Beauté Gazette June Favourites : Beauty, Skin, Hair & Health

Elizabeth and James  NIRVANA White 1oz US$55.00 available from www.sephora.com

I have to admit this was a total blogger/YouTube influenced purchase after seeing many rave reviews on the interwebs. When my friend Liz said she was going to Sephora on her recent trip to the US I decided to ask her to purchase a bottle of The Olsen Twins latest product from their Elizabeth and James line : NIRVANA white, without even knowing what it smelt like. The bottle is super cool very luxe-chic as would expect from The Olsen twinsies, the scent is a lot lighter and fresher than I thought it would be, I was anticipating a richer Diptyque-esque scent. It has been on high roation and has been my favourite go to everyday scent this month. I also have total blogger bragging rights when asked what fragrance I am wearing because it is unavailable in Australia at the moment.....full review coming soon featuring an in depth description of the notes etc P.S If you didn't know already Sephora will be opening up shop in Australia this December OMG!

Topshop Gloss Ink in 'Smitten' $15.00 available from www.topshop.com

These are really amazing lip stains, I've not seen any reviews of these online but I picked a couple of colours whilst in the line for the till  as a impulse buy whilst in Topshop a few weeks ago and I have not been disappointed. The colours are super vibrant and the formula is beautiful to apply with no sticky residue like some other lip stain / gloss hybrids I've tried in the past. Worth checking them out when you are next at your local Topshop beauty bar. 

Maybelline Colour Elixir Sensational Creamy Lip Lacquer in 065 'Caramel Infused' $17.95 available from www.priceline.com

WOW BABY! This is what nude lipgloss heaven looks like! Oh my gosh, perfection!

The colour is the perfect balance of peachy/pinky/brown nude which gives your lips that J-Lo pout factor without the diva 'too much make up' nude lip look - does that make sense? Anyway go and buy this lip gloss right now, you will not regret it.

MAC Browset in Clear $28.00 available from www.maccosmetics.com.au

If you are like me and powder in your brows then it is a great idea to set them with a clear mascara so that the hairs stay in place. It is also great for giving your brows a little of the Cara Delevingne lift, when the brow hairs are brushed up. MAC's browset was gifted to me, but if you are looking for a brow gel there are lots on the market for all budgets.

Toni and Guy Casual Rough Texturiser Spray $15.99 available from www.priceline.com.au

I am on an endless mission to get effortless tousled 'french IT girl hair' that is done but has beautiful texture and volume. Toni and Guy's Rough Texturiser is instant cool tousled chic hair in a can. Applied to clean hair it gives volume and an un-done look, perfectly un-perfect hair. I've been loving it and have already repurchased my second can as I cannot live a day without it.

Indeed Labs Powdered Facial Exfoliator $34.99 available from www.priceline.com.au

Powder form exfoliators have been a staple in my skin care routine for a few years, but they are often very pricey for a small amount of powder. The Indeed Labs Powdered Exfoliator gives a lot of bang for minimal bucks! I've been also loving using it on my back in the shower to prevent any body break outs, because of the lower cost I am much more generous with applying the product. LOVE IT!

Dermalogia Skin Hydrating Masque $56.50 available from www.dermalogica.com.au

It is officially winter and my skin is on the verge of becoming a scaly dried out sultana! Dermalogica's Skin Hydrating Masque is like giving thirsty dry skin a big drink of water, my skin soaks it up and feels plump and hydrated immediately after removing it. I've been applying it up to 4 times a week since the start of Winter and it has given my skin a lovely soft surface to apply my makeup on to getting rid of any uneven dry patches for foundation to cling to.

De Lorenzo Elements Extinguish Heat Protector $23.95 available from www.hairhousewarehouse.com.au

I have a secret....I am not a natural blonde! Sshhhh! I have a full head of foils every 6-8 weeks which makes my hair very weak and brittle, heat damage intensifies this even more so. De Lorenzo's Elements Extinguish Heat Protector not only protects my hair from blow drying, straightening and curling it has also improved the quality of my hair. Even if I am not heat styling my hair I have been spritzing it through my hair and brushing through as a de-tangler. Pick this baby up asap if you are using hot hair tools on your hair on a daily basis, you wont regret it.

