For the past couple of months  I’ve been using the La Mav Anti-Ageing Mineral Foundation combined with the La Mav BB Cream.
This foundation is an all in one concealer, sunscreen, foundation and powder, which means you can use it on it’s own and it will work fabulously, you really don’t need to use anything else with it, but as the BB cream also contains a primer and moisturiser,  I use this first followed by the Mineral Foundation.

This Mineral Foundation  is 100 percent natural and certified organic, cruelty free and proudly Australian made.  Completely free from all of the nasty chemicals such as parabens, petrochemicals and synthetics.  

The fact that this foundation is anti-ageing is a big added plus for me, as not that many loose organic powders are.   It contains anti-ageing minerals and the anti-oxidant properties of certified organic rose-hip oil and vitamin C.  It’s a good idea to start using anti-ageing products at any age, not just when you hit your 40’s and start noticing wrinkles!  Prevention is the best  medicine when it comes to skin care.

When applying I only used a light dusting and this set my make-up for the entire working day, no touch up’s needed.     The staying power is extremely long lasting, it will last all day long.
La mav have done their  research when it comes to performance and knowing what people need in their skincare products.

I find this powder to be very nourishing for my skin,  at the same time as making my skin feel perfectly made up by hiding my imperfections,  without making me feel as though I’m wearing a tonne of make-up.    It adds a slightly glowing and soft shimmer  look to my skin without making it look shiny.
As someone who can be prone to the occasional breakout, this also kept my skin clear and pimple free and hides any redness. This would also work well for those who suffer from Rosacea.
It comes in 4 different shades,  I used the light/medium shade and this was perfect for my fair, but slightly tanned skin.  It also contains a natural SPF 15 sunscreen and is water resistant, even on hot, sweaty days it will stay on your face!

The powder is very economical and  you’re getting  top quality at an affordable price.
I highly recommend both the La Mav BB Cream and Mineral Foundation powder as a healthy way to keep your skin looking and feeling great, I don’t think anyone will be disappointed after trying them.
Before this I was using a liquid foundation and pressed powder, but now I've been converted.   Previously I've found other loose powders looked too thick, but this glides on smoothly and evens out to a very natural looking skin tone.

Available at The Organic Beauty Shop

For more information on La Mav please read my interview with La Mav  founder Tarj Mavi.

Since I stopped using make-up containing chemicals 10 years ago I’ve been on the  constant look out for the best organic cosmetics available.

Changing to organic and natural doesn’t mean you have to stop using cosmetics which make you feel great and help to bring out your natural beauty.
When I was told that I’d be given the chance to trial La Mav’s anti-aging minerals collection I was very excited, particularly as La Mav's BB cream is   Australia's first organic BB Cream.    

As you may have read in my previous blog interview with La Mav founder Tarj Mavi, La Mav use the highest quality plant ingredients, are 100 percent certified organic  and are at the top of the line when it comes to ethics.

BB creams are quite new to the scene, particularly Australian organic BB creams, the BB stands for Blemish Balm, they’re  an all purpose foundation rolled into one (moisturiser, primer, foundation, sunscreen). This appeals to me, as it means I don’t have so many products crowding up my bathroom, saves room while I’m traveling and it’s also very affordable.

From the first application my skin loved  this, it felt silky smooth and covered my imperfections instantly with a matte finish , I didn’t even need to use a concealer.  If you do have heavy acne or pimples though, you may need a concealer to touch up with.   It  comes in one colour which is designed to blend well with all skin tones. At first I wasn’t sure about this as I have quite pale skin and I was worried it might be too dark, but somehow  the colour and ingredients blended into my skin perfectly.

It seemed to enhance my skin tone and make it look more vibrant, I realised that the foundation I was using previously was way too light in colour and it didn’t need to be, but I was always so worried about getting that ‘orange’ look.  This BB cream  gives my skin a glowing, healthy  look.   It’s not as heavy as a foundation, it looks very natural and flawless without looking as though I’m wearing make-up, almost like a tinted moisturiser, but with alot more coverage.   
It did a great job of hiding under eye circles and kept my skin feeling dewey and moisturised. When I’m in a hurry,  it’s really nice to to skip the moisturiser on busy mornings.  If you prefer thicker coverage, you can also use this underneath a foundation to even out redness.

