Aveeno Ultra-Calming - for irritated skin

-by Shay

I have pretty horrible skin, you know. On my body and on my face. Besides the whole oily-combination thing, I have lived with this condition called eczema for my entire life. If you don’t have it you may not know that it’s a form of hereditary, allergy-sensitive dermatitis. In a nutshell that means my skin goes whacky and develops some pretty awful rashes over certain things in the environment that set me off.

In my particular case, this is JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING.

Dry air, moist air, hot weather, cold weather, dust mites, animal hair, dust particles, pollen, grass – I could seriously go on forever.

Unfortunately in recent years the eczema has spread to parts of my face, and it’s something I have really struggled with treating.

But don’t despair, this is a good news story people! There is a happy ending!

I’m very happy to let you know that Aveeno Active Naturals have come to my rescue and saved me from itchy, blotchy and irritated skin with their Ultra-Calming range.

I have been using the Ultra Calming Cream Cleanser on and off for ages now, well before my latest tube was sent to me for review purposes. I like to stash it in my drawer of ‘emergency’ items in my bathroom so I can use it when my skin has decided it hates me (for the millionth time).

It is the most beautiful, soap-free cleanser that left my troubled skin feeling smooth, soft and most importantly – calmed. It’s like a comforting hug for my red, raw skin. It uses a relative of chamomile (feverfew) to achieve what I once thought impossible, and remains very reasonably priced at only $13.99 for 141g.

When the weather started to warm up I pushed the cream cleanser aside, and started wondering how I could treat any Summer sensitivity that would inevitably crop up. I didn’t have to think for long, as I was sent the Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser and Ultra Calming Daily Moisturiser with SPF 15. Talk about reading my mind?!

The foaming cleanser gave the same results the cream cleanser did, although it left my skin feeling less moisturised and more ‘fresh’ feeling (which is exactly what we want for Summer). This one also retails for $13.99 for 180mL.

The daily moisturiser is absolutely lovely. It worked a treat on my red and inflamed patches, and really moisturised and calmed like nothing else has. No stinging, and no itchiness. I felt like jumping with glee!

The fact that it has SPF 15 is a huge bonus, but of course I would still add your regular 30+ underneath if you’re going to be in direct sunlight (as opposed to driving your car) for any amount of time. This one will cost you $24.99 75mL and comes in the most convenient little pump pack, which I absolutely adore.

All in all I would not hesitate to recommend this line to anyone who experiences skin troubles. You might not suffer to the same extent I do (dear GOD I would not wish that on anyone), but even if you experience redness, blotchiness or tightness these products will certainly help you even out your complexion – no matter what time of year it is.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming range
Price: Daily Moisturiser - $24.99, Foaming Cleanser - $13.99, Moisturising Cream Cleanser - $13.99
From: Priceline

For more of Shay's reviews, check out her youtube channel

This product was offered to Stuff That I Bought for editorial consideration - for more details, see our disclosure policy
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Booty Parlor - for that sexy winter flush

- by Shay

While we’re all blustering about how cold we are, how chapped our lips are and how we can’t even feel our feet I thought I’d remind you dear readers of a couple of things I love about Winter.

I’ve always loved the sound of frost under my feet; the white breath that hangs in the air in the dark, still mornings; going on a holidays to the mountains and watching the sun glistening on the snow; slippers, mittens and dressing gowns; steaming hot bowls of soup and cold nose kisses with the one I love – I adore all of these things when it’s cold outside.

Another thing I love about Winter is ruddy cheeks! That naturally flushed look that makes you look like a soft, approachable and natural beauty. Sadly it rarely gets cold enough in Brisbane to bring out the natural blush in my cheeks, so I’m always looking for a cheats method to achieve the look.

This brings me to a product I’ve been loving recently – Booty Parlour ‘Get Flushed’ lip and cheek tint.

