Summer Skin Series: Sunburn & After Sun

Summer skin needs extra hydration & protection.
Soothing, cooling & replenishing natural products are where it's at!
Here are my faves:

Healing, Cooling & Soothing

For the face:
Soothe Me Balm
By Edible Beauty is in a cooling Aloe Vera & Cucumber base, more like a gel texture. It heals sunburn or stressed skin in record time. It also helps to prevent congestion & breakouts and keeps the skin hydrated and clear. ( I also use the baby version for Faye all the time on little scratches or rashes, highly recommended!!!) 
Soothe Me Balm is my Summer go-to face treatment.
Note: My skin gets a little oilier in Summer in the warm & humid weather.
Remember to use code "LIV15" at checkout for all Edible Beauty products. My readers are getting an exclusive 15% discount. (all vegan)


Antioxidant Hydrating Gel
One that husband Dave has been testing and really liked is USPA Antioxidant Hydrating Gel Aloe&Green Tea. Extra hydrating and lightweight, it's great for Summer skin and also really amazing on men. It's cooling and apparently really nice after shaving according to husband.
Vegan, cruelty-free and in cool unisex packaging this has been his favourite summer moisturiser.
It does contain phenoxyethanol as the preservative, which isn't my favourite, so it loses a point there, but otherwise a really great product.

For dry and troubled skin conditions:
Max&Me Sweet Serenity Rescue Balm
This one is another winner for summer, it can heal and treat almost all skin troubles, from bites, irritation to inflamed acne conditions, the little magical pot can cure them all.
It's designed to be used as a treatment only and should be used on its own and not in combination with any cosmetics. Best to be used daily until your skin is healed.
This product contains propolis and is therefore not vegan.

For the Body:
CV SKinlabs Rescue+Relief Spray
This is a miracle worker, which belongs into every bathroom cabinet. It's an advanced therapy for burned, wounded and irritated skin. Hypoallergenic, free of toxins it's the best treatment for truly inflamed skin conditions, even if they are too tender to touch. That's why it's so handy that it comes in a spray bottle. It's also recommended for cancer patients, radiation exposure, sunburn, laser treatments or burns caused by chemicals or household appliances.
Faye recently got a heat rash, as we had scorching temperatures here in Sydney and I used this also on her to soothe, cool and relieve the itch, it worked a treat.
It's also amazing to soothe skin after shaving.
It's a milk-like emulsion that instantly works and absorbs into the skin. It's fantastic as an after-sun treatment!  (vegan)

As usual, I use the gentle and hydrating Biologika Shower Gel, which prevents my skin from drying out!
If I feel fancy I use my Erin's Faces Monoii Body Wash & Lotion, which smells of Summer! It's also very hydrating and gentle. It's also nice to replace m pure coconut oil with Monoi Oil ever so often for the heavenly smell.
Isn't Monoi just the best smell ever? I have always loved it and it makes me feel like I am on a tropical island, just being a mermaid all day...you know what I mean?

THE super summer body hydrator has been P'ure Papayacare Papaya Renew Cream.
I was given one to review and completely underestimated this! The ingredients are great, it's vegan & cruelty-free but mostly it's SO lightweight, but so intensely hydrating & repairing.
It totally fixed my overly dry and cracked (sorry TMI) poor little summer feet.
They get terribly dry from sandal wearing, beach and the many very long walks I am doing but this really helped. And I tried a lot. It smells lovely and sinks in very quickly!

So there you have it my after-sun Summer skin remedies!

Summer Skin Series: Natural Sun Protection

The question of all beauty questions....
What is the best natural SPF?

Is definitely a tough one. There is no simple straightforward answer to this topic.
I will tell you what I am using personally and what works for me and why, as well as my take on all the confusing information about sunscreens. I hope this will be a helpful starting point for you.

There are two real types of sun protection a physical protection due to a mineral barrier (Zinc or Titanium Dioxide) or synthetic sun filters based on several different chemical compounds.
Then there are natural oils which can give a low level of protection.
I personally avoid any synthetic sun filters as they aren't toxin-free and contain many nasty ingredients that will be absorbed through your skin. The advantage, however, is that these filters are invisible. Therefore you can wear a light lotion and won't even see or feel that you are wearing sunscreen.
I rather protect my health and don't risk any of these being absorbed into my body.
That's why I am going with natural sun protection.
Another important reason is also the ocean & sealife as all the synthetic sunscreens are actually destroying the reefs and polluting the water & sea life each time you head into the water. We have no Planet B people!!!
So, get over yourselves if that sunscreen feels a little thicker then the toxic version, you are doing the right thing :)

What to look for:
Avoid nano zinc (nanoparticles are too small and can be harmful)
All nasty ingredients like fragrance etc, listed in my guide here.
Only buy products which do list ALL their ingredients.
Some sunscreen brands do not enclose all ingredients, step away from those.
.

