For every budget: Cream cleansers

Cream cleansers are good for drier skin types, because they add some moisture.

Low-cost: Sukin Cream Cleanser 125ml $12.99








Mid-range: Trilogy Cream Cleanser 200ml $39.90









High-end: This Works Clean Skin 150ml $60

MORE new products!

Yes, it’s another post about lots of new products from fantastic Australian and New Zealand brands!

After ink 50ml $19.30 – This is a salve made in New Zealand, designed to soothe tattooed skin. I am pretty keen to get a tattoo at some point. I won’t rush into it, but if/when I do get one, I’ll try this stuff to soothe my skin afterwards.

Also made in New Zealand are: Pot of Gold Skin Balm and Pot of Gold Baby Balm, each $12.10 for 15g, $22.60 for 50g, and $40.10 for 100g. Both have multiple uses – the Skin Balm is good for Psoriasis, Eczema, burns, Dermatitis, cold sores, bruises, cuts, wounds, and dry cracked skin. The Baby Balm is good for nappy rash, dry cracked nipples, prevention and reduction of stretch marks, and chapping or chafing. I have these listed as new products, but actually the Skin Balm has been used in the company’s family for five generations! Bonus: the palm oil used in the products (and also in After Ink, which I believe is made by the same people) is guilt free (comes from a sustainable source).

Australian brand Sukin has a new product – Antioxidant Eye Serum, $23.99 for 35ml. This looks good. It contains some great ingredients including aloe vera, vitamin E, rosehip oil, and cucumber extract. I am a big fan of Sukin products, so I may try this.

Adding to their mineral makeup range, Australian brand Bloom has a new range of Lip Butters, $31. Minerals Plus Lip Butter contains natural mineral pigments, moisturising ingredients including beeswax, shea butter, and rosehip, and also contain pomegranate oil to act as anti-oxidant. They come with a built-in mirror, and are available in eight shades. They look nice; I’m keen to try them!

New from New Zealand brand Evolu is the Rehydrating Facial Masque 50ml $44.50 - I think this replaces the Quenching Hydramask which doesn’t seem to be available on the Evolu website anymore. It’s a moisturising treatment for any skin type.

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

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.

Travel/trial size packs

It's that time of year when a lot of people are going on holiday, and when you're going on holiday, dragging around a lot of big cosmetic bottles is annoying. Fortunately there are plenty of travel packs, which are particularly useful if you want to take tolietries on a plane, what with liquids, gels and aeresols restrictions. Whatever your skin type, there is a travel pack suitable for you! Here are some ideas.

For all skin types:

Sukin Travel Pack $33 - contains Purifying Shampoo 50ml, Nourishing Conditioner 50ml, Facial Moisturiser 50ml, Cream Cleanser 50ml, Hydrating Mist Toner 50ml

The Herb Farm Skincare Pack (all skin types) $49.30 - contains energising gel cleanser 50ml, rejuvenating facial mist 50ml, rose face cream 30ml, rose body lotion 50ml

Trilogy Travelers $60 - contains - 50ml cream cleanser, 50ml hydrating mist toner, 50ml energising face lotion, 50ml nourishing body lotion

Evolu Travel Tower $40 - a tower of six stacked 10ml pots, containing: Purifying Mask, Soothing Eye Gel, Night Cream, Day Cream, Creme Cleanser, Hand+Cuticle

Evolu Travel Valet $40 - contains Moisturising Day Cream with SPF15 20ml, Lip Treatment with SPF15 15ml, Silkening Shampoo 20ml, Enriching Conditioner 20ml, Travel Facecloth in a reusable see-through pack.

