What a crazy year it has been – from the bush fires in Australia, Trump almost inciting a war, a drought in NZ and the covid-19 lock-down! It really has been a challenging time for us all and my heart goes out to those that have been affected the most and lost loved ones.
Lock-down here in New Zealand had us pretty much limited to supermarket shopping, and rightly so. If you’re like me then you also didn’t wear as much makeup and focused on skincare during the level 3 & 4 period, and have been living in active-wear, pyjamas and a fluffy robe! My favourite active-wear brands are currently Aimn and Lorna Jane. I picked up a steal from Aimn earlier in the year from their clearance sale! I’m always on the hunt for new active-wear brands – sports bras and tights, so let me know in the comments section below if you know any good ones, especially NZ brands.
Back to beauty – I wanted to share my top 10* products that got me through the lock-down period and why I highly recommend these products:
1. Oasis Beauty Light Milk Cleanser
Over the last few months I’ve been getting breaks outs, I’m in my early thirties and thought breakouts were a thing of the past. Unfortunately, there is a thing called hormonal acne! Light Milk cleanser has been working so well, it leaves my skin smooth day and night and the antibacterial properties really help keep breakouts at bay. Oasis Beauty really is great for sensitive skin and doesn’t strip your skin like harsh (chemical laden) skincare brands can.
2. Eco by Sonya Super Acai Exfoliator
Use this baby 2-3 times a week and you’ll see results! I literally feel a difference after I use this, any acne is less red and inflamed and my skin is super smooth thanks to the coconut oil. The miracle ingredient in this exfoliator has to be the magnesium salt. We all know salt has healing properties – remember stepping into the ocean with a cut or graze and you know that stinging from the saltwater is working its magic.
3. Oasis Beauty Skin Brightening Tonic
Toner is an absolute skincare essential no matter what your priority is. Toner helps reduce pore size, smoothes and evens out skin tone, helps reduce wrinkles and maximises the absorption of moisturiser or serum. I notice that that the Oasis Beauty Skin Brightening Tonic, works as a spot treatment for my acne so it heals faster and significantly tightens the pores for a smoothe canvas.
4. Oasis Beauty Luscious Nightly Skin Repair moisturiser (aka Beauty Sleep)
I love this night cream and I haven’t found one better! Beauty Sleep is packed with natural anti-ageing and repair ingredients, vitamins A,C & , resveratrol and hyaluronic acid. I notice a big difference in my skin every morning I wake up after using Beauty sleep the night before – my skin is smoother, more radiant and break outs and inflammation are majorly reduced. The formula feels creamy and luscious and has a soothing lavender scent to help you get your beauty sleep.
5. Eco by Sonya Coconut Deodorant
A must have natural deodorant, this beauty is aluminium free and made with only natural and organic ingredients. No chemicals will enter my body through my arm pits! I’ve been using it for years and definitely prevents odour from busy days, sport or working out. I find that when I apply, I let it sit for a minute then gently pat my underarms dry with towel. This helps seal the deodorant so it doesn’t transfer onto your clothes and lose its efficiency.
6. Ere Perez Oat Milk Foundation
Our best seller! Oat milk foundation has a breathable, clean-beauty formula that’s buildable for a medium to full coverage dewy finish. It’s not overly dewy and you can apply a bit of powder foundation or translucent powder for extra coverage and a matte finish. However, I prefer the dewy finish as it provides a more youthful and radiant appearance. I don’t feel guilty at all about covering my blemishes as the oat milk in this formula has anti-inflammatory properties.
7. Inika Organic Long Lash Mascara
I ran out of my Inika Organic Curvy Lash Mascara just before lock-down so decided to try Inika’s Long Lash Mascara instead. I highly rate all of Inika’s mascaras, the new formulas are amazing. I find they last longer and are more nourishing on the lases where you lashes don’t dry out and flake. There a four Inika mascaras to choose from and I recommend you read my previous blog post ‘Inika Mascara Guide’ to choose the best one for you. Although long lash served me well, the curvy lash is still my go-to as my lashes require lifting and it’s easier to achieve a voluminous look with the curvy brush wand.
8. Ere Perez Quandong Booster serum
My daily boost for the skin! I apply this after toning in the morning and let it work its magic. I find this works well for all skin types and doesn’t aggravate oily or combination skin. this formula is targeted to improve elasticity, improve dryness and calm inflamed skin. Formulated with the desert fruity – Quandang with twice the vitamin c of oranges, chlorophyll, spinach leaf, vitamin E, alfafa and raspberry seed. A healthy smoothie for your skin!
9. Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Creme
If I’m applying foundation I’ll use this beauty creme as a moisturiser/primer. It has a creamy consistency and refreshing scent, it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. Moisturising is essential before applying foundation as your foundation will apply easier and you’ll use less product.
10. Hot Tresses Indigo Babe Hair Treatment
A salon treatment at home! I use the indigo babe treatment because it’s for blondes who want to reduce brassiness. Be sure to leave this in while you shower for at least 5 minutes, I recommended 7-10 minutes. Not only will it reduce brassy and yellow tones, but it will also nourish your hair leaving it strong, healthy and silky! If you’re not blonde, then I recommend the Hot Tresses rehab leave-in treatment.
11. Bonus product – Hurraw!Lime lip Balm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I can’t go anywhere without a Hurraw! lip balm. Vegan, organic, fair trade, these really are the best! I prefer lime as it’s soothing and uplifting with a sweet scent. When I wore makeup during level 3 & 4, it consisted of my Inika mascara, Ere Perez foundation and a swipe of Hurraw! balm on the lips – preparation for a skype call complete.
