DURBAN SOUTH AFRICA WELCOMES YOU

I have lived in the coastal city of Durban in South Africa for the past 30 years, so if there is anyone that reads my beauty blog from a far away place and would like to get a good overview of the Durban beachfront area then check out this great short promotional video that has been put together as an assignment by students of a local Varsity College Durban North.

There is nothing more to say, except

Enjoy!

FRIDAY FOLLOW UP

I always like to give you some feedback on products that I have previously reviewed on 

Beauty Shout Box.

There are three in particular that have become staples in my beauty life and I have just recently purchased for the second time, the Clarins 3 Dot Liner, which I am really enjoying using, although I tend not to join the dots anymore, but rather draw a line as I have become more proficient.

The second product is again from Clarins, as you can see there is a pattern forming, 

the Instant Concealer has become a firm favourite of mine.

Read my original review on the Clarins 3 Dot Liner

Read my original review on the Clarins Instant Concealer

Read my original review on the Yves Rocher Express Eye Make-Up Remover

My third staple is the Yves Rocher Express Eye Make-Up Remover. 

I have repurchased this product so many times since reviewing it over a year ago and intermittently I have tried other eye make up removers, in the hope of finding one better, but sadly they have all been huge fails. 

The Express Eye Make-Up remover for "moi" continues to be effective, yet gentle and offers excellent value for money.

MY PICKS OF THE 2015 OSCAR GOWNS

I and millions of others around the world love the Academy Awards, which is now in its 87th year.

For whatever reason you love to tune in, you cannot help being drawn to the rich, famous and talented walking down the red carpet in all their finery. 

Who wears "what" designer gown or carries "whose" bejewelled clutch, is what we all want to know and see and that's not all, throw in a few million dollars worth of diamonds and our attraction heightens. Even stilettos and nail art get a mention these days and before we know it, all these trends are circulated and copied around the world.

This years fashion did not disappoint and here are a few of my "faves" and as you can see I am drawn to the pastels and soft shades and pink (what else) feature in my choices.

Enjoy!

Jennifer Lopez in Ellie Saab has to be my top choice this year, absolutely stunning.

Jennifer Hudson looking fantastically simple, yet elegant in this yellow Romona Keveza.

Gwyneth Paltrow looking flawlessly beautiful in this Ralph & Russo soft, pink, figure hugging number and what a figure she has!

Chrissy Teigan (John Legends wife) looking leggy n sexy in her Zahair Murad.

Yanina Couture nude dress with a navy overlay looks stunning on Jamie Chung.

Guiliana Rancic looking truly glamourous in a detailed red Mireille Dagher gown,

 love this look on her.

SUNDAY SAVINGS {QVS WOOLWORTHS}

I will be bringing you a new series of posts called "Sunday Savings" and it will feature a variety of products or items that I have found for you, that offer worthwhile savings or represent great value for money.

This week I would like to bring your attention to the QVS range of affordable make-up, beauty and travel goodies from Woolworths, which is available to 

WREWARDS Members 

offering all members a 30% discount.

This range of accessories has some really handy and useful items to help make our life easier, especially where travel is concerned.

Check out some of my favourites.

Enjoy!

~~~~~~

How cute are these 2 red heart shaped luggage locks.

QVS Heart Combination Lock:

R 110.00 

R77

~~~~~~

These are so handy,as they hold 70mls of product.

QVS 2-pack Easy Squeeze Tubes:

R 79.95

R55.96

~~~~~~

Always an essential for any travel, especially with children around!

QVS First Aid Kit: 

R 170.00

R119

~~~~~~

This is so handy to help prevent your laptop from becoming scratched during transit.

