Antipodean by Nature

A couple of months ago, I'd never heard of Antipodes, but since seeing their products featured on more and more beauty blogs, I've been curious to try them out for myself. I haven't really experimented much with skin care and can't bring myself to invest in fancy lotions and potions, but this Daily Moisturise Kit I spotted at David Jones in early December seemed like the perfect opportunity to introduce myself to the brand. The $59 boxed set includes the Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream, Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil and an Organic Lime Leaf & Cocoa Butter Lip Balm. What really sealed the deal was a bonus Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator, a gift with purchase for spending over $39. Three full-sized products for under $60? Steal.

Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator
This is the gentlest exfoliator I've ever come across. It's like the Johnson's baby shampoo of scrubs. It has a creamy consistency, almost like rubbing in a thick moisturiser onto your face, but rather than being slippery and greasy, it leaves the skin feeling clean and balanced. There's very fine exfoliating beads that can barely be felt. For someone like me, used to the relative harshness of St Ives Apricot Scrub, this is a much milder option for when my skin's feeling more sensitive or in need of some TLC. At the same time, I don't get the satisfaction of a really good scrub as I do with something rougher. I do love the smell though, especially the sweet orange oil. I enjoy using it and it's lovely to have, but at $42, I don't think I'll be repurchasing.

Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream
I like this moisturiser, but I'm not enamoured of it. I've stopped using it for now, preferring my usual Dove Essential Nutrients Day Cream. I think this Antipodes one is a little bit too much for the Australian summer, during which my skin starts getting less dry and more oily naturally. It's quite hydrating but absorbs well and doesn't feel heavy on the skin. When I first started using it, my skin was much drier, and I would mix a bit with 3-4 drops of the Divine Face Oil in the mornings. It really helped to eliminate dry patches and restore moisture to my skin. The smell is pleasant but I wouldn't describe it as vanilla. It's distinctly sweet but in a fairly subtle, mellow way. I personally prefer more refreshing scents (or no scent at all).

Organic Avocado Oil & Rosehip Divine Face Oil
Definitely a fan of this. It's firmly incorporated in both my morning and night routine (though lately, not so much mornings, since the weather's been heating up and I'm adjusting to lighter products). I probably use a ridiculous amount (3-4 drops, mixed with moisturiser of choice) but I feel like my skin's oil control has only improved. I particularly look forward to using this at night when I feel like my skin needs a boost. It delivers much needed hydration and nourishment and I wake up to more plump, smooth and soft skin. I've been using this every day since I bought it, and I honestly believe it has resulted in an improvement to my skin. At least as much as it can be improved purely by using a product, considering my appalling diet (especially with all the indulgence over the Christmas/New Year's break), bad sleeping habits and total lack of exercise. I never thought I'd be into face oils, but after positive experiences with this and the Josie Maran Argan Oil, I'm converted. A bottle of this would last ages and at $33, it's actually one of the cheaper products in the range.