Face Tan Water, best invention ever?

I am usually not a fan of any fake tans on the face. They clog pores, dehydrate the skin and they also don't last, so I usually do tell clients not to bother and to simply match the makeup to the rest of the body if they are getting a spray tan.

Even if you are having a natural suntan, the face usually stays lighter, as we (hopefully!) protect it that most with sunblock, makeup, glasses & hat.

That's why most people have darker skin on the body than in the face.

But I am getting sidetracked....! As this Summer consisted of multiple heatwaves, my face hasn't seen much sun this year, I only went to the beach in the evening and tried my best to stay cool with this big belly.

I saw the Eco Tan Face Tan Water and needed to try it. I was intrigued by the texture, that it is actually a liquid and of course that it is toxin-free and full of great ingredients.

I already mentioned it briefly here, but I found it to be amazing!
I simply apply some with a cotton pad at night after cleansing and leave it on after night.
The tan is very light and can be built up when used a few nights in a row. Then you can maintain that colour by using the water 2-3 times a week.I t is definitely a subtle result but enough to even out the skin and give it a bit of a glow. Hardly any makeup needed afterwards!

The texture is very light and feels hydrating and cooling, sooooo nice now in Summer!
The best thing is that the formula is anti-acne (it won't cause clogged pores or breakouts!) and anti-aging (it keeps the skin very hydrated and supple)

I am not surprised it already won awards! It's such a unique product and it really works.

I just ordered myself a whole new bottle, for when baby arrives and I bet it will make me look less tired in those crazy but beautiful weeks as a new mama. Does that sound really vain? I am sure I will be all consumed by baby love and not caring too much about my appearance a, but after a few weeks/months there is nothing wrong with making yourself feel good, is there?

So my roundup: It's amazing and highly recommended!
I can't see myself stopping to use it anytime soon.

Max and Me - Highly Vibrant Skin Care For Your Soul

I recently had the chance to learn about Max and Me, an award winning Austrian natural skincare line with a very different approach. Far from the mainstream, these products are working on an energetic level.

It's a family business owned by the inspiring Tanja & Max, who are dedicated to only using the very best, purest and most potent ingredients. They move beyond just organic ingredients and work with a team of health and plant specialists to ensure that every ingredient is the most potent and best quality possible. This Luxury skincare line that treats body & soul.

If you are into Crystals, Colour therapy or any forms of alternative energy healing or yoga, you might just love this holistic approach. If you are a science freak, simply enjoy the beautiful smell and textures of the products! And let the results convince you :)
I tried a few products and each one I loved. I am also into the cute & beautiful packaging with little elf illustrations and the use of lilac, which since pregnant I felt really drawn to.
(Can you tell, I am constantly wearing my purple/lavender Spell dress? )
But back to the topic:

The smells are divine and stem from only the purest natural ingredients, but they also fairly powerful. If you prefer neutral non-scented products, this line won't be for you, but if you appreciate wonderful well done all natural scents that uplift, you might get addicted really quickly.

The hero product which recently won the "Best In Show" Award at the Indie Beauty Expo in NYC is the "Enchanted" Face oil. That really says something, as pretty much every natural skincare brand has a face oil it's range, so there was certainly lots of competition. Enchanted is an oil that can be used day & night. Perfect for even sensitive skin it suits and nourishes all skin types and smells of Jasmine & Frangipani. But words can only tell you so much, if you are looking for an outstanding face oil this is it! Try for yourself. (vegan)

My personal favourite, possibly because it feels so protective and balancing is "Circle Of Protection" which is a body treatment. Using it on my belly right now and inhaling the magical scent makes me feel very good, grounded and happy.
Quite a winner for any pregnant lady. The blend of essential oils in “circle of protection” increases the resilience of your skin, protects and pampers you. With the particularly beautiful characteristics of magnolia, skin-enhancing manuka, Bourbon geranium, Qi-enhancing, repairing jasmine, litsea, protective and nurturing vetiver, rejuvenating and moisturizing rose and highly vibrant silver fir. (vegan)
(Having said all that there is a whole range of body oils which I haven't tried yet! Please share if you have tried any of the other blends, I would love to hear about it)

The range also contains two different balms to treat difficult skin conditions, which sound and feel amazing. Luckily pregnancy suits my skin very well and I don't have any issues to report, so I can't comment on how effective they are.
But I keep them safe and have a feeling they might help me once Winter comes and my hormones will once again change after birth. (not vegan, contains propolis)

What I can comment on though is the wonderful Serenity Mask & Wash. I already recently featured it in my Instagram stories. (A little heads up, though: This product does contain Manuka Honey and is therefore NOT vegan. If you are okay with that that you are in for a treat. Otherwise, it's good to know that the whole range is not tested on animals and most products are vegan.)
This product is amazing as a face mask, it lightly exfoliates, hydrates and balances all skin problems. My skin was radiant and refreshed afterwards without any redness. The mask feels soothing on and is not drying although it does contain clay. It can be used as an exfoliating face wash as well. If you want to remove makeup and/or eye makeup, it's best to use the Purity & Grace cleansing oil as a first step.

