Olive Skin and Body Care Review

 Olive Skincare Review

First, let me start off by saying that Olive Skin and Body Care is an amazing range of products.

But now let me also explain why and how so...

I had the absolute pleasure of trying a number of the Olive range and I absolutely love the products!

On my journey searching for a more natural approach to my industry of hair and makeup, with skin care playing a very important role in the beauty industry, I have come across many amazing brands each offering a different approach to natural product ranges.

Based here in New Zealand at the Simunovich Olive Estate comes Olive skin and body care.

Among many things, I love that Olive is a natural based product range based right here in New Zealand to start with; but not only that, its key ingredients incorporates its resources; - an Olive Estate; incorporating the Olives and their wide range of benefits, into its products. 

But thats not where the magic ends; The Simonovich Olive Estate is a family owned business and skincare isn't all that comes from their amazing location. There is, however, one other skincare range they offer; the Tebe range, combining Olive oil based skincare with Olive leaf extract. I have tried their lip balm and eye cream separate from and previous to this review as part of my skincare/makeup kit and clients often ask what product it is and comment on how nice the products feel on their skin.

But the Simunovich Olive Estate doesn't even stop there! The Estate is used as a stunning venue for weddings, there is also an award winning on site restaurant called Bracu. Additional to all that, of course, is the Olive oil itself, extra virgin, cold pressed, and also sold infused with flavours! Now THAT'S what I call a competitive advantage!

Today, however, my focus revolves around something vitally important to my particular industry - skincare. Whether it's used as a base for makeup, by itself during the day, in addition to other products, as a night or weekly treatment quality skin care is always a vital part of any routine. 

Olive skincare is amazing quality and highly concentrated, therefore, minimal product is required to get the job done, the natural aspect is an awesome bonus for people like myself, who react to many different things in skincare (as well as food!), and people that are, in general, wanting a more natural alternative to skincare, (as there definitely is an ever increasing demand), without the sky high prices. The scent of the products is very pleasant and very subtle, not overpowering at all. I also found them very gender neutral which is great if you like to be able to share with your partner to save money on products! (I found this particularly useful!)

For simplicity, I have broken my product review down into smaller sections of relevance.

Every Day Skin Care Products

Rich Cleansing Milk

When looking to purchase a new cleanser I do tend to favour ones with a creamy consistency so this product ticks that box! I find the pump option the best way to dispense a product as it is easier to gage how much to use - this is no exception! One pump is more than enough for morning use, as is one application. When removing makeup, however, I found it better to use two applications (rinsing in between) to effectively remove makeup, a face cloth is also beneficial.

Clarifying Face Wash

A clear liquid cleanser/face wash. Great at removing makeup (even those last traces), and really getting your skin nice and clear and fresh. As a rule, usually I prefer a cream or milk cleanser however I was very pleasantly surprised by this gentle, liquid consistency version.

(Personally, I preferred the feel of this cleanser on my skin as apposed to the rich cleansing milk, maybe the milk is a bit too rich for my skin).

Hydrating Facial Toner

This is definitely one of my favourite products in this range! A few sprays on clean cleansed skin makes skin feel refreshed and lightly cooled. I enjoy using a refreshing mist such as this to set my makeup in place for the day as well. Also a perfect item to keep on hand in your handbag to refresh your skin during the day - can be used on clean skin or over makeup - perfect if your in an air conditioned office and your skin gets quite dry/dehydrated. Such a multi purpose, versatile product!

Nourishing Day Cream

Another favourite product in this range! Very moisturising while still maintaining the requirements of a day cream so only a tiny amount is needed. This product really absorbs into your skin, sits well under makeup and nourishes your skin all day.

Renew Eye Contour Cream

Out of the two eye cremes I trialled this one was actually my favourite! Super nourishing, hydrating and refreshing, loved the consistency, went on smooth and lasted well under my makeup.

Reviving Eye Gel

This product has a subtle jelly like consistency which is light weight and gentle to apply to the delicate eye area. This product feels subtly firming (great for those with fine lines or looser skin or under the eyes).

Night Care

Olive Leaf Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil - such a key product at the moment! Whats better? Combining it with your resources like Olive have done with this product and their Olives. Although I'm sure this product would be great at any time, I prefer to use oils at night under a moisturiser, although this products quality is so high, it would've been enough just by itself for a lighter moisturiser version overnight.

Moisturising Night Cream

A thicker version of the day cream essentially yet still different and essential to use both. Definitely another favourite in this range. Goes on really well over top of (or even cocktailed/mixed with the olive leaf rosehip oil. Super moisturising and nourishing. Absorbs well but lasts all night. Woke up to lovely smooth skin.

