What: A balm to reduce fine lines and scars
For: Anyone with fine lines, acne scars or dry patches
Review: Now I don’t mean to alarm anyone… but this is a product that claims to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and it actually works. I’ll give you a minute to process this information.
Back? Okay. Acure Organics Line Eraser is a USDA certified organic balm with argan oil and starflower that works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and scars. I originally bought it because I have acne scars that have been around for about 5 years, and I am forever searching for an organic product to fade them. For whatever reason I didn’t even think about the ‘reducing fine lines’ claim, I would like to say because I have no fine lines but I think I was just skeptical after using supposedly ‘anti-ageing’ products for some years.
Well, I am not ashamed to admit it: I was wrong to be skeptical - because this product works. Granted I am only in my mid-twenties (an age bracket I like to think applies up until you are 29 and 364 days) and I only have a few lines around my mouth, eyes and forehead, but it was so satisfying to apply this product one night and to wake up the next morning with a line on my forehead gone. No-where to be seen. I don’t know how the clever people at Acure Organics did this, but someone deserves a bonus. The fine-line reduction isn’t permanent, and I do have to apply the balm every night to get the same smooth result - but I am not complaining. The balm itself is in quite a small container, but you only need a little as it is quite concentrated. I’ve also found that this works a lot better when it is applied directly to the area (and not over serum or moisturiser).
In terms how it is going for its original purpose to fade acne scars, I’m still not 100% sure - I think the results will be much slower to see, but I do feel that it is reducing the redness of the scars. And given the miracle results with the lines I have complete faith in this product, so will report back later.
Clean creds: 100% organic ingredients, free from animal testing, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, harmful preservatives and artificial colours.
Verdict: Well, if it wasn’t obvious from the above I must be a terrible reviewer. Buy this product. I’d also love to hear from anyone who has been using this for a while and the results that they have seen.
Buy it here
What: Massage using hot volcanic stones and oils. I had mine at Ikou Day Spa in Leura, NSW (Australia) which uses their own (gorgeous) brand of natural and chemical free products – but they are offered at most day spas these days.
For: A little glimpse into heaven. Seriously de-stressing & relaxing.
Review: This was my first hot stone massage, and it definitely won’t be my last. I’m not quite sure why I was so reluctant to go down the hot stone route – I think in my head I pictured the therapist coming in a placing a few rocks down my spine, then toddling off to leave me for an hour whilst she chatted to her therapist friends about exfoliants and face peels (that’s what they talk about, right?). I couldn’t have been more wrong - this is a very “hands on” and penetrating massage.
The masseuse started by placing hot stones on pressure points on my back, and then proceeded to knead away tension using the stones and hot oil over the rest of my body. The massage was the perfect balance between indulgent relaxation and feeling like it was working deeply to release tension. In summary – it was absolutely divine… I practically floated out!
Verdict: The perfect massage for de-stressing and pampering yourself. I can highly recommend both this style of massage and Ikou Day Spa – if you are ever in the area definitely book a treatment or visit their retail store, as they are such lovely & professional people, and the environment is the pinnacle of eco luxury. I left with a bevy of products to try - reviews coming soon!
*If you aren’t in the area, Ikou deliver Australia-wide for a flat rate of $8.50, and will deliver internationally - contact them for shipping costs.
What: Pukka Skincare is an online beauty store that stocks Australian owned products that are made primarily from safe and natural plant and/or minderal ingredients, free from animal testing, free from harsh chemical ingredients and manufactured with the environment in mind. But that’s not it! Many of the products available at Pukka are also certified organic, certified vegan, certified halal, accredited by Choose Cruelty Free, or signatories of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. Phew!
Products: Brands include Miessence, Inika Cosmetics, Be Genki & Lapurette, and products range from skin, hair & body care to cosmetics.
Delivery: Free express delivery in Australia when you spend over $100 (or a flat rate of $10.90 for orders under $100). For international delivery you need to contact Pukka with a list of products and they will send you a shipping estimate - bear in mind that international orders will be less tax, so deduct 9% from the price (if you’re mathematically inclined).
Extras: Pukka has a blog that includes product usage tips and ayurvedic skin care regimes. Orders over $50 will also receive samples (and you can put in a request for what you would like to try!).
Visit: http://www.pukkaskincare.com/
Inika Essentials Collection Travel Kit: available on Pukka here
What a gorgeous idea! This company ticks all the boxes - vegan, cruelty-free, natural, pure, organic - and fully customisable products. Truth Art Beauty’s ethos is simple:
By enabling our customers to select their own ingredients and build their own blends, we are empowering them to learn exactly what’s going onto their skin. And into their bodies.
Create your own blend of eye balm, face oil, body scrub & body oil in Truth Art Beauty’s modern day online apothecary. There are also suggested blends on their site for different skin types (but choosing your own is the fun bit)!
I am off for a long weekend of rest & relaxation in the mountains. Here’s a peek into what I packed in my beauty bag:
Aurora Spa Rituals Ultra Rich Body Cream: Leave the perfume at home and cocoon your body in this deliciously moisturizing body cream, delicately scented with rose.
Ikou ‘Sleepyhead’ Rolette: Sleep like a baby (even in an unfamiliar bed) by rolling a few dabs of ‘Sleepyhead’ on your temples and chest before drifting off.
Evodia Hydrating Mist Toner: Perfect whether you’re travelling to a hot or cold climate: refreshing on summer days, and hydrating when switching from the cold to sitting in front of the fire (it’s a tough life, I know…).
Full reviews of all the products mentioned above coming soon, but for now I am off to toast marshmallows!
