Rosehip oil has been very popular in recent years, largely owing to its anti-ageing and pigmentation-fighting properties. It's derived from rose bush seeds, commonly found in Chile, South Africa and parts of Europe. Because it's so high in Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production, it's an excellent-anti-ageingproduct. it's also high in Vitamin A which reduces fine lines and antioxidants, which improve skin texture. In summary, it really packs a punch! I've put together my Top 3 Uses for Rosehip Oil, in partnership with Natural Instincts and their amazing Rejuvenating Rosehip Oil. 

1. Face

The first, and most obvious, use for rosehip oil is as a skincare product. Because of all the reasons above, it's an excellent anti-ageing product. It's also very good at reducing pigmentation, hydrating the skin and boosting the overall appearance of dull skin. Natural Instincts Rosehip Oil also contains Seabuckthorn extract to help rebuild skin cells and Rosemary extract, which contains antioxidants to help repair skin damage caused by free radicals.

I like to use 2-3 drops about twice a week before bed, and massage them in using my Julisa Opalite Roller before applying my moisturiser.  

2. Body

While rosehip oil makes a great general body moisturiser, I have been using it to tackle my stretch marks. Unfortunately, I seem to scar very easily and my stretch marks are no exception. Nati=urak Instincts Rosehip Oil contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids which help to repair damaged skin and reduce the appearance of scars. 

I've been applying a few drops nightly to my legs, the area with the most noticeable marks, and I already feel like they have improved. I have really high hopes for the future.

3. Hair

I have always suffered from an insanely itchy scalp and nothing I've used seems to help, until now. Because rosehip oil is absorbed so easily and is non-greasy, it's great to add to hair as it won't weigh it down. Vitamins A, C and E also give a boost try dull hair, injecting shine back into it and repairing damage.

I've been applying a drop or two to damp hair, them combing through and drying and styling as usually. You can also warm a little more than a few drops and use them as a hair mask overnight for the silkiest, softest hair ever.

Bonus tips

As a little added bonus, Natural Instincts Rejuvenating Rosehip Oil is Australian made, cruelty-free and vegan. They are an amazing brand, working towards sustainability and and away from over-packaging of products, both big wins in my books.

Dani XO

This product was provided as a PR sample but, as always, my opinion is my own.

Bellabox is a beauty sample subscription box that delivers a box of deluxe beauty samples to your door, every month. I was a huge fan of the service a few years back and when I was approached to review their newest box, I was very interested. This new offering is a Limited Edition in collaboration with Nourished Life. It's jam-packed with a range of vegan, cruelty-free and organic brands covering skincare, haircare and makeup giving you $250 worth of products for $79.95. Unlike their usual subscription service, you can purchase this as a one-off. So what do you actually get in the box? 

Haircare

Ethique Sampler RRP $20.00 - I'm a huge fan of the Lush shampoo bars so I was really excited to see these included. They are solid shampoos, designed to help reduce the amount of plastic you use. My sampler has bars for normal to dry hair which is perfect as winter is killing my poor scalp. Very keen to try these out. 

Skincare 

Happy Skincare Good Vibes Omega Facial Oil RRP $38.50 for 30ml - This one is designed to "deeply hydrate and nourish stressed skin". It has a quite strong scent (think natural/essential oil) but is meant to absorb very easily. Facial oils aren't my cup of tea but if you do like them, this seems like a good one. It's made with 87% organic ingredients too which is always a good thing. 

*Sample size*

 

Rosehip Plus Organic Daily Cream Cleanser RRP $16.95 - I have actually tried this one before and while I loved the consistency, it ended up being way too rich for my skin. If you have dry skin, I think it a real winner though. Plus rosehip is great for scarring and the cream cleanser makes for an excellent makeup remover. 

Mukti Organics Age Defiance Vital C Elixir RRP $109.95 for 30ml - I originally thought this was an oil but it's actually a serum. It's always nice to see a sample of a very pricey product so you can test it out before handing over $100. This is meant to be an anti-ageing product and claims to "fight against photo-ageing, free radicals and environmental pollution". I don't know if this little sample is quite enough to test out all those claims but it's a really nice serum and left my skin feeling plump and glowy. 

*Sample size*

Pure Papaya Ointment with Calendula RRP $9.95 - I can never have enough papaya/papaw ointment! I always look out for ones that are petrochemical free, like this one, which also contains calendula to nourish and soothe. This will definitely be going straight into my handbag! 

Life Basics Activated Charcoal Body Soap with Lemongrass RRP $9.95 - This is one of my favourite items in the box! The charcoal helps remove dirt but it's also packed with coconut, sunflower and olive oil to soothe dry skin. Really keen to give this one a try. 

Egyptian Magic All Purpose Cream RRP - $49.95 for 118ml - This is a cult favourite skincare product containing just 6 ingredients (olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, propolis and Royal Jelly). I personally found it way too greasy for my face but it's nice for dry skin on your hands/body. Personally, this isn't my cup of tea but I know a lot of people who do love it.

*Sample size*

Salt and Glow Be Still Lip Balm RRP $8.50 - I am very keen to try this one out! A lip balm I've been using has left my lips dry, cracked and bleeding so any TLC I can give them would be amazing. I like the flavour combo (lavender and orange) and the packaging makes me very happy too. 

Black Chicken Remedies Axilla Deodorant Paste RRP $18.50 for 75g - I'm a big fan of natural deodorants, although some work a lot better than others. This one is vegan and certified organic and smells vaguely pepperminty. I'm very excited to try it out as my last experience with natural deodorant left me sweaty, smelly and very unhappy! 