Treatments/Luxury Products

Illuminating Face Polish

This product is essentially a exfoliant and has buffing granules in it so a minimal amount is required. Best used on a damp palm and damp face (especially if your sensitive like me), mixed with hands and applied to face gently. Rinse off. The result? Nice soft, smooth skin. Best used once or twice a week to keep dry dead skin at bay.

Purifying Face Masque

A thicker consistency product, applied to damp face and left on. Designed as a treatment. Best used once a week. Helps to clear out any "blockages" in the skin leaving it soft and smooth.

Brightening Face Moisturiser

More of a specialty moisturiser for those wanting to minimise the appearance of dark spots/pigmentation, freckles and other types of sun or age related damage. For me, I applied a small amount of this before the day moisturiser to my pigmentation spots out to either side of my eyes. A gradual process and constant use is needed to get the best results with these type of products. Really easily applied/blended, still feels nourishing on the skin.

Exfoliating Moisture Body Scrub

Only a very small amount of this scrub is needed to exfoliate your body. Highly concentrated with granules and best used on wet skin. Once rinsed, the moisture factor really holds, making the skin almost "waterproof".

Moisture Renewal Hair Masque

Always a sceptic of non-salon products thanks to my hairdressing days, I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this product. Apply to shampooed, towel dried hair for best absorption and results. Leave on for as long as you can before rinsing away to nice smooth, silky, shiny hair.

Body Care

Pomegranate Body Wash

A refreshing change to just Olive, this product has a pomegranate scent that takes me back to fond childhood memories. Surprisingly clear in colour, a little goes a long way. Lightly foaming without the over board foam of a chemically loaded body wash. Refreshing indeed!

Pomegranate Hand & Nail Cream

Another addition to the pomegranate collection! This hand and nail cream is super moisturising and non greasy. Great for during the day if you want something that will leave a nice lingering scent. Lasts really well on the skin.

Body Moisturising Milk

A beautiful light weight, non greasy body moisturiser that is ideal both day and night. Pleasant subtle scent, lasts really well on the skin, lasts all day for me personally (and my skin is typically very dry, particularly with change of season and adjusting from holidaying in Europe (oh the difficulties of life!) It is versatile for both male and female thanks to its neutral scent.

Hand Moisturising Cream

My preferred hand cream due to the subtle smell and exceptional moisturising results. Applied in the morning and it lasted all day! (individual results may vary). Perfect for male or female, again, thanks to that subtle scent. Love it!

100% Natural All Purpose Balm

As the name suggests, this balm can be used for a wide range of purposes, including assisting with blemishes, scars, dry lips, hands, cuticles and all round skincare. I like to use these balms on cuts and scratches, cracked heels, insect bites and dermatitis patches also. Multi purpose indeed!

Well, that brings me to the end of my review. Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed trying the range.
And thank you ever so much Olive skin care and body care. You have an amazing range of products that has set the bar very high! Keep up the magic!

Evolu Review

Upon my journey of finding more natural alternative ranges of skincare, haircare and makeup a brand that came to mind was Evolu. What makes this brand even more appealing to me is that it is made right here in New Zealand. The values and beliefs of the brand as a whole, stemming from its founder Kati Kasza are mesmerising, the principles that guide the brand are just as much so. I love how the key ingredients are listed but also explained on the packaging why they are used. What is put in is just as important if not more so than what is left out.
The products I am reviewing are the Relaxing Creme Cleanser, Day Cream with SPF15, Silkening Shampoo and Enriching Conditioner.
Relaxing Creme Cleanser:
This creamy non foaming facial wash incorporates geranium, calendula, apricot and St. John's wart into its formulation creating a product that is suitable for all skin types. The fragrance is subtle and natural, you can tell it isn't pumped full of fragrances unnecessarily. To use, minimal is needed (to me, indicating a good quality product), in a damp palm and applied to the face and neck. In my makeup training it was always advised to cleanse the skin twice, with this product, to the touch, my face felt clean and fresh just after one with no remaining product (makeup), even when used to remove makeup at night - BONUS! However, I feel it should be a case by case scenario.
Day Cream with SPF15:
Incorporating key ingredients of kiwifruit, chamomile and palmarosa, this day cream is suitable for all skin types. Very minimal is needed as I found out the hard way on my first use! A little goes a VERY long way! Having the SPF in it is such an important factor in the harsh New Zealand rays, I do love that this product incorporates the best of both worlds by being a more natural alternative, while also considering the environment in which it is based, founded and created, therefore, adding the protection against UVA and UVB rays. This product felt nice and lightweight on the skin, while still being moisturising and nourishing at the same time.
Silkening Shampoo & Enriching Conditioner:
Sceptical at first to try a "non salon" shampoo and conditioner thanks to my hairdressing background, but curiosity and that search for natural product alternatives getting the better of me, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these two products. The shampoo incorporating sweet orange, petitgrain and manuka honey provided a reasonably subtle pleasant scent, meanwhile providing that phycological need for a lathering effect (although the scent wasn't as "cosmetic" and not as "overdone" in regards to the lather, reminding me again, for the right reasons, of the more natural approach). Again, the hairdressing background kicks in and tells me to do two shampoos - the first one for the scalp, the second one for the hair, I find this is an appropriate approach still, whether its been that drummed into me, a phycological thing, or if it holds that much value, we will never know, but it's one step of my routine I am not willing to sacrifice! The enriching conditioner using grapefruit and manuka honey, again, with that more subtle but pleasant scent really helped to nourish, while providing management and control to my dry and unpredictably fussy, coloured hair. Overall, very impressed!
So thank you so much Evolu, I have really enjoyed using your products and will definitely be using and trialling other products from your beautiful range soon!

