Happy Sunday everyone. This week I am reviewing two new and improved Foreo facial cleansing devices. Mother's Day is coming up and if you are still stuck on ideas this post may convince you that a Foreo device is what she needs!

Think Clarisonic but simplified. It is made completely with silicone so you never have to mess around with purchasing new brush heads, has a variety of settings and there are different sizes to suit your skin concerns or needs.

Before raging on about all the other positives to this water-proof device I will include a little more info on the two I have.

Foreo LUNA mini 2

$179 + two years warranty

Just wanted to quickly add that the Shaver Shop Au currently have a deal that if you purchase the LUNA mini 2 it comes with the LUNA play for $179!! One for your mum and a bonus for you 😉

About:
"An enhanced T-Sonic™ face brush with eight adjustable intensities for a fully customisable cleansing experience. The updated 3-zone face brush is optimised for all skin types and comes in five new colours."

Benefits:

• Bigger brush compared to the Luna mini which allows you to cleanse a larger area of skin
• Eight settings that you can customise yourself based off your own preferences and requirements
• Pulsates on the skin to ensure all impurities are removed and leaves your skin feeling 100% cleansed
• Comes with a rechargeable USB
• 1 charge lasts 5 months
• Completely waterproof and you never have to spend more money to replace brush heads
• Feels like a very relaxing facial massage while cleansing your skin? BONUS!!
• Makes you want to clean your face
• Doesn't take up too much room if you wanted to take it on holidays with you
• Sleek, compact and not bulky
• Has the brush head on the front and back 
• Takes 1 hour to fully charge!!

Foreo LUNA play

$59

*NEW*

About:

"LUNA play packs a punch in a tiny macaron sized device. Though small in size the LUNA play is a fun and affordable introduction to the amazing skincare benefits that comes from T-Sonic™ cleansing."

Benefits:

• Small size allows you to get into all the harder to reach areas - between the brows, around the nose and under the ear lobes which was a massive plus for me
• You can have a more concentrated deep cleanse
• Affordable, especially if you want majority of the benefits without paying $100+
• Again waterproof and you don't need to replace the brush head - can you tell I love this aspect?!
• Great for travel
• I personally love the size of this one, it isn't too difficult to hold despite its petite size

The only downfall with the LUNA play (which isn't really a big deal) is that you don't get a variety of settings with it. This is perfect as an introductory device but if you want maximum benefits you'll obviously have to pay a little more.

If you really want to pamper your mum this Mother's Day I highly suggest you take up the Shaver Shop Au on their current deal! Cleansing your face is essential for all ages and having a device that does it for you makes life so much easier. Foreo make things even better since there are not extra costs (brush heads) with their devices making them the better option when selecting a facial brush.

I am already a lover of using a cleansing brush daily since I feel like it gives me a deep clean but I also wanted to mention that these brushes do not irritate my acne or sensitive skin. The silicone brush heads are very gentle on the skin, again making them a perfect option for all skin types, including mature.

P.S. My mum and my brother have stolen these off me because it feels so relaxing on the face. 

Disclaimer - These brushes were sent to me for the purpose of this review however all opinions are 100% honest and based off my own experience. I only work with companies I would personally support or purchase from myself. For more information click here - disclaimer

Trash Talks are one of my favourite posts to write up because I always feel so accomplished looking at all the junk I have accumulated. It actually helps prove to myself that I do go through products I own and they're not just sitting around collecting dust in my collection.

Anyway, I have decided to write these blogposts up a little differently than my previous ones. If you're a follower of mine via Instagram you will be well aware that I am cruelty free. I do have non cruelty free products that were purchased before making the switch so I am phasing them out slowly, hence why some may appear throughout my Trash Talks. I will only be reviewing the CF products I've used up and briefly list the non CF products last (without a review since I don't recommend them!)

Right now as I write this post I am literally sit cross legged on my bathroom floor sorting through my trash because tonight is bin night and I really need to recycle/throw this rubbish out 😂 So let's begin!

True Essentials Cleansing Micellar Makeup Remover

✔ ✔

I had to force myself to use this product up. Not because it didn't do its job but because it made my skin, especially my eyes burn whenever I used it. It is paraben, fragrance and alcohol free, contains no animal derived ingredients and is neutral pH so I wish it didn't burn my skin!! I have no idea what ingredient disagreed with my skin but if you look through the ingredients and they aren't an issue for you I do recommend this.