Another important factor is staying power, especially if you’re working long days at the office and don’t have time to re-touch.   When I used this combined with the La Mav Mineral Foundation powder, I’d give it a 10 out of 10 for staying power.

Some of the ingredients include Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil for moisturisation, Rosehip and  Kakadu Plum to fight wrinkles and soothing cucumber seed extract to even out redness.  All very healthy for your skin and certified organic, if you are acne prone it won’t clog up pores, it will actually help to prevent pimples.    My skin has been feeling great and blemish free while I’ve been using this.    An added bonus is it also contains a natural sunscreen.  The scent is very soft, virtually no scent at all, so good for allergies.

Available at The Organic Beauty Shop.

La Mav has an international cult following and I can see why.     Australia's first anti-aging certified Organic skincare brand which delivers amazing results, based on a background of science, understanding and integrity.    

I had the pleasure of talking to founder and director Tarj Mavi to find out what lies behind La Mav's success.


What were the reasons behind your passion to start La Mav?

After the birth of my second child I developed a severe case of postpartum pigmentation and as I was not able to find a solution that was both effective and not harmful to my health, I decided to turn to nature. I was still breastfeeding and it was extremely important for me to find an alternative that was 100% toxic free. So, I took my knowledge as a scientist and my experience in the development field and started formulating products based on healthy, effective, organic ingredients that are good for our bodies, good for the planet and good for the generations to come. Cut a long story short - this is how the brand came into being. And I am very happy with what we have managed to achieve!



What is it about La Mav that makes it have such a large and dedicated following?

I believe the reason is that we do not only sell beauty products. We make constant efforts to raise awareness among people, about the importance of turning to organic solutions, avoiding chemicals, being nice to nature and all living beings.



Why is it important to use organic ingredients?

Because they are better for you and they provide long lasting results, in contrast with regular skincare products. Organic ingredients are more potent, they reach the deeper layers of the skin, nourishing it and helping the cells regenerate, while protecting them from external damage. Yes, you may not see the change after the first application, because none of the organic products contains petroleum by-products, silicones and other ingredients meant to make your skin appear better instantly, but fail to offer sustainable benefits in the long run. You can be sure, the results from switching to organic will not be far away and you’ll be amazed how good your skin can look and feel!



What is the difference between natural and certified organic skincare?

Unfortunately, in the past years, “natural” turned into just a  trendy word used to make products more appealing for customers, rather than carrying any meaning,  due to lack of strict regulations towards the products carrying this label. This means that even if the manufacturer states that what they are selling is natural, the truth might be far from that.

Organic, on the other hand, means that all plants used in the manufacturing process were grown in a pesticide, fertilizer, antibiotics and growth hormone free environment. This way there aren’t even traces of harmful and potentially dangerous chemicals in the final product. In order for a product to get labelled organic, at least 70% of its ingredients must be from organic origin. The good thing here is that there are regulatory bodies and organizations that are in charge of certifying, which products get labelled organic, such as: USDA, OFC Australia, Natrue, Ecocert. They have their specific strict requirements and if these are not met, it is not prohibited for the product in question to carry the “organic” label.

For those new to La Mav, which products should they start with?


Here I would strongly encourage people who are not sure of their skin type or skin conditions and the products they should start with to reach out to our staff, so we can give expert advice and recommend products to them, based on their specific needs and preferences. We are always happy to help with guidance and advice, whenever it is needed.



What is a unique feature of the La Mav range? How does it differ from other skincare lines?

All of our products are created after years of extensive research and we carefully picked the ingredients of each product, so they can be as potent as possible to encourage visible and long-lasting results. We are also the first brand that successfully infused makeup products with Certified Organic Rosehip Oil and Vitamin C – both proven to be irreplaceable aids in the fight against premature ageing.



What are the most exciting ingredients in the La Mav range?

If I have to be honest there isn’t one in particular that stands out from all others. Each ingredient was carefully selected because our main goal was to formulate all products that we offer in a way that they would be effective, yet gentle on the skin. The power of each formulation lies in the well-studied effect of the combination of all ingredients used. In order to capture this vision we have implemented a unique Three-Tier™ formula, which consists of BIO-ACTIVES, antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids, therapeutic grade herbal extracts, carrier oils and very gentle and soothing Essential Oils that provide a potent and result-driven concentration designed to work on the cellular level.



