Jordan Samuel Skincare

My earliest memory of Jordan Samuel product is Water you Waiting for? A lush toner with Rose, Jasmine, Sage and Orange. Sadly a horrid turn of events he discontinued the toner. For the longest time I did not look at his newly launched skincare for the grudge I held,  with a hope he would bring it back. The pics below take me down memory lane when I regularly used his toner in my routine and also a part of my early IG journey. Sadly that hasn’t happened however the line he has includes a gorgeous gel to oil cleanser, hydrating serum and moisturizing 0il. All in all one perfect capsule collection.

Plié Cleanser is a unique gel to oil formula uses olive, jojoba, and grape seed oils to remove every trace of makeup (including hard to remove stage makeup), while sugarcane, apple and willow bark extracts provide a gentle exfoliation to leave the skin hydrated, soft and absolutely pristine.

I’ve used this cleanser both to remove makeup, second cleanse and morning cleanse. Each time it has performed splendidly. Dispensed as thick manageable gel, converts to oil once massaged on skin. The scent is citrusy, more grapefruit to my nose although I dont see grapefruit specifically. Ahhh the best part is emulsifying this cleanser, milky yumminess. Either rinse with water and pat dry or hot cloth this cleanser. Can also be used as a mask, leave it on for few minutes and carry on with your chores. This cleanser is a dupe for Botanics Hydration Burst Dual Action Cleanser with some similar ingredients. If you’d like to take up the ante, Algenist Genius Anti Aging Melting Cleanser is similar option but steeper in price. If you’re interested in a comparison post between these cleansers, leave a comment below.

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Water, Sucrose Laurate, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Rhizome/Root Extract, Anthemis Noblis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Citrus Fruit Extract Blend, Simmodsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylhyroxamic Acid, Capryl Glycol

Ingredient wise its a clean sheet, some lovely moisturizing ingredients to start with and followed by some yummy fruit extracts and essential oils. Moving onto next step in routine to Hydrate Serum. Water are you waiting for? toner would have been perfect insert here. Just saying.!

Hydrate Serum will bathe your thirsty cells in humectants and soothing botanicals to keep your skin working in the same way! Hyaluronic acid, stabilized Vitmain C, and hexapeptides combine with cucumber, tamarind, and passion flower extracts to give you healthy, dewy skin all day long.

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice *Organic, Vegetable Glycerin *Organic, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Xanthan gum (thickener), Gluconolactone, Tamarindus Indica (Tamarind) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata (Passion flower) Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide, Sodium Benzoate, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract *Organic

Exactly as it claims. I can wrap up this review in just those first four words, but perhaps I should elaborate tad more. Ingredient listing is simple, no faffing around with complex names or unnecessary ingredients. Only one we could talk about is Xantham Gum, very common ingredient and used here as a thickener to give it gel like consistency rather than runny liquidy serum. A clear gel consistency serum, dispensed through pipette, absorbs in skin immediately. I’ve used it various ways, here’s a snapshot:

• Under makeup it piles on however, varies with different base products used
• Mixed with an oil, its one stop shop.
• Mixed with a cream, again one stop shop.
• Layered with other serums and performs just as well – straight after acid tone.

If I had to nitpick I’d say, pump packaging please….to which I’m told is work in progress.

étOILe is an all-encompassing moisturizer, multivitamin and antioxidant facial oil. It contains a high concentration of cranberry seed oil, which is the only oil to contain a 1:1 ratio of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, as well as all 8 vitamin E groups. It also features skin balancing Argan and Marula, which pair with vitamin C ester and CoQ10 to make this an all-around star in your skincare ritual!

Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil *Organic, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Marula) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil *Organic Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil (Rosehip) Oil, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Oil *Organic, Ubiquinone, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Squalane

Ingredient listing is simple, and free of essential oils. This oil is particularly fantastic choice for skins sensitive to essential oils. Blended with some nutrient rich carrier oils, and lipid soluble vitamin C (allows better penetration) this oil is uncomplicated in best way possible. It is crucial to shake the bottle before use, the vitamin C settles at the bottom.

I’ve used this oil several ways, mixed with cleanser for extra nourishment, addition to clay or mud mask so my skin doesn’t feel tight or dry post mask, mixed with creams to give it an edge, mixed with foundation to add some bloody glow, or the obvious way standalone use to thoroughly moisturize skin. The beauty of oils is it can be as versatile and flexible as you’d like them to be.