For normal skin:

Living Nature Skin Essentials - Energising $65 - contains 50ml Vitalising Cleanser, 50ml Hydrating Gel, 50ml Nourishing Day Cream, 2ml Firming Flax Cream, 2ml Nourishing Night Cream

For combination skin:

Living Nature Skin Essentials Pack - Combination Dry Skin $65 - contains 50ml Vitalising Cleanser, 50ml Extra Hydrating Gel, 50ml Nourishing Day Cream, 2ml Firming Flax Cream, 2ml Nourishing Night Cream

Living Nature Skin Essentials Pack - Combination Oily Skin $65 - contains

50ml Purifying Cleanser, 50ml Hydrating Gel, 50ml Balancing Day Lotion, 2ml Balancing Night Gel

For oily skin:

Trilogy A Fresh Start for combination to oily skin - contains Balancing Gel Cleanser 10ml, Engergising Face Lotion 10ml, Gentle Facial Exfoliant 10ml, Free Travel Bag

Living Nature Skin Essentials Pack - Balancing $65 - contains Living Nature Fabric Tote Bag with 50ml Purifying Cleanser, 50ml Hydrating Gel, 50ml Balancing Day Lotion, 2ml Firming Flax Cream, 2ml Balancing Night Gel

For acne-prone skin:

Living Nature Skin Essentials - Acne Prone Skin $74.50 - contains 50ml Purifying Cleanser, 50ml Hydrating Gel, 50ml Balancing Day Lotion, 10ml Rescue Gel

For dry skin:

Trilogy A Fresh Start for normal to dry skin contains - Cream Cleanser 10ml, Vital Moisturising Cream 10ml, Gentle Facial Exfoliant 10ml, Free Travel Bag

The Herb Farm Skincare Pack (dry/mature skin) $53.20 - contains rose cream cleanser 50ml, rejuvenating facial mist 50ml, rosehip face cream 30ml, rosehip & citrus body lotion 50ml

Living Nature Skin Essentials Pack - Nourishing $65 - contains 50ml Vitalising Cleanser, 50ml Extra Hydrating Gel, 50ml Rich Day Cream, 2ml Firming Flax Cream, 2ml Nourishing Night Cream

For sensitive skin:

Living Nature Skin Essentials Pack - Sensitive Skin $65 - contains 50ml Vitalising Cleanser, 50ml Extra Hydrating Gel, 50ml Rich Day Cream, 2ml Firming Flax Cream, 2ml Nourishing Night Cream

For mature skin:

Living Nature Skin Essentials Pack - Mature Skin $65 - contains 50ml Vitalising Cleanser, 50ml Extra Hydrating Gel, 50ml Rich Day Cream, 2ml Firming Flax Cream, 2ml Nourishing Night Cream

For men:

Living Nature Skin Essentials - For Men $59 - contains 50ml Gentle Cleansing Shaving Gel, 50ml Soothing Plant Moisturiser, 50ml Soothing After Shave Gel in a Living Nature fabric tote bag

Face exfoliants

To get rid of dead skin cells, exfoliate your face a couple of times a week. I like Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant, $40 for 75ml. It's a very gentle, fine grain scrub. I have also used A'kin

Jojo & Corn Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub $ for 75ml, which is also very fine grain. Sukin Face Scrub, $12 for 125ml is also good, but the grains are not very fine.

Most of the facial exfoliation products I have seen exfoliate manually (ie, in the form of scrubs), however, Living Nature Vitalising Exfoliant, $42 for 50ml, does not do this; instead it uses fruit acids to exfoliate.

Some other options:

$10 and under: Skinfood Exfoliating Scrub 100ml $9.99

$15 and under: Natural Instinct Facial Scrub 125ml $12, The Herb Farm Rosehip Exfoliant 30ml $13.60, The Herb Farm Vanilla Seasalt Exfoliant 30ml $13.60

$20 and under: Viola Organics Renew Exfoliator 65g $15.90

$25 and under: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Pineapple Enzyme Facial Scrub 118ml $20.75, Kosmea Refining Rosehip Scrub 125g $22.50, The Herb Farm Rosehip Exfoliant 60ml $22.70, The Herb Farm Vanilla Seasalt Exfoliant 60ml $22.70, Avalon Organics Lavender Exfoliating Enzyme Scrub 100ml $24

$35 and under: Bod Facial Exfoliant 60g $34.90

$40 and under: Evolu Renewing Facial Exfoliator 125ml $37

$45 and under: Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Face Exfoliator 75ml $45, Ayurda Invigorating Scrub 65ml $45

$55 and under: Ayurda Gel Scrub 100g $52

Sukin Travel Pack

New from Sukin is a travel pack for $33 (which, unfortunately, I can't find a picture of) containing:

Purifying Shampoo
Nourishing Conditioner
Facial Moisturiser
Cream Cleanser
Hydrating Mist Toner

All are in 50ml bottles, useful for taking on holiday (especially if you are going overseas, and need small bottles for on the plane), or for trying out new products without buying the full-size versions.

