Account Page

I was very excited when I learned that Remington were gifting not just one, but two of their styling tools to attendees of the Beauty Heaven 2024 Best In Beauty Marketplace event. I already have a flat iron that I like, as well as a pricey curling iron that I don’t use because I don’t have the steadiness for it, however, I’m always up for trying new hair styling tools, especially *ONE* that replaces both of them. Features: 2-in-1 straightening and curling, easy switching between modes, 5 temperature modes (150-230C, max 210C for curl mode), extra long (110mm) straightening plates with anti-static tourmaline infused ceramic coating, 32mm curling barrel with anti-slip texture, safety lock, cool grip tip, automatic shut-off after 60 minutes, swivel cord, worldwide voltage compatibility, 3 year warranty. Claims: One tool does the lot from beach waves and smooth straight styles with the straightening plates or bouncy curls with the 32mm curling barrel. The advanced ceramic coating on the straightening plates are 3x smoother than other models which lets hair effortlessly glide through. The anti-slip texture on the curling wand helps hold hair in place while curling. Switching modes is easy. For the straightening mode, unlock the barrel switch and move the Flexicovers over the curling barrel, only the straightening plates will heat up. For the curling mode, lock the plates with the barrel switch and move the Flexicovers down to the handle, only the curling barrel will heat up. The cool grip tip and heat resistant glove helps prevent burns while using the tool. Great for travelling because it doesn’t need a voltage converter. What comes in the box: Styling wand, heat resistant styling glove, storage pouch. Thoughts: I love the idea of this but I find this product far too clunky for my needs. I used mine on 170C, and with no 180C setting, it was either that or 190C, so I went for the former. I really appreciate the straightening mode, it works beautifully and I loved how smoothly my hair ran through the plates, giving me a very sleek finish, but it was harder to get the curls with the straightening mode than my current flat iron (some areas would curl, others wouldn’t). The actual curl mode, however, is just not a good idea for me personally due to my dexterity issues, that said, I did like the curl it gave me, but I burnt my scalp a bit as I always do with curling wands. I do not have the confidence nor steadiness to use it on myself (I may be able to use it on others because I don’t have to be in such an awkward position). I can only safely use it in straightening mode.

I was very excited when I learned that Remington were gifting not just one, but two of their styling tools to attendees of the Beauty Heaven 2024 Best In Beauty Marketplace event. I have been wanting a decent hair dryer to replace the little travel one I have that’s great for drying, but not so much for styling. I don’t always use a hairdryer, especially not in warmer weather, because my hair dries very quickly anyway and I don’t like to blast it with heat because it’s so processed. Features: Four styling attachments, 2000W motor with air speeds up to 125km/h, Thermacare Sensor to control heat distribution, Dual Ionic System, 8 heat and speed combinations including cool shot for setting styles, hang up loop with cord storage, 3 year warranty. Claims: Even with its compact size, this hair dryer provides salon performance from sleek & smooth locks to defined curls with a 25% faster drying time than other Remington models, while preventing static with up to 80 million ions distributed in a typical 15 minute session. Using the included styling attachments, you can create a bouncy or smooth blowout with the Slim Styling Concentrator, finish your blow wave with the Flyaway Tamer for a 90% smoother looking finish (when compared to air drying), speed up the drying process of curls and waves with the Gentle Drying Diffuser, or define them with the Curl Defining Diffuser that attaches to the Gentle Drying Diffuser with magnets. What comes in the box: Hairdryer, four styling attachments, storage bag. Thoughts: This thing is a little beast! I was not expecting this to be as powerful, especially given the size, it’s not much bigger than my travel one and also not that much louder. The only drawbacks are that the hang up/cord tidy loop is hard to open and close with arthritic fingers (at least it’s not going to come undone) and the other is that it has weight to it, and my wrists are very weak; don’t get me wrong, the weight makes it feel very high quality, but really it’s just a more compact version of my professional turbo dryer, which I stopped using because of its weight and bulk. The weight makes it kind of painful to use for long periods of time on myself, even when leaning against something, but it makes up for it in results. I was recommended the flyaway attachment to smooth out my many split ends when I go straight, which did a great job without too much heat. I used it on the second heat setting with the lower fan speed because my hair is very fine and dries quickly anyway. I think the initial drying time was about 3 minutes. You can literally watch my hair air dry, that’s how quick it dries. I haven’t managed to try it on my natural waves yet, but that will be a challenge for another time.