You can purchase this from Coles.

Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

This one is a repeat offender since its probably in all of my Trash Talks. Without a doubt this is one of my favourite face masks. I have a full review here so again I won't go too much into it but I will be repurchasing this!

They changed the packaging on this, that is why mine is green and the new one is orange.

Keeko Teeth Whitening Pen

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Full review & results post here if you're interested in more info for this product. But I really enjoyed using it and would repurchase.

Eleos Skincare Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Random thing to use up but I did use up a bar of soap. I am the type of person that has reactions to soap (yes my body skin is very sensitive, its frustrating) and this didn't irritate me at all! It doesn't lather as much as other soaps which is mostly due to it being 100% natural. It's gentle, fragrance free and not drying whatsoever. If you're after a new soap you should try this one out.

Body Crystal Botanica Crystal Roll-On Deodorant

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Another odd thing to include but I honestly go through so many of these and deodorant is an essential. I've been using this deodorant for years and I'm talking the past 10 years. I don't know what I can say about a deodorant other than it smells good and it works.

It's 100% natural and alcohol free. I find the roll-on application very easy to use and the main reason why I go back to it. Already repurchased and have unlimited backups. If you want to get into natural deodorants (which are SO much safer than Rexona etc.) then you should definitely check this one out. There are different scents and also a spray form if you prefer that.

Face of Australia Face Base Primer

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

To break up the skincare and body care I thought I better include some makeup to keep you all reading interested. I really enjoyed this primer and it was my go-to on a daily basis. It didn't irritate my skin or break me out and it helped add extra hydration prior to makeup application. 

My skin is on the dryer side so foundation tends to last no matter the primer but this was a good basic, daily use kind of primer. I do want to try out other primers but will most likely go back to this one because I feel like it is a staple in my collection.

Red Seal Natural SLS free

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Toothpaste. Another essential in everyone's life. 

Toothpastes like Colgate leave my teeth feeling very sensitive plus they aren't good for you, I think I should just do entire blogposts about why things aren't actually safe or good for our bodies hey? So this is what I have used to years. It is mineral based, paraben free and has no added fluoride.

The only downfall is that it doesn't leave my breath smelling overly minty. This is an issue for me personally since I repeatedly had tonsillitis which made my breath smell horrible (gross I know and probably TMI). I've already got multiple back ups and go through many tubes since my whole family also uses this toothpaste.

Kiss my Face Deep Cleansing Mask

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

I love face masks and enjoy doing them regularly. In saying that this mask wasn't a stand out. It worked well and did what it was intended to do. However, I prefer stronger masks such as the Aztec one which makes your face pulsate since it actually feels like it is doing a deep cleanse.

I feel like this would be a GREAT mask for those of you with oilier acne-prone skin types because it helps remove oils and bacteria from the skin plus has tea tree oil in it which aids in reducing acne. If I ever lack face masks, which I don't think will be for a while since I have a drawer full, I would probably repurchase this. I did enjoy using it but it isn't one I can't live without.

Sneaky Squirrel Body Scurb

✔ ✔ ✔

If you love the scent of jaffa lollies then you will adore this body scrub! It works amazingly with removing dead skin or even old fake tan while leaving your skin moisturised. My only issue with this and the reason why it only receives a 3/5 is that it has coconut oil in it and I am allergic.

If you suffer from acne, cellulite, stretch marks or dry skin then this is a great scrub to use.

Iluka Gentle Foaming Cleanser

✔ ✔

Gel cleansers are not fantastic for dry skin, hence why this only got a 2/5 rating. I did like this face wash but it left my dry skin feeling tight after each use. If you have normal or oily skin then I 100% recommend you try this out because it is a good face wash. Other than leaving my face tight it did cleanse well and didn't break me out.

Its at times like these that I wish I didn't have a dry skin type because this is a good product!
*This product is no longer available.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

I LOOOOOVEEE this cleansing oil. It has been in all my Trash Talks and a few of my blog posts throughout my blog. Visit my product directory page here to check out all the posts where I feature it because I don't want to repeat myself 100 times.

