Stuff that smells like grapefruit

For a yummy, zesty, scent, try these grapefruit-scented products.

Methven Uplift Shower Infusion 37ml $19.95




Giovanni Grapefruit Sky Hydrate Body Lotion 250ml $23






Ren Neroli and Grapefruit Shower Gel 200ml $62

Giovanni Colorflage

Giovanni has a new range of shampoos and conditioners for colour-treated hair, Colorflage. Available in:

Boldly Black
Beautifully Blonde
Brazenly Brunette
Remarkably Red
Perfectly Platinum

Each colour has a Daily Color Defense Shampoo, and Daily Color Defense Conditioner, each $24.99 for 250ml. Available at Farmers, although for some reason the Remarkably Red colour isn't there.

Five hair gels

Style your hair with a natural hair gel.

Aesop Wild Lime Hair Polish 200ml $19.90 – Not technically a gel, but it’s described as ‘gel-like’, so close enough.

Giovanni L.A. Style Hair Gel 200ml $27.99 – A strong hold gel.

John Masters Organics Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel 236ml AUD$32.50 – This can be ordered from http://www.ikigai.com.au/.

MOP Foam Forming Gel with Light Hold 200ml $37 – A gel in foam form.

Aveda Brilliant™ Retexturing Gel 25ml $19 and 150ml $56 - with certified organic aloe, calendula and camomile.

Super hydrators for winter

The cold weather can really dry out your skin and hair. To add some extra moisture, try these super-hydrating products.

- For face: A’kin Rose & Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser & Toner in One 225ml $26.90, Living Nature Rich Day Cream 100ml $59, Comvita Huni Intensive Hydrating Mask 75g $45

- For eyes: Antipodes Kiwi Seed Eye Cream 30ml $48, Comvita Huni Every Day Eye Cream 15g $39, Pacifica Organics Eye Cream 20ml $34.99

- For lips: Weleda Everon Lip Balm 4.8g $11, Blue Earth Lip Balm 15ml $11 (available in Lime and Sweet Fennell), Pacifica Organics Lip Balm $11.99

- For body: Living Nature Nourishing Body Wash 200ml $27.50, Sukin Body Lotion, $15.50 for 250ml, and $23.99 for 500ml, Antipodes Jubilation Ultra Nourishing Body Cream 200ml $48

- For hands: Sukin Cleansing Hand Wash, $10.99 for 250ml, and $26.99 for 1L, A'kin Lavender, Geranium & Jojoba Hand, Nail & Cuticle Creme 75ml $15.50, Evolu Nourishing Hand and Cuticle Cream 125ml $23

- For feet: Lush Running to the Embassy Body Butter (it’s a foot scrub bar thing) 95g $16, The Body Collection Plane Sense Foot Lotion 100ml $8.50, Weleda Heel Balm 36ml $25

- For hair: Living Nature Nourishing Shampoo 200ml $27.50, Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner for damaged hair 250ml $19.95, Trilogy Botanical Moisture Masque for Dry Hair 95ml $29.95

For every budget: Leave-in conditioners

Leave-in conditioners are great for adding moisture to dry, damaged hair.


Low cost: A’kin Lavender & Anthyllis 24 Hour Intensive Moisture Leave-in Conditioner 150g $15.90

Mid-range: Giovanni Vitapro Fusion Spray In Hair Treatment 250ml 22.99

High end: MOP Leave-in Conditioner 200ml $37

Top ten products of 2008

Well, it’s the last day of 2008, and it has been quite a year. The Beijing Olympics, the USA electing their first black president, New Zealand returning to a National Government, just to name a few interesting events...but anyway, back to beauty stuff. I have tried a lot of great natural and organic beauty products this year. This list details the ten best products which I tried for the first time this year...and it was difficult to name just ten, because there were so many great products I tried! They are in no particular order.

Dr Hauschka Volume Mascara – It’s a great mascara! I have it in the black shade, it is very volumising, and defines lashes nicely. $45.

Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant – A very fine grain facial scrub, good for getting rid of dead skin cells. $40 for 75ml.

Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion – affordable, effective, and smells great. $15 for 250ml, and $22 for 500ml.

UV Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ - High SPF, non-drying, but also does not clog pores. $36 for 200g.

Ecostore Body Wash – Comes in a big bottle, smells good (three scents to choose from), it’s a great price, and it lasts for sooo long! - $8.99 for 400ml.

The Body Shop Nature’s Minerals Foundation – Nice and mattifying, gives good coverage. I have it in 01, the lightest shade. $45 for 5g.

Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructer – A great hair moisturising mask, good for a weekly treatment. $22.50 for 200g.

Ecostore Baby Nappy Balm – great for dry heels, cuticles, and for baby’s bum, (obviously) though I haven’t used it for that! $8.99 for 60ml

Evolu Purifying Mask – Great for a weekly treatment, and you only need to leave it on for five to ten minutes. Smells good too. $35 for 75ml.

Weleda Iris Moisture Cream - Nice and moisturising, but not greasy. $23.50 for 30ml.

Hope you all have a great new year! I’ll be back in 2009 with more product reviews, product info, ingredient spotlights, information on new products, and more.

Body scrubs

Body scrubs are great for keeping your skin smooth, preventing ingrown hairs, and preparing for fake tan. I like Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sugar Cane Body Polish, $24.75 for 200g. I also like Upper Canada Naturally Coarse Salt Scrub, $20 for 300g. I have it Sweet Vanilla Fig. It smells and looks like a yummy dessert (but it probably doesn't taste like one!). It also comes in Cranberry Moro Orange, Wild Lime Mint, Pressed Olive Avacodo, and Red Tea Grape. For a scrub that combines salt and sugar, try Linden Leaves Salt Sugar Scrub, $24 for 200g.

Some other options:

$25 and under: Alba Botanica Sea Salt Body Scrub 200g $24.75

$30 and under: A'kin Sandalwood & Sweet Orange Invigorating Body Scrub 200ml $28.50, Trilogy Exfoliating Body Polish 150ml $26

$35 and under: Pure Fiji Coconut Creme Body Scrub 250ml $35 (available in Coconut, Frangipani, White Gingerlily, Mango, Pineapple, Passionflower, and Starfruit), Giovanni Cool Mint Lemonade Salt Scrub 300g $35

$40 and under: Evolu Exfoliating Body Polish 250ml $40

$65 and under: Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Rub 470ml $65 (available in Coconut, Frangipani, White Gingerlily, Mango, Pineapple, Passionflower, and Starfruit)

Stuff that smells like chocolate

Chocolate is awesome. For a calorie-free treat, try these chocolate-scented products.

Giovanni Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub
Just like a hot chocolate, only...scrubby. And you probably shouldn't drink it. $35 for 260g, available at Farmers and Hardy's stores.

Wychenwood Chocolate Marble Soap
Pretty, and it smells great. $4.50, available at Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre in Upper Hutt, or buy online at http://www.wychenwood.co.nz/ .

Lush Soft Couer (The Honeymooner) Massage Bar
It has a centre of chocolate and honey...messy, but yummy! $14.50 for 30g. Buy at Lush stores, or online at http://www.lushnz.com/ .

Hair styling products

Although there is not quite as much variety of natural hair styling products as there is natural shampoo and conditioners, there are quite a few options.

For gel, Giovanni L.A. Natural Styling Gel, $25.50 for 200ml, is pretty good, as is Miessense Shape Styling Gel, $29.95 for 250ml. I have used both of these, although I prefer waxes to gels.

I am currently using Giovanni Glam Traxx Stick Wax, $27.50, but I can't find this product in the new packaging, so it may have been discontinued. However, Giovanni makes Wicked Wax, although they call it a pomade.

I really like Ecokid Bubbalicious Shaping Paste, $25.95 for 100g. Yes, it's designed for kids to put in their hair to keep headlice away, but I find it works great on my hair, which is wavy/curly - it helps define the curls.

Folr anti-frizz serums, I like Giovanni Frizz Be Gone Super Smoothing Anti Frizz Serum, $25.50 for 78ml. To hold my hair in place, I use Giovanni L.A. Hold Hair Spritz $25.50.

Some other options:

Gels: Aveda Brilliant Retexturing Gel, $19 for 25ml, and $56 for 150ml; Aveda Confixor Liquid Gel 250ml, $49 Alba Botanica Strong Hold Style Gel, 198g.

Waxes: Aveda Custom Control™ Gel Wax 100ml $56

Mousses: Giovanni Styling Foam Natural Mousse Air Turbo Charged $25.50, Aveda Phomollient™ Styling Foam 200 $38

Clays: Ecokid Tuff Stuff Matte Hair Clay 100g $25.95, Aveda Men Pure-formance Grooming Clay 75ml $49

Hairsprays: Aveda Witch Hazel Light Hold Hairspray 250ml $38, Aveda Brilliant™ Hair Spray, $13 for 50ml, and $49 for 250ml

Leave-in conditioners

After washing my hair, I slather it in leave-in conditioner, to help combat the dryness and frizziness. I use A'kin Lavender & Anthyllis 24 Hour Intensive Leave-In Conditioner 150ml, $15.30. Leave-in conditioners give your hair a bit of extra moisture, and help to protect it against heat styling.

