Review: Cult favourites #1

1. BIODERMA Sensibio H2O - Micelle Solution

Verdict: 10/10 aka holy-grail status. Sure it's expensive, but 500mL will last you for months. Maybe even a year if you're a moderate make-up wearer. Put a couple drops on this magical liquid onto a cotton pad and put it over your eye for a few seconds prior to gently wiping it off. If you have sensitive skin and want a non-irritating eye and face make-up remover, this is the solution to all your problems. Being someone with incredibly sensitive stye-prone eyes, this is perfect. 

I've heard that a dupe and cheaper alternative for this is the Garnier Micelle Cleansing Water - which can be purchased online if you're from NZ. And available in Boots if you live in the UK.

Where I purchased this: Escentual for £18.40 ($36.30 NZD) + International shipping £4.95 (~$9.87NZD). They are also available in smaller sizes (100mL and 250mL)

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2. NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm

Verdict: 8/10. Definitely my new favourite lipbalm. This lip-balm has a longer longevity than the other lip balms I've tried (Neutrogena Naturals Lip Balm and The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Lip Butter), lasting to around 5-8 hours upon application. It has a citrus-like smell to it and is quite thick when applied and does an awesome job at hydrating my lips. This product is ideal for those who have moderately-chapped lips. I have veeeeeeeeery chapped lips and therefore am still in the hunt for a slightly better lip balm that doesn't cost $40, but for now, this does the trick :)

Where I purchased this: Escentual for £9.50 ($18.76 NZD) + International shipping £4.95 (~$9.87NZD). 

Review: Organic Surge Blissful Daily Moisturiser

For the past year, I've been trying to incorporate more natural and organic products into my skincare routine. However, many of these are either too expensive, don't work, smell like horse urine, give me an obscene amount of breakouts or are unattainable from where I live.

Upon stumbling across this product at I.E. Produce in Takapuna, I decided to pick it up and give it a try to see if it replaces my current love for Simple's Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser, and I have to say, I am extremely impressed! This moisturiser is lightly scented without being too overwhelming, lasts all day long and feels light on the skin. With 50mL of product, a little really going a long way and did I mention that it is perfect for travelling too? The glass packaging is a little fragile but gives it that luxurious feel. This product is ideal for those with normal to slightly dry skin. If you have really dry skin, try the "Super-Intensive Daily Moisturiser" also by Organic Surge - it's perfect for those living in dry and colder climates.

The only con of this product is that it takes a bit longer to absorb into your skin but being a product of primarily natural origin, I can understand why (natural products often contain molecules than are larger that those found in synthetic compounds, thereby requiring a longer period of time to absorb into the skin). Also, because it's natural - make sure you store it in a cool and dry environment to prevent it from going off.

This stuff hasn't been animal tested. 99% of the total ingredients are from natural origin and 64% of the ingredients are derived from organic farming.

Verdict: 9/10.

Where you can get it: IE Produce in Takapuna, Auckland for $12.95 or online at NZ Health Food Co.