Teen products

When you're a teenager, your skin can really start acting up. Oiliness, blackheads, pimples, clogged pores...not fun. Not all teenagers get acne, but it is pretty common. A lot of teens are also on a tight budget, so I'm focusing on affordable skincare, bodycare, and makeup.

A foaming cleanser is best for acne-prone, oily or combination skin types. Try Sukin Fomaing Facial Cleanser, $12 for 125ml, or Natural Instinct Foaming Facial Cleanser, also $12 for 125ml.

A good ingredient for oily skin is witch hazel, which can be found in both of the above cleansers, as well as in a lot of toners, such as Natural Instinct Toner, $12 for 125ml.

Natural Instinct Aloe Vera Gel ($12 for 125ml, and $19 for 250ml) works well as a moisturiser, and Weleda Iris Moisture Cream, $23.50 for 30ml, is also good, as it contains witch hazel.

Exfoliating two or three times a week helps get rid of dead skin cells which might otherwise clog your pores. Try Skinfood Exfoliating Scrub, $9.99 for 100ml, or Sukin Facial Scrub, $12 for 125ml.

Once or twice a week, after exfoliating, use a clay or mud face mask to draw out impurities. Skinfood Mud Masque, $9.99 for 100ml contains clay, and Rotorua mud. Clear as Mud Face Mud contains bentonite mud from Parehaka. It's $4 per sachet, or $24.99 for a box of ten sachets.

Some teens have dry skin. A creamy cleanser is better for dry skin. Try Skinfood Cleans All Cleanser, $9.99 for 100ml, Sukin Cream Cleanser, $12 for 125ml, or Natural Instinct Cream Cleanser, $12 for 12ml. For moisturiser, try Skinfood Nourishing Moisturiser, $9.99 for 100ml, Sukin Moisturiser, $12 for 125ml, or Natural Instinct Moisturiser, $12 for 125ml.

There are a lot of great natural body washes out there. One of the most affordable ones is Pure Innosenses Shower Gel, $11 for 375 ml, available in Reviving (Chamomile and Feijoa), Relaxing (Lavender and Iris), Energising (Rosemary and Citrus), and Hydrating (Peach). Also great is Sukin Botanical Body Wash, $12.99 for 250ml, $16.99 for 500ml, and $24.99 for 1 litre.

Pure Innosense Body Lotion is also pretty good. It's $12 for 375ml, and is available 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 like Sukin Hydrating Body Lotion, $12.99 for 250ml, and $21.99 for 500ml.

Not all natural makeup is expensive, so for teens on a budget, here are some options:

Foundation: Natio Mineral Loose Foundation (available in Beach Sand, Desert Sand, and Sunset) 10g $23

Blusher: Natio Mineral Blusher (available in Sweet Petal) $16 , Natio Mineral Brush N Blush (available in Rose) 3.1g $15

Eyeshadow: Natio Mineral Sparkle Dust Eyeshadow Compact (colours are Pink, Aubergine, Copper, and White) 0.3g $18 , Natio Mineral Eye Shimmer (available in Silver, Rose, Lilac, and Gold) 1.5g $15, SHE Australia Dusting Powders (not specifically for eyes, but could be used as eyeshadows. Available in quite a few shades, not sure what they all are.) $12.95

Bronzer: Natio Mineral Pressed Powder Bronzer (available in Sunswept) 18.1g $23

Lip colour: Alba Terratints Lip Balm (available in Blaze, Bloom, Dawn, Garnet, Sienna, and Sunset, although I've only seen it in Blaze, Bloom, and Sienna) 4.2g $8.9

Nail Polish: SHE Australia Nail Varnish (available in fourteen colours, not sure what they are) $14.90

I haven't yet come across any particularly low-cost natural concealers, eyeliners or mascaras.

