THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% PEELING SOLUTION {REVIEW}

The Ordinary has been "The" Skincare brand of 2017 and has Internationally

 received mixed reviews on performance, but on price no one has complained.

To find out more about the origins of this purse friendly brand

then read my haul post below to bring 

yourself up to speed with this "newbie" on the block.

(However I do still have two products to review)

To read my post on my UK Ordinary Haul

To read my review on the Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

Being a huge fan of exfoliators, peels etc. 

the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution from The Ordinary 

was top of my beauty shopping list on my recent trip to the UK.

My "Rule of thumb" has been to exfoliate once a week and after 40 years,

 this rule has served me well. Having always used a mechanical type peel I was 

keen to try a chemical one, but have always been a little unsure as to which

brand and product to opt for.

 Having heard such good reports on this particular product from this no frills,

 affordable skincare range 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

seemed a logical, cost effective choice.

This viscous Ox blood coloured product comes with a pipette dropper 

and yes it stays that colour once applied to the skin, so be prepared 

and pre warned

as this isn't a mask you answer the front door in.

Despite its strange appearance, let me explain what it contains and what

you can expect from this concoction of alarming named ingredients

Ingredients:

30% Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (Glycolic/Lactic/Tartaric/Citric)

Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) exfoliate the skin's topmost surface for a 

brighter and more even appearance.

2% Beta Hydroxyl Acid (Salicylic Acid)

Beta hydroxyl acids (BHA) also exfoliate the skin with an extended function

 to help clear pore congestion.

These two combined give you a total of a 32% AHA/BHA solution,

which offers a deeper exfoliation to help fight visible blemishes 

and for improved skin radiance. 

The formula also improves the appearance of skin texture and reduces the 

look of fine lines with continued use. 

Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer

gives comfort to the skin

Black Carrot 

is an Antixidant

Tasmanian Pepperberry

The Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative helps to reduce irritation 

associated with acid use and (due to its plant origin) is what gives the product

it blood red colour, which by the way does change slightly according to

the season of harvest.

Vitamin B5

Helps with the healing 

It's comforting to know that whilst all of the above work their magic on the skin 

that a pH of 3.6 is maintained allowing the acids to perform at their optimum

whilst reducing irritation, which can be a problem for many users of AHA's

and BHA's.

Before I explain how to use and give you my thoughts and opinions on this product 

The Ordinary do issue this note/warning

This formula contains a very high concentration of free acids. 

We recommend use only if you are an experienced user of acid exfoliation 

and your skin is not sensitive.

Contraindications: 

This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.

Sunburn Alert: 

This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity

 to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. 

Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while 

using this product.

I must make mention here that I do not have a sensitive skin.

This was my first use of an acid peel and despite having a beauty therapy

background, I did approach the use of this product with caution.

Directions:

Use ideally in the evening no more than twice a week

(I kept to my rule of thumb of once a week)

 This product is applied to a clean face and do not use on wet skin.

This low-viscosity solution is intended to be used as a masque. 

Apply evenly across face and neck using your fingertips. 

Leave on for no more than 10 minutes. 

(I initially left on my skin for 5 minutes and then slowly increased 

to 10 minutes, once I was assured that my skin felt comfortable.

As the 10 minutes approaches I can feel my skin comfortably tingle, but do 

not be tempted to leave on for longer than 10 minutes)

Rinse with lukewarm water.

 Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes both during application and rinse off.

For me this product didn't WOW me straight away, due to the fact that I was 

"treading" carefully for several applications.

I was experimenting with both the timings and thickness of application 

and once I had my own personal "settings" for this mask I really

enjoyed using and, best of all, the results it gave.

My skin feels even smoother and looks more radiant 

and this type of chemical peel has elevated my weekly exfoliation routine to 

the next level

and I now find myself alternating between my usual exfoliators/scrubs 

and this peeling solution and my skin is loving me for it.
It really is a 10 minute facial.

The Ordinary 

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 

30ml

R

Prices vary

There are several websites that sell The Ordinary in South Africa

just Google, but stock availability seems to be an issue.

$

12.30

£

6.30

www.theordinary.com

CHRISTMAS DAY GREETING

LUSH SNOW FAIRY BODY CONDITIONER {REVIEW}

As you can see from a couple of my posts this past month I'm 

a little obsessed with the Limited Edition collection of Snow Fairy products

 from Lush, and I for one are excited that they've added more products

to the range this year.

