Summer Glow Moisturiser

One of my favourite lines, Edible Beauty, has just launched a new product:

No 4+ Tinted Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion

It's a tinted moisturiser in the truest sense of the word. It's a moisturiser that has a hint of a sunkissed tint to it.
Unlike many tinted moisturisers on the market, which are actual foundations just marketed under a different name, this product is first and foremost skincare.

Do not expect coverage from this, but if you just want that sunkissed glow and enhance your beautiful Summer skin this is perfect.

I feel it works best for normal to dry or dry skin. The tint is really suited to medium complexions but can also warm up fair skin or blend into deeper skin tones, as it is so sheer.
It gives a radiant dewy finish and nourishes the skin all day long. It

This is really what I am after in Summer day-to-day when I have a tan and my skin is even and in good condition. I would only add a little concealer on the occasional breakout or redness.
Just apply this with fingers instead of your usual moisturiser in the morning and you are good to glow!

Like all products in this range, it comes in a luxurious glass bottle with a pump dispenser.

I also recommend this as a tinted primer underneath your foundation for days or occasions that you want more coverage. Makeup sits really well over the top, as this is very hydrating and smoothing. It goes on soooo silky smooth...

Don't expect this to be makeup and you will love it! Perfect for all the foundation haters out there too. Of course, it's all vegan and packed with only the best natural ingredients.

Healthy Juicy Skin

I am all about Juice and Smoothies combined with loads of other healthy unprocessed foods. (Although I am still dreaming about an actual powerful blender to make my own at home!) I just really love how good it feels to eat well and I also really dislike being sick. I feel I don't have time to be sick or unwell and also can't afford to lay around in bed, as I am running my own business. So healthy food is really important to me! I might annoy my friends from time with my health consciousness, but in the end of the day, they always come back to ask me for advice. I started joking that I should consider starting another website/blog: Ask Dr Liv! (no, I am not a doctor nor professionally qualified to give anyone health advice!)

What is Skin Juice? When I discovered Skin juice, the healthy natural skin care ranges with the inspiration to nourish your skin as a fresh juice nourishes your body, I was intrigued. Founder Joanne Dampney used to be a successful beauty therapist with own salon, where she discovered a growing demand for safe, healthy, natural, organic yet effective skincare. Using her own clients as guinea pigs to develop the range, there was no animal testing required. She quickly gained a loyal following and today is focussing entirely on her skin care business. It's a vegetarian range with many vegan products, cruelty-free and packed with certified organic ingredients. All products are made in Australia.

The Best From Science & Nature Skin Juice combines the best from science and nature to formulate innovative, nutrient rich skincare that will feed the skin like a healthy diet feeds the body. The range is large and exciting! There is skin care, body care, products for men and a pregnancy range. I only tried three products so far to get a glimpse and overview of the range, but I think I am already hungry for more! The ingredients are clean and potent and the formulas feel very nice on the skin.

Professional Quality The clever design of the products makes them perfect for travelling in my professional makeup kit as well. The packaging is hygienic and travel-friendly. It's made from BPA free plastic! Mostly pump dispensers are used and all lids fit on securely. The range is also available in many beauty salons in Australia, so it's possible to get a yummy facial with these toxin free products. This shows again how potent the products are. Another natural range that actually works!

Mummy's Tummy I particularly love that there is a pregnancy range. I find that there is so much confusion about what is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, even within natural skincare. Many natural essential oils or botanical extracts are too stimulating or powerful when you are expecting. That's why I give a huge thumbs up for any natural company that decides to make a range, especially for pregnant women and has a section on their website, which clearly lists everything that is safe to use during such an important and special time.

The daily regime: Skin Juice is based on a simple regime. This can be supplemented with serums and treatments whenever the skin needs some extra love. Morning: 1.In the morning, you start with a refreshing skin tonic instead of a cleanser. 2. Moisturize according to skin type. Night: 1. Night cleansing, which removes makeup and impurities without drying the skin. 2. Use tonic to remove access cleanser and balancing the ph. 3.. Nourish & Repair the skin with a night oil or balm

Skin Juice Review Organic Beauty Expert Natural Makeup Artist Liv Lundelius Sydney copy

Product Review I have only tried three products, so I can't review the whole regime:

Berry Fresh Healthy Skin Cleanser A VERY lovely gentle cleanser.It removes makeup easily and it smells delicious. It's suitable for all skin types as night time cleanser This cleanser will not dry or strip the skin, instead, it will leave the skin feeling soft and looking healthier with the help from antioxidant and essential fatty acid rich blackcurrent, cherry kernel and raspberry seed oils. Berry Fresh contains a high antioxidant carotenoid content, in addition to a high tocopherol (Vitamin E) content, which quenches ageing free radicals before they damage the skin’s healthy lipids.Potent anti-inflammatory Bisabolol is extracted from Chamomile and will help soothe skin inflammation, redness and calm sensitivity. Free from artificial colours or fragrances, this unique aromatic blend is 100% natural.