Moreish Skincare Review

"It's called Moreish because your skin can't get enough of it".
Moreish Skincare is a New Zealand based more natural alternative to skincare, it is easily accessible; sold at Countdown supermarkets, and is sold at an affordable price point without compromising on quality. They incorporate plenty of quality ingredients into their products - a lot being also sourced right here in New Zealand. To me, this all sounded so great I just had to check them out for myself! For more information on Moreish Skincare, check their website out at: http://moreishskincare.com or "LIKE" them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Moreish.Skincare
The products I received and am reviewing are the Liberation Foaming Cleanser, Daily Redemption Day Cream, Reawaken Eye Cream and the Resurgence Hand Cream. Apart from having really cool names, fitting and appealing packaging, the products do deliver!
Liberation Foaming Cleanser: With a lightweight gel consistency, the texture was different to my usual "go-to" cream based cleansers (having drier skin), however, I soon learnt, as the packaging and website advises; this product is for all skin types. The product very gently foams (I am wary of ingredients in anything that really foams up) so that was a good sign, quality naturally sourced ingredients such as Argan, Manuka Honey and Green Tea are used to create this product. After using the liberation foaming cleanser my skin felt soft, clean and refreshed.
Daily Redemption Day Cream: I could really feel the moisturising qualities of this product instantly with great ingredients such as Argan, Vitamin E and Blueberry. For a day cream it was a happy medium between light and thick in consistency - being not too heavy for during the day wear and not so light that I felt like I needed a lot - a little went a long way! Really nourishing on the skin.
Reawaken Eye Cream: This product was my personal favourite! Often eye creams are forgotten about and their important duties are left to a normal face moisturiser.. This is a huge mistake as the skin around the eyes is so much thinner, more delicate and sensitive than the rest of the face, it really does require an extra product dedicated to this area. Incorporating Argan, Goji Berry and Roseship to firm and repair makes for a delight to this delicate area. On application I instantly noticed the quality of this product; so very nice, rich and moisturising, but also very soothing and cooling at the same time. Really love this product!
Resurgence Hand Cream: Being from the hairdressing and makeup industry, my hands sure know what it is to be dry! With hairdressing, hands are constantly in and out of water, with makeup, hands are constantly being lathered in hand sanitiser - with an alcohol base, drying is the (very prominent) result! This product, like the rest of the range, has a really nice but still soft smell, particularly nice for hands where the smell does linger, as soon as I applied this product I could feel the result of the quality ingredients used such as Argan, Shea Butter and Papaya - all hydrating and softening. Not to mention, the result lasts!
I would recommend the Moreish Range to anyone! In particular, it is refreshing for there to be options for customers - a range that is more natural without the hike in price, New Zealand roots, easily accessible (not just sold at specialty stores) without compromising on quality!
Thank you Moreish!

