Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Clean Green Skincare Company

As a natural skincare blogger, I am constantly browsing the web looking for the latest skincare and beauty products. There are so many wonderful companies I have discovered just through google search, one being The Clean Green Skincare Company. 

The brand was founded by Jamie Geurtjens. Whilst doing a bit of research on natural products for families with sensitive skin, she discovered that not all natural skincare products are toxin free. After studying and completing a range of natural health and medicine papers which included topics such as massage, aromatherapy and nutrition, she decided to create the Clean Green Skincare Company. The skincare company prides itself on being 100% natural and toxin free, and has just become an organic skincare company.

The company is based on the belief that everything we apply to our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream (something I totally agree with!), therefore, all the products we use on our skin should be 100% pure and natural. As well as using safe products on our skin, Jamie also believes in the importance of looking after the environment. You can rest assured knowing that any of the products residue that washes off down the drain, will not be harmful towards precious marine life and is completley eco-friendly.

After contacting Jamie regarding trying out some of her wonderful products, she was generous enough to give me the Healing Salve – with Calendula, Tea Tree & Lavender Essential Oil to try out and review. Heres what I thought!

Made from 100% certified ingredients including sunflower and olive oil, New Zealand beeswax, shea butter and lavender, calendula and tea tree oil, this product smelt and felt amazing. The texture of the salve was smooth and velvety, perfect for applying to sensitive, irritated and dry skin. Only a small amount of the salve was needed which immediately resulted in skin feeling soothed and hydrated. Before going to bed, I would apply a thicker layer which helped to heal my skin over night. While reviewing the product, I came down with the flu which left me with dry, sore skin around my nose. The healing salve worked instantly to heal my skin, and I really noticed a difference after the first use.    

I found it perfect to use as a natural nail/cuticle treatment for applying after removing nail polish, and wonderful for soothing dry skin (I used mine on blemishes that had dried out and any other dry patches on my face). The calming ingredients in this product such as Lavender Essential Oil were also wonderful to use as a natural sleep aid.

Rating: I throughly enjoyed reviewing this product. It should be a staple product in every household. Since recieving it I have used it as a moisturiser for dry skin, nail treatment, lip balm, blemishes, for cuts and scratches and to soothe the skin around my nose during and after having the flu. At just $24.00 per pot, it is definately value for money. It has been one of my favourite products to review yet and I look forward to browsing through the website for any new products they bring out. 10/10!

Where can I find it?
The Clean Green Skincare Company is based in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, however, the company is based online. Shipping is free on all NZ orders. International shipping is also available. Check out their website below, they are also on facebook!

I hope you enjoyed the review,
Thanks for reading!


Website: http://cleangreenskincare.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clean-Green-Skincare/214518281904995
Email: info@cleangreenskincare.co.nz






Review Copyright to the Publisher Caitlin Harsant
Please Note: This product was given to me by The Clean Green Skicare Company to review. I did not purchase. Image is my own.


Saturday, October 13, 2012

Sukin Australian Natural Skincare

It is now the beginning of October in New Zealand, which means a few things; School is ending, Christmas is close and Summer is coming! The weather is getting warmer, which is great, however the season changes can definately play havoc with your skin. 

This often means I have to slightly alter the products I use on my skin. For example, during Winter/Autumn, I use a richer moisturiser as my skin tends to be a little drier than usual, and I use moisturising masks too. In Summer, I tend to use a lighter moisturiser and of course use a higher SPF sunscreen on my face and body.However, sometimes my skin can feel oily and weighed down from applying sunscreen several times throughout the day, which brings me to the new product I have discovered!

Sukin is an Australian based natural skincare company that bases it's values on being chemical free and environmentally conscious while caring for your skin, hair and body. They create natural products that are effective and affordable, and that only include high quality ingredients. ALL Sukin's products are free of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), synthetic fragrances, animal derivatives, harsh detergents, propylene glycol, artificial colours, triethanolamine, mineral oils, EDTA and parabens. As well as this, Sukin Skincare are a 100% certified carbon neutral business. All their products are packaged in an environmentally friendly way and is also recyclable.

Today I will be reviewing the 'Hydrating Mist Toner'.

Ideal for long car trips, flights and hot days, this toner quickly hydrates and refreshes the skin without leaving any residue. Just small enough to fit in your beach or handbag, this hydrating mist is the perfect pick me up! The toner combines the power of rosewater and German chamomile to leave your skin feeling both soft and soothed. I have been using mine atleast twice daily (after cleansing both morning and night). I have also started using it after exercising and when my skin feels stressed. It is also an excellent product to set your makeup for the day with!