Vitamin C

All day - Err day! Vitamin C fights colds and is an Anti-Aging super star!

Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner in Black $9.95 available from www.priceline.com.au

If you have two left hands and applying liquid eye liner scares the crap out of you, then let me introduce you to your new secret weapon Maybelline Hyper Glossy Liquid Liner. The fine tipped brush is very easy to use, allowing you to paint on a very thin line or build up to a thicker winged liner look. At $9.95 this budget beauty banger is an affordable make up must have.

MAC Brow Duo Omega and Charcoal Brown $33.00 each available from www.maccosmetics.com.au

My brow game has gone up a notch this month with the discovery of MAC's Charcoal Brown shadow. I have used Omega to fill in my brows for about 2 years, but in the past month I have been mixing Omega with Charcoal Brown and it gives a lot more depth to my brows which gives the illusion of dreamy big bushy brows.

Favourite Jam of June

'Iggy Azalea - Fancy' has been on repeat for most of the month, love a bit of a cheesy pop tune to dance around my bedroom to whilst getting ready. 

xx Nella

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** I was kindly gifted these products for blog consideration. This did not, in any way, influence my opinion on the product. Please refer to my policy and disclaimer for more information.

Going to skin school for Dermalogica's new #facemapnation campaign.

Dermalogica #facemapnation

#Facemapnation is Dermalogica's new Australia wide campaign to educate the nation about our skin's health. Using a combination of ancient Chinese diagnosis and modern skin therapies, Dermalogica will map your face and analyse your skin under bright lights and a very scientific looking set of magnifying glasses to find out which area's are causing concern. After you skin has been assessed you will be taught how to use their products combined with a healthy lifestyle to boost your skins health. 

To learn more about the campaign Dermalogica sent me back to skin school, scrap what I thought I knew about my skin and start fresh. Skin school is a lot relaxing than normal school because you get to have facial, yep way better than a boring uni lecture! My skin lesson was with the super beautiful and knowledgeable Skye from Dermalogica, who was an amazing teacher answering all my big and little questions. All Dermalogica therapists have been trained to know about any skin woe you might have, you will definitely be in safe and knowledgeable hands at whichever spa or counter you visit to get face mapped. Here are a few of my favourite things I learnt during my time at skin school:

- Even though my skin is quite oily it is dehydrated, especially across my forehead which I need to keep hydrated at all times to prevent premature lines forming.

- Being shown how to use the products is so beneficial, far better than buying a product online and then just rubbing it in any which way.

-To make your gel cleanser work most effectively work add water to it so it becomes bubbly and this lifts any dirt or make up off your skin rather than working a straight gel into your skin which clogs pores.

-Include your ears and neck when you cleanse and moisturise! The poor ears and neck get left out of your skin care regime but they need some lovin' too.

-Facial massage will tighten your facial muscles and I would much prefer a massage to a face lift. -Using a combination of light and oxygen therapies on my skin brightened my complexion of any old blemish scaring and dark spots.

-Being taught how to use products is what you miss out on when buying products online, and I really have noticed a difference to my skin since I have implimented all of the tips I was given.

-Dermalogica facials are amazing! Totally worth the splurge, my skin was glowing for weeks after.

These are the products which Skye recommended for me to start incorporating into skin care routine and my skin has been loving them:

CLEANSING:

Special Cleansing Gel $49.95

This cleanser is life changing, for reals! Combining the Special Cleansing Gel with the new and improved the way I wash my face, I'm pretty much ruling at the cleansing game!

Multivitamin Thermafoliant $73.50

Wowzers! I would never have picked this product for my skin, but I absolutely love it. The physical  exfoliation of rubbing the beads on your face whilst the warming sensation of the chemical exfoliant gets rid of any dead skin. My skin feels polished smooth after using this product.

HYDRATING:

Skin Hydrating Masque $56.50

I have tried this masque and loved it in the past but had forgotten how amazing it was also I was only previously applying it once in a while or whilst on long haul flights. As advised by my amazing Dermalogica Therapist Skye, I have been applying it 2-3 times a week for 1hour at a time after cleansing it has zapped moisture into my skin.