For those starting to change to a green routine, which product should be the first to be replaced?

The cleanser, definitely. Overdoing cleansing or using aggressive products  that wash away the skin’s natural oils and disrupt the lipid barrier, can have devastating effects on the overall skin condition and appearance. Even the greatest moisturizer can’t reverse the damage caused by harsh cleansing products. That is why it is important to pick wisely. You should look for a gentle, yet effective cleanser that removes impurities, keeping your skin healthy and good-looking, without leaving it dry or irritated.



Being the CEO of an internationally renowned company, how do you balance and maintain a healthy lifestyle?

I try to sleep well, eat well and take some “me time” no matter how busy my schedule is. I also finish every day with Bikram Yoga - it keeps me fit and it helps me relax and takes the stress away.

I spend every free moment I can get with my family – they are the most important part of my life and even one hour with them gives me a lot of energy and motivation to move on and do my best at everything.



What has been the most rewarding aspect about starting La Mav?

Meeting all those incredible people along the way who helped me in so many ways! Another thing that makes me happy is that more and more people are turning to the organic & natural ways of living and that our attempts to raise awareness actually leads to something. This was my initial mission when I first started the brand and I am super delighted to see the change already happening!





You can find out more about Tarj's skincare line at La Mav.

La Mav's Skin Brightening products are a wonderful and safe alternative to toxic products which lighten your skin but contain nasty chemicals that cause harm by being absorbed into your bloodstream.  If you want to even out and brighten your complexion, you don't need to use these harsh products.    
La Mav's range of chemical free brightening products are a safer way to go.  
After my reviews, please keep on reading through to Annette Christy's article on Organic Skin Brightening products, containing some really helpful info on natural skin lightening ingredients.   
La Mav products are certified organic, contain scientifically proven bio-actives.  They are Australian made and cruelty free.   
These product's can be purchased at Chikii
Enter the code FREEORGANIC at checkout to receive free shipping! 

                                       Rumex Advanced Lightening Day Creme 

La Mav's velvety day creme works to reduce discolouration and pigmentation. Formulated with Licorice root, Rumex Occidentalis and Marine Extracts to deliver intensive lightening and brightening benefits. Rumex is a plant extract which inhibits the formation of tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the reddish-brown pigmentation of the human skin.  Licorice root also has a similar effect and contains anti-inflammatory properties.   

I like cremes which feel like they are doing a great job on my skin without feeling heavy, this is very light and fresh.   
I have oily skin, so this creme worked very well for me, giving it the right amount of moisture.  I think it would also work well with dry skin as it contains jojoba oil and vitamin E.  Vitamin C is another ingredient which has strong anti-aging action.

Applying this in the morning gave me a nice little pick me up, it's very good for tired and stressed skin.  
I have been using this for one month and and I can say that my complexion has lightened out and the red marks are fading.  This would be extremely beneficial for acne scarring and age spots.   I feel as though it has taken the ruddiness out of my complexion and made my skin feel dewey and younger, which is always a good thing!   

It comes in a handy pump bottle which dispenses evenly.

The natural licorice scent is beautiful, almost good enough to eat.

Anti Dark-Circle and Ultra Anti -Firm Eye Gel

A cooling gel to revive and lighten the delicate eye area. Formulated with Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. 

I don't think there is a woman on earth who hasn't had a problem with dark circles or puffiness at some stage.   Applying this gel is very soothing, it firms and tightens my skin.  Puffiness is my main problem, especially in the mornings and this reduces puffiness significantly.   I have mild dark circles and this also seemed to lighten the area, I can see with further use the ingredients used will really help to keep the dark circles at bay.       

This also comes in a pump bottle, the gel seems to squirt out rather quickly, but that's ok, as you only need one pump and the right amount gets absorbed into the skin quite nicely.
It leaves the delicate under eye skin feeling smooth, with no sticky or heavy residue. 