Stockists

Sukin: Commonsense Organics, Health 2000, Farmers

Natural Instinct: Homestead Health, various pharmacies

Skinfood: Woolworths, Foodtown, Countdown, New World

Natio: Farmers, various pharmacies

SHE Australia: Various pharmacies

Alba Botanica: Commonsense Organics, Homestead Health

Pure Innosense: Various Pharmacies

After-Sun Products

If you get sunburnt, one of the best things you can put on it is aloe vera. If you have your own aloe plant, squeeze some on, and if not, buy some aloe vera gel. I like Natural Instinct Pure Aloe Vera Gel, which is 98% aloe vera. It's $12 for 125ml. Sukin also makes an aloe vera gel, but I tried using this on a burn I had from the iron, and it stung because of the alcohol in it. So I prefer the Natural Instinct gel.

Also, you could try using a specific after-sun product, like Bod Frangipani, Aloe & Cucumber Body Butter, $46.50 for 470g. This is designed to cool the skin after sun exposure. Another option is Dr Hauschka After Sun Lotion, $29.50 for 100ml.

I got very mildly sunburnt when I was in Australia. Fortunately there was no pain or peeling, but the sunburnt areas got very dry and a bit flaky, so I used Ecostore Baby Nappy Balm on these areas, and it helped a lot. The nappy balm is $11.95 for 60ml, although you can get it for a few dollars cheaper than this if you buy it at a supermarket instead of at a health store or online.

Hand creams

I'm slightly paranoid about hygiene, which leads to a lot of hand washing, which leads to dry hands, which leads to needing a really good moisturising hand cream. I use Sukin Hand & Nail Cream, $12 for 125ml, and it's a really good cream, but have also tried and others, like A'kin Lavender, Geranium & Jojoba Hand, Nail Creme 75ml $15.20, and Natural Instinct Hand Cream 125ml $12. A'kin also makes Unscented Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle, also 75ml and $15.20.

I used to use Ecostore Baby Moisturiser (125ml, $13.95) as a hand cream, and found it works well. I also really like House of Herbs Organic Hand Repair Cream with Vanilla 120ml. It smells amazing, and it has an awesome, mousse-like texture. I got when I was on holiday in Sydney last year, and unfortunately, I don't think there are any shops over here which sell it. However, you can buy it online from their website, http://www.houseofherbs.com.au/. It's $22.75 in Australian dollars.

Some other options:

$20 and under: Organic Surge Hand Lotion 250ml $16.90 (available in Citus Mint, Lavender Geranium, and Orange Blossom), Apicare Therapy Handcreme 125g $18.90, Aveda Hand Relief 40ml $20

$25 and under: Evolu Nourishing Hand and Cuticle 125ml $23, Duchy Originals Hand Moisturiser 250ml $24.90 (available in Rose & Mandarin, Bergamot & Lime, and Lavender)

$30 and under: Tebe Hand Moisturising Cream 75ml $25.80, Trilogy Rose Hand Cream 100ml $27

$35 and under: Dr Hauschka Hand Cream 50ml $30.35, Antipodes Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream 75ml $31.50

Hand washes

If you want to use a natural hand wash, there are plenty to choose from. The most affordable one I know of is Viola Organics Liquid Hand Soap, $6.50 for 250ml, and $9.95 for a 500ml refill bottle. It's available in Lavender, Summer Fresh, and Unscented Mild/Baby. I have tried it in the Unscented, and I like it, though the texture of it is very thin, about the consistency of water. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it foams up really well.

I also like Sukin Cleansing Hand Wash, $12 for 250ml, and $27 for a 1 litre refill bottle. This is a lot thicker than the Viola Organics hand wash.