Overall, the products perform exactly as it claims, ingredient listing that don’t muck around, basic packaging (for serum and oil), doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket, and perfect for all skin types. The reliability factor for this skincare line is when I can’t be bothered, inebriated, sick and feel like a corpse. Personally I have a wandering soul with commitment issues, my heart desires unusual fancy skinventions, so I often try a lot of skincare from various parts of the world. When I experience a flare up from some other product and want my skin back, I go back to Jordan. Of course it is very versatile in its use and complements all other brands and products. Seamlessly blends in other products and still performs just as claimed. The whole range is effortless but doesn’t cut corners. The claims or results are not groundbreaking, they’re as basic and reliable as they get. Ultimately we all want clean skin, hydrated skin and nourished skin. This is exactly what these products do.

HHW.com

xx

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AnnMarie Skincare Anti Aging Facial Oil

AnnMarie Skincare, a brand that wasn’t on my radar at all. Then one fine day, along comes this brand’s rep offering me to try this brand. Quick glance at inci list of their products and I agreed. I chose the Anti Aging Facial Oil…am I’m sooo glad I picked this. I’ve fallen in love with this oil. So the brand claims:

Our facial oil for dry and mature skin was designed to be super moisturizing, and is pure “skin care nutrition.”  – I know the brand recommends for dry and mature skin, but with such powerful antioxidants and wonderful blend of oils I believe it would suit absolutely any skin type.

The result is a combination of healing herbs, antioxidants and moisturizing oils that will diminish fine lines and ensure your complexion is supple and soft. – Without a shadow of doubt, the blend of ingredients speaks volumes about the product. 

This formula is made with a special blend of red raspberry, acai, broccoli, and pomegranate give your skin a powerful antioxidant boost. It also features plantain, a herb that stimulates collagen, and has high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. – I cannot speak to collagen boost to my skin but it has surely soothed my angry skin and moisturized really well.

The Ingredients listing is where its all at:

*Sunflower seed oil, herb infused oil (*jojoba oil, sesame seed oil, *calendula flowers, *comfrey leaves, *comfrey root, *echinacea purpurea, *gingko leaves, *goji berries, *gotu kola leaves, *hibiscus flowers, *lavender flowers, *lemon balm, *licorice root, *life everlasting flowers, *lotus stamen, *plantago leaves, *rhodiola, *rooibos, *rose petals, *rosemary leaves, *green tea leaves, *shavegrass (horsetail herb), *violet leaves, *acai fruit, *amla, *ashwagandha, *frankincense, *milk thistle seed), *hemp seed oil, *rosehip seed oil, *pumpkin seed oil, red raspberry seed oil, *chia seed oil, *carrot seed oil, *broccoli seed oil, *pomegranate seed oil, cranberry seed oil, *black cumin seed oil, *acai berry oil, *buriti fruit oil, sea buckthorn berry extract, non-GMO vitamin E tocopherols, sandalwood oil, vetiver oil, *Moroccan rose absolute, sweet fennel oil, *jasmine sambac absolute, frankincense oil.

*Organic or wildcrafted

It appears like a lot of ingredients but the concoction has resulted in something divine. It smells Incredible (frankincense, sandalwood, vetiver, morroccan rose, sweet fennel and jasmine). It is really soothing and pleasing to my senses. The colour of oil is deep mustardish oil, but consistency is light and easily absorbed by my skin. Noteworthy mention to the absence of pipette in packaging. It’s a Pump!!! These days a Pump makes me Jump. I guess I’m sooo over pipette <rolls eyes>.

Whilst this juice doesn’t come cheap at $3.34 per ml ($49.95 for 15ml), little goes a long way. I use only a pump and half for entire face and neck. Occasionally even mix with MV Skincare Jojoba Oil. The results following morning are nothing short of spectacular.

I did receive a small trial set for normal to combination skin which included:

Aloe Herb Facial Cleanser – beautiful lemoney zingy cleanser with slightest bit of foaming action. Wonderful summer cleanser

Neroli Toning Mist – Winner…after the oil obvs. Light, refreshing and smells amazing.

Repair Serum – now this is tricky one, due to its sample packaging the product barely dispensed and its still sitting on my shelf staring at me hoping for some love. I still think the oil is bomb.com

Have you tried anything from this line? Your thoughts?

HHW.com

xx

 

Insight – Mahogany Naturals

Many of you may have noticed on my Instagram account my new found love for Mahogany Naturals products. Mahogany Naturals is created by hair stylist Tope Beesley in 2012 to specifically address the needs of curly, textured and afro hair. Tope is also a certified Aromatherapist & Beauty Therapist so she understands how ingredients and essential oils affect different skins, hair and scalp conditions.

