tmf vegan makeup review

I finally got the chance to try out some tmf makeup products. I have been intrigued by this Australian brand, as it's vegan, cruelty-free and uses a lot of organic ingredients too.
The packaging is very simple, practical and minimal and the line is supposed to be designed with pro artists in mind. It just sounded like the perfect alternative to a brand like MAC (which does test on animals and contains way too many questionable potentially toxic ingredients for my liking)
tmf stands for The Makeup Factory, just in case you were wondering.
I received an Essentials collection, which contained a variety of products to get an idea of the quality, ingedients and performance. There are still lots of products that I haven't been able to try as of yet though (I would love to try the concealer and liquid foundation!) and I will keep you up to date when I do.  Of course, please feel free to comment for feedback and share your own experience with this brand or any questions.
My favourites were:

LIPSTICK
First I have to say that it makes me very happy when I find vegan lipsticks, as they are very rare even with cruelty-free and organic brands, most do contain beeswax. Tmf makes it clear with their range called Vegan Lips. that their range is 100% free of animal products, which scores extra points with me! The lipsticks are matte and packed with pigment! Definitely a very professional product and long wearing too. They apply very smoothly and not much product is needed. I will have to grab some more of these beautiful colours for my kit. They aren't your creamy, nourishing lipstick, but rather a great colour, long-wearing matte kind. If you are in need for extra shine simply add their lip gloss over the top.

Highlighter
The Pure Skin Glow is a lightweight fluid that can be mixed with liquid foundation for a dewy finish or used on its own as a beautiful highlight. I really liked that this one is not sparkly or overly shiny, it's subtle and sophisticated and can be used in real life without looking like a disco ball! I am definitely a fan of this one.

Pure Skin Base
This is a lovely lightweight, hydrating primer. I would recommend it for dry to normal/combination skin. This is not a mattifying product, but one that makes your foundation last. You can use mineral powder or liquid over the top and it will prolong the wear of your foundation, make it glide on easily and save you from needing too much foundation and ending up with a cake face. Pure Skin Base is a really good primer for most skin types.

The Verdict...
I love the pigment, textures and simple professional packaging. Extra brownie points for being vegan. Extra points for being a local, Australian company that strives to manufacture here too.
I am especially impressed with the Vegan Lipsticks. Another plus is that they offer free shipping within Australia!

I am disappointed that the full ingredients aren't listed on their website. As they market themselves as toxin-free & cruelty-free and have organic written on their packaging, I feel that this is very important information for their customers and for me as a pro artist too. I won't buy products without knowing what is inside.
Their preservative is Phenoxyethanol, which is allowed to be used in organic products but is not my first choice. The products are silicone based, which again is allowed in natural formulations and I do also like the professional results this gives, yet it's important to mention.
I personally don't wear silicon on my skin day to day but do use it in my professional kit for its performance.

The products are not certified organic nor have any natural cosmetics certifications.
TMF is in the process of being certified cruelty-free though, according to the founder, who ensured me that they are working on it. The quality is right up their with the professional brands and I would love to include more of these products into my kit.
 

Time For Your Winter Glow! Exclusive offer for Liv Well Readers

I don't know about you but for me, it's time to get my Winter Glow on!
And I have a pretty amazing deal waiting for you:
When purchasing the Divine Natural Bronze you will receive a FREE full-size Exfoliating Scrub.
Simply use the code: winterglow at checkout and get glowing.
Now let me tell you why you would want them:

I am a bit of a Winter phobic and definitely a Summer girl, but I made this commitment a few years back to not ever again complain about Winter, but to rather celebrate it and making the most out of it! This has led to buying fun beanies, cool boots and chic coats and to get some tan on when needed. To stocking up on yummy teas and baking vegan treats.
Winter is fun and beautiful after all!

While I tan quite well naturally over the warmer months, right now I can do with a bit of an extra colour. And thanks to my new full-time job as Mama it's especially important that I only use clean, green, non-toxic and ideally Certified Organic products on myself.
My latest discovery is the Divine Natural Bronze & Exfoliating Body Scrub Duo.
Of course, it's all vegan & certified organic, packed with luxurious ingredients to pamper the skin. Let me tell you about the products:

Natural Bronze is a gradual tan, which makes it more mistake proof. I am in a bit of a hurry these days when having a shower. (Anyone that has taken care of a Newborn can probably relate! ) Yet I come out even and streak free. I do always use a mitt when applying tan, which saves me from scrubbing my hands so much afterwards and it does save time. Of course, you can just use your hands if you prefer. I also take good care to exfoliate at least 24h before ideally using an exfoliating glove! Only apply your tan very lightly around dry areas like knees, elbows & feet. You will always have to do some good skin preparation before tanning but I find gradual tans way more forgiving. ( I am sure most of you are tanning experts but just in case there are some newbies)
This one will work for fair to medium skin tones and is buildable. My own skin is never too pale, so the colour looked very natural on myself. All natural tans only use the active tanning ingredient, no synthetic colours. Most conventional tans now have a lot of green and blue pigment added to their formulas, which create more olive results. Natural tans will always be a bit more on the warmer side.The lighter your skin the more careful you will need to apply. You use it as many days in a row as you like until you have achieved the bronze tone that you like, then you can maintain your glow by applying only every 3 days. This lotion feels very moisturising and has a very subtle natural scent.