Some other options:

$15 and under: Natural Instinct Hand Wash 250ml $12, Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash 50ml $13, Living Nature Purifying Hand Wash 250ml $14, A'kin Hand Wash 240ml $14.90, available in Eucalyptus & Tea Tree, and Lemon Myrtle

$20 and under: Blue Earth Flowing Soap 300ml $15.50, available in Oranges & Lemons, and Lavender & Rosemary, Tebe Hand Liquid Soap 280ml $15.80

$25 and under: Duchy Originals Liquid Soap 250ml $24.90, available in Rose & Mandarin, Bergamot & Lime, and Lavender

$30 and under: Natural Instinct Hand Wash Refill 1 litre $27

$35 and under: Emma Green Pohutakawa & Kanuka Hand Wash 500ml $33

$40 and under: Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash 250ml $40

Cool brand: Sukin

As you have probably realised, (because I've written about quite a lot of their products), I really like the Australian brand Sukin. Their products work well, smell great, and are very affordable. They have fourteen different products, which come under the catagories of skincare, hair care and body care. The hand wash, body wash, body lotion, shampoo and conditioner are available in several different sizes - Hand Wash in 250ml and 1 litre, Body Wash in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre, Shampoo and Conditioner each in 250ml, 500ml and 1 litre. A number of the products also come in either flip top or pump top bottles (the Facial Scrub, Foaming Facial Cleanser, Facial Moisturiser, Cream Cleanser, Hand & Nail Cream, and Aloe Vera Gel).

Sukin products do not contain any: sodium lauryl sulphates, artificial fragrances, animal derivatives, artificial colours, petro-chemicals, harsh detergents, mineral oils, parabens, or triethanolamine, and they do not test on animals. All of their products, except the Hydrating Mist Toner and the Aloe Vera Gel, are scented with tangerine, mandarin, lavender, and vanilla. Not all of them smell exactly the same though - the shampoo smells quite citrusy, and the conditoner smells like a vanilla pudding! Yum...

They use some great ingredients like witch hazel, green tea, chamomile, aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, rosehip oil, evening primrose oil, rosewater, avocado oil, wheatgerm oil, vitamin E, glycerin, seasame oil, jojoba oil, burdock, nettle, and horsetail. The organic ingredients used in the products are all up the top of the ingredients lists, right after water, so you know they contain decent amounts of them.

The packaging is also great. Not only does it look pretty cool, but it is all recyclable (except for the lids). All the products are packaged in number one recyclable plastic bottle, except for the Moisture Restoring Night Cream, which comes in a glass jar.

The products do contain some ingredients which some people would prefer to avoid: Ceteareth-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (Suttocide), Decyl Glucoside, Cocomidapropyl Betaine, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, and Alcohol Denat.

So not as natural as something like Dr Hauschka or Living Nature, but still I think it is a pretty awesome brand, and it uses a lot of great ingredients.

Vegan products

I'm not a vegan myself (I'm a vegetarian, and I don't eat a lot of dairy, but still very far from being a vegan), but here's some info for you vegans out there regarding beauty products.

I realise that many vegans try to avoid animal ingredients not only in their food, but also in their lifestyle, and when it comes to beauty products, this means staying away from ingredients like beeswax, honey, propolis, lanolin, carmine, goat's milk, non-vegetable source stearic acid, and emu oil. As a vegetarian, I won't use any beauty products that have been tested on animals, and I avoid carmine, because it comes from crushed beetles, but I'm ok with ingredients like honey. But many vegans will want to avoid any ingredients that come from an animal.

Good news! There's plenty of options out there. A'kin, Sukin, and Natural Instinct products are all free from animal ingredients, and, like all brands I endorse on this blog, do not test on animals. Some of Trilogy and Evolu's products are vegan, but I think all of Living Nature's products contain honey. A lot of Lush's products are vegan.

Vegan makeup can be a bit trickier to find, but mineral powder makeup generally tends to be free from animal ingredients. I've posted info about mineral makeup here and here.

Living Nature's awesome eyeliners are free from any animal ingredients, using vegetable waxes instead of beeswax.

