This product is not new to The Daily Catchup. It has featured in a few blogposts and many photos on my Instagram in the past, so it was only right to give it a blogpost all to itself. I am referring to the Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening serum.

When you hear the words skin-brightening, I don't know about you, but personally it sounds like music to my ears. For someone with quite a bit of redness and scarring I love the sound of brighter skin and need all the help I can get to achieve it. Before I go on and on about my love for this product I will include some information from the Antipodes website.

ABOUT:
"A water-based serum which helps to correct dull, blemished or uneven skin. The revolutionary antioxidant Vinanza Grape & Kiwi helps minimise the appearance of facial redness. Exfoliating enzymes from the superfruit kiwifruit and soothing Vinanza Oxifend from pinot noir grapes leave skin gloriously glowing. Meanwhile, mamaku black fern and Reishi mushroom of immortality boost healthy cell renewal for true, fresh-faced beauty."

INGREDIENTS:
This serums is 100% natural, with 74% of it's ingredients from organic cultivation. As mentioned above the ingredients within this serum are waiwera artesian water, vinanza grape and kiwi fruit and vinanza oxifend. It's fragrances are green apple and cardamon pod.

BEFORE & AFTER:
The above photos were taken on the 13th of December 2017 and my after (bottom) photos were taken on the 28th of January 2018.

THOUGHTS:
There aren't many skincare products that amaze me after one use. However, this is actually one of those products for me.

You can tell by my photos, especially my left cheeks in the before and after how much this product really helps reduce acne marks. For the amount of time I  used it I wasn't able to make a dramatic change to my scars that have been around for years but it did improve any newer marks left by my pimples. Whenever I use this serum people that see me with bare skin ask me if I have applied makeup because it's looking a lot clearer than usual and I feel the same way.

I would also have to agree that it brightens and tones the skin. I am someone with pretty dry skin but after using this serum I didn't have any dry flaky spots which was amazing!! I don't have too much to say about this serum because for me personally, the before and after photos speak 1000 words. Yes I still have a pretty bad break out situation on my right cheek (thanks hormones) but all the spots from my before photo have completely gone. Acne marks usually last forever on me, so to have a product speed up the process and take away some of my redness I will forever be grateful for.

I have also used this serum in the past so I was without it for a little while. Which made me realise the drastic shift of my skin when I am using it and when I am not. Out of all the skincare I have ever used or owned, this is by far my favourite because it really boosts my confidence and I can go out without makeup on. It just makes my skin look so healthy, brighter and generally in a much better state than usual.

For anyone that is interested, I used the serum once a day at night and am about halfway through the bottle. I apply the serum generously over my cheeks and jaw line as they are my problem areas and use the left over on my forehead, nose and chin. I also really enjoy the dropper applicator as it keeps it hygienic and I can adjust how much or how little product I want to apply.

If your skin is similar to mine or you have any marks on your face you want to fade then I highly, highly, recommend this serum by Antipodes. It is a little pricey but I would happily buy multiple bottles because it really does wonders to my skin.

First of all, can I just say, life is so much better when you're officially on Uni holidays! Secondly, this week's post is all about natural alternatives in the body department. During my efforts to enter the "green" side when it comes to beauty I've also had to consider fake tan, exfoliators, moisturisers, perfume and of course, deodorant.

Making the switch to natural alternatives can be a little overwhelming, I mean you may not expect to see as many options as there are on the market. With the help of my blogpost, guides and your own research I am sure you will find the perfect product for you, without having to compromise on what "mainstream" products offer.

Fake Tan
Whether you prefer a gradual natural glow or the intense "I've been out in the sun/on vacation" bronze there are various organic options. My personal favourite and one I have a review on is the Uni Organics Forever Tan (gradual). This is perfect for anyone at any age, however, I do think it would suit pale, light-medium complexions best.

In terms of instant or fake tan that is ideal for a night out here are a two options that I am planning on trying myself:

• Eco Tan Cacao Firming Mousse - this one has amazing reviews and has won awards!
• Uni Organics Ultimate Tan Self Tanning Cream - unlike the gradual one I have tried this one develops over night. If you aren't a fan of a mousse I'd recommend this as a cream would be more hydrating on the skin.

