CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN NAIL COLOUR

I suppose it had to happen and for all Louboutin fans that infamous red (Rouge Louboutin) can now be worn on your nails as well as on the soles of your shoes...

This one product range (more colours will be launched in the future) will be available soon in the USA and the UK at a price of $50/£36 (approx R500/R666) I have no doubt that this product will "walk" of the shelves (excuse the pun) despite the price.

Just thinking out loud

"I wonder how many bottles you would need to cover the soles of a good pair stilettos?"

P.S. This colour has been available exclusively online  www.christianlouboutin.com ,but unfortunately those words in red pop up saying....SOLD OUT...just as I predicted!

“The red sole was born from red nail polish. I am giving back to beauty what the shoes took from the nails many years ago.” –Christian Louboutin

SUNDAY SAMPLE - KIEHL'S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY CONCENTRATE

30mls R585

This past week I have been using a sample of the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.I think I must be the only person, not to have tried and reviewed this brands top selling product. 

Its claimed that this elixir works all night to replenish the skin with moisture and leave you with younger-looking, smoother,softer more radiant skin by the morning and who doesn't want younger looking skin? 

To be used on a clean skin in the evening I found this elixir to be readily absorbed and literally a couple of drops was all my skin needed. It's advised to gently use your fingertips to press the clear serum evenly over the cheeks, forehead, and chin before massaging. This product can be worn alone or under your normal night cream. Having tried it both ways I prefer to use it alone, as I found it to be enough comfort and moisture for my skin.

Enriched with a blend of naturally derived ingredients including Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil, Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential Oils including Lavender, all help to deliver a boost of intensive moisture especially to dehydrated and tired looking skins. 

Whilst it was an easy to use product with a pleasant fragrance, I did notice that my skin felt softer and more hydrated, I can't say that my skin looked any younger, but then I think it would take more than a couple of nightly drops, over the course of a week,for a "midnight recovery" of my mature 50+ skin.

Oh well! Onwards I go in my quest to find that miracle serum that delivers younger skin overnight!

This product is Paraben-Free and contains 99.8% naturally derived ingredients and for a serum is well priced, especially as a little goes a really long way.

Kiehl's is available at selected Edgars

For more product info

RUBYBOX REVEAL - JULY 2014

Its taken me three months to do my 2nd video on my BeautyShoutBox Youtube channel. This video reveals the July Rubybox. If you sign up in July you will receive the first box for 99c and the following months will be R169. View my video to find out more information and what my views were on the contents of the July box. You can also visit rubybox online to sign up www.rubybox.co.za

Enjoy!

LA PRAIRIE CELLULAR MINERAL FACE EXFOLIATOR {REVIEW}

I know I am always "banging on" about weekly exfoliation, but I really am a true believer it's the key to a younger looking , more radiant and smoother skin. I am always on the lookout for new non-chemical products that can be used easily at home, yet give great results.

La Prairie have recently launched two Cellular Mineral Exfoliators, one for the face and one for the body and I was eager to try the facial addition.La Prairie has been for many years one of my favourite prestige skin care brands albeit one of the most expensive in South Africa, but this is the case worldwide. For the more mature skin like "Moi" has, I can highly recommend several of their products, as long as your budget can cope. 

I have always enjoyed La Prairie and for several years used their Radiance Range.

Radiance Review

This luxurious, translucent pink pearly gel is formulated with mineral-rich powders of quartz crystal, pure diamond and tourmaline to remove impurities, dead skin and dryness that can dull the complexion. The hundred-petaled rose, rosa centifola and scarce meteorite dust! (yes you read correctly) ensures that your skin feels fresh and softly moisturised.This product was apparently two years in the making and interestingly has two sizes of exfoliating beads in order to deal with both the removing of those drying dead cells and to dislodge and clean impurities in the pores. The sensation of having two sizes of beads, as you massage is noticeable and very pleasant to use.The product also has that distinct La Prairie cellular fragrance, tinged with a delicate soft rose and is beautiful, yes I know it's only an exfoliator, but it smells delicately divine!

Beautiful Pearly Pink Gel

La Prairie recommend to use this product 2 or 3 times weekly for combination/oily skin, and once or twice weekly for normal/dry skin. 

(This is a "bone of contention" with me, as I disagree with any over stimulation, due to exfoliation, of combination/oily skins as recommended above.I personally feel that once or twice a week is preferable for all skin types) 

Apply to a moist face and neck avoiding the eye area, the more moisture will result in a more gentle treatment.