Rating: I have thoroughly enjoyed using this product. It claims to hydrate, soothe and tone tired skin and it definately delivered. It is suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin) and adds a burst of moisture to the skin with a 'barely there' feeling. I will definately continue using this product throughout Summer. I give it an 8/10.

Where can I find it?
Sukin is available in Australia, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand! However, if you do not live in any of the listed countries, it can be purchased online. Please follow the link below to find a retailer near you!


Stockists: http://www.sukinorganics.com/stores.asp
Website: http://www.sukinorganics.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SukinNaturalSkincare
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sukin_HQ 

I hope you enjoyed the review!







Review Copyright to the Publisher Caitlin Harsant.
Please Note: This product was not sponsored/endorsed in any way. It was purchased with my own money. I do not own the image/s used.


The Story of Cosmetics

One of the main reasons I started this blog was because there are so many products on the market that contain harmful chemicals which can harm our health. There are thousands of different products to choose from for our hair, skin, body, teeth, and we can often find ourselves purchasing these products without realising just how much damage they can cause. I stumbled upon this video that was posted by Lorainne Downes (Ambassodor for Living Nature), and it really sums up just how easily different companies can get away with selling products to us which contain products proven to contribute to cancers, infertility and many other health disorders. Though our New Zealand government has more steps in place that the US, we still need to be aware of what we are using and how this can affect us.

Let me know what you think of the video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfq000AF1i8

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Joyce Blok Natural Skincare

About a year ago, I was at the beautician getting a facial done. As part of a promotion, I got a gorgeous gift pack to take away filled with skincare goodies from a brand called 'Joyce Blok'. I had never used the brand before, but I knew it was a natural skincare line and that it was New Zealand made. The next morning I decided to try out the 'Sensitive Skin Moisturiser'. I have not stopped using it since. It is a simply beautiful moisturiser and I can not wait to share my thoughts with you!

Joyce Blok Natural Skincare started over 35 years ago by a European-qualified aesthetician named Joyce Blok. She established a beauty therapy school in Auckland, but was disappointed with the lack of quality skincare products, so decided to start her own business. Joyce Blok Natural Skincare line was born! She wanted to create products that used only naturally sourced extracts and ingredients such as essential oils. The brand has continued to grow, and is well recognized in the beauty industry for it's high quality skin treatments and products.

Ever since day one of using this moisturiser, I have been impressed. No one likes the greasy, shiny look and feel that some moisturisers leave on the skin, so I was delighted to see the moisturiser sunk right into my skin leaving a flawless and glowing complexion. It is perfect under makeup, and I have personally found it seems to act as a primer under foundation (I use mineral makeup). The consistency of the product is just right, not too runny or overly thick. You do not need to use a ridiculous amount either, a small dot on each cheek and the forehead, nose and chin is perfect. The effect on your skin: a silky, smooth and bright complexion!

Another thing I adore about this moisturiser is the smell. It contains all kinds of natural goodies including avocado oil, olive oil, lavender and carrot oil and neroli oil.  I apply straight after my shower or bath for a relaxing facial treatment. I use it twice per day for ultimate nourishment.

Rating: This moisturiser delivers in every way. It leaves my skin smooth and flawless and has never caused any irritation, it also has never made my skin breakout like some other moisturisers I have used have. On top of this, it has a luxurious feel, and the smell is wonderful! I would recommend to anyone regardless of skin type or age. I give this prodcut a solid 10/10.

Where can I find it?
Joyce Blok is stocked at selected retailers and beauticians practises. To find your nearest retailer, contact Joyce Blok by emailing them at the following address. They can also be found on facebook! A downloadble brochure is also available on their website.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyceblok
Web Address: http://www.joyceblok.co.nz/
Email address: info@joyceblok.co.nz 



  








Review Copyright to the Publisher Caitlin Harsant
Please Note: This product was not sponsored/endorsed in any way. It was purchased with my own money.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Living Nature Cosmetics

When I recieved the news that I had won a natural cosmetics pack from Living Nature, I was so excited. 

Living Nature is a New Zealand company, based in the South Island in KeriKeri,
who believe that when it comes to beauty, nature has the best answers. Living Nature prides itself on being 100% safe and natural. The company was first founded by Suzanne Hall. She was inspired by the powerful healing properties of New Zealand's native plants, which had been successful in helping her own skin conditions, so she decided to start her own company. Twenty four years on, and New Zealand based company is at its most successful, exporting to 14 countries and gaining recognition worldwide. The brand features skin, body and hair care products as well as a cosmetics and a range for men.

