Natural Beauty Hangout & Talk

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I lately had the chance to speak to the lovely Juliet from Lace N Ruffles, who interviewed me for her hangout series. Sharing the same values and love for natural products this interview was so much fun. It's so great to connect with others in the blogsphere and the article is filled with kindness. It really made my day when I read it and all the lovely words she had to say about me and my work. As you might have noticed, I have been flat out with work, traveling and non stop working and while I have accumulated many great ideas and products that I want to share, there has been a little radio silence on this blog. You can always follow my adventures on Instagram if you like.

In case you missed it, see the whole post here at Lace N Ruffles and read on for a little preview.

My current skin care routine: I am always testing and trying new discoveries to keep up to date.

With my own wedding around the corner I really need to stop and get into a set routine.

However here is what I currently actually use:

♣ Morning:

Face skincare: I wash my face in the shower with La Mav Sweet Orange Foaming Cleanser, then tone with La Mav Purifying Toner (editor’s note: it’s won a place in our Top 30 Natural Skin Care Products under $30 list!). I use Tata Harper Eye Cream morning and night. Lately I have been using the Organic Spa range, which was recommended to me by a facialist. I love the results and that the products are toxin free, the smell I find personally not too great, but my skin really likes it. I use the day moisture as moisturizer and wrinkle defence serum.

♣ Night:

I remove my makeup with pure organic pumpkin seed oil and a microfibre cloth. If I feel like a deep cleanse I use the La Mav Sweet Orange Foaming Cleanser afterwards. I follow with Organic Spa Day Moisture and include an exfoliating treatment into my routine from time to time. The Organicsceuticals Night Renewal Treatment works wonders. I have yet to establish my favourite routine for the upcoming months.

♣ Body skincare:

Dry skin brushing, Shower and Hydrotherapy with cold water is how I start my day. I use coconut oil on the wet skin, which helps it to absorb and lock in the moisture, it doesn’t feel greasy this way. I use pure almond oil on my fingernails and cuticles and coconut oil on my hair.

I hope you enjoy this little insight in my current routine and the full interview.

Green Beauty Brand Profile: Jane Iredale

If you follow my Instagram you may noticed that I frequently use Jane Iredale products on set in my professional makeup kit. I have written about some products in the range and reviewed some here and there, but I thought I give you a bit more background info about this brand. I am quite picky when it comes to the selection of my makeup kit. The products really need to perform, last and also be suitable for a variety of skin types while keeping the allergy risk to a minimum. Therefore I select pure products that soothe and calm the skin and are less likely to cause irritation.

Ethical Jane Iredale products do exactly that! They are also certified cruelty free, which is VERY important to me personally. Free of parabens, synthetic fragrance and other nasties they are a good choice for my green makeup kit. These products are mineral based and contain organic and natural extracts. Coverage, application and texture are incredible. The Vitamins and antioxidants in the formulas are pharmaceutical grade and certified organic where available.

Performance The best thing about Jane Iredale makeup from a pro perspective is the longevity: Even in very humid conditions and on long days this makeup lasts and lasts and lasts.... All the pressed products are also unable to hold bacteria as they are inert. This makes sure everything stays nice and clean and no germs get into the makeup onto your skin. A real plus for a professional makeup kit and your skin. Jane Iredale is still family owned business by the founder Jane Iredale herself. She only produces high quality products and has a high ethical standard.

The difference I have tried mineral makeup before and to say that I did not like it would be an understatement. I found most mineral makeup to have a bad and limited colour selection, messy application, a flat, chalky and uneven finish, looking aging on the skin, emphasizing pores and dryness... to sum it up: A total mess that I would never use personally or professionally. The other confusing thing about mineral makeup is that not all minerals are safe or clean at all. Minerals can be polluted with harmful heavy metals or contain drying or harmful minerals such as Talc or Bismuth Oxychloride. That's why I stayed clear of mineral makeup for years. Until I discovered Jane Iredale. Finally a brand offered intensive testing of the minerals used, ensuring safety & purity and at last performance!!! This makeup looks and feels good on the skin.

