Intraceuticals Lover, Miranda Kerr!

Well, I’ll say this…Intraceuticals have no need to want for celebrity endorsement. They’ve got it in droves. Madonna, Miranda Kerr, Naomi Campbell…some heavy hitters. Specifically, our well-known friends talk about the Infusion Oxygen Facial: a procedure using hyperbaric oxygen technology combining pressure and hydration to achieve increased firmness and reduced fine lines. It’s popular to have before a big event (the next time you walk the red carpet perhaps?) because it’s non-invasive and you can put makeup on straight afterwards without ruining the results of the facial.

Oxygen facial!

The Intraceuticals line of products, therefore, is inspired by this jazzy little procedure (you can read barrels of oh-my-god-I-cant-believe-it-worked reviews online) but today we are talking about the products.

Intraceuticals products are formulated with a number of key ingredients- Hyaluronic acid (a nifty little component that can hold over 1000 times its own weight in water – very helpful indeed in keeping the skin hydrated), green tea, vitamins A, C and E and Squalene. It’s worth mentioning that Squalene is a natural oil that all plants and animals produce, no big deal there, BUT you may want to check the source of Squalene in your beauty prods, because it is most commonly taken from sharks’ livers OR olives. And maybe you don’t want Jaws being responsible for your complexion, but maybe you do want a tasty olive being responsible. We’re in the process of finding out.

Hoping for olive based squalene, fingers crossed!

Intraceuticals offer four different, very comprehensive lines in their skincare range- you have the choice of Rejuvenate to treat fine lines and wrinkles, Atoxelene – something stronger – a ‘Botox’ alternative if you will, Opulence for pigmentation and scars and Clarity to treat acne and enlarged pores.

Take away the celebrity hype for a moment and what you have is a focus on hydration and oxygen that seems to be what keeps most people coming back (apparently these products are great to use during and after flying) and I would have to agree that the Moisture Binding Cream and the Hydration Gel from the Rejuvenate range were my definite favourites. I liked using them in the morning because they were both very easily absorbed into my skin and I can see how makeup just glides over the top without a care in the world.

I am particularly interested in using these products in conjunction with the well-lauded facial to see what the true potential of these products really is. I’m going to have a search around to see where I can get one in Perth- I’m looking forward to seeing how they go, stay tuned!

Review by Adriane Daff, beauty lioness. 😉

Be well,

xoxo

♥ Ain’t no party like a Kiehl’s club party! ♥

Kiehl’s. Since 1851. EIGTHTEEN FIFTY ONE. These guys have got looking after your face down to a fine art. So how are they helping the modern gal quash her skincare concerns? Let’s find out…

Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover – $36

I have a very real fear of getting things in my eye that will burn excessively, but recently I was involved with a project that meant I had to wear a lot of heavy eye makeup 6 nights a week and I knew that I was going to have to do something, nay USE something, to get it off. So I tried Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover with much hesitation and told those around me that if it hurt I would hurl the bottle out the nearest window with the intensity of a thousand suns.

Of course, my dear logical reader, there was no hurling. The lightweight formula doesn’t smell, doesn’t sting, doesn’t burn, doesn’t HURT. It seems completely free of the things that would lead to causing irritation in the eye or the delicate skin around the eye. Now you might be wondering with all this delicacy and cucumber and apricot kernel oil – does it actually work? You bet your eyes it does. A little on a tissue or cotton ball completely removes the make up from your eyelids and eye lashes. And in my case eyebrows as well (I told you it was HEAVY makeup).

I’m in ur makeup cupboard, testin ur productz.

And for those contact lens wearers – completely safe for you too. You can rest assured knowing its Ophthalmologist tested (see image above). This product easily does the job without causing any discomfort or pain.

Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion – $84.

This no pain, max results thing seems to be a reoccurring theme with the Kiehl’s crew, because I am in full-blown love with Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion. It’s a super duper exfoliator that you have complete control over. Squeeze out a small ‘nickel sized’ amount and apply it to your clean, damp skin in circular motions. Wait – if feels too rough! Then just go easier! Wait – I’ve had enough! Then just stop! See? You ARE in control. My skin felt cleaner, clearer, smoother and better without any makeup on it, which for me is always the benchmark of a product doing its job superbly.

I guess I really lost sight of how important exfoliation is after a bad Micro Dermabrasion experience at a salon. But not getting rid of the dead skin cells, product build up and other things that get in the way of good skin can contribute to bad skin no matter how much you cleanse it. I’m sorry I have neglected exfoliating my face for the past couple of years but it is back and boy oh boy it is great.

Kiehls’ Double Strength Wrinkle Filler (Available on Kiehl’s counters)

And finally we have the Kiehls’ Double Strength Wrinkle Filler, espousing to fill those wrinkles and lines you may wish weren’t there. Now, I’m a long way off from what is maybe the desired clientele of this product BUT I’m a smile-y kind of person, and continually creasing my face in the same place in the same way is starting to show.

Did this instantly fill my lines? No. Did it improve the condition of my skin in terms of elasticity and how moisturized and smooth it felt? Absolutely yes. Would I keep using it? Yes again. Because better skin condition of those areas that do get a work out (facially speaking) will surely lead to a reduced appearance of fine lines. And short of invasively having them filled with something from the inside, I think taking care of the outside is a smarter, safer and much more enjoyable bet. Good one Kiehls.

Reviews by Adriane Daff, dream babe extraordinaire.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

I’ve always been a little bit hesitant to get into the world of leave-ins and leave-ons. Conditioners, masks all those things that I like to wash off or out so they wont just hang around on my skin or in my hair collecting dirt, weighing everything down and perhaps even causing breakouts.

