Gold Rush Eye Balm - No words...

So...if you were to ask me about my fave eye-cream there are a few that come to my mind.

100% Pure does a great coffee bean eye-cream, then there is this special Eye Love coffee eye serum by Raaw In A Jar both which are AMAZEBALLS for dark circles and puffiness. (and of course, they are vegan, toxin-free and cruelty-free)

But my all-around favourite eye cream of the year (and the winner of my non-existing very own beauty award) is Edible Beauty's Gold Rush Eye Balm! 
It just does it all. Everything you would want in an eye cream, there you have it!
Hydration, dark circles, lines & wrinkles...this one tackles them all.
It looks pretty too. Now, just remember to only use a very small amount and always dab, not rub it into the skin. The gold flakes will actually melt into the skin and won't be visible after application. 

This review is written by a slightly sleep deprived working young Mama!
Who else would you trust about eye-cream? Also: I have to admit that I have been slack with using eye-treatments since Faye was born...until I saw myself in recent photos...
I used to use this one and then somehow, it was just one of the things that I forgot about during pregnancy.
Well, my skin has improved a lot very quickly with this, so I would def recommend it!

USE CODE LIV15 AT CHECKOUT FOR ALL EDIBLE BEAUTY PRODUCTS FOR AN EXCLUSIVE 15%OFF.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

PATCH: Organic Bandages For All Kinds Of Boo-Boos

Have you seen PATCH? No?
It's a really great organic & toxin-free alternative to your good old band-aid.
I just got these cuties sent and had to share!
Faye just got to the age of bumps & boo-boos, trying to balance on her feet & crawling, scooting around. I remember quite clearly all the scraped knees of my own childhood and I know that these strips will come in handy for all the years to come.
But I am also happy that these are such a cool option for babies & kids, as they are suitable for those with the most sensitive skin. Made with a gentle pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), certified organic bamboo fibre and organic bamboo gauze. They are also
THIMEROSAL FREE  - MERTHIOLATE FREE   - LATEX FREE . Which makes them hypoallergenic and safe to use on little ones and adults alike.

And they really did a great job on the outside, too! The brown recycled paper tubes with sleek typography are just SO beautiful to look at! Packaging absolutely nailed. I will even keep them around for Faye to play with.

There is a kids version of the cutest Panda print, which to be honest, is totally what I would choose to wear myself. This one is enriched with Coconut Oil, which means no more red marks or nasty reactions from plasters. These are super soft and easy to remove, but they do stick very well at the same time. Created for the future eco warriors.
They further have a simple and plain version that is a nude colour and without any extra ingredients, perfect for the minimalist ;)
The black strip version with activated charcoal, which helps wound healing especially for bites, splinters & grazes and a Tan strip version, enriched with Aloe Vera, they speed up wound healing and are perfect for burns, blisters, grazes & scrapes. Cool, huh?

I am overall quite inspired how these guys took such a simple, yet boring product and really turned it around offering a safe, healthy, eco-friendly & very well designed product!

Thumbs up from this Mama and highly recommended!
Here is to all our adventures!
 

Summer Skin Series: Remedies for Sundamage & Hyperpigmentation

I LOVE summer, sun & the beach!
Vitamin D and sun exposure are good for our mood & important for your health!
But what if you have overdone it? The Australian sun is so strong and it’s easily done to get a sunburn or also hyper-pigmentation and Sun damage in the long term. 

HYPERPIGMENTATION

Sun-damage, sunspots & hyperpigmentation are some of the major concerns for women living down under. I get asked about this skin concern a lot!!! So I thought it's about time to do a little write up about it:
Prevention is key, so do not overexpose your skin to the sun, avoid hormonal contraceptives and be especially careful during pregnancy, as hormone changes are known to bring on the sunspots.
If you already have got some pigmentation, don't fret, there are also natural treatments which help to fade, balance and lighten already established pigmentation. 

Of course, first and foremost: Always protect the affected area carefully from sun exposure, to give your skin the chance to normalise it’s pigment naturally. Wear natural Zinc based SPF, hats and keep that face out of the sun whenever possible.
To speed up the process and help brighten and fade here are my top picks:  

Max&MePurity&Grace
My All time favourite cleansing oil, which I have already shown you here.
With its Tamanu oil (a gem of the Polynesian Peoples medicine) and its seabuckthorn oil (One of the best-researched oils, which protects the skin from damage due to radiation as well as damage from too much sunlight. A magical oil with a beautiful orange tint and a delightful scent, which is said to have a wonderful effect thanks to its regenerative and rejuvenating properties.) is so good when there is much sun around. It heals protects and prevents damage with the help of the amazing talents its ingredients boast -  but also by oil-cleansing itself which is so good in keeping skins barrier happy and healthy and ready to take on any challenge.

