Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Day and Eye Cream Review

If you've been following my blog for a while then you'll know that Antipodes are one of my favourite beauty brands. I've been buying their products for years, and I'm also very grateful to recieve PR samples from them once or twice a year. Towards the end of 2016, Antipodes sent me their newly released Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Light Day Cream* and Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Eye Cream* so that I could test them out for myself. Well, guess what, I've been using these for a while and the results are now in.

My Favourite Face Masks

I love face masks. Applying a face mask feels ritualistic, and wonderfully healing and restorative - a once-a-week chance to do my skin some special good. Marketeers jump on this bandwagon because it's great for sales, because what self-loving woman wouldn't want to quench her skin's thirst? Or to "bio-repair" and rejuvenate her skin? But so long as you're able to take any and all of these claims with a big pinch of salt, face masks and any other of sort of weekly treatments can be fun and still do your skin some good. Personally, I use face masks twice a week and for me they're very much connected with self-love and taking time away from my everyday worries. I apply my face masks whilst I run a bath, or at the end of the day before I go to bed. When I pick them up I know I'm about to take a moment to pamper myself in a way that I enjoy, and all of my favourite face masks do something wonderful for my skin. 

Organic Beauty Week: My Organic Beauty Recommendations

I find it incredibly fun to dip my toes into the world of natural and organic beauty, and there are so many fantastic brands and products, and I never feel guilty about using them. Now that I've been blogging for a few years, I definitely have my favourites and they do tend to pop up over and over again - but at least you know that they've been thoroughly tried and tested!

Summer Skincare from Antipodes

Spring Beauty Empties

Nowadays I don't hang on to all the beauty products that I finish, I ususally only keep the packaging of products that I'm excited to talk about. There are a lot of beauty products that I use which don't get mentioned on my blog - or don't get mentioned enough. I always enjoy reading "empties" blog posts, so I hope you enjoy all these mini reviews of the products that I've finished this spring.

Antipodes Natural and Organic Skincare Reviews

Another Essential Repurchase

Organic Beauty Week: Antipodes Skincare

Organic Beauty Week and the Campaign for Clarity

Feeling-Better Beauty

The day after Boxing Day I caught some sort of London "bug" and spent the next week feeling completely and utterly gross, doing very little apart from recuperating. As a result, I've spent the majority of my time since then either in bed or on my sofa feeling pretty darn sorry for myself. Other than seriously binging on Netflix very little has managed to brighten these sick-days. However, there were a few beauty bits that I kept reaching for to make me feel and look considerably better.


Aromatheraphy Associates Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil*

I was very kindly sent this shower oil the week before Christmas - it's almost as if someone knew what was coming! I don't have a bath at home and I must admit that at first I was a bit sceptical about these bath and shower oils, they're a ubiquitous blogger favourite and although they may be pretty they're also very pricey. However, after walking around for a week with a head that felt the size of a melon I can sincerely attest to the sheer pleasure of an essential-oil fuelled shower. The Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil* really did perk me up, almost unbelievably so! I would pour a capful of oil over my torso and arms pre-showering and what transpires is that the hot water releases all the magical, uplifting and sinus-clearing essential oils (of grapefruit, juniper, rosemary and berry) which instantly made my head feel clearer and lighter. I can only imagine how lovely these oils would be in a bath. At £40 a bottle they're definitely an investment, but with each bottle containing 20 capfuls you can easily monitor your usage to get the most for your money, plus over time they actually work out as a more cost effective investment than many of Lush's bath bombs. Personally, I'm giving the Revive Oil a very big thumbs up and I'll definitely be reaching for it whenever I'm not feeling totally myself. Pro-tip: this would be perfect for anyone who parties a little hard over the weekend and needs a regular monday morning pick-me-up.

Mount Purious' Organic Rosehip Oil*

I've been using this for just over a month now and it's become a morning and evening skincare staple that just keeps my skin soft, smooth and all-out happy. It's a wonderful organic rosehip oil - it's much lighter than the Fushi Rosehip Oil I was previously using and it sinks into my skin very quickly but with all the same great results. Over time rosehip oil does a fantastic job of evening out skin tone and rehydrating dry or dehydrated skin. I have combination skin but I found that whilst I was ill my skin was much more dry and dull than usual and this skin oil made a big difference in how my skin felt. If you like easy, straightforward and effective skincare products then I'd definitely recommend incorporating rosehip oil into your routine. Mount Purious' oil is the best one I've come across if you want a product to use day and night and I particularly like using it because I really like the brand's ethos. They're a really environmentally responsible company, they're cruelty free and vegan friendly, they support organic farming and they also give 10% of their profits to charity. If you want to invest in good skincare from a really good brand then I'd definitely point you towards Mount Purious.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

When I'm ill I almost always get bored, and when I'm bored I always go looking for a face mask to use - its the best beauty time-killer. Antipodes' Aura Manuka Honey Mask was definitely one of, if not my absolute, favourite face mask of 2014 and I reached for it twice whilst I was ill. It smells gorgeous and always leaves my skin smoother, fresher and more glowing. It's also ridiculously easy to remove, so it's perfect to use even if you're feeling grouchy and gross. 

