Spring Hydration & Celebrating Gratitude With Verdura

This is a beauty review, BUT there is a little story of why these two products are so greatly appreciated by me right now. If you don't have time for my waffling, skip the italic part and jump straight to the bold writing!

"We did it!" said husband with a proud grin, let's celebrate tonight!
The last few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind, with me working at multiple destination weddings, photo-shoots & presenting two natural skincare/makeup workshops, Dave being busier at work than ever and both of us being parents to our little 4-month-old baby, Faye.
There are many projects ahead of us and so much to catch up on, but for right now:
Let's celebrate.
(Our celebration was cooking at home, after Dave came home late, making some delicious dessert and being in bed by 9.30pm.)

I do really feel grateful that I am able to work with my family in tow. They have been tagging along and supporting me so well! That said, I am trying to be really mindful of not letting our days get hectic or stressful. Faye is still so little and she deserves a calm nourishing environment and lots and lots of fun and cuddles and of course milk! Although I am doing some work she is still exclusively breastfed.
Moments of mindfulness, healthy plant-based food & aromatherapy are getting me through most days in grace.

Just in time, 2 especially beautiful Verdura Naturalalternatives Products arrived on my desk:
All Verdura Products are ♥ 100% vegan and gluten free ♥ Cruelty-free – no animal testing ♥ No parabens ♥ No artificial fragrance ♥ No synthetic colourants ♥ No petrochemicals ♥ Palm Oil free

Gratitude Botanical Perfume
This little roll-on invited me to pause and focus on gratitude!
It's very subtle scent is totally safe for me to use around bub, as it's  not overpowering nor does it linger for long. If you expect this to be a typical powerful fragrance you might be disappointed, but if you are like me and love to carry little uplifting aromatherapy oils with you, then you will like it. It sits here on my desk and will be my new handbag companion.
The scent is a blend of the sacred oil of Frankincense and notes of Rosewood, Spruce and Blue Tansy. It's calming and peaceful and melts away any worries, helping o be present in this moment...and: Grateful!

Lotus Hydrating Mist
Just the refresher that I needed, to clear my head and get on with things today!
It also has the most beautiful Spring Vibes!
This is going to be my Spring Desk staple! It's so beautiful... Not only to look at but also the way it feels on my skin and the gorgeous smell! Verdura formulated this with very clever &pure hydrating ingredients. Infused with Jasmine, Lotus and Hibiscus it is suitable for all skin types. Facial mists are one of my favourite skin care products and I have found another winner.

Both Products are exclusive to the vegan & toxin-free online shop The V-Spot. (within Australia)

Get The Look - Editorial Makeup Goes Natural

When I recently shared images of this shoot on Instagram, a few of you requested if I could share the products used to create this look! Of course, I am always happy to share which organic/natural/cruelty-free products can achieve pro-quality editorial results!
It actually gets me very excited.
I have been teaching makeup workshops on the topic of natural makeup lately again, so if you are interested in learning more and keen to attend an upcoming one, please get in touch, via comments or email and I will make sure you will be the first in the know, once new dates are confirmed! :)

This editorial look was a campaign for Bride La Boheme, the designer was after a very ethereal, natural no-makeup makeup look...

Get The Look:
Below are the products to achieve the look

Skin Prep:
Edible Beauty Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum, press into the skin for extra hydration and instant plumping
Vanilla Silk Hydrating Lotion, massage into the skin for glow, circulation and to create a smooth base for your foundation.
(remember to use code LIV15 if you want to purchase Edible Beauty Products, for 15% off!)

Base:
Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Creme & Beyond Matte HD Setting Powder, use a flat foundation brush and apply from the centre and blend outwards. Only a tiny amount needed. Use Powder very lightly through the centre/t-zone.
Setting: Jane Iredale D2O Setting Spray, spray generously as the last step to set makeup in place.
Undereye Concealer: Enlighten Concealer

Cheek/Highlight:
Using the Nude&Noir Bijou Palette, via The V-Spot Shade "Diamond" as a highlight on cheekbones, nose & cupid's bow. Shade "Jasper" as a blush on the apple of the cheek.

Lips:
"Wedding Cake" by The Beauty Archive as prep and vegan lip balm
Using "Jasper" from the Nude&Noir Bijou Palette, via The V-Spot

Eyes:
Ere Perez Waterproof Mascara
Nu Evolution Eye Shadow in Versailles
Jane Iredale Jelly Jar Eyeliner in Brown
Retractable Eyebrow Pencil in Brunette

There you have it! A great mix of so many great natural products by outstanding companies.
I hope this was helpful!

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 ✅
 

Bronzer-licious! My fave bronzer by NU Evolution

Have you tried NU Evolution Cosmetics?
This brand just really understands how to make clean makeup products without any questionable ingredients! One of the purest I have seen and worked with the formulations are pro quality and are being used backstage at New York Fashion Week.

I am currently testing out their foundations, the eyeshadows are excellent and my favourite is the
PORTOFINO BRONZER.
It's just perfect! Not glittery, not orange but rather that perfect natural bronze tone and a lovely texture. The ingredient list is impressive and the packaging sleek, slim and practical.

This is my new go-to in my pro kit. So, I thought I share!

Why I Am Raising My Daughter Vegan & Health Expert Interview

If you know me, have been reading this blog or are following me on Instagram you have probably noticed that I am vegan. I believe this is the kindest, healthiest and most respectful lifestyle and like all normal, loving parents, I will do what I think is best for my children.
It's better for the planet and other humans, as world hunger and thirst would easily be resolved with a vegan diet, it's better for your own health (if you are following a balanced plant-based diet), it's better for the animals! So it's a win-win-win situation :)
Some people have asked me lately if I will bring up my daughter to be vegan. Some with concerned looks on their faces, others with genuine interest on the topic. The answer is:
Yes, absolutely! Please read on if you are interested in the scientific evidence and also a great video interview with a professional!

Let's clear up the facts right from the start with the unbiased and official statement by the American Dietetic Association here. If you don't want to click over here it is summed up for you:

" It is the position of the American Dietetic Association that appropriately planned vegetarian diets, including total vegetarian or vegan diets, are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Well-planned vegetarian diets are appropriate for individuals during all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, and for athletes."

I realised that many people are very misinformed when it comes to nutritional advice.
Although I always do the very extended research myself, I wanted to share an expert interview with you on this topic. I am very thrilled to have been able to speak to the well-respected Naturopath & Health Science Expert Robyn Chuter, who is much more articulate than I am and also a professional in this field.
She will share with you the scientific evidence that supports plant-based eating.

I really hope you enjoy this special in-depth interview that will help you understand more about how and why vegan children are thriving.

(Okay, the odds were against us when I was recording this video. We had to do it twice and unfortunately the second recording the internet connection was getting weak and little Faye deconstructed my microphone...but hey, the facts and content are still good, so cut this new Mama some slack with the technical issues!)

Are you inspired to make a change? Here are some of the great resources to get started with a plant-based diet as mentioned in the Video:

 Watch the documentaries:

What The Health

Forks Over Knives

Eating You Alive

Check out the websites:  

The Plantrician Project ( Quick Start Guide) 
 Empower Total Health
Dr. McDougall