CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {MAY 17}

Despite buying many of my own products to try and review for you, I'm also very blessed to receive some wonderful products from brands. For the month of May I have some "beauties" to try out and as always I will only give you my honest opinions...

If you would like to catch up on some of my follow up reviews then type "Currently Under Review" in the search bar "Search for my Shout Words" on the right hand side of this post and follow the pink links to all my past monthly reviews.

CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW

1.

I like the idea of this PORE fessional Pore Minimizing Makeup, despite the fact that I don't have large visible pores, I'm keen to review and lets' be honest I have yet to come across a benefit product that I don't like...

PORE fessional Pore Minimizing Make-up

2.

Another of my all time "fave" affordable French skincare brands Avène have just launched a very interesting product from their Hydrance OPTIMALE range - Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector, so I'm keen to try and let you know what this product is all about and how it performs...

*NOW POSTED*

REVIEW

Hydrance OPTIMALE Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector

3.

This next product is unfortunately not available in South Africa, so my London "Kiddiewink" recently brought it over for me from the UK for me to try.

This Glow Tonic from the brand Pixi is an Iconic Exfoliating Toner that contains 5% Glycolic Acid and I'm really excited to try it out and report back as to whether it deserves its iconic status...

*NOW POSTED*

REVIEW

Pixi Glow Tonic

L.O.V. LONG LASTING NAIL LACQUER {REVIEW}

Rarely do I dedicate a whole blog post to the review of a nail polish, but this Long Lasting Polish from a new cosmetic brand on the block, is in my opinion deserving of this post...

L.O.V. and is a prestige, high-end, mass market cosmetic brand that focuses on quality and design whilst being available in selected drugstores internationally, at an attractive price and it was recently launched in selected Dischems throughout South Africa.

As I have said before on my blog that I'm first drawn to the colour of a nail polish before a particular brand, when I'm browsing the shelves and this dark mauve wintry colour caught my eye in the L.O.V. nail section.
The LOVinity range has 24 permanent colours to choose from and some Limited Editions that come and go...

L.O.V.  Mauve Majesty 300 

This LOVinity Long Lasting Nail Lacquer claims to have a formula with innovative polymer technology and provides intensive colour and a high gloss finish without chipping – for up to seven days and as you can imagine I just had to put this one to the test, especially after my huge disappointment with the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Review

L.O.V. say that perfection is achieved with just one stroke of the brush and that their high- performance brush guarantees a simple and smooth application. I'm a bit fussy when it comes to the type of brush a nail polish has and for me it's a "make or break" thing.

This brush is short and wide and initially it took me a few strokes to adjust, but surprisingly quickly I mastered the one stroke application, as the brushes
 width was pretty much the width of my nail and one stroke was all I needed to cover my nail completely with colour. With most polishes I apply my standard three coats plus top coat,however the coverage with this product was fairly good and I only needed to apply two coats and a top coat.
I was initially impressed with the ease of application and it does give a smooth high gloss finish, which I prefer, as it always gives the nails that just manicured look.

After 6 days

I've had a "bee in my bonnet" recently , as I'm getting rather fed up, as I'm sure many of you are, with nail polish companies claiming that their nail colours last up to 7 or 14 days without chipping or fading.

The L.O.Vinity Long Lasting Nail Lacquer claims 7 days and the picture above shows my nails still looking pretty good after 6 full days and to go a 7th day was no problem.

Dark colours are always far more maintenance, than light shades, as the colour often fades and even the slightest chips appear to be more obvious, but as you can see there are no chips, only slight wear on the tips, which I can live with.

In my opinion this polish stands up its 7 day claim and if like me you wear nail polish everyday, then this could be such a time saver.

I am hoping to delve a little further into the L.O.V. brand and as always I will report back with my honest findings on any other products that I try.

R.S.P.

R114.95

L.O.V. products are available from selected Dischems countrywide

SUNDAY SAMPLE - AGE SMART - DERMALOGICA - DAILY SUPERFOLIANT

I pulled out of my overflowing sample jar a sachet (in fact I have a couple) of the recently launched AGE smart Daily Superfoliant by the salon brand dermalogica. 