Exfoliating Body Scrub
This is one nice body scrub! I really like the subtle natural smell and the super fine Pumice & Walnut Shell Powder does a great job exfoliating without being too scratchy. It's a very creamy texture and super easy to use. Of course, it's also nicely hydrating. It's perfect to prep your skin for tanning or just on it's own.

I hope you enjoy this special cooler season!
 

Celestial Glow Look for Grew&Co Jewellery Campaign

Photos By Kirsty Ludbrook

I recently got the chance to create the hair and makeup for the amazing Jewellery Label Grew&Co. Only using cruelty-free & toxin-free beauty I used Jane Iredale products to create the look! In my kit, I always use a variety of natural beauty brands and love to combine and mix&match. Sometimes it's fun to create a look with products from just one great brand though.
Here is a little list of the products used to achieve the look, in case you are interested:

Skin:
Smooth Affair Primer
Glowtime BB Creme
PurePressed Base
Beyond Matte Powder
Enlighten Concealer (for the under eye area)

Always remember less is more. All these products are highly pigmented, a little goes a long way. Use small amounts and blend carefully. Using the Camouflage Brush for concealing and the Foundation Brush for the primer and bb creme. Then blend with the Blending Brush and add a tiny amount of PurePressed Base. This achieves a very coverage, flawless result.
Most of the time I like the skin to be more translucent overall, so I would usually only use the Glowtime for a dewy look on dry skin or the PurePressed for a satin finish on oilier skins.

Highlight:
"Oyster" Pressed Eyeshadow
used on cupids bow, inner corner of the eye and sparingly along the bridge of the nose.

Contour:
Beyond Matte in "Dark"
Cheeks: "Flawless" PurePressed Blush

Eyes:
Mystikol "Dark Topaz" as liner
Eyeshadow Kit "Daytime"
Longest Lash Mascara
Brows:
"Brunette" Greatshape Eyebrowkit

Lips:
PureGloss in "Beach Plum"

Nail Colour:
Sienna Byron Bay "Barefoot Dancer"

Turmeric Latte - Why I have been drinking it for years

Have you had a Turmeric Latte yet?

It seems like the next hip health drink trend but Turmeric Milk is so much more. It's not just a fashion, quite the opposite it's actually been an ancient natural remedy in India. Popular with Yogi's for longer than anyone would be able to remember. They call it Golden Milk. 

I came across Golden Milk many years ago through my Kundalini Yoga practice. Whenever I felt my body needed some healing support I made myself a daily turmeric drink for a few weeks. I have always made it as a vegan version with creamy soy milk or delicious coconut milk as a soothing night time drink. I used to follow the original Indian recipe making the paste from spices from scratch. 

Now I buy a ready made mixture and just stir it into warm soy milk. Too easy!!! And it's extra tasty too. With a mix of spices and natural vanilla, it's extremely comforting. I use Turmeric Latte Mix by Nature's Harvest. It's a beautiful blend of organic spices and of course, it's vegan.

I have been having a Tumeric Latte every morning (replacing coffee and avoiding caffeine while breastfeeding a newborn) since I had our little Faye arrived.
But not just because it tastes so good...The health benefits are really amazing. It does so many things and is not only safe but beneficial during breastfeeding too.
I have listed some fun facts for the health nerds below:

Health Benefits of Turmeric

A high anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and traditionally has been known to lower risk of heart disease, prevent cancer, support healthy brain function, and treat arthritic conditions. The spice is full of nutrients, such as vitamins, proteins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients.
The latest research has even shown that Turmeric is able to kill cancer cells!

Beauty Benefits of Turmeric
 

Turmeric also makes you more beautiful...well kind of:
The health benefits of turmeric include an improved ability to digest fats, reducing gas and bloating, decreased congestion, and improved skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Breastfeeding Benefits of Turmeric

Many women have problems with swollen breasts and clogged milk ducts, which can be very painful for nursing mums and can lead to more serious complications like mastitis. Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation in nursing mothers’ breasts, so they can continue to feed and remain healthy.
The herb contains antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that help enhance your immunity and protect you from a cough, cold, and the flu while nursing your baby.
Turmeric helps regulate body weight, increase the flow of bile, and prevent the risk of weight gain, and obesity for lactating mums. Have a teaspoon of turmeric powder after your meals to maintain a healthy weight. Isn't this great? Spread the word and tell all breastfeeding Mamas out there.

Benefits of Turmeric Latte Mix

All of the above PLUS:

Cinnamon
Another high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory may improve some key risk factors for heart disease, including cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure, as well as help balance blood sugar levels.
Ginger
Traditionally used to treat nausea and morning sickness, it’s antiinflammatory properties may also help relieve muscle pain while it’s gingerol can help lower your risk of infections.
Cardamom
Similar to ginger in its use for digestive concerns, it is also a detoxifier, mild diuretic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory.
Chilli
Used to decrease pain and inflammation, help control weight by stimulating metabolism and prevent disease with its antioxidant content.
Vanilla
Vanilla is a true medicinal food that has been used for centuries, and an everyday ‘superfood’. It’s especially powerful at enhancing brain and mood health.
Black Pepper
Enhances nutrient absorption and bioavailability of Turmeric and improves digestion.

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.