Max&Me Mask&Wash
This is the superstar in managing, fading and also preventing hyperpigmentation, sun spots, uneven skin tone and sun damage as does the whole „sweet serenity“ line.
(Mask&Wash contains sustainably sourced honey, if you are strictly vegan, please use the other products of the Sweet Serenity Line e.g. Beauty Balm and Purity&Grace as cleanser)
I have already told you about this miracle worker, here !
But did I mention how good it is for the prevention & treatment of pigmentation?
Here is why, for the skincare nerds:

Cacao and manuka honey paired together with „hyperpigmentation healing heroes“ 
helichrysum, sandalwood and rose-geranium of the essential oil’s bouquet.

Cacao
The cacao that is used is the finest, organic Balinese cacao powder. Brimming with vitamins and minerals this cacao powder is rich in super antioxidants and has such skin brightening talents.
 
manuka honey (not vegan)
The unique flower nectar of the manuka blossoms boasts methylglyoxal with incredibly potent antiseptic and antimicrobial properties which help to clear up the skin and to tame inflammation. Raw manuka honey is also said to brighten the complexion, evening out skin tone, lightening scars and age spots. Raw manuka honey is brimming with nutrients and minerals and also acts as a beautiful humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.
 
helichrysum
this extraordinary, exceptionally effective essential oil is unparalleled in its ability to heal hyperpigmentation supporting skin’s health and healing. Very few oils can match Helichrysum italicum for its affinity and effectiveness for use on skin prone to hyperpigmentation.
 
sandalwood
helps in healing scar tissue and fades away marks and discolouration caused due to skin damage.

rose-geranium
very effective in lightening scars, blemishes and dark spots. It is considered as one of the top essential oil used in treating hyperpigmentation.

HEALING HYPERPIGMENTATION FROM THE INSIDE

Another great thing you can do is heal pigmentation from the inside out!
Edible Beauty Teas No.1, No.4 & No.8 all have powerful herbal ingredients that help you to detox, balance hormones (an important one for this issue!) and to boost antioxidant levels to protect your cells & skin from the sun.
The skincare range also has some powerful products that help with pigmentation.
They are all vegan!
Use Code "LIV15" at checkout for 15% off all Edible Beauty products for all my clients & readers!

I hope this was helpful! Enjoy Summer and the holidays!

Stay Matte, Natural Foundations For Oily Skin

With the humidity on the rise and the party season in full swing, I am getting asked about matte foundations and shine control.
Adjusting your skincare and diet in the Summer months is key for healthy, balanced skin liquid but here are my picks for oily skin:
 

Nu Evolution
Fabulously matte finish unmatched in a natural, liquid foundation!
(you know I am a sucker for a dewy foundation but today it's all about matte)
Complete Coverage Foundation is completely vegan (YAY!) and toxin-free. Not a surprise that these have been used by many pro's backstage at NYC Fashion Week. Prime well and apply & blend with quick brush strokes. If you want a lighter finish, use a wet/damp brush.

 

Gressa
Remeber this unique Serum Foundation?
Still a winner for oily skin as it dries matte. Read my full review from a while back here.

PurePressed
A Jane Iredale staple in my makeup kit, PurePressed allows for super quick & easy application of a flawless finish.
With its buildable coverage, it can even act as a concealer. Complete with SPF a compact for your handbag this is a Summer go-to. I like this one to cover acne or troubled skin. But with a light application its also great to keep healthy combination skin matte & beautiful.
Also suitable for mature oily or combination skin.

DreamTint
Another Jane Iredale base, that made it into my list! Dream Tint is a very lightweight tinted moisturizer that minimizes pores and smooths the skin instantly.
If you don't like foundation and are scared of coverage this will be your new friend.
Comes with SPF 15 which is great for a light daily protection. A rare find to have a tinted moisturizer that isn't overly dewy. This one gives a beautiful subtle glow, but no oily, dewy, glossiness on the skin.