One of my "Kiddiewinks" did a review a couple of years ago on their iconic Daily Exfoliant and he was impressed.(To read his review click on the Pink Link below)

 I've read and heard such good reviews on this new addition that I'm excited to try

this highly-active resurfacer that delivers your smoothest skin ever, and helps fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin aging.

As always check back on Sunday for my unbiased thoughts and opinions.

dermalogica Daily Superfoliant

Daily Exfoliant Review

BOURJOIS CITY RADIANCE FOUNDATION & BOURJOIS RADIANCE REVEAL CONCEALER {REVIEW}

Here I am again reviewing beauty products due to the inclusion of word "Radiant" in the name and just like many women, particularly over 40, we are drawn to products that will help to restore the radiance and glow to our, often, dulling skins.

Foundations are the easiest and most affordable products to help you do just that, albeit a temporary solution, a radiant glowy skin is always a more flattering look for the older woman.

Whilst I was browsing along the Bourjois wall unit recently in Clicks, I also came across two of their radiance make-up items that caught my eye and I thought they might make a good foundation and concealer combo to try and review for you.

Bourjois City Radiance Foundation
&
Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer 

Bourjois City Radiance Foundation:

With many of us living in or near polluted cities, Bourjois formulated this foundation for all the urbanites, as its protecting anti-pollution screen prevents the adherence of carbon particles and lets the skin breathe.It also contains an SPF 30 UV screen to protect skin from UVA & UVB, which in my opinion is a "must have" in a foundation, due to me living in South Africa.

I purchased the 04 Beige Shade

I enjoyed the creamy, hydrating texture of the foundation and Bourjois claims that it would give 24hrs of comfort to the skin.
(I'm not sure who would ever put that claim to the test)
This foundation offers a light - medium coverage, which is buildable and easy to blend, but where it scored big points with moi, was on the radiance front.

The inclusion of the radiance-boosting pigments did help to even out my complexion for a more natural, fresh-looking, glowy, luminous  skin. I prefer to wear this foundation on those days where I wanted a more natural "make-up free" look, as the radiance enhancers were more visible when the make-up products applied on top were kept to a minimum.

The pretty pale pink packaging obviously gets my approval and the size of the nozzle allows for a controlled amount to be dispensed. It's Dermatologically tested and Non-Comedegenic.

I must also make mention of the delicate soft fragrance that this foundation has, as I love it.
From my review I think you can tell that this foundation would be one that I would re-purchase and highly recommend if your skin is dull and needing, a little or a lot of help on the brightening front.

Bourjois City Radiance Foundation
30ml

Available in 6 Shades

R252

£9.99

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer:

I purchased the shade 02 Beige

Again I'm always on the look out for a good concealer and if it contains light reflectors to help brighten that troublesome under eye darkness, then it's a bonus and this Radiance Reveal Concealer does just that!

This creamy melting texture,not only helps to correct the colour, but it quite adequately conceals imperfections,dark circles and gives a fresh and radiant look.

It claims to provide an instant skincare action: 

It visibly smoothes away wrinkles and fine lines and hydrates the under eye area for up to 24 hours  

thanks to the inclusion of enriched with Mont Blanc glacier water & hyaluronic acid, but I certainly wouldn't substitute any of my daily eye treatments and serums with this product, but it is nice to have the extra benefits included in your concealer. The continuous hydration is very noticeable as this concealer doesn't go cakey or dry like so many do.

The dinky sponge applicator enables you to be really precise with your application and I have to say I prefer a sponge applicator and apparently you can use this concealer as a highlighter, which I haven't tried yet.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this concealer, as it delivers the total package when it comes to concealing and works well with the City Radiance Foundation making this a
 Truly Radiant Duo...

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer
7.8mls

Available in 3 Shades

R160

£7.99

Available from selected Clicks countrywide

www.clicks.co.za

ORALB GENIUS 9000 - BRAUN (REVIEW)

I can't remember the last time I used a manual toothbrush, (most probably it was on a long haul overnight flight last November), as I'm a long time convert to an electric toothbrush, having use one for the past 20years or so.