Quench Juice This is a moisturizer developed for sensitive skin. It helps to calm down an over-stimulated skin. Perfect for combination skin as it is a midweight formulation. It really soothed my skin now in the transition from Summer to Winter and is designed to protect the skin from environmental damage. Quench Juice will sooth, hydrate and firm your skin with a potent shot of elixir from prickly pear, rich in vitamins and antioxidants the prickly pear will visibly reduce redness and bind moisture for soft dewy skin. Provides immediate and long-lasting hydration, while helping to relieve the spread of inflammation and allergic reactions. Nutritious and skin strengthening macadamia oil is rich in cell-protecting omega 7; this essential nutrient calms redness and keeps the skin strong and resilient against inflammation and irritation. Natural and organic plant oils melt into the skin to keep it feeling and looking healthy, calm and smooth.

Green Juice Skin Balm Now this is a real multi purpose product! It can be used as night treatment but it has so many more functions. I used it around my nose on some dry patches, on cuticles and as lip balm. I have to quote from the Skin Juice website, as they already summed it up so beautifully:

Green Juice will help heal skin after skin trauma such as; laser treatment, injury, tattoo, sunburn and so on. Get that dewy moisture glow from the juices of coconut and organic plant butter, these skin smoothing lipids nourish and soften the skin. Can be used as a nourishing, gentle cleansing balm for the face Nurturing for the delicate skin of babies. Hard working antioxidants help nourish the skin after time in the sun. Coconut oils antibacterial benefits, plus purifying chlorophyll from alfalfa, help to keep skin clear, fresh and blemish free.

I can't wait to try more of this wonderful super food range. Another great find in the natural cosmetics world, that delivers results, luxurious textures and promotes an high Earth loving ethical standard.

I can't wait to try more of this wonderful super food range. Another great find in the natural cosmetics world, that delivers results, luxurious textures and promotes an high Earth loving ethical standard.

How To Find The Right Oil For Your Skin Type

Why do some people swear by using pure oils on their skin, while others try to stay clear of oils completely after bad break out experience? Why are oils all the craze right now and how to know which one to use? If you are a beauty nerd and love to know more details read on. If you are just after a quick What-product-to-buy-guide, scroll down toward the end of this post :)

What's in an oil? It's important to realize that all natural carrier oils have a different composition of fatty acids, making them suitable for some skin types and purposes, yet not for others. All oils contain a different percentage of Oleic Acid and Linoeic Acid. Many skincare brands combine different pure oils to get the right balance and a variety of benefits.

Why oils are better than creams, lotions & co Moisturizing your skin with certified organic plant oils is possibly the best thing you can do for your skin. Pure plant oils provide moisture and nutrients to your skin without any fillers or aggressive preservatives. Water is usually the first ingredient on the list and therefore contained in the highest percentage in your moisturizer, due to the high water content moisturizers and creams will always require preservatives while pure oils don't. You basically get more bang for your buck and higher quality as water is nothing more that cheap filler. Plant oils are very versatile and can help to balance oily skin with over active oil glands while moisturizing the very dry skin.

How to find the right oil for my skin? Below is a guideline on which oils commonly work the best for the different skin types. You might have to experiment to find the oil that works best for your skin. If your skin absorbs the oily quickly and nicely, not leaving it shiny, but rather supple, moisturized and healthy it's right for you! You want the oil to absorb, without leaving any residue behind.