The gel has a mild natural sweet orange scent, reminds of getting a facial in an organic beauty salon, very nice and refreshing.

http://chikii.com.au/product/la-mav-anti-dark-circle-ultra-firm-eye-gel/?affiliates=e4da3b7fbbce2345d7772b0674a318d5">Chikii</a>

Organic Skin Brightening Products
by
Annette Christy/Chikii

                                                                               Enjoy our article using organic skin care to battle hyper pigmentation, and to tone and brighten the skin.
Having an even skin tone and getting rid of dark spots caused by sun damage, aging and acne scars is a goal worth achieving. When you are young your skin is smooth and has a uniform texture, age spots are the first signs that we are not as young as we once were. They usually appear first on the back of our hands and on our faces – which are the areas that are most exposed to the sun and are obvious signs of aging.
It is important to be very wary of skin bleaching or lightening products. They contain particularly nasty chemicals such as hydroquinone, which is believed to be a carcinogen and is banned in many countries. Instead of hiding behind concealers and makeup, people are seeking to remove these all too obvious signs of aging and getting rid of the problem naturally with ingredients that are gentle and safe to use and are free of harmful bleaches.
Brown age spots or hyper pigmentations are caused by an increased production of melanin, a dark pigment excreted by cells called melanocytes in the skin to protect its deeper layers. If you have spent time in the sun in your younger years, it is a fair chance that you will have developed age spots which are areas of hyper-pigmentation where excess melanin has formed. Brown age spots usually develop over years of sun exposure; they are an indication of how much sun exposure you’ve had. We also recommend that you have your skin checked on a regular basis, as some age spots can look like skin cancers, or if you notice a spot on your skin changing colour or shape please see your doctor.
To prevent the appearance of hyper pigmentations, you need to start early in life and use a safe sun block such as non-toxic zinc oxide. Apply it daily on your face, chest, back of hands and anywhere else you are exposed and pretty much use it for the rest of your life. Wearing a high quality mineral make-up also gives good sun protection as it provides a physical barrier from the sun’s rays.To prevent new age spots forming, minimize your sun exposure, cover up and wear a hat and sunglasses.
The benefits of using natural organic ingredients to promote lighter and evenly toned skin is that they are totally safe and cost effective, and are very effective in lightening the skin without leaving any side effects, especially for those with sensitive skin and allergies. Below are a few ingredients and products that we have at our Chikii store to look for when purchasing an Organic Brightening beauty product that can help to clarify and restore, battle hyper-pigmentation, help in reducing melanin synthesis and sun damage.
Bearberry Extract – An ingredient that is perfect for those who want to treat freckles and age spots, is has powerful lightening effects.
Chlorophyll – A brilliant source of Vitamin K used in cosmetics to fade uneven, blotchy skin tones & discolouration.
Licorice Root- The ingredient responsible for giving licorice its skin lightening effects is Glabradin. Glabradin prevents hyper pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is an enzyme responsible for the chemical production of melanin. If you stop it from activating, you can prevent further discolouration Studies have shown that the ingredient’s gentle, non-toxic nature is ideal for providing a brightening effect safely. Licorice extract is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Lactic Acid- Lactic acid works similarly to Glycolic acid but is typically better suited for people with sensitive skin. Lactic acid removes dead skin cells to reveal new healthy cells underneath. As a result, the dry flaky skin disappears and skin becomes smoother, fairer and brighter with a youthful glow. Lactic acid in buttermilk is said to help fade age spots, so try rubbing some on to the spots each day. You should exfoliate your skin at least twice a week for removing dead skin cells which helps in boosting the skin cell turnover and metabolism process.
Papaya – Papaya is one of the most important components of many skin brightening products and one can get incredible results, it is intended to be used long-term to gradually lighten the skin. The ingredient responsible for this purported effect is papain, a natural enzyme known promote skin and cell turnover with extra exfoliation. Papaya also contains vitamins A and C, the latter also known to help with lightening skin, and is considered a natural alpha hydroxy acid.
Rose hip oil is famous for its properties that delay the aging process. It is very rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Deficiency of antioxidants and vitamin C increases the skin’s aging process. This leads to age spots, hormonal hyper pigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
Rumex Occidentalis Extract – This plant extract is capable of inhibiting the production of melanin and blocking melanin synthesis.
Oryza sativa – Oryza sativa regulates melanin production and has been used in far eastern cultures for years to help brighten and lighten the complexion. Rice bran extract also contains lipoic acid, an antioxidant, and vitamin B5 (niacin) to help improve cellular circulation.
The list is of natural ingredients are endless, below is some other natural remedies.
Rub Aloe Vera gel onto the age spots twice a day.
Honey and yoghurt is a natural skin bleach. Mix a teaspoon of natural yoghurt with a teaspoon of honey, rub it onto your age spots, let it dry and wash it off after 30 minutes. If you do this once a day, your age spots should start to lighten.
Lemon juice – rubbing it in each day, the citric acid can help fade age spots.
Use a brightening formula with Vitamin C.

