B.Liv Skincare Review + 20% Off!

I've been searching and searching for a skincare brand I truly like.

I wouldn't say I have overly problematic skin, I'd describe it as very difficult,  sensitive combination. Water dries me out, moisturizer oils me up. It's a vicious cycle, my friends. I frequently get an oily sheen on my nose and cheekbones after midday, that constant dry feeling, and stubborn blackheads on my nose and chin that just won't budge. Fun.

I've tried a lot of conventional products and ingredients to get rid of them (salicylic acid, AHA, exfoliation, tea tree oil), but none have been successful.

Queue: B.Liv*.

B.liv is the Pores Management Specialist focusing on curing blackheads, large pores and acne. Their products are formulated with that fancy CX Formulation, that combines the power of biological active ingredients, natural plant extracts, antioxidants and a bio-active delivery system which offers the promise of best performance for visible results in 14 days for various skin problems without any side effects.

You could imagine my excitement when I was sent a two week trial package, containing:

Head over to www.bliv.com for the full B.Liv range.


Got Oil Relief; a hydrating and balancing oil control toner mist.

It promises:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Reduces redness & irritation
• Sooths, tones & moisturizes
• Controls oil
• Mattifies the skin
• Restores the normal pH level of your skin


Off With Those Heads; A serum focused on removing blackheads and whiteheads, controling oil and preventing breakouts.



It promises:

• Removes blackheads and whiteheads
• Keeps acne under control
• Controls oil
• Unclogs pores
• Provides a gentle exfoliation
• Has soothing and hydrating properties


and 3x Absolute Matte; sheet masks which work to clarify impurities.

It promises:

• Regulate sebum secretion and stimulate skin regeneration
• Combat excess sebum
• control surface shine while clarifying the complexion
• exfoliants to lift away impurities

*According to website


My Routine:

Day:

- My morning "cleanse" literally is rinsing my face with warm water.

- I then spray Got Oil Relief evenly over my face,

- apply 2-3 drops of Off With Those Heads on my problem areas (nose and chin),

- and of course moisturize.

Night:

- In shower cleanse with Natural Instinct Foaming Cleanser, dry off and and spray Got Oil Relief evenly over face.

- (2 times a week) I'd leave the Absolute Matte mask on for 20-30 minutes and massage the excess serum into the skin.

- Then apply 2-3 drops of Off With Those Heads on my problem areas (nose and chin),

- and of course moisturize.

  

I obeyed the routine every day and night for just under a month, which was when both the toning mist and face masks were all used up (I still have heaps of Off With Those Heads left, which I'm still using daily). Considering the tiny amount I was given in the tester bottles, It lived a lot longer than I had expected! A little bit goes a long way, I literally only need one pump from the Off With Those Heads gel to cover my nose and chin, and two sprays of the toner, making it incredibly good value for money.

 I found the formulation of these particular products to be gentle enough for everyday use and all were non-irritating on my sensitive skin. After the first week of use, I actually noticed that my skin was oilier than usual, but since this was mentioned on the packaging, I kept on using it. The second week was when something truly magical happened, my blackheads were rapidly diminishing and my whiteheads were nowhere to be seen! My face looked and felt a lot less oily and the size of the pores on my cheeks were also noticeably minimised which was an unexpected bonus.

BAM!

I was surprised at how much the Got Oil Relief toner spray helped to normalize my skin and control oil. It definitely relieved that greasy sensation and lifted the shiny effect from my skin. Usually, I get an oily sheen on top of my cheekbones and bridge of my nose after midday. Even after my very first use, there was no oil to be seen come 12pm! The the spray itself is light and fine and the pump sprays my face evenly. It's a truly soothing senation and feels super refreshing, you can literally feel you skin rehydrating with every spritz.

The Off With Those Heads gel definitely helped keep excessive oil secretion under control. I lost my sheen, my blackheads, and had no new spots appear the whole time I was using it. The gel is light and cooling with a pleasant, almost minty secent. The consistency of the serum is quite runny, yet not watery, making it super easy to spread around the face and able to absorb into the skin quickly, without that sticky after feeling.

But the Absoloute Matte mask, my friends, is by far my favourite of all three
(despite looking super creepy whilst wearing it).

Ohhaiiiii.

It worked to gently lift away impurities and excess sebum, controling surface shine and leaving the skin clear and balanced. It uses charcoal, which acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers.
As soon as you apply this little black mask, you're instantly feeling a cooling sensation - probably due to the peppermint. I suggest though, not using the mask if your skin is overly dry. It stings. A lot.. I learnt the hard way, folks and thereafter only used it when my skin decided not to act like the Sahara Desert. I wore the mask for 20 minutes each time and by about 10, I could actually feel my skin tightening. The few pimples that conveniently happened to be on my forehead also became less red and less prominent. You can't beat the feeling once this bad boy comes off and all excess serum has been absorbed. My face was so soft and smooth, yet, matte.

