ILUKA Skincare is an all natural, cruelty free, Australian made skincare brand. Tick, tick and tick! They leave out parabens and sulphates in all of their products (these are toxic to your skin!) plus the entire range is anti-aging. I was fortunate enough to try out two products from their extensive luxury range, these are their Hydrating Toner Mist and their Fine Line Eye Serum.

Hydrating Toner Mist

Claims -

Aloe Vera + Green Tea + Marine Collagen
A delightfully refreshing toner mist that will soothe and hydrate the skin all day long.
-Natural humectants for hydration (Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Marine Collagen)
-Anti-oxidant - Vitamin C
-Soothing and moisturising - Aloe Vera
-Natural Extracts - Green Tea, Lilly Pilly, Chamomile

My thoughts -
I am guilty of never using a toner in my skincare routine, I never really saw the point of it and usually skipped it completely. However ever since receiving this toner I have actually incorporated it regularly into my routine mainly because it was in a spray bottle! The packaging is a major bonus for me making it very easily and practical to use. I don't need to waste cotton rounds I just spray it straight onto my face after cleansing, a face mask or throughout the day to refresh my face.

When I think of toner I always think dry and tight feeling skin (this is why I never liked using it) but this one really does leave my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. If your skin is on the dryer side then you need this toner in your life!

Fine Line Eye Serum

Claims -
Aloe Vera + Cucumber Extract + Marine Collagen
A double action eye serum with a a gel-cream moisturising formulation, designed to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness for a more radiant and youthful appearance 
- Helps combat both dark circles and eyebags (Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5)
- Soothing and moisturising – Aloe Vera
- Natural – Cucumber Extract & Macadamia Oil
- Natural humectants for hydration (Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Marine Collagen

My thoughts -
When I first started using this eye serum the consistency was nothing I was used to. I generally used thick cream formulas rather than a thin gel consistency so I wasn't a big fan of it. It did however begin to grow on me and I realised it is a much better formula to use under makeup as it absorbs fast into the skin and prevents my concealer and powder from caking up. This is now the only eye serum I use and I now prefer gel consistencies a lot better than cream!

It leaves a cooling affect on your undereyes so it is perfect to apply in the mornings and I feel like it does help reduce fine lines - not that mine are noticeable unless I have makeup on. This is my favourite eye serum that I have ever tried and this tube will last you ages! I've been using it daily and I still have heaps left.

If you need some new skincare products in your life I definitely recommend you try out ILUKA Skincare. The natural ingredients will give you a peace of mind that you are applying good quality products to your skin rather than harsh chemicals and you will definitely notice results after using them. They also offer sets of products suited to your skin type which is a great way to try their products that will work with your skin and are a great value of money. Since I'm switching to all cruelty free and natural skincare ILUKA is definitely a brand I'll keep in mind to create my new skincare routine!

Disclaimer - This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review however all opinions are 100% honest and based off my own experience. For more information click here - disclaimer

I was on a spending ban but I happened to be in a bad mood so I splurged... on a $48 lipstick.

If you follow me on Instagram or know me personally you would know that lipsticks are my obsession. I have an entire drawer dedicated to them as well as displaying many on my vanity. The only "high-end" lipsticks I owned were by MAC and ever since going cruelty free I thought it was time to pick up a CF option. Thankfully the lipstick I bought has an amazing formula is worth every penny I spent. The lipstick I chose was a NARS Audacious Lipstick and I decided to go with the shade Barbara (a tan rose).

Claims -

"an innovative lip colour that delivers bold pigment and a luxurious satin texture to the lips." 

 Swatch -

Direct sunlight

Indirect sunlight

Packaging -

Sleek black packaging with magnetic closure. It has NARS printed along the bottom of the rectangular tube and doesn't get as dirty as NARS' other packaging.

As for the lipstick bullet it has NARS indented on it and a very pointed tip which helps achieve a sharp line along your lips edges.

