Last week, we introduced you to homegrown skincare brand U Little Beauty. As promised, this week, we talk to U Little Beauty brand ambassador Toni Pearen. Toni is such a gorgeous, natural beauty, we couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say about this beautiful brand.
Can you tell us a bit about your role with U Little Beauty and what inspired you to get involved with them?
It’s the skin care range I have been searching for. 100% natural and organic, Australian made owned, rich in antioxidants, nourishing and great for sensitive and dry skin. Affordable and available through Priceline, it is perfect for any busy, working mum.
What do you think makes U Little Beauty different from other skincare brands you have used?
It’s the use of the Kakadu Plum which has 10 times more vitamin C than an orange. Every product contains this amazing ingredient. It makes my skin glow and evens out my complexion.
One of Toni’s secrets to supercharged skin, the U Little Beauty Enriching Night Cream at http://keysun.com.au/webstore/ for $24.95(AUD)
What products are part of your skincare routine and what would you reccomend as U Little Beauty ‘must haves’?
On a daily basis I use the Vitamin C Serum. It wakes up my skin and makes my complexion smooth. The facial exfoliant is also a winner. It’s gentle enough to use daily but still scrubs away dead skin and grime to leave skin glowing. Both the daily moisturiser and the night moisturiser are nourishing for the skin too.
Have you noticed any results since you started using the products?
My complexion glows! My skin is smooth and deeply moisturised and as a result, fine lines are not so visible. I love going to work and have makeup artists comment on my good skin!
Finally, what advice would you give to people thinking about making the switch to natural/organic products?
Don’t think just because the products don’t contain chemicals that you won’t see results. U Little Beauty products are packed full of active ingredients that are great for your skin and deliver on their promise. Your skin absorbs everything you put on it. If you think about how many chemicals you ingest on a daily basis through pollution, food, skin care etc, isn’t it good to know you are making a conscious choice and using natural, organic skincare.
This reminds me of 20’s glamour in paris…rosy red cheeks, bitten lips and a cute crop decorated with pins, bands or flowers…makes me want to pop on some sweet stockings, a pea coat and a cloche hat…
Moleskin Writing Black Pencil Set at www.notemaker.com.au for $14.95(AUD)
Fashion note: So these aren’t strictly ‘fashion’ but they are certainly fashionable. I love my moleskin diary and notebooks with their buttery leather and slim & stylish exterior. These moleskin pencils are the perfect addition to a moleskin collection. Using pencils also make me feel a little ‘old school!’
As you may have noticed, we are huge fans of natural and organic skincare. We were so excited to hear about this homegrown brand, which takes inspiration from some of Australia’s amazing native ingredients, that we just had to find out more!
This week, we talk to Rebecca Hamilton, U Little Beauty Brand Manager about this delightful range.
Can you tell us when, where and why U Little Beauty was created? (and where the cute brand name came from!)
U Little Beauty was launched in 2009 because we felt there was a gap in the market for 100% Australian made natural skincare products that were actually affordable. We wanted to make sure that all the ingredients were sourced from Australia and that the products actually worked. Then, when it came to the name, we thought U Little Beauty was typically Australian and is used to express delight, happiness, appreciation, celebration or success. It really denotes something uplifting. We chose this name because it helps position the range as uniquely Australian, but also because the products are great quality, natural products and they should be a delight to experience and a joy to use!
What do you think sets it apart from other natural brands on the market?
Australia’s unique flora gives the U Little Beauty range plenty to play with and we chose to use ingredients that offer concentrated action for ultimate skin health. We also make sure that all our products are effective, affordable and simple because we really think that’s what people need in their busy schedules.
Vitamin C Serum at http://keysun.com.au/webstore/ for $39.95(AUD)
It is easy to get confused by all the slogans of ‘organic/natural/plant derived’ skincare- what does natural skincare really mean to U Little Beauty?