Dry Skin In a nutshell: Oils that are high in Oleic Acid are best for dry skin. These oils very rich and nourishing and feel oily on the skin. Some of the best oils for dry skin are: Macadamia Oil Avocado Oil Almond Oil Apricot Kernel Oil Sea Buckthorn Oil More balanced oils that can also work well for dry skin: Jojoba Oil Flaxseed Oil Argan Oil Coconut Oil (Unrefined) Coconut Oil (Refined)

Combo/Oily Skin Oils that are high in Linoleic Acid are best for oily/acne prone skin. These oils are light and help to reduce clogged pores. For example: Safflower Oil Black Cumin Seed Oil Hemp Seed Oil Evening Primrose Oil Pumpkin Seed Oil Rosehip Seed Oil Grape Seed Oil Soybean Oil These are well balanced oils also good for oily/acne prone skin: Jojoba Oil Pomegranate Oil Sesame Oil

Extremely Dry Skins If you are very very dry or live in a very cold climate, your skin might ask for something more. In this care try Coconut Oil or Plant Butters (e.g. Shea-, Cocoa- or Mangobutter), which are also amazing for the body. These oils are high in Palmitic Acid and not recommended for acne prone skin.

Look For Quality & Keep it Cool It's important to look for certified organic oils of best quality. If you use an oil that is high in Linoleic Acid, it's best to keep it in the fridge, as they tend to go off very quickly otherwise.

How To Apply Usually only a few drops are needed and oils are best applied on damp skin. I love spraying my face with some hydrating mist before applying oil. The right can be used morning and night instead of moisturizer.

Favourite Face Oils Products

I have put together a list of some of my favourite ready to wear luxury face oils. If you don't want to start mixing and blending yourself and you love a pretty bottle, you might enjoy checking those beauties out.

Trilogy Roship Oil: Great for all skin types, including oily/combination skin. Many people have seen great results on acne prone skin. It's high in Linoleic Acid and they also have a version that has been enriched with Antioxidants, which prolongs it's shelf life and protect your skin.

N.E.O. Vanessa Megan: All skins including Acne Prone, it's based on Argan Oil which is non comedogenic. Still a very rich oil. Great for ageing skin, dry skin and adult acne.

Intelligent Nutrients Renewing Oil Serum: Based on Safflower and Argan Oil and Grapeseed Oil this one is very high in Linoleic Acid and therefore great for balancing oily skin, combination skin and also suitable for acne prone skin.

Trilogy Age-Proof CoQ10 Booster Oil: Great for mature skin, anti-ageing, normal to dry skin. Based on Macadamia Oil, this is a savior for dry skins. It is enriched with Anitoxidants and a unique "Glycablend" of oils to combat the ageing process in the skin, called glycation. It also contains Tamanu Oil, which is known to have very healing effect on the skin.

Gressa Purifying Oil: The name says it all, this blend of oils is suitable for oily and acne prone skins. With it's base of Jojoba and Rosehip oil it's high in Linoleic Acid, Macadamia Oil adds moisture and balances all skin types. It diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, restores skin elasticity, soothes and balances troubled skin, and fades discolorations. Ideal for all skin types.

La Mav Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair Nectar According to La Mav great for dry, mature and sensitive skin. Based on Rosehip, Jojoba and Apricot Kernel Oil, it's a well balanced oil that should work for all but oily skins.

Some other great Indie Brands that make high quality oils, according to skin type are BLOOM & Mi Skin Organics.

There is so much to know about oils and if you are interested, please research and read even more about them. I tried my best to really simplify all the facts into a compact useful post.

THE Luxury Lip Balm - Henné Organics

My possibly favourite lip balm ever is Henné Organics.

I have shared this picture already on Instragram before, but I thought it's certainly worth mentioning again. The quality of this product is outstanding and this exactly what founder Laura Xiao is all about. "If there’s one unifying thread that summarizes my current path in life, it is quality. I seek quality in friendships, quality in love and quality in material things." Well said and extremely well done.

This little miracle moisturizer is certified organic, non toxic and not tested on animals. It feels smooth and nourishing and tastes absolutely delicious, thanks to all the wonderful ingredients. And it comes in a glass jar, which makes it perfect to use in my green makeup kit as organic makeup artist. It's an allrounder great for dry areas like cuticles, elbows and can even be used as highlighting gloss on the skin, if you are in a pinch. Of course it's safe to use on your little ones as well.

I have a feeling this one might receive cult status really quickly.

Vapour Organic: Luxury Makeup

You might have noticed a few raving reviews on here lately! As I like to feature brands that I personally like to use, I usually feature only my very fav's up here on the blog. Just in case you were wondering... it's not that I am not critical enough! It's rather that every product that makes it on here, has already been carefully selected :) I like to keep things positive and all the products or brands featured are the ones that I really like and that stand out to me. As Organic Makeup Artist I am so passionate about companies that get it all right.