NourishedLife offer a guide to the perfect organic tan on their site here. They mention other products that I did not include above.

Exfoliators

I'm not that into body exfoliators as I'd prefer a creamy cleanser paired with a sponge or dry brush. But there is one I have and currently use that works well. It is by Kopari Beauty, all their products are coconut oil based which is awesome! Since coconut oil is the main ingredient it really helps to hydrate the body while removing dead skin or old tan. The product I am talking about is their Coconut Crush Scrub, and yes I have the old packaging because it takes me a while to use body care up.

There is one other scrub I know of (thanks to Shaaanxo) and would like to try next. It is another sugar based scrub by the brand Soda & Co. Shannon constantly raves about it and based off reviews I have read others seem to say good things. With either option I am sure you can't go wrong, although this one is cheaper!

Moisturiser

Like I said above, I take forever to use up body care so I am still going through my Body Shop Almond, Milk & Honey body lotion. After a lot of research I've decided not to include the Body Shop in this as they are not as "clean" as some other options. In saying this if you are starting out and wanted to purchase something in store, The Body Shop could be a good place to start.

Now onto the actual natural/organic options:

• Soda & Co. have made the cut again. This time with their Pink Lemonade natural Body Lotion, solely because it sounds like it smells AMAZING!
• 100% Pure Vanilla Nourishing Body Cream - this comes in other scents as well (blood orange or lavender)
• Something different to a cream or lotion is a body oil. I know everyone is crazy about bio oil but that actually isn't as good as you think. It has preservatives so I discovered a much more cleaner alternative that will still help with stretch marks and scars. The Uspa Revitalising Dry Body Oil.

You have probably noticed that I have linked NourishedLife quite a bit throughout this post, that is because it is one of my favourite sites when I am buying anything natural or organic. They have such a wide range of brands and products and most of them are reviewed so its super helpful.

Perfume

I have decided to include this because it is the hardest category for me while I make the switch. For some reason I find it difficult to come across natural/organic perfume options. I challenged myself to research because there are options out there, I just have a specific scent I like so I haven't tried any. Here are links to multiple options for you to browse, especially because perfume is so personal and everyone has their own preferences.

• Nourished Life perfumes - endless options + reviews
• One Seed - when reading other blogger's reviews this was one brand that constantly came up. Their perfume bottles look elegant and they even have men fragrance options which is great!

Deodorant

One category that may be forgotten when making the switch but very necessary. I have used natural deodorants my whole life so I personally can't compare a "mainstream" option with a natural one but the fact that I've never felt the need to use one is a good sign.

First things first, antiperspirant and deodorant are not the same. Antiperspirants cause inflammatory reactions around the sweat ducts which cause them to expand and then shrink. This results in reducing sweat as it cannot get to the surface. You can conduct your own further research on why antiperspirants are bad for you as I just want to focus on alternative.

In contrast to antiperspirant there is deodorants which neutralise body odour and allows the skin to breathe.

My personal favourite deodorant that I have tried is actually a paste by Woohoo Body. I can use it on a hot day and not worry about my sweat smelling at all, plus I actually enjoy the application. I understand a paste may not be for everyone, especially if you're used to a roll on or spray so I will include a guide for your own reference. The Best Natural Deodorant (2017) guide offers a range of brands and reviews. It goes into detail about key ingredients, their top picks as well as a transfer test to see if the mentioned deodorants left residue on clothes. By reading through this guide you will be able to pick out the best deodorant for you or least have a few options to try and see how they work.

Like perfume, deodorant is based off preferences plus trial and error.

Hopefully my natural alternatives post was helpful. If so, please let me know because I'd love to do more. I'm working on beauty ones (makeup/skincare) but if there is any specific products you like me to discuss then comment below or on my Instagram.

The last week of uni is over and now I just have two weeks of placement. I can finally get back into regular blogging!! 