Natural? Jane Iredale chooses to use silicones in their products for performance and improved texture. The chosen ones are never contamined with potentially harmful substances and considered safe. As mentioned before this brand has very strict testing of all their products and ingredients used. Jane Iredeale chooses to do these tests, they are not required by law to do this. That is the real difference in quality that you get with this makeup. While most other brands in my kit are 100% organic or 100% natural, Jane Iredale is not. There are certain synthetic ingredients used, however only if they are truly considered safe and non toxic. So I am happy to confirm that all products in my kit are cruelty-free and toxin free! Most natural beauty lovers use and love Jane Iredale, while others find it not natural enough. I think everyone has to do their own research. I have had the chance to attend some training with this brand and researched a lot to clear up any misconceptions. In my opinion it's a fabulous brand, that is also very upfront about it's certifications and ingredients. They certainly meet my personal and ethical standards. It does not green wash or use any misleading terms, yet is a brand that seems to truly care about it's products, the environment and it's clients.

Every Brides Dream And boy, does this makeup work for brides! So many of my clients have emailed me with raving reviews saying they didn't need to touch up their makeup and when they were dancing wild at the reception everything was still in place. Of course there is more to long wearing makeup than products alone (e.g. pro application, skin prep etc). I think that Jane Iredale products play a BIG role in the longevity of wedding makeup.

My new ambassador role As professional and independent artist I will always use a variety of brands in my kit and take advantage of the freedom to pick and choose the best products available. I have chosen to be ambassador for Jane Iredale, this fabulous brand! In my pro kit I am using a huge percentage of these wonderful products! I can proudly say that I love to support this brand. I really hope you love it too!

I will follow up with a few looks where and how I have used these fab products on my latest work and editorials.

Oil Cleansing The Right Way - Make-Up Be Gone!

trilogy cleansing balm review liv lundelius natural beauty expert sydney green makeup artist

Oil Cleansing is the most gentle and effective way to remove makeup and to clean your facial skin, without stripping it. This way of cleansing melts down even waterproof eye makeup and dissolves all traces of makeup. Even if you don't wear makeup at all, it's amazing to cleanse your skin this way. Many of you might be familiar with oil cleansing already, but I am always surprised how many people haven't tried it yet.

Finding the right oil cleanser It is important to find a high quality organic product or pure oil. The oil or combination of oils should match your skin type. If you are congested and prone to breakouts it's best to choose and oil that is non comedogenic. (often hemp seed oil, pumpkin seed oil or jojoba oil work well for these skin types) If you are in doubt google the comedogenic ranking of an oil, prior to buying it. I have also previously written about how to find the right oil for your skin type. There are many beautiful products out there for oil cleansing, like natural cleansing oils and balms. Remember as usual check the label and look for certified organic, cruelty-free products.

A new very beautiful cleansing balm, perfect for normal to dry skins is the Trilogy Make-p Be Gone Cleansing Balm. With a blend of Mango seed butter, coconut oil, rosehip- and sunflower seed oil. It smells wonderfully of ylang-ylang, freesia and cedarwood. It also comes with a little organic cotton face cloth. A real treat before bed time. But if you are on a budget or prefer single ingredient cleansing just buy yourself a high quality oil. I personally often cleanse with pumpkin seed oil and a microfibre cloth. I store my pumpkin seed oil in the fridge and just decant a weeks worth into a small glass bottle with pump which I store in my bathroom.

Using the righ cloth Microfibre cloths work wonders as they don't hold bacteria and dry pretty quickly after use. It's best to wash them with a gentle hand or body wash after use, rinse, wring and hang to let dry completely. After 3 or more uses I often give mine a gentle machine wash. There are pretty sweet ones like the Jane Iredale Magic Mitt. It's a pink mitt, super easy to use and from amazing quality. This one has been designed to be used just with water. It actually works! If your skin is sensitive to everything, you can try using it on it's own. I prefer using microfibre cloths together with oil. If you just want a simple no frills option, you can find microfibre face cloths in most pharmacies or supermarkets. If you prefer more exfoliation and a completely natural option you can also use an organic cotton cloth. As it will take longer to dry and the natural fibres can hold on to bacteria, you will need to wash it more often.

Step by Step Guide

1.Always apply your product (balm or oil) onto the DRY skin first. 2.Massage the oil or balm in circular motions with your fingertips. This will help circulation but also dissolve any makeup or grime from the day. If you are wearing eye makeup also gently massage the eye area and lashes. 3.Wring out your cloth in warm water and gently wipe away the oil and makeup. You might have to repeat this step a few times, until you feel clean. 4.Use a toner and moisturize your skin. Have a good nights beauty sleep. :)

Oil cleansing is definitely recommended for night time but some people prefer doing it morning and night. Experiment with what works best for your skin.