Lanolips 101 Ointment*

I don't know if you've ever experienced the discomfort of a really sore I've-blown-it-one-too-many-times nose. Well, that was my hell for the first few days of not feeling well, until I started slathering Lanolips' 101 Ointment* all over my face. It's an almost instant cure for dry, cracked and sorry skin and next time I'll crack this out of the tin as soon as I reach for tissues. If you have dry lips, a dry nose, dry elbows, a patch of eczema on your collarbone (oh, that's only me?), then you can reach for Lanolips' 101 Ointment* and know that it's going to improve your symptoms pretty darn quickly. I love Lanolips' range (especially their Herbal Body Oil and Intense Rose Balm) but the 101 Ointment is the handiest multipurpose product that they stock.

During that week, apart from my cleanser (I'm still using Murad's Essentical-C Cleanser*) and shampoo and conditioner (Toni & Guy's Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner for Normal Hair*) I didn't really use much else beauty-wise (although I did doll myself up for New Year's Eve). Do you have any beauty bits that you reach for when you're not feeling so good?

Skincare Favourites from 2014

My Face Mask Collection: What I Reach For When

Pictured above is my entire face mask collection - I didn't realise I had so many until I came to take the photograph! I thought that I would break down my collection into rough categories, sharing when I reach for what face mask and what I think they're good for. If you're looking for a new face mask to try then I hope this breakdown helps you choose between some very stiff competition! 

When I want to exfoliate and brighten my skin...

I tend to reach for an AHA peel, and the two in my collection at the moment are Madara's Brightening AHA Peel Mask* and Elemental Herbology's Facial Glow. They're both very similar but I think that the Facial Glow is a little bit stronger, making it more effective but also harsher on the skin. However, if you are thinking of trying it out then a good idea is to check Naturisimo's sample section where I usually pick up 15ml tubes for just £2.50 (this is the cheapest way to get your hands on it). 

When I want to declog my pores...

I reach for a clay mask, my long standing favourite is Origins' Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask but I also really like Glam Glow's Youth Mud. A cheaper alternative is Super Facialist's Tea Flower Pore Purifying Mask, but I do find it quite harsh on my more dry and sensitive skin - so I only use this on my t-zone.

When I have painful under-the-skin spots...

I like to reach for something cleansing that isn't too harsh. My two picks are Aesop's Parsley Seed Mask and Antipodes' Aura Manuka Honey Mask. Both do a similar job but Antipodes' mask is slightly more gentle and moisturising. This tends to be the mask that I reach for when I have hormonal breakouts, my current tube is a repurchase and I'd choose it over the Parsley Seed Mask.

When my skin is dry and lacks radiance...

I like to use facial oils and intensive moisturising treatments. My favourite one to repurchase is Origins' Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask which is a very thick cream mask with a gorgeous fruity scent. When I want to really pamper my skin I crack out Decleor's Aroma Essence Iris Rejuvenating Treatment*. It's a really expensive product full of essential oils that I use very sparingly, but when I do reach for it I notice that it really leaves my skin looking particularly soft and supple.

Antipodes Jubilation Ultra Nourishing Hand & Body Cream Review

There are only two steps that I need to winter proof my skin: exfoliation and moisturisation. When it comes to exfoliation I generally (but not always) opt for dry brushing - if you don't know about dry brushing then I would redirect you to the post I wrote about why everyone should dry brush their skin. Post-shower I sometimes opt for a body oil but I really am a sucker for a good body cream, especially at this time of year. There's something almost magical about using a really nice product that manages to transform the moisturising step from a chore into a real pleasure. 

It's at this point that I'd like to introduce Antipodes Jubilation Ultra Nourishing Hand & Body Cream*. This is a recent discovery of mine and it was an instant hit. I've only tried a couple of Antipodes products before (I mentioned their Aura Manuka Honey Mask in my recent favourites post and a while ago I had a brief love affair with their Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream) but they both really impressed me and justified their cost. Antipodes' Jubilation is no different, packed with Vitamins A, C and E and Omega 3, 6 and 9 (thanks to its content of high quality plant oils) it's a really effective moisturiser. Not only does it sink in quickly but it also has a pleasant gentle scent that is described as being a combination of "fig, feijoa and blackberry". It's definitely on the fig end of the scent spectrum but with a pleasant dash of fruitiness.

