Here’s some of the exciting things we tried, saw and loved over the past two weeks!
Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel by Clear Start
This magical skincare product by Dermalogica exfoliates, resurfaces, brightens and clears – how great is that? And, it’s been formulated specifically for breakout-prone skin.
Becs: “This is the perfect product for my acne-prone skin. I’ve been using it on a cleansed skin, twice a week, before bed, and leave it on for about 7 minutes before rinsing off. I did experience a slight tingling but evidently that’s to be expected and I don’t feel my skin was compromised in any way. I only applied a thin layer to my T-Zone and jaw area, let it dry and then headed off to bed. In the morning my skin is definitely less inflamed and the breakouts aren’t epic, as in the past.
“As my skin cells are being replaced, it’s important I use a SPF after moisturising so that the new skin cells aren’t compromised.”
With 10% AHAs and 2% BHAs, the Breakout Clearing Liquid Peel exfoliates deep under the skin to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. Say goodbye to rough texture, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation, and hello to clearer, brighter skin.
Earthwise eco-cleaning products
Earthwise is New Zealand’s #1 natural environmentally friendly cleaning brand, helping clean up life’s little (and not so little) messes with gentle, natural alternatives that don’t cost the earth.
Last year, in celebration of Earthwise’s passion for community and sustainability, they launched the Earthwise Action Fund in conjunction with Toimata Foundation’s two programmes, Te Aho TūRoa and Enviroschools and funded 13 innovative projects.
We were sent a selection of Earthwise eco-cleaning products which I’m happy to say, we were mostly using already because they work and because we love using products that have no nasties in them. Unlike many other cleaning products, Earthwise products contain no silicones, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils or other harsh chemicals. The company chooses plant-based components that are safe for use in grey water and septic tanks and are tough on dirt and germs. All their products are also biodegradable, breaking down over time to carbon dioxide and water.
Dee: “I hadn’t tried the Earthwise Ultra-Sensitive, Fragrance Free Laundry Liquid before and was really pleased to see how effective it is. There are 33 washes in a 1L bottle which means you don’t need a lot to get good results.”
Consumer NZ tested New Zealand’s multi-purposed sprays to see if they actually work and Earthwise’s Multi-Surface Cleaning Spray (Citrus & Mint) earned a huge tick of approval.
Our Earthwise gift box also included a beautiful Flox tea towel featuring NZ’s native Kaka. This gift was inspired by Ōpoho School’s 2021 Earthwise Action Fund project, where they grew seedlings in a tunnel house to encourage Kaka Back into the natural environment.
And, let’s not forget the fabulous marine grade, stainless steel Forever Pegs® by Bento Ninja that were also in our gift box. These pegs are designed to last so no more sun-cracked plastic pegs filling landfill… and they come in a cute little reusable cotton cloth bag. You might want to check these out – different colours and sizes. They work and they’re beautiful!
Holistic Hair
Summer’s almost here and so it’s time to revive your winter hair and dry scalp! Indoor heating dries out your skin, scalp and hair and we tend to use our hair dryers and styling tools more as there’s little opportunity to let your hair ‘air dry’. In winter, we also consume less water which affects our body’s hydration levels.
Paying attention to your hair is so important if you want to avoid hair breakage and, in cold weather, the scalp is more likely to become itchy and irritated.
Launched in the New Zealand market in 2006, Holistic Hair was acquired by Nicky James-Baird and Jodene Fendall in 2015 and, since then, has grown from strength to strength.
Nicky and Jodene both hold diplomas from the World Trichology Society and Nicky is also a qualified cosmetic chemist so their combined knowledge has helped them create solutions-based hair care products that include shampoos and conditioners for all hair types including fine and thinning hair, dry, damaged or oily hair, frizzy hair, a detangling brush, scalp treatments and oils, and scalp and styling sprays.
Dee: “The Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner Travel Set arrived just in time for a weekend away. The 50ml bottles were the perfect size for my luggage and as I wash my hair every day, was more than enough for the trip for two of us. Both the botanical shampoo and conditioner smell divine and my hair felt beautifully clean, soft and hydrated.”
Suitable for all hair types, especially dry scalps and dehydrated hair, the geranium and lavender in the shampoo combine together to cleanse and mositurise the scalp while avocado and palmarosa hydrate and nourish the hair. Antioxidant-rich radish oil and chamomile in the conditioner offer protection and shine.
The focus team also tried the Essential Scalp Spray and the Scalp Treatment Oil. The Spray encourages circulation to the hair follicles, supports normal hair health, minimises hair fall, controls dandruff and reduces itching and oiliness whilst the Treatment Oil works its magic calming redness and an itchy, irritated scalp.
The team all felt that they would continue to use these products and loved that Holistic Hair products are safe, sustainable and cruelty-free and are Certified Plastic Neutral by Cleanhub who recover both recyclable and non-recyclable plastic from the environment before it reaches the oceans.
Superfood Infused Beauty, Raww
Did you know that your skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs up to 70% of what you put on it? That’s a scary thought if you’re plastering yourself in creams that contain parabens, sulphates, talc and other chemicals Every.Single.Day!
That’s why we love Raww Cosmetics – they’re on a mission to create the best in hydrating, moisturising, natural skincare. Their lineup includes cleansers, balms, moisturisers, serums and exfoliants – all designed to give you a glowy, hydrated and healthy looking skin.
So, before it’s time to expose that lily-white body that’s been hidden under your winter gear, treat yourself to a Buff-Me Sugar Coffee Body Scrub and gently scrub away dead skin cells and rough patches. Then slather on a layer of Superfood Concentrate Coconut Balm.
The hydrating coconut is an ingredient you’ll find used in a lot of Raww Cosmetics skincare and gives the skin a soft, hydrated feel. You can even apply this balm to the ends of your hair to smooth and protect your locks – and if this isn’t enough – you can even use it to remove makeup, naturally!
And, don’t forget to give your hands and nails some loving with Raww’s Nourish-ME Hand & Nail Cream. Supercharged with Wildberry Harvest concentrate for maximum hydration, the heaven-scented cream gives the skin an intense boost of Vitamin C from Kakadu Plum.
If you want to experience the benefits of natural skincare and superfood for your skin, then Raww Cosmetics skincare is the answer. Made with vegan, organic, natural ingredients and infused with superfoods, the products deliver as many health benefits as possible for your skin.
