'It's like fauxtox!' The $66 face cream that women over 40 swear by
I can't really explain it, but you know that fresh smell you get when you leave a really good facial? Or the lingering scent of essential oils on your skin after a relaxing massage? That's what it smells like.
"It" being a new face cream I've been using and loving. And as it turns out, I'm not the only one.
Let's rewind a little.
Women over 40 - or even earlier for the really unlucky ones - have been speaking openly about perimenopausal symptoms affecting their everyday life more so than ever before. They're coming together in support, and even educating the clueless men in their lives about why we are sometimes so ragey about the way they're stacking the dishwasher.
Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.
Perimenopause symptoms suck
Yes, there's the mood and menstrual cycle changes, as well as hot flushes, irritability, mood swings, night sweats, sleep disruption, and changes in your libido.
But what about your skin? When discussing peri symptoms, no one seems to talk about how lifeless, blotchy, and puffy your skin can get.
According to my GP, I'm "not there yet" but that's certainly news to my face!
Ever since I hit 40, I've been blessed with the occasional outburst of adult acne, far too much pigmentation, and just general dullness. So when I heard that one of my favourite local brands had released a cream just for women approaching their menopause phase in life, you bet I wanted to give it a try.
And before you ask... NO, this isn't sponsored! I genuinely want to share it with you.
RELATED: The $52 moisturiser that banishes adult acne
Antipodes' Jasmine Flower face cream retails at $66. Image: Supplied
The $66 face cream for women approaching menopause
New Zealand skincare brand, Antipodes, recently launched their Jasmine Flower Menopause Facial Cream (RRP $66, 60ml) - a day cream that targets women who are suffering from visible symptoms of perimenopause and full-blown menopause.
It's silky, cooling, smells divine with the scent of jasmine (see notes above about the smell you get leaving a facial), and targets redness, fine lines and wrinkles.
When I applied the cream for the first time, I was a little worried about the thickness - it had the same consistency as a 50+ sunscreen. But within seconds of rubbing it in, the white cream soaks into your skin, leaving it super moisturised and your face full of life.
"Formulated for sensitive skin, it helps with visible signs of menopause such as redness, severe dehydration, hormonal blemishes, and signs of ageing, to smooth and balance your evolving complexion," the website description reads.
Born and bread in New Zealand... just for your peri skin needs. Image: Supplied
"Organic oat extract calms red, irritated, and sensitive skin. Peptides from chamomile and fermented jasmine flowers help relax lines and wrinkles. New Zealand avocado oil, with collagen boosting properties, fused with manuka honey to ease signs of ageing whilst reducing blemishes."
I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror a few hours after applying, and my face not only felt great, it made me look alive again! The redness and puffiness I woke up with were gone, and I was left with a radiant base that really needed nothing on top.
It was like fauxtox in a jar!
RELATED: What you need to know about perimenopause
The women have spoken!
Before launching the day cream, the Antipodes team conducted an independent clinical study with 50 women suffering from sensitive skin.
After trialling it, 78% said the cream visibly calmed their irritated skin.
Jennie is just one of those women who has seen a visible improvement after consistently using the cream for three weeks.
"I have loved this product, it's not heavy but covers well and really left my skin feeling hydrated. I have three types of rosacea: in my eyes, the red skin one and papulopustular, and this cream has looked after all three," she praised.
Jennie suffered from a heap of skin issues, which the cream seemed to settle. Image: Supplied
Hanni also gave it a 5-star review, claiming she saw a "huge improvement" in her skin's moisture level.
"My skin blotches are disappearing after only two weeks," she confessed.
And the glowing (boom boom) reviews keep coming.
"The plumpness and reduced tightness are game changers... My combination skin feels perfectly balanced—no excess oil, just smooth and hydrated," a fan wrote online.
Another agreed: "This product is amazing - leaves your skin feeling and looking great. I'm sure my skin looked more youthful after using it. Love the scent too."
"Lovely and smooth, my skin loves it," another fan added.
Try it out for yourself! Grab a jar from Antipodesnature.com, Priceline, David Jones, Chemist Warehouse, Adore Beauty, Healthylife, Nourished Life as well as independent pharmacies and health shops across Australia.
Just don't expect it to calm your nerves around your annoying spouse.. that will still continue!