Antipodes' packaging is another one of the brand's selling points for me. I adore their metal tubes, they're easy to use and I think they look really nice (which is something I do appreciate, especially in a mid to high end beauty product). Jubilation's green packaging seems particularly seasonally appropriate and definitely brings Christmas to mind. Personally, I don't think that you can go wrong with body care gifts, especially when they're from a brand like Antipodes that's packed full of skin friendly ingredients and packaged so charmingly. I for one certainly felt like it's Christmas come early whenever I reach for this. And that's what I love about investing in luxurious beauty products, every single time I reach for them they always feel like a brand new gift.

You can find Antipodes' Jubilation Ultra Nourishing Hand & Body Cream on FeelUnique for £26.99*.

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October Beauty Favourites

March Beauty Empties

January Beauty Favourites

This month has been wonderful where beauty products are concerned and I've found quite a few items which are going to be long standing favourites (and repurchasables) of mine! Lets get down to the good stuff.

Miss Dior Eau de Toilette

This was a Christmas present from my dad and initially I found it quite strong but I've quickly warmed up to this fragrance. I've gone through a bottle of this before and it is just such a gorgeous scent. Heavy without being overwhelming and seriously sensual and elegant. I've got to stop myself from spritzing it a little bit too freely!

& Other Stories Body Scrub

Oh mama, this is the bees knees of body scrubs. It smells sensational - like spring has sprung and has been conveniently bottled away - and offers a seriously good exfoliation without irritating skin. It might be hard to get your hands on in a store but & Other Stories has a website which I would highly recommend checking out - link here. Definitely give the Shinjuku range a try, but my other personal favourite is the Moroccan Tea Range! Read my full review of this body scrub here.

Lush Gentle Lentil Shampoo

Before I begin I have to very sadly inform you that this has been discontinued! I bobbed down to my local Lush to enquire after this Shampoo (I'm going through it at an alarming rate) and they told me that the entire Lush Retro line is being replaced and I quote "by some bigger and more exciting project which as of yet is a bit of a secret to everyone". Well, it better be pretty blooming' exciting because this shampoo quickly became the best shampoo I'd ever used, holy grail material folks. And it has just as quickly been whisked away from me. C'est la vie I suppose, life is cruel.

Seventeen Tattoo Me Eyeliner

I've been lining my upper eyelids six days out of seven (I just love how liquid liner looks) and this has been my go-to eyeliner this month. It offers an intense matte black line that doesn't budge once its dried. If you want make-up that won't smudge, bleed, melt or dissolve then this is the liquid eyeliner for you. Read my full review here and I wore it in a FOTD here.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

I've been a bit sickly this month (I blame the return of "freshers" flu to which even unfortunate postgraduate students like myself are susceptible) and my skin has really benefited from this Antipodes face mask. If you're looking for a great multi-tasking face treatment that will cleanse your pores but also leave your skin hydrated and supple then I'd definitely recommend it. Read my full review here. 

Have you tried any of my January Beauty Favourites? What products have you been loving this month?

Review: Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

I reviewed Antipodes Divine Face Oil a couple of months ago but since then I've only been using one other Antipodes product and that is the Aura Manuka Honey Mask. I asked for this as a present from my brother for my birthday and I've really been loving it. It's quite different from the other face masks I use, I tend to opt for clay based masks and the occasional Lush Fresh Face Mask. 

The Aura Manuka Honey Mask has a different consistency to any of the other face masks I use. It feels like a very light cream when you apply it and it has the most delicious sweet scent, obviously towards the honey end of the scent spectrum. You're supposed to apply it quite generously and leave it on your skin for about fifteen minutes before rinsing it off. In those fifteen minutes my skin tends to really drink this face mask in and the majority of the product gets absorbed quite quickly. After fifteen minutes, however, I go to dutifully cleanse my face and afterwards I can see that it's been cleansed but also feels soft and plump. The Aura Manuka Honey Mask does so many things all at once, it's quite hard to believe without experiencing it. I personally find that it really helps to clear up under the skin spots and congested pores, which as many of you will know can be a nightmare to get rid of. 

Antipodes products are definitely high ends treats for me but they really don't disappoint. This face mask and the Divine Face Oil are incredible products and if you don't feel like you can treat yourself to them then they do make great birthday or holiday gifts because they're the sort of products that will last you for ages. Every time I use this face mask and it does wonders for my skin I think 'Thank you Christian!' (my brother) and so his gift feels like he's given it to me afresh every time I apply this mask. I think these are the best sorts of presents, the ones that keep on giving!

You can find Antipodes' Aura Manuka Honey Mask on FeelUnique for £21.50.