Day To Day Protection

No.4 Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion
(or Vanilla Silk TINTED Hydrating Lotion)

These have natural sun protection due to Black Raspberry Seed Oil. This moisturiser goes on like a normal lotion, as it's not an actual sunscreen. It's super lightweight as well.
It also smells divine.
Combined with all the other clever Australian botanical ingredients, this protects your skin from the elements and keeps it young and healthy. Remember all my readers get a special discount, simply use "LIV15" at checkout!
Founder Anna Mitsios says
"A luxurious lightweight moisturiser with a natural SPF, rich in natural AHAs and antioxidants.Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion is a hydrating, firming cream with a luxurious satin consistency. This lotion has an abundance of wildcrafted Australian extracts which are potent antioxidants. The Australian Rosella Extract, one of the key botanicals in the skin care, is known as the "botox" plant - it is a natural source of AHAs which enhance the skin's natural cell turnover to encourage fresher and younger looking skin."I only wear a natural moisturiser for day to day wear, meaning walking the dog & bub in the park in the morning, mainly being in the shade, running small errands etc.
I have a medium skin tone that tans easily, so if you are extremely fair and sun sensitive this might not work for you. I love wearing hats & sunglasses and I cover up my shoulders on longer walks. This way I still get a healthy and important dose of Vitamin D, without overexposing my skin. If you head for a swim in the evening or early morning only then you can get away with this and won't have to worry about acutal SPF.

Beach/Outdoor Protection

If I am heading to the beach, for a very long walk or other any outdoor activities during the Summer months I do wear sun protection on my face & body. There is no way around it here in Australia. I still don't think there is a perfect product but here some great ones that work well for me.

For The Face
I use Jane Iredale Glow Time Full Cover BB Creme when I go the beach. This is a full coverage foundation! Yes, I would prefer not wearing makeup to the beach and especially not a full coverage... but this protects my skin SO well and is even water resistant. I always get a very sweaty nose too and this is the only stuff that actually stays put on hot summer days.
It's SPF25 PA++, but due to the physical barrier that mineral sunscreens create, I never burnt with this even on the beach in Australian Summer. Pretty Awesome! It doesn't block pores, goes on easily and has some amazing skin care benefits. This product is based on Titanium Dioxide, a natural mineral sunscreen. I believe that Zinc is the safest, but it's hard to find a good Zinc sunscreen for the face that doesn't have lot's of other rubbish in it and that isn't too thick and causes break-outs. It's also suitable for the most sensitive of all skins.
Make sure to double cleanse at night to remove this fully, as it really does stay on all day and takes extra care to wash off. My favourite oil-cleanser that washes this off instantly is Purity&Grace by Max&Me.

For The Body
UV Natural has become my go-to favourite mineral sunscreen for the body.
It's SPF 30 based on Zinc and enriched with lovely clean natural ingredients.
No funny smell, very moisturizing and suitable for babies as well.
We have been using this for the whole fam and have been super happy with it.
For a mineral sunscreen it goes on easily and it absorbs well. All Zinc sunscreen will leave a little white cast, especially if you are very tanned like me. On fair skin, you might not notice it and are more happy with it. I have tried them all. There is not such a thing than a natural sunscreen that isn't at least a little gluggy & white, as the Zinc which is needed in a certain concentration to protect from the sun is thick and white in itself.
I prefer vegan products and a lot of the natural ones do contain beeswax, but not this one, yay!
Another good one for babies but with beeswax is Moogoo SPF40 we got some given and used it on Faye and it's very good for babies. It's a little thicker than the UV Natural one. But again, I prefer no beeswax, if possible so UV natural comes out a winner. I also find it goes on more easily. This one is definitely great for dry skin and VERY moisturising, I heard people finding it too oily but I really like it. I have in an emergency used this on my face on a few occasions and was really surprised how it didn't make me breakout. Dave always uses this on his face when we go to the beach.
The Moogoo one is a little more "dry" if that makes sense so it won't leave the skin oily.

There are many great natural options out there, these are what works for us.
So there you have it! I hope this was helpful!

Natural Holiday & NYE Makeup Tutorial

I somehow managed to record this just before Christmas, but with some technical issues it took days to upload. However, it's up and live now, just in time for NYE.

I hope you enjoy this little tutorial.

A great start to the new year and all the glow & happiness from us to you!
Thank you for reading and following along, I am looking forward to 2018!

Products used:
Verdura Hydrating Mist Lotus via The V-spot
Max&Me I AM THE LIGHT
Edible Beauty Luminous Angel Drops (Highlighter)
Edible Beauty Gold Rush Eye Balm (use LIV15 at checkout for 15%off)
Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals Foundation
Ere Perez Waterproof Mascara
Ere Perez Chamomile Eye Palette in Beautiful
Fra Lippo Lippie in Red Betty
Jane Iredale Great Shape Eyebrow Kit
Jane Iredale Mattifying HD Powder in Translucent

 

Gold Rush Eye Balm - No words...

So...if you were to ask me about my fave eye-cream there are a few that come to my mind.

