SUNDAY SAVINGS

My Sunday Savings post today is a mixed bag of beauty offerings and can be found at selected Clicks stores around the country.

Offer valid from 21 May 2015 - 22 June 2015. 

Caribbean Tan

Tan Products

This is my "go" to self tan range and now that my legs are resembling bottles of milk, out it came last week and I applied for the first time this winter. Now is a great time to stock up as there is 20% off selected products

To read my review

Caribbeantan

Scholl

Electronic Foot File

Now

319.00 Save 80.00

I have been contemplating buying one of these gadgets since they were launched last year in South Africa and with a current R80 saving I think its time....

Scholl Electronic Foot File

Vichy

Purchase any 2 Vichy Products and receive a 

FREE Normaderm Hyaluspotvalued at 225.00

Vichy always reminds me of my three years of training to be a beauty therapist in the UK, as it was one of the first French brands that I tried back in the early 80's. Sadly I haven't used since,but that could change very soon.

Offer valid from 12 May 2015 - 14 June 2015. 

VICTORIA BECKHAM PRE AUTUMN 2015 BAG COLLECTION

Victoria Beckham has just launched her Pre Autumn Winter 2015 collection of leather bags. 

On my recent trip to London I visited her newly opened stand alone store in Dover Street,which just happens to sit very comfortably alongside neighbours Christian Louboutin and Jimmy choo, It was my idea of fashion heaven right there.

The leather goods on display both smell and feel as good as they look and yes....I was smelling the leather and enjoying my touchy-feely session. 

Unfortunately I couldn't afford to buy one item not even a VB keyring, so I had had to be content with window shopping or should I say window smelling!

Here are some of my faves,but you can go online to check out more bag beauties...

www.victoriabeckham.com

Simple Shopper

£1850

R34,225

A simple shopper-style tote in pom pom red python

Liberty

£1200

R22,500 

A shopper-style tote in mushroom grey mock croc calf-leather

Mini Victoria Bag

£1395

R25,807

A mini structured tote in mushroom grey mock croc calf-leather

Quincy

£995

R18,407

A mini shopper-style tote in peacock blue buffalo-leather with a calf-leather trim

The Rand conversion is based on a rate of R18.50 =  £1

To read previous posts on Victoria Beckham

VB Nail Collection

VB Opens Her Flagship Store

VB Collection 2014

The Most Famous Pout

GARNIER SOFTENING CLEANSING LOTION & SOFTENING TONER GOODBYE DRY{REVIEW}

I am always on the look out for brands that offer effective, yet reasonably priced cleansers and toners, as this is an area where you can save some money if you are on a tight budget. 

Any savings can then be used towards purchasing, in my opinion, more important treatment creams or serums.

Not having used Garnier products previously other than their

Garnier BB Cream

I wasn't sure what to expect, but today Garnier is the 2nd largest brand in L’Oreal group and is sold in more than 64 countries including South Africa.

( I actually purchased the Softening Cleansing Lotion Goodbye Dry and the corresponding Softening Toner Goodbye Dry on a savings promotion from Boots in the UK,
both together were £4 approx R72.80 R18.20=£1) 

This purchase wasn't exactly on the cards,but I was left no choice as I had forgotten to pack my regulars. This lapse of memory was soon turned into an opportunity to buy and try new products.

My normal to dry mature skin seemed a perfect fit, so what were my impressions. 

Initially, it's the fragrance of both of these products that hits you on use, as "faint it ain't", now don't get me wrong I loved the floral aroma and if pink were a fragrance then this would be it, but it is pungent and even though the range is suitable for sensitive skins, I felt some sensitive users may not like the fact that it is so highly perfumed.

Both products were a pleasure to use, effective, gentle and left no feeling of tightness, only comfort to a perfectly cleansed and toned skin.I did experience a softness to my skin that sometimes is hard to find even with a high end cleansing duo. I didn't test the cleansing lotion on waterproof make-up, as I don't wear and I avoided using over the eye area, as I prefer to use a specific eye make-up remover. However the lotion can be used over the face and eyes as a 2in1 cleanser. 