The only natural vegan lipsticks and lipglosses available in New Zealand that I've come across so far are made by Immersion Cosmetics. The lipsticks come in eight shades, and are $39.38 each. The lipglosses (called Lip Glazes) come in seven shades and are $37.13 each. They can be bought online at http://www.immersioncosmetics.co.nz/, and the website also has a list of stores which stocks them. They have quite a range of makeup, all vegan, except for their Lip and Eye Pencils, and their Lip Gloss Pots. Their mascara and concealer and the only natural vegan ones available in NZ that I know of.

As a cheaper alternative for a lip colour, you could mix mineral blusher, eyeshadow or bronzer with a vegan lip balm (like A'kin Sweet Blossom and Jojoba Pure Essential Lip Balm) to make your own lip tint. I haven't tried this myself, so I'm not sure how well it would work.

So yeah, quite a lot of options for vegans - to find appropriate products it's often simply a matter of reading ingredient lists - which, as a vegan, you'll be used to doing anyway.

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

Green and on a budget

Many of you may be thinking something like 'Ok, I want to use more natural beauty products, but I don't really want to spend $50 on moisturiser'. Yeah, I'm with you. While I realise that sometimes you will pay more for natural/organic beauty products, I still try to save money to a certain extent. Here are some tips on how you can too.

Tip 1: Work out what brands best suit your budget

There's a huge variety of brands out there which make natural/organic beauty products, and a huge range of prices. A rough guide to brands:

Super-duper low-priced brands: Sukin (skin care, body care and hair care, Natural Instinct (skin care, body care, hair care, sun care, baby care, and household cleaners)

Affordable brands: The Herb Farm (skin care, body care, hair care, mother and baby care, men's products, room sprays, essential oils, and healing products),Weleda (skin care, hair care, body care, mother and baby care, men's products, oral care, homeopathic ointments, and over-the-counter medications)

Mid-range brands: Living Nature (skin care, hair care, body care, mother and baby care, men's products, and makeup), Trilogy (skin care, hair care and body care), Evolu (skin care and body care)

More expensive brands: Dr Hauschka (skin care, hair care, body care, sun care, and makeup), Ayurda (skin care and hair care)

High-end brands: Aveda (skin care, hair care, body care, men's products, makeup, fragrances, and candles), MV Organic Skincare (skin care and body care)

Tip 2: Shop around

There are a lot of natural beauty brands available at health stores, but also check out pharmacies, supermarkets, gift shops and Farmers stores. Prices vary between stores as well, so if you see something you like, maybe check several stores to see if have it, so you can make sure you get the best deal. Also check out offers like gift with purchase, or buy one get one free. Look out for sales, but make sure you check the expiration dates on the products, because sometimes products which are nearing expiration will be sold at half price.

Tip 3: Make use of loyalty cards

Farmers stocks Giovanni, Trilogy, Natio, Living Nature, Evolu and Dr Hauschka. Any purchase from the beauty department will put points on your beauty club card (1 point per dollar), and after spending $200, you get a $20 voucher. I always use mine to put towards buying Dr Hauschka makeup. Life Pharmacy also has a loyalty card, and they stock Living Nature, Trilogy, Evolu, Antipodes, Comvita Huni, Tebe, Weleda baby products, Made 4 Baby, and Kosmea. Their loyalty card rules are slightly different from Farmers' (see http://www.lifepharmacy.co.nz/ for details), but it's good because anything purchase over $5 you make at their stores (with the exception of prescription medications and discount fragrances) will give you points.

Also, Onecard can be used at Foodtown and Woolworths supermarkets, which stock Skinfood, Pure Innosense, Primal Earth, and the Ecostore baby range. You have to spend, like $2000 before you get a voucher, but if you do your regular grocery shopping there, then you'll probably get points fairly quickly. Also, there are often a lot of discounts available for Onecard cardholders.

In addition to this, some brands have loyalty cards of their own, like the Evolu Eleven-for-ten card, and the Living Nature Truly Natural You card. Trilogy also has one, but it can only be used at Health 2000 stores, whereas the Evolu and Living Nature ones can be used at anywhere which stocks those brands.

Tip 4: Try samples, or buy travel/trial-size packs

Some stores have small samples (I think they're free - probably best to check before taking them though!) of Evolu and Living Nature products. These are a good way to test out the product without actually buying it.

