Every two weeks we share all the stuff we’ve recently enjoyed – from the latest TV shows to must-try foods, gorgeous makeup products and the most exciting spots to visit in New Zealand.
Live Probiotic Hydration Serum by Unconditional Skincare Co.
Almost 15 years ago, microbiology experts at BLIS Probiotics in Dunedin came across a probiotic strain that helped keep skin healthy. After years of development and testing they recently launched Unconditional Skincare with the probiotic strain BLIS Q24 – an active ingredient in balancing the skin’s natural biome.
We all have bacteria on our skin but bacteria on your face is different to elsewhere – for example, bacteria on your feet is different to your armpits or back of your hands – and you never want to get rid of all of it – including bad bacteria. A healthy balance means that good and bad bacteria live together and neither takes over.
The problem, until now, has been trying to produce a product – and delivery system – that had a stable shelf life and kept the good bacteria alive so that it could work its magic on delivery.
Unconditional Skincare comes in a double-chambered receptacle with the live probiotic serum in one chamber and a hydrating moisturiser in the other and it’s recommended that two pumps be applied on a cleansed face, twice a day. No need for any additional serums or moisturisers.
Using a bacteria that already lives on the skin will allow it to colonise and continue to grow and not be attacked as a foreign bacteria.
Dee: “My skin was not in the best shape when I started using the serum and for the first week I noticed a slight tingling and sometimes itchy sensation on my skin which, I believe, is an indication that the probiotic is actively working to correct the balance. I used the serum for 30 days straight and used no other products, except of course foundation and makeup, and noticed my skin was calmer and that there were less dry patches. (The company recommends taking a selfie of your skin/face before you start and again at the end of 30 days). I certainly feel this product is worth the RRP of $95 (after all, you aren’t using separate serums, moisturisers and the odd face mask).”
The website also has plenty of educational information with a range of online tools and articles such as keeping your skin barrier happy and what to eat on a microbiome-friendly diet. The product is made in New Zealand, has no nasties, and is cruelty and fragrance free.
Mountain Valley Honey
We always love it when we get delicious things to try out and were delighted to try three varieties of Mountain Valley Honey – Native Bush, Kānuka and Mānuka.
These days, more and more people want to know where their food comes from and what their food contains. Mountain Valley Honey is a family-owned and operated business based in Nelson – they are passionate about their bees and hives and want to ensure their products are as pure as possible. As a result, they have established long-standing relationships with property owners, in remote locations, who avoid the use of chemicals on their land.
It’s reassuring that Mountain Valley Honey also tests the levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), one of the beneficial active ingredients in Mānuka honey. That way, customers know exactly what they are buying in terms of the honey’s purity and strength.
Too much processing destroys the natural goodness in honey but at Mountain Valley Honey, their honey is lightly filtered and only gently heated to extract it from the comb. That way, the honey stays as close to its natural state and retains the precious vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, organic acids and pollen.
We love the taste of these honeys (all of them) and fully support New Zealand made and their ethos of looking after the bees and keeping chemicals as far away as possible.
Spray and Wipe All Purpose Cleaner by Eco Group NZ
If we only had to use one cleaning product for the rest of our lives, that would definitely be the All Purpose Cleaner by our local magicians, Eco Group NZ. This Papamoa-based company is adamant on using only sustainable, eco-friendly ingredients and goes to great lengths to be certified to the highest international standards.
But when it comes to cleaning, it’s not all about the eco-friendliness of the product (though that’s really important, no argument here!). We can’t ignore the effectiveness of the product as well. After all, amazing, easy and quick results is what we want! And Eco Group NZ’s Spray and Wipe get’s an A+ from us in this department! Stains and grease on pretty much any surface stand no chance.