Ultracalming Mist $48.50

I'm officially converted to hydrating facial mists after staring at Skye's beautifully hydrated glowing skin during my facial at Dermalogica, I asked her what was her favourite product was and she said it was the Ultracalming Mist which she sprays on her face throughout the day and after cleansing, then again post moisturising to lock in the moisture.

How do you get YOUR face mapped by Dermalogica?

Either book into your local Dermalogica Spa or Counter for a one on one consultation with an amazing therapist who will advise you on personalised treatments and products for your skins need. Speed Mapping is also available online HERE! by answering a few questions about your skin, your answers are analysed and products are recommended to treat all your skin concerns.

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xx Nella

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** I was kindly gifted these products for blog consideration. This did not, in any way, influence my opinion on the product. Please refer to my policy and disclaimer for more information.

Keepin Cool' The bright new SUNSCREEN stars!

Last November I was diagnosed with a Melanoma. It was in the middle of my lower back and looked like a smear of Vegemite and not like any other mole or freckle on my whole body. It was one of the biggest shocks of my life. I've always worn sunscreen have hardly have been badly sun burnt, I never go 'tanning' and my skin is not freckly or pale. But I had a melanoma.

It was removed and tested and thankfully was all taken out with biopsy which meant no on going surgical treatment was needed. Skin cancers are very much thought of as a 'lower grade' or 'less harmful' form of cancer, this is not true at all. I am not sure how I developed a melanoma, maybe it was that time I was at the beach and I forgot to put sun screen on the one spot on my lower back, maybe it was that other time when I was 11 at school camp and I forgot my rash vest and went swimming in the lake. Who knows, but the one thing I am very confident in is that I never go in the sun without sunscreen ever again! So here are my favourite sunscreens which have been keeping me cool over the summer:

1. Neutrogena Beach Defence SPF 50+ Spray Sunscreen $16.99 available from www.priceline.com.au

This bottle is amazing! It is an aerosol can which allows you to spray the sunscreen on hard to reach places like your the back of your legs and the middle of your back, so you will never miss a spot again. The scent is non offensive and it does a great job at protecting you if you are going in and out of the water.

2. Dermalogica 50 Sport Protection SPF 50+ $45.00 available from www.dermalogica.com.au

If I am exercising or walking around in the middle of the day this is my favourite sunscreen, after applying it to my face and arms it wont budge for hours. It is 50+ and will not let you down.

3 Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster SPF 50+ $62.00 and Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30+ $62.00 both available from www.dermalogica.com.au

These two Dermalogica sunscreens are fantastic if you are needing to apply a sunscreen under makeup. They don't have any of the regular sunscreen stickyness or oil which is left sitting on the top of your skin, they prime your skin leaving an undetectable vail of sun protection.

4. Wot Not Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ $26.95 available from www.nourishedlife.com.au

A friend recently told me she didn't wear sunscreen because of how toxic the ingredients were, so I went on a hunt to look for natural sunscreens on the market. After trying a few this WOT NOT sunscreen was the nicest I tried, it was easy to rub in and not too thick, it also wasn't heavily fragranced. People often complain that sunscreen breaks them out, it is actually not the sunscreen that is breaking you out but the fragrance which is masking the spf smell. If you have this problem then I highly recommend trying a natural sunscreen next.

5. Milk and Co Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 30+ $12.95 available from www.milkandco.com.au

My beloved Milk sunscreen, I love you. This has kept my skin safe during many an afternoon paddle at Gordon's Bay. The texture of this sunscreen is lovely and the tea tree scent is so fresh. 

6. Mukti Tinted Moisturiser with Sunscreen SPF 15+ available from www.nourishedlife.com.au

This is a great product if you are looking for a natural tinted moisturiser with an added SPF. The coverage is very sheer so I apply a concealer over the top if I am wearing it as my base. The consistency leaves your skin feeling quite tight and matte feeling, so there is no element of oily slip that's going to happen when you apply makeup over the top.

I hope this post has been helpful for anyone out there curious about new sunscreens that are on the market or for those of you looking to up your sun protection game. On a last note I would like to say is that there is no such thing as a healthy tan and please think before you go out into the sun because you are risking your life.