Both are enriched with softening Cherry Tree and soothing Moringa extracts and have no parabens.

My only complaint is with the toner nozzle, 
you may remember my moan about the nozzle on another L'Oreal product

Gentle Make-Up Remover Eyes 

it's too big and it means you haven't really got much control over the amount of toner your dispense onto your cotton wool, hence on several occasions I ended up with a completely saturated cotton pad, so irritating as the toner will need replacing long before the cleanser. 

Luckily the retail price is affordable at R64.95 for 200mls and really offers great value for money. 

Other treatment products are available in the same range.

You can find Garnier products at Dis-Chems and Clicks countrywide.

SMOOTH THOSE FEET {LUSH VOLCANO FOOT MASK}

The first product that I want to share with you in my new series of posts

 "Smooth Those Feet"

 is the 

Volcano Foot Mask 

from 

Lush

This China Clay foot mask is a perfect pick me up for tired feet. It contains pumice, papaya, tomatoes, menthol crystals, lemon oil and cinnamon leaf oil and all go into creating this cleaning, exfoliating, repairing, moisturising, deodorising and stimulating

 "Volcanic" foot mask.

Lush Volcano Foot Mask

As directed, I applied in a thick film over my clean feet and then wrapped in plastic wrap...don't be tempted to miss the plastic wrap out as this adds to the experience....

you then put your feet up and relax for 20 minutes.

I must just warn you that the fragrance of this mask is very much of the Kaolin clay, 

but it's far away from your nose, so it's bearable...

The other heads up is about the heat that is generated by both the ingredients and from being enclosed in the plastic wrap. 

You soon realise that the name "Volcano" is very apt....as that's what it feels exactly like, a volcano erupting on your feet, but in a strange, pleasant way.

As you rinse off ensure that you massage in the mask at the same time, as the pumice then removes the dead cells. Before you even have time to dry your feet you can feel the menthol coolness and your feet and tootsies feel fantastic, wonderfully soft, smooth and most definitely alive and refreshed....a must for anyone who stands on their feet all day. 

The cooling effect lasted long after the mask had been removed, which was great and best of all no foot cream was needed to restore moisture.

This multi tasking product gets a big "Foot" up from me, as it certainly does

 "Smooth Those Feet" and much more..

P.S. I originally bought this product from the Lush store in the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, but have subsequently purchased in the UK. I don't see it on the SA website for ordering online, which suggests that it's no longer available in SA, but it is still available overseas both in store and online for £6.50


Lush SA

Other Lush reviews:

Lush-cious

Lush Gush

Lush Lips

THE SPA AT THE OYSTER BOX HOTEL - {REVIEW}

I feel tinges of guilt as I write this post, not because I spent a wonderful morning this week receiving 6* pampering at the Oyster Box Hotels Spa in Umhlanga Rocks, I feel it because this Hotel is actually my "local" and over the years I have been a guest, celebrated birthdays...too many to mention, eaten more than my fair share of delights from the sweet laden table at afternoon tea, sat and enjoyed too many delicious Strawberry Daiquiri's and I have blogged about it all, 

yet I have never visited the Spa.

Being primarily a blog about beauty I feel this is unacceptable to you my readers and followers....

but today that changes.

The Oyster Box Hotel 5*

This award winning Spa is located at the rear of the hotel and is nestled amongst indigenous gardens, which sets the scene perfectly for your entry into a beautiful, luxurious space that offers you all of the amenities expected of a luxury wellness facility of this calibre. 

The calming approach to the Spa entrance

Reception area

The Spa ensures the highest level of personal care by dedicated, trained staff equipped to deliver the highest levels of spa therapy and pampering. Having trained as a beauty therapist myself I was eager to chat to the Spa manager Jackie Armitage, whose own credentials are impeccable, about her teams qualifications and I can assure you that you are in good hands.

With six modern, treatment rooms, a Hydrotherapy Bath, grooming lounge, plunge pool, state-of-the-art private fitness centre, Infinity pool with garden views and a post-treatment tranquillity lounge, guests are indulged in every way to make them feel special and sensational. 