QVS Laptop Sleeve: Two-Tone

R 160.00

R112

~~~~~~

Always wanted a travel pillow, then this is the time to buy the

QVS 2-in-1 Travel Pillow:

R 280.00

R196

www.woolworths.co.za

AFRICOLOGY BODY BUTTER {REVIEW}

Africology 

is a South African skincare and Spa brand that has been around for some 10 years now, but unfortunately has never really made it onto my radar, 

that was until I received a generous 25 ml size of their Body Butter in January's Rubybox. 

Rubybox

My interest was piqued, as soon as I unscrewed the lid and the fragrance of the product grabbed my attention immediately, as for me...it had that "spa in a jar" smell, which I adore. 

I did some research about the brand online and their story is best told in their own words....

THEIR STORY

We want to share our story with you, how we grew to feature in some of the best hotels/spa’s in the world though we started in a kitchen in Johannesburg. We had humble beginnings, a beginning that was forged when experience met vision and initiative was taken when presented.
Our CEO Renchia Droganis, had worked with many victims of apartheid, trying to heal their pain through counselling and self-empowerment exercises. This experience, coupled with Renchia’s experience as a massage therapist and Aroma-therapist lead her to the truth that it was time to create something that would help people without harming, something that was kind and holistic to the earth, something that was free from deceit and this something was Africology.
Africology is the leading natural, eco-friendly and holistic spa and skincare company in South Africa, with its success spanning across international borders such as the USA, Europe and Britain. Therapeutic in its approach, Africology only uses all natural ingredients that are bio-identical to your biology; effectively enhancing the integrity of your skin whilst simultaneously preventing premature aging. Our product formulations and spa treatment offerings are inspired by the wisdom of Africa’s traditional healers and celebrate Africa’s vibrant heritage, communities and plant life. Our aim is always to ensure that the body and biology are treated in harmony whilst enjoying a truly authentic African offering.
All products are 100% natural and bio-degradable which benefits your body and mind as well as the environment and importantly not tested on animals.

It all sounds very interesting and many of my "wishes" in a brand, could well be answered with some of their product offerings. As you may well be aware I love all things that help to naturally calm and relax both the mind and the body, whether it's achieved via a long soak in a bath, a spa massage or burning a fragrant candle in a room.

There are many Body Butters out in the market place and some are good,

whilst some are not so good. 

I have tried many over the years and what I have come to know, is that no two body butters are the same when it comes to application. Generally a body butter needs to be warmed in the palms of the hands in order to melt the butter texture, thus allowing for an easier application, to an often dry or very dry skin. I have to admit I am a little lazy in this regard, so the butters that are more emollient and easier to spread appeal to me more, but I'm also aware that the nourishing and hydrating effects of a "true" butter are more concentrated and often more beneficial to the skin, albeit they require a little more effort.

Africology Body Butter 175ml R265

What did I think of the Body Butter?

This product is rich in Cocoa Butter and Shea, so therefore it does require a little work on the warming and melting front. Both ingredients work to soften and protect, while Canola oil heals and repairs barriers while soothing inflammation.

I found it to be sufficiently hydrating on my unusually very dry legs, without leaving a greasy film behind that some butters can often do. The combination of the Aloe Vera, Rooibos, Marula and African Potato, which are the main ingredients of the Africology range, give that "Spa in a Jar" fragrance,which lasted long on my skin and I admit I fell in love with it!

Would I Repurchase?

Unfortunately not, as I very rarely need to use such a rich treatment as a body butter, as I find my skin normally only needs a body lotion and occasionally a more nourishing body cream in winter. However for anyone with very dry skin I am sure you body will thank you for the luxurious richness that this product delivers to a parched skin.

I have already spotted some products that I would love to try and hopefully bring you reviews on my blog in the future.

Bath & Body Soak 200ml R295

Bath Salts 200ml R295

Pedi-Scrub 175ml R265

Sleep Gel 50ml R130

Frankincense & Myrrh Candle R360

Thank You

 Rubybox for introducing this brand to me and if you would like to know more about 

this proudly South African brand or to order online visit their website

africology.co.za

UPCYCLE THAT JAR!

The humble glass jar!

"Upcycle"

reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or 

value than the original.

I love a good recycling or upcycling idea and Pinterest is a great source of inspiration, whether it be a consol jar, an ornate jam jar or even a used fragranced candle jar they can all be cleaned, painted if need be and put to another good use.

These are some of my favourites that I would love to share with you and are really simple to do. Hopefully you'll now see another pretty or handy use for that glass jar before discarding it.

Enjoy!

Holes punched into the lid make a perfect dispenser for your gift ribbon

They're perfect for storing crayons and can even be used to create 

wonderful gifting containers.

How cute are these that have been converted into fun drinking glasses.

Sterilised jars can be fun when used to create and store a "salad in a jar". 

Remember wet ingredients are placed in the jar at the bottom with the driest at the top.

Used candle jars make handy little containers for just about anything.

Need lots of candle holders, jars come to the rescue every time,

 inexpensive and candles twinkling

in a recycled jar look fantastic.

They can be used as cutlery holders

Jars of any shape and size make great shabby chic vases,especially when you require 

lots to decorate a party or family gathering.

   

                                           What a cute, pretty way to store cupcake papers.

L'OCCITANE FLEURS DE CERISIER L'EAU {REVIEW}

One of the many things that I love about L'Occitane are the "True Stories" behind their product ranges.Their latest Limited Edition fragrance offering Fleurs de Cerisier L’Eau, which is a delicate, fruity Eau de Toilette was launched last week in South Africa, also has its very own True Story:

THE FLEURS DE CERISIER L’EAU TRUE STORY
Spring is here! The sunrays illuminate the orchards of the Luberon region unveiling the very first cherry blossoms. From these white flowers with pink hues comes a scent of frivolity: fresh and subtle, it is an invitation to sweet and joyful dreams.

I have been really fortunate in the past to experience the first Cherry Blossoms blooming in the Luberon Valley in Provence and it is, as beautiful as it appears in all photographs and any videos.

If you would like to experience a little of this beauty take a peep at the short video below! 

Over the years several Cherry Blossom fragrances have been launched by L'Occitane and this latest edition, in my opinion, has a lovely added twist of fresh top notes of Lemon and Blackcurrant, which I picked up on immediately and liked.

On dry down the fragrance name sake Cherry Blossom becomes noticeable,

but its mixed with Rose and Violet and the lingering base notes give the fragrance a dewy, soft aspect, which has an innocent and delicate appeal.

The playful pink and white packaging is so pretty and portraits the contents perfectly, so if you are looking for a new fragrance for a Valentine this weekend, this may be one to check out.

Product Range & Prices:

Edt 50ml: R580
Moisturising Milk 250ml: R370
Lip Balm 12ml: R170
Shower Milk 250ml: R230
Hand Cream 30ml: R120

Order Online

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT PEDI {THE SPA}

Over the years I have had many pedicures, some good, some bad and some that have left me physically injured!

To me a pedicure is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing of all the beauty treatments you can have. I have decided to do a series of posts on my experiences with pedicures and rate them accordingly.

5 ***** are up for grabs in the seven scoring areas.

I'm really not expecting to find a perfect pedi on my quest, as I believe its quite a tall ask, but I will bring you my personal findings on the day of each pedicure I experience.

Onwards in my quest:

Koi Pond entrance to the Spa

First "pedi" up is from The Spa on Fairway in Durban North. This Spa has been around for many years and operates from a converted house overlooking the Beachwood golf course and the Indian Ocean. The Spa offers all the usual treatments you would expect including two options of pedicures R250 for a Pedicure and R330 for a Paraffin Pedicure.