Although I personally saw the best results after applying the Absoloute Matte mask, individually, these products work beautifully to combat various skin problems, but combined, work as a truly amazing tag team to combat a variety pesky problems and imperfections.

I do feel these products are on the pricier side of the scale which, had I had been given the opportunity to test them out for myself, would have likely put me off, but I assure you, folks, it's worth every cent! Plus, you can't go wrong with FREE shipping for every order over $40, free samples with every product ordered and a 100% refund if you are in any way dissatisfied with your purchase.

It's such a genuine shame this brand doesn't get more publicity.

B.Liv have a HUGE variety of skin and eye care products, head over to their website or check out their official Facebook page to see all they offer.

B.Liv have been kind enough to offer 20% off (excluding promotional items) to my readers, you lucky things, you!
Just enter the unique code

CTB20
at the checkout.
Offer expires 31 October 2014 so get in quick!

*I was sent B.Liv's products free of charge in exchange for writing an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Health By Numbers.

Accuracy all of facts have all been thoroughly researched and are scientifically proven as of August 2014.

My Month on Instagram - July.

If you've been following Christie's Take on Life, you'll know by now that I'm a major lover of Instagram! It's the perfect outlet for posting inspiration and little snippets of life, and seeing what my favourite bloggers and friends are up to.

The series becoming increasingly popular; Guess there are other nosey people like me out there. ;)
I've decided to introduce a monthly link-up to the series! Scroll to the bottom to enter!

June was a busy month work-wise. July marks the new financial year.

My work buddies and I celebrated the end of the 2013 year by going out to Burswood..

..and consuming a few drinks..

..and by a few, I mean the term 'a few too many' would have been a sufficient phrase about 12 cocktails prior.

It was also my six month anniversary wth Jesse.

We spent the weekend together in Fremantle.

In a hotel with a beautiful view overlooking the river.

And every one of our meals looked like this. ;)

This necklace from Boohoo.com is quickly becoming my new favourite.

Go right ahead on ignore my hideous nails because I finally jumped on the stacked ring bandwagon with my new wishbone, infinity and star three piece set also from Boohoo.

We've officially passed the middle of Winter, guys. (Ugh)
My soft, cozy sweater has made it bearable though. Just.

First World Problems - Make-up Edition.

Because it's Tuesday Pretties link-up day with Niki and in my rush to get ready for work this morning after sleeping in yet again, I look like this:

Ugh.

- Having just finished painting your nails, then realizing you've gotta pee.

- Never knowing how much YSL Touche Eclat you have left - damn you packaging!

- Foundation bottles without pumps. WHY!?

- When your left eyelashes look incredible, but the right ones? Spider legs.

- Just shaved legs + fake tan = disaster

- Getting eyelash glue everywhere

- Applying a face mask, then having someone knock on the door.. and you're the only one home.

- Dried flakes of mascara on your eyeshadow.

- Applying mascara and then sneezing... I give up on lashes. OMG.

- Not being able to get your winged liner to remotely resemble anything even close to semi-symmetrical.

- Freshly shaved armpits + Spray deodorant. THE BURN! 

- Wearing a bold lipstick then needing to eat.

- Lipstick teeth.

-  Over applying hair oil on damp, freshly washed hair resulting in greasy locks.

-  Lipgloss + long hair + windy day.

- Eyebrow filling I can't even. 

Obligitory Lame-As-Shit Anniversary Post.

Feel free to vomit continuously whilst reading.

As I type, Jesse is seated next to me, watching cartoons, totally oblivious to the world around him.
When I look at him, I am reminded of many things that led us to right here, right now. Many of those things make me smile. Some make me wish I would have said or done things differently in the moment. And some of those things remind me that our relationship has been a labor of love. Sharing your life with someone can be trying, but through it all, we've learned and we've grown.
And it's been worth it.

Through it all - every up and down, twist and unexpected turn, there is one thing I never question about my relationship - how much we truly love each other.

It's in the way we look at each other. How we tell dirty jokes. It's in the way we make fun of each other. It's in the little every day things we do for each other (admittedly, Jesse is much better about the little things than I am). When I look at him, I can't imagine going through life with anyone else. I don't tell him that enough.

I'm pretty sure a good relationship is built upon encouraging your partner to embrace their inner child.

That and back rubs.

Jesse and I are certainly guilty of not dealing with an issue right away and giving silly things too much significance. Our relationship is not perfect. Far from it. There are days I want to hug Jesse and days I just want to smack him. We push each other's buttons. We make each other laugh. We comfort each other. And when it comes down to it, we make a pretty great team.