Tailor Skincare Review

Tailor Skincare is a New Zealand based company incorporating New Zealand sourced ingredients to formulate their awesome natural skincare range. Check out their website at: http://tailorskincare.co.nz and "LIKE" them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/tailor.skin.care
I came across Tailor Skincare on my own personal journey looking for more natural skincare alternatives, accompanied with the added bonuses of being a New Zealand company and their products not being tested on animals.
The products I received and am reviewing are the Oil Cleanse, Dry Cleanse, Hydrate, Moisture and Masque.
Oil Cleanse: This product works as a makeup removing cleanser, idea to use 2-4 times a week. The product is used on dry skin, massaged all over the face. With a slightly different approach to lots of the "standard" cleansers out there I was very intrigued to try the range. To apply, the product is, well, as the name suggests, an oil. Oils and serums are quite a big thing right now so I like the approach of the oil rather than foam or gel for something different. The smell is really soft, nice and natural. The product felt great to use and I could really feel the cleansing duty, my skin looked and felt really smooth, soft and fresh even after just doing this first step.
Dry Cleanse: The next step is the dry cleanse, working as a polishing exfoliant, again, different to standard methods of cleansing but refreshing! The powder texture is poured into a damp hand, combined to form a paste, then applied all over the face, again, ideal to use 2-4 times per week. This product reminded me of an exfoliant with a very subtle texture to it gently exfoliating the skin while cleansing. Easy to use and my skin felt even smoother, softer and clean. It is often suggested to do two cleanses with one standard product so I really enjoyed having the two different products with two completely different textures to do just that.
Hydrate: This product works as a calming oil free gel, as the name suggests, the texture is a gel, but a very light one, I view this product as a light day time type of moisturiser, (but can be used morning and night). It follows on from the first two steps (and can be mixed with the Serum), on the skin it felt very calming, soothing, relieving my skin of its usual fire like redness.
Moisture: This products job is as an oil balancing cream. Again, as the name suggests, it is a cream, a thicker consistency (while still being lightweight) to the Hydrate, therefore, to me, indicating more of an evening/overnight moisturiser, this product could be used instead of the Hydrate as a final step (and is best used with the Mist).
Masque: I also received a little sachet sample of the masque and a little sure does go a long way! This product is a detoxifying facial treatment which is applied, left to dry/set and work its magic (about 10-20 minutes) before being removed. It is designed for break out prone skin, which mine isn't really, however, I still found using this product really beneficial with the result of smooth, clear, soft skin.
I would recommend Tailor skincare to anyone who is getting sick of chemical laden products and wants something high quality, high performing while still having that natural base.
I really enjoyed trying the Tailor range and I find it so refreshing to see such an increase not only in the ever increasing demand for natural product ranges but finding a range that is from New Zealand, is great quality and has an amazing follow through in results.
Awesome products, awesome company and an awesome range! Definitely a "big thumbs up" from me! Thank you Tailor!
You can check out my page for more about me and my work on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/HairMakeupByChloe

Trilogy Rosehip Collection Review

Today I will be sharing my thoughts on my recent arrival - the Trilogy Rosehip Collection, sold for $39.90 NZD - http://www.trilogyproducts.com/products/rosehip-collection/
To start off with the packaging, all simple yet effective, starting from the box display, to inside with the cute "Hello Gorgeous" drawstring bag with the products inside.
Already, this package screams convenience for someone such as myself who is always travelling between cities or hitting the gym. Sometimes, it's the little things that count, and having the little bag just makes life that little bit easier transporting more than one product around.
As for the products, they definitely didn't disappoint! You can tell a products quality instantly, and all of these products delivered on that front.
This pack contains four travel/trial size products - Cream Cleanser, 30ml, Hydrating Mist Toner 20ml, Vital Moisturising Cream 20ml and Rosehip Oil Antioxidant + 5ml.
Starting with the Cream Cleanser, I have tried plenty of cleansers with very little luck but I found this one amazing, rich and creamy while not overcompensating, I would say this product would suit all skin types (mine being combination, mainly dry this time of year and quite sensitive), by my judgement the quality of the ingredients used makes for a highly concentrated product (meaning good quality ingredients used and the products are not packed full of fillers and "rubbish" so to speak), therefore, only minimal product is required, simple run down of key ingredients and instructions "how to use" on the back make it simple to understand for even the skincare beginner.
Next is the Hydrating Mist Toner, I really enjoyed the subtle, natural smell of this product and the refreshing, hydrating, almost cooling feeling it provides on the skin, again, minimal does it. This product is also great to use throughout the day to refreshen and hydrate the skin, great to keep in your handbag if your in air-conditioning all day and/or if your skin starts to feel a little tight, or makeup starts to look a bit dull.
Next is the Vital Moisturising Cream, I found this product to be very nice to wear, really moisturising, really versatile - great for day and night, and again, great quality ingredients make for minimal product required, again, great to have the little run down of key ingredients and how to use.
Last but certainly not least is the Rosehip Oil Antioxidant +, oils and serums are definitely having their moment in the spotlight and for good reason. I was really excited to try this one as it is such a staple, cult product and I had seen a lot about it. I personally used this oil underneath the moisturiser or by itself at night, although the texture is different to that of a moisturiser I could feel the benefits instantly, the antioxidant factor and essential fatty acids add to the already moisturising benefits of this product. It is also certified organic which is a bonus!
All of the products in this Trilogy Rosehip Collection had a really soft natural smell rather than that chemically modified perfume that some do, which is great since there is such a strong movement in the more natural direction for skincare and cosmetics.
Skincare is such an important part of an everyday routine and really does make a world of difference to the condition, look and feel of your skin. But its not only skincare, its using good quality skincare with beneficial ingredients. If you don't already use good quality skincare, I urge you to do so, at least give it a go!
I have used all of these products for a week and am still going with at least half still left so don't let size fool you - small and powerful!
I would recommend these products and this pack in particular to anyone who favours natural products but hasn't tried any of Trilogy's amazing products yet, to anyone, like me, who travels and/or goes to a gym, anyone who has combination, dry, sensitive skin like me - in fact, any skin type at all! Great all rounder! Highly recommended!
Thank you Trilogy!