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BEAUTY YEAR BOOK : Best Beauty Products of 2013 : Skin Care, Body & Bath Round Up!

Face Wash:
Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser and Makeup Remover $14.99
If you like a face wash which takes off all you makeup, makes your face feel clean but without feeling tight and dry, then you will love these cleansers from Neutrogena. Also Paraben, Sulfate, Petrolatum free and housed in recycled packing these were a bathroom constant all year.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Day Moisturizer:
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream $71.99
This non irritating face moisturiser has kept my skin at hydrated without stinging or breaking me out. When applying this moisturiser my skin doesn't change at all, it doesn't go red and blotchy because of fragrance, like most moisturisers I tried this year. I LOVE IT! The size is also great, it has lasted for over 3 months and  I am only just half way through the tube, which makes the $71.99 price tag completely worth it.
Available from www.dermalogica.com.au

Night Cream:
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum $75.00/30ml $165.00/100ml
The reason I haven't included this serum in the photo is because I have very very sadly finished my bottle. Holy Moly applying this serum is the most heavenly cooling and comforting night time ritual I have had all year. My skin was noticeably brighter and more radiant when using this serum and I am saving my pretty penny's to buy another bottle ASAP!
Available from www.jurlique.com.au

Eye Treatment:
The Body Shop Elderflower Cooling Eye Gel $17.95
Thick eye creams are not my thing, often they sting my eyes because of the potent ingredients. The Body Shop Elderflower Cooling Eye Gel tightens the eye area without stinging and is fragrance free, for the amazing price this is my all time favourite eye gel and has been for the past year and a half.
Available from www.thebodyshop.com.au

Serum and Oil:
Kosema Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil $24.95
Rose Hip Oils have been quite buzzy this year, Miranda Kerr claimed it gave her skin its signature glow. Rose Hip Oils have been popping up on the market by brands this year it is hard to pick one from another. My pick is Kosema it is certified organic, made in Australia with all the ingredients being ethically sourced - setting it apart from its competitors on the shelves.
Available from www.kosmea.com.au

Face Mask:
Alpha H Liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting Mask $56.70
Once a week I like to relax with a face mask whilst watching The Real Housewives of whatever city, it is a very guilty pleasure. Alpha H's liquid gold line is ah-maze-zing! The smoothing and perfecting mask draws out blemishes and leaved skin feeling super smooth when rinsed off. Available from www.ry.com.au

Exfoliator:
John Plunkett Glyco Peel $28.95
Not a traditional exfoilator but 2013 was all about the chemical exfoliator. John Plunketts Glyco Peel contains 25% Glycolic Acid which when applied tingles the skin gently removing any dead skin cells lingering around the surface. Chemical exfoliants are much more gentle on your skin rather  than granulated scrubs which can burst capillaries and drag skin loosening collagen stores underneath.
Available from www.plunketts.com.au

Toner:
Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing Water $29.99
Traditional toners were tossed away this year, favouring cleansing waters which purify skin and remove any last traces of makeup. Uriage Tolederm Soothing Cleansing water is my french magic water of choice.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

BODY:

Body Moisturiser:
Molton Brown Ylang Ylang Body Lotion $45.00
Molton Brown is a very posh-totty British brand which I am in totally in lust with. The fragrances are too die for and the body lotions are heavenly, non sticky and super hydrating. The price tag is a little indulgent but I justified it by making a pact to myself that if I bought a $45.00 moisturiser that I couldn't be lazy and I had to use it everyday.
Available from www.moltonbrown.com.au

Body Oil:
Jurlique Rose Oil $50.00/100ml
Ohhhhhh baby! This multi tasker oil is so beautiful to use, as a massage oil (sexy!), a glowing body oil or a couple of drops in a bath it leaves skin so soft and smooth.
Available from www.jurlique.com.au

Self Tanner:
St Tropez Gradual Tan $20.50
After a skin cancer scare in December I have been all about a fake bake. St Tropez Gradual Tan is the best I have trialed, non ompa-lompa orange and leaves you without that signature biscuit scent. Applied on alternate days it will give you a natural - well as natural as you can from a bottle - tan.
Available from www.beautybay.com