Opinion -
You may have noticed from the above swatches that my lips are very dry however this lipstick glides over any dry patches and does not enhance them at all. Where I have flaky skin (gross I know) you can  barely even notice it.

For a satin finish I am very impressed with how creamy the formula is and also how long-lasting (4-6 hours) it is. Obviously if you are wearing this lipstick during an oily meal it will start to fade like any lipstick or liquid lipstick so this isn't really a negative for me.

It provides an opaque colour in just one swipe as you can see in this half/half comparison and is a very wearable every day shade.


I would love to expand my collection but with its very costly price tag I think I will collect the new Urban Decay lipsticks instead. I will still purchase more of these because I was blown away by the lipstick, probably as a birthday or Christmas gift to myself. If you are looking to splurge you need this lipstick in your life!

This series is about something that is very personal to me but I have decided to take you all on the journey with me. I have made the decision to go 100% natural and try to combat my hormonal acne myself using organic and natural skincare/makeup, vitamins, juices and detox. I will do frequent updates on how things are going whenever I see an improvement or change and hopefully this can help someone else out there with their struggles!

I have had hormonal acne for 7 years so I know what it is like to pile on the most full coverage makeup possible just to boost confidence. Even though right now I don't suffer from acne I have decided to come off the medication that helped to clear it. I feel as though an all natural route will be safer and more rewarding for my skin and body in the long run. I am worried that coming off the medication will let all that acne to return as my hormones are unbalanced and I've had ovarian cysts in the past.

Here's a bit more about my acne - it is mainly on my jaw line, chin and cheek areas, I have never had it on my forehead or "T zone" (normal/dry skin type). I usually only break out at the time of the month, when I am stressed and when I eat too many sugary foods.

Now that I have gotten my background story out of the way this is what I have decided to do to not only treat my acne but also help out with my health and hormonal issues. A lot of what I have purchased was from iHerb so if you are interested in any of these items I will include a link.

On a daily basis I will be taking Vitamin A, Maca Root Tablet and a Womens Multivitamin - these will be taken with my breakfast.

Vitamin A

BLACKMORES Vitamin A 5000
Although this vitamin is marketed to improve day and night vision it also has benefits for the skin. Some benefits include -

• Preventing dead skin cells from clogging pores
• Reduces the amount of oil your skin produces
• Suppresses androgen formation - a cause of acne
• Keeps cell damage and inflammation to a minimum
• Reduces wrinkles, fades brown spots and helps to even out any texture in your skin

I have actually been taking Vitamin A for the past month and have had no negative side-effects. I have noticed that my skin is a lot smoother however when I post this I am still on medication so I will update you again when I am off it.

Multivitamin

Nature's Own Mega Potency Women's Multivitamin
Claims -

• assists energy production & helps maintain a healthy nervous system
• assists skin defences & repair mechanisms that may reduce the effects of ageing
• supports healthy bones

I am on my third month of using this multivitamin and so far so good.

Maca Root Tablet
Now Foods Maca 500mg
I will be starting this tablet in October and will update its affects in future skin diary entries. I am starting out with the lowest amount of mg I could find to make sure it agrees with me before taking a high dosage.

After endless nights researching I found out that Maca Root is comparable to the contraceptive pill (minus the contraceptive part). It helps to increase energy, balance hormones and prevent cysts which will hopefully also prevent my acne from returning.

Detox
Additionally I will be completely a 30 day detox to help clear my liver from any toxins. If your body is full of toxins it will reflect in your skin so I'm hoping doing a detox through tea will help. The tea I've decided to go with is the Yogi Caffeine Free Detox. 

I have no idea if you're supposed to avoid eating when doing a detox but there is no way I won't be eating for a month. I will be limiting my amount of sugar intake and completely eliminate junk food!

Juices
I'm the type of person that isn't the biggest fan of fruit so I make myself juices almost daily combining various fruits and vegetables. This way I am having the recommended intake in a convenient way for me personally. I have been doing this for the past two months or so and will continue in the future. If any of you are interested I can do a post on the juices I do that help improve your skin + taste good!