This isn't pictured in the image because it leaked everywhere and I didn't want oil on my background 😂

Life-Flo Pure Rosehip Seed Oil

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Another product that is always in my Trash Talks without fail. It also features in my Skin Diaries. Click here to read more about this product.

Australis Primer The Original

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Similar to the Face of Australia primer mentioned above I pretty much feel the same way about this one. It is another staple and I repurchased it.

Antipodes Skin-Brightening Serum

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

I have a full review raving about this product here! Fun fact, its my most viewed post to date too.

Niacinamide B3 Cream

✔ ✔ ✔

To be completely honest I used this one up such a long time ago that I can't really remember how it performed. I remember researching the best serums to treat acne scarring and vitamin B came up. I think I need to repurchase this and try it again then review it properly. 

I do know that it didn't break me out at least!

Hurraw! Moon Balm

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Purchased this because of Shaaanxo. Forever grateful to Shaaanxo. This lip balm is amazing! Again this features in my other Trash Talks.

Lush Angels on Bare Skin

✔ ✔ ✔

When it comes to skincare I like the products I use to be fuss free. Unfortunately this one was a little too fidgety for me, you need to mix it with water to actually create the paste to exfoliate your skin. This one was only a sample size and although I did enjoy it I just am not up for creating my own paste every time I use it. In saying that I won't repurchase it but if Lush ever make it into a paste already then I would repurchase straight way.

Antipodes Grace Gentle Cleanser

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Full review here. To sum it up, I enjoyed using this but for my current skin issues I am using another face wash so won't purchase this any time soon. Possibly would in the future.

Lush Skin's Shangri La

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Why do good things have to be so expensive? This is a rich, creamy and full of goodness moisturiser. I really do want to purchase the full size but the price prevents me from doing so. One day this will be mine and I will love it forever, I already know.

It is a dream for dry, sensitive skin.

Kiko VOLUMeyes+ active mascara

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

I WISH Kiko was available in Australia! This mascara was so good and I've been holding onto it for the past uhh, few years (I know thats gross) but I just love it so much and know I will never get my hands on it again. I love the triangular wand, I love the bristles and I love the way it makes my lashes look. It is my favourite mascara and it was difficult to finally depart with it. If I could I would repurchase 10 tubes!!

Non cruelty free products I've used up:

• Maybelline Fit Me powder in 220
• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
• John Frieda Sheer Blonde Tone-Correcting Shampoo
• Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless
• Maybelline Fit Me concealer in 20
• Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara

This weeks post is all about natural or organic dupes for more "mainstream" products. I wanted to put together a few options to show you all that when you choose to go more natural (in terms of ingredients) you do not need to skip out on quality whatsoever!

White Glo Extreme Whitening Pen vs Keeko Botanical Teeth Whitening Pen

I feel like a lot of people disregard the ingredients used in your typical teeth whitening products. There are so many teeth whitening pens that you can buy at your local supermarket or chemist but what you are actually putting into your body is horrible. Yes I have tried it once before just to review it and I will never do it again. Everyone is free to make their own decisions when it comes to what they put in or on their bodies but if you're interested in a much safer and natural alternative then the Keeko pen is just as good, if not better because it doesn't leave your teeth sensitive at all!

I have a full review on the Keeko Botanical Teeth Whitening Pen here.

Chapstick Conditioning Lip Scrub vs Lush Lip Scrub

To be completely honest I never buy lip scrubs because I prefer to make my own since they pretty much all act the same way. However if you are after purchasing one then the lip scrub made from Lush is a natural match to any other scrub you can purchase.

L'Oreal Color Infallible in 004 Forever Pink vs Inika Organic Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow duo in Black Sand (pink shade)

I made a promise to myself to never mention L'Oreal again (due to them testing on animals) however if I can find a dupe for their products I will be sure to let you all know!

I found not only a cruelty free dupe but also an organic one which comes with a bonus eyeshadow. The Inika Organic shadow is very similar and safer not only for us but animals too.

Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick in Vintage Rose vs Adorn Cosmetics Lipstick in Natural Pink

Vintage Rose is one of my all time favourite lipstick shades and I am aware of the controversy surrounding Gerard Cosmetics so I was very excited to find a matching shade. To think that we "eat" our lipstick throughout the day, a lot of people may feel better knowing that they have something natural on their lips rather than chemicals.