Sunscreen:
Milk Dry Touch Sunscreen 30+ with Tea Tree and Aloe $12.95
I love this sunscreen, it is not greasy and smells of tea tree which is a lovely change from stinky spf's. You need to reapply before and after swimming and every couple of hours if you are out in the sun. It also doesn't clog the pores or break me out which most lower price point sunscreens do.
Available from www.milkandco.com.au

Body Exfoliator:
Lush Rub Rub Rub $12.95
To remove self tanners my favourite body scrub is Lush's Rub Rub Rub! It is filled with sea salt and feels extremely satisfying to use, scented with my favourite Lush soap 'Dirty' it ticks all the boxes.
Available from www.lush.com.au

Body Wash:
Dr Bronners liquid soap in Limited Edition Green Tea $8.95
I love this liquid soap, it isn't a traditional body wash but if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis like I do the you need to try the Dr Bronners range. Fun Fact: this also doubles as my favourite brush cleaner.
Available from www.lateralfood.com

Bath:
Lush Tisty Toasty Bath Ballistic $6.75
I rediscovered Lush's bath bombs this year after a 15 year hiatus I am addicted once again. Smelly, colourful baths have been so much fun this year. With the limited edition releases I have amassed quite the selection but Tisty Toasty is my fave.
Available from www.lush.com.au

Deoderant:
Nivea Pearl and Beauty Roll on $3.89
I am a loyal and faithful Capricorn and I do not stray from this deodorant! I cannot and will not use another deodorant. This is perfect.
Available from www.priceline.com.au

Fragrance:
Roses de Chloé EDT $140.00/75ml
If you haven't noticed already I have am having a lifelong love affair with roses and when Chloé released Roses de Chloé I went a little bit crazy! It was love at first smell and I have worn it everyday since.
Available from www.davidjones.com.au

xxx Nella

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Products inspired by the sliver screen feat. Blue Crush, Frances Ha, Mermaids and Daria

Toni & Guy Sea Salt Texturizing Spray $15.99 available from www.priceline.com.au, Model Co Gradual Tan $14.95 available from www.modelcocosmetics.com,  Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport $45.00 available from www.dermalogica.com.au (available December 1st)

Blue Crush was one of those movies that immediately after watching it, made you want to learn to surf stat! Also start doing soft sand running to get Kate Bossie's amazing bum. The babes in Blue Crush were super tanned but never burnt which means they would have definitely used a good sunscreen like Dermalogica's newie Protection 50 Sport. They would have topped up their tans with a daily moisturising gradual tan for sure and every beach babe knows the importance of a generous spritz of Toni & Guy's Sea Salt Texturizing Spray to get that post swim beach texture even if you haven't been near the surf.

Make Up Store Cake Eyeliner in Black $32.00 available from www.makeupstore.se, Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Terre De Feu $40.00 available from www.meccacosmetica.com.au, Chapstick Classic $4.69 available from www.priceline.com.au

Daria was the flat line 90's saviour of teen-toon culture, she saved me from a saturation of fluffy pink Baby Spice hair accessories and blow up furniture. Daria would have totally loved some matte black liner all the way around the eye and waterline smudged a little influenced by any Fiona Apple video clip, my favourite is The Make Up Store's cake liner in Black because it is really really black. The next pick is a shout out to Jane who was constantly wearing the most perfect brown based dark red lipstick, even though it was just a cartoon I am going to use some creative licence here and bet it was a matte, and probably everything Nars's Terre De Feu is and more. Chapstick Classic is the perfect pocket lipbalm for any nonchalant 'alt' teen, right?

Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $15.95 available from www.priceline.com.au, Dr Bronner's Magic Soap in Peppermint $3.20 available from www.lateralfood.com Rosebud Salve $12.95 available from www.adorebeauty.com.au

Frances Ha was my favourite movie of 2013....I have seen it 4 times now, that's all. Frances is hopelessly lovable and perfectly useless and all I wanted to know is what was in her beaten up back pack, so I guessed. She would totally have loved a mascara but not a fussy one, Maybelline's Great Lash is the perfect mascara for non fussy lashes. Frances is constantly moving apartment so a mini Dr Bronner's Peppermint soap seems like it would be a back pack essential for her. If you haven't seen the movie *SPOILER ALERT* she goes to Paris and with not much money at all but she would have totally picked up a posh lip balm like Smith's Rosebud Salve from Galeries Lafayette.