This weeks post is a foundation review. Foundations are one of my favourite makeup products to try out because I feel like my skin is very difficult to work with, so when one works I know it's good! If you didn't know I have dry, acne prone, sensitive and scarred skin. I like my foundation to look natural but still cover well enough for me to feel confident. Does the SCOUT foundation live up to my standards? Read on to find out.

SCOUT Cosmetics claims the foundation to be soothing and moisturising with a light fragrance. It is perfect for all skin types and leaves skin fresh, radiant even toned.

Before jumping into the pro's and con's of the foundation I will include a few images I took on the day I wore it for 10+ hours.

Before and after of SCOUT Cosmetics Luminous Finish Foundation

Close up of SCOUT foundation

How I wear the foundation:

I apply the foundation with a brush to get more coverage and I do not use primer. To prep my skin I rely on whatever moisturiser I am using at the time. In the above photos I am not wearing a primer either.

You may notice that in the second image of just the foundation applied to my skin it doesn't cling well and leaves a weird patch. I have no idea why that happens but once I applied powder it fixed.

Pros

• Doesn't need to be set. Especially if you have dry skin it won't leave a weird sticky feeling so you can easily get away without applying any powder.
• Medium coverage and buildable.
• Doesn't settle into pores. Even without a primer it sits fairly nicely on my skin, despite my scars. If you do have deep pores or scars a pore filling primer can diffuse this.
• Lasts hours and hours. I can easily wear this all day long without worrying about it or touching up. This could be because I have a dryer skin type, but it isn't overly "luminous" (unlike the name claims) so I could see it working with oily skin too.
• Natural finish. Although it does get more "luminous" over time.
• Lightweight and undetectable.
• Organic/natural. A liquid foundation that is actually good for you!
• Doesn't crease in fine lines. Nor does it settle in my smile lines.
• Quite affordable for a natural foundation, similar to Mecca prices.

Cons

• Can ever so slightly cling to dry patches. This could be avoided by wearing a hydrating primer, I just don't bother on a regular basis.
• Sometimes sits funny/patchy on my skin but again that could just be my skin at the time or a lack of primer.
• Not a very luminous finish, its more natural matte in my opinion. It does get more of a glow the longer you wear it, like I mentioned above.

Overall I do really like this foundation. I feel comfortable wearing it on more of a daily basis because I know it isn't made from chemicals but still covers my skin. The only major downfall for me was that it can be patchy but when I tried it again with a primer this problem didn't occur. I'd definitely recommend this if you're after a new liquid foundation. 

Also, it doesn't claim anywhere that it has SPF and I didn't notice any major flashback, only slightly. For me this is more of a day time foundation, rather than night. You could also sheer out the coverage if you were to apply it with a sponge.

Disclaimer - This product was sent to me to test out for myself. The review was my idea and all opinions are 100% honest and based off my own experience. I only work with companies I would personally support or purchase from myself and generally use products for an extended period of time before writing a review. For more information click here - disclaimer

You may have heard, our skin is the largest organ of our body. It absorbs over 60% of anything we apply to it and it then goes into our bloodstream. Think about how many makeup products you apply to your skin on a daily basis and then take a look at the ingredients. You are most likely applying over 100 chemicals straight to your bloodstream.

Personally, I am slowly transitioning into more natural products when it comes to makeup. When I use something up I will replace it with something "green". I already use natural/organic skincare so you can check out the related posts here.

So, what is 'green' beauty?
Green beauty simply means it is made from natural ingredients (sometimes not exclusively) and can have a very low percent of synthetic ingredients that are still safe and healthy for us. Organic beauty is a mix of natural and organic ingredients. Look out for brands that have the label 'certified organic' to ensure they are actually made up of organic ingredients as there is no law against companies stating they are "organic".

Benefits of making the switch:

• Generally 'green' also refers to being good for the environment. Some brands use recycled or recyclable packaging, other brands may offer refills to cut down on waste. Additionally, by choosing products that are naturally derived you are supporting "chemical" free farms.
• A massive bonus of switching over is that your skin will thank you for it! The products have nutritional value to actually boost your skin health. Also you know what you're putting on your skin (it is not a bunch of numbers and chemicals) so you can feel better about what is being absorbed.
• Skips out on parabens - this is a preservative that actually mimics estrogen (possible link to breast cancer - some studies have shown this but you can conduct your own research)
• Skin irritation is decreased as synthetic ingredients such as colours and dyes won't be present.