Skincare
For now I am using Antipodes Skincare, Stem Organics and other natural skincare. Specifically the products I am using are -

• Life Flo Health Pure Rosehip Seed Oil - this is my nightly "moisturiser". Rosehip helps with scarring and redness
• Andalou face masks - glycolic pumpkin mask and the rosewater mask.
• On any really bad skin days I'll opt for my Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask - I have reviewed both the Andalou mask and this one here if you are interested on learning about them.
• Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser - I'll most likely be out of this by my next update so I'm trying to find another one to test out
• Antipodes Immortal SPF 15 Moisturiser - as my daily moisturiser
• Stem Organics Hydrating Face Fluid - helps to lock in moisture which I need since my skin is dry!
• Palmer's Facial Cleansing Oil - to remove makeup

Makeup
Last but not least is makeup. Obviously I am a makeup addict, I have an Instagram account dedicated to it and this blog to share my reviews with you all. I am not comfortable to completely cut out wearing makeup so on more of a daily basis I am going to be using a natural and hopefully organic concealer and/or foundation. I haven't decided on which one I will purchase but I will include the one I chose in my next update.

I know this post is long and probably boring for most of you but I'm just hoping that by sharing my journey with you all I can help at least one other person or encourage you to also try a more natural method. In future posts I will let you know what worked for me or what didn't, any new things I am trying and possibly result pictures if I notice enough of a difference. Thank you for reading and here's to a (hopefully) very successful journey!

I want to slow things down a little this week and invite you all to relax and unwind with me - blogpost edition. At least once a month I like to have a warm bath, read a good book and really pamper myself. Pampering yourself really helps to reduce stress and allows you to become engaged in well-deserved 'me-time'.

To start off my pampering routine I wash my face till it is completely clean. I first use an oil based cleanser - Palmer's Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil and follow up with either an exfoliator or my Clarisonic Mia 2. At the moment the exfoliator that I am using is by Sukin and it is their Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub. If I am using my Clarisonic I then pair it with the Antipodes Grace Gentle Cream Cleanser.

Once my face is cleansed I put on my first face mask of the night. The mask I use depends on how my skin is that night. If I am breaking out or have been wearing a lot of makeup that week I opt for a clay mask - the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay is my favourite - otherwise I use my Andalou Naturals Glycolic Mask to help brighten my skin and improve the texture. Prior to applying the mask I like to steam my face to really open up my pores to help my skin properly absorbs the mask, I do this mostly if I am having a bad skin day.

I then start a bath and while that is filling up I apply a hot oil hair mask to my hair. I usually only use coconut oil and because I am lazy I melt it with my hairdryer and apply generously throughout my hair.

Like every beauty blogger or youtuber you have probably seen I too like to light candles and place them around the bath. There is just something so soothing about them and they help to get you in the relaxing zone. I also add either a LUSH bathbomb, bubbles or Himalayan salt + tea tree oil to my bath. Again, this depends on my mood and what I feel like that day. Recently I have been using the Himalayan salt and tea tree oil duo in during my bath time as it comes with countless benefits. I don't want this post to turn into a review however I will include a few benefits that I researched - it helps to detox your body, eases aches and pains, helps you sleep, clears your sinuses and provides respiratory relief.

I will then relax in the bath for 20 or so minutes while reading a book or magazine. Bath time = no technology time for me. I really like to wind down and relax without having to edit photos or strain my eyes on a small screen.

When I get out of the bath the pampering does not stop. I remove the mask I was wearing on my face and replace it with a hydrating mask. The one I am using at the moment is perfect for sensitive skin-types (a.k.a me) - Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Rosewater Mask. I keep this mask on until it completely absorbs into my skin and use cold water to rinse off any excess before bed. During this time I usually write blogposts as I personally find them relaxing when I am in the mood, watch youtube or scroll through Instagram.

