BIODERMA PHOTODERM MAX SPF 50+ TINTED ULTRA-FLUID SUNCARE {REVIEW}

(Originally written in 2014)

 During the summer months I always opt, as should we all, for a high SPF and it has to be one that is not only effective, but also it needs to sit comfortably with both my moisturizer and foundation.

 Several years ago I wrote about the Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50 To read review but during the winter months I still use an SPF of 30, as Durban still experiences average winter temperatures of 20c and a daily average of 7 hours of sunshine.

Bioderma Photoderm 50+ MAX Tinted

This summer I haven't opted to try a different brand, but I rather chose to stick with the same Bioderma product but with a tint. This product is available in 3 shades and I have been using the Clair/light shade for some weeks now.
However this tinted version does have a couple of differences 

(besides the obvious tint) to the Bioderma non tinted SPF 50.

The tinted is classed as an Ultra Fluid consistency whereas the "non" tinted is a Fluid, I found a subtle difference and both were easy to apply. 
The tinted has a more matte non glossy finish, yet neither leaves your skin feeling oily or looking shiny. 

What is great about the tinted is the packaging, as it has a needle point tube, which is a huge help when it comes to controlling the amount of product you dispense and therefore use. 

(I wished more products came in this type of tube) 

Shade: Clair/Light

It offered me a slight colour, which subtly took my skin from that winter pale to a "hint" of a tint, whilst covering slight blemishes and evening out my complexion. 
I especially enjoyed this product on those "no" make-up days.i.e.out walking or lazing around the garden.

Blended

I was concerned that the tint would change or interfere with the shade of my foundation, but all was good and this Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50 sits well with my usual moisturizer and foundation when needed, so I would say that this product for me has been a "success".

 I look forward to a summer of high protection with that all important tint.

This product is:

 Non Comodegenic 

Fragrance Free

Hypoallergenic

 Water Resistant 

Photo stable

It can be used for all skin types even combination to oily 

Available from selected:

Dischems

Clicks

RSP R189 (40mls)
Now R237(1/2017)

ESTÉE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR EYE SYNCHRONISED RECOVERY COMPLEX II{REVIEW}

This post is long overdue, but to be truthful this product just seems to never end. 

I started using the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye way back at the beginning of August 2016 and I have about a third of the pot left still, despite religiously using as part of my evening beauty regime.

I do seem to think that I've used the previous Night Repair for the eyes, possibly when it was first launched back in the day, long before my blog's birth, but after saying that it obviously failed to make any great impression on me either negatively or positively, but I was happy to give it another try and this time write a review of my findings and opinions.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye

I, like so many other mature women are most concerned about the ageing of the skin around the eye area and quite rightly so, as this fine delicate skin ages the quickest and in my opinion it's an area that requires the best products that you can afford, so no skimping on the budget here.

I'm sure you have all heard about the now iconic anti ageing serum - Estée Lauders Advanced Night Repair, well this forms part of the Advanced Night Repair collection and they have recently added an ANR Serum for the eyes and even more recently an Advanced Night Repair Recovery Concentrated Eye Mask, which I'm hoping to try once its launched and as always I will review it for you.

The ANR Eye is suitable for all skin types and the formula is both Ophthalmologist tested  

and fragrance free.

It's packaged a small square brown jar, which is great for keeping the ingredients in the product protected against light, but for a product of this price it should really be in an airtight pump dispenser to protect the ingredients from exposure to contaminants both in the air and on our fingers etc.,so its advisable to use a spatula to remove from the pot and replace the lid as quickly as possible.

That being said I personally love using this product, as it's a rich creamy gel formula that not only feels lightweight around the eye area but it feels silky and non greasy.

As with many skincare products results are only seen with ongoing use and are therefore  preventative and in some cases immediate short term results can be seen, but remember there is no quick fix, anti ageing miracle product out there...that I have found anyway, so if you know of one please let me know!