This update has no good news unfortunately. The battle with my hormonal acne is at its peak and feels like a never ending cycle of new under the skin pimples coming and going. I think the medication has 100% left my system so its all starting to go back to how it was prior to finally having it clear but I'm not going to give up. I have booked an appointment with a naturopath to sort out my hormonal issues which will hopefully result in clearer skin.

 

Anyway, this is what has changed since my last update.
P.S. not many topical skincare items are "clearing" my skin simply because the root cause is my hormonal imbalance. I do find they are helping with current acne but not stopping any new pimples from forming. If you suffer from acne due to diet, congestion or an oil imbalance etc then these products would work a lot better at preventing future acne for you!

Vitamins

Nothing new here, I am still taking the same multivitamins, maca root and vitamin E since my last update. I haven't noticed any to help with my acne but my skin is less dry and my period is regular at least!

Diet

Again not much difference with my diet. I do drink (roughly) 1.5L of water a day, still avoid sugar and am vegetarian.

Skincare

This category has changed slightly. In my last update I was using more products and this time around I have cut back.

• Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Face Wash for Acne: I use this face wash nearly twice a day every day. If my skin is feeling a little on the dry side I only use this once a day. Tea tree has amazing benefits for existing acne and I used to use this back when I was suffering this badly from breakouts. It does help to dry up any existing pimples but again doesn't prevent future ones.
  
  This face wash leaves my skin feeling very cleansed but doesn't strip it completely leaving it like the Zahara desert.
• Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser: same as my last update. This hasn't broken my out and doesn't irritate my skin at all. It also works well under makeup and isn't greasy or oily feeling.
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil & Life Flo Health Pure Rosehip Seed Oil: I've used these since the beginning so read any prior skin diaries to hear my thoughts
• The Body Shop Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream: This product has been newly added to my routine. Since I am using a tea tree cleanser and have dry skin I wanted a richer moisturiser to compensate. I only use this on the nights I feel like my skin is excessively dry and so far I am loving it! Again it doesn't irritate my skin nor does it clog my pores. The lovely lady at The Body Shop recommended this for me and its been working wonders, if you have dry skin you need this!!

In terms of face masks I have tried a couple that were sent out to me and have loved them all since I am big on pampering myself and doing masks. But in saying that the two products I've been sticking to and focusing on are by The Harvest Garden. 

I use the Herbal Facial Tea in conjunction with their Kaolin and Activated Charcoal Facial Masque. I first steam my (clean) face for 10 minutes using the facial tea to really open my pores and allow the mask to clear my skin properly. The reason I've been using this mask over my Aztec secret indian healing clay and other clay masks is because I find this one to be very gentle on my skin. The Aztec mask can be a little painful as it literally makes your skin pulsate and since my acne is the deep-under-the-skin-painful type I want something thats soothing and gentle. Also clay masks tend to draw out toxins but also bring a lot more acne to the surface. This is a good and bad thing as its drawing all the crap out but my chin, jaw and cheeks are already covered and I don't really want to bring more out.

The Kaolin and Activated Charcoal mask doesn't dry out my skin and only a very thin layer is needed so it doesn't feel tight or dry. I love that I am able to mix it with water or apple cider vinegar depending on my skin and preferences that day.

Beauty

My favourite category (other than skincare products)! 

Obviously no makeup will disguise the bumps on my face and I don't want to cake on the coverage with foundation that isn't natural so I've been reaching for my Inika Organic BB Cream. This product allows me to adjust the coverage I need depending on the day and I don't use primer (just moisturiser) and it lasts all day. I've also cut down the days I wear makeup to 3 days a week just to let my skin breathe.

Also if you regularly read my blogposts you will know I tried out dermarolling. I have an entire post dedicated to it here if you're interested or missed it. I have only been able to try it out once due to my skin not cooperating and you aren't able to use it when you have active pimples. Hopefully in my next Skin Diaries i'll be able to provide an update on that for you all.

Thats pretty much it for the fourth instalment of my Skin Diaries. At the moment it does feel like a battle I cannot win but i'm not letting it get me down. I am looking forward to what the naturopath has to say and hopefully I will be on the road to recovery soon!! 

If anyone else reading this is in the same boat and struggling with acne I just want you to know that you definitely aren't the only one and your skin doesn't define who you are. I know that it can bring you down and I even have my bad days (pretty often) where I feel like crap but pimples can't stick around forever right?!

