My Personal Skin Care Routine

This has been requested so many times!
I was waiting for the right opportunity and record a great video, but you know, I am a Mama to a little bub, a working pro makeup artist and there will always be something coming up.
So... I just made a super simple video talking you through my current routine with the great Edible Beauty products! I have written reviews about them before, so you have an idea how much I like this brand!

This post is not sponsored!!! I did meet the gorgeous and knowledgeable founder Anna for lunch today though and after telling her again how much I love the products, she decided to give my clients & readers a special offer. Yay!
I do have a great deal for you, if you want to buy the products:

use Code LIV15 at checkout, for a 15% discount !!!

I hope you enjoy.

All products are vegan! Toxin-free, Cruelty-free, super duper luxurious and Liv approved ✅
 

Sweet Serenity - A Vibrant Treat For My Skin

"You look wonderful! " said the lovely random lady, stopping me on the street staring at my face. Well, I definitely felt very good and radiant while running errands with little Faye in tow.

I can't say that it was the skin care that led to this compliment but I know that Max&Me Oils have this very therapeutic effect, they somehow uplift my soul and put me in a great mood.

Is it the beautiful packaging with Elf illustrations or the organic & wildcrafted ingredients? There is surely some magic involved when it comes to this luxury skin care brand! 

I hinted that this month is a little over-scheduled (to avoid saying stressful, which is just a little too negative) for us and on top of everything my kitchen flooded today, but that's a story for another time. Or actually hardly worth telling. Ever. 

To change things up from my usual skincare routine, this month is asking for some extra treats:

I have been oil cleansing with Purity&Grace and moisturising with Sweet Serenity Beauty Balm. And what can I say? Magic! 
Both are balancing for all skin types and can be used day & night, which came in handy when travelling.  

The magic happens when you inhale the aromatic Oils prior to massaging the balm into the skin. They are both vegan, organic, and packed with luxurious natural ingredients. 
Highly recommended!  

I will share some more about this line and a few surprises over here soon. Stay tuned.  

Beauty Hacks For New Mums - MASKS

Masks are like a mini facial at home. They are so fun and give your skin a boost.
While finding time to mess with a traditional clay or creme mask can be tough, I have found some clever next generation masks that are perfect for new Mums. Or at least they work for me :)
I have been drafting on this Beauty Hacks post for a while and I always end up adding more and more tips and content...
This is not just for Mum's but for everyone that is time poor but feels in need for some special treats and boosters :)
I am in no way suggesting that Mum's need to look good at all times. I personally love to pamper myself a little bit and do something healthy for myself. Nutrition, rest, movement and meditation are most important as self care! But there is nothing wrong with Masking either :)

So: I was deciding to turn this into a little series instead!

1. Overnight Masks - Think Sleeping Beauty
While we miss out on a little bit of our beauty sleep we can help our skin by using night time masks. The next generation of these combines cleansing actions of clay masks with hydrating and regenerating oils for the perfect balance. Of course, you can use them during the day too.
I put mine on the evening when we sometimes get to watch a movie (or Star Trek Episode... we are totally addicted guys! How good are all these old Star Trek Episodes?) or read or chat. By the time we go to bed it has absorbed enough so I can leave it on over night without making a mess. It actually happens pretty quickly but I don't want to risk smothering my pillow cases.
If you want to apply it right before bed, use a thin layer instead.
The next morning my skin glows! I then wash my face as usual and am fresh for the day.

There are two new masks that I like:

Divine Ultra Perfecting Mask
Ultra Perfecting is a pretty high claim. What is perfect anyways? I surrender to the imperfect beauty of things these days...
But: This mask does really balance the skin. It's a clever combination of White Clay (cleansing), Hyaluronic Acid (hydrating) & a combination of nourishing oils. It's certified organic and without nasties.
 

& Sleeping Beauty Purifying Mousse
This has made me waking up radiant, which is pretty amazing. It's a real treat to use in the evening especially since this has the most luxurious natural scent of Rose Otto! But besides that it feels good for the soul the ingredients are top notch.
 Australian Pink Clay and the volcanic mineral Zeolite purify the skin, removing impurities to prevent breakouts whilst at the same time support skin cell renewal and rejuvenation. Avocado Oil (5 Alpha Avocuta) reduces excess oil production and soothes whilst Acai and Snowflower Seed Oil hydrate and nourish the skin, promoting flawless radiance.

2. Sheet Masks

I can't get enough of sheet masks. Easy-Peasy, rinse free and immediate results. Can be used any time of day! These are best for an immediate glow effect.
My favourite is this one, which I have already told you about.
Make sure not to use Sheet Masks on very dry skin though, you want to moisturize and treat your skin first. Sheet masks are hydrating boosters but they don't offer the richness or comfort of a cream mask. That's why I love them most in warmer weather! Also perfect for holidays, for plane travel and to bring to little getaways.
If your skin is dry/flakey you want to use a balm or right night cream as a treatment instead and use the sheet mask when your skin is back to normal.