Today I will be reviewing Mascara - Thickening Jet Black

When I first opened the package, the first thing I noticed was the sleek and sophisticated style of the mascara bottle. The ingredients were listed on the outside of the cardboard box, and I was extremely impressed with what I read. It is not often I am able to recognize every ingredient listed in beauty products, so I was pleasantly surprised I was able to do so with this mascara. Lavender Oil, grapefruit seed extract and manuka honey are just some of the wonderful,  natural ingredients featured in the mascara and, because Living Nature products are completley natural, the aroma of this product is amazing, it is like fresh flowers captured in a bottle. Divine! The mascara claims to thicken your lashes naturally without clumps, and it definately delivered! The wand is completley clump free and holds a nice amount of product (no cloggy clumps in sight!). It lasted well on my lashes all day, and did not irritate my eyes one bit. I even got a few compliments on how nice my lashes looked.

Rating: I would definately recommend this product to anyone wanting a natural alternative to their usual mascara, that delivers the same results. It is also excellent for those who suffer from eye sensitivity. Overall it is a wonderful mascara and I will continue using and recommending it to my friends and family. 10/10!

Price: NZD$ 39.50                       

Where can I find it?
Living Nature can be purchased online at the following address. It also retails at Health 2000 stores nationwide.
Check out their webiste here: http://www.livingnature.com/index.cfm




















Review Copyright to the Publisher Caitlin Harsant
Please Note: This product was not sponsored/endorsed in any way. It was won through an online competition. Image/s are my own.

Saturday, August 25, 2012

Scarlett & Greene

I first stumbled across Scarlett & Greene products a few years ago, when the range was first introduced in New Zealand back in October 2010. The founders of Scarlett & Greene (Rebecca Freeman-Greene and Samantha Scarlett) were unable to find skincare products for their daughters, that weren't made using loads of harsh chemicals. Therefore, they decided to take action and create their own line of natural and effective products, and named the brand 'Scarlett & Greene'. They currently have four products on the market, all made naturally, and designed to nourish young skin. I have had the pleasure of using the 'Come Clean' Facewash, 'Bare All' Facewash and the 'Under Cover' moisturiser. The first thing I noticed about all their products was the gorgeous packaging. It looks fresh and appealing and also incorporates our country, New Zealand, in the koru design on the boxes. I was also very pleased to see that all the packaging was recyclable. For this particular review, I have decided to review just the Bare All facewash. Though I really enjoyed all of their products, Bare All is the one that I just keep going back to. Like the founders of the company, I was also struggling to find a skincare line that cared for my skin and didn't contain nasty chemicals. Throughout my early teenage years, I was fortunate enough to just have a few occasional breakouts, however, I still really wanted a product that would clear up my skin fast and effectively. This is when I heard about Scarlett & Greene. As soon as I had tested out the sample, I was hooked. It has a beautiful aroma of New Zealand manuka honey and tea tree oil and the consistency of the gel feels soft and smooth on the skin, unlike some other facial gels that feel gluggy and oily. Bare All Breakout wash is applied to dry skin both morning and night, and for best results, I leave it on for a minute or two to really work it's magic. 

The Result: After the first use, I noticed a difference in the appearence of my skin. Blemishes seemed to fade overnight, and my skin still felt oil free even after a good nights beauty sleep! 

I have been using Scarlett and Greene products for over two years now, and I am never dissapointed with the results. Being from a small town, I have to purchase my products online. The service is always excellent and I love recieving not only the products but the notes that read "Thankyou for your continued support" :)

Rating: Absolute 10/10. This brand really knows how to take care of your skin and prides itself in being a natural, local product that really works. I look forward to many more years using their products.

Price: NZD $29.95 for 150mls.

Where can I find it?
Scarlett & Greene is available for purchase online, and you can also check out where your local stockists are by clicking on the tab at the top of the site.

http://www.scarlett-greene.com/








Review Copyright to the Publisher Caitlin Harsant
Please Note: I do not own the image used. Image retrieved from the Scarlett & Greene Website.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Bare Beauty?

One of the most confusing places for women to shop would definately be the cosmetic and skincare counter. With so many new products reaching our shelves everyday, and advertisments claiming all sorts of things, it can be very daunting place. One thing that I have particularly noticed is that the ingredients lists are getting longer and longer. Which is a huge concern for me. Therefore I decided to create this blog, and also challenge myself to use only natural based products on my skin. I live by the theory "If I wouldn't eat it, I wouldn't put it on my skin". After all, the skin is the largest organ and it should be protected from harsh chemicals. I already have some wonderful products lined up including Scarlett & Greene Skincare, Living Nature Cosmetics and a few other goodies.

I look forward to the challenge, and getting to know some readers! Depending on how successful my blog becomes, I would also love to introduce some giveaways, so keep an eye out!

Love and light,
Catie