*Sample size*

Makeup

Inika Organic Baked Illuminisor RRP $65.00 - I am in love this this highlighter! The packaging is amazing and the product is to die for. It reminds me of Cindy Lou Manizer by The Balm. So so pretty and also vegan *winning*

Inika Organic Vegan Fan Brush RRP $39.00 - This is everything you could want in a fan brush. Soft, good quality, pretty and did I mention soft? 

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Lip Gloss RRP $24.95 - As soon as I tried this, I was transported back to my primary school Lip Smacker days. The difference is that this one is that this version is cruelty free and made with natural ingredients. The colour is quite sheer but it's not tacky or sticky and really nice to wear. 

Other 

Zen Green Tea Matcha Powder RRP $29.95 for 60g - My trip to Japan earlier this year gave me a new love and appreciation for matcha! It has all sorts of amazing heist benefits including boosting immunity and increasing energy. I also think it tastes great and really soothes the soul! 

*Sample size*

I did mention this was a jam-packed box! I think it's really good value for money and all of the brands included are cruelty free, some are also organic and vegan too. You can get your Nourished Life box from bellabox from July 6. 

Will you be picking up one of these amazing boxes on Thursday?

Dani xo

This box and contents were provided as a PR sample but, as always, my opinions are my own.

I'm not sure if it's the change in weather or a change in my skin but I've been loving lighter bases lately. They're perfect for days that I don't want a full beat face but still want some coverage. Here are the three I have been reaching for the most.

1. Dusty Girls Tinted Earth Cream in Light ($18.50)

I've been reaching for Dusty Girls products all the time since they were kind enough to invite me a blogger lunch a few months back. The Tinted Earth Cream is one of their most popular products. It's amazing for acne-prone skin and has lots of lovely healing ingredients. It's really buildable, you can get up to medium coverage with it. The best thing is that it doesn't even feel like you're wearing anything. It really, truly feels like its just a moisturiser but it makes skin look a million times better. 

2. Bioderma Sensibio AR BB Cream in Light ($43.99)

This is a new release from Bioderma and it's been all over Instagram. It's easily the best coverage BB cream I've ever used. It also wears amazingly through the day and looks fresh all day long. The only downsides are that it currently only comes in one shade (it's a bit dark for me but I can make it work) and it requires some blending to get it to sit nicely on the skin. 

3. Urban Decay One and Done in Medium Light ($52.00)

The lovely Brii was kind enough to give me a little sample of this to try out and I was immediately in love. It's perfect for my normal to slight combo skin. The coverage is matte and flawless and just sits so nicely on the skin. I ended up going out to buy the full size (of course) and I haven't looked back. It's become my summer going out base just because of how amazing it makes my skin look.

What are your favourite non-foundation bases?

Dani XO

Products in this post were provided as PR samples but, as always, my opinions are my own.

Possibly the most controversial YouTuber and makeup creator around, Jeffree Star is outspoken, colourful, proud and crazy. Some people love him, some people hate him but there's no denying that his Jeffree Star Cosmetics range is insanely popular.  The Velour Liquid Lipsticks ($18.00 USD) are arguably the most popular items in the range. 

I own a grand total of four Velour Liquid Lipsticks (Doll Parts, Mannequin, Rose Matter and Posh Spice) but I would happily own the entire range! There are some beautiful, wearable colours as well as some crazier, colourful ones. The entire range is vegan and cruelty free as well. The lipsticks have a beautiful texture, apply smoothly and dry quickly. They have incredible staying power and are the least drying of all the liquid lipsticks I own. I like that they aren't quite as thick as a lot of other liquid lippies and they don't make my lips feel like sandpaper after a day of wear. 

Both times I've ordered from the Jeffree Star Cosmetics site, shipping has been easy to track and delivery has been amazingly quick.

 

In the cons basket, I do find they have a strange chemical smell. It isn't noticeable once applied but it is a little off-putting. Whilst they are incredibly easy to wear, they do have a super matte finish so I wouldn't recommend them for anyone who hates the matte look/feel. After a whole day of wear, I do find the inner edge can start to flake or get that weird white ring that is oh-so attractive!

Dani the Girl XO gives the Velour Liquid Lipsticks:

Do you hate or rate the Velour Liquid Lipsticks?

Dani xo

I've been a "vegetarian" for over a year now and I'm always on the hunt for new vegan/vegetarian cafes in Brisbane. The reason I say "vegetarian" is that I occasionally eat seafood but am currently off eggs and dairy. It all gets a bit confusing but it's much easier to just say vegetarian.

Anyway, my most recent find with Kate from The Minted Blog is The Green Edge in Windsor. The Green Edge is not only an amazing vegan cafe, but also a little vegan grocery store. I say little but it's actually Brisbane's largest. 

The cafe serves breakfast, lunch and a selection of amazing takeaway sandwiches and vegan treats, including milkshakes and raw cheesecakes. Kate and I stopped by for lunch and although the wait was a little long, the staff were amazingly friendly and the food was delicious. We both had the Jackfruit Burger which takes exactly like pulled pork, yum! Absolutely everything at The Green Edge is vegan but I would challenge even the most staunch carnivore not to enjoy themselves.

Even if you aren't vegan, The Green Edge is worth a visit if you like to give your tastebuds a treat and  try new things.

Would you be interested in more posts about being a vegetarian?

Dani XO