Pregnancy & Perfume

Pregnant women are famous for their sensitive noses that can smell unpleasant things from a million miles away.
 Add some morning sickness and food aversions to the mix.... it makes fragrance a complicated matter.

Pretty much all conventional fragrance is synthetically derived and usually contains phthalates, which have NOT to be listed on the label, so my advice for any human being is to avoid them at all times.
If you are trying to conceive and/or are in your childbearing years it's especially important not to use them.
They have shown to be responsible for many shocking side effects. Personally, I have not used any products containing phthalates for years, when I started learning about what's actually in my "luxurious" perfume, it went straight into the bin.

Instead, I use natural alternatives. Now, those are tricky during pregnancy as well, as they contain a high amount of essential oils, which can be very potent and are absorbed into your bloodstream. While some selective essential oils have really positive effects during pregnancy others have to be avoided. So unless you are an aromatherapy expert, you want to go easy on the oils, especially in your first trimester.

So what's a Mama-to-be going to do? Vanessa Megan, the genius behind the beautiful Australian natural perfume, skin and body care line has thought about this! Thanks, Megan!

"Garden Wonderland"
She has developed a pregnancy perfume, which also helps with morning sickness and it's safe to use during pregnancy & breastfeeding, as well as around your baby. Now, I didn't use this when I was still constantly nauseous, so I can't comment or judge if it helps with morning sickness. (Mine was so severe, nothing was helping, but it might do something for mild cases?) BUT I can tell you, that it smells delicious! I am a huge fan and enjoy wearing it! I was skeptical that it wouldn't last on the skin, as this one has a lower concentration of essential oils so that you can use it during pregnancy. Well, I was wrong, it lasts beautifully on my skin and leaves a deep warm scent, hours after I applied it.
I am going to stick to it for the rest of this pregnancy and once baby girl is born.

It feels very uplifting and calming at the same time, just what I need in the midst of all these hormones going wild.

Liquid Minerals by Jane Iredale THE Summer Foundation

Summer has arrived in Sydney with beautiful sunny, hot and some humid days.
The worst thing I can imagine in weather like this is to wear a thick, heavy foundation.

My Skin
My skin is naturally dry and sensitive in Summer however it becomes reasonably more balanced and can get oily in the t-zone.
On days when I am working from home or I don't usually wear any makeup during this time,
( I just told you about my go-to Summer moisturizer here!) but I love products that look like I am not wearing anything and feel lightweight yet give some coverage and glow for when I go out or work in during this beautiful season.

Hello LIQUID MINERALS! Where have you been all my life?

The Foundation
Not only does this foundation have the most intriguing packaging, it really is different the way it works and looks on the skin. It is a serum gel base, which is a real skincare treatment with amazing anti-aging and hydrating properties in which the mineral pigments are suspended.

When you pump it out the pigments mix with the gel, sometimes they still some out a little separated and need a little further mixing. There are different techniques recommended for application by Jane Iredale, however, I think it applies PERFECTLY when used with fingers.
It just melts into my skin, the hydration sinks right in making my skin super plump and the pigments are just enough to even out my skin and give the most amazing glow.
Each time I wear it I get a ton of compliments on my skin, how it's glowing and so healthy etc.
The best thing is it's not an oily dewiness, which makes it perfect for this time of year. It actually really balances the skin and I don't even get an oily t-zone.

Many people use this together with the pressed or loose foundation for added coverage, which is a nice option. I love it on its own right now. It just perfects my skin.  It also does not clog pores or cause any breakouts as it's so lightweight but still perfect for sensitive and dry skins.

It's definitely a luxury product but well worth the price. Think of it as your precious skincare serum, just that you would apply it during the daytime only and as a side effect it is your foundation. Liquid minerals is vegan & cruelty-free.

I hope this helped a few of you looking for something like this right now :)
Do tell what your Summer go to's are in the comments below, I would love to hear!

Giveaway: Toxin Free Mani & Pedi at Biotyspa

Remember I raved about my favourite facialist and spa , Deborah from BIOTYSPA, before?