Burt’s Bees were at the Beauty Heaven 2024 Best In Beauty Marketplace event again this year with their Ultra Condition Lip Balm. Brand Notes: Burt’s Bees doesn’t just make lip balm, they have makeup and skincare too. Key ingredients: Kokum Butter (Kokum is a fruit in the Mangosteen family), Beeswax, Shea and Cocoa Butters. Claims: Apply once, get 4 hours of moisturisation for happy, juicy lips. Formula & Packaging: Vegetarian friendly. A colour-free lip balm stick with an orange aroma that is pretty much on par with Earl Grey tea. Available in 4.25g How to use: Apply liberally to lips as needed, especially when the weather is dry, cold or windy. Thoughts: I’ve tried my fair share of Burt’s Bees lip balms over the years, and I’m surprised I am still trying new ones! I find them to all be the same in terms of their performance, but this one feels less waxy than others, and I tend to like a waxy formula that has more occlusive properties. I can’t say I don’t like it, but I’m not in love. I have to mention the flavour, it’s straight up Earl Grey tea and I feel a bit like Captain Jean Luc Picard sipping his favourite beverage. Either way, it lives in my bag with another lip colour, so I’ve got something to use on the go.

Dermal Therapy gifted us their best selling Original Lip Balm at the Beauty Heaven 2024 Best In Beauty Marketplace event. I’ve used their lip balms before and loved them, but I don’t think I’ve tried the OG. Brand Notes: Dermal Therapy has something for everybody, from head to toe. Key ingredients: 2.5% Urea, Cacao Butter, Lanolin, Menthol, and Clove Leaf Oil. Claims: Relieves dry, chapped lips and increases lip moisture to keep lips soft and smooth. Formula & Packaging: Vegetarian friendly. A soft balm texture with a light minty aroma in a squeeze tube. Available in 10g, also available in a stick and a pot formula, albeit with slight variations in the base ratios to accomodate texture and format. How to use: Apply to lips 3-4 times daily. Thoughts: I really like this balm. I like Lanolin based balms because the waxy texture really helps provide a barrier, but I didn’t realise this had urea in it too, which may seem gross as it’s a waste product of metabolism, but don’t worry, it’s cheap and easy to make in a lab without the use of any said waste product, but back to the formula, I love urea as a skincare ingredient because of how hydrating it is. I put this on before bed and while it’s a bit stimulating from the Menthol and Clove, it’s not unpleasant, I like the tingle and taste, and I do wake up with softer lips (I’m a sometimes mouth breather when I sleep). I randomly got a cut on my lip the other day and forgot about it until I stuck this on, I anticipated the worst, but it didn’t sting or irritate it further. I like it, it’s a good balm and only $6.50.

I’ve tried quite a few of Dermal Therapy’s products before and I was excited to try more from them, so I was pretty happy to receive the Sensitive Skin Lotion at the Beauty Heaven 2024 Best In Beauty Marketplace event. Brand Notes: Dermal Therapy has something for everybody, from head to toe. Key ingredients: Glycerin, Beeswax, Jojoba Oil, and Clary Sage Extract. Claims: The naturally derived formula increases skin hydration by 50% and is suitable for all skin types, especially with sensitive conditions. Formula & Packaging: Vegetarian friendly. A thick but lightweight body lotion with a subtle herbal aroma, comes in a bottle with a pump. Available in 250ml and 750ml. How to use: Massage into skin as needed. Thoughts: I already love the Dermal Therapy Very Dry Skin Lotion, which I have been using for my hands lately because of some extra dry skin, so I wasn’t sure if the Sensitive Skin Lotion would give me as much of a barrier as the former, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. I keep it by the sink in the bathroom to use after washing my hands. I’ve used it all over after my shower and it does take a little bit of effort to get it to spread and absorb in, but once it does, it doesn’t leave a greasy later over the top; it kind of dries down a bit and settles. The hydration really does last. Off topic, it’d make a really lovely base formula for a scented body lotion, so it’s kind of tempting to add some fragrance oil to it.