Previous Skin Diaries

#1 - A background on my skin and what I plan to do

#2 - Update on taking the natural route

#3 - Dealing & overcoming congestion

What's your favourite thing about blogging? (the.life.of.laura)
I love that there are no rules. I can be as creative as I want, take photos and write about whatever I feel like that week. For me it's the perfect break from "reality" and it's something fun for me to do. I treat it as a way to "destress".

Do you use lights to take your photos? If so, what do you use? (the.life.of.laura)
I rely on natural lighting for all my photos. I've looked into ring lights and other artificial lighting boxes but it seems too complex for me. Personally, sunlight is the best light!

Best advice for building up a good following on Instagram? (digital.han)
Post frequently and comment on other people's photos. If you post regularly that will show your current followers that you're active and by commenting on other people's or brand's photos someone could potentially click on your name and fall in love with your account. Basically be as active as possible, because it is a great opportunity to not only get recognised but also meet new people and make new friends.

What is your favourite meal of the day? (the_foundation_feature)
My favourite meal is definitely dinner! I also love when it is pizza night 🍕

What is your least favourite thing about social media? (the_foundation_feature)
This is the most challenging question haha. So far everything is amazing and going well for me so I don't have anything I dislike about social media in regards to running my account. But in general something I don't like about social media is that when someone posts a photo they manipulate what they want people to see or read so someone's life could appear "perfect" and a lot better than yours. Sometimes I look at people's feeds and feel like other people are so lucky or look amazing 24/7 but I remind myself that real life isn't a bunch of edited photos. Life is a lot more raw and real than how its portrayed on social media and social media makes it easy to forget that at times.

What did you want to be when you were little? (roseycheekamanda_)
I always wanted to be a teacher. I even used to play "schools" with my brother and friends because it was all I wanted to do lol. Right now I am actually studying to become a primary school teacher!

What's your number one tip for getting PR packages? (everything_makeup14)
I rarely reach out to brands so I don't have many tips here. But based off the two times that I have I'd recommend you create a media kit. There are a lot of free templates online to guide you on what to include but it also allows brands to get to know you, what you believe in, as well as all the stats they generally want to know (such as followers, average likes etc.). 

Also in your email to them be genuine when you ask to be added to their PR list, you could also say a few ideas that you have in mind if they were to partner with you.

Do you prefer applying your base with a beauty sponge or brush? (cindysmakeupdiary)
A brush because it gives me fuller coverage with less layers. I do like the finish a sponge gives but it takes too long to cover my redness and I don't have time for that in the mornings 😦

What's your go-to boost drink? (cindysmakeupdiary)
Anything with berries and watermelon. Lately I've been loving wondermelon 👌

How do you get motivated? What if you just run out of ideas for photos? (withlovew)
I take my photos in bulk when I get a burst of random motivation. I usually get one idea and then based off that I will take about 40 photos to last me until the next time I take a bunch of pictures. If I'm lacking photo ideas I always have a lot of FOTD photos and product features, they're my go-to's. 

If I really feel like I have no motivation or ideas on what to take I scroll through people's feeds and get inspired by them.

Advice for someone who wants to start an Instagram for their blog? (whatjessiswearing)
First of all can I just say how excited I am that you went and made an Instagram for your blog!! Everyone check out Jessica's account if you're into fashion.

Now to actually answer the question in case others are thinking of starting an account. Just go for it, if you keep overthinking it then you will continue to delay it and you're missing out on all the fun!! When you start your account post photos of things you like and then you will gain an audience which relate to you or are genuinely interested in what you post. Although I wouldn't even worry about followers at the start, people will discover you but it shouldn't be about the followers. You want to make your account because it is something you are passionate about and enjoy!

Also, don't compare yourself to accounts that have been running longer than yours because they've all started from a blank feed too. It is easy to scroll through the amazing accounts with a larger following and wish your feed looked like theirs but it is all a learning experience and make your account your own! There is a quote that I really like and it is: Don't compare your beginning to someone else's middle.

Thank you to everyone that participated and make sure you check out their accounts! I had a lot of fun writing up this post and answering questions you had for me. I hope this post has been helpful and you all have a lovely week ahead xx