This product will cleanse as well as exfoliate, however if used in the evening, I suggest that you remove all make-up first. This exfoliator is easy to use, just massage with fingertips in upward circular motions, concentrating around the nose area.Rinse well, pat dry and follow with your usual toner, serum and moisturiser.

Before I tried this product, I must be honest I didn't have such high hopes, as so many exfoliators generally do a reasonable job of smoothing and brightening skin and in my opinion there are very few that stand out above the rest (I have used many and most don't even get a mention on my blog)  and I thought this was going to fall into that very same category, but how wrong I was...

This exfoliator is in my opinion outstanding!  Not only does the product itself look and smell good, it feels different because of the two sized beads, it's gentle, yet leaves you skin feeling wonderfully smooth, incredibly soft and moisturised,which many don't. I know the ingredients are not the normal ones found in skin care, let alone in an exfoliator, but all the mineral rich gem powders and pure essence of wild roses from Provence, obviously combine well to deliver an extremely effective product .....

or maybe it's just a little magic in the meteorite dust.

Whatever it is...I cant wait to try the body exfoliator...

Available at Selected Edgars Stores

Price R1590 (100ml)

www.laprairie.com

SUNDAY SAMPLE

I must be the only beauty blogger in South African to have not tried and reviewed the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. This sample was deep in the depths of my sample jar, hence why I hadn't tried it, but I tipped out the entire contents of the jar onto my bed and did a "closed eyes" pick and this was the lucky sample that will get to be reviewed next in my Sunday Sample post.

I have read and heard many good things about this product, but I will report back on Sunday with my findings, bearing in mind that I am not easily impressed, so let's hope this product lives up to its reputation.

To read other other reviews on Kiehl's products

Kiehl's Overnight Biological Peel

Epidermal Re-Texturizing Microdermabrasion

Cucumber Herbal Alcohol Free Toner

Creme du Corps

BLENDED - MOVIE REVIEW

"Feel good" romantic movies are the ones I enjoy watching, as I like to come away feeling all warm and fuzzy. I am not into the violent,futuristic or scary offerings that are generally out there. Blended starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore on the circuit at the moment, is my kinda movie and I highly recommend. However I must make mention that the opinions of the Movie Buffs differ to mine, yet those leaving the cinema on Thursday all had good things to say and had a few tears of happiness just like me....

This is the third romantic movie collaboration between Sandler and Barrymore and having not seen the previous two movies The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates I cannot comment, but what I can comment on, is the obvious on screen chemistry that these two actors have. This connection only enhances the overall movie enjoyment.

Lauren Reynolds (Drew Barrymore), a divorcee, who has two sons and meets Jim Friedman (Adam Sandler), a widower with three daughters on a blind date, which doesn't go too well. Not to divulge too much of the plot the movie takes us to South Africa where both families are unaware that the other is there on the same holiday. Filmed in Sun City at the Palace of the Lost City, this movie has a definite connection with any South African or those knowing South Africa well. I found this movie to be somewhat corny at times , but it just added to the humour of this family movie, so I can understand how some reviewers would think the acting is bad, but I enjoyed it even though it won't be up for any Oscars.

I don't normally do movie reviews, but this one does have a connection to beauty, as home grown Durban actress Josette Eales from the South African soapie "The Wild" makes an appearance as the Afrikaans massage tutor and Josettes' mother Jennifer Eales is a doyenne on the South African Beauty scene.

To read my review on Jennifer Eales Skin Care Clinic

The beautiful South African Josette Eales

STER-KINEKOR - CINE PRESTIGE

I did something this morning that I have never done in my entire "50" something years, now don't laugh, as its most probably no biggie for anyone else but me... I was offered two complimentary tickets 

(Thanks to Fay from thesparklinglabyrinth) to view the premiere of the movie "Chef" at

 Cine Prestige at Ster-Kinekor Gateway....and the problem being you may well ask? 

As a workaholic, 10am on a Thursday would normally have been a "no no", but I threw caution to the wind and abandoned my work and accepted the tickets.

 I took along the youngest "Kiddiewink" (15yrs old) and surprise, surprise he didn't mind coming along with his mum (perhaps the offer of a Wimpy breakfast before this early movie swung it).