I received this product for trial at the Beauty Heaven 2024 Best In Beauty Marketplace event. I’ve heard of Plantur 39 but never used it before. I didn’t realise that it was a subsidiary of Dr Wolff (my Mum’s been using the Alpecin caffeine shampoo for ages and it’s her favourite). I was excited to try this out and see how it would go for my very fine, chemically processed hair. Brand Notes: Plantur 39 is a caffeine enriched line of haircare for women over 40 with thinning hair. Key ingredients: Caffeine, White Tea, Zinc, Niacinamide, and Avocado Oil Claims: Renegerates the hair surface and increases hair brilliance while supporting the growth of thicker looking hair. Formula & Packaging: A liquid creme with a slightly fruity/floral aroma (along the same vein of haircare). Comes a plastic squeeze tube with a flip-top lid. Available in 150ml. How to use: Apply a small amount of conditioner after shampooing (specifically “1-2 hazelnut sized portions”), massage into the lengths and rinse after 30 seconds. Dry and style as usual. Thoughts: I really love how soft my hair came out after using this and the Phyto-Caffeine Shampoo together. It really got my hair clean and it’s really soft, like, softer than usual for just a regular wash without using either a treatment or extra product. I was a bit taken back by how thin the formula was, and I didn’t think that it would be as nourishing, but it did not add any weight to my hair at all (I guess that’s what it’s designed to do). Even after 48 hours, my hair is still very soft and clean. There’s little oil on my scalp and I guess because I use product, especially when I heat style, the clean feeling doesn’t last this long. This is a miracle of sorts!

I received this product at the Beauty Heaven 2024 Best In Beauty Marketplace event and was pretty excited because I didn’t realise that Plantur 39 was a subsidiary of Dr Wolff; my Mum’s been using Alpecin (the men’s line) for years and it’s the only shampoo she likes. Brand Notes: Plantur 39 is a caffeine enriched line of haircare for women over 40 with thinning hair. Key ingredients: Caffeine, White Tea, Zinc, and Niacinamide (Vit B3). Claims: Revitalises and strengthens hair, supports thicker looking growth. Formula & packaging: A clear liquid shampoo with a subtle fruity/floral aroma (along the same vein of haircare). Comes in a plastic bottle with a disc-top cap. Available in 250ml. How to use: Use daily. Massage shampoo into wet hair and leave for 2-5 minutes. Rinse and follow with conditioner. Mum’s thoughts: My Mum has very fine hair with low growth density, so I got her to try this shampoo and she said it performs as well as Alpecin. Her hair is soft, even without using conditioner (she uses styling cremes instead of conditioner). My thoughts: I used the shampoo and I found that it gave me a very good scalp clean, but I was very worried it would strip my pink colour as it’s not technically a colour-safe shampoo. Luckily it didn’t. I did follow with the conditioner and my hair came out so soft and smooth. My waves just set in beautifully without any other product or heat and even 48 hours after my wash (before I sweat it out under a cap when I took my dog for a stroll), my hair still felt very clean, which is not much I can say for other haircare, but to be fair, I didn’t add any extra product in or heat style it.