~~~~~~

1. Booking Process: ***

My phone booking was handled professionally and enthusiastically, but no confirmation was sent. 

~~~~~~

2. Bonjour: ***

On my arrival I was pleasantly greeted and asked if I would like a drink, not sure what the options were I asked for water. I was shown by my pedicurist to a large lazy boy type "pedi"chair that was squishy and comfortable. Immediately I was feeling relaxed, in fact I could have closed my eyes and had 40 winks. My glass of plain chilled water arrived, but it would have been a nice touch to just have some lemon or other fruits to flavor the water, but plain it was to be!  

~~~~~~

3. Ambiance:****

The usual "salon" type relaxing music was playing and even though it was a large open plan reception cum "pedi" and "mani" area other guests were respecting the peacefulness of the Spa.

The Spa overlooks a lovely pool and gardens, but the jewel in this salon are the magnificent views over the Beachwood Golf course and out to sea.

I went on a beautiful hot January summers day, so the sky and sea were blue and it really was a stunning view to gaze at whilst have my "tootsies" pampered.Not all of the pedi chairs face out to sea, so request when booking otherwise you loose out on the best part of the "Spa pedi" experience.

~~~~~~

4. Product : **

I was asked to choose my nail colour before the pedi from a rather poor selection of colours. I chose the above colour, as it was about the best on offer. The brands on offer were Zoya and CND Vinylux. They do have Shellac for those opting for a Shellac mani or pedi and the colour choices were much better. The salon stocks Dermalogica skin and body range.

My polish choice

Dermalogica Retail bar

~~~~~~

5. Treatment: ***

The treatment that lasted an hour included the obligatory and necessary soak in a large metal bowl, but what was slightly different with this pedi was the inclusion of a Rose and Caviar solution that with time turned into a gel. I was assured that me feet would feel beautifully soft and once a powder was added the gel returned to its original liquid state and yes my feet did feel soft, more so than with a usual soak session.Another nice touch while you feet are soaking is a quick complimentary neck and shoulder massage, which I needed.My pedicurist, whose name I cannot remember, was friendly and just got on with the job at "hand" or should I say "foot", which I prefer, despite me being a chatterbox. She was thorough and had good firm hands when doing the lower leg massage.The usual foot scraping, cuticle pushing and painting all made for a very pleasant pedi at the Spa.