The number one thing that stands out about this product is the packaging. The creators have really put their thinking caps on and come up with a totally portable little sphere that is super light and easy to pull out of the smallest purse to reapply as required.

Unscrew the lid and you will be presented with the softest, most delicious smelling (my nose picks up candy red apples) balm. It’s smooth to apply and literally glides over the skin. I found it a bit drying on my lips, which is to be expected with a multi-purpose product, but on the cheeks it was like silk.

The colour is intense and very buildable. I was cautious when applying as it looks so pigmented, and I was right to take it easy. I simply smiled wide, took a quick swipe of the tint on my finger and blended, blended, BLENDED to smooth the colour over the apples of my cheeks.

The end result was a beautiful flush that looked so much more natural than any powder blush I’ve ever used.

Get Flushed lasted all day on my cheeks with a little wear towards the end of the day. I recommend setting the products with a light swipe of powder (either blush in a similar colour, or your face powder to tone down some of the pigment) to keep it looking fresh all day.

On the lips, it worked almost like a stain and looked beautiful and so girl-next-door under some shiny clear lip-gloss.

So now we’re over half way through Winter isn’t it about time you started to embrace the cooler weather before it’s gone for another year? Get Flushed Lip Tint is an affordable way to bring on your inner ruddy-cheeked beauty and will make you appreciate the cold so much more.

Booty Parlor Get Flushed Sexy Lip and Cheek Tint
Price: $19.95
From: Bootyparlor.com.au (if they're out, try chemistdirect.com.au or hapsari.com.au)

For more of Shay's reviews, check out her youtube channel

This product was offered to Stuff That I Bought for editorial consideration - for more details, see our disclosure policy
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Alterna Hemp - for mellow hair

- by Shay

I have been a regular old scientist this year. My shower has become my laboratory, my hair the topic of observation.

You may remember my last post where I sang the joys of Joico KPak Sun Therapy Treatment Masque. You could be forgiven if you thought I’d slacked off on the beauty reviews, and left Elise like some jilted lover since then. Let me assure you this was not the case. I could never turn my back on Elise, or beauty products in general. Since my love affair with Joico, I have been hunkered down in my testing room with a myriad of hair cleansing products. Many of them were turfed after my minimum two week testing term (I refuse to make any kind of decision on a skin or hair product unless I’ve used it for a fortnight at the very least) but the most recent couple of products have stuck around and now have a permanent home in my shower caddy. Alterna Hemp Organics Colour Hold Repair Treatment Conditioner and Shampoo is a brand and product I had never heard of. It immediately conjured up images of red-eyed hippies seated around a campfire, but I was certainly willing to give the funky packaging a shot.

The shampoo comes in a slender, long necked bottle while its counterpart, the conditioner, squats at around half the height and double the width. The mustard yellow definitely makes them stand out in the stark white of my bathroom.

Package design aside, these guys pack a serious soft and shiny punch for coloured hair. I felt my hair responding well to this combination from day one.

The shampoo cleansed gently but thoroughly, removing all traces of styling products and it smelt gorgeous. Both products had soft, earthy floral scents that were gentle and not overpowering. The shampoo formula was a pearly white colour and it felt very luxurious and smooth on the hair, almost like silk.

I left the conditioner in my hair while I washed my body, shaved and cleansed (multi-tasking in the shower is a must in our rain-starved country, don’t you know?). It applied well and combed through my hair nicely. It had the consistency of thick, white cream and softened my hair almost directly on contact.

Once everything was rinsed out and the water was running clear, I towel dried my hair to put these hair care items to the real test. I’m pleased to say that they left my natural, air-dried hair soft, bouncy, smooth and shiny – oh so shiny! It also seemed to control my frizz and calmed my natural kinks and waves.

I’m thoroughly enjoying the way the key ingredient (Fresh Water Silt) supplies amino acids, phytonutrients and microfine minerals to my hair. The formulas are packed with a variety of organic botanicals (hence the divine scents) and Alterna’s patented Hemp technology©, so I feel like my hair is in safe and natural hands. They are also sulphate free, which really seals the deal.