The fact that this place exists makes me already so happy.
A toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan beauty salon with the most professional treatments and products...and all that just a few steps from my house in Bondi Beach.

French therapist Deborah just opened up a brand-new, beautiful Salon and of course, I had to go to the opening party.|
The treatment menu has also been updated and besides her signature treatments (which you HAVE TO try), clients can now also treat themselves to a toxin-free (five free) Mani & Pedi with the beautiful products and colours from Australia cult nail brand Kester Black.

Being pregnant I have been avoiding professional mani- and pedicures lately, as I want to avoid the toxin as well as the fumes in the conventional salons.
I had to try the Bioty Mani&Pedi , which besides using all five-free products is also done in in this beautiful large room with fresh-air and no fumes circulating around. 

What can I say? It is a completely different experience to your average nail salon.
Treatments with Deborah are always soooo relaxing and fun, so I really enjoyed my pamper time, especially when being pregnant. The result was flawless, my hands and feet are feeling moisturised.
There were so many beautiful colours, yet I decided to match fingers and toes and picked out colour "Lilac" for both. This is not the place to request funky nail art but rather have a relaxing & healthy experience.
I also got some extra tips on how to look after my rather dry poor pregnant feet, including more foot rubs from husband ;)

GIVEAWAY COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

The Prize
One appointment for a toxin-free Mani&Pedi Combo at Biotyspa in Bondi.
Discover the pleasure of qualitative and relaxing manicure and pedicure, made with toxin-free products.
We use all natural creams, gels, nail polish and removers, certified cruelty-free, vegan and eco-friendly.

Enter Now!
To enter please leave a comment below and tell me what your favourite nail polish colours are this Summer. Do you love summerly coral, timeless nude, or stylish dark tones?
 

Terms & Conditions:
The Toxin Free Mani&Pedi At Biotyspa competition will be judged on skill. The competition opens, Thursday December 8 at 7pm EST and closes on Sunday, December 18th at 12noon EST. One entry per person. Entries will be judged on creativity and originality. Australian entries only, sorry. There is one prize to be won. Winners will be notified via email and published here at the end of this blog post by the end of Monday the 19th of December.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCKY WINNER KARA! WE WILL CONTACT YOU VIA EMAIL.
 

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.

Bump Update: Favourite Books & Prenatal Excercise

This second trimester is so much fun. I am feeling great and my energy is back.
 While I am still working my normal and pretty busy schedule, every free minute is spent with baby/pregnancy related things.

I am making smoothies every morning, eating heaps of fresh organic fruits & veggies and I am back to my lively self.

We will probably only do this once, so I am enjoying taking it all in and making the most out of this special time. Every week this little bump is growing...it all seems to happen so fast.

I have been reading a great deal about pregnancy, birth and parenting. My favourites so far are:

Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful by Gurmukh
Simplicity Parenting
You Are Your Child's First Teacher
Ina May's Guide To Childbirth
Gentle Birth , Gentle Mothering

It's all so exciting and I am so hungry for Information right now.

And while have been doing my Kundalini Yoga Meditations (many great ones are also in Gurmukhs Book above) I was craving a little more Aerobic exercise than just my usual yoga to replace my running.

I have never been to a gym in my life and I am not usually into funky workouts but I really started enjoying my "Expecting More" prenatal home videos by Sarah Hayley. There are dance style cardio workouts, strength & sculpt classes and combined workouts. They all have a great intensity and really make me sweat, yet they are gentle and safe enough for pregnancy. I have been following the suggested schedule of 5 workouts a week and two days off.I replace her "Salutations" with actual prenatal Yoga but stick to the other workouts. It has given me so much energy and really perked me up.
The real downside is the music in those videos, but after I learned all the moves I can now play my own music with it and just keep the video on silent.

I also went for my first swim of the season this week and hope to get to the beach a lot in the coming months, the cool water felt amazing!

If you are pregnant, planning to be or have a friend that is, I hope this was somewhat helpful.

I am by no means an expert and the above are just my personal opinions and experiences.