There are many other benefits but I don't want this list to get too extensive. I will attach a few links below if you're interested in learning more.

My recommendations:

I do have a blogpost dedicated to my natural beauty favourites however it is a little old and I will definitely do an update. Lately I have purchased more safer cosmetics, I just want to try them out before including them in blogposts. At the moment these are my two favourite brands that I swear by:

• Inika Organic - I own a few products by them and they're definitely one of my all time favourite green beauty brands! I'd recommend their BB cream if you are after a base product. It offers medium coverage, is lightweight and lasts all day.
• Adorn Cosmetics is another great brand. They offer samples so you can trial products before committing to the full price. I really like their lipstick sample pots because you get a lot of product at a lower cost. Great for someone who is new to green beauty.

I will have a new post coming soon showcasing more products so keep an eye out for that.

Here are a few sites where you can purchase natural/organic cosmetics (or other things if you wish!) -

iamnaturalstore

iHerb

Nourished Life

Naturally Safe

That brings me to the end of the first blogpost in the "Green Beauty" series. Definitely keep an eye out for more reviews and recommendations coming your way! Have you ever tried natural/organic makeup or would you be interested to?? Let me know in the comments.

References:
Top 4 benefits of using organic beauty products
What is green/natural/clean/organic beauty?
Why should you switch to organic makeup?
Why switch?

Hey everyone, I am finally getting up the 5th blogpost in my Skin Diaries series. This one is probably the most exciting as it is the first one that I will include what the naturopath I saw had to say as well as something that terrifies me, but I think will be very helpful. I have decided to include photos of my skin in these blogposts so we can all track my progress and see if products are working or if there are any changes.

I was going to delay attaching photos as much as possible but I think I will post them first up to get it out of the way. These photos were taken in natural day light and it is when my skin is at it's worst - my time of the month. You will notice that front on my skin isn't actually that bad, I have a few blemishes that always come up around period time but for the rest of the month don't really hang around. Prior to getting my period my skin was pretty clear and I was having a good run, it just always goes downhill when it's time.

When I turn my head and show my cheeks that is where things get worse. Here is where all my scarring is as well as a mixture of blemishes again thanks to my hormones. At the moment I am not worried about fading scars as much because I can't use my dermaroller while I have active acne. So once I sort out my pimples, these posts will be dedicated to scarring.

I left my forehead out as that is the clearest part of my skin. I barely ever get any pimples there so I didn't see a need to include a photo of it. If you don't know the cause of my acne or anything about my journey then please go back and read my other Skin Diaries or even the first one which is where I go into detail on my story.

I think the layout for this Skin Diaries will be different to previous ones as I want to include as much as possible that the naturopath has told me. I will break it up into Naturopath (which will now include supplements, diet and fitness), Skincare and Beauty.

Naturopath

Overview

Obviously what the naturopath and I have discussed won't be 100% suited to your situation so if you are interested in the natural route or anything I mention please consult with your own health practitioner. In terms of my situation my naturopath and I have been working on my gut health (since the beginning of May) as she believes that could be a cause and building on from that we are also working on my hormones and trying to regulate them which will then aid in the acne department too. She has also altered my diet which I will go into detail later.

Vitamins/Supplements

When I first saw my naturopath she didn't want to prescribe me anything immediately as she wanted to ease my body into it. I started out taking a nettle tea and was directed to have two to three cups a day. Here is a website I have found to list the benefits of this tea.

After my second or third session is when I was prescribed natural "medication". I take three capsules a day to aid in digestion (this is moreso for my gut health) as well as a probiotic 1x daily, which has now become a powdered version once daily (this is to again help my gut as I suffered from a lot of illnesses). I am not 100% sure if these supplements will directly aid in my skin as it is mainly to improve my overall health and help me gain weight (another thing I am struggling with lately).