A number of brands offer travel/trial packs. Living Nature has quite a few different ones - check them out at https://www.livingnature.com/catalog/main.cfm?t=c&r=vw&cid=1915. Trilogy has Trilogy Travelers - for $60 you get 50l Cream Cleanser, 50ml Hydrating Mist Toner, 50ml Energising Face Lotion, and 50ml Nourishing Body Lotion. Evolu has a Travel Tower, $39, which contains 10ml Creme Cleanser, 10ml Moisturising Day Cream, 10ml Night Cream, 10ml Soothing Eye Gel, 10ml Purifying Mask, and 10ml Hand+Cuticle Cream. Evolu also has the Travel Valet, $35, which consists of 10ml Refreshing Facial Mist, 20ml Day Cream with SPF15, 20ml Silkening Shampoo, 20ml Invigorating Body Lotion, 10ml Healing Lip Treatment, and a luxury facecloth, all in a zipup pouch.

If you want to try out a more affordable range, The Herb Farm has six different trial size packs. Check them out at http://www.herbfarm.co.nz/index.php?cPath=25_38.

Tip 5: Make your own

I tend to be too lazy to do this, but if you'd like to try making your own beauty products, there are plenty of recipes available at http://www.makeyourowncosmetics.com/. Sometimes this can cost a bit of money if you have to buy ingredients, but there are also things you can do, like using olive oil as a hair treatment, that will save a lot of money.

Deodorants

I've read a lot of reviews (mostly on MakeupAlley, and some elsewhere on the internet) of various natural deodorants. Quite a lot of these reviews have not been all that great; it seems a lot of people are having trouble finding a natural deodorant that works.

I haven't had any problems with natural deodorants working. However, this may be because I apply deodorant several times throughout the day. Sometimes it's because I need to, other times it's before I work out, and sometimes I just get slightly paranoid about getting sweaty. Because I do tend to sweat a lot. Sorry if that's TMI.

I'm currently using Lavender Creek Farm Deodorant. This comes in either roll-on or solid. I have the solid. It costs around $9.80. I've seen the roll-on in Homestead Health, but not the solid (my Mum bought mine for me from the Lavender Creek Farm in Te Horo), but you can buy it online at their website http://www.lavendercreek.co.nz/.

I have The Herb Farm Fresh Natural Deodorant in my bag at all times for top-ups. This is a roll-on deodorant, it costs $10.20, and you can buy it at Nature Unplugged or Commonsense Organics. It does have a slightly strange smell, but I don't notice this at all when I'm wearing it. The Herb Farm also makes Active Natural Deodorant, which has a more unisex scent. Another roll-on I like is Miessense Aroma free Deodourant ($11.95). It also smells slightly strange (maybe it's the sodium bicarbonate?), but again, not noticable when I'm wearing it. As well as the Arome Free, Miessense also has Ancient Spice and Tahitian Breeze deodorants.

I've never tried crystal deodorants, but if you like them or want to try them, you could go for The Body Crystal Stick ($17.95), sold at Hardy's stores, or Deonat Deodorant Stick, $4.90 from Life Pharmacy stores.

There are also a range of deodorant sprays out there, such as Sukin Deodorant ($12), and Weleda Wild Rose Deodorant ($22.40).

For something completely different, you could try one of Lush's powder deodorants, such as Mr T Deodorant Powder ($11.90), or one of their new deodorant bars like Teo ($12.50, but it's not available until August).

I'd like to try one of the Alba Botanica Clear Enzyme Deodorants at some point, because I find solid deodorants work well for me. But most of the reviews I've read for it on MakeupAlley aren't very positive. Has anyone out there tried this deodorant? If so, what did you think?

