Skincare that doesn't cost the earth....or your back pocket, hell yes!

Reducing the earths carbon footprint can be as easy as lathering your lips with a deliciously nourishing lip treatment by Skincare brand...Sukin.  

Sukin proudly offers certified carbon neutral products meaning they ensure all manufacturing processes and day to day operations focus on and contribute towards lowering their impact on the environment...Wow!  I fell in-love with the Sukin Nourishing lip treatment about a week ago and so did my lips.  Talk about nourishing, I would have to describe this lip treatment as a luxurious creamy spa bath for your lips but better.  

At the forefront of the Sukin ethos is the environment.  Sukin offers you a skincare range that really doesn't cost the earth and this means the company has not only a strong commitment to you as the consumer but also to sustainability.  Sukin stay on top of this commitment by offering:

• Carbon neutral products
• Carbon neutral business operations
• Recyclable packaging and limited packaging wherever possible
• Grey water safe and biodegradable formulations
• Using suppliers that are members for the Round Table of Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and where possible from sustainable sources
• Products free from animal testing and with no animal derivatives used
• Products that are formulated using minimal but effective ingredient lists
• Recyclable point of sale material

I don't know about you, but i'm impressed!!

Not only does Sukin offer one of the best lip treatments that truly doesn't cost the earth or your back pocket, they also offer a large range of skincare for face, body, hair care.  All products in the Sukin range boast:

No sulphates 

No Synthetic fragrances 

No Animal derivatives

No parabens 

No artificial colours 

No Petro-chemicals/No triethanolamine 

No mineral oils 

Sukin also offer a bright and fun range for kids - here are some of the fun characters kids can get to know and learn about the earth in the process...

But wait....if you want some mum & Sukin time, visit the Sukin website www.sukinorganics.com.au and click on the kids tab and download some fun dot to dot and other activities to keep the kids amused while you have some pamper time ..... seriously is there anything Sukin doesn't offer??  

The packaging is simple yet earthy, their message oozes awareness and the smell is absolutely gorgeous.  

I rate this product 10/10 in all areas plus more.  Well done Sukin, other companies should take a leaf out of your book.

If you are interested in getting to know Sukin more: www.sukinorganics.com.au

To Shellac or not to Shellac is the question!!!

Looks like nail polish..wears like a gel!

Introducing Shellac by Creative Nail Design.

Shellac by Creative Nail design is the new age nail polish system guaranteeing you and your clients a long lasting happy ending to any mani or pedi.  This unique UV polish goes on just like a nail polish, is cured under a UV lamp and can last up to a month or more.

Hailed the best invention since bread by leading beauty editors, Shellac truly is a must have this season and any season for that matter!  The Shellac colour range is also an impressive selling point covering ultra modern colours, classical favorites and the weird and whacky - offering your clients a wide range.

Most salons add the Shellac as an upgrade option to a mani and pedi and generally charge around $20 to upgrade to a shellac rather than a normal nail polish.  Obviously the benefits for the client are:

• no chipping
• instant drying - no smooshing wet nails into shoes
• long lasting colour and shine

Its a win/win for everyone.

I rate Shellac 10/10 

(for price, wear & overall presentation)

visit: www.cnd.com

Do you want to WIN premium human hair extensions? Check this out!!

Have you been searching for hair extensions but they are either too expensive, poor quality or just too much of a hassle?


WELL I know a site that you can actually WIN hair extensions!  Its quirky and a little insane, but basically all you have to do is follow their facebook page and every month or so they post a competition.  Currently they have a competition where you could win a full head of DIY mini ring hair extensions (valued at $350) and all you have to do is get 200 of your facebook friends to "like" the page and write your name on the wall and if you make it to 200 first, you win.


I'm not sure about the international postage but I'm sure if you asked the question - they would reply.


So I bet you're eager to know the site....

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Runway-Look/168498469846760

The company is based in Brisbane, Australia and sell premium hair extensions at wholesale prices to hair salon, beauty therapists and hair extensionists.  They also offer training in Brisbane for hair extension.

Premium hair is one thing i am very fussy about - there is nothing worse than poor quality hair.  Runway Look has premium covered!!!

I rate this facebook site 10/10

Abby xx

Bazaar Rouge - look no further!

Twitter is a beautiful concept, especially when you find a link that leads you to Bazaar Rouge...


Most people appreciate art in all forms, its the emotion & energy that goes into art that I love.  The simple fact that someone has spent time creating that piece of art, every detail, every part with their own hands - its almost like owning a piece of some one's mind - truly a special thing.


What do you think of this most gorgeous piece of art?

Created by Alexis Southam, I stumbled across this on Bazaar Rouge a few weeks ago and have been thinking about it ever since.  I'm not sure what grabs me with this piece, maybe its the connection with nature that it so strongly resonates?  I just love it!!  

Bazaar-Rouge.co.uk is a website where budding artists showcase their artistic talents and can sell one off  or limited pieces to admiring fans.  It's a great idea and the thing I like about Bazaar Rouge is the simple fact that the art is different, its not made in a factory in China, it has been made by the hands of someone who had a vision and made it into something that made them feel happy and will ultimately make someone else happy too.