One supplement that I am taking which is better linked to my skin is liquid zinc. I take 6 drops four times a day (if you want to have zinc please don't go by my dosage as I had to build up to this and some people don't need or can't tolerate zinc!! Speak to a professional first!). I initially took this as a zinc drink but am not able to apply it topically to my skin. I haven't done this yet but from now on I am going to do this and see if it helps. The naturopath made it clear that none of what I am doing will work within a week or even a month. It is going to be a longer process than the "pills" doctors prescribe as you are actually fixing your body/hormones this way not just patching it up with a "bandaid". In saying this I have been taking the zinc for a month and I did find my skin didn't break out as much prior to my period but like I mentioned above, I have broken out pretty badly now that it is period time.

Diet

Again my diet is suited to my own concerns (skin/weight/etc.) and has been constructed to suit myself. I don't eat meat so we came up with alternative ways for me to still get protein, omega and healthy fatty acids. I also don't have sugar so there was no need to cut that out of my diet. If you love sugar and are thinking of ways to alter your diet to better your skin then I do recommend you cut back greatly on your intake.

My diet pretty much consists of fish 3x a week, eggs, half my plate being veggies for every lunch/dinner (greens are best to improve skin!) as well as oats + an assortment of seeds/nuts with coconut milk for breakfast. If any of you are interested in what meals I make/eat in a week I can do a proper post going into detail. This is just a rough overview of the main suggestions the naturopath gave me.

Fitness

Between my last Skin Diaries and this one I did go to the gym and started weight training. Mainly to help me gain muscle (increase my weight) but exercise can also benefit your skin. I have since stopped the gym and do weight training occasionally at home. If I am not doing that I try to get myself to do yoga or meditation to relax/destress and also get some exercise into my life.

Skincare and Beauty

Skincare

I've cut back a lot again this time. In my last one I think I introduced more into my routine but have decided against that method once again. I now use one cleanser - Natural Instinct Replenishing Cream Cleanser (suggested by the naturopath). This cleanser is very gentle and doesn't strip or irritate my dry skin at all. It is pretty basic and very affordable but it works well. I still use the exact same cleansing oil to remove my makeup and pair my cleansing with either my Foreo or Clarisonic.

I ran out of my Sukin exfoliator and haven't purchased another yet. I know exfoliating is essential but I've been substituting it by using a cleansing device just to give my skin a break. I will probably purchase a proper exfoliator eventually.

Moisturisers are still my Sukin and The Body Shop ones. As well as my beloved Rosehip oil. I don't do as many face masks unless my skin feels congested or overly dry and I will use whichever mask is appropriate. I can do a face mask collection soon to show you the ones I own plus their purposes/benefits.

In terms of makeup I have only been using mineral/powder foundation. I actually used one up entirely - Nude by Nature - and have repurchased. It is a very quick application that covers but lets my skin breathe. I have a review here on the powder foundations I own and use so you can find out my thoughts by reading that!

That is all I have to share for this Skin Diaries. I am seeing my naturopath again at the end of July, she wanted me to have two periods before seeing her again to just take all the supplements and implement everything I was instructed. We will then review my progress and see where to go from there. Hopefully in my next update we will be able to see some sort of improvement with my skin especially now that I have included photos. If you are going to leave a comment please be mindful of what you say about my skin because it is a big insecurity of mine and took a lot for me to actually  post this with the photos. I hope that by attaching the photos I can better help others and if there is improvement it will make me happier to actually be able to track and see it.

Thank you for reading and have a lovely week ahead.

For the past two months I have dedicated myself to only wearing powder foundations. There are many benefits but my main reason was that I needed coverage while still letting my skin breathe. I alternated between three, two of which are natural however, all three are cruelty free. The powdery assortment included Nude by Nature, Antipodes and Australis.

The first powder foundation in the arena is one that I have actually used up completely and had to repurchase - Nude by Nature Mineral Cover ($39.95). This foundation provides any coverage you desire. When first applied it gives a sheer undetectable layer which can easily be built up to a medium or even *almost* full coverage.

