​And So My Love Affair Began:
​I've pretty much always stuck with my MAC brushes, because to be fair, they work just fine and the price is pretty fair. However, whilst on my most recent trip to Tokyo in Japan, I was at a lovely department store called "Mitsukoshi" in Ginza. (It would probably somewhat compare to Selfridges in London or Neiman Marcus in the US). I just so happened to be walking around the "Natural Beauty" area of the Beauty floor, when I did a double-take type of look at these wonderful creations - these brushes simply drew me in. They were so sleek looking (trust the Japanese to come with an elegant, streamlined product). And once I felt the smooth, light handle and the actual lush and gentle brush itself, I just fell in love.

The counter lady was unable to explain much as she only spoke Japanese, but she handed over a Shaquda pamphlet with a simple explanation as to what I was seeing. They were pricey, so I decided to just start with two brushes: 

SHAQUDA PRICE: 4,000 JPY | $37 USD (Price as of July 2019)

My Experience:
​When I applied my eyeshadow with this brush, I kid-you-not I was able to do things an amateur such as me, has never been able to do before. It was literally magic. It picked up a lot of product and delineated the smoky eye so perfectly. Even my husband, who rarely notices anything, complimented me on my eyes and the pretty makeup. I was in awe - this was a true winning brush.

What They Say:
Our Smoky eye Brush is best for applying smoky eye color. Sensitive hair creates a deep but natural gradation on the eyelid. Great for eyebrow color blending with a natural look. 

Usage:
•Eyeshadow  •Highlight
Compatible Cosmetics:
•Eye color (powder type, cream type)  •Eyebrow (powder type)
Material:
Hair : Pony | Handle : Walnut
​

SHAQUDA PRICE: 5,000 JPY | $47 USD (Price as of July 2019)

My Experience:
I was blown away by the other brush, so my skeptical mind was ready for this one to fail me, however, again I was pleasantly surprised. I dipped the brush into my concealer and like an airbrush machine, it covered my blemishes and under-eye shadows like no other brush I've tried before.
So worth the hefty price!

​What They Say: With a dense, flat shaped tip that corresponds perfectly to the skin, the Touch up Brush is the perfect blend of pony and synthetic hair. Its elasticity is great for applying concealer. Great for firm application of eye color powder as well. 

Usage:
•Concealer  •Eyeshadow  •Highlight
Compatible Cosmetics:
•Concealer (cream type)  •Eye color (powder type, cream type)  •Face color (powder, liquid type)
Material:
Hair : Goat/ Synthetic  | Handle : Walnut
​
I was now dreaming of buying more brushes and could not stop thinking about them, so on our last day in Tokyo, I dragged my Hubby back to Mitsukoshi to get some more brushes. I had been doing some more research on them and the "Classical Face Brush" seemed like the perfect "general" brush to go for.
​

Type Of Skin: 
Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin

What It Claims:
Phytomer Hydrasea Thirst-Relief Rehydrating Mask is the key to nourishing your skin with the ultimate hydration. Uniquely designed to deliver professional-grade ingredients with short- and long-term benefits in mind, you can feel your complexion tighten and plump in nearly an instant. 

By deeply replenishing moisture into parched, thirsty skin, its creamy yet lightweight formula feeds your complexion the ultimate nourishment. Paying focus to nature-based ingredients and harvesting their moisturizing benefits, its powerful blend of algae extract, antioxidants and amino acids act as the natural hydrators your skin needs. The result: a youthfully radiant appearance.

My Verdict: 
As I've said before I'm a fan of a couple of Phytomer products including their makeup remover and night cream, however I am not such a fan of this Hydrasea Mask. Let's talk about the positives, because there definitely are some: It smells gorgeous, feels lovely on the skin and feels super moisturising whilst its on. However, when you remove it, the skin does not feel as moisturised as I expected. Perhaps it's because the air here in LA is extremely dry or because my skin is just severely dehydrated, but isn't that the reason I'm using this type of product? Anyway, It doesn't break the bank like some other products I've tried in the past, so I'm not that upset about this, however its not particularly wonderful either so it's a shame. I think I'll keep looking for the right one for my skin. 