I have recently already talked a little about Vapour over here and named a few faves. This brand has previously already received tremendous love from Vogue beauty editors, so I am certainly not the first to discover this outstanding organic luxury makeup brand. Well deserved. The textures and finishes are simply beautiful and up to the highest luxury makeup standards and yet they manage to stay clear from harmful toxins. If you didn't believe that organic makeup works until now (which is of course sooooo wrong!!!) this brand will instantly change your mind: Trust me! Besides that they just got the whole sustainable thing right, the products are produced with windpower and of course they are certified crueltyfree. These guys just got it all. Okay, before I keep raving I better give you some more details about the products:

And now a little more detail about the products: Atmosphere Luminous Foundation If you like dewy skin you will love Atmosphere Luminous Foundation. It comes in a stick, which is a little different, especially if you are used to liquid foundations. It super handy though, doesn't take up much space in your cosmetic bag and it travels so well, without the danger of spilling and leaking. The packaging is beautiful and the twist mechanism is properly worked out and easy to use. I warm the end of the stick on the back of my hand, before apply a few streaks across my face. Paying the most attention to areas with redness. Next I use my fingers to blend the product. It moves very smoothly on the skin. The scent is fresh and barely noticeable. The finish is what it promises: Luminous! You won't need much product: If used correctly, your skin will glow, but not shine; if there is shine, you have over-applied. Try to use concealer where you are seeking extra coverage, rather than overusing the foundation of problem areas. Of course if you are after a matte finish, have oily skin or want and all day lasting finish: This is not the foundation for you! About the colour and shades: They got the shades spot on with a variety of natural and yellow toned foundations from very fair skin to very dark skin, with 12 shades to choose from Vapour covers a way larger range than most other organic ranges, which is fabulous. On normal to dry skin, this wears beautifully and it's very silky. My skin still feels moisturized after the end of a long day in this Winter weather. The current Sydney Winter feels pretty cold and endless to me and my skin has become a lot drier. My summer go-to foundations simply don't do the trick in this weather and with all the heating. Vapour Atmosphere Luminous Foundation keeps my skin hydrated and doesn't show up dry areas unlike most other foundations. It's a dry skin saviour! I also combine it with Stratus for some extra glow and smooth the skin.

I have heard only the best about the liquid sister Atmosphere Soft Focus Foundation , which is supposed to be better suited for combination skin. I can't wait to order myself this one as well, so far I have not yet used it professionally.

Stratus Instant Skin Perfector Again this product comes in stick form or as liquid, depending on skin type. The stick is best to be used with the stick foundation on drier skin, the liquid goes with the liquid foundation on combination to oilier skin types. I used the stick and again think that's so practical and easy to use. It's a colour correcting makeup primer with the same silky texture as found in the foundation. It comes in 3 different shades to balance different skin tones, but the product itself has no colour. I warm the stick on the back of my hand and then apply were extra glow is desired and on areas that need smoothing, due to larger pores or fine lines. This magical stick perfects the skin and can be used on it's own, if you are after a very natural look and if you have already even beautiful skin. It's very moisturizing and has light reflecting properties which help to blur any imperfections.

Mesmerize Eye Colours Smolder & Embrace make the perfect soft smokey eye on the go, super fast blended with fingers, the Mesmerize Cream Eye Colours are very beautiful. Best suited for people with dry eyelids or can also be used as base with your favourite mineral eye shadow powder over the top for extra longevity. On myself they won't last on their own due to my oily eyelids, but I still like to use a light colour to highlight the inner corners of my eyes.

Aura Multi Use Blush The Aura Multi Use Blush is an easy to blend blush stick, that can also be used on eyes and lips. I love it the most as blush. My eyelids can be to oily for the product to stay put, on my cheeks however it lasts and lasts and lasts... On shoots it's brilliant and very pretty on eyes. The perfect bridal blush or every day work day blush! No brushes needed, it transforms into a silky texture that goes on easily with fingers. I love the colour "Spark" which is a very healthy warm tone. Of course you can blend it with a brush as well. Hooked!

I am currently using Vapour on set a lot, so I will also update you with some professional photos of makeup looks I have created with these products.