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder $50.00 available from www.clinique.com.au, Estee Lauder Hydra Luster Lipstick in Rich Red $42.00 available from www.esteelauder.com.au, Rimmel Gel Eye Liner in Blackest Black $12.95 available from www.priceline.com.au

Charlotte Flax lost her virginity in the bell tower of a nunnery drunk whilst her sister almost drowned in a stream...heavy 90's cinema. My favourite thing about Mermaids was the 90's interpretation of 60's make up. There was zero dewiness on the skin, it was all about a overly powdered matte finish, Clinique's iconic jade powder compact is a perfect 90's/60's match. The scene when Charlotte is putting on her mother's makeup on, smearing lipstick on it is from gold bullet and totallly Estee Lauder's signature packaging. A cat flicked eye perfected Charlotte's makeup, Rimmel's gel liner is a super easy formula to use and the brush on top of the pot is perfect to apply the product. Mermaid's was iconic for me, it was on repeat every school holiday and I wanted my Mum to be as cool as Cher, disappointed in my stable family and that I didn't live near a nunnery and Michael Schoeffling didn't drive the school bus.

xxx Nella

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Dermalogica's Skin Smoothing Cream Limited Edition Holiday Pack

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream Set $71.00 available from www.dermalogica.com.au and Dermalogica Counters.

Skin Smoothing Cream Set: Skin Smoothing Cream Moisturiser (full size), Pre Cleanse (sample) Special Cleansing Gel (Sample)

It's that time of the year when everything is slowing down and everyone is planning their summer getaways. Travelling with full sized skin care is crazy annoying, lugging around heavy bulky containers of half used moisturisers and cleansers which are take up valuable room in your suitcase which could be used for an extra pair of shoes! I usually take the opportunity to use up sample sized products which have been clogging up my draws all year being saved for a 'big trip'. But usually when I take samples away my skin freaks out and I have a massive break out due to using 5ml of different moisturisers each day.

This is why I have been loving Dermalogica's new limited edition holiday sets, which include one full size product and 2 generous trial sized samples. There are 3 sets to choose from which are all targeted to different skin types. Skin Smoothing Cream set for dry and dehydrated skin, Active Moist for over oily active skin and Super Rich Repair for age repair.

I have been trying out the Skin Smoothing Cream Set whilst on a quick 3 day trip this week, and it has been perfect to travel with. The Skin Smoothing Moisturiser is light and refreshing on my skin with lots of healing and soothing ingredients like aloe, grape seed extract and vitamins A,C and E. The sample sizes of the Pre Cleanse and Special Cleansing Gel are the perfect holiday cleansing routine which will remove even the most waterproof mascara.

If you are like me and are prone to over packing and lugging around unnecessary skin care then I highly recommend picking up one of the Dermalogica Holiday Sets, and considering a full size 100ml Skin Smoothing Moisturiser is $71.00 you are getting the trial size Pre Cleanse and Special Gel Cleanser for free! 

xxx Nella

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Skin Care Secrets with Dermalogica's Emma Hobson

My current skin care must have Dermalogica's Ultra Smoothing Eye Serum $69.00

www.dermalogica.com.au

The world of Skin Care is a little baffling for most of us with companies spending millions of dollars in marketing claiming to have invented a face lift in a bottle. As a confused and frustrated customer like many of you out there, it was refreshing meeting Emma Hobson Dermalogica's Education Manager for Australasia. Her take on skin care was very simple and impressive there was no big scentific words or promises of instant change it was about routine and working with your changing skin. Emma kindly answered some of my skin care questions de-coding a lot of skin care buzz words and sharing some of her valuable skin care tips.