​I probably won't buy this again as it didn't provide sufficient hydration!

Photograph: Alexandra Black

Type Of Skin: 
Oily Skin, Dry Skin, Combination Skin, Normal Skin, Mature Skin.
Pretty much everything!

What It Claims:
Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant gently scrubs away dead skin cells to reveal a revitalized texture and luminous, youthful skin. Evening out your complexion for effortless makeup application, this exfoliant uses natural enzymes to encourage cell turnover without scrubbing or irritating your skin.
The velvety vegetable-based formula also contains vitamin E to neutralize damaging free radicals. Perfect even for rosacea and sensitive skin types, the exfoliant erases the dullness that may hamper your glow to reveal lustrous, smooth skin. Enjoy the spa experience from home and get your best skin yet.

My Verdict: 
I have been chasing the effect I used to get from this Apple Cleanser by Juice Beauty, which they used to make back in 2008. I would leave it on my face in the shower whilst I was washing my body, and when I came out of the shower, (having rinsed my face by this point) was pleased to see "brand new baby skin" glimmering back at me in the mirror, every-single-time. Unfortunately for me, Juice Beauty decided to either discontinue their product or change the formula (I can't remember now) because people were complaining about the very thing I loved about it - can't please us all, so I moved on. 

Because of this I think I expect every "Peel" to leave my skin slightly pink (if not red), with plenty of blood rushing through my face to give my skin the "life" it is craving. I also expect the skin to feel smooth, nourished and glowy (almost shiny... ok, shiny!). However, there are very few peels (so I've found) that do this. I think Eminence is the only Enzyme Peel that does this but I get itching to try new products, so I've yet to find another that ticks all my boxes. This peel definitely doesn't give me the results I'm looking for, so my quest continues. Maybe I'll just have to accept that Eminence is the one for me.

​Can't say I'll be buying this again. Sorry Phytomer!

Photograph: Alexandra Black

1. Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil by REN Clean Skincare.
2. Rose Lip Polish​ by FRENCH GIRL.
3. Wild Rose Creamy Body Wash by WELEDA.
4. Rosee Visage Toning Cleansing Lotion by PHYTOMER.  
5. Coco Rose Coconut Oil Lip Conditioner by Herbivore Botanicals.​

Oh Rose! I love you so...
Roses remind me of my English Grandmother, of her beautiful rose garden, and of everything pure and English. She also had the most perfect skin, white like china, blemish free and barely any wrinkles despite her years. To top it off, her name was Rosamund (world of Roses), so how could I not fall in love with this magical, powerful flower. In honour of her and my favourite botanical, I created this post, with some of my most favoured Rose products. I haven't listed them all, but have selected a fair few for you to try out. Let me know your thoughts. As always, when possible, my selections are natural and toxic free.

REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil is one of the most pure and luxurious oils I have had the good fortune of trying, a real treat that actually works. I apply it onto humid skin, straight after my shower and it leaves me feeling itch-free and leaves a light lingering scent, which brings me nothing but pleasure.

Rose Lip Polish by FRENCH GIRL. This is a little treat, that works particularly well during weather changes, be it winter or summer. Chapped lips are unsightly and a gentle little scrub with this polish, will leave your lips smooth and moisturised. The scent is divine too. You Pampered lips will appreciate this and so will your kissing partner.

Rose Creamy Wash by WELEDA is Nourishing, pampering and harmonising. Velvety soft rose petals on your skin will feel like the ultimate luxurious experience, without the hefty price. Deepy nourishing Rosehip, which is know of its essential lipids and vitamins plus the essential oil from Damask Rose Petals will leave you feeling glorious. Don't take my word for it, indulge and try for yourself.

​Rosee Visage Toner by PHYTOMER is my ultimate toning lotion for removing makeup. It works beautifully, smells amazing and just always works. I've been using this for years, and no matter what I try, I always return to this. Definitely one of my top 10 beauty products!