I’ve been using this combination for almost three weeks now, and I can’t see myself giving them up anytime soon. At $31.95 per bottle, pricewise they’re on par with my other favourite shampoo and conditioner combinations.

I definitely recommend you inject some hemp into your hair care routine, you won’t regret it! And it won’t leave you with red, bleary looking eyes. ; )

Alterna Hemp Organics Colour Hold Repair Treatment Conditioner and Shampoo
Price: $31.95 per bottle (300mL shampoo and 250mL conditioner)
From: call 1300 437 436
Why you need it: For soft and shiny hair, no Bob Marley required

For more of Shay's reviews, check out her youtube channel
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Joico vs Mother Nature - this time the hair prodz win!

- by Shay

I don’t know about all of you guys, but I am so happy that the warmer weather is now behind us. Living on the East Coast of Australia means I was hit with the full-force of the Queensland Summer including but not limited to, extreme humidity, stifling heat and torrential rain. This was compounded by semi-regular beach and pool visits, with salt and chlorine also making an appearance to wreak just a little more havoc on my poor locks.

All of these things don’t add up to picture-perfect hair. In fact, they caused a minor disaster to take place on my head. I was in struggle town from late October right through to early March, fighting with a frizzy, unruly, damaged and generally lifeless mop.

I thought my annual war against the weather would play out the way it always does – I get angry, frustrated, sad and ultimately resign myself to having crap hair for an entire season. I resort to throwing it into pony-tails and trying to hide it at every opportunity…hello cowboy hat!

That was until I was sent a tube of Joico KPak Sun Therapy Treatment Masque.

It contains the miracle ingredient known as ‘Hydroxy Sun Complex™’ which apparently fills holes burned into the cuticle of the hair by the sun. They’ve also used universal wonder-ingredient Aloe Vera to heal and soothe the hair shaft. All I know is the first time I used it my hair practically let out an audible sigh of relief.

The masque has left my hair feeling soft, supple and nourished each time I’ve used it, although it’s important not to overdo it, especially if your hair has a tendency to develop oily roots like mine. I have been using it once per week, that is once every two washes, and I find it’s been working beautifully.

Hair needs to be damp to receive the full benefits, and it’s recommended you leave it in for at least 3 minutes. I generally throw it in after shampooing and conditioning my hair, and then complete all of my other varied shower tasks (like shaving, exfoliating, singing badly etc) while it’s working its magic.

Can I also just mention that it smells freaking amazing? I tend to judge most products on their scent (or lack thereof) and this one is definitely a winner. I get strong coconut and pineapple, so Summery – so yummy! I also find that the scent sticks around for a good amount of time afterwards, and I’ve been complimented on my lovely smelling head quite a number of times after using it. (Elise: I’m telling you, boys like nice smelling hair!)

I find it to be generally quite economical compared to other lines on the market. It sits right in the middle in terms of price, and I don’t need to use a huge amount of product with each application.

I’m not sure if this stuff is only designed to treat hair damage caused by the sun, but it has done a pretty great job at combating every other environmental factor my hair has come up against this past season. Now to tackle the hair challenges that Winter brings…

Joico KPak Sun Therapy Treatment Masque
Price: $26.95
From: Joico is a salon brand, so check your local salon or call 1300 764 437
Why you need it: To counteract all that damage you did during summer.

Picture credit: Courtesy of Joico -
This product was sent to Stuff That I Bought for consideration - for more details see the Product Disclosure Statement 
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Amazing, best ever, new favourite lip products! (for now, anyway)

- by Shay

It feels like only yesterday I was swearing my allegiance to a completely different lipstick brand. That’s one thing I’ve learnt about the beauty game. Much like the film industry, competitive cricket or the world of technology, something new, amazing and BETTER is always waiting in the wings, biding its time until it completely changes the game on you.