I think at this point I need to mention to you, that I am not a regular movie goer and never have been, as I prefer to wait for a movie to come out on DVD and watch in the comfort of my own home, usually in my PJ's and laid out on the couch or in my bed with snacks and drinks at hand. However I had heard that Cine Prestige was a different and luxurious kind of movie experience and I was curious.

The Cine Prestige has its own "Prestige" private lounge where you can sit very comfortably away from the normal foyer madness and meet up with friends before or after a movie. All the usual chocolates, cool drinks and popcorn are available to buy along with muffins and coffees etc. 

Exclusive Cine Prestige Lounge

The calm of the lounge

Ster-Kinekor flagship site at Gateway has two Cine Prestige cinemas and are 3D-enabled, the screens can accommodate any new title that is released in this format.The cinemas are equipped with the latest digital projector technology and quality surround-sound speaker systems, providing viewers with the latest in cinema technology. 

Moi relaxing and ready to recline

Comprising of 39 seats each and you are seated in very comfortable, large, reclining red leather seats, with a personal snack side table...very handy. Another unique "Prestige" experience is that you can pre order platters of food and drinks and they will be served to you in your seat.

A selection of foods and platters to suit all tastes

For the "Love Birds" there are several seats that don't have the middle arm rest, so if you are looking to do something romantic and different for your loved one, book the Love Nest seat,wine and some platters.

Unfortunately the movie was changed at the last minute from the Chef to the movie Blended, due to the coding not being received for the Chef movie. (More about the Blended movie in a future post)

What I can say..is the Cine Prestige experience was luxurious and enjoyable, even though it comes at a premium price R110 per ticket (discounts apply with cards) it will make going out to the movies more enticing especially for the likes of Moi, as it really was like being in the comfort of your own home,but with the large screen movie experience.It seems like more visits to the Cine Prestige will be on the cards in the future with hubby and I think I will book the love nest seat and the chocolate dipping platter, just a pity I can't wear my PJ's.

Check the Ster-Kinekor website for more details

ESPECIALLY ESCADA FRAGRANCE COLLECTION {REVIEW}

It was this beautiful pink Escada display that I saw in Woolworths Gateway yesterday that has prompted me to review the Especially Escada range of fragrances. For those that are not aware Escada is an international luxury fashion group in women's designer clothing and was founded in 1978 by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley in Munich, Germany.

Escada Beauté was founded in 1990, which saw the release of its first fragrance, Escada Margaretha Ley, named after one of the company's founders. Internationally Escada has launched many fragrances most of which never made it to South Africa.Like the company's fashions, the fragrances are notable for their bright packaging and unusual bottle shapes.The company's emphasis was on youthful fruity-floral scents and in my opinion they had some of the worst names ever, like Ibiza Hippie, Cherry In The Air, Escada Sexy Graffiti and Chiffon Sorbet to name but an awful few. Alas many of the fragrances that were launched here in South Africa were sadly "forgettable" that was until 2011, when the now successful Especially Escada collection was launched. Especially Escada was followed in 2012 by Especially Escada Delicate Notes and in 2013 Especially Escada Elixir emerged on the fragrance scene.

This  Especially Escada range is designed to reflect the passion and beauty of the rose, with each scent celebrating a different flower., This "grown up" trio, whilst still appealing to the fun loving young, fits comfortably with a more mature market, especially like Moi! 

Especially Escada

Is a luxurious Eau de Parfum, which is a modern yet feminine scent, with a sparkling top note of pear and exotic notes of ambrette seeds, which dries down to reveal a fresh combination of rose and ylang ylang. Light musky notes complete the scent, adding a dewy subtle touch of femininity, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Available in 30ml , 50ml , 75ml Eau de Parfum Sprays 

R585/R810/R1030

Especially Escada Delicate Notes

Offers a delicate Eau de toilette version of the original Especially Escada, this scent is effortless and easy to wear reflecting the freshness of morning dew and pear blossom in springtime, this fragrance sparkles with femininity. This delicate fragrance would be ideal in the warm and humid summers of Durban or for those days that where delicate was the order of the day.

Available in 50ml & 75ml Eau de Toilette Sprays 

R745/R930

Especially Escada Elixir

A powerful version of the original rose fragrance, Especially Escada Elixir is a seductive scent with a deep, feminine allure.

The top note of pear adds sweetness to the fragrance, and its delicate fruitiness is again fresh and feminine.The heart includes Turkish rose absolut, ylang-ylang, accords of prune and fresh plums, laid on the base of patchouli, white musk, dry amber, cashmere and Madagascar vanilla.This more intense Eau de Parfum would be perfect for me in the evening or in the cooler winter months.