Gressa - a revolution in skincare, makeup & love

Gressa Minimalist Foundation Liv Lundelius Natural Beauty Expert

You might have heard about Gressa already, I have mentioned it on Instagram before and also recently included it in my list of favourite brands over here at Consume With Care.

Gressa is something else. Now I have heard of serum foundations and makeup that is good for the skin many times, yet Gressa actually lives up to this promise. The formulas are squeaky clean and free of synthetic chemicals, yet so glamourous and luxurious. It's a brand that thinks outside the box. Certified organic using purest quality ingredients the formulas and textures are different to other brands, Gressa truly reinvents makeup. Or should I say skincare? Most products are both. A real treatment for the skin delivering colour. And the actual skincare is so potent that again, you don't even need much makeup anymore. Founder and natural beauty Svetlana herself is the best proof that this line delivers healthy glowing skin. She has a admirable minimalist approach to skincare, really showing that less is more, to keep your skin healthy.

I discovered the brand a little while ago and have been experimenting with it. It's so gorgeous I really wanted to take time before reviewing it, although I was impressed right from the start. Finally I have received the correct shade of Minimalist foundation for myself and have been wearing it everyday. And what can I say? This foundation works different to all others I have used, everyday it seems I need to use less and less of it, as my skin heals and becomes more and more even and healthy. It's a little bit amazing. I have been using the products on photo shoots and they work a treat in front of the camera, yet I feel they are perfect for everyday wear and your personal beauty regime at home. Let me tell you in more detail about the products, before I get too carried away:

Minimalist Corrective Serum Foundation: The Minimalist foundation comes in a dark glass bottle with dropper! Say what? Yes that's right. The texture is truly that of an liquid skin serum. It says on the box that it is like a multivitamin for your skin. Checking out the ingredient list, this is absolutely true: It's a cocktail of organic botanical oils and extracts all chosen for their skin care benefits, no fillers here! Minimalist foundation also contains a unique blend of herbal extracts helping the skin to heal.

Application: Only 4 drops are enough to give a light even coverage all over the face. This no fuss treatment can be applied with fingers, or buffed with a foundation brush. It's important to shake the bottle beforehand! When I started using it my skin had a few blemishes and scarring, so I used a little more products, applying with hands and then blending it with a fluffy foundation brush to make it even.

Finish: The finish is glowing but not oily/dewy, the liquid serum sets to a powder, yet the finish is not powdery or matte. It's just perfect. It looks like healthy skin! Reflecting the light and looking radiant without being shimmery yet giving the skin a velvety appearance. Does this even make sense? The coverage is medium, it can be applied very lightly for a more sheer result and layers well for more coverage also.

Feel: The foundation glides on very smoothly and has an extremely lightweight feel on the skin. It almost feels like the skin is bare after application.

Skintype: This foundation great is for all skin types. If your skin is extremely dry or flaky, it might show off dry areas. (but hey, no foundation can really deal with very dry skin) At the same time is remains radiant and my t-zone will show oil after a few hours. My skin is combination: Can be dry around cheeks and nose, oily in the t-zone. It's so lightweight that I think even oily skin would love it, and it is so smooth that I can also see it work on mature skin very well.

Colourmatch: Gressa offers an online colour match based on a photo. The foundation currently comes in 11 shades, so most skin tones will find a perfect match.

Minimalist Contouring Serum Bronzer: The bronzer comes in the same packaging and texture as the Minimalist Foundation. It's only one shade, which a very rich, dark and olive colour. This makes it perfect for contouring, as the colour is not orange or shimmery at all. Like the other liquid products in the Gressa range, this is very concentrated. Start with a drop and will it go a long way.

Ilumminator: The Minimalist Illuminating Serum can be mixed with your foundation or used as highlighter over the top. It is very concentrated, so you only need a small amount of 1-2 drops. The colour is pinkish pearlized, making it perfect for fair to medium complexions.

Lip Boost: Contained in a pretty little glass jar the Lip Boost is a highly pigmented tinted balm, leaving the lips with a beautiful stain. I have tried Aux Rouge and Lavish and I might have to get the other shades too. Aux rouge seems like the perfect red for everyone. You can wear these sheer or build the pigment up to a more opaque finish.