Natural Skincare to us really means natural. All our products are 100% natural and contain certified organic ingredients as well. There are definitely no nasties! There are many products on the market at the moment that claim natural and organic status but one look at their ingredients will tell you they’re not. Our message is simple- skincare doesn’t have to be expensive or have all the nasty ingredients to make it effective.
Two of your products were nominated for the Australian Beauty Awards- can you tell us a bit about these?
One of our favourite products was nominated this year which was the Vitamin C Serum which gives your skin a potent boost of Vitamin C- the trick to combat wrinkles, firm, boost radiance and even skin tone. It’s a lightweight, water based serum that is instantly absorbed and is a powerful antioxidant. This little serum helps to protect the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and reduce the signs of premature ageing. It really is essential in every woman’s skincare routine and I know this is one of (U Little Beauty brand ambassador) Toni Pearen’s favourites!
The second product was the Nourishing Body Lotion which is a quickly absorbed, non-greasy lotion packed full of natural goodness, rich vitamins, soothing chamomile and macadamia and jojoba nut oils. It’s a beautiful product that makes your skin so soft and smooth.
Clay Facial Cleansing Mask at http://keysun.com.au/webstore/ for $29.95(AUD)
We love seeing native Australian ingredients being used in skincare! Can you tell us about what they bring to your range?
All our formulations include medicinal grade therapeutic herbal and plant extracts chosen for their cosmeceutical levels of vitamins, which are then blended with soothing essential oils. Our favourite ingredient has to be the Kakadu Plum which is used in all our products- it’s sourced from the Northern Territory and is the world’s richest source of Vitamin C, which is essential for synthesis of collagen and is a rich antioxidant.
Next week, we talk to ambassador Toni Pearen which we are super excited about! In the meantime and over the next few weeks, keep a look out for some special beauty reviews of these perfect products!
This reminds me of innocence and freedom…simplicity, elegance and charm…it shows that classic doesn’t always mean conservative…makes me want to braid my hair, embrace natural makeup and just breathe…
Tribal Cuff at www.misstrudie.com.au for $29(AUD)
Fashion note: We love the style of Samantha Wills but can’t always afford all the pieces we want! This Tribal Cuff is simple, stylish and affordable, without looking cheap. We love the Aztec inspired design and dark green is the perfect autumn hue. Pair with killer earrings, golden strappy sandals and a metallic clutch!
Kora Organics Enriched Body Lotion at www.koraorganics.com for $49.95(AUD)
Beauty note: At first I was a little worried that the Kora formula wasn’t as creamy as my body butters, but I have to say, unlike some other brands, it really does keep my skin smooth and supple all day long! The scent is not overpowering (which is great- because it doesn’t interfere with my perfume!) but when applying, it does have a nice citrus zest scent which is refreshing in the morning. The price is a little steep compared to other organic/natural brands but on the flipside, I don’t need much of this product to get amazing results.
Feel wrapped up in a London winter…a vintage inspired coat contrasted with ladylike lace…makes me want to adorn myself with Victorian style brooches, cute capes & sit down with a copy of wuthering heights…
Image is of the gorgeous Abbey Lee Kershaw for the Portmans Winter 2012 campaign
Shona Joy Final Frontier Shift Dress at www.fashionartiste.com.au for $160(AUD)
Fashion note: It has been a while since we have seen a kimono style influence in fashion and we just love this silky mini dress, balanced beautifully with bell sleeves. As the sleeves stop just short of the wrists, it would look amazing with stacked wooden & gold bangles on each arm, costume jewellery and a leather clutch. Peachy cheeks and loads of lipgloss would finish this look!
y’s weekend wishlist showcases some serious style pieces (and ones I will be waiting for in the sale section…) This week we are all about accessories…
Samantha Wills Meadow Love Bangle (Frost) at www.samanthawills.com.au for $149(AUD)
House of Harlow 1960- Riley Clutch at www.inhershoesboutique.com.au for $220(AUD)
Mezi Antique Gold Earrings at www.the-dreamery.com for $209(AUD)