I have always been extremely happy with the OralB brand and after my previous one had loyally supported me in the cleaning of my teeth for the past 8-10 years I saw no reason to change brands. I previously had a rechargeable model, which at the time was the top of the range and its price of around R1800 was a heavy price tag at the time.

However it never gave me a days problem, but it was starting to "tire" as it was failing to hold a charge, but if I were to work out, the cost per use, it has served me well on the cost front and based on this I didn't really hesitate at the price when I was researching my next purchase.

The Oral B Genius 9000 was launched internationally in 2016, but has only been available for sale here in South Africa at Clicks and Dischems from the beginning of 2017 and they retail here in South Africa for around R3,800-R4,000.

I have read so many great reviews on this toothbrush since last year and there was really no competition as far as I was concerned, as it was voted by

Which? as the Best Buy 2016

The revolutionary Genius 9000 electric toothbrush features a dentist-inspired round head that surrounds and cups each tooth with oscillating, rotating and pulsating technology to remove up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. Designed to help you brush like your dentist recommends, this brush connects with the Oral-B smartphone app via Bluetooth technology to provide you with customized real-time feedback, including time coaching to brush a recommended 2 minutes, triple pressure control to protect your gums from over-brushing, and advanced Position Detection technology so you never miss a zone.

It’s like having a dentist at home....it’s GENIUS.

 I recently got my London "kiddie wink" to bring me one over from the UK on his recent home visit.The price seems to vary tremendously depending on whether its on special offer or not. I managed to pick mine up on Amazon for £109, but I have seen it on special at Boots and Superdrug for as low as £99, but the price can be as high as £180.

 There are 3 colours available and whist I opted for the white it also comes in black and there's also a lovely Limited Edition Rose Gold.

I'm sure you're eager to know what you get for your "Big Bucks"...

What’s in the box?

C1 GENIUS connected handle with 6 mode

4 brush heads, premium travel case

Upgraded charger

Refill holder

Smartphone holder

Features 6 modes

Pro Clean

Daily Clean

Sensitive

Tongue Cleaning

Whitening

Gum Care

I just love everything about this electric toothbrush, not just the fact that it's really a superior brush and your teeth feel amazingly clean and polished, but I'm enjoying all the GENIUS extras, especially the Smart travel case with an extra USB port to charge your both smartphone and toothbrush with 1 plug, which is an absolute life saver if you travel a lot. 
I really enjoy the 6 cleaning modes, which I do chop and change between.
If you love your electrical gadgets then this is well worth checking out and

despite the price I have no regrets with my GENIUS purchase and hopefully it gives me as many years loyal service as my previous model did...

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS {APRIL 2017}

Here are my Quickie Product Reviews (QPR'S) for April, unfortunately my scoring ranges from an 8 to a zero...yes a zero!

LUSH The Comforter Shower Cream

Brand : LUSH

Product : Comforter Shower Cream (100mls)

Price : R95

Verdict:

I bought this product hoping that I would love it and it would fill the gap left by the Snow Fairy, but alas the opposite happened. However if you love to smell like a huge sweet blackcurrant then you will just love "The Comforter".

In the Lush store, I just had a whiff of the product from the bottle and not being opposed to a fruity fragrance I bought the 100ml size. Thank goodness I did, as this was as its name suggests... of no "comfort" to me, as it was overpowering and had a really unpleasant overriding petroleum smell and it was the worst fragrance in a shower cream I have ever tried.That being said if you enjoy a strong and intense fruity fragrance from your shower products, then I highly recommend. I personally like the Lush Shower Creams but my dislike for the fragrance distracted from the usual products benefits.