Plunge Pool with a view

I was treated to a back, neck and shoulder massage and my therapist was professional, attentive and more importantly had good hands. Even though it was a back massage my feet enjoyed a foot ritual which include the wearing of warm towelling booties and a warm bean bag was applied on my lower back and shoulders to warm the muscles.The attention to detail is very evident in all aspects of the Spa experience and this is what in my opinion sets this Spa, head and massaged shoulders above the rest.

Stylish grey and white decor theme of the Spa

Spacious treatment rooms

Beautiful and well equiped change rooms

In addition, the Oyster Box Spa also houses an authentic Turkish Hammam, where you can indulge in an array of Hammam experiences; from the Oriental Hammam Ceremony to Durban’s Hammam Ceremony offering deep cleansing, relaxing and restoring benefits. These traditional treatments have been designed to work with the unique Hammam environment to raise your body temperature to allow for a deep release, while the heated marble slab induces cleansing warmth.

At the heart of the Spa are the individually crafted ‘Oyster Box Spa Journeys’ - a unique fusion of therapies designed to replenish and soothe.  Individual and unique in character, each of the ‘Journey’s offers something special.  Individually created services and bespoke treatments are welcomed.

 The Spa is a perfect spot for everything from Kitchen Tea parties and wedding and honeymoon pampering, to Book Club gatherings and Birthday Celebrations. Gift vouchers are also available hint..hint hubby and Kiddiewinks!

Being at the cutting edge of new developments and techniques, as well as staying abreast of the latest products and treatments,The Spa at The Oyster Box has recently introduced a number of new treatments to their existing Menu.

Elemis Body Sculpting Cellulite and Colon Therapy (60 min)

Elemis BioTec Facials (75 min)

Dermalogica Advanced Skin Treatment BioSurface™ Peel (60 min)

Get Waisted® Tummy Sculpting Treatment (60 min)

The Spa comfortably accommodates both males and females and several couples treatments are available. I suggest that you visit their website to read more about the wonderful array of new and existing treatments on offer and you can book online

Tranquility Lounge for pre and post treatment relaxation

The Spa at The Oyster Box uses a variety of internationally-recognised treatment products such as Elemis, Dermalogica, Mama Mio, as well as its own exclusive, signature range of all natural, body-care products and professional spa treatments B|Africa

Having worked in many spheres of the beauty business over 35 years I have to say I have visited so many salons and Spa's both in a professional capacity and as a client. For several years my job involved travel and many nights away from home and my absolute pleasure at the end of a hectic day was either a back,neck and shoulder massage or a pedicure, both of which offered immediate relief to sore feet and tight aching shoulders. 

So I feel well qualified to say that The Spa at the Oyster Box is deserving of every award and accolade it has ever received and is in my opinion the 

Ultimate in Spa's and I can't wait to return.

I have my eye on a package that seems to been custom made for me and is available until the 

30th May 2015

Consisting of a :

Back,Neck and Shoulder massage (30 mins)

Pedicure (60 mins)

Use of the Plunge Pool & Rain Showers 

Use of Tranquility Lounge 

(which just happens to be the most divine relaxing space to end off your pamper session)

R750 

(90 mins)

For those of you residing in Cape Town that suffer from a FOMO (fear of missing out) then you can experience the similar pampering at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Camps Bay (sister hotel)

Spa contact numbers:

031 514 5071/5072/5074/5123

E.Mail address:

thespa@oysterbox.co.za

Opening Hours:

Monday - Sunday

8.00 - 20.00 

Inc. Public Holidays

Let me know if you have experienced the delights of either of these great Spas.

EYE SLICES {REVIEW}

If you suffer from tired, puffy or strained eyes and don't we all, then carry on reading as I may have the perfect remedy. 

These award winning reusable Eye Slices have been around for sometime now and it's been on my list of things to "try and buy" for a while... 

Try I did, but buy I didn't, as I was lucky enough to be gifted a pair of Professional Eye Slices.

Profesional Eye Slices R150

I recently put them to the test on my trip overseas when my eyes were desperately in need of reviving and some TLC, as I flew from Durban to Dubai to Manchester and not being one to sleep on a plane I was pretty much wide eyed for 36 hours, which isn't good for the eyes. 