I knew I was going to love this product when I saw it on the list at the BH Best In Beauty Marketplace event. I have been massaging my face every other night with a similar shaped, but much smaller, albeit plastic roller tool I've had forever, so it was very nice to get myself a new one that is much better quality and way more bougie. The Lonvitalite Platinum Contour Roller has a luxurious feel to it with its all-metal handle (it's got a lot of weight to it) and large rollers that glide smoothly across my face without any clanky sounds or buckling over areas of loose skin. I have a lot of puffiness around my jaw and neck, so a facial massage is a crucial part of my skincare routine. I like to use my roller with either an essence toner or facial oil, something that isn't concentrated active skincare where you only use two drops, you need a bit of product for slip for it to work, otherwise it may feel uncomfortable. I do a few passes with gentle pressure around my jawline in upwards motions, then down my neck, following the contours of the muscles, and also around my cheekbones, towards the temples. Knowing facial anatomy helps in using this roller (former beauty therapy student here), but if you're new to this, there are instructions for the movements on the box, so you'll know what to do. I also always sanitise my tools before using them as well as after with 70% isopropyl alochol. I do find that facial rolling is a great way to unwind and help tired looking skin look better. This'll make a great gift for a beauty lover.

I have finally tried everything in the Hemptuary range thanks to Beauty Heaven, and this was another addition for the Best In Beauty Trial Team. Brand notes: Hemptuary offer simple and natural Hemp Seed Oil skincare formulas made in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Product notes: The Hemp Soothing Body Balm is a vegetarian friendly solid balm for the body to intensively moisturise the driest of skin and is suitable for use on irritated, eczema-prone skin, and even on babies and during pregnancy. It has so many uses such as a massage oil, a barrier ointment for nappy rash, tattoo aftercare, before and after shaving, and while not a listed example, cracked heels! Just make sure you don’t get it in your eyes and wash your hands after use. Formula and packaging: This tiny little tub of herbal goodness is made with Hemp Seed Oil, rich in omega fatty acids, Beeswax to make it solid and provide occlusion, Lanolin to deeply moisturise, Calendula Flower Extract and Manuka Oil to provide skin with nourishment, and an uplifting blend of Lemongrass & Peppermint Essential Oils for a light and fresh fragrance. It comes in a screw top tub. Thoughts: This one really has that cannabis aroma to it, not complaining, I really like the scent of this product! I like to use this on my heels and the cuticles on my toenails because like my fingernails, they get very dry, I just make sure to put socks on after so I don’t slip! I actually gave my Dad a nudge to give it a go because he has some diabetes related dry skin on his lower extremities. I was worried that he wouldn’t like the smell, but he found that this balm has been helping with it, so we both send our praises!

urt’s Bees just launched a new range of lip care and gifted us this lovely scrub at the Beauty Heaven Best In Beauty Marketplace. Brand notes: Burt’s Bees are world famous for their Leaping Bunny Certified range of lip balms and other skin and body products. Product notes: Smooth lips are just a fingertip away with the new Conditioning Mocha Lip Scrub. Simply apply a small amount to clean lips and gently massage before wiping away. It is recommended to be used in partnership with the new Overnight Lip Intensive Treatment, however, we did not receive this, but it still works on its own or with any lip treatment thereafter. Formula and packaging: The nutrient-rich formula is made with Brazilian Coffee Grounds to gently buff away dead skin, Cocoa Butter to moisturise lips, and hero Beeswax. It comes in a small jar with a screw top lid. It might only be 7g worth of product, but you barely need to make a dent in this to reap maximum benefit. Thoughts: I’m not big on lip scrubs or using jagged sugar crystals to exfoliate my lips (I constantly wipe stuff off my lips which removes dead skin anyway, sensory thing), but this scrub is simple, smells really, really good (I like anything coffee), and is quite gentle. I’ve used it a few times already and while I do like it, I’m not sure that I’ll remember to use it. I stuck it in the bathroom cabinet with my skincare, so hopefully it won’t get lost to object permanence. It definitely makes my lips really smooth, I just find it tricky to remove the coffee grounds without removing all the oil I just spent massaging into my lips, which is where sugar scrubs win points, they melt, and it’s not necessarily easy to deal with coffee grounds in your mouth, but the gentle nature kinda mitigates this subtle annoyance, so it doesn’t lose points for that! It’s really just like those body scrubs that were popular nearly 10 years ago, but for your lips.