I wasn’t expecting much when I opened my two new Cid lipsticks and one Cid lipgloss.  To be honest the brand name conjures up images of psychedelic 70’s dance festivals.  Not something I would usually associate with life-changing lip products.

When I opened the Pink Bliss lipstick I was immediately enamoured with the packaging.  It comes in a long rectangular tube that sports a good size mirror for easy application and – be still my beating heart – a light to ensure you’re applying to your lips, and not your cheeks, chin, et al.

The light itself has a bluish tinge to it, but it still works remarkably well when used with the mirror.  I always have to pull out my bulky compact in order to re-apply my lip products throughout the day, and this was a welcome lightening of my handbag load.

Then I applied the lipstick.  Holy amazing lipsticks, Batman.  I really should stop using terms like “best ever”, “won’t change brands again” and “lifetime loyalty” when I’ve found what I think is the best product as this just blew anything else I’ve used completely out of the water.

For a start, it applied so smoothly.  It felt like some kind of marshmallow butter and was impossibly light on the lips.  Then, there’s the colour pigment – it is indeed excellent, with only one swipe required for a perfect pout.  Plus the lack of scent means it’s a pleasure to apply and have on the lips. Follow this with the amazing moisture-locking system and you have plush, hydrated, pigmented – dare I say it, PERFECT – lips.

The only thing that could be viewed as a problem is the fact that it’s not particularly long-wearing.  My lips seem to hold colour pretty well at the best of times, but I did find I had to reapply a little more than usual.  But if you’ve invested in moisturising lipsticks before you’ll know that the terms moisturising and long-wearing are almost always mutually exclusive.

The two colours (Pink Bliss and Scarlet) are very natural looking, and I saw them as two very common lip shades only deeper looking.  Both looked flattering on my skin-tone, and I dare say at least one would suit lighter and darker toning than myself.

When it was time to put the lip-gloss through its paces I was cautiously optimistic. This brand seemed to know what it was doing in terms of formula AND application of their lipsticks; would they continue it through to their lip-glosses?  I needn’t have worried. Cid have created one of the best, non-tacky lip-glosses I have personally ever used. 

Raspberry Kiss is a complimentary shade to any skin-tone. It’s natural looking and reasonably sheer, while still looking great on its own.  It looks lovely layered over both the Pink Bliss and Scarlet lipsticks too.
It sports the same inspired mirror and light system for accurate application, and I was most impressed with the formula.

The brush is large enough to pick up adequate product to do one lip at a time and small enough to really get into the corners of your mouth or cupids bow without needing to mop up any excess.

I really want to say these are my number one, never forsake them, can’t imagine anyone else doing it better lip products.  But that shows I haven’t learnt anything since my last lip product rave, have I?

Price: $33 for both lipstick and gloss
From: Not readily available (i.e. not in Priceline) - call Haircare Australia on 1300 437 436 to find a local salon
Why you need it: How much win is it to fix your lips with a product that has a built in light? This much win.

These products were offered to Stuff That I Bought for consideration - please see our disclosure policy

Floods and Face Wipes and Wotnot

- with Shayna

I’ve had a rough month, readers.  Having lived in Victoria until four years ago when I began my new life in the sunshine state I’m still not used to a lot of things that go on here.  I’ve pretty much acclimatised to the stifling humidity of the Summer months, and I’m used to the amazing relaxed have-a-chat mentality of business here in Queensland, but until recently there was one thing I hadn’t been privy to since moving – The Big Wet.

I had no idea it could rain for so long, so hard and unrelenting.  I had no idea that despite the amount of water falling from the sky, I could still be sweaty and sticky the moment I stepped out of the shower.  We have had mild hot and dry Summers since I had made my big move, and I was completely unaware of the power of The Rain up here.