2/10

~~~~~~

Oxygen Moisture Shampoo & Oxygen Moisture Conditioner

Brand : DOVE

Product : Oxygen Moisture Shampoo (250mls) & Oxygen Moisture Conditioner (250mls)

Price : R85 each

Verdict:

Over the past 30 years I have always bought & used Professional salon ranges of hair products and I have "yo yo'd", over the years, between Redken, Kerastase and L'Oreal Professional, which I have always been very happy with and I've never had any negative reactions.
Several weeks ago my shampoo was running out and I stupidly broke from tradition and bought a pharmacy range shampoo and conditioner from the Dove collection.
My scalp unbeknown to me instantly took a reactive dislike to either the Oxygen Moisture Shampoo or the Conditioner or both.
From the first wash my scalp felt itchy, which I put down to possible sunburn along my parting, which I have had before. However the itching continued for several weeks (just on the day of washing and conditioning my hair), but no scalp flakiness appeared and I soon connected the dots to realise it was a reaction to the products.
The Oxygen range claims to
 "breath life into fine, flat hair leaving it beautifully bouncy and moisturised and full of natural volume".
Despite the obvious reason for the zero rating my hair, whilst feeling clean, didn't feel or look particularly great. (Personally I think my hair went into a state of "Shock") I'm sure there are lots of happy users out there but I'm not one of them.
What I've  learnt from this - I won't stray off my salon hair products in a hurry again and in my opinion they're well worth the extra money. 

0/10

~~~~~~

rain Natural Castile Olive Wash (Lavender)

Brand : rain

Product : Natural Castile Olive Wash Lavender (400mls)

Price : R85

Verdict:

Being a huge fan of all things rain, my "go to" liquid hand wash for a couple of years now has been the generous 400mls (lasts so long) of the Natural Castile Olive Wash.
Having a dual purpose as a "wash" it can be used by the basin or in the bath.
There are 4 subtle fragrances to chose from; Lavender, Amber, Passion and Forest plus a fragrance free option.(I haven't yet tried the Amber or the fragrance free, but I can vouch for the other 3 scents)
These washes contain over 50% olive oil meaning that your hands and body are left feeling moisturised in a non greasy way. 