Have you tried any Antipodes products before? Do you like the sound of the Aura Manuka Honey Mask?

The Must Have: Antipodes Divine Face Oil

Over the last few months I've definitely tried to bring my skincare routine up a notch. The shadow of my twenty-first birthday loomed in the distance and now it has passed me by it has definitely been reassuring to know that my skin is in good hands. One of these good hands is Antipodes, their Divine Face Oil has been gracing my face for about six weeks now and its effects have not gone unnoticed.

I have been known to suffer from eczema on my face and to have blotchy skin and these two skin problems have definitely been improved by Antipodes Divine Face Oil. I use it in the evenings in place of a serum (I apply it after my skincare routine waiting for it to completely absorb before applying my night cream) and couldn't be happier with it. On FeelUnique it costs £18.99 for 25ml which I initially thought of as extortionate. The endless good reviews wore me down and, taking advantage of a 10% off code, I caved and soon enough it was in my house and on my skin.

As someone who suffers from combination skin (oily t-zone, dry cheeks with all-over sensitive skin) I was ambivalent about using a facial oil as I thought it would aggravate my t-zone. Although I haven't noticed drastic improvements in my oil production I do think that it has settled down a little bit, meaning that I no-longer have days where I look in the mirror and silently curse my face for it's random oil outbursts. Antipodes Divine Face Oil is 100% oily skin friendly and it has a lot to offer sensitive skin too. It is a great all-round product and I think it does a lot more than a serum (probably the combined job of Hydraluron and Peptabright which I'm going to be starting to use regularly in the mornings). I don't feel as though I strictly need an equivalent to use during the day as this does a great job but I am keen to keep on fading acne scars and other skin pigmentation so I am still looking to add to my morning routine. As facial oils take a while to absorb I definitely prefer them as night time products, especially as I don't feel as though it works well under make-up.

So, all in all, this is an awesome facial oil that does a lot for your skin. It really has improved the look and feel of my skin and I have every reason to believe (especially given other reviews that I have read) that these improvements will continue. Antipodes Divine Face Oil is a wonderful place to start if you're thinking of giving facial oils a try!


Do you use a facial oil?


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Collective Beauty Haul: High-er End Treats

Sooooooo... I went a little bit crazy on the shopping front. I've had a wish list the length of my arm for a while now and all it took was the promise of a few bargains for me to finally crack out my debit card and submit to the shopping urge. Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't get all of these beauties on the same day but rather over the last three or four weeks. I've tried a couple of them out but some of these items only arrived in the post this morning so in their cases it'll be more of a case of showing you them rather than having much to comment on!

Up first is my Escentual order, 30% off many french pharmacy brands (and a lovely £5 discount on the much acclaimed Dior Nude BB Cream) was too much for me resist. I picked up a 100ml bottle of Bioderma's Micellaire Water (with the intention to stock up on it later in the month if I like it),  Bioderma's Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 30 Mattifying Fluid and Dior's Nude BB Cream in shade 001. Look out for a review of each other these over the coming month! 

This purchase was very much made in the spur of the moment. With FeelUnique offering me a 10% off code I just couldn't help myself, Antipodes Divine Face Oil has been luring me in with its promise of plumper (and less oil prone) skin for the last few months. Along with my order came a lovely little perfume freebie.

I also made the most of Boots' 3 for 2 offer on skincare, one item has escaped this post (a Garnier moisturiser) but truth be told I don't really like it so it is not great loss, although I will still be reviewing it later this month. I was excited to finally get my hands on some Hydraluron (you can see I've stocked up!) and I'm currently trialling this with the hope of reviewing it next month. I haven't started using the Peptabright but I love the sound of it, I have a few marks left by blemishes which I'm hoping it can set straight. The other two products, both Soap and Glory, are wonderful and I've been using them daily since I bought them. I'll definitely be reviewing them both soon!

Lastly, I placed a small order with Naturismo so that I could pick up Jason's Vitamin E Oil 32000IU which is scar/stretch mark treatment. It isn't what I expected at all (but in this case that is a good thing) and I expect promising results for this. I'm testing it out on both scarring and stretch marks to see if it makes any difference. I don't expect I'll be reviewing this for a while as I'll want to use it for a month or two to see if it really works. In the meantime, I also picked up some Elemental Herbology sample sizes (Naturismo is brilliant for samples) and I'll be giving them a go and probably reviewing them all together. 

Sometimes you have to treat yo'self, and that I certainly did. Spending is going to be curbed in the meantime (although I do have a small Fragrance Direct order still to arrive, naughty me). I have a hell of a lot of products to test out and a whole backlog of reviews which I'm going to be catching up with. It's going to be a busy month, but a really fun one!

Have you been shopping recently? Found any absolute wonder products that you'd recommend?

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