Originally published as 'It's like fauxtox!' The $66 face cream that women over 40 swear by
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
33 minutes ago
- ABC News
Women hospitalised with lung injuries after dry needling at Bendigo massage clinic
Two Bendigo women have been treated for lung injuries after receiving dry needling treatments at a local massage clinic. Dry needling is the practice of inserting small needles into tight muscles to try and relieve them. It is different to acupuncture, which has lengthier and more rigorous training requirements. The ABC understands two women had massages at Miracle Health Massage in Eaglehawk on separate occasions in July and had dry needling included in their session. One of the women, Julie — her name changed for privacy reasons — said she began experiencing severe shortness of breath at the end of her appointment. She said staff at the massage centre called an ambulance and she was taken to Bendigo Health. Julie said doctors confirmed she had a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, which required the insertion of a chest tube to drain her lung. She said doctors advised her not to drive or fly for at least 10 weeks. Bendigo Health said it could not comment on the matter due to patient privacy. A spokesperson for the Victorian Health Complaints Commissioner (HCC) confirmed to the ABC it was aware of two complaints about the same Bendigo centre. "The HCC has recently received complaints regarding pneumothorax as a result of dry needling and we are currently looking into it," the spokesperson said in a statement. "We do not hesitate to take action if we believe there is a risk to public safety. "If anyone has experienced pneumothorax after dry needling, or has information about unsafe practices, we encourage them to contact us directly." Zaparas Lawyers said it was exploring legal action on behalf of one of the women. "There is a level of care that members of the community expect will be adhered to and incidents like these should not happen to anyone," said senior associate Georgio Skoumbri. "We are committed to pursuing compensation for all those who have been injured as a result of negligent treatment." Miracle Massage Eaglehawk owner Lin Yang told the ABC she was still investigating the complaint. She said the staff member who did the dry needling was recently qualified but would not be continuing with the practice. Ms Yang said she was yet to speak directly with Julie, who she described as a regular customer. "If the client has any questions I hope we can resolve them together," she said. The ABC understands dry needling injuries are rare, with the HCC receiving low numbers of complaints in the past two years. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners rural chair associate professor Michael Clements said it was "very unlikely and very rare" a small needle, such as in dry needling, could cause pneumothorax. "But as soon as you're putting needles where they are not supposed to go, and penetrating that normal skin barrier, we do have to think about risks like that." Dr Clements said pneumothorax occurred when air escaped into a space between the lung and chest wall. He said it was also not unusual for emergency departments to deal with cases of spontaneous pneumothorax. "It can also occur after chest infections or if they have got underlying lung disease." But Dr Clements said if a person who presented with pneumothorax had had penetrating treatment with needles then doctors would probe that. "This would certainly be high on our list of potential causes," he said. Melbourne myotherapist and a former director of the Association of Massage Therapists, Ian Lim, said he was concerned but not surprised to hear of injuries from dry needling. Mr Lim said the treatment was often confused with acupuncture, which had more lengthy and rigorous training requirements. "[Acupuncture] practitioners must undergo years of formal education and licensing in Australia through the Chinese Medicine Board," Mr Lim said. "I am very conservative with my approach to dry needling and only use it as a last resort because of its risk profile." Massage and Myotherapy Australia chief executive Ann Davey said reports of injuries linked to dry needling were "very concerning". She said the massage industry was self-regulated and anyone could claim to be a therapist. Ms Davey urged the public to check the qualifications of their therapists before attending appointments. "The same principle should apply here. "Being a self-regulated industry doesn't mean clients can't or shouldn't ask to see someone's qualifications."
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
James Cook University medical student allowed to continue studies after domestic violence assault
A Queensland university is under pressure to take disciplinary action against a medical student who has been sentenced for domestic violence assault. The James Cook University student pleaded guilty this week in the Townsville Magistrate's Court to assault occasioning bodily harm. He was sentenced to two years' probation and ordered to pay $500 compensation, with no conviction recorded. The university confirmed a staff member provided a character reference for the student in a personal capacity. The ABC understands the student is now on leave, with the university considering further action in the wake of the court decision. The James Cook University Medical Students' Association released a statement saying it was deeply disturbed at the reports. "There is absolutely no place for violence, abuse or intimidation in the medical profession," the statement read. "No-one in our community should have to experience harm." Townsville nurse Emma Coppens wrote an open letter to the university criticising it for allowing the student to continue their studies in the wake of the court action. Ms Coppens, who spoke with the victim, said she was alarmed the student was on track to graduate as a doctor. "I'm just a nurse, I'm just a mum, but I think I speak for so many people when I say that we've had enough of the soft reactions to these kind of things," Ms Coppens said. The ABC has seen a letter sent to medical students this week by College of Medicine and Dentistry dean Sarah Larkins, referring to a "negative media story" involving a student. "I would like to reiterate the position that there is no place for any form of violence, including domestic and family violence, in medicine or health care," she said. A spokesperson for the university said a complaint was investigated when the matter was first reported to JCU in August 2022, but its outcome was confidential. They said in view of the court decision, the university would continue to respond in accordance with its policies and procedures. A spokesperson for state Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the student was not currently working in "any capacity" for Queensland Health. Queensland Police have been contacted for comment on whether they will seek to appeal the student's sentence.
