New beauty products are always great to try. So when I review new beauty products, I use them for several weeks, even months, before I write about the results.

Lately, I have the pleasure of trialling several brands including Jane Iredale (makeup), Alpha Keri (skincare), Matrix Biolage new ‘Sugar Shine’ treatments (haircare), Lano (cleansing), and also YSL ‘Mon Paris’ (perfume). This collection covers many of the important Spring makeup and skincare must-haves. I must also point out, that I have not been paid to review these products or induced to give them a good ‘wrap’. My reviews and comments are genuine.

Jane Iredale

Whilst Jane Iredale has been a premier brand for makeup and skincare for quite some time, they are new beauty products to me. I was introduced to Jane Iredale by celebrity makeup artists, Ant Adams, when I interviewed him for my style podcast. Ant is enamoured of the Jane Iredale products which were first developed to treat bad skin burns.

For the past few weeks, I have been using, and loving, the Glow Time full coverage mineral BB cream and the Smooth Affair facial primer and brightener. I am very impressed with both (and the Primer smells divine) as a little goes a long way. Beautiful, natural-looking coverage and the primer ensures my foundation stays out ALL day.

I’m not a fan of facial tan lotions but the Tantasia is brilliant. It has a slightly strong smell but that’s probably because it’s on my face, near my nose. It’s so easy to apply, doesn’t smear unevenly, gives beautiful coverage, and adds a gradual glow.. not a deep tan. Love it. Top marks. Given summer is coming, you can’t go past the Jane Iredale

Given summer is coming, you can’t go past the Jane Iredale Lip Drink lip balms – simply the BEST I have ever tried. I tried three different ‘colours’ – Flirt (blush pink), Natural, and Peach. The Lip Drink lip balms apply smoothly, DON’T stick, and moisturise all day. They also have an SPF 15 rating and the subtle aroma of lemongrass. At least that’s what it smells like to me.

There is also a Hand Drink hand cream with SPF 15 that is, again, luscious to apply with a long-lasting moisturising effect.

In terms of mineral makeup, Jane Iredale gets top marks there too. I have been using the PureLash eyelash extender and conditioner under my mascara. I’ve tried it with both my usual mascara and two different Jane Iredale blends – Longest Lash mascara (which is excellent for creating fuller lashes) and the more subtle Jane Iredale Mascara in Jet Black. The PureLash does help any mascara to go further and lengthen lashes; a great product to add to your new beauty products arsenal.

Oh, and I almost forgot – the DreamTint moisture tint is a wonderfully light product to wear instead of foundation. It’s a light tint that gives a slight glow and moisture to the skin. Wear on its own or use it with the Glow Time full coverage mineral BB cream. But use only a small amount of both products as a little does go a long way.

In terms of new beauty products that are easy to use, effective, and give skin the care it needs, I can highly recommend Jane Iredale.

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Alpha Keri Skincare

When I was younger, my Father used to use Alpha Keri on his face. It soothed his skin after shaving. I always thought that Alpha Keri was some kind of chemist-only, pharmaceutical-level skin moisturiser. 21st century Alpha Keri offers dermatologically tested, fragrance and colour-free products aimed at changing the skin you are in.

I tried several products for in-shower and out. The MicMicellar Body Cleansing Milk is an in-shower product that effectively removes dirt and also protects the skin. It’s non-drying and moisturising. I recommend using this with a sponge or facecloth to easily cleanse the skin. It’s soap-free, so can be used on the face, and is also recommended for those with dermatitis or eczema prone skin.

Another in-shower product I love is the Anti-Cellulite Sugar Body Scrub. As a HUGE fan of body exfoliating products I have used many. This one is easily in my top three in-shower exfoliating scrubs. It’s gentle yet effective leaving the skin beautifully scrubbed and with a light coating of what seems like oil… but in a really GOOD way. It doesn’t leave residue on towels either.