I hope you got inspired! Mask On Mamas!

Osea- One Fine Line Of Vegan Skincare

Powered by the Ocean, as the name promises Osea is a range with active ingredients derived from Organic Seaweed. I have been dying to try this range ever since I first saw it.
I just knew this would be a winner when I looked at the ingredients, the simple packaging and the philosophy of this beautiful brand.

Fast forward a few centuries and I finally got to try out a few staples of this beautiful product line. This line has been around since 1996 and is vegan, absolutely toxin-free, the packaging is eco-friendly and the ingredients are safe, natural and effective, all made in Malibu, California USA.

The textures are just lovely, the scent is very luxurious but not overpowering. They do feel in the best possible way like conventional luxury skincare. Hold on, no: Of course, they feel better! Because they are better for you and you can feel that difference.

This line is great for any skincare junkies who are not too fond of herbally scents and homemade textures and oils. It feels and works just like any high-end skincare line but without the junk.
The packaging is simple and reminds me of a good professional spa skincare line.
The glass is frosted but clear, so I would recommend keeping these goodies out of direct sunlight. IIt's great that you can see exactly how much you have left.
The range is rather extensive with products for all skin types and concerns and includes face as well as body products.

Here is what I have tried:

Atmosphere Protection Cream
Lightweight moisturiser for Day & Night for normal/combination skin.
Not greasy glides on very easily and leaves the skin supple. Provides a fantastic base for makeup. It's so nice and straightforward I don't know what else to say. A very good moisturiser full stop.

Ocean Cleanser
A non-drying gel cleanser, it's very balancing to the skin. It gently exfoliates with vegan lactic acid, leaving your skin radiant.

Sea Minerals Toner Mist
Extra hydrating mist can be used as toner in your skincare regime as well as to set and refresh makeup during the day. The scent is subtle and pleasant. The mist comes out really nice and fine, which is a plus. (not all companies master this and as a pro makeup artist it is VERY annoying if hydrating sprays squirt out and potentially ruin your makeup) So: extra vegan brownie points for the packaging!

Sea Vitamin Boost
I have been keeping the Sea Vitamin Boost on my desk and spritzing my face with it in this dry Winter air. With the heater running due to our little baby in the house, my skin wasn't too impressed and was showing signs of dryness and dehydration. This helps me through the day.
(in combination with a humidifyer in the room and nightly leave on masks!)
This one is a great one for the handbag and desk. Loaded with antioxidants it has some age defying powers and really locks in moisture.

I like to be critical in my reviews but this brand has nailed natural skincare! Of course, I haven't tried the whole range but everythign that I have been using has impressed me. Have you tried this range? Do you have any favourite products?

Trying out the Good Green Box

Back on the topic of how to find and discover green beauty products, there are some services that send out little bits and pieces of beautiful clean cosmetics.

One of them is Good Green Box, who was recently kind enough to gift me one of their boxes to review. I really like the idea, especially if you are someone that loves trying new things or just testing out samples before you buy.

The box consists of some full-size products and a selection of little samples.
There will always be a saving in getting the box versus buying the products separately. You can see what is in current boxes or has been in previous ones to give you a good idea.

The Good Green Box also has an online shop, so if you fall in love with any of the samples or products you can buy them via their website, often they offer special discounts and promotions for these as well.

Pretty sweet idea, no?

So the way it works is that you sign up for a subscription and you get a box delivered every monthly. Of course, this is a nice company, so there are no sneaky lock-in contracts, you can cancel anytime.

Here is what was in my box:

Full Size:
Pure Deo Co Natural Deodorant
I had never tried this brand. I received the Orange & Cedar fragrance, which is super pleasant.
I also like the simple and practical packaging, it comes as a stick and is super easy to apply.
However, it does contain Sodium Bicarb, which can irritate super sensitive skins.
Although my skin is sensitive, I haven't had a reaction to it. THe ingredients are super pure and clean. This product does contain Beeswax, so it's not entirely vegan. Aluminium free, Cruelty-Free!

Karen Murrell Lipstick
You already know that I am quite a fan of her lipsticks. And I have received a colour I haven't tried yet, whoop!This product does contain Beeswax, so it's not entirely vegan. 100% cruelty-free, non-toxic

Samples of the following:
Fresh Therapies Natural Polish Remover
It's my favourite, it's the best natural remover I have tried. It just simply works and it doesn't have that toxic strong smell of regular removers. It is the best alternative. I am using this on a regular basis in full size.

The others samples were:
The Devine Company Certified Organic Gradual Tan Natural Bronzer,
which looked and smelled like a great product, yet it's tricky to review from just a sample.
It has great ingredients, though, so I am sure it would work a treat. 100% organic, non-toxic

Be Genki Body Oil
Delicious smelling and pure oil, 100% vegan and organic! Love.

Baimeni Sweet Australian Almond Oil Cleanser
It doesn't get more gentle than this. Perfect for even the most sensitive skin and great for oil cleansing and removing makeup. 100% vegan, organic, cruelty-free.