I know this isn't really about beauty products as such, however I like to look good and this doesn't just mean my skin and body but also what I wear and I hate looking like every other man and his dog - this is where one offs or limited pieces are great!


Here are some more pics from the lovely people at Bazaar Rouge, enjoy!

If you want to see more check:    www.bazaar-rouge.co.uk



I rate this site 10/10


Abby xx

firm and tone with coffee & sea kelp by Uskincare - Australia

U is a range of pure, natural skin and hair care products utilising the healing powers of plants and herbs. Using a combination of age-old botanical wisdom and modern global technology, The U Brand offers the ultimate skincare and haircare solution for today's personal care needs.

A comprehensive system that delivers outstanding results for women and men, the u range of products can transform your skin and hair so it radiates with health and vitality. You will look and feel your absolute best.


One of my personal favorites by U is the Coffee and Sea Kelp contour scrub.  It seriously smells good enough to eat, is easy to apply and remove (especially in a salon environment) and delivers great results in regards to toning and firming fatty areas and helping eliminate cellulite.

Best described as heaven in a bottle!!!

Ubody - Coffee and sea kelp contour scrub (200ml)


A stimulating body contour scrub that utilizes the intense anti-cellulitic properties found naturally in coffee and sea kelp.  Directions for use: Massage a small amount of the scrub into cellulite prone areas or all over for an invigorating spa experience and rince off in the shower or bath.  Enrich your senses with warming coffee, sweet vanilla and the freshness of grapefruit - yum yum!!!

Recommended for: All Skin Types. Ideal on sluggish circulation areas of the body. Featured Ingredients:  Coffee and Sea Kelp – anti-cellulitic properties Coffee - stimulates cellular circulation, high anti-oxidant Exfoliating Pumice - invigorates for more info visit www.uskincare.com I rate this product 10/10

An exfoliant that is gentle enough for everyday use or is this just another daily time waster?

Its a big call advertising an exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use - especially for someone who has sensitive skin!

Alpha-H has this in the bag!  I have been using the Alpha-H 'Gentle daily exfoliant' for the past month and I have to say, even though my skin is not sensitive - this exfoliant is very nice for daily use.

The main ingredient in this wonderful daily exfoliant is Kaolin.   

Its natural adsorbent properties makes it essential in hygiene products and is often found in soaps, scrubs, poultices, deodorants, facial powders and masks.  It is the mildest of all clays and is suitable to add to products created for people with sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. It does not draw oils from the 

skin, so it can also be used on dry skin types without negative results.

Kaolin Clay is high in calcium, silica, zinc and magnesium, which are beneficial for oily, blemished skin. The clay's mildly drying and disinfectant properties help heal existing blemishes and inflammations, while preventing new ones from forming. It can also be used as a scent fixative.

Traditionally, clays are used to reduce swelling and inflammation, and to draw impurities from the skin. Cosmetic clays are made up of different mineral contents, and each clay type has a different effect on the skin. 

The high mineral content of White Kaolin Clay rejuvenates the skin while the clay exfoliates and stimulates blood circulation to the skin. Regular use of clay facials will remove dead skin cells, improve circulation to the skin, remove debris from the pores and bring about a smooth healthy glow.

This product is gentle enough to use on skin that has severe acne to skin that is very sensitive.  The packaging is different - I'm not a huge fan of the packaging to be honest.  You have to tip the product upside down to administer the exfoliant, to be honest it was frustrating, however good once the product was in my hand.  You then mix water to the powder to create 

a paste and rub it into your skin - i would suggest at least 3 minutes - it feels lush!!

All round a nice product that is best suited to sensitive/acne skin types - people who are used to a gritty exfoliant will not enjoy using this product.

I rate this product 6/10

Abby xx

CHANEL - foundation of choice or not?

I recently purchased the new MAT LUMIERE fluid makeup by Chanel and to tell you the honest truth..I'm in-love!  Not often can i find a foundation that has the power to combat my 3pm t-zone shine, however this little beauty can.

Matt Lumiere is perfect for combination skin with a tendency to shine, It is an oil-free formula that delivers a soft, natural matte finish with maximum staying power. The coverage is what knocks my socks off - it goes on easy and buttery for blending and if you feel like a thicker coverage you just add another layer....magic!


The coverage is just impeccable compared to their other foundations and it remains shine-free for up to 12 hours.


The price is average, i paid $75 for mine (as pictured above).  My overall rating is on shine control, lasting wear, feel of the product, price and coverage...






I rate this product 9/10

Nails of the rich and famous

Want ..

Gaga nails, or how about Katie Perry nails or even Rhianna nails.......well you can with Minx.

Minx

Made of flexible film, Minx finally gives women completely customized nails that can feature the exact pattern and colors of their newest gown, their favorite photo, or that season's hottest designs.