The last three steps are again skin care related. I apply a hydrating serum, facial oil and eye cream. I am using the Stem Organics* Hydrating Face Fluid and Rejuvenating Face Oil and for eye cream my go-to lately is by Iluka Skincare* and it is their Fine Line Eye Serum. I also sleep in my hair mask and wash it out the following day for maximum benefits and results.

That brings me to the end of my pamper routine and I encourage you all to go indulge in some 'me-time' now!

*These products were sent out to me to trial.
**The bathtub is not mine but I wish it was!

Often people find their cheek products to wear off after 5 or so hours of wear so I decided to put the Colourpop highlighter in Lunch Money to the test. Their highlighters retail for $8 USD and this one in particular is described as a "soft light gold with a reflective duo chrome finish."

Consistency
Like Colourpop's shadows their highlighters also have a strange yet amusing consistency. It is very bouncy, soft and mousse/cream-like yet it has a powdery finish. Ensure to close the lid tightly otherwise it can dry up.

Application
Fingertips work the best in my opinion. You can sheer out the highlight or build it up to the intensity you desire. Their site also recommend using synthetic or duo fiber brushes however I find when using brushes it takes my foundation off and goes really patchy. To be safe I always opt for fingertips but I do feel like it is a little difficult to apply.

Swatches

Colourpop Lunch Money

My opinion

For an affordable (despite the horrible shipping that makes it not so affordable when buying one or two products) it is a good highlight. I have worn this product for 7 hours and it was still completely visible on my cheek bones. I love how you can customise the intensity to suit your preferences by building it up or blending it out. They offer a variety of shades to suit all skin tones plus Colourpop now ships worldwide so everyone can get their hands on it!

The only negative I have found other than applying it with a brush is that after 6 or so hours it starts to break up on the tip of my nose. Not only does it do this but I also find powder or liquid highlighters to be a lot easier to apply than this formula.

Personally I never see myself purchasing another one and if you prefer applying highlighter with a brush or using powders then this product is a BYE. However, if you are on a budget and tend to use your fingertips anyway then this product is definitely a BUY! For the price point and quality you cannot go wrong. I feel like it really depends on your preferences when it comes to this product so it is up to you whether it is a buy or buy.

If you own any Colourpop highlighters or products in general let me know what your favourites are in the comments!

About the brand

Founded in 1974, Uni Organics was originally created by Marc Greig, as a solution to his family's allergic reactions to regular shampoos, conditioners and skin care products. 

Uni Organics is also the first to market Certified Organic Australian made and owned skincare and self tanning range formulated without the use of essential oils, passionately focused on providing quality allergen free, non reactive products to suit everybody's individual needs.

You might be wondering how an organic & natural self-tanner actually tans your skin, well

The active tanning ingredient is sourced from sugar beets and mixed with grapeseed extract to brown the skin, while Aloe Vera and Sunflower Seed oil moisturise and nourish.

Not only is this gradual tanner certified organic but it is also vegan-friendly and 100% cruelty free!

Ingredients

Before & After

 *The after photo was taken after 5 applications of the gradual tanner.

*Neck/chest area had two applications.

My opinion

I really enjoyed using this gradual tanner. It gave me amazing results without breaking me out in the usual dreaded rash I get with any products I apply to my body (sensitive skin life).

Here are my thoughts in dot points because I feel like it is straight to the point and easiest to read:

• You can adjust the tan to your desired shade
• Leaves your face and body feeling moisturised
• Did not break me out when used on my face - massive bonus!
• Gives the perfect honey glow - not orange whatsoever.
  Uni Organics recommend for a rich warn, brown tan use their Ultimate Tan - Self Tanning Cream and for natural honey tones use this Forever Tan - Gradual Tan.
• Absorbs fast into the skin and is not tacky
• Does not transfer at all - Your white sheets will stay white!
• Cruelty free & vegan
• Does not go patchy when you layer it day after day
• Fades nicely
• Doesn't wash off, for some silly reason I though having showers would remove majority of the colour lol

Helpful hint:
Silly me didn't wash my hands after the very first time I applied the gradual tanner to my body. Instead I thought I would rub the excess into my hands but it had already dried and I woke up with a lovely surprise.