Tope believes everything has a purpose but most importantly, the products are meant to de-stress and relieve anxiety. As with any artisanal skincare, Mahogany Naturals is also hand made in small batches to retain its freshness in the historical town of Bletchley Milton Keynes, UK. They are PETA CERTIFIED as a cruelty free company and all  ingredients are 100% natural, organic, not tested on animals and are vegetarian friendly.

SNEAK PEEK: Keep an eye out on my Instagram, a giveaway of products will be announced to win some of the products mentioned below.

Meet Tope, below is my lil chat with this gorgeous talented woman

1. Why Mahogany Naturals (why the name and why create this brand)?

The name Mahogany has always been a part of me. I remember using it since I was a teenager. It means strength, luxury and the best from mother nature.

2. The new trend of ‘Green Beauty’ is falsely misleading some customers as they’re not all completely natural or green….your thoughts? How is Mahogany Naturals truly natural? 

Everything we use is completely natural. I started out mixing formulations in my kitchen from my fridge to my food cabinet.  Even our preservative is naturally derived. I do roll my eyes when I see well known brands slap “natural” on the front label but then you look at the ingredients list and silicons and harsh chemicals are in the first 5 ingredients. I urge everyone to go straight to the ingredients list and familiarize themselves with it.

(You see why I love Tope so much, she insists on same thing, check the ingredient listing, get the past the claims of the product)

3. What motivates you to create new products? How are you inspired with different ingredients?

First of all my family is number one, my children and husband inspire me to start formulation my own recipes. I am also a qualified Hairstylist and Aromatherapist so I have the knowledge of the effects of essential oils and how to blend them. I also see a problem when a client comes to me and if I don’t have a product that solves their issue I work on formulating something.

4. Skincare market is saturated and everyday new brands are coming up. How does Mahogany Naturals distinguish itself from other brands in market?

I stay true to the essentials. I keep it simple with my ingredients and use only the best and highest quality ingredients. I don’t make any wild claims. I let the products speak for themselves and work their magic.

5. What skincare advise did you receive as a little girl and what advise do you give your children?

I don’t think I specifically got any skincare advice as a kid. I just grew a passion for it as I got older. My kids use everything I use from head to toe. My girls are always very moisturised. I explain to them that if you look after yourself from a young age you grow old gracefully and stay looking youthful for longer.

You can follow Tope and the brand on Instagram (click here)

EXPRESS REVIEWS

This is where my love affair with Mahogany Naturals began. Hair Mask with Rhassoul Cocoa, Honey Deep Hair Treatment. Its rich, delicious, intoxicating, intriguing texture had me all over it. Admittedly slightly heavy for my hair type (fine, thin and flat), but I can see this would be deeply adored with very dry and brittle hair. I carefully glanced at ingredient listing and decided to use as face mask! Fabulous deeply moisturizing for skin. Have a closer look at this decadent pot of lushness.

Rhassoul, Raw honey, (Theobroma Cacao) Organic cocoa powder, Theobroma cacao Unrefined cocoa butter, (Aloe Barbadensis) Organic aloe vera, (Olea Europa) Extra virgin olive oil, (ulmus rub) Slippery elm, Guar, emulsifier, essential oils.

Next hair treatment I tried was the Coconut Water Restorative Hair Mask, this suited my hair perfectly. I’ve used it as pre shampoo and post shampoo and my hair loves this mask. Also it smells beautiful (as with all Mahogany Naturals product). Scent wise I’ve yet to come across any product from this brand that I don’t like. This hair mask is not as dense as Rhassoul Clay and glides effortlessly through the hair strands.

Packaging wise all products come in plastic containers (not flimsy at all) with all information on labels. They are environmentally friendly and recognize the fact that we throw boxes!!!

(Aloe Barbadensis) Aloe vera, Coconut water, Organic castor oil, (Ricinus communis) Shea butter, Organic coconut oil (Cocos nucifera). Organic honey (Prunus Dulcis), Sweet almond oil, (Tocopherol) vitamin E, Vegatable glycerine, (Olea Europaea) Extra Virgin olive oil, silk amino acids, cetearyl alcohol, optiphen

My personal favorite skincare range from this brand is truly de-stressing component of my skincare regime. It really uplifts my mood from the shittiest day in the history of my existence. If asked to choose one product from this line up, I would walk away from all three because I cannot choose. Its all or nothing.

Cleansing Oil – perfect as morning or second cleanse, I dont prefer using this lush oil for makeup removal because I want direct contact to feed and nourish my skin and not deal with my war paint issues. Doesn’t emulsify with water but comes off effortlessly with hot cloth. I don’t need to specifically talk about the scent, just glance at inci list below.