Some other options:

$25 and under: Giovanni Vitapro Fusion Leave-In Hair Treatment 150ml $22.50, Giovanni Direct Leave-In Conditioner 250ml $22.50

$30 and under: MOP Leave-in Conditioner 200ml $30

Hair masks

Once a week I use a hair mask - Giovanni Nutrafix Hair Reconstructer -instead of a conditioner. It's $22.50 for 200g. It is intended for hair that has been colour treated, and heat styled a lot, which mine isn't, but it is quite dry with a tendency to get frizzy, so the mask helps with that.

Some other options:

$20 and under: A'kin Ginkgo & Jojoba Intensive Moisture Vitamin Mask 150ml $15.30

$30 and under: Trilogy Botanical Moisture Mask for dry hair 95ml $29.95

$40 and under: MOP Extreme Moisture Treatment 200ml $32, MOP C-System Reconstructive Treatment 200ml $37

Shampoo and Conditioners

Shampoos and conditioners need to share a blog post. They go together like peas and carrots. I use Sukin Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner, both suitable for all hair types. Both shampoo and conditoner are $12 each for 250ml, $17 for 500ml, and $27 for 1 litre. I have both them in the 250ml, and I've had them for about four months - they're nearly empty now. I only wash my hair twice a week though, and I'm the only one using them. Actually, the conditioner only gets used once a week, because I use a hair mask weekly.

I have also used Ecostore Vanilla Shampoo and Conditioner, for dry/damaged hair (my hair is dry and frizzy, though my roots can get a bit greasy). I've also used their Manuka and Sandalwood Shampoo and Conditioner for dandruff, as I have mild dandruff. Ecostore also has Rosemary and Orange Shampoo and Conditioner for fine/oily hair, and Aloe Vera Shampoo and Conditioner for normal/dry hair. All are $10.95 each for 200ml, and $35.95 each for 1 litre.

Some other options:

For fine/oily hair: Trilogy Clarifying Shampoo and Conditioner $25 each for $250ml (these and all Trilogy shampoos and conditoners can be used for all hair types, but are especially good for those hair types specified)

For normal to oily hair: Giovanni Golden Wheat Shampoo and Conditioner $20 each for 250ml

For normal to dry hair: Giovanni 50/50 Balanced Shampoo and Conditoner $20 each for $250ml

For dry/damaged hair: Nature's Gate Chamomile and Lemon Verbena Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner, $16 each for 350ml, Trilogy Gentle Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner $25 each for 250ml

For colour treated hair: Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo and Conditioner $20 each for 250ml, Aveda Color Conserve™ Shampoo and Conditioner $39 for 250ml of shampoo, $39 for 200ml of conditioner, $94 for 1 litre of shampoo, $109 for 1 litre of conditoner

For dry/colour treated/frizzy hair: Trilogy Smooth Shine Shampoo and Conditoner $25 each for 250ml

For dry/flaky scalp: Nature's Gate Organics Tea Tree and Blue Cypress Soothing Shampoo $16 each for 350ml, Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Shampoo and Conditioner $20 each for $250ml

For sensitive scalp: Holistic Hair Sensitive Scalp Shampoo and Conditoner $25 each for 250ml

For itchy scalp or oily hair/scalp: Aveda Scalp Benefits™ Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner $34 for 250ml of shampoo, $34 for 200ml of conditioner, $81 for 1 litre of shampoo, $81 for 1 litre of conditioner

For all hair types: Natural Instinct Natural Shampoo and Condtioner $9.99 each for 250ml, $14.99 for 500ml, and $24.99 for 1 litre, Nature's Gate Lavender and Aloe Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner $16 each for 350ml, Aveda Shampure Shampoo and Conditioner $10.50 each for 50ml, $29 for 250ml, $69 for 1 litre

For volumising: Nature's Gate Organics Lemongrass and Clary Sage Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner $16 each for 350ml, Aveda Pure Abundance™ Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner $34 each for 250ml, $81 for 1 litre of shampoo, $69 for 473ml of conditoner

For curly or wavy hair: Aveda Be Curly Shampoo and Conditioner $35 for 250ml of shampoo, $35 for 200ml of conditioner, $94 for 1 litre of shampoo, $94 for 1 litre of conditioner

For men: Aveda Men Pure-Formance Shampoo and Conditioner $45 each for 300ml

Body Lotions

I slather body lotion all over myself when I get out of the shower. I'm currently using Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion ($15 for 250ml, and $22 for 500ml). Works well, smells good, and it's a great price! I also like Pure Innosense Body Lotions, $11. They come in Reviving (Chamomile and Feijoa), Relaxing (Lavender and Iris), Summer Skin (a gradual tanning lotion, scented with Vanilla and Mandarin), and Sensitive Skin (fragrance free). I use the Summer Skin lotion in spring and summer to give me that 'golden glow'.

