In honour of the late and great Sinéad O'Connor, I will kick off my first beauty post on the new blog with a fitting reference… “It’s been seven hours and fifteeeeen dayssss”, jokes. It’s been more like 700 years and 38 hours, but I’m here now (and pumped).
EXCLUSIVE and hot off no one’s press, there seems to have been some sort of cosmic shift involving my bathroom cupboard and its contents. I’ve traditionally been quite rigid regarding my outlook on skincare and deviating from previously preferred products/brands. However, changes in circumstances have pushed me over the metaphorical edge of comfort.
In the past I have been pretty open about my PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), particularly when I was experiencing issues with fertility. After Max was born, my body actually seem to adjust to pretty regular periods and ovulation. However, in the last four months it’s gone haywire - yay. It’s been a particularly stressful few months and my period has completely disappeared. On top of this, my PCOS symptoms have flared up, as have my thyroid issues. For these reasons, I have been dipping my toes (and face) elsewhere. In this article I have shared some of the products I have been using, accompanied by some honest feedback.
Fresh colour & blowave by Chantelle Miller at Koh St Kilda (products: KEVIN.MURPHY Blow Dry Ever Lift, K18 & KEVIN.MURPHY Young Again Oil). P.s how great is this mirror! I bought it for Mia’s 8th birthday, but now it lives in my room - soz, babe
Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum By Perricone Md (30ml)
If you are a VPR fan, this one is for you - GIVE THEM LALA! Or in my case, GIVE ME BRIGHTNESS. And yes, I am still knee-deep in the Scandavol saga - it gives me life and takes the spotlight off mine. I will be open and admit this purchase was my first newbie in a long time and it was actually unintentional. Like many of you, I have been shopping at MECCA for longer than most marriages last these days. And in all that time, I didn’t even realise there was this Beauty Loop Box thingamajig - forgive me, for I have beauty sinned. In all fairness, I probably had some peripheral idea it was a thing, but my stubbornness had me set in my ways. I went in with my bestie a few months ago (who is a sample junkie) and hesitantly took one of this banger, and the rest is history.
With my PCOS and now some perioral dermatitis (stress related) to add to the mix, I do get nervous trying new products. In the past when I have tried something that isn’t Bio Oil (lol), more often than not, I've broken out in pimples or a rash. So this is why I took a sample and tried it on for size. In the past I will notice any reaction if there is one, within about 10 - 14 days. And while I have no clinical qualifications, I have been looking at and managing this face now for 37.5 years. So I am a pro in that regard.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This serum is a herbal-citrus (squalene & rosemary leaf extract) formula and is lightweight in wear. It contains Vitamin C Ester (a more potent and less irritating form of Vitamin C - I’ll explain this further below). It claims to visibly reduces fine lines, firm the appearance of skin and unveil a more even-toned complexion. It also claims to minimise the appearance of dark spots and discolouration
Vitamin C Ester Vs Vitamin C - Vitamin C Ester is better than regular Vitamin C for skincare, because it is more stable and less prone to oxidation. This stability means that it can be incorporated into skincare products at higher concentrations, providing more significant benefits for the skin. SOURCE: Reviva Labs, to read more about this - CLICK HERE (#youlearnsomethingneweveryday)
INGREDIENTS: Water/Aqua/Eau,Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Caprylyl Methicone, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Behenyl Alcohol, Benzyl Alcohol, Squalane, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Ferulic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 20, Xanthan Gum, Beta-Glucan, Fragrance/Parfum, Sorbitol, Limonene, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Disodium EDTA, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Tocotrienols, Linalool, Tocopherol, Citral, Citronellol
MY THOUGHTS? I am a skincare cynic, full stop. And yet, here I am - #awkes. And while I have a background in marketing and totally understand this is all part of the game, I call BS on about 84% of claims throughout the industry. Topical serums/creams that claim they can reverse the ageing process… ehhh, no. Our skincare routines without a doubt contribute to effective management and prevention, but there is no evidence to suggest they can categorically REVERSE the ageing process. The skin has three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. As we age, all three levels experience degenerative change (much like my tolerance for people). While I am open to public opinion and feedback, I am yet to find a product that “visibly reduces fine lines” - I seek anti-ageing injectables by a professional for this it-sue, combined with products focussed on maintenance. It’s all about teamwork, peeps
While I didn’t see years fall off my face or any reduction in my fine lines, I DID notice after using this serum for several months, that my skin tone was definitely more even - the blotchy/red cheeks. I don’t get dark circles (one of the few perks of being a ginger RE our skin), so I can’t comment on whether or not this serum could assist in that area. I had no reaction to this product and I did see change in my overall brightness/radiance of skin
COST: $110 (MECCA)
Vilhelm Parfumerier - Morning Chess Eau De Parfum (50ml)
While my impressive perfume collection has screamed to an aggressive halt, I may have snuck one more in - and she is a BEAUTY! I once again have to thank my sample-junkie of a bestie I referred to above, as I took one sniff of her wearing this and I HAD TO HAVE IT! It’s particularly hard to describe a scent for obvious reasons, but I always opt for the eau da parfum option, as I want you to smell me coming and going. I would describe this as a relatively sharp scent, woody and fresh. I don’t even know if that makes sense, but I absolutely love it and recommend you dabble in a sample. I am often asked what I am wearing when I have this on and I figure when it comes to our choice of perfume, it’s the greatest compliment. This is a special occasion scent and I prefer wearing it in the evening (I have no idea why - this is not backed by science). During the day it’s my usual go-to - Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel (fresh & floral).
