sugar Girl Candy Lip Gloss

I have been a little M.I.A recently and feeling a little guilty about it, so I'm back to blog another day.

 

Recently, I've been into lip products (again) and purchased two "Sugar Girl Candy" lip glosses by Korean brand Baviphat. From what the sales assistant told me Baviphat has a good reputation but more so for their masks and facial creams. Let' give them a go I say!



 

 

Blueberry #5 & Apricot #6

Purchased from - Blush Cosmetics on Sussex St, Sydney (also located in World Square).

Cost - I can't remember how much each one cost... however yesstyle.com.au is selling them for AU$11-12 each. I'm pretty sure I paid more like... AU$18-20 each for mine.

Size - I can't find how much product this has by looking at the packaging or the actual product itself... if you can see it then, yay. It's basically the size of a chupa chup.

Verdict - I don't mind this lip gloss. The blueberry one is a glittery gloss that's quite transparent while packing in a glittery shine (sorry pic above is a little out of focus). The apricot gloss is just a flat gloss (no glitter) and appears clear and glossy. I love the smell of the blueberry one (smells like... that fake blueberry pen smell, if you know what I mean). I'm not a huge fan of the applicator though. It's essentially a thin, plastic stick. It would have been better as a lip brush or maybe even a lip sponge.

Last thoughts - Like all glosses, this one will stay on until you start eating or drinking it off. These glosses are also very transparent, unlike say MAC Dazzelglass or even Missha glosses. I think these are quite cute and I really only purchased them because they look like chupa chups! I'll use them, however I probably wouldn't re-purchase.

For more info on Baviphat click on the below link:
baviphat

Laters,
Ivy

The Body Shop Lily Cole - Shimmer Cubes (no. 24)

I previously completed a review on The Body Shop's Lily Cole Lip and Cheek dome, and I'll admit that I did in fact go back to the store and purchase the Lily Cole Shimmer Cubes which is palette number 24.

Price - AU$40.95
Stores - there are many stores located in Australia, check out The Body Shop Store Locator
Amount of product - 4x 3.5 g (0.12oz)
Colours - Starting top left going clockwise you have Think Pink, Live Lilac, Go Violet and Tint it Pink.

Verdict -
I tried this out the other day and I'm impressed with the amount of product you receive.

What's also quite nice about this is that each of the colours are in their own clear plastic containers! Very handy if you want to just take two colours with you in your make up bag.

As the name suggests, they are a shimmer eye shadow. Application is smooth and I used my eye shadow brushes to apply. The colours blend quite nicely too, which means you could use just this palette on its own. I used Think Pink all over my lid and then applied Live Lilac on the outer half of the lid. I use Go Violet on the lash line (both top and bottom) and on the outer v. I used a fluffy brush to blend out the outer v. Tint it Pink was used on the ball of the lid and a touch on the brow bone to highlight.

Note, if you're looking for really strong vibrant colour, then you probably won't be happy with this product. The cubes are not highly pigmented as you apply the product to your lids. Also, if you forget to use an eye lid primer you will end up with creases. Bummer - I was a victim of this.
Overall - I really like the packaging and the colours work well together. I probably wouldn't go out of my way to buy any more shimmer cubes in the future only because I prefer my Coastal Scents 88 shimmer palette. As the name says there are 88 shimmer colours that last all day, are highly pigmented and do not crease.


For more info check out The Body Shop - Lily Cole Shimmer Cubes

Laters,
Ivy

Lancome event - Michelle Phan + Glamour Eyes Kit

Guess who was in town (Sydney) on 2nd August? That's right, Michelle Phan!

Where? Myer Sydney (ground floor) corner of George and Market Sts.
When? 5.30pm!

Michelle was in the store to promote Lancome and take photos with several eager fans before flying to Melbourne for a Lancome Master Class the next day.

I arrived at Myer Sydney at 6pm to a packed store full of Michelle fans. All you had to do to have your photo with Michelle was to purchase a Lancome eye sets. I bought the one with Michelle on the box - Glamour Eye Set (AU$89), however other sets were also available which were cheaper. I figured, I'm here to see Michelle, so I might as well buy the kit with her on it.

So once you purchased a Lancome set, you received a wrist band and joined a queue to have your photo taken! I had a 40 minute wait before I had my photo taken. You got to say hi to Michelle and then smile with her for a photo. She looked beautiful and was probably a little tired after already having 40 minutes worth of photos with people. It was really cool through to meet her since I am a huge fan of hers.

You then waited for a few seconds and they provided you with a
photo. They also had staff there who could take photo of you from your phone which was also cool.

What do you receive? A 5 palette eye shadow, full size artliner  in black and a small sized Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara in black.

I'm not a entirely convinced that the Artliner eye liner is the best on the market. I still believe that Clio Waterproof Brush Liner Kill Black is slightly better than this Lancome Artliner. Click on the above link to go to the review.



I love Hypnose mascara and always have. Doll Eyes is no exception. I have small eye lashes so this is perfect!

So, the eye shadow palette initially looks very shimmery. I was a little worried how this would look on. It also comes with an instructional flyer with a day look and a night look.

When I tried this for myself the finished look is very wearable for both day and night looks. I used the palette, Artliner and Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara. Unfortunately you may not be able to tell from the photos below.

Day Look:

Night Look:

In conclusion, I really wanted to get my photo with Michelle Phan so I happily purchased my Lancome Glamour Eye set. I love Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara and the eye shadow palette.

Go check out Michelle Phan at http://www.michellephan.com/

Laters,

Ivy