Available in 30ml & 50ml Eau de Parfum Sprays 

R610/R860

If it hadn't have been for the Rose barrow in Woolworths I would still be of the opinion that Escada should just stick to doing what they do best...clothing and accessories, however Especially Escada is a great collection of sparkling,feminine rose fragrances that suits every age, occasion and season. I just hope they don't return to creating forgettable fragrances with hideous names.

To Order Online

Woolworths

Red Square

BASTILLE DAY

Bastille Day is the name given in English-speaking countries to the French National Day, which is celebrated on 14 July each year. In France, it is formally called Fête nationale; (The National Celebration) and commonly Le quatorze Juillet (the fourteenth of July) and is the biggest celebration in France and marks the storming of the Bastille, a medieval fortress and prison in Paris. Many people in France associated it with the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy in the late 1700s. On July 14, 1789, troops stormed the Bastille. This was a pivotal event at the beginning of the French Revolution.

The French love to celebrate and celebrate they do...often you stumble across small villages and towns across France celebrating some cultural, historical or local tradition. Often the entire village join forces to decorate the town,provide music and often a firework display.

I was fortunate to be in France in 2009 over the Bastille Day festivities and the local village of Jumilhac Le Grande, where my sister lives, was no exception. The Chateau provided a wonderful backdrop to the village square, whilst also being a great launch pad for the evening fireworks extravaganza.

My sister has just sent me these photos of her celebrations, so far.

Enjoy!

Source

TASTE OF DURBAN WINNERS

Beauty Shout Box has been running a competition this past week to 

giveaway 2 Double Tickets to the upcoming culinary event...

Taste Of Durban 

 25-27 July. 

For all "foodie" lovers out there..this is a must attend event.

The winners have been randomly drawn and they are:

1. Bronwyn Aricksamy

2. Kendra Hunsley

Congratulations to you both of you and enjoy the Taste of Durban.

Please send me a message on Beautyshoutbox facebook page with a contact phone number and e.mail address before 5pm on Saturday 12th July, so the tickets can be e.mailed to you.

MY PINTEREST WISHLIST - BLACK/WHITE/GREY

I love my Pinterest boards, but if I had to create a "Wishlist" for the
perfect black/white/grey ensemble this would be IT!

I just love the geometric lines of the Karen Millen dress,the shoes
are my all time favourite style and the bag is well...just too exquisite.
So if there are any fairy god mothers out there...

just contact me for my sizes and delivery details.

Enjoy!

Follow my Boards of Delights
on
Pinterest

Lanvin Silk Scarf

Karen Millen

                                                    

Alexander McQueen

                       

Balenciaga

WHY DOES WAYNE GOSS HATE PRIMERS?

Wayne Goss...you either "love" him or "hate" him and I just happen to "love" him, 

as he calls it, as it is!

Here is a recent video that he posted with regards to his views on Primers

Enjoy!
Let me know your opinion...

TASTE OF DURBAN 2014

The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban is back from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World (Suncoast). Chefs from nine of Durban’s top restaurants will create special menus of starter-sized dishes, including their signature dishes, designed to reflect their individual philosophies, whilst showcasing seasonal and premium ingredients. Taste of Durban 2014 promises to be the most exciting ‘foodie’ event of the year.

Marcelle Roberts from Café 1999 is back for the third-year running with her inimitable brand of casual cuisine.  Louise Potgieter from Havana Grill at Suncoastand Themba Mngoma from Little Havana. Newcomer Nardia Adams, from Asian Tapas spot Greedy Buddha, will be cooking up a storm on the grill with Lucy Markewicz flying the colours for Freedom Café.  Popular Indian restaurantAmaravathi Palki, Market, Beluga Durban, Vigour & Verve and exciting new addition to the line-up this year, The Durban eKasi Experience, brings the total of participating restaurants to nine.  

Over three days, this unique international restaurant festival will bring together Durban’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies in an

al fresco, dining celebration. Visitors will have the opportunity to sip, sample and shop their way around the festival.  This year’s show offers a range of brand new features and culinary experiences, to ensure that there is something for everybody to enjoy.

Beauty Shout Box has two sets of double tickets to give away and it's so simple to enter:

1. Like my Facebook Page if you have not already done so.

2. Leave an answer to this simple question in the comments box below:

Question: Name 1 of the 9 participating restaurants in this years Taste of Durban.