(Preventative skincare is long term and to be a honest it's a life times commitment to using products, which I can say I have been wholly committed to since I was 15 years old and as I enter my 57th year I get compliments about my skin on a daily basis, so for me I feel its paid off)

The Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair for Eyes is a product that will have a cumulative effect in dealing with every visible sign of eye ageing: fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, dryness, uneven skin tone, but for me it's the cushioning cream gel texture that's a winner and this is a product that I would highly recommend as your first serious anti ageing eye product to include in your beauty regime either a.m. or p.m. or both.
Also don't be put off by the price as the saying "a little goes a long way" is so true with this product and remember to always buy the best your budget allows for eye products you won't regret!

Available at Estée Lauder counters countrywide or online

15mls Retails for:

R765

$60

£40

MY 3 CURRENT FAVOURITE SUMMER NAIL POLISHES

For the past couple of months now my wintry nail polishes have made way for the bright and pastel shades of summer and a hot summer it has been in South Africa. 

I have been to-ing and fro-ing between the 3 colours below all summer :

Brand - JT ONE Pretty Paint

Shade - Princess

Price - R29.95

This pinky/coral shade needs at least 2-3 coats to create a perfect summer shade that goes with everything. It's also very forgiving if you are not the best nail painter or if you have the odd chip and haven't time to repaint.


Brand - essie

Shade - Mod Square

Price - R125

Summer wouldn't be a summer without an inclusion of a pink polish and this is my most used summer colour especially on my toe nails and I love it!



Brand - Woolworths

Shade - White

Price - R79.95

Nothing looks nicer in the summer than a beautifully painted set of white nails and beautifully painted is how they must stay, as wearing a white polish is often high maintenance, as it shows up every painting error and those dreaded chips.
The payoff though is a chic, fresh look that goes with everything and well worth effort.
(I believe Woolworths have recently discontinued this shade, but any brand of white nail polish will achieve a similar look)

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS - (JANUARY 2017)

I don't always post reviews on every single product that I try for various reasons, so I thought I would occasionally put out a post called Quickie Product Review (QPR and it has nothing to do with Queens Park Rangers the football team) that gives you my opinions in a quick, short style format.

So here goes and I hope you like it...
Enjoy!

essence All About Eyeshadow Palette - Nude

Brand : essence

Product : All about Eyeshadow Palette Nudes (8)

Price : R89.95

Verdict 

 Good selection of nude shades from Mattes to Metallics

Pigment good

Easy to blend

Stay ability average

Soft textured powder shadow that's somewhat crumbly

Despite knocking off any excess powder from the brush you still get powder fall-out onto the under eye area,which is a little annoying.

6/10

~~~~~~

Catrice Absolute Single Shimmer Eyeshadow - My Name Is Pearl

Brand : Catrice Absolute Eye Colour

Product : Single Shimmer Eyeshadow (My name is Pearl)

Price : R54.95

Verdict 

 Lovely base shade

Pigment good

Easy to blend

Stay ability average

7/10


~~~~~~

essence matt matt matt Long-Lasting Lip gloss - LA VIE EST BELLE

Brand : essence

Product : matt matt matt Long-lasting Lip gloss (LA VIE EST BELLE)

Price : R46.95

Verdict
I love lip glosses and I liked the colour, so this is what prompted me to buy this matt  
long-lasting lip gloss. 
Unusual shaped sponge applicator of poor quality
The lip gloss had an unpleasant fragrance
Creamy and non drying, but streaky on application
I also found that it wasn't long lasting + it sat in the creases of my lips


3/10

COLLAGEN LIFT® PARIS RED CARPET WITH HYALURONIC ACID {PART 2}

I'm happy to say that I'm now well and truly settled into the 17th day of my 56 days of using the Collagen Lift® Paris Red Carpet drinkable collagen ampules with Hyaluronic Acid.

If you would like to catch up or recap on my experiences then read my part one 

here

I've found it relatively easy to incorporate the drinking of the ampule into my morning routine as I always drink a small glass of water when I wake anyway and this is one of the recommended ways of drinking the ampule.
(You can take on an empty stomach before bed if you prefer, but my stomach is never empty before bed,so this was not an option for moi)

COLLAGEN LIFT® PARIS RED CARPET WITH HYALURONIC ACID


Recommendations:

Drink one ampule a day diluted in a small glass of water or fruit juice on an empty stomach.

