I feel I must tell you a secret. I was once a MAC girl. There, I said it. Not only that, I was a Lancôme girl. Nars. Stila. Maybelline. Becca. I have used them all. There are many that I have loved and formed deep, intense relationships with (yes, Juicy Tubes, you know it), and some I just had overnight flings with.
But things changed. I had always felt that the stuff I smeared, poured, rubbed and patted all over my face and body wasn’t really in line with how I felt this world should be, that is a clean world, a toxin-free, environmentally conscious, healthy world, kind to animals. and people. So slowly, but surely, I put away my beloved Nars, hung up my Diorshow mascara and am now happily walking the talk of eco-beauty chic.
And what a lot of goodies I have to play with! Things have changed oh-so-much from ten (even five!) years ago, and there are a gazillion heart-stoppingly gorgeous beauty products out there that ( I just have to say this, cliché or not) keep you beautiful on the outside AND on the inside. And I get the thrilling job of keeping you up to date with the hottest of the lot – products I have personally tried and give the thumbs up. Not just ‘cause they’re green, but also because they work!
LIVING NATURE SOFT LIGHTS ILLUMINATING TINT
This illuminating tint is not designed for serious coverage, but instead offers a deliciously light tint that gives your face that “soft focus” glow. Use to highlight cheekbones and brow, or all over for complete radiance.
No obvious sparkles (thank goodness), just a gorgeous shimmery sheen, and a little goes a long way. Makes your skin look luminous and fresh, not oily-looking like some illuminators do. Makes me want to run in slow motion, arms outstretched, with the wind blowing in my hair towards my exceptionally handsome Prince Charming!
FROM: New Zealand
SIZE: 30ml
RRP: AU$36.95
www.livingnature.com
JURLIQUE FRUIT ENZYME EXFOLIATOR
I know, I know – they are the talk of town and I’m going to be singing them praises too. This exfoliant relies on enzymes and fruit acids to gently relieve your skin of any icky dead skin cells, giving you a fresher and revitalised visage. Uses indigenous Australian ingredients like Desert Lime, Quandong (hello Vitamin C) and Wattle.
Wonderful if you are not into manual exfoliants, and I just love the tingly sensation. Is quite pricey, and I use 4 squirts for my face (no, I don’t have a big fat head, either) so I can’t imagine it lasting very long, but the feeling of decadence and luxury I get when I’m using it? Priceless.
FROM: Ozland
SIZE: 50ml
RRP: AU$50.00
www.jurlique.com.au
JASMIN ORGANICS REVITALISING FACE MASK
First things first, being a bit of a planet freak I’m a little bit disappointed with the packaging. The product is surrounded by a thick plastic veneer – it looks a bit like a diamond display case, which seems a little unnecessary and a waste of resources.
The good – no, the GREAT bit: this mask comes in powder form and activates with water (which I love). The ingredients, which include French clays, alfala and seaweed powder, are intense and really give your skin a lift. It felt as though my skin had been exfoliated as well as had serious toxin removal. Big fan.
FROM: Ozland
SIZE: 50gm
RRP: AU$65.95
www.jasminskincare.com.au
ERE PEREZ LIPBAR IN NUDE
This is an oldie, but such a goodie. If you haven’t had the pleasure of using this exquisite lipbar, you MUST! It is one of my favourites and a staple in my makeup bag.
There are several colours to choose from, but there really is nothing like your natural colour with a bit more pop, and NUDE is it. This lipbar contains rosehip oil, so it is very nourishing and healing, and the texture is quite silky and moist. I have one concern and that is, although it is the teensiest amount, this lipbar does contain a sunscreen chemical which is a known toxin, and to be honest I would rather go without the SPF (wear a hat!).
It really depends on what is important to you, as this is an Australian company, using otherwise healthy ingredients, who are vegan approved, and are socially responsible. Your choice. For me I say a big “Yes”.
FROM: Ozland
SIZE: I don’t know…lipstick size!
RRP: AU$19.95
www.ereperez.com
Mel