8/10

~~~~~~

SUNDAY SKETCHES

A long overdue Sunday Sketches post featuring some iconic designer bags all of which the majority can't afford but there is no harm in looking at them in sketch form.

Enjoy!

REAL TECHNIQUES MAKEUP BRUSHES (REVIEW)

Believe it or not the manufacture and sales of make-up brushes globally is huge, in fact so much so, an in-depth market report is compiled and released annually dissecting every aspect of the makeup brush business.

Real Techniques make-up brushes are definitely "up there" on that list and internationally have become a firm favourite with all, whether you're a professional makeup artist or not...

Having studied Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy for 3 years, we were always advised to buy the best tools that you could afford at the time and makeup brushes were no exception and I just happen to have, and still use today, a couple of my very expensive original natural bristle brushes that I trained with all those years ago.

As the makeup "times" have changed the debate, as to which is a better brush, synthetic bristle or natural bristle still rages on, but with the R&D that has been put into the manufacture of synthetic bristles it now seems that synthetic is out "on top".

I can honestly say that during my 35 years in the business I haven't bought too many makeup brushes, as I have never needed to. My original professional set that I bought in my college days (sorry I can't remember the make) served me well for many years and I then bought a collection (again rather expensive) of Estée Lauder brushes and a couple of years ago I received a set to review from GOSH COPENHAGEN

To read my review

Over the years I may have bought or been given an odd brush here and there, but pretty much those 3 sets have seen me through my makeup life!

That was until recently, when I bought a set of Sam & Nic Real Techniques brushes in the UK.

The set below I purchased from Superdrug and was a limited Edition Travel Case Set 

(£30 reduced from £36 and unfortunately is no longer available) 

All of the brushes can be bought individually, but this set comprised of a good basic selection of brushes and even though I wasn't particularly interested in the silver cylinder travel case,(it has proved to be handy) it just happened to be cheapest way to buy the brushes that I really wanted and knew I would use daily.

Real Techniques Travel Case Set

Here is some background on this sister team and Real Techniques:

Samantha and Nicola Chapman grew up surrounded by makeup. Their aunt was a top makeup artist in London, working with clients like David Bowie and Princess Diana and their mum was makeup-involved too...

After two years of attending school for professional makeup artistry, Sam moved to London to work on counters and begin her career as a freelance artist. She had the opportunity to work with the likes of MAC, Estee Lauder, and Chanel doing everything from fashion weeks, to editorial. Nic was not far behind, following a similar path, but in her own right. Over time, they both had built a reputation in the industry as respected makeup artists.

After the successful launch in 2010 of their joint and now infamous Pixiwoo®YouTubechannel it wasn't too long before the Real Techniques brush collection was conceived and launched in 2011.

I highly recommend that you pop over to the Real Techniques website for more info and for some great tips and makeup advice.

www.realtechniques.com

Real Techniques Limited Edition Travel Case Set

Regardless of whether you're applying, blending, lining, shading or highlighting a good brush is an important part of your makeup routine. The small applicators and brushes that come in the cosmetic compacts etc. are in my opinion pretty much useless, so in order to get the best out of your cosmetics and achieved a well applied, blended and a more professional natural look, specialised brushes to do a specific job are a necessity and you really cannot avoid the investment.


My set comprised of the following 6 brushes, which I have found to be a good selection and I do use them all.

Multi Task Brush
Tapered Foundation Brush
Multi Task Cheek Brush
Deluxe Crease Brush
Base Shadow Brush
Eyeliner Brush

 The Real Techniques brushes are made with synthetic bristles, 100% Cruelty Free and environmentally friendly. The brushes feel incredibly soft on the skin, whilst picking up the colour well and blending evenly and as with all synthetic brushes they're super easy to clean. The quality of the brushes is excellent (to date there has been no bristle shedding), they feel comfortable and well balanced in the hand and I'm really enjoying using them.
I find myself reaching for the Real Techniques instinctively now and sadly my previous hard working and much loved brushes are taking some "time out" for good, loyal long service...

I do have a couple more that I would like to add to complete this set, I have my eye on the Concealer Brush, Highlighter Brush and a Lip Brush, which will bring my total to 9 daily working brushes and hopefully they will serve me well for many years to come...


Luckily for South Africans the Real Techniques brushes are available at selected 
Foschini stores countrywide 

and

 On Line

THE LINDT GOLD BUNNY GARDEN IS BACK AT GATEWAY

It's here again and last year I visited the Lindt Gold Bunny Garden at Gateway Durban and it was an absolute pleasure to see the children's (and adults) faces light up with 

"chocolaty glee".

Moi at The Lindt Gold Bunny Garden 2016

LINDT GOLD BUNNY. 

The Sound of Happiness.

  For generations, the LINDT GOLD BUNNY has been the true icon of Easter. Lovingly created with the finest chocolate, then wrapped in gold and crowned with its iconic bell and red ribbon by the LINDT Master Swiss Chocolatiers.

When you hear the bell of the LINDT GOLD BUNNY, you will have found all that is best about Easter. The LINDT GOLD BUNNY remains Easter’s most iconic chocolate gift, bringing delight to friends and family, young and old.

Lindt Gold Bunny R49.99 100g

Here are all the details to put a smile on every ones face...

 LINDT GOLD BUNNY Garden

Durban  07-09 April (Gateway)

Recommended age group: 4-10 years old

This Easter, children in Durban will have the opportunity to embark on the ultimate Easter hunt, as The LINDT GOLD BUNNY Gardens, once again, make their way to all three major cities over the holiday period. These enchanting gardens will play host to a series of Easter hunts, during which children will be able to fill their baskets with delicious LINDT treats.

How to gain entry: 

To enter the gardens all you need to do is purchase a LINDT GOLD BUNNY Milk 100g from a Woolworths store or at The LINDT GOLD BUNNY Garden Kiosk and keep your till slip (Each LINDT GOLD BUNNY Milk 100g entitles one child to enter a LINDT GOLD BUNNY Garden). Hunts take place twice per hour. For more information, please visit www.lindt.com.

My GOLD BUNNY

Make it their very own…

This Easter, give someone the most lovable gift of all; their very own personalised LINDT GOLD BUNNY. Simply purchase a 100g LINDT GOLD BUNNY from participating Pick n Pay stores, join the queue and our LINDT Ribbon Makers will print a red ribbon with your loved one’s name on it and lovingly tie it onto your LINDT GOLD BUNNY.

Only available at participating Pick n Pay stores from 6 to 15 April 2017. Visit www.lindt.com  for further details.

Enjoy!