Shake the ampule well before use.

Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose

 Collagen Lift® is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, as Verisol® is derived from cows.

This viscous amber coloured liquid has a pleasant fruity taste, which I preferred to just "down" in a small glass of water and it's important that you drink on an empty stomach before breakfast, as this allows for the quicker absorption of the active ingredients of the ampule.

COLLAGEN LIFT® PARIS RED CARPET WITH HYALURONIC ACID 

I'm sure, like me you want to know what are those ingredients and what are their functions and how will they benefit my skin.

The amber liquid simply put,comprises of the following:

VERISOL® COLLAGEN

Collagen is a protein that forms part of the connective tissue in the skin that helps with the firmness, suppleness and constant renewal of skin cells. Collagen is vital for the skins elasticity and provides the matrix that sustains the body’s form and more specifically it provides firmness, elasticity (in conjunction with Elastin) and structure to the skin. 
As we age collagen production slows down, leading to a loss of plumpness in the skin and an increase in wrinkles.
The Verisol® Collagen that is used in CollagenLift® is easily absorbed by the digestive system and made readily available to the skin therefore makes it possible to increase total body collagen.

HYALURONIC ACID

 Now don't be put off by the word "Acid" as believe it or not, it's our most gentle "best friend" we will ever have.

When it comes to having younger looking skin Hyaluronic Acid has powerful anti-ageing properties, one of which is its remarkable moisture binding properties and better still it's a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) found in the human body. 

Very simply put in babies it’s present in abundance in the spaces between skin cells, where it provides moisture, plumpness, firmness and suppleness to the skin.
By the time we hit ours 40's ,you've guessed it...its diminished,but don't despair as it can be applied topically in creams and serums with good results.

As an oral supplement because it keeps collagen synthesis up, contributing to the anti-ageing benefits to the skin. Higher levels of Hyaluronic Acid and collagen ultimately means skin that is more supple and resistant to wrinkles and fine lines.

I personally "hone" in on products with Hyaluronic acid, as I generally notice good results and this was one of the reasons that I decided to do these reviews.

ULVA MEDITERRANEAN SEAWEED

Ulvaline® is a seaweed harvested in the south of France and is added to Collagen Lift® not only to assist the skin to absorb the collagen but also because it is rich in essential amino acids, calcium, magnesium and zinc. 

VITAMIN C.

The powerful antioxidant properties of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and its role in collagen synthesis within the dermis, make vitamin C a vital molecule for skin health.

  

After 17 days of use I can't say that I have noticed any difference in my skin, but as with anything anti-ageing related, it will take at least +- 28 days.

When you read articles and reports on the internet you are left feeling a little overwhelmed with all the info out there.

There seems to be mixed opinions as to whether drinkable collagen is beneficial to the skin/hair and nails or not. 

However after doing some research I have no qualms about the safety of drinking a dose of collagen daily and as to whether its beneficial or not, remains to be seen, 

so pop back to soon to read my part 3

www.collagenliftparis.co.za

MY TOP 5 MAKE-UP PRODUCTS OF 2016

2016 is now a distant memory for most of us, but on the make-up front I personally discovered and experienced so many wonderful products that I just absolutely fell in love with and they are happily coming into 2017 with me...

I have increased my top make-up items for 2016 to include 5 products (+ some) rather than 3 but even that was difficult.

This post by the way, is not sponsored, despite there being two brands that seem to dominate my list.

I started my "Tops" post in 2015 and looking back over that post I find that I'm still using all of the products mentioned.

My Top 3 Make-Up-Products of 2015

1.

benefit rocked the world of beauty in 2016 and it was all thanks to the humble and often neglected "eyebrow".

benefit were magically transforming brows globally, one brow at a time and I have to say mine were included in that transformation, which is amazing, as previously I didn't use much more than tweezers and a eyebrow pencil.