I have also tried Avalon Organics Hand and Body Lotion in Peppermint, but it made me really cold because of the large amount of peppermint in it! I guess this might be good to use in hot weather though. This lotion also comes in Aloe Unscented, Lavender, Lemon, Rosemary, and Ylang Ylang. $21.30 for 350ml.

Some other options:

$15 and under: The Herb Farm Rose Body Lotion 100ml $15, The Herb Farm Rosehip & Citrus Body Lotion 100ml $15

$20 and under: Natural Instinct Body Lotion 250ml $19

$25 and under: Giovanni Hydrate Body Lotion 250ml $23 (available in Cassifluer White Tea, Cucumber Song, Grapefruit Sky, Lavender Vanilla Snow, and Raspberry Winter), Evolu Invigorating Body Lotion 125ml $24, The Herb Farm Body Lotion 200ml $24.60, The Herb Farm Rosehip & Citrus Body Lotion 200ml $24.60

$30 and under: Living Nature Refreshing Hand and Body Lotion 200ml $26, Living Nature Nourishing Hand and Body Cream 200ml $26, Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion 100ml $26.90, Weleda Wild Rose Body Lotion 100ml $28.90, Natural Instinct Body Lotion 500ml $29, Trilogy Nourishing Body Lotion 200ml $30

$35 and under: Comvita Huni All Day Body Lotion 250ml $35, Blue Earth Body Moisturiser 300ml $35

$40 and under: Tebe Body Moisturising Milk 250ml $37.40

$45 and under: Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion 354ml $40.90 (available in Coconut, Pineapple, Frangipani, Starfruit, and Passionflower)

Body washes

I prefer body washes to soaps, as I find them more moisturising. I like Sukin Botanical Body Wash. It costs $12 for 250ml, $17 for 500ml, and $27 for a 1 litre refill. I have the 500ml bottle, which I've been using for nearly five weeks, and there's still some left! It's not at all drying, and it smells great.

I also like Pure Innosense Shower Gels, available in Reviving (Chamomile and Feijoa), Relaxing (Lavender and Iris), Energising (Rosemary and Citrus), and Hydrating (Peach and Geranium). I've tried them all, and I don't really like the smell of the Energising one, but I really like the other three. All of them cost $11, and can be bought at Woolworths and selected pharmacies.

Another good option is A'kin's body washes. They have Aromatherapy Jasmine, Aromatherapy Lavender, Aromatherapy Orange Blossom, Aromatherapy Sandalwood, and Unscented Very Gentle. $13.85 for 225ml, and $26.80 for 500ml.

Or you could try Natural Instinct Body Wash, $9.99 for 250ml, $14.99 for 500ml, and $24.99 for 1 litre. Or Trilogy Botanical Body Wash, $26 for 500ml. Plenty of options! Some more:

$15 and under: The Herb Farm Lime Shower Gel 125ml $13.80, The Herb Farm Rosehip & Orange Shower Gel 125ml $13.80

$25 and under: Miessense Sunflower Body Wash 250ml $20.95, The Herb Farm Lime Shower Gel 250ml $22.20, The Herb Farm Rosehip & Orange Shower Gel 250ml $22.20, Giovanni Cleanse Body Wash 310ml $23 (available in Cassifluer White Tea, Cucumber Song, Grapefruit Sky, Lavender Vanilla Snow, and Raspberry Winter), Bod The Hydrating Blend Shower Gel 250ml $24.90

$30 and under: Living Nature Nourishing Body Wash 200ml $26, Living Nature Refreshing Body Wash 200ml $26, Dr Hauschka Lemon Body Wash $29, Pure Fiji Coconut Milk Shower Gel 250ml $29 (available in Coconut, Pineapple, Starfruit, and Passionflower)

$40 and under: Aveda Calming Body Cleanser 250ml $40, Aveda Energizing Body Cleanser $40