Before this post gets too long to read, I better wrap it up. There is so much to say about this line, but I hope I have stirred your curiosity and given you a little insight of my own experience.

Heatwave Skin Care Tips

Phew... this truly is a HOT Summer! If you are living around Sydney, you know what I mean.

On days where the heat is just sweltering day & night I can be a great idea to temporarily modify your skincare routine. If you don't spend your days in aircon chances are your skin will sweat and also won't be as dry as during the Winter months.

I usually still keep up a regime but with the extreme temperatures lately I have simplified my routine and think this could work for others too!

My number one favourite product in this heat is

No. 3 Exotic Goddess Ageless Serum is possibly my favourite, as I haven't been able to find such a light textured plumping serum in a natural product before. It plumps the skin with Hyaluronic Acid and Beta Glucan. I like how it feels on the skin and instantly decreases fine lines with a hydration boost. It's so lightweight and hydrating, yet gives my skin that great protection from premature aging.
Of course, usually I would follow up with my moisturiser afterward but I have lately used on its own on the hot days and it has worked a treat!
Heat Wave Tip: Use on its own on scorching hot days , day & night.

No.2 Citrus Rhapsody Radiance Tonique
is a citrus based toner containing antioxidants fruits and herbs.

Soooooo refreshing! I use it after cleansing, prior to my serum but also during the day when my skin needs a cooling refresh.
Heat Wave Tip: You can keep it in the fridge too, for some extra cooling action!

Keep Cool & Hydrated! xo

My 2nd trimester Update! Favourite things & thoughts

The more my pregnancy progresses the better I feel! ( I am sure this won't remain true in the final weeks/days) but for now, I feel more energised and fitter every week. Soooo good after all the sickness of the first trimester.

My skin has been perfectly clear, glowing and supple, my nails are growing faster than I clip or file them. My favourite food has been Green Smoothies! I have one every day for breakfast. I also really loved avocados and mangoes! No weird cravings. Smell has gone back to normal.

The only thing seems to be that I am a little more clumsy than usual. is that a thing?

I keep dropping things and my dear husband has a lot of fun.

I have just been feeling very calm and happy most of the time, no crazy mood swings or anything.
I contribute this to eating very well (no junk, no sugar etc) as well as exercising and also keeping up with work. I have taken on slightly less work now in the third trimester as I have more midwife appointments and also don't want to overexert myself.

My exercise routine was easy to keep up and I added evening walks and swims to the schedule which has been amazing. We have had a very hot Summer over here so far and I am not going to lie, the heat is not really comfortable when pregnant, it does make me feel sluggish and slow.
I have been doing 5 workouts a week, plus normal walks and swims. It really helped my posture with the growing belly and weight of the growing boobs.

My favourite beauty products have been:

~ Coconut Oil! I use it on wet skin in the shower all over my body.
~ My Edible Beauty skin care range, it's just perfect, swooooon!
Over Summer I have been using the Serum mostly on it's own, which makes my skin glow and keep it hydrated. When I need extra protection or spend a lot of time outdoors I also use the tinted moisturiser. Of course, I cleanse twice daily and use the exfoliant 1-2 times a week.
~ Vanessa Megan Pregnancy Perfume
~ Wild Rose Body Wash by Weleda
~ Face Tan Water by Eco Tan ( I think I have to write a separate review about this!)
~ Liquid Minerals Foundation By Jane Iredale

Books:
Ina May's Guide To Breastfeeding
Simplicity Parenting
Heaven On Earth A Handbook for Parents Of Young Children
 all the beautiful baby & children books we received at our recent baby shower!

Foods: Green Smoothies! Every Morning!
Fresh Baby Spinach Salads with Avocado (!) chickpeas & tofu
Mangoes!!! And Melons!

Clothes: Spell dresses, forever and ever, so comfy in the heat. And so much room for the belly! But I can also continue to wear them next summer without a big belly!

We have also started our nesting! That little nursery is complete by now and we have almost all things ticked off our list. Only a last few bits and pieces, which makes me feel really calm and good. I think it helped both of us to really get our head around that our baby girl will be living with us real soon!

I really enjoy being pregnant and am excited about the third trimester.

New Colours From NUDUS

Remember NŪDUS?
The local line of luxury lipsticks has just released five new shades.

As they are extremely beautiful I thought I share the news with you!

I took a photo of some swatches and the lipsticks, to give you an idea.

All shades are beautifully highly pigmented and very wearable and flattering.

Well done, NUDUS

Nudus is certified organic & cruelty-free. The shades do contain beeswax though and are therefore not vegan.

I am happy I added these to my kit!