Purifying Mist: The Purifying Mist is a toner that balances & soothes both your skin and mind. A pure rose mist, which was on stand by on my desk for as long as it lasted. Love the refreshing smell of pure rose. And this is all it is: Pure certified organic rose water. Gressa also has the best selling Neroli toner, I will have to try this one as well....

Purifying Oil:Purifying Oil is a very lightweight oil suitable for all skin types. An excellent blend of organic natural oils featuring: Immortelle, Rose Hip and Jojoba Oils among others.

There are many more products by Gressa which I haven't tried yet check out the website to see the full product range.

Spring Skin - Fresh and radiant

la mav sweet orange cleanser review liv lundelius sydney natural beauty expert green makeup artist sydney

I can't tell you how excited I am for Spring! I have seen the first beautiful blossoms blooming, here in my street and they make me smile every time I walk past. I already told you how I got my body glowing in time for Spring, now it's time for the face!

The warmer temperatures will also have an affect on your skin. All dry skin sufferers will welcome the warm weather, while for those of you with oily skin the battle with shine and congestion will start once again. Everyone will benefit from exfoliation at this time of year.

My own skin already started showing a shiny t-zone throughout the days this week, along with a little congestion: Two signs reminding me to adjust my makeup and skincare routine! I am switching over to a new cleanser, incorporate a cleansing mask twice a week and switch to a clarifying toner. Perfect timing to review the La Mav Purify and Clean range. My skin is combination and it does change with the seasons. I have also lately been prone to breakouts and congestion, so I feel the need to change my routine. (of course there are many reasons for this and nutrition, stress levels, sleep etc. play a big role in break outs!)

Spring Cleanse If you have read my general advice, I am always preaching about very gentle cleansers and I love oil cleansing myself, more about that soon! Yet sometimes I feel the need for a no fuss cleanse! The La Mav Sweet Orange Foaming Cleanser is just that and much more :) It has wonderful anti aging properties, which makes it perfect for adult acne, or congested skin in your 30s and beyond. I really love how this cleanser doesn't dry, yet really balances my skin. The smell is very mild and pleasant. Bilberry extract along with Sugar Cane extract helps purify, cleanse and exfoliate the outer layer of the skin encouraging cell turnover and strengthening the surface of the skin as well as refines and unclogs pores. My skin feels refreshed and supple afterwards. The cleanser has a liquid gel texture (which reminds me of Cetaphil for those of you who know it, yet Cetaphil is of course NOT natural and includes too many questionable ingredients for my liking!) La Mav of course is all organic and packed with beneficial toxin free ingredients! This cleanser also removes makeup with ease. It's basically perfect!

Spring Tone The Purifying Toner is another one that a fantastic anti aging product while balancing oil and preventing congestion! La Mav knows their stuff and really developed a great range for oily skin, beyond teenage years. This toner refines the pores and assists in maintaining the skin’s natural pH balance. Basically: Making oily/combination super happy without drying. Formulated with Melissa water and Bilberry extract to tighten and firm, this toner delivers clean, smooth skin. Yay!

Spring Detox The Green Clay Detox Mask is recommended to be used every other day (I have been using it twice a week, to to a busy schedule!) Yet I found the results great! The mask comes out very smooth and is easy to use unlike many other messy clay masks that I have tried. Due to the green clay it has a light green colour, which looks very healthy to me. The combination of white and green clay helps to absorb impurities and control excess oil. Fruit acids and extracts exfoliate to reveal plump skin and reduce the appearance of pore size, while Marula Oil hydrates and protects the skin. It's an award winning mask that does what it says.

La Mav Tamanu Oil Review Adult Acne Tips Liv Lundelius Natural Beauty Expert

Spring recover Did you read my introduction post on oils? There is a little miracle worker, I haven't mentioned yet: Tamanu Oil! It has very healing properties and is known as amazing treatment for acne scars and sunburns. I have been using it on scars and am amazed about how powerful it is. I even started using it on a scar on my foot, which stems from an accident 2 years ago and it has faded the darkness and softened the skin immensely. Apart from it anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Tamanu oil promotes new tissue formation, accelerates wound healing and stimulates cell division (more new cells = healthier skin). You can use it as main ingredient in DIY face masks or as nightly restorative skin treatment I highly recommend having a bottle of this miracle elixir, especially if you wish to brighten and heal acne scars.