Todays Beauty Industry

Hi all!
Today I wanted to post about beauty brands from a slightly different stand point...
Most of us have our own "cult" products or favourite go-to brands (brand loyalty), others like to try whatever is on special or new or raved about through the likes of printed media e.g. magazines, blogs, columns etc, or social media outlets such as Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
I find this process quite interesting...
I, personally, definitely have my staple products, whether being products I've used throughout my hair and makeup career such as MAC, Dermalogica, Kerastase, L'Oreal Professionnel, Redken, Matrix etc, brands i've heard A LOT about and wanted to try for myself such as Bobbi Brown, Benefit, Colour Pop, BH, etc, brands that are good quality and affordable such as Revlon, Maybelline, L'Oreal etc, or brands I have developed an acquired interest in learning more about such as Arbonne, Trilogy, Antipodes, Tailor, SnowBerry, Goodness Products, Bella Vi, Young Blood, Inika, Angel Haircare/Dancoly, Pureology, CHI, The Body Shop, EcoStore, Earthwise, Sukin etc.
So what do these "acquired interest" product categories have in common? And why have they spiked such an interest?
Through living most of my adult life (so far) with a growing list of food intolerances it is only natural, if not expected, to have found myself regularly contemplating the concoction of ingredients used in todays hair, skin and body care products.
Now don't get me wrong here. I definitely see a place for all products in the marketplace and I favour a large array of different products for different reasons but it does make for a good talking point.
Personally, nothing puts me off more than a company running down their competition therefore this isn't about saying one brand is better or superior to another but simply observing current trends.
There is definitely an ever increasing demand for more natural product ranges, brands that are against animal testing, eco friendly packaging and locally owned and operated companies.
For someone like myself, it's a pretty exciting time to be in the beauty industry!
As I mentioned earlier, I still have my staple products but at the same time I am always interested in learning and experimenting with other ranges too, not only for my own personal benefit, knowledge and use but for the benefit of my past, current and future clients, customers and models.
After all, it's a matter of mutually beneficial exchange, some give and take, both equally vital.
So I want to put it out there to you, what is it that determines your beauty purchases? Do costs outweigh benefits? Is it vice-versa? Or does it simply depend; a situational/case by case scenario?

Introduction/Welcome!

Hi everyone!
Welcome to my blog!
I have been wanting to get cracking on this for quite some time now, and now my time has freed up a little, (after finishing two business diploma papers online) now seems like a good time!
Firstly, to introduce myself..
I am Chloe, age 25.
I am a qualified hairdresser and makeup artist and have a few other side projects such as real estate, photography, a small business certificate I hope to put into practise and a business diploma that is currently in progress. I have always enjoyed writing and scrapbooking with magazines as well - I'm hoping to tie everything all together and use it as my competitive advantage - for those of you that aren't business students, this simply means what I can offer over and above competition to be "different".
My blog will consist of many different topics including hair and makeup related posts, health, fitness and wellbeing, topics to ponder and societal influence related topics to name a few - basically anything I find interesting, inspiring or am passionate about!
I don't want to commit myself to just one category as I have always been the type that enjoys variety myself, therefore this is what I wish to provide my followers.
On a side note, I am very interested to know if there are any topics anyone would like me to cover (from a personal perspective of course).
I am hoping to get some cosmetic, skincare and haircare companies on board to supply products to trial, however, this may take a little time and audience building - any help would be greatly appreciated!
I really hope you all enjoy my posts - please keep in mind it is my personal opinion therefore I would never intend to upset or offend anyone. We are all entitled to our own opinions after all. I aim to keep my blog light hearted and an easy read.
Well, thats about it for now..
I look forward to hopefully getting to know a bit about you also.
Thank you!
Chloe x