So make sure you wash your hands after applying it!

Extra details
Website - www.uniorganics.com.au
Instagram - @UniOrganics
20% off your online order - "InstaOffer"

Disclaimer - This product was sent to me for the purpose of this review however all opinions are 100% honest and based off my own experience. I do not make anything off the above code, it is solely for your benefit if you are interested in trying any of their products. For more information click here - disclaimer

Another month has flown by and again I had a few stand out items I'd like to share with you all.

My favourites for this month are mainly all new products except for two so I will begin with them. I purchased the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette ages ago and it has always been my go-to palette. It has a range of shimmers and mattes in all neutral tones that can be worn during the day or night. I will be doing an individual post on this palette with swatches (and maybe a few of my go-to looks!) so keep your eyes out for that if you're interested!

The Essence brush pictured above is another item I got a few years back. It was very affordable and I never thought much of it until recently. It works so well to apply bronzer and blush and I have been using it daily!

Before I go on about all the newbies I want to quickly mention my current obsession with off the shoulder (a.k.a bardot tops). I love pairing them with leggings for a more casual look and they are perfect for those warmer days we are having here in Melbourne.

Now for all the new favourites I discovered in the month of August.

Winter has taken a toll on my skin leaving it very dry and dehydrated. Unfortunately also my hands were affected but the Cotton On Botanicals Hand Cream has been very handy (pun intended). It absorbs quickly into your skin which is why I love it so much! It does not leave a weird sticky or oily residue just a very appealing smell.

I was running low on concealers and needed a cruelty free one ASAP (I am currently transitioning to being cruelty free!) so I went with the bareMinerals Serum Concealer. The word serum in the title intrigued me and I had heard that it was a very hydrating formula which is what my under eyes need. This concealer does crease if it is not set, however once you set it then it will not budge, go cakey or dehydrated looking.

Since the weather was also slowly warming up I started using fake tan again. I was lucky enough to receive a package containing Uni Organics newest product - Forever Tan which is a gradual tanner that leaves out all the nasties. It is vegan and cruelty free which makes it an even more amazing product!! I have a full review coming soon so I won't say too much about it here but I know I will be using this over every other fake tan I own.

Another product I was obsessing over is the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Barbara. I have a review also coming soon for this!

Back to the eyes now, this post has no order lol. Eye creams are becoming a staple in my skincare routine and I find they really do help to hydrate the under eyes making concealer and powder sit a lot better under there. The one I am currently using and really enjoy is by Iluka Skincare. It is their Fine Line Eye Serum which contains cucumber, aloe vera and marine collagen. This brand is also 100% cruelty free and natural.

Last skin care product. This is a very new favourite that I discovered in the last week of August but have already used it 4 times because I love it! If you read my posts regularly or follow me on Instagram you would know I swear by the Origins Overnight Hydrating Mask HOWEVER I have found a much more affordable replacement that works just as well. It is the Andalou Rosewater Mask. This mask leaves my skin feeling so soft (like a babies bottom) and hydrated. The directions state to leave it on for 10 minutes however I leave it on until it completely absorbs into my skin. I find I get the best results this way.

I had to leave the best till last - the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Milk Chocolate. My mum bought this for me when she was over in Bali and I couldn't wait for her to get home just to smell it. Someone on my Instagram told me it even tastes like chocolate so one day when I was contouring my nose I purposely wanted to taste some fall-out, yes I am weird, and yes it tastes like chocolate. This shade is not orange whatsoever so it can be used to contour but it also isn't overly ashy toned so you can also bronze.

What products were you loving in August?