The HERBIVORE BOTANICALS Coco Rose Lip Conditioner is simple, sweet and just yummy. I keep this one in the car, on hand, and obsessively just apply and apply all day long. Thankfully it is natural, so I don't think over-doing it can be bad for you. Ticks the clean beauty box and the purse box too, which is always a plus!


Collage by Alexandra Black

Color Awakening Hair Bath​ by Innersense.
$26.00 for 10oz (295ml)

What they Claim:
A gentle cleansing therapy for color treated hair.
Color Awakening is a gentle cleansing therapy for color treated hair. Derived from coconut and palm oils and other natural plant sources, this formula creates a kind, gentle bath for the hair and scalp. Sunflower Seed Oil, a natural anti-oxidant, protects color from fading and adds glorious shine. Hair is left naturally clean, healthy and awakened without residue or dryness.

My Thoughts:
As sorry as I am to say this - I Am Not A Fan!
​
I wanted to like it for the fact that it's natural, for the fact that it claimed to do all these wonderful things for my colour enhanced hair, but alas it did none of those things I was expecting.
I couldn't get over the smell, which was almost medicinal and just didn't feel clean at all. I don't know about you, but I like to feel and smell clean, squeaky clean and yummy after I shower and this shampoo didn't do that for me. I also felt it weighed my hair down and left it limp and flat, which my hair does naturally, so I don't need extra "flop". I'm not sure if it protected the colour, I cannot state for sure. The other thing it didn't provide was any shine. It was lacklustre and dull. It did leave residue though no dryness, mainly because it felt greasy. It may work for others, and I say to everyone, purchase the sample/travel size as I did, and try it for yourselves. But for me, it was a no!

Collage: Alexandra Black

Oat and Bay Conditioning Shampoo by REN Skincare.
$28.00 for 300ml (10.1oz)

Product Description:
A gentle shampoo based on mild cleansers sourced from Oats and using bio actives from Bay Oil (stimulating) and Lemon Oil (cleansing). 
This product uses only 100% natural fragrance and is free from harsh sulfate detergents and synthetic colours.

My Verdict:
YES!!!
​We seldom think about the toxins our cosmetics products have, but I urge you to do so if you care at all about what you put inside your body, as we've talked about before what you put on your body is equally as important.
​
This Shampoo provides a great clean squeaky wash, without drying your hair out. It lathers nicely for a natural product and leaves hair clean for days. I wash my hair every other day, but with this shampoo, depending on what I need to do, I can almost go two days without washing it. The amount of times you need to wash your hair depends on the frequency in which you wash it. Some people need more, some people need less, I love the feeling of washing my hair and also the shine and  smell of freshly washed hair, so every other day suits me just fine. 

Collage/Photo: Alexandra Black

1. Coconut Bath Soak by Herbivore Botanicals.
2. Cleopatra's Body Scrub by The Organic Pharmacy.
3. Pink Clay Sponge by One Love Organics.
4. Post-Bath Body Oil | Moroccan Rose Gold Glow Perfect Dry Oil by REN Clean Skincare. 

It's not often I take a bath, mainly because I have a really hard time switching off and just relaxing and after 3 minutes, I'm like: "Ok! This was great, now I need to get out!". I always think about what I should be doing when I'm just lying there, watching the relaxing flames flicker softly in the dim light, which seem to do nothing to help my process.

One day I decided, it was because I didn't have the right bath accessories, and thought to myself, if I purchased some of the nicest, pampering items, it would make my experience far, far better. I wasn't wrong. With a little bit of HERBIVORE BOTANICALS Coconut Bath Soak, to make the water soft and cloudy, my Cleopatra scrub by THE ORGANIC PHARMACY (which is so so so delicious) and a some yummy Moroccan Rose oil by REN for my post-bath skin, I feel like a new woman.  

Let us not forget the pink clay sponge by ONE LOVE ORGANICS which gently softens any hard skin your footsies may have, making you feel like a real queen. I know, I know... they say this is for the face you say, but I tried it on my face and it just didn't work for me, my face was not a fan, so my feet get to be pampered instead.

Try all of the above and I dare you to tell me you do not feel like Cleopatra herself! 

With Love, 
Alexandra Black