FRAGRANCE NOTES: bergamot, tuscan leather, galbanum, patchouli & black amber (this fragrance is vegan)
MADE WITHOUT: colorant, animal products or animal testing
PRICE: $257 (MECCA)
Kate Somerville - Delikate® Recovery Serum (30ml)
If I was on the beauty stand and cross-examined over my cynical observations of the skincare industry… i’d be destroyed in this instance. I was seduced by that pretty sans serif typeface and the lilac packaging - UGH. Not to mention the “Stressed Skin Saver”, lol. Geeez. It struck at all my weaknesses.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: this serum has been formulated for those with stressed out and sensitised skin (it’s me, hi, i’m the problem it’s me). A cocktail of ceramides and omegas work together to restore and repair the skins protective barrier, alleviating dry and tight skin and calming visible redness. This product has been dermatologist tested and is safe for sensitive skin
INGREDIENTS: clinically formulated with active ingredients including omega + ceramides, Tasmannia lanceolatea fruit extract and cucumber seed oil; contains no mineral oil, parabens & phthalates
BENEFITS: cruelty-free, hydrating, sulphate-free & fragrance-free and made without: synthetic fragrance, gluten, parabens & phthalates
MY THOUGHTS: thank the lord and all the sweet baby cheeses, I loved this product and there were zero traces of egg on my face. When I first started using this, I had a flare-up of my perioral dermatitis (which I treat with prescription medication as needed) and it seemed to make it worse. I waited about seven days until that had calmed down and started using this (I had run out of my Perricone MD). I actually bought these at the same time and have been really happy with both. I found this serum slightly more hydrating and have been using this one during the cooler months, as the heater is blasting inside. From other reviews I’ve read online, this serum seems to rate quite highly
PRICE: $157 (MECCA)
Braun Face Mini Hair Remover FS1000, Electric Facial Hair Trimmer for Women
Who doesn’t love a good Braun product?! You know that silly question we had to answer in primary school: “if you were stuck on a desert island, what would you take?”… THIS! Ohhh how I love this thing! During our 567 lockdowns here in Melbourne between 2020 - 2022, I bought a cheaper version from the supermarket, as beauty salons were obviously closed. But it did the job, until it didn’t. I then went to Priceline Pharmacy and discovered this bad boy and it’s an absolute game changer for peach fuzz.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: a mini-sized facial hair removal tool that can be used on hairs or peach fuzz. Smooths skin and improves makeup application, with a rotary design and built-in smartlight for precision
MY THOUGHTS: as I’ve already mentioned several times, my PCOS symptoms are flaring-up at the moment, so i’m using this quite regularly. I do this with a dim light in the bathroom, as I find you can see the areas of fuzz that need covering better with the smartlight projection. This is super quick and easy, although it does sound like a vibrator - HA! Oh well, both useful tools for different reasons. I do this when required and after I have cleansed my skin, before any further skincare applications. I would absolutely pack this for a beach holiday, as our hair/nails always seem to grow faster in the heat. I will also add, this absolutely does what it says RE make-up application - the make-up holds well and you get a much more radiant glow, than if you were fuzzy (matte)
PRICE: $49.99 (Priceline Pharmacy) - on special for $34.99 atm!
KEVIN.MURPHY Ever Lift 150ml
My obsession with KEVIN.MURPHY continues and it’s basically the only healthy and secure attachment I’ve ever formed - if you are following my podcast page @agirlikeyou_podcast, this lame joke will make more sense. My blowaves are few and far between these days, but when I get one… it’s gotta’ be BIG. The gorgeous Chantelle Miller gave me this sweet twisty last week. I want volume, I want bounce and longevity (sounds like the ideal man, lol).
PRODUCTS USED: KEVIN.MURPHY EVER.LIFT (applied to the roots) & KEVIN.MURPHY Young Again Oil (only on the ends)
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: this is a volumising mist to add volume and lift to all hair types, that is applied before drying (hairdryer - activated by heat). It’s a lightweight spray and creates smooth volume and lift. This spray is formulated with the zen complex that includes arctic root extract and lavender extract, targeting the roots for long lasting volume that moves with air and helps lock out humidity for a longer lasting finish
BENEFITS: this bottle lasts and lasts and is anti-frizz and humidity resistant. It is sulphate free, paraben free & cruelty free
PRICE: $57.95 (Oz Hair & Beauty) & you can also shop the entire KM range at Koh St Kilda & Elwood
Well, that was fun. Genuinely. I’ve missed this!
I’ll be back soon,
SJ x