(I highly recommend that you pop along to a benefit counter to find out more about the products and how they can help you achieve amazing brows) 

I have cheated a little with this one as its actually more than one product that came out tops.

To read my full review

2.

Another make-up item from benefit that I discovered in 2016 was the Sugarbomb powder/blush/bronzer and its become my everyday "go to" product.

I have so enjoyed this product that I have since bought their iconic shade Hoola.

To read my full review

benefit Sugarbomb

3.

For the past 5 years or so I have written an annual post about the Estée Lauder Blockbuster, which has been around for the last 30 years+ and its launched around the world just in time for the holidays and Christmas.

I treated myself to the 2015 box and it just has to make it onto my top 5 list due to its variety of quality products on offer and value for money.

Again you could class this as more than one product...oops.

Long live the Estée Lauder Blockbuster ...

To read my review

Estèe Lauder Pure Color Lipsticks

4.


This Stila Stay All Day Liquid lipstick had to make it onto my top 5 make-up products for 2016.
This was my first time dabbling into the melting pot of liquid or matte lipsticks and after much research I couldn't have chosen a better brand or colour to try first.


To read my full review

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

5.


Stila came out tops yet again with another of their Stay All Day products and this time it was with their Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner and again I can highly recommend if you are a liquid eyeliner wearer, as this doesn't disappoint.


To read my full review

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

M·A·C VIVA GLAM II SATIN LIPSTICK - MY PERFECT SUMMER NUDE

I don't generally do reviews on lipsticks unless they really impress me and this one from  M·A·C Cosmetics did just that.

Let me give you some background for this review, I'm a bit of a lipstick whore and I actually wrote a post about it some time ago.

Lipstick and Lipgloss Whore Post

My problem is, I'm totally disloyal when it comes to lipstick purchases,as in all my years of wearing lipstick I don't think I've ever re purchased a specific lipstick or colour...

Despite having many, I'm a great mixer of colours, so I often either make a colour lighter or darker by using two shades, however this could be about to change, as I think I have found my perfect "go to" daily nude summer shade - Viva Glam II

M·A·C Viva Glam II Satin Lipstick R240 

Back in 1994 M·A·C launched their now iconic Viva Glam deep red, which was followed in 1997 by Viva Glam II - a pink mauve shade, so my perfect nude has been out there for the past 20 years and I've only discovered it now!

Periodically over the years M·A·C have released a total of 6 Viva Glam shades in a variety of finishes, but the Viva Glam II is only available in the satin finish.

Viva Glam II

I find this "lippie" to glide on smoothly and evenly and it perfectly provides a soft satin, semi-matte conditioning finish.
I often find that the colour in a lipstick bullet doesn't translate onto the lips the same, but this is the same both on and off the lips. 

The stay ability is relatively good and I find it mixes easily with any other lipstick or gloss I chose to combine it with, but for me it's my perfect summer shade and I can already sense that a re -purchase of this easy wearing shade is on the cards, which is a first for Moi...

Not only is this my new found best lipstick friend, but it's also for a good cause as

for the past 20 years every cent of the selling price of a VIVA GLAM Lipstick is donated to the M·A·C AIDS Fund to support men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS.


Available at M·A·C counters countrywide or online

MAC VIVA GLAM II

MY TOP 5 SKINCARE PRODUCTS OF 2016

If you have been reading my blog for sometime now you will know that Skincare, whether it be for the face or body, is my "blogging forte" and passion.

I'm always on the look out for age appropriate products that actually deliver on their promises.

Being a "mature" blogger - hydrating, anti-ageing, firming and radiance are the key features that I'm looking for in any facial skincare product.

I often stress in my blog posts that I take it upon myself to thoroughly review a full sized product until its finished, unlike some bloggers that review just from the use of a sample or deluxe size for a couple of days or at tops a couple of weeks and that's obviously their choice, but in my opinion

the absolute minimum time that a "treatment" skincare product e.g. a moisturiser, serum, night cream, eye cream can be reviewed is over 4-6 weeks.