Over the past few weeks I've been trying out a product called La Mav Intense Moisture Nightly Repair Nectar.
This was sent to me by Chikii and I have fallen in love with it.   
I've been using it on my decollatage, neck and face.  
As we grow older, the decollatage is the area we will notice aging first.
The serum melts into my skin and I do feel as though it's making a difference to the way it feels and looks.   My skin doesn't feel as dry, lines seem smoother and not as deep and the moisture from the Nectar keeps my skin feeling moisturised throughout the day.    I've been on the look out for an organic product for the delicate decollatage and this is it.  
I've been using it nightly, you only need a little bit, so it is quite economical.  
The natural scents from the bio-actives and oils also make it smell wonderful.  
 

​• Bisabol bio-active will calm and sooth your skin, reducing redness
• Cucumber extract promotes hydration and improves your skin’s moisture barrier
• Argan and Marula oil rehydrate and repair your skin
• Provides natural anti-aging benefits
• Bisabolol calms, soothes and reduces redness
• Phytosterols in Cucumber Oil help strengthen skin’s moisture barrier
• Linoleic acid & Oleic acid from Moroccan (Argan) oil and Marula oil help to re-energise and repair stressed skin restoring healthy glow
• Natural Vitamin E and Tocotrienols from Sea Buckthorn Seed oil protect the skin delivering long lasting anti-aging benefits
• Soothing abilities of Oat extract makes this pure nectar a savior for dehydrated skin



If you would like to purchase serums from Chikii, head on through to their website.

Following is an informative post by Chikii on the benefits of using serums.

Skin treatment serums are used as part of a facial treatment when you go to a Beauty Therapist or to a spa.  A serum contains highly concentrated ingredients, delivering vital nutrients and vitamins to help rejuvenate and heal and to treat skin ailments. They absorb into the skin quickly and more deeply for a more intensive effect. Formulas vary, but most serums are designed to smooth, soften, reduce the appearance of dark spots, hydrate, brighten and help to combat sun damage.

How to use a beauty Serum – Apply a drop of serum to your fingertips and massage it gently into your freshly- cleaned skin in the morning and at night, then follow with your usual moisturiser. You don’t need to use more than a drop or two to cover your whole face and neck. You will likely feel an immediate change in your skin the first time you use a serum – it may feel softer,smoother and perhaps a little tighter. But most formulas promise a visual change in four weeks, especially if you have fine lines and wrinkles,redness or large pores.

Should I use a serum in addition to a moisturizer, or do they take the place of a moisturizer? Moisturizers act to protect your skin, where serums may be less protective, but more therapeutic. You can use a serum under your moisturizer for additional skin benefits. However a serum can be applied on its own at night, if you have oily skin (instead of a moisturizer); or during weather conditions when you want to forgo a heavy moisturizer.

Can serums be used on my neck area? –  This region often gets missed and is typically the first area of your body to show the signs of aging.   Serums are perfect for delivering potent nutrients to the décolleté area.  Follow with your moisturizer on your neck as well.

How long does a serum last? – Many people apply too much – a little goes a long way. So a bottle should last longer than the same size daily moisturizer because you should be using less. We find serums generally last the longest of any product in a skin care routine because 1-2 pumps is all you need. If your skin feels sticky, you’ve used too much.

At our Chikii store we have a couple of ranges that provide organic serum treatments. The potent synthesis 345 first love organic regenerative elixir has pomegranate, Agonis fragrans and passionfruit seed oil. Also look at the extensive beauty treatmentLa Mav serum product range, also with Vitamin C and skin brightening formulas.