Rose & Caviar Soak

6. Au Revoir: **

My invoice was ready and farewells were said, but no suggestion of re booking or even an enquiry as to whether I enjoyed my treatment, but it was lunch time and I got a sense that food was calling from the kitchen.

~~~~~~

7. Was it a perfect pedi?

Whilst it was a lovely, relaxing pedi with a great view and my feet felt great, it was let down by the poor polish selection and the somewhat indifference by the staff.

Overall ***

Finished Result

Contact Details

130 Fairway

Durban North

Kzn

031 573 1700

031 573 2528

SUNDAY SKETCHES - PARFUMS DIOR

This weeks Sunday Sketches are random and from no particular artist or illustrator. 

The subject is Parfums Dior. 

My favourite Dior Parfum was Dior Dior, which I think they discontinued some years ago.. 

Enjoy!

Source

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {JANUARY}

Well! that was a quick month...February is upon us and here are my "Faves" from January.
Please note that there are no "foodie" faves, which is most unusual....
Enjoy!

~~~~~~

1.

Uriage After Sun Balm

This was literally a "Skin Saver" over the hot, scorching Durban Summer and 
I was very grateful!

Uriage Bariesun After Sun Repair Balm Review

~~~~~~

2.

Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate

This is my second purchase of this product and I am sure it has appeared on my
 Monthly Favourites before, but I like it so much its made it twice, 
so it must be good!

Kiehls Powerful Strength Line Reducing Review

~~~~~~

3.

L'Occitane Frisson de Verbena


This is my "fave" unisex fragrance for summer 2014/2015 
so many different products
in the range.
I love it....

Frisson de Verveine Review

SUNDAY SAMPLE - KIEHLS SUNFLOWER COLOR PRESERVING CONDITIONER {REVIEW}

After many years of highlighting my hair, whilst at the same time ensuring that I kept it well conditioned to counteract the harsh chemical process, I found that it was starting to feel heavy and simply overloaded with oils etc, so I put my hair on a "Conditioner Detox".

My Hair Detox

Since its detox I have been very aware not to overload again with serums, masks and conditioning products.

For the past week I have been using from my Sunday Sample Jar

The 

Kiehls Sunflower Color Preserving 

Conditioner 

It was a very generous 30ml trial size and will last several washes I am sure.

Not one to use general hair products, I have always invested in Professional Salon Ranges and an investment they are, as they are never light on the wallet!

So what would this sceptic think of this hair product from Kiehl's?

Kiehl's Sunflower Shampoo & Conditioner

I was happy to read that this product is formulated without Parabens, 

is lightweight, silicone and sulphate free. 

Designed to effectively protect color treated hair from becoming dull and dry, it also claims to leave your hair feeling conditioned and the color looking vibrant. It also protects and seals to maintain smooth, shiny hair for optimal manageability and styling without breakage.

Use in the usual way after shampooing (they do make a matching Sunflower Color Preserving Shampoo), rinse and apply a generous amount of conditioner to the hair, especially on the ends.

Gently work through and leave for 2-3 minutes and rinse in lukewarm water and style as normal.

The key ingredients are:

 Apricot Kernel oil, which has a very high Vitamin E content (helps with absorption)

Sunflower Oils

A fortifying blend of Vitamin B6,B3 and B5

UV Protective Filter

So it was all sounding very promising for my newly detoxed hair, but how did it perform 

after a couple of uses?

The fresh clean uplifting "summery" fragrance of the conditioner was amazing, so straight away it lifts your mood and it was easy to rinse and detangle my long highlighted hair.

After drying and styling I could feel the softness, yet I couldn't feel any product residue or coating, like some conditioning products, can leave behind.

I wouldn't say the product "wowed" me, I enjoyed using it and my my hair did feel good, but not as good as the comments that followed!

Never have I had so many comments about my hair in one day and non of the comments were prompted by me announcing the use of a new conditioner either!

I got various remarks ranging from "my hair looks shiny" "my hair looks smooth"

 "my hair is looking good" and best of all one friend thought I had just been for my highlights.

Needless to say my somewhat sceptical views of non professional salon products

 have been "dashed" as the comments speak for themselves.

 I will monitor the ongoing results with the conditioner and may even try the matching shampoo.

So watch this 

"I am a Convert" 

space.

Available from selected Edgars stores countrywide.

www.kiehls.com