Saturday, January 12, 2013

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.

32 comments:

  1. I have been really curious about Antipodes too :) I find oils really make my skin glow, more than a moisturizer ever does anyway.

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  2. Cool post and lovely blog! What about following each other?

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  3. I heard so many good thing about this brand! x

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  4. I mostly use the St Ives apricot scrub too. This exfoliator sounds soo nice and perfect for days when my skin feels overly sensitive. :)

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  5. Never heard of this brand before so thanks for the review. I keep hearing how good oils are for the face, especially for those of us with oily skin so I can't wait to jump on this face oils trend bandwagon ^^ xx

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  6. I've just heard about this brand a couple of weeks ago, and it is calling my attention a lot! This facial oil sounds soooo good!

    http://mymakeupcompulsion.blogspot.com.es/

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  7. Interesting, I like the sound of the rosehip oil. I've not heard of this brand before.
    x

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  8. Thanks for the reviews! They're very helpful since I'm looking to improve my skincare routine as well. :) I used to use a face serum along with my moisturiser as well. It made my skin feel soo soft and plump, I don't know why I stopped! xx

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  9. Great review! These seems great, will definitely be checking them out! :) ♥
    http://abeautyromancee.blogspot.co.uk/

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  10. I've always wanted to try face oil. Maybe I'll start! I love your reviews :) And thanks for your comment on my blog <3

    xo Ashley
    luckylittlebird.blogspot.com

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  11. I really want to try that avocado oil! It sounds divine!

    -Lisa
    The Lovely Memoir

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  12. I really want to try their brightening serum! And the cleansing balm...Gorgeous photos too x

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  13. Those look like really great products! :)
    Would love to try them all! :)

    callmemaddie.blogspot.com

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  14. I've had the oil for a while but I never used it. Now that I know it helps control oiliness I'll definitely give it a try. Thanks!

    xlamaria.blogspot.ca

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  15. I have heard a lot about Antipodes lately, but I haven't tried any of their product.. the avocado oil sounds really nice!

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  16. Really lovely post dear! Need to try some Antipodes products, I've heard so many great review on them! :))

    XO,
    http://rosychicc.blogspot.com/

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  17. I've never heard of Antipodes before actually! Must mean that I need to broaden my beauty blog horizon o-o The exfoliator sounds nice, but that price is yikes!

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  18. I'm not that familiar with the brand but they seems to have great products! Will check these out ^_~

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  19. I've never heard about this before now, but it looks like an awesome product!!

    www.chochalistas.blogspot.com

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  20. Representing New Zealand skincare! ;) Love the butter cleanser for makeup removal!

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  21. I splurged on the ANR Christmas set which came with an ANR Eye and a day cream, but your plugging of the facial oils is so tempting. The GWP was a great deal- I'll be looking out for the next one! I've stopped using the apricot scrub after reading Caroline Hirons almost beg people to stop using them! I'm loving the effects of good skincare though. :) x

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    Replies
    1. What did she say about it? Now I'm really curious! :p

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  22. I really wish that I'd been into skincare when I went to NZ last year so I could've picked these up!!!
    They seem like a really good range!

    xoxo

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  23. I have never heard of Antipodean, but their face oil sounds really interesting. I need to look into where I can find it here... hehe~ Thank you for the review!

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  24. I have never heard of them before, but the products all sounds really nice, especially the avocado oil! Winter has taken it's toll on my skin!

    http://mindy13579.blogspot.com/

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  25. Real interesting, I too have only heard of this once or twice but no reviews. It seems like quite pricey stuff. I think I'd also probably only go for the oil as that's something I'm keen on, as for creams and scrubs, I can always do with something cheaper, I find their products seem to be very spa like if that makes sense!

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  26. I haven't heard of Antipodes either, until your post. Seems like a good range - especially the Avocado and Rose Hip oil. I have grown to really like my Sukin Rose Hip oil!

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  27. I haven't heard of this brand before but it does look nice. I love gentle exfoliators as they don't irritate sensitive skin but I understand why you would like the rougher type of scrubs- they definitely do give more satisfaction! When I started to use rosehip oil, I have to say my skin has improved dramatically. I think it is one of the best products out there- organic, and good for most skins. The Antipodes rosehip and avocado oil looks great too and glad to hear it has worked wonders on your skin!

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  28. What a great kit! I swear by the Divine oil, it does wonders for my skin. x

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  29. I have just found your blog, and I absolutely love it! Just been reading through loads of your posts. Your photography is amazing :) xxxx

    Www.aztecmess.com

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  30. Everyones tried Aseop but me..
    I feel left out of the loop, lol.

    www.cocoamourr.com

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