To apply I used a Dusty Girl's kabuki brush which worked best when packing on the powder and buffing it into the skin. If you have dry patches, like me, then this is the only one I found to cling to them. This could be avoided by using a lot of moisturiser or a hydrating primer. It only clung to my dryness after a few hours of wear so this did not really bother me. In terms of lasting power (and this goes for all three) it lasted fine for 8+ hours and never felt heavy on the skin. This could be because my skin is on the dryer side.

Nude by Nature also came out with more shades for this powder foundation so you should be able to find your match! I currently am using the shade 'beige'.

Next up is *spoiler alert* my favourite of the bunch, the Antipodes Performance Plus Mineral Foundation ($39.95). I have the shade 'medium beige' in this and it is too dark for me to use at the moment. If I use my gradual tanner (by Uni Organics) twice then this matches me!!
This is the powder foundation that instantly gives you a medium to full coverage. I can build this up (again with a kabuki brush, this is my favourite way to apply them) to an extreme full coverage. The other two allow a bit of my scarring to peak through but not this one. It completely takes over any liquid foundation I own and is perfect for daily use as it is natural and has SPF. Lastly, this foundation really does give a flawless and skin-like appearance as it never enhances any dryness and barely creases in my smile lines.

Last but not least is the ever so popular, Australis Fresh and Flawless powder in 'deep natural' ($12.95). This powder foundation is not loose like the other two and I believe its main intention is to be used over liquid foundation to boost the coverage. If you do want a "full coverage setting powder" (MAC powder dupe) then this will also work amazingly for that.

In saying that, it can be used alone and again built up to a medium/almost full coverage. To apply this one I prefer to use a flat top brush (similar to this) to really press into the skin and pack on the coverage. I don't find this one to cling to any dry patches, unless my skin is super dry and everything would cling to it anyway. This powder, unlike the previous two doesn't have SPF so it is the best option if you wanted to purchase a powder foundation that will look good in flash photography.

Overall I have been loving reaching for my powder foundation over liquids. I have found that my skin is looking and feeling better because I'm using less layers yet achieving my desired coverage. If you have dry skin don't avoid powder foundations because there are a lot out there and they all aren't drying. The one that gives my skin the most matte finish is the Australis option so if your skin is on the oily side that would probably be best. Although any three could work for any skin type as you can always play around with skin prep and primers. I hope you found this review helpful and I challenge you to put the liquid away and use powders too! Let me know how it works out if you do or leave a comment if you have ever tried any of these three powders before 😄

Favourite videos/posts are some of my favourite things to read and watch. They help feed my beauty addiction and introduce me to new products I can try out!

Lately I have been into makeup with more natural ingredients, especially since I have started treating my skin. I wanted to share a few favourites I have discovered with you all and maybe you will fall in love with one of these products too.

Inika Organic BB cream

This product has taken over my Instagram flatlays and my life. Its my go-to base product because you don't need to compromise the coverage or lasting power at all! I have a full review here if you want to know more about it.

Adorn Cosmetics lipstick in Natural Pink

The perfect pink shade in a matte formula. I have it in a little sample pot and when I'm out I will definitely get the lipstick bullet.

Antipodes Mineral Foundation Powder

Finding a powder that doesn't look cakey, powdery or dull on dry skin can be a little challenging however, I have one for all dryer skin sufferers!

It doesn't settle into fine lines, doesn't cling to dry patches and looks better the longer you wear it. I've worn this both alone to get a natural to medium coverage or over foundation to amp it up to a full even coverage. This powder also has the added bonus of spf15!

Stem Organics Hydrating Face Fluid

I use this product every night as a moisturiser before applying rosehip oil. It can be used on its own as it is a "natural moisturiser for dry skin" but I love the extra hydration. It doesn't irritate my skin which is what I love most about it!

It's both lightweight and luxurious at an affordable price. For a full review click here

Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening Serum
If you suffer from skin redness this serum is a miracle in a bottle. I couldn't give this product enough praise so I will just include a link to a post all about it - here - instead.

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

I want to include a lot more natural alternatives to traditional beauty items on the market. This weeks post is all about Keeko's Botanical Teeth Whitening Pen. 