Based on the fact that I post my product review only once I have finished the jar or tube means that I'm unable to review too many "treating" products in the year therefore I am a little picky as to what I agree or chose to review. 

However there are several products that don't fall into the above "lengthy time" review category like cleansers, toners, micellar waters,eye make-up removers, exfoliants and masks.

If you would like to read what my top products were in 2015 and still are, then click on the pink link below.

My Top 5 Skincare Products 2015

1.

A brand that I was very happy to get more acquainted with in 2016 was the affordable and easily accessible French Skincare brand Avène. 

(In my opinion the French really are the best when it comes to all things face and body care)

The Avène Physiolift Precision Wrinkle Filler had my undivided attention from the first sighting of its name on the outer box.

Unfortunately regardless of how well cared for your skin is, you will always have some deep furrows, generally across the forehead and down the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth known as the nasolabial folds.

For me this product, despite its awkward applicator - a pipette pen, worked wonders on plumping and smoothing the frown furrows on my forehead.

They do have Physiolift for eyes, which I would really like to review and report back my findings to you in this coming year.

To read my full review

Avène Physiolift Precision Wrinkle Filler

2.

I only discovered my next best skincare product at the very end of 2016 and it wouldn't be a "best of" post without Garnier being mentioned and these Micellar Oil Infused Cleansing Wipes deserve a place on this list.

Garnier just seem to have become the "masters" of Micellar Waters and Wipes and all at an affordable price.

To read my full review

Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Wipes

3.


My next top skincare product of 2016 is somewhat of an "oldie", as its been around for several years, but it's a "goodie".
I'm a bit of a Lip Balm junkie and reviewed many good ones during 2016, but the NUXE Rève de Miel Lip Balm stands above the rest and is totally worthy of all the praise that's bestowed upon this iconic NUXE product.


To read my full review

NUXE Rève de Miel Lip Balm

4.



I reviewed this next product early on in the year and it has become a staple in my daily skincare regime during 2016.I just love the Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water Spray and it's my "nice to have" product for many reasons, which by the way lasts and lasts making it very cost effective for every hydrating and refreshing spritz.



To read my full review

Avène Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water

5.


It wouldn't be a top 5 without the inclusion of a product from my favourite French brand L'Occitane and this one from their Pivoine range, the Perfecting Cream was a delight to use and when used in conjunction with my absolute favourite treatment cream - Divine, they ticked all of my beauty boxes.


To read my full review

L'Occitane PerfectingCream

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {JANUARY 2017}

 I have a lovely collection and mix of products that I can't wait to try this month and hopefully I will bring you full reviews on my blog during January.

CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW


1.


I'm very excited to try the Comforting Cleansing Milk and the Gentle Toning Lotion from the French brand NUXE and I have to say it's a brand that I'm loving after using several of their products over the past couple of years.

*NOW POSTED*

REVIEW

NUXE comforting Cleansing milk & Gentle Toning Lotion

2.

I've been a fan of body scrubs/exfoliators/polishers for many years now and I use on a weekly basis, whether it's winter or summer. However I cannot believe that this Tonic Body Polisher with essential oils from Clarins never made it onto my beauty radar.

I was first introduced to this product via my BFF in the UK on a recent visit to see her and just from the divine fragrance alone I had to purchase a jar and I can already sense that this product will not disappoint and I can't wait to try and bring you my findings.

"NOW POSTED"


REVIEW

Clarins Tonic Body Polisher with essential oils

3.


In 2017 I would like to review more face masks, even though I'm diligent with my weekly use of an exfoliator, I'm not so diligent with masking.
When replenishing a couple of Kiehl's products in December I decide to treat myself to their recently launched Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Mask, which sounds just up my face mask street...


*NOW POSTED*

REVIEW

Kiehl's Turmeric  & Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Mask

4.

MAC is not a brand that I've had too much experience with, but I recently bought this pretty nude Satin Lipstick (shade Viva Glam II) and its already my "go to" lippie for the summer.

Full review coming soon...


*NOW POSTED*

REVIEW

MAC Satin lipstick Viva Glam II