(vitis vinifera) Grape Seed Oil, (olea europaea) olive oil, (citus sinensis) sweet Orange Oil, (melaleuca alternifolia) tea tree oil , Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Oil, lavender, camomile,  Eucalyptus radiata oil.

Next up, Face Hydrating Repair Oil. Yes we all know I have a major weakness for oils. But oils like this, where the Man of house calls it his own, means we have a clear winner. We need a moment here, to appreciate my Man uses face oil, this in the past has always been a forced measure. Now he is willingly doing it himself. Reasons behind this you may ask: well the uplifting scent, with instantly absorbing formulation, leaving the skin with a hydrated plump feel. What more could I ask for?!

(Oenothera fiennis) Evening primrose, (Sclerocarya birrea) macula, (Adansonia Digitata) baobab, (tocopherol) vitamin e, camellia, (Rosa canina) rosehip, (Persea americana) avocado, teatree, (Anthemis Nobilis) camomile, (Rosmarinus officinalis) rosemary.

Now the one that took me by surprise, Manuka Face Cream. I’ll be honest I don’t like or appreciate creams as much as face oils (in case you didn’t already know that!). However if you ask why that is the case, please click here as I have detailed post on this.

The first point of difference with this cream, the first ingredient is Aloe Vera. Second the addition of Manuka Honey 20+ factor as third ingredient. Tope is not mucking about with rubbish ingredients, she knows the true value of good quality ingredients. Much to my surprise the addition of Shea Butter did not congest or break me out. The preservative and emulsifier is also from natural source. Another reason why this won my heart, it’s in a bottle with a pump, no filthy fingering business.

Instantly absorbs, in same scent profile as other skincare products, immediate softness and plumpness in skin. Fabulous as makeup base or for basic Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize routine.

Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf extract, Light Coconut Oil, Manuka Honey 20+, Avocado oil, Butyrosperum Parkii (Organic Shea Butter), Rosemary oil, Glyceryl stearate, Stearic acid, Glycerin, Collagen (Marine), Cetyl Alcohol, Hippohae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn seed oil), Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)

Lastly the body care category, my favourite from this range is the body oil. The best combination is soak in bath salts and then slap on the body oil. I smell and feel bloody amazing.

Body Oil: (Vitis vinifera) Grapeseed oil, (Olea europaea) Virgin Olive Oil, Eucalyptus radiate, Lavandula officinalis oil, (Citrus Grandis) Grapefruit oil.

Bath Salts: Sodium Chloride Rock Crystal, Geranium Oil, Vegetable Glycerine, rose oil, eucalyptus oil, Allura Red

The deodorant is used more as body mist for me, I’m a woman who needs clinical protection deodorant for my kinda activities.

Have you tried anything from this brand? Alsooooo keep your eyes peeled for the giveaway on my Instagram.

HHW.com

xx

Luxury Oils & Balms

My love, admiration and respect for oils and lush balms is known to every shred of living organism on planet earth. Generally the variety and choices of these lush treatments vary between high, mid and low end. Below are my chosen indulgences and absolute treats for my skin. The price points are insane, however the one off feeling they provide is irreplaceable with instant gratification.

May Lindstrom The Blue Cocoon would come as no surprise to absolutely any skincare lover. Before trying this product, I heard umpteen number of rave reviews but always held slight skpeticism. Eventually I folded and indulged and much to my surprise (and secret high expctations) all claims, rave reviews, gushes, & hypes stood true.

The balm is a treat for the skin. It smell insanely divine and melts away all the stresses. It helps calm my skin down from any inflammation, irritation, redness, or dryness ($160 50ml – $3.2 per ml).

Mahalo The Rare Indigo Balm is my joy ride. As soon as I open the jar I find myself sniffing the pot like K9 unit at the airport. I take forver doing my routine with this bad boy, because I spend more time sticking my snout in the pot than actual application on skin. Very easily carried away, but a little goes a long way. The texture and consistency of this balm is what make it sooooo unique and delectable ($110 30ml – $3.67 per ml).

Darphin 8 Flower Nectar is a walk in a garden. Slightly different texture to regular oils but good heavens this oil is Flowery Dreaminess… Glorified! Darphin also have individual flower facial elixirs like Chamomile, Rose, Jasmine, Niaouli, Tangerine, and Orange Blossom. Now imagine a congregation of all these lovely florals coming together for an orgasmic union. I reserve this oil for when I truly need a pick me up, when I feel world is crashing down on me (yes hormones I’m referring to you) or when my skin has behaved so darn well it deserves an incredibly euphoric treat ($150 15ml – $10 per ml).