Of course, if you are truly oily please use a primer and setting products in addition to pre-long the wear of your foundation! I also recommend powder blush, bronzer & highlighter as opposed to cream products, which will suit oily skin so much better!
I might do a post on just that soon if you are interested?

Beauty Teas & Summer Teatox Favourites

Herbal Teas are wonderful beauty boosters, healers and can offer essential nutrients for your wellbeing.

I am a huge fan of herbal teas and our cupboard is usually well stocked to the brim with all sorts of teas... Some for calming, some for uplifting, some for the morning, some for the night, some to go with something sweet, some for cleansing & detoxifying... the list goes on!

I already told you in my Postpartum Video about how much I love my Dandy Chai with plant milk as a nourishing & balancing alternative to coffee. I have also been drinking herbal nursing teas after Faye was born, which are formulated especially for nursing Mums and now I am enjoying a variety. I also usually serve some to my clients! I have witnessed many times how effective tea is in improving the skin.

I prefer loose teas to tea bags, as there is #zerowaste !
Less packaging is better for the environment. It's also nice to see the actual herbs, they usually look very pretty :) and often (not always) the quality of loose teas is higher.

So here are some of my favourites, both made by local Sydney businesses!

Edible Beauty Tea

 All formulated by Naturopath Anna Mitsios, these powerful concoctions really do what they say on the bag. They all have the benefit of also tasting really nice too. The range covers all skin and many health concerns from ageing to acne.
I have previously written about the ones I drank in the lead up to our wedding and for clear skin here.

No.11

I am all about No.11 right now, (which is also breastfeeding friendly), a beauty tea packed with anti-oxidants and collagen-boosters but the real beauty is in its story and the wonderful taste.
This tea has Guradj as the main ingredient, a Native Australian Tea, which has been used by Aboriginal communities for centuries as a medicinal and welcoming drink.
I have never heard about it before, but it sure is tasty. It's a perfect Summer tea, as it tastes amazing iced and is very refreshing!

Traditionally, wise native ‘Gurạdji Men’ dispensed the Gurạdji leaf. They were the holders of knowledge, tradition and rules. When someone visited another clan, the Gurạdji Man was consulted for permission to access that clan’s Country. They shared Gurạdji in a ceremony, which had a mild analgesic and great relaxing effect.  Medicinally, the leaves were used for analgesic and anti-bacterial use. They were chewed to relieve toothache, steeped in water and sipped to relieve pain or nausea, and made into a paste that was applied to wounds or injuries to reduce inflammation and help in the healing process.

Gurạdji tea is sourced from a traditional Guringai family, LORE Australia, that sustainably wild-harvests the groves. At every stage of the harvesting process LORE practices personal connection, respect and intent with the land and communities in which they operate.

But that's not enough this tea also contains the unique Australian fruit Quandong which is very high in vitamins & minerals and native Lemon Myrtle which has anti-aging and acne-clearing benefits. Use code "LIV15" at checkout for 15% off all Edible Beauty Teas & Skincare
 

Bondi Beach Tea Co

Is a local tea brand which specialises in detoxing & weight loss.
While I am breastfeeding weight loss is not my concern right now but I have tasted and tried the Bondi Beach Tea Co teas and the ingredients are a well formulated! These teas aren't recommended to be used during pregnancy & breastfeeding without confirming with your healthcare provider first!
If fitness & weight loss are your main concerns give these ones a go, they are all natural and free of any laxatives.
They state to use organic ingredients when available. I wish they could clarify and get certified organic ingredients.

BONDI SLIM – TEATOX BLEND
This has been formulated to speed up metabolism, is packed with antioxidant-enriched ingredients that are energy uplifters, enhance the body’s natural detoxifying powers, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy weight.
Of course, you will need to do your part and exercise and eat well, but a good herbal tea like this can really help to support the body. I like to think of it as team effort :)
This one contains green tea and is best to be consumed in the morning. It energises gently with Yerba Mate & Green Tea and contains natural caffeine.

BONDI BEACH TEA CO. – COLON CLEANSE TEA
 A mixture of traditional herbs known for their medicinal values this tea helps to keep your digestion on track, detoxify & help to lower blood sugar and curb sweet cravings! It tastes delicious and looks very pretty with its rose petals too. This tea is a sweet relaxing one for the evening. It doesn't contain any caffeine.

It's best to look for organic ingredients to avoid pesticides & herbicides in your brew. As herbs can be potent & powerful always check with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or nursing.