Building and sharing your life with another person so intimately isn't easy, and we're just getting started. There is a lot of work and compromising ahead for Jesse and I, as well as a lot of wonderful moments, and I have no doubt that it will be worth it.

My Month on Instagram - June.

If you've been following Christie's Take on Life, you'll know I'm a major lover of Instagram! It's the perfect outlet for posting inspiration and little snippets of life, and seeing what my favourite bloggers and friends are up to.

Here's the next instalment of the My Month on Instagram series:

June's nails. For some reason my camera's been taking photos with a purple tinge lately. :s

'nuff said.

My kind of breakfast.

Guys, I've had the flu for three weeks now. Safe to say I'm dying.

 He's a good wifey. Fuck you, purple tinge.

How cute are my new handmade friendship bracelets?

The cuties next door to our office delivered me some gorgeous flowers just because.
Also, this is the first photo taken with my new favourite camera app, Camera 360. Such better quality! Camera 360, people. It's where it's at.

When the sun comes out, I take photos.


 So there you have it, my June summed up on Instagram.
Be sure to comment your Instagram username below!

My Month on Instagram - May.

If you've been following Christie's Take on Life, you'll know I'm a major lover of Instagram! It's the perfect outlet for posting inspiration and little snippets of life, and seeing what my favourite bloggers & friends are up to.
Majority of the time, my Instagram posts never make it on to my blog, so last month, I introduced a new blog series, My Month on Instagram.

Here's month two:

 May's nail art.

I discovered my new favourite mixer - apricot liqueur.
I only bought this bad boy because the bottle was adorable and was selling for only $8.. Granted, it's not written in English, but it still was the best life decision. Ever.

 ...aaaannnddd the result of consuming said new favourite drink with your best friend.

 My current Autumn outfit favourite; LBD, green anorak, stockings and boots.

 Roses and champagne - the perfect way to spend Mother's Day.

I FINALLY came off my P plates this month.

Spends an hour straightening hair, steps outside for 0.3 of a second, this happens.
I will never stop complaining about the wintery weather. NEVER!

So there you have it, my May summed up on Instagram. Be sure to follow me: @christieee__x and comment your Instagram username below so I can check out your posts!

The Manicare Precision Blending Sponge - A Dupe for the Original Beauty Blender?

My beloved Priceline had one of their famous free postage and double sister point promotions on ANZAC Day only. So, as any normal person would, I took advantage of their generosity.

$80 and two weeks later, I arrived home from work to my glorious haul waiting for me. The thing I was most excited about receiving, was the Manicare Precision Blending Sponge.

I've heard great things about the famous Beauty Blender, and was contemplating whether to get one or not. It, at the time, was not available in Australia and if I were to buy one overseas, it would have set me back $40-$50 AUD, and I just couldn't justify that. So when I came across this look-alike for only $8, I HAD to give it a try..

I've been using this for about a month and so far, I like it. You can use it wet or dry, but I prefer using it damp; not because I prefer a sheerer coverage, I actually like full coverage, but because I feel it disperses foundation/concealer way more evenly that when dry, and because the sponge itself is quite porous, it sucks up a lot of your product. I literally use twice the amount of foundation I usually would, which is a huge downside for me. Using it wet minimises this as much as it can and the finish of the foundation isn't at all dry, or cakey as it can be with a brush.

The egg shape of the sponge is great! The narrow tip makes it easy to blend around the nose/eyes and the round base is great for larger areas on the face. I wouldn't say it applies my foundation "flawlessly", but I quite like the finish it gives. In terms of how it goes in application, it takes a while - longer than it would using a brush and I have to use twice the amount of product I usually would. I think there are a few reasons for this. Because I'm using the sponge damp, the foundation is sheered out slightly so it's best to squeeze out and dry as much of the water as possible. I also feel as though the sponge is a tad too firm, especially when dry, which could be a contributing factor when it comes to blending quickly. So yes, it does require patience to blend and apply the foundation, but the result is definitely worth it. Where a brush simply buffs the product over the skin, a damp sponge really blends and melds the product into the skin without any streaking.

Overall, I've enjoyed using this for applying my foundation because of the lovely finish it eventually gives when wet. However, I didn't like using it dry. At all. I just felt it was too firm and a lot of my product went to waste. I guess I would say I was pleased with the results this little purple sponge gave me and for an $8 purchase, it does a fairly decent job.

It's a nifty cheaper alternative with a great shape, but is this a miracle dupe for the real thing? Online reviews and my own personal experience with the Manicare sponge, unfortunately say not. I'll definitely be giving the proper Beauty Blender a try if it promises better results as it's now available here in Australia.