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Oil was a complete surprise in a 12ml bottle. Picked up with zero expectations and it surpassed everything else. Ingredient wise, possibly the most unique on this list (refer to my review, you’ll know what I mean) and has a certain richness about it. This brand came at my forefront because of this oil and I can unbashedly admit it was “the discovery” of 2015 for me (INR 1,890 Rs157.50 per ml, USD $53 12ml – $4.4 per ml).

MV Organic Skincare Rose Plus Booster Oil is an oldie but always a Goodie!! I’m an old lady at heart and soul and I’m obsessed with anything Rose. But we know rose scents are so awfully plagarised in the market and we’ve all come across hideous, synthetic, nauseating, vile versions of rose. All that….until you come across this unsuspecting bottle of rose heaven. Blended with Camellia, Jojoba, Rosehip, Rose Damascena Oil, Geranium, Rosemary, basically a pinnacle of perfection. Top marks for its versatility in use with a cleanser, mask, oils and creams. Skin is calm, stable and “sensible” the following morning (USD$120 $3.42 per ml, AUD$99 $2.8 per ml, GBP £72.00 35ml -£2.05 per ml).

Hope you’ve enjoyed this read, tell me what are fave oil indulgences? I would love to expand this palette.

HHW.com

xx

Kama Ayurveda – Kumkumadi Facial Elixir

Ayurveda is the science of life and well-being. The oldest documented body of holistic medical knowledge, it is a system of plant oils and herbs originating in India over 6,000 years ago. After centuries of testing, Ayurvedic science has proven effective, alleviating concerns about side effects.

Kama Ayurveda, a skincare brand from India, established on virtues of a holistic life through ancient Ayurvedic Medicine and Science. One of the first products I tried from their extensive range was KumKumadi Beauty Fluid.

Claims: A unique 100% Ayurvedic anti-ageing serum that hydrates cleans and illuminates the skin. Miraculous Beauty Fluid is a unique blend of oils and herbs formulated to help skin look young and healthy. In Ayurveda, rare pure saffron is known to help illuminate skin color; extracts of Indian madder and the Banyan tree help smooth fine lines; Vetiver, sandalwood and lotus cool and cleanse while helping to clear blemishes; and liqorice acts as an antiseptic, protects the skin from bacterial and fungal infections and improve skin texture.

Ingredients on Package: Sesasum Indicum Oil, Caprae Lac, Caesalpinia Sappan, Crocus Sativus, Ficus Benghalensis, Glycyrrhiza Glabra, Monochoria Vaginalis, Nelumbo Nucifera, Rubia Cordifolia, Vetiveria Zizanoides, Laciferra Lacca

Ingredients in Plain English: Sesame oil (carrier oil), Goat Milk, Sappan Wood, Saffron Cocus, Indian Banyan Tree, Liquorice, Pickerel Weed, Indian Lotus (Sacred Lotus), Indian Madder, Vetiver, Resin secreted from female Lac Bug on trees

There is certain richness about this oil which can be attributed straight to its unique ingredient list. These ingredients are not seen everyday in a growing market of facial oils. However, if you’ve used Ayurveda oils before this lineup wouldn’t come as a surprise. The lush oil is packaged in a 12ml dark brown glass bottle with a pipette. Admittedly, slightly on the pricier side however in my opinion, it is worth it as a little goes a long way.

 

The aroma may not please everyone, but personally I’m in Love. It has a decent hit of botanical scent, with subtle woody notes wonderfully blended and balanced with the sweetness of saffron. The rich deep yellow shade would be attributed to the saffron as well. The texture is not heavy which allows it to blend seamlessly in the skin and ‘yellowness’ disappears completely. I use about 2-3 drops and push it in my skin and noticed the skin immediately absorbs it (scent lingers for few minutes). The following morning, my skin is noticeably plump, no visible redness, calm and brighter. It also claims to help with fine lines however I’m not a suitable candidate to assess that at this stage, but I still think it’s wonderful as a preventative measure.

Layered under my favourite serum Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II, the results following morning are nothing short of WOW. On occasions, I wear my Mixologist hat, and mix this oil with Goodness Labs Chia Seed oil or The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil (proportion 2:2 drops). It feels like ‘Pampered Skin from a 12ml Bottle’. I have many facial oils, but this one is reserved as my Treat or Royalty Facial oil.

HHW.com

xx