There are so many ‘buzz’ skin care words being used to entice consumers at the moment. EG: Peptides, AHA’s, BHA’s  Glocolyic Acid. What are your suggestions that women should look out for when shopping for skin care? 
I am a great believer in you get what you pay for, so look for quality companies that don’t promise the earth with their advertising. If it sounds too good to be true, it normally is!  Peptides are fantastic ingredients so it is good to have these in your products, but don’t get caught up on the hype of just one ingredient - you need well rounded products that address your complete skin care needs. For example, a person concerned with ageing who has a sensitive skin needs products that address inflammation and skin sensitisation (this is a given) but they also need to have ingredients that can address hydration, skin texture and prevent premature aging using peptides and anti-oxidants.

Peptides: what are they?
Peptides are signalling molecules, they are made synthetically in a lab and are small protein fragments. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and therefore peptides, the amino acids are constructed into chains to create a protein/peptide. The structure and order of the amino acid chain created to make the peptide will then determine the response the peptide has on a human cell. Change the order or number of amino acids on the chain and you will change the response in the cell. But it is important to note that not all peptides are created equal, some are much  more effective than others because the peptides are made synthetically, so the ‘quality ‘of the ‘science’ that creates them is immensely important.

And what are they going to do for my skin?
They are often termed ‘the work horse’ of a product as they have such a definite and dramatic impact on the skin and can evoke various reactions. They can, for example, stimulate collagen synthesises, act as sugar traps to prevent GAGS (glaciation of the proteins in the skin) that leads to premature ageing and they can control melanin formation in the treatment of hyper-pigmentation.

Acne breakouts for women in their mid to late 20’s and 30’s, should treatment be differently to a teen acne treatment?
Clinical studies indicate that between 40- 55% of the adult population in the 20-40 age group are diagnosed with a low grade, persistent acne and oily skin. The primary aggravating factor leading is stress and hormonal fluctuations. Adult acne tends to have more inflammation and less congestion (blackheads and under the skin congestion) and a more sensitised skin. It is essential to find products specifically designed for 'adult acne/skin congestion' and avoid  the ones for resilient teenage acne. The reason being, teenage products tend to be addressing a very oily, thickened skin (which adults don’t normally suffer from) whereas products designed for adult acne focus on healing the persistent lesion, treating the inflammation and also addressing the other issues an adult skin can suffers from. I’d advise you seek out products that are medicated and will gently clear the skin and contain a powerful mix of anti-inflammatories.

When using an Acne focused products, how is it best to keep using Age defence products at the same time?
If you are using products designed for adult acne they are extremely easy to integrate with your age defence products. It is very easy to keep using targeted serums, eye care products, spritz toners whist combining these with antibacterial cleansers, targeted spot treatments, and treatment moisturisers. Ideally you should consult your professional skin therapist to seek their advice as to how best to integrate your products to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Exfoliants: Can exfoliant be damaging to the skin if it is granulated? 
Exfoliants can be irritating and sensitise the skin if used incorrectly. For example, using the wrong type of exfoliant for your skin condition or incorrect product use by yourself (including the frequency at which you use the product). It is advisable to only exfoliate 2 to 3 times per week and not on consecutive days. Granular exfoliants can be used on an oily skin with under the skin congestion, but not on inflamed lesions (spots), as this could cause increased irritation and inflammation as well as the possibility of spreading the bacteria from one lesion and creating another!

Can exfoliants be used to treat acne breakouts?
Yes they are an integral part of the successful treatment of acne. As previously mentioned, non-abrasive exfoliants should be used such as hydroxy acids or digestive enzymes. One of the best exfoliants to use on breakouts is Salicylic acid - a beta hydroxy acid.

For newbie’s to Dermalogica, what are your star products and what would you recommend for someone trying out the brand for the first time?

For all skin types the PreCleanse, a true cleansing genius. Total Eye Care SPF15 a super hero eye care product . Multi-Active Toner and Skin Hydrating Booster which both are tremendous for rehydrating a lack lustre skin.

For a normal to combination skin you can’t go past Special Cleansing Gel,  Daily Resurfacer and Skin Smoothing Cream.
For an oily skin it has to be Dermal Clay Cleanser, Gentle Cream Exfoliant and Active Moist.
For adult acne from our MediBac system; Clearing Skin Wash, Overnight Clearing Gel, Oil free Matte SPF30

For Age defence from our AGE Smart system; Skin Resurfacing Cleanser, MultiVitamin Power Serum, Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF30
For sensitised skin from our UltraCalming system; UltraCalming Cleanser, UltraCalming Serum Concentrate and  Super Sensitive Shield SPF30.