Claims

"Keeko's revolutionary dentist formulated peroxide free whitening pen uses the natural power of Bicarbonate Soda & Cranberry to safely whiten your teeth 5+ shade in 7 days without damaging the enamel. Aloe Vera, Chamomile help soothe sensitive teeth while caring for your gums and promote a happy healthy mouth. Application takes 30 seconds and will, visibly whiten the teeth within 30 minutes!"

Review

• Thick consistency compared to your usual teeth whitening pens
• Easy to brush onto teeth
• Has no nasty taste, which is a massive plus!!
• Peroxide free 
• Doesn't leave your teeth feeling sensitive (unlike other teeth whitening products)
• Doesn't whiten as fast as your usual chemical teeth whitening pens, however you can achieve the same results by using this a few times a day

I didn't use this product daily like it suggests as I like to whiten my teeth when I know I have a special occasion coming up, so my teeth didn't get 5+ shades whiter. However you are still able to tell from the pictures below that it did brighten my teeth. I used up the entire pen prior to this review and it lasted me roughly two months with applications scattered throughout. 

If you are someone that loves whitening your teeth then this product is gentle enough for daily use and you should definitely check this pen out! It is a much safer and natural alternative to all the other chemicals other brands use. Especially since teeth whitening is something you are likely to ingest since it is going in your mouth you really want to be aware of what is going into your body and how it could affect you in the long run.

I will be purchasing another pen myself because I found it to work well and it is very easy to use. I am kind of going back on what I said in my last teeth whitening review here but since then I have researched the chemicals used in usual teeth whitening products and realised it is horrible for you. I love that there are safer alternatives to popular products because it means we don't need to skip out on our health when using them!

Other info

Website

Instagram

Blog

Shipping details: 

Free shipping worldwide over $38. 

Standard shipping for Aus is $3.50 (under $38)

Below $38 international is $5.99 and has tracking.

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 only work with companies I would personally support or purchase from myself and use products for an extended period of time before writing a review. For more information click here - disclaimer

Recently I was very generously gifted Mint Skin's range of masks, the Rosa Hydration MUD and Detox MUD. If you follow me on Instagram or read my blog then you will know I have a very strong interest in skincare and love face masks. So naturally, I was very excited to receive and be able to try these masks out.

Lately I am suffering from horrible hormonal break outs so Mint Skin kindly helped me out with working out a schedule to help my issues. For the past week I put the two masks to the test and wrote my review and thoughts throughout.

First things first, a little about the brand:

"Mint Skin is Australia’s newest clay based range of face masks, developed to clean, detoxify and replenish your skin.

Mint Skin was developed to fulfill a need for simple, natural, skin products without the excessive price tag. 

We deliver products that are safe, non-toxic, highly effective and fun. 

We believe in real results from your skin care. 

Our products are cruelty free and locally made, tested on people, never animals."

Schedule

If you too are suffering from hormonal break outs and it feels like nothing is working then this schedule may also suit you. Obviously you can always adjust it to suit your own skin's needs and use masks as often as you wish. This is just what we came up with and what I trialled this past week.

Monday - Detox MUD

Tuesday - Rosa Hydration MUD

Wednesday - Detox MUD

Thursday - break

Friday - Multi-masking

If you've never heard of or are new to multi-masking it is when you use a variety of masks to treat multiple skin concerns. For me congestion, stress, breakouts and dry patches were my issues so I applied the detox mask to my cheeks, jaw line, chin and nose as those are the areas where I broke out. The Rosa hydration mask was applied to my forehead as that is usually my driest and dehydrated area with no acne.

About

Detox MUD

Mint Skin recommend you use this mask if your skin is feeling clogged & congested or it is oily/acne-prone. The Detox MUD mask helps with drawing out toxins and bacteria while leaving your skin a lot cleaner, fresher and healthier.

When I used this mask for the first time it burnt around my nostrils, 100% because I applied it over the top of where I had been blowing my nose all weekend due to a cold. So if you have a cold steer clear of applying this mask too close to that area 🙈. I also made the mistake of applying it a little too close to my eyes (they even recommend not to do this lol) which are naturally sensitive to a lot of things so they watered. The next use I avoided those areas and had no issues at all. So you can all learn from my mistakes!

