Bridal Beauty Prep: Sparkling White Teeth

Opalescence Review Beauty Blog Teethwhitening

The countdown is on! Not long until our wedding day! My overall beauty routine that I am sticking to in preparations for our wedding is based on all natural/organic products and holistic beauty therapies. I do try my best to stay clear of all potentially harmful chemicals in my beauty products. The one exemption to the rule was my teeth whitening treatment. My teeth weren't dark to start of with but I do enjoy my daily morning coffee and just wanted to find a simple way to brighten my teeth at home without fuzz. While I use only organic toothpaste and mouthwash, I have never been able to find a natural whitening treatment. I prefer to stay away from any homemade DIY treatments when it comes to my teeth. I simply don't trust that these are safe. Many tips that I saw circulating online, just seem too abrasive or too acidic and I don't recommend experimenting too much.

An easy way to lighten your teeth is probably something that many of you are looking for, so I thought I share my experience with Opalescense Go. Opalescence Go is an at home whitening treatment available in different strengths. Opalescence tooth whitening gel contains PF (potassium nitrate and fluoride). Potassium nitrate has been shown to help reduce sensitivity. Fluoride has been shown to help reduce cavities and strengthen enamel. Together they help to improve the overall health of the teeth. It's not any more natural, organic or ethical than any other teeth whitening treatment but it is recommended by and available at dentists. Actually, it is only available at professional dentists! I found it definitely very gentle and super easy to use. I didn't have any sensitivities and the trays fit well on my teeth, so there was so leaking of the bleaching agent onto my gums. They also have very pleasant mint flavour. The actual trays a are clear and very flexible, so they will mold around your teeth very easily. I popped mine in while sitting at the desk doing my emails and it was super convenient.

There is a video on YouTube that shows how to use the trays. I thought I better safe you from looking at potentially gross close up pictures/selfies of my mouth! I happily post some simley photos of my wedding to show you the bright teeth in a less offensive way. I don't know about you, but I am not a fan of ugly before and after pictures... I leave this to the real pro's, so if you are keen on close up's visit the Opalescence website.

I tried a package and saw a great difference after the treatment, I will now get another one to use just leading up to the wedding.

While this wasn't an all natural alternative, I hope you enjoyed the post and I definitely recommend this to all brides to be.

Aromaflage - Fragrance & Mosquito Repellent

Aromaflage fragrance Review Liv Lundelius Natural Beauty Expert

The thought of spending my wedding and honeymoon covered in toxic, smelly deet mosquito repellent wasn't really one that got me excited. Yet with a Summer outdoor wedding and honeymoon in Bali (incl. dangers of Dengue fever etc.) I thought there was not much choice. Mosquitos also REALLY love me, they smell me from far and I am in trouble.

If you are anything like me or you like traveling to South East Asia try Aromaflage. I love the concept so much, it's a beautifully designed fragrance in a luxurious bottle. Actually there are two fragrances. Aromaflage and Aromaflage Wild.

They are all natural fragrance free of phtlates, parabens or any other nasties, yet they are as far as you can imagine from smelly citronella candles. I would actually wear mine as fragrance even inside, it's quite delicious. Of course smell is very subjective and we all ike different fragrances, this one however is pleasant and not offensive in any way. To repel mosquitos successfully you need to apply it liberally on arms and legs, which you won't do with a regular fragrance, so you will go through this much quicker. I also recommend trying a sample to make sure you don't get an allergic reaction. Although it's all natural it is yet very potent and concentrated and there is always the possibility to be sensitive. This year there are also endless annoying flies in my area whenever I take my little Dog, Dalston, for a walk they are just everywhere. I have been wearing just a little spritz of my aromaflage in the mornings and it also kept all the bugs away. And it does really work to repel mosquitoes!

Aromaflage Review Liv Lundelius Natural Beauty Expert

I am even more thrilled that the packaging is so beautiful and gold, (if you know me you know that I have a thing for all things white & gold) After trying the small size, I will definitely get myself and the future Mr. a full size bottle. This Summer I am prepared and I can smell nice on honeymoon too!

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.