We were lucky in the second week of January when all of that water culminated into the worst flood the state has seen for many years.  Our house was spared (by approximately one block!) and our family and friends remained safe and dry. We were, however, evacuated.  It was a scary moment when my partner and I looked at each other and decided it was time to leave.  It was an even scarier moment when we had to pack a bag full of our valuables and things we would need for the foreseeable future.. What on Earth was I going to pack that would fit into our car!?  

I ended up bringing a bag of clothes (5 days worth), a couple of pairs of shoes, my important documents and a tiny bag of toiletries containing just the essentials.  While I was packing I reached for the unopened pack of Wotnot Naturally Nurturing Facial Wipes I had picked up a few weeks earlier.  There was no way I could pack my precious Rosehip Oil, so these guys had a big task to fulfill.

I know it’s petty and vain to be worrying about the state of your skin while your entire city becomes Water World, but I did.  With good reason.  My skin is sensitive and freaks out over changing locales – even spending the night on my bestie’s floor causes it to flake and break-out.  It can be a bit of a precious b*tch, frankly, and I knew the stress of the floods along with being displaced would be enough to cause it great distress.

I shouldn’t have worried. The first time I opened the pack of Wotnot Naturally Nurturing Facial Wipes I was impressed.  The scent was delicate and fresh, and the cloths were strong and durable while feeling silky smooth to the touch.  As I wiped one over my skin I could feel the oils doing their job.  My make-up was removed quickly and easily, with no trace of residue left behind, and more importantly – I had no dry patches, and no break-outs the entire time we were displaced.

I felt completely comfortable ditching my regular Rosehip regime as the wipes contained that exact oil and then some. Organic aloe vera gently repairs skin; organic sweet almond oil moisturises; organic jojoba oil makes eyelashes and eyelids feel plumped and luscious while Vitamin E nourishes and protects.  All in an easy facial wipe you can pop into your bag, car, or bathroom drawer.  I had stumbled on an absolute winner!

Rest assured I will keep a pack of these on hand for any planned or unplanned travel I undertake.  It’s nigh impossible to pack any kinds of oils safely, but these are as portable as they come and really helped to make my stressful week a bit easier to deal with.  At least I had one less thing to worry about!

Wotnot Naturally Nurturing Facial Wipes
Price: $11.95 for pack of 25
From: Health food stores, chemists and Ecodirect
Why you need them: Perfect for sensitive skin, these babies are handy for travelling, gym bags, sweaty picnis and flood crisis evacuations.

These products were offered to Stuff That I Bought for consideration
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Rolling out the welcome wagon

I am overjoyed, overwhelmed and overexcited to introduce you to two new contributors to Stuff That I Bought. Between here and The Nail File life can get pretty busy, and since I have some very talented friends I figure I may as well put them to good use *cracks whip*

Meet Shayna and Paul - they will both pop up here from time to time. No set schedule, no agenda, no formula. BUT they are both talented writers and funny people, and hopefully you’ll love them as much as I do (although not more than you love me - my ego couldn’t handle that kind of rejection). Paul will be looking after all the requests I get for men’s stuff and Shayna will be entertaining us with her own special brand of ohmygodilovebeautyproducts.

Hi Paul!

Paul is a Sydney-based writer, dilettante and lover of all things stylin’.  He has written travel and lifestyle pages for Belle magazine, and in a mixed career (that has involved marketing, research, magazines, uni lecturing and translating from Italian) he has written for other prestigious publications such as Men’s Style, Qantas the Australian Way and Australian Beer and Brewer magazine.
He’s also working on his first novel – so watch this space!

Hi Shay!

Shayna is an Interior Designer currently based in Bris-Vegas who was a budding journalist a lifetime ago. Add to that a life-long beauty addiction, and the result is her Youtube Channel jammed packed with Vlogs (video blogs) that centre on All Things Beauty Related. She finds inspiration everywhere and can't help but express her creativity in a myriad of ways – even her facebook photos are works of art!

Make them feel welcome, include them in your circle at lunchtime and make sure they have someone to sit next to in class. We're all one big happy family here!