But when the Origins Overnight Mask came into my life I was won over by the glorious smell (delicious fruity apricoty, but not sickly), texture (light and leaving no residue) and the fact that it promised to instantly quench my skin’s depleted moisture. I gave it a go. The best thing was I didn’t feel like an oil slick when I went to bed and the next morning it feels non-existent – which is exactly how I wanted it to feel.

So far, I haven’t seen a noticeable change in my skin, but this product (by its own admission) is more of a maintenance or long term kind of thing- replacing the moisture you lose during the day and repairing your skin’s barrier… and if you think about it, who doesn’t want to use a product that does that?

If you were looking for a leave-on mask I would definitely encourage you to give this a go to see how you like it. You can use it as often as you desire, but you could also use it as little as twice a week, meaning that it doesn’t need a big commitment from you and it could be a good inclusion to your general beauty regime if you like to change things up every now and then.

Delish

Ed’s Note: Or if you want your skin to smell like beautiful, fresh apricots… this ones a winner!

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask is available from Kit Cosmetics for RRP $45.

Review by Adriane Daff.

Be well,

xoxo

♥ First up tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Elly Squire but I tend to be better known as my stage moniker Clara Cupcakes. I perform with Sugar Blue Burlesque in shows all over WA. I also teach Hula Hooping at the Burlesque Academy. In my real person life (I couldn’t live like Clara Cupcakes – she’s an absolute drunken floozy!) I like to go lindy hopping, sew pretty clothes and bake cupcakes, mostly for the Retro Market. You can usually find me otherwise rehearsing like crazy for one of our shows!

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

It’s complicated! My skin was always super easy care (just cleanse, tone, moisturise and the odd exfoliation) until I moved to Thailand. I don’t know if it was the weather or the pollution but my skin changed completely. It was both oily and dry at the same time and it got really rough and lumpy. I had to change my whole routine and all my products. I got rid of anything that had parabens and the like and just used the most natural products I could find. I have a separate day and night routines because I find my skin needs different things at different times of the day. I keep it really light and oil free during the day and put the oils back in at night. Sure my face feels a little sticky and oily when I go to bed but I wake up with the softest skin!

Burt’s Bees Radiance Creme RRP $39.95

In the mornings I use Coal Face by Lush to cleanse, rose water (which I just buy from my local market) to tone and then Burt’s Bees Daily Radiance Creme , plus arnica oil for my eyes. At night I use Burt’s Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream followed by my own tea tree toner blend and moisturize with a jojoba/vitamin e/ rose hip oil blend (that I also mix myself) and Burt’s Bee’s Carrot Nutritive Night Creme and Beeswax & Royal Jelly Eye Creme. It sounds like a lot but my skin thanks me for it!

♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I am obsessed with keeping my eyebrows groomed. I don’t really have a favourite place. I kind just go wherever is open and has a free appointment at the time.

♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

I hadn’t had my hair cut for a good two years because of a terrible hairdressing fiasco that had let me somewhat bitter and vowing never to go back to anyone EVER. But I recently gave in had it all chopped off in New York at Pimps and Pinups (who were AMAZING by the way. Ask for Lizzy!). So I don’t have anyone here that I go to but I will definitely be going to Head Studio in the city for my maintenance. I have heard amazing things!

Olive Oil.

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Avocado, coconut oil and jojoba oil hair mask that I make myself. It’s so easy to make great, natural treatments for yourself that don’t break the bank. I also like warm olive oil and salt as an all over body scrub.

Dr Feelgood by Benefit , RRP $53

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

♥ Dr Feelgood by Benefit – I wear this instead of foundation when I’m having a stretch of good skin days. It’s a super light balm that makes your skin look matte so you have that look of foundation without actually wearing it.

♥ Jojoba and Arnica Oils – Jojoba oil has made a huge difference to my skin. It makes it glow, but not in an oily way. You can even use it on your hair. Just put two drops on your hands and run them though your locks. It makes it soft and shiny. Arnica is also a big favourite with me because I bruise like a week old peach and this helps get rid of the colour a little quicker. I also use it under my eyes in the morning to help get rid of dark circles.

♥ Sleep Balm by Badger Balm – I used to be a troubled sleeper until I picked up a tin of this little miracle. I smell it and instantly feel more relaxed. It’s the best! I keep trying to give it to people. I think I’m starting to weird them out.

♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Cold peppermint tea in summer! It’s refreshing and helps you digest so you never feel bloated, which is the WORST in summer. Oh and always use an eye cream, no matter what age you are. It’s an investment in your skin you wont regret.

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!).

Acupuncture. I think it would make a difference to my horrible knee that keeps flaring up but I’m petrified of needles!

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Oh gosh, my eating habits are pretty terrible right now. I think I would scandalise everyone. But I do drink a tonne of water and herbal tea. That’s all I’ll admit right now!

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I don’t really have one to be honest. I used to do a lot of yoga but it started getting expensive and unfortunately other things came first. I do hula hoop a tonne which is not only fun but great for toning and strengthening your core. I also try and go lindy hopping once a week, although I have been failing at that pretty badly lately as well.

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I have the knees of an 80 year old. I take glucosamine and fish oil to help so i’m not hobbling around everywhere. I also take a multivitamin. That’s about it really! As for therapies, well. I say get out there and dance. It’ll cure what ails you!

Any questions for Ms. Cupcakes?

Be well,

xoxo