Anyway, some other options:

Roll-on: Dr Hauschka Deodorant Floral Roll-On $32, Dr Hauschka Deodorant Roll-On Fresh $32, Avalon Organics Theraputic Deodorant $12.95 (available in Lavender, Lemon, Wild Yam, Rosemary, and Peppermint)

Solid: Nature's Gate Organics Deodorant Stick $11.95 (available in Chamomile & Lemon Verbena, Lemongrass & Clary Sage, Lavender & Aloe, and Tea Tree & Blue Cypress), Lush Aromacreme $14.50 for 100g

Spray: Natural Instinct Natural Deodorant $12, Weleda Sage Deodorant $19.60

Powder: Lush The Greeench $14.50, Lush Coconut $11.90

Moisturisers

I'm currently not using a proper moisturiser; I'm using Natural Instinct Aloe Vera gel. It keeps my skin hydrated, doesn't clog pores, and it's only $12 (can be bought at Commonsense Organics and Homestead Health). I may switch to a proper moisturiser at some point, as winter is on its way and my skin may need a bit more nourishment.

I have tried Living Nature Balancing Day Lotion before. It's intended for normal to oily skin, and it's nice and light, and leaves the skin feeling pretty mattified. It's $45 at Hardy's, Health 2000, Farmers and selected pharmacies.

Another good option for oily or combination skin, which I used to use, is A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel, $25.20, which is intended to cool and soothe the skin, but can also be used as a moisturiser on oily, sensitive or fragile skin.

Another A'kin moisturiser is White Tea & Aloe Vital Hydration Gel Creme, an oil-free moisturiser for combination and oily skin, $33.95. Akin products can be bought at Hardy's, Health 2000, Homestead Health and some pharmacies.

If you have dry skin, you might like to try Living Nature Nourishing Day Cream, $54, suitable for normal to dry skin, or Living Nature Rich Day Cream, for dry to mature skin, also $54.

Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Cream, $32.90, is another option for dry skin, and can also be used as a rinse-off face mask. Trilogy products can be bought at the same stores as listed for Living Nature.

If you are lucky enough to have normal skin, you could try Evolu Moisturising Day Cream for Normal or Combination Skin, $44, available at same stores as Living Nature and Trilogy (sorry, repeating myself a bit here). Or you could try Sukin Facial Moisturiser, $12, which is suitable for all skin types.

For sensitive skin, you could try the aforementioned A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel, A'kin Unscented 24 Hour Pure Moisture ($34.90), or Evolu Moisturising Day Cream for Dry or Sensitive Skin ($44).

There's heaps of other options. For example:

For oily/problem skin: Miessense Purifying Moisturiser $51.95

For combination and oily skin: Evolu Moisturising Day Cream for Oily Skin $44, Antipodes Rejoice Light Day Cream Certified Organic $52.50

For normal to oily skin: Weleda Iris Moisture Cream $23.90

For normal to dry skin: Comvita Huni Every Day Moisturiser $45

For dry skin: The Herb Farm Rosehip Face Cream ($13.80 for 30ml, $22.20 for 60ml, $33 for 120ml), Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream $43.90, Miessense Rejuvenating Moisturiser $62.95

For sensitive skin: Miessense Soothing Moisturiser $62.95

For all skin types: Natural Instinct Facial Moisturiser $12, The Herb Farm Rose Face Cream ($13.80 for 30ml, $22.20 for 60ml, $33 for 120ml), Kosmea Replenishing Moisture Cream $38.95

Toners

I never used to bother with using a toner, but lately I've been using Avalon Organics Lavender Hydrating Toner because of the salicylic acid in it (salicylic acid is good for oily skin). It's been pretty good for preventing and treating acne. It's $21 at Health 2000 stores, and is intended for sensitive skin.

Other options for toners:

$15 and under: Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner $12, Natural Instinct Toner $12

$20 and under: The Herb Farm Rejuvenating Facial Toner $18.60, A'kin Orange Blossom & Chamomile Toner $17.90, Weleda Iris Facial Toner $18.70

$30 and under: Evolu Hydrating toner $30, Trilogy Hydrating Mist Toner $25, Comvita Huni Anytime Toning Mist $29.99, Antipodes Resurrect Facial Toner $24.00, Living Nature Nature's Hydrating Mist $29.00

$40 and under: Living Nature Hydrating Gel $38.00, Living Nature Extra Hydrating Gel $38.00