 For more information please visit www.dermalogica.com.au or visit your closest Dermalogica counter to speak with an expert.

I would like to thank Emma for taking the time to answer these questions.

xxx Nella

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WHAT'S IN MY BATHROOM? A sticky beak into the products I have on high rotation this month.

With being sent so many different samples and also having a serious shopping addiction when it comes to skincare it is hard to finish products, too excited to crack open a new moisturiser or serum to find out if it is the 'one'. 

My bathroom sink is a high rotation runway for my favourite products for you all to take a good hard sticky beak at:

Aésop Ressurection Aromatique Hand Wash 500ml $40

Ok it's not 100% necessary to have such expensive hand wash BUT I like to have nice things OK?!

And although I am not such a fan of Aésop's facial skincare, I love this hand wash to bits.

Available from www.aesop.com

Aésop Rind Concerntrate Body Balm 500ml $103.00
After using this body balm I feel like I have been running through sunny Sicilian orange fields. It is so fresh and creamy but doesn't leave you with that sticky gross moisturiser feeling after you have applied it.
Available from www.aesop.com

Annick Goutal Petite Cherrie EDT 100ml $124.43
This is my favourite perfume ever, I bought my first Annick Goutal perfume in Paris over 5 years ago and ever since then my love affair has continued. It is not a bold scent at all, not too sweet and floral and not too spicy...its just right.
Available from www.feelunique.com

MoroccanOil Light Oil Treatment for Hair (Sample Size) $53.29 for 100ml
This is a newbie I am trying out, the original MoroccanOil I love using as a hair mask treatment but I wanted to try the light version for everyday hydration and taming, so far so good.
Available from www.feelunique.com

Dermalogica UltraSmoothing Eye Serum 15ml $69.00
Wowzers, this stuff is amazing. I have been applying every night before bed and I have noticed so much more hydration in the skin around my eyes. The little bumps that come up when I am tried or stressed have reduced and the skin is looking a less puffy and swollen.
Available from www.dermalogica.com.au

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum 100ml $165 
This is Jurlique's new and very much improved Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum, and I am now truly a devotee. A couple of weeks ago I was suffering from some very annoying breakouts around my chin and forehead, I started using this serum and within days I have noticed an improvement - also the scaring and darkness from healing spots healed so much faster than normal. My skin drinks it up overnight and feels so soft in the morning from it. And hello pretty packaging!
Available from www.jurlique.com.au

Nivea Pure & Natural Soothing Day Cream 50ml $12.99
Day creams are something I struggle with, most leave my skin too greasy to apply makeup on top off and then throughout the day my face becomes an oil slick. This Nivea soothing day cream applies smoothly and then sinks into the skin leaving an almost matte texture, so makeup glides on without caking or sticking. Also I haven't broken out from it which is a plus. Oh and its only $12.99!
Available from www.priceline.com.au

xxxx Nella

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Willow for Dermalogica

The Willow for Dermalogica gift with purchase is the most chic collaboration between fashion and beauty I have seen in a while not to mention ethically minded as well.
A percentage of the sales from the Willow for Dermalogica will be contributed to joinFITE, an organization which financially helps women in developing countries access small loans to start or grow a business – bettering themselves, their families, and their communities. That is reason enough to go and stock up on your favorite dermalogica products ASAP!

The limited edition leather clutch comes with 2 of Designer Kit Willow's favourite Age Smart products in sample sizes, when you spend $100 or more across the entire Dermalogica range.

“I was thrilled to be approached by Dermalogica to be part of this collaboration. Our brand values are very much in harmony, and together we have the opportunity to help women entrepreneurs in developing countries become financially independent.” 
– Kit Willow, WILLOW Creative Director

If you are looking to pick up this amazing gift-with-purchase it is available through participating Dermalogica stockists and selected David Jones stores from 8 April, 2013.

xxx Nella

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