100% Pure does a great coffee bean eye-cream, then there is this special Eye Love coffee eye serum by Raaw In A Jar both which are AMAZEBALLS for dark circles and puffiness. (and of course, they are vegan, toxin-free and cruelty-free)

But my all-around favourite eye cream of the year (and the winner of my non-existing very own beauty award) is Edible Beauty's Gold Rush Eye Balm! 
It just does it all. Everything you would want in an eye cream, there you have it!
Hydration, dark circles, lines & wrinkles...this one tackles them all.
It looks pretty too. Now, just remember to only use a very small amount and always dab, not rub it into the skin. The gold flakes will actually melt into the skin and won't be visible after application. 

This review is written by a slightly sleep deprived working young Mama!
Who else would you trust about eye-cream? Also: I have to admit that I have been slack with using eye-treatments since Faye was born...until I saw myself in recent photos...
I used to use this one and then somehow, it was just one of the things that I forgot about during pregnancy.
Well, my skin has improved a lot very quickly with this, so I would def recommend it!

USE CODE LIV15 AT CHECKOUT FOR ALL EDIBLE BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR AN EXCLUSIVE 15%OFF.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Summer Skin Series: Remedies for Sundamage & Hyperpigmentation

I LOVE summer, sun & the beach!
Vitamin D and sun exposure are good for our mood & important for your health!
But what if you have overdone it? The Australian sun is so strong and it’s easily done to get a sunburn or also hyper-pigmentation and Sun damage in the long term. 

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Sun-damage, sunspots & hyperpigmentation are some of the major concerns for women living down under. I get asked about this skin concern a lot!!! So I thought it's about time to do a little write up about it:
Prevention is key, so do not overexpose your skin to the sun, avoid hormonal contraceptives and be especially careful during pregnancy, as hormone changes are known to bring on the sunspots.
If you already have got some pigmentation, don't fret, there are also natural treatments which help to fade, balance and lighten already established pigmentation. 

Of course, first and foremost: Always protect the affected area carefully from sun exposure, to give your skin the chance to normalise it’s pigment naturally. Wear natural Zinc based SPF, hats and keep that face out of the sun whenever possible.
To speed up the process and help brighten and fade here are my top picks:  

Max&MePurity&Grace
My All time favourite cleansing oil, which I have already shown you here.
With its Tamanu oil (a gem of the Polynesian Peoples medicine) and its seabuckthorn oil (One of the best-researched oils, which protects the skin from damage due to radiation as well as damage from too much sunlight. A magical oil with a beautiful orange tint and a delightful scent, which is said to have a wonderful effect thanks to its regenerative and rejuvenating properties.) is so good when there is much sun around. It heals protects and prevents damage with the help of the amazing talents its ingredients boast -  but also by oil-cleansing itself which is so good in keeping skins barrier happy and healthy and ready to take on any challenge.

Max&Me Mask&Wash
This is the superstar in managing, fading and also preventing hyperpigmentation, sun spots, uneven skin tone and sun damage as does the whole „sweet serenity“ line.
(Mask&Wash contains sustainably sourced honey, if you are strictly vegan, please use the other products of the Sweet Serenity Line e.g. Beauty Balm and Purity&Grace as cleanser)
I have already told you about this miracle worker, here !
But did I mention how good it is for the prevention & treatment of pigmentation?
Here is why, for the skincare nerds:

Cacao and manuka honey paired together with „hyperpigmentation healing heroes“ 
helichrysum, sandalwood and rose-geranium of the essential oil’s bouquet.

Cacao
The cacao that is used is the finest, organic Balinese cacao powder. Brimming with vitamins and minerals this cacao powder is rich in super antioxidants and has such skin brightening talents.
 
manuka honey (not vegan)
The unique flower nectar of the manuka blossoms boasts methylglyoxal with incredibly potent antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which help to clear up the skin and to tame inflammation. Raw manuka honey is also said to brighten the complexion, evening out skin tone, lightening scars and age spots. Raw manuka honey is brimming with nutrients and minerals and also acts as a beautiful humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.
 
helichrysum
this extraordinary, exceptionally effective essential oil is unparalleled in its ability to heal hyperpigmentation supporting skin’s health and healing. Very few oils can match Helichrysum italicum for its affinity and effectiveness for use on skin prone to hyperpigmentation.
 
sandalwood
helps in healing scar tissue and fades away marks and discolouration caused due to skin damage.

rose-geranium
very effective in lightening scars, blemishes and dark spots. It is considered as one of the top essential oil used in treating hyperpigmentation.

HEALING HYPERPIGMENTATION FROM THE INSIDE

Another great thing you can do is heal pigmentation from the inside out!
Edible Beauty Teas No.1, No.4 & No.8 all have powerful herbal ingredients that help you to detox, balance hormones (an important one for this issue!) and to boost antioxidant levels to protect your cells & skin from the sun.
The skincare range also has some powerful products that help with pigmentation.
They are all vegan!
Use Code "LIV15" at checkout for 15% off all Edible Beauty products for all my clients & readers!

I hope this was helpful! Enjoy Summer and the holidays!