Out of the shower, I favour skin moisturising products that last all day. The Anti-Cellulite Body Butter is thick and creamy. It is easily slathered over the body, and I focus on my legs with this product. It’s very moisturising and leaves a glow on the skin.

The Skin Moisture Boost Lotion is a product I use every day. I don’t leave the house without using it on my hands. However, when getting dressed I also use it on my shoulders, arms and decolletage. It’s rich and moisturising but non-greasy. Given it is fragrance-free, I can easily add my perfume of choice with no battle for olfactory supremacy.

Alpha Keri has wonderful new beauty products for many skincare concerns. I’m sold. They REALLY work. Find your nearest stockist now by visiting the Alpha Keri website.

Mon Paris Yves Saint Laurent for Women

Two of my favourite perfumes for many years have been Paris and Elle both by YSL. Paris is a gorgeous floral divine for wearing in the Spring and Summer. Elle is a more sultry fragrance that lingers in a beautifully memorable way.

So when I heard that YSL were launching a brand new perfume, Mon Paris, I was very excited. Very new, Mon Paris is fruity, floral, dark and provocative. From the first spray, I knew it was going to become a FAVE of mine to add to my YSL stable of favourites.

Top notes are a blend of pear, raspberry, strawberry and Calabria bergamot. At its heart, Mon Paris is dominated by the datura flower with peony, orange blossom, and both Chinese and Sambac jasmine. The provocative & classic chypre base is achieved with crystal white musk, ambroxan, and my passion Patchouli, from Indonesia and Guatemala.

Mon Paris is TOTALLY a perfume for me. It’s not sweet but it is floral. It is dark but it’s not smokey. Perfection.

It has only JUST been released so RUN to your local department store or perfumery to try this outstanding perfume. For other YSL perfume and makeup, try Fresh Fragrances and Cosmetics (but they don’t yet stock Mon Paris).

Matrix Biolage ‘Sugar Shine’

New beauty products for hair interest me. Having blonde makes it difficult to get a glossy shine like those with dark hair can achieve. So I was intrigued to use the new ‘Sugar Shine’ treatment collection from Matrix Biolage. The set includes a hair scrub (yes), shampoo, conditioner, and shine spray.

Because I have dry hair, it concerns me when I use products that may potentially dry my hair further. I didn’t have to worry with ‘Sugar Shine’. Not only has it given my hair a lovely shine but it has also slightly improved the condition. So no worries there. A little goes a long way with the shampoo and conditioner, and there is a lovely subtle fragrance.

The in-shower hair scrub is a little fiddly so don;t ty it when you’re rushing out to work. Leave it for the weekend. On very wet hair, take small sections and gently work the sugar scrub through from scalp to end. Then shampoo and condition. You WILL notice a difference from dull to shiny hair.

After styling, lightly spritz the shine spray across your hair. DON’T spray too much otherwise your hair may go sticky or limp, just a little is all you need for glossy locks. Sugar Shine is available from Australian Salon of The Year, Kinky Curly Straight, or where quality hair products are sold.

Lano Gentle Cleansing Bar

If you, like me, dislike using soap on your face or even your body, then the Lano Gentle Cleansing Bar may be for you.

The winner of over 50 awards, Lano has 100 years of heritage. You may be aware of the moisturising effects of lanolin from sheep’s wool. Well, Lano is a combination of lanolin, egg white, and goat’s milk which has long been used as skincare.

I have now been using the Lano gentle cleansing bar for two or three weeks and I can assure you it has not dried out my skin AT ALL. And I HAVE dry skin. I have used cleansing liquids from premier brands such as Estee Lauder that have dried out my facial skin. Lano really is gentle cleansing for face and body. It has no artificial colours or fragrances, parabens, sulfates, palm oil, mineral oil or petrolatums. And, very importantly, NO animal testing.

If you are looking for an easy and truly non-drying cleansing bar for the shower then Lano is probably your answer. From the creator of LanoLips, Kirsten Carriol, find out more about Lano on their website.

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