This mask reminded me A LOT of the famous Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay which is forever sold out. It feels tight on the skin once dried and you can slightly feel a throbbing sensation, which is why it reminds me of the mask mentioned above.

I don't have oily skin at all so I can't tell you if it helped with that but for someone with dry skin I didn't find this mask to be drying whatsoever. I also found it helped to reduce current pimples sizes which was amazing! I really do feel like this mask cleans out your skin and it is a good mask to use after heavy make up or when your skin is stressed.

This was my favourite mask out of the two because I'm obsessed with masks that dry out existing pimples!!

Rosa Hydration MUD
Think soothing, hydrating and rosy.

This mask was very gentle on the skin and not drying whatsoever despite it still being a clay mask. The Rosa Hydration MUD is the perfect pick-me-up kind of mask to give your skin a hydration and glow boost. It was also very easy to remove and the scent made me feel pampered.

In my opinion the packets the masks come in can be used for two applications. Unless you really like to pack on the product. They were both easy to use and the brush applied them evenly. To remove the masks I used warm water and a towel then followed with my moisturiser. By the end of the week I noticed my existing pimples had reduced greatly in size so now I am only left with the red marks.

Since these masks detox your skin you may experience a few break outs in the following days as it really helped to remove all the gunk out of my skin. This is a sign that the mask really does draw out the toxins and clear the skin. If you are interested in either of these masks check out the Mint Skin website, they also have bundles you can purchase.

I will continue to use these masks in my weekly skincare routine as I find they really help with acne-prone skin. If you suffer from acne due to congestion then this will absolutely help to clear that up! If you suffer from hormonal acne it will clear the existing pimples but not stop it in the future (this is an internal issue after all). If you have any questions feel free to contact them because they're super friendly and helpful!!

Other info

Website: https://www.mintskin.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mintskin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mintskinsydney/

Disclaimer - These products 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

If you need a new base product that offers buildable coverage with a natural finish then look no further because this product could be what you are searching for! 

Inika Organics Certified Organic BB Cream Foundation

Ever since going cruelty free i've struggled with finding a BB cream that offers enough coverage to actually cover my redness, lasts all day and doesn't end up cakey on my skin. Also now that I have switched all my skincare to being 100% natural and/or organic I don't want to be putting chemicals daily on my skin. I decided to make the conscious effort of using more natural/organic cosmetics lately and this one has been a hit!

Inika Organics offer products which are natural and mostly organic with a luxury high-end feel to them. Their prices are reasonable especially for the quality you are getting.

I believe you can only purchase their products online however I found their site to be very helpful with choosing my correct shade. They offer a shade finder where there are a lot of images and explanations to help you make the correct choice.

Now onto my experience with their BB Cream!

Despite this BB Cream being 80% organic it does not skip out on converage whatsoever. It is honestly just as good as a NARS or even MAC foundation with the added bonus of being good for your skin and 100% cruelty free. The only other organic base product I have tried is by Physician's Formula and it lacks coverage, especially for someone that has scarring and a lot of redness.

This BB cream does not have any SPF so it works well with photography. You won't experience the dreaded flashback. If your skin doesn't require very full coverage this product will be perfect to wear daily or for events. In saying that, it can easily be sheered out when applied with your fingers or built up - apply it with a dense brush.

The only negative I have found with this BB cream is that it settles in my smile lines but then again, pretty much everything settles in them. Other than that this product is a perfect base product because it does not cling to my dry patches and doesn't "melt" off my face in the warmer weather.

Since I have dry skin I don't set this product and my bronzer, blush and highlight all blend well over it. To maintain the healthy, glowy look to your skin I recommend using creams over this product but as I said, powders work just as well. It sets to a skin-like satin finish which can be altered depending on the primer or powders you pair with it.

I have seriously been wearing this BB cream non-stop because it offers me everything I need on a daily basis. If you are after a new base product or are thinking of trying natural makeup definitely check out Inika Organics!