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
Only 55 per cent of people believe it's easy to access affordable, healthy food, according to new Queensland data
Australian households spend about $240 each week at the supermarket, yet – despite that spend – many are failing to meet national dietary guidelines. According to the latest Woolworths Living Healthy Report, about 40 per cent of the average weekly spend goes towards discretionary foods like chips, chocolate, soft drinks and biscuits. Queensland mother Dammie Tees said she had noticed the price of groceries has gone up. "We shop almost every weekend and have a list for reference to keep costs down," she said. "Prices are definitely higher, but you can eat well without spending a lot, you just need to be intentional. "I prep in bulk and freeze meals so nothing goes to waste." New data from Health and Wellbeing Queensland, which surveyed 500 people, also showed only half believed it was easy to access affordable, healthy food. However, dietician Rebecca Farletti said a family of four could eat healthily for about $200 a week. "There is a misperception that 'healthy' is more expensive, but we know if we look at the cost per serve, you're saving money," she said. "With discretionary items, you're spending 70 cents per serve, but with vegetables you can halve that amount, and they can be just as tasty and much better for you." The Health and Wellbeing Queensland research showed one quarter of people had reduced their portion sizes in the past six months because they couldn't afford enough food, while 22 per cent skipped meals due to financial pressure. Over that period, about 23 per cent of the state's children ate smaller portions because there wasn't enough food, 12 per cent of children went to school at least once without breakfast and one in five found it difficult to access affordable and healthy food. In response, Ms Farletti created a daily $200 weekly meal plan to feed a family of four breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks each day. "We need to get back to basics. There are a lot of simple swaps we can do to help save," she said. The plan includes dinners like fully-loaded spaghetti bolognaise, curry, and homemade beef burgers and chips, salad and chicken for lunches and cereal, eggs and toast for breakfast. Ms Farletti recommended writing a meal plan, reusing ingredients, looking for specials, cooking in bulk and beefing up recipes with chickpeas and lentils to save. "My number one tip would be to buy more veggies, including frozen and canned which are great value, and farmers' markets are a fantastic source of fresh, local, in-season foods for a great price," Ms Farletti said. "If you're shopping in line with the guidelines and getting back to basics, you're getting more bang for your buck in terms of how many meals you can cook ... and those foods will keep you full and give you the energy you need." Legumes — which only make up 3 per cent of the average Aussies weekly shop — are a key ingredient in Ms Tees's family meals. "Beans and legumes are part of our Nigerian culture," she said. "They're full of protein, high in fibre, and are affordable. It's one way we feed our family and stay healthy." There's a push from health groups for a national nutrition policy to coordinate food access, affordability and health promotion to bring Australia in line with global best practice models. "You should be able to eat well no matter who you are or where you live," Ms Farletti said. Dietitians Australia is calling for access to Medicare-funded dietician visits to be expanded and for a levy to be introduced on sugary drinks. It would be used to help fund a subsidy on healthy groceries, especially now poor diet is the country's leading preventable cause of chronic illness, ahead of smoking. In the UK, it was recently announced supermarkets and takeaway shops could be fined if they don't sell healthier food, under new government plans to tackle obesity. In France, low-income families receive fruit and vegetable vouchers, while in Chile, packaged foods high in sugar, salt or fat must carry a warning label. In 2025, Spain introduced a law requiring primary and secondary schools to serve fruit and vegetables daily, and fish at least once a week. In Hungary, mandatory price caps and cuts have been made in supermarkets in recent years, and the European Union runs the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme which provides funding to distribute free fruit and vegetables to students. TikTok food reviewer Shoggy said he found cooking healthy meals "takes more time, money and planning ". "I always look for wholefoods, fresh stuff, but honestly, it's getting expensive. I'm paying a lot more for the same meals," he said. "It's shocking [that Australians spend 40 per cent of our shop on junk food] but I understand it because it feels cheaper and easier and more affordable for many of us. "I go to weekend markets [and] farmers' markets and try to get fresh ingredients from there to stay healthy."
