MANSTUFF

So who buys the soap in your house? My guess is it's not him. 

Guys make a fuss when they leave the shower smelling like jasmine flowers, but now they get a choice!

MANSTUFF was purpose built so a guy could smell like a guy. An offering to their fellow man, MANSTUFF has risen from the ruins of Christchurch and been brewed in the rugged surrounds of Marlborough. Crafted from the best of ingredients the range offers up two bars of soap: Handful of Gravel and Whiskey and Mint $12. 'Handful of Gravel' states it will 'clean you up no matter what's stuck to you,' which sounds a little ominous... and 'Whiskey and Mint' contains whiskey extract and peppermint oil, it's invigorating and can be used on the face and the bod. (They like that.)

I had a couple of men take it home and tell me all about it after a shower. As you can imagine it wasn't easy getting a lot out of them, feedback as follows:

Whiskey and Mint fragrance was enjoyed, the soap was soft, the natural ingredient preferred. 

Handful of Gravel had a nice exfoliating thing going on, not as harsh as the name might suggest, very happy to not smell like flowers but be clean. 

It's the sense of humour about this product that's most refreshing and with big plans to add more manly grooming stuff to their line you check out www.manstuff.co.nz 

Next addition to the bathroom: his and hers soap trays. 

xMimi

The Hands Have It

It has been said it's a ladies hands that give her age away. Even Ellen Degeneres who looks amazing and cover girl fresh at 55 says her hands look every day her age. 

When you think about it your hands get it tough. In a 'hands on' profession like mine they take a lethal bashing! Besides dehydration, your five fingered friends are the first to get the dreaded sun spots. This is due to direct sunlight exposure and one the worst activities is driving. You could do like some women in Asian cultures and wear driving gloves, or for a less conspicuous look might I suggest keeping a small sized sunscreen about 50+ in your handbag for on the go protection. For a deep moisture hit try keeping a lovely rich hand cream by your bedstide table to apply just before sleep. That way it's always there to remind you and your hands get about 8 hrs of uninterrupted absorption. After a week of doing this you will be amazed at your soft and beautifully renewed hands. 

After applying a few myself and handing out to friends to try here are my top 3 hand creams:

Kio Kio Hand and Body Lotion $29.90 for 300ml. A light formula for all over, not just the hands. The pure essential oils create an incredible aroma mix and with all this amazing sunshine we're having every application makes for perfect kiwi summer moments. 

Weleda Citrus Hand and Nail Cream $ 19.90 for 50ml. All natural with a lovely zingy fragrance, this cream is ultra rich for hands with added protection for nails and healthy cuticle beds. 

Trilogy Rose Hand Cream $27.90 for 100ml LOVE this brand, they always do such lovely products and have such great ethics. I really enjoy the almost vintage rose scented cream. It's a light but ultra hydrating dream for a girls hands. 

XMimi 

Correspondence for MOR

I'm a true lover of anything with a history. I become enchanted with the idea of where its been and what its seen. Historical houses, Downton Abbey, vintage jewellery and old photographs. I'm into it all! So when I saw the new soap collection 'CORRESPONDENCE' from MOR I was delighted.

Triple milled, made from the purest ingredients and cruelty free, this 165gm bar for $19.95 is a richly scented trip down memory lane. With old world exotic fragrances such as Cyclamen Tuberose, Masala Tea, Kashmir Petals and Quince Persimmon to name but a few. MOR is a beauty brand that continuously delivers that bit more, from their luxury formulations to their exquisite packaging. 

CORROSPONDENCE takes us to a time when there were no emails and cellphones. When with much anticipation family news and more importantly letters from a lover came in neatly handwritten packages with delicate ink printed stamps and wax seals. Celebrating connection with all its traditional trimming. Ahhhh, the wonderful world of MOR. 

XMimi 

Original and Mineral

There ain't much I don't know about shampoo. The hair care market is bursting with choices and my money's on products free from sulphates, parabens and the like, created by companies with compassion for animals, the planet and you. 

Original & Mineral create beautiful formulations free from chemicals but still deliver amazing results. They have a unique 3 step care system.

1. Detox, this is using the Original Detox Shampoo $38 350ml, it smells fresh with Australian river mint and leaves hair lighter, almost squeaky clean and rid of build up from product, oil and pollution. Most importantly it's prepped for the next step. 

2. Cleanse, this is with your prescribed care shampoo depending on hair's texture. I use Hydrate and Conquer $38 350mls which through its sea kelp ingredient delivers tons of vitamins and amino acids that are important for my blonde locks.

3. Care, here is where the hair is treated to the hydration best suited for what you put it through. Again I used Hydrate and Conquer $38 350mls this one smells like sweet almond oil and ylang ylang flower. Not only does it smell delicious but it gives my chemically challenged hair a wonderfully balanced hit of moisture.

The end result is perfect delivery of the essential ingredients. My hair feels fully hydrated but lighter and my colour brighter and more radiant.

Yip, I was pretty impressed and O&M have a innovative backstory where through necessity an Australian hairdressing couple went out to make products and professional colour without using chemicals in a bid to reduce there own reactions through exposure. What they have created is a line that is picking up major fans worldwide. Leading hairdressers and celebs like Miranda Kerr and Rachel Zoe have raved about their love for O&M.

They do the cutest little travel sizes $17.50 50mls perfect if your interested in trying and seeing the results for yourself, not to mention an amazing styling line all professionally tested and adored. So lose the chemicals and use your head.

Mimi x