These convenient gel slices are packed with active ingredients 
(the key one being Aloe Ferox) 

and are so easy to use...

Just place the slices over a clean eye area and lie back or sit back in my case and relax for 5-10 mins. The skin around my eye area instantly felt soothed and look revived. 

Eye slices can be used daily to help diminish dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles and after use pop them back into the resealable zip bag. 

(Eye Slices can be used for 10 applications and should be used with a month) 

For extra coolness you can store in the fridge. even though it's not necessary, they do feel wonderful. Eye Slices contain no chemical preservatives or parabens and are safe 

to use with your contact lenses in.

I recommend Eye Slices without hesitation, as they really were an "Eye Saver" and will be coming along with me in my handbag on my future travels.

 My only complaint....

 "I just wished I had discovered them sooner".

Eye Slices are sold through professional beauty salons and spas. 

For more info and to order online

ANGEL EAU SUCREE - THIERRY MUGLER

Angel Eau Sucree

                                                                                  (Limited Edition)

If you are an Angel or Thierry Mugler disciple and he has many both here in South Africa and around the world,then this sweet, tangy and truly luscious Angel Eau Sucree Eau de Toilette, that has been launched locally this week, may just be another one to add to your Angel collection. 

With notes of patchouli, Vanilla, red berry sorbet and caramelized meringue makes this new addition an irresistibly, cheeky sweet fragrance. As for the bottle and packaging who can resist a little pink and blue , that's reminiscent of a fairytale childhood.

Eau de Toilette 50ml

non-refillable spray

R695.

SUNDAY SAVINGS - WOOLWORTHS FOAM BATH AND HAND WASH

Whilst this weeks Sundays Savings are certainly not "High End" products,but 

they are good CnC (Cheap n cheerfuls) from Woolworths.

I know the packaging, whilst looking very similar to a well known kitchen cleaner, does suggest a "No Frills" basic foam bath and hand wash and that's exactly what they are.

After decanting into nicer containers they do offer good value for money especially as they are 20% less at the moment, everyone can enjoy some bubbles.

They both come in 3 fragranced variants:

Lavender

Honey Vanilla

Tea Rose 

Both the foam bath and hand wash are Vitamin E Enriched, Dermatologically tested

 and comply with Beauty Without Cruelty.

Foam Bath

500mls

R42.99

R34.99

Hand Wash

300mls

R36.99

R29.59

WOOLWORTHS

SMOOTH THOSE FEET

"Smooth Those Feet" 

will be a new series of posts where I will focus on foot exfoliating products or gadgets....yes, feet do need exfoliating and moisturising just like the rest of the body. 

The exfoliating stage is to me an important part of any pedicure, as you will know if you have been following my posts:

 "In Pursuit of the Perfect Pedicure"

SORBET 
THE SPA ON FAIRWAY
TEREMOK SPA

Feet and toes are sometimes one of the most neglected areas of our anatomy and I'm sure we have all seen signs of cracked heals, callouses and various other signs of foot neglect standing in front of us in a queue for all to see in summer sandals.
Often it's not a pretty sight and it really need not be like that with a little home or salon foot care.

Just take a moment to think about what we put our feet through on a daily basis:

We expect them to bare our full body weight and carry us where we want to go, which can regularly be many kilometers, especially if you walk or run as a form of exercise, even a trip to my local Gateway Shopping Centre, can lead to a few kms walk from one end to the other.

Are you guilty of this next foot crime I know I have been on many occasions over the years.
We are continually squashing and coaxing our feet and tootsies into often I'll fitting shoes all in the pursuit of fashion.

 Gone are the days of measuring your feet and buying a correct fitting shoe, today we look at the style first and then proceed to make our feet fit the shoes.(Cinderella would have had more competition for the glass slipper today)

You may be wondering why I am not posting this in summer when our feet are most on show, especilly here in South Africa and the reason being is that caring for your feet should be an all year round affair and not just a quick fix before the summer hols.

In the months to come I will be reviewing various exfoliators, scrubs, creams and gadgets, which I hope will help to guide you in finding the right products to

 "Smooth Those Feet".