T&C'S apply:

Sorry only entrants from KZN can enter this competition.

The winners will be randomly drawn on Friday 11th July 2014

Good Luck!

"MY" TOUR DE FRANCE

Today saw the start (Grand Départ) of the 101st Tour de France in the city of Leeds in Yorkshire and it's only the second time that the Tour has started in the UK. I was in Yorkshire just recently, as I flew from Leeds/Bradford airport to France and as drove around I saw no sign that the Tour would be starting in 4 weeks time, but watching on tv today it looks like the county of the white rose has pulledout all the stops to support the worlds toughest 3 week long cycle race.

My hubby and I have ridden in The Cape Argus cycle race many times and even though we are now ex cyclists most of our friends are still very much involved in the South African cycling scene.We were lucky enough in 2009 to visit my sister in France, along with our bicycles (that's perhaps a story for another day) and we watched the one stage of the Tour in Limoges.

Watching the 2014 Tour brings back lots of happy memories of that fun day and a fun day it was. Just some advice...it's important to plan your arrival and exit route carefully, as they often close the roads the night before. We positioned ourselves on a small country road and our car arrived loaded up with everything we needed, chairs,table,plenty of food and drink and a great amount of patience, as you do wait and wait....Not only to see the cyclists, who literally whizz past in a few seconds, but to see La Caravane.

Le Caravan is coming

About an hour or so before the peloton arrives a huge parade of sponsors vehicles drive past and you get showered with branded goodies. In crowded areas it's somewhat of a 
"bun fight", so expect the occasional tussle. 

Stickman

Our secret weapon was a stickman wearing our cycling clubs shirt, which was powered by "Moi" jumping up and down, shouting "Donnez Moi s'il vous plais" which means "please give me" and guess what it worked, as the photo below shows. We actually received duplicates of most of the goodies, cycling shirts, t-shirts,pens,lanyards,sweets, key rings,caps etc. 

Our Tour "goodies"

This "Caravan" takes some time to pass and really gets the crowds excited and enthused before the big moment. It's festive and fun, but we also had a good supply of champagne and food on hand to help us through the day. 

Champers and nibbles

You know when the riders are nearing, as helicopters appear in the distance and the excitement reaches fever pitch. There was one cyclist that I particularly wanted to see and that was, the now disgraced, Lance Armstrong. If the cyclists are grouped together it is difficult to pick out any one rider,but I was lucky, as Lance passed me so closely, that I could have pushed him off his bike,which I would never have done back then, but knowing what we know now I can't be sure.

My day was made, but unfortunately there is no photo, as it's hopeless attempting to get any shots of the cyclists riding past so don't bother.

Soon the roads were opened,the snacks, nibbles and "champers" were all gone and we headed home after a very special day with some wonderful memories and of course our stash of hard earned Tour de France freebies.

Tour de France 2014

ANNIKING HANDBAG A/W 2014 COLLECTION

Last week I was invited to go along to Bianca Warren's boutique situated 

in "The Square" Umhlanga to view the first official South African 

Handbag collection from AnniK I N G.

AnniK I N G is the brain child of Joanna Chen, who was petite and absolutely delightful and told me a little about her 

Autumn/Winter 2014 collection – The Foreign Affair

This collection was inspired by her love for travel and the aspiration for discovering the unknown. 

(Each bag by the way is named after a city in Belgium)

The collection to me is very reminiscent of my recent trip to Paris where a handbag is a very important accessory to the outfit or perhaps the outfit is an accessory to the handbag.

I tend to agree with the latter! 

Having a slight fetish for a good quality leather handbag, I instantly connected with this collection of key pieces that are elegantly styled in suede and smooth cowhide leather

trés chic.

What I was pleasantly surprised at were the prices ranging from 

R1599 to R1999.

The talented Joanna Chen

Antwerp red bag R1599

The Chaleroi Grey Weekender bag R1999

Brussels purple bag R1699

Thank you to Bianca Warren and AnniK I N G for a lovely evening 

and look forward to seeing the next collection.

 P.S.I could be looking for an outfit to accompany that red Brussels bag, as I loved the perfect sizing (large) and the colour is so on trend, yet so classic.

If you would like to treat yourself to some leather luxury 

or want stockist information

 then visit

AnniKing

or

Bianca Warren

031 8274955