Saucy New Minx™ Nails Become an Exciting Differentiators for High-End Salons

Minx

Worn by celebrities everywhere and planet fashionistas, these very cool little nail foils are truly a fabulous idea.  With hundreds of designs to suit every soul and sold only to industry professionals such as beauty therapists and nail technicians - these little gems are really worth the money.

Say goodbye to the usual buff and polish and say hello to nail foils!

Easy to apply and can last up to 3 weeks. 
I rate Minx 10/10


check www.minxnails.com

Is the oil from macadamia nuts really good for your hair?

Funny you should ask that!   I recently visited the HongKong Cosmoprof which is a huge 5 level beauty expo - really like a giant hardware store for beauty therapists only instead of being filled with heaps of man tools it is floor upon floor of everything beauty.  Beauty tools, beauty machines, skincare, haircare - you think of it, too late......its already been thought of.


One product that did catch my eye (to the point of buying a full bag and lugging it home to Brisbane, Australia) was Macadamia.

Simple yet elegant packaging oozing the words natural.  Not only did this product look good, market well and have a super gorgeous model to represent their company - the product actually works!

Macadamia natural oil is a unique blend of macadamia oil & argan oil.  The product I am most taken by is their 'Deep repair masque' - I often have hair extensions and i find this product fabulous for nourishing the hair and providing a deep condition.  The smell is good enough to eat too!  

The ingredients that make up this wonderful product are: macadamia oil (from the nut), argan oil, tea tree oil, chamomile oil, aloe and algae extracts - YUM!  All the ingredients are blended together to create a delicious smelling hair treatment product.

This product is stamped with my approval with no cruelty to animals, paraben free & alcohol free  9/10


check them out  www.macadamiahair.com

Australian fashion label Fleur Wood.

I'm not the most stylish person on the planet but i do appreciate a good designer. Check out:


www.fleurwood.com


I stumbled on this quirky designer a while ago while browsing facebook groups and i have followed ever since.


The thing that i like the most about the Fleur Wood is the style, design and the outfits are not just designed for a straight up and down figure.  I love this design, it would have to be one of my favorites (along with many others)

Her style is classy, sophisticated and cute all in one. They have a great on-line store and you can join their facebook site:


www.facebook.com/fleurwoodfashion


Her story is amazing!  At twenty-three years old, Fleur lived in a nunnery for two years in the Indian Himalayas designing ranges for a culture-preservation project of the Tibetan exile government. Fleur is from Sydney originally & started her label upon her return.  Check out her website and read her full story - its a really interesting read and the fashion will blow you away - such a talented lady.  

Abby :)

Are you in need of a good body scrub?

Imagine being smothered from head to toe with a thick luxurious sweet concoction of white and brown sugar & kiwi fruit extract (including seeds)....while breathing in the smells good enough to eat as your therapist gently scrubs away the weeks stress with every slow exfoliating movement......heaven!

This scrub is so exclusive and so special that you can only have this treatment in an exclusive Guinot approved salon which makes it even more appealing.  The gentle touch and energy of a beauty therapist beats a home scrub any day!

This gorgeous exfoliation treatment is designed to leave your skin feeling smooth and wonderfully soft - an excellent treatment all year to keep your skin looking its best.

My rating:  This scrub is gorgeous and the feeling of hydration is simply delightful 


I rate this scrub 10/10

www.guinot.com.au

1300 300 954 for salon locations Australia wide

Check out this salon! Amazing!

Today I walked into possibly the nicest concept salon I have ever seen.....Togninis in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.  


As I walked through the huge and amazing glass doors, the smell of aromatherapy and lush hair products hit me in the face like a bouquet of flowers on someones wedding day.  A gorgeously groomed man welcomed me casually to the salon with a lovely smile...and i was sold.  


After introducing myself i find out that the lovely man who opened the door to wonderland for me was the owner Benni Tognini.  WOW now that's service with a smile.


Apart from the amazing first impression of both salon and owner the experience got even better; Benni personally guided me on a tour through his lovely new salon.   Now let me tell you, this is not only a hair salon offering colouring, cutting, hair extensions, treatments and more, but also offers a complete range of Dermalogica skin treatments, makeup lessons, waxing, eyelash extensions, massage and so much much more.


The beauty therapy room was gorgeous, lovely warm tones and simple contemporary styling with a large feature mirror and candles - just gorgeous!  The other part of the salon that really blew me away was the  "treatment room" and i mean, hair treatment room.  Picture a cute nook made private by sheer curtains with a lovely reclining chair while a stunning (and yes he was stunning) young man massages away your stress while infusing a delicious concoction of hair treatment ingredients into your hair...yum!


The salon also boasts a very nice retail area - a place that is set aside from the hustle and bustle of the salon where you can take your time browsing through the hand selected boutique jewellery items or feast your eyes on the large selection of skin and hair care.


A wonderland is an understatement!  


Togninis stocks a large range of products such as:

If you get the chance go for a look and a treatment:

Togninis
8 Wandoo Street
Fortitude Valley, Brisbane QLD
www.togninishair.com

AMAZING!


Abby xxx