I doubt that you can still buy very much, either in store or order online, 

from the Snow Fairy range, as it generally comes out around the end of October

 and is usually sold out well before Christmas, 

but it's certainly one to remember for next year if you like

a sweet candy floss, bubble gum type of scent.

(Body Conditioners are available in several fragrances) 

I stocked up on my faves and purchased some of the 

new products including the

Snow Fairy Body Conditioner

Snow Fairy is not everyones "cup of fragrance", however it's hugely popular 

and has a loyal band of worldwide followers, which includes me since 

last Christmas and now I've even got my BFF hooked.

It was my Birthday this week and amongst my pressies were a couple more

Snow Fairy products, so expect reviews to follow.

To read my previous reviews:

Shower Gel Review

Naked Shower Gel Review

Containing Cocoa & Mango Butter for skin softening and conditioning

 and Avocado Butter for hydrating and nourishing you can be assured this

product as its name suggests conditions the body.

I mustn't forget the all important Cherry Infusion that creates a

sweet, fruity yet luxurious fragrance that I adore...

I've always been slightly indifferent to "In shower" body moisturising type

products, since trying one from Nivea several years ago, which was

a huge fail for me. Nivea In Shower Body moisturiser Review

Lush Body Conditioners are to be used, like you would use a hair conditioner

after washing your hair. 

It's the final stage of showering, to condition and moisturise your skin.

I don't vigorously rinse off the product, but rather just let the water

gently rinse over me at the end of my shower.

I believe that you can just apply to wet skin once you've finished showering and 

massage the shimmering pink cream into your skin and leave to air dry.

I haven't yet tried this way, but I will for sure.

This product is flexible in its application and it took me a couple of uses to

estimate just how much I needed to apply, in order to achieve that

 conditioned feel rather than a greasy, sticky one.

(Thankfully Lush have made me a convert to the virtues of this

format of "in shower" moisturisers)

As with all Lush products you can create a more intense fragrance by 

 layering your products.

With using the Snow Fairy shower gel and then the body conditioner your skin

is undoubtedly scented with a beautiful veil of Snow Fairy sweetness 

that I just 

LOVE

As always Lush products are not tested on animals and contain natural

or safe synthetic ingredients.

Lush

 Snow Fairy Body Conditioner

225g

R

255

£

15.95

$

19.95

Lush

BIONIKE 15 FRUIT XSENSE MULTI SENSORIAL OIL {REVIEW}

One of the pleasures of writing a beauty blog is that every now and then, you come
across a product that just surpasses any of your expectations and these
 "finds" always make up for those products that hugely disappoint.  
I can't actually lay claim to finding this product, as Bionike made contact
and kindly sent me some products to try.
Amongst them was this, somewhat intriguing product 

15 FruIT XSENSE Multi Sensorial Oil

Bionike is an Italian Skincare brand that can be found at selected
 Dischem stores countrywide and not having too much prior experience 
with them I was keen to see what this brand has to offer.

I was lucky enough to spend 9 days in Mauritius recently and even though 
this beautiful bottle is not exactly travel friendly it still came with and 
I have fallen in love with this 
fruity fragranced multi tasking oil.

So what made me fall in love with this product?
Not only does the packaging look appealing but it delivers a 

surprisingly fine mist of a silky lightweight textured oil that melts into the skin, 
which in turn releases an intoxicating burst of a fruity, floral
fragrance. 
  
A 15% concentration of oils are derived from fruits grown in Italy
and are rich in vitamins (A, E), antioxidant and omega-3 and omega-6 essential
 fatty acids.

The 15 fruIT XSENSE Multi Tasking Oil boasts moisturising, 
nourishing, soothing, revitalising and firming properties and can be used on the face
body and hair.

Whilst on holiday I applied this oil daily on my body and it can be used either 
on dry or damp skin
however I am a believer that body oils should always be applied to a slightly
damp skin for better absorption.

It can also be used on the face which I haven't tried yet 
and it can also be applied to the hair.
Again the hair can be either dry or damp and I used it successfully
on dry hair just on the ends.

I certainly wasn't expecting to be blown away by this relatively
 unknown product and it has certainly
secured a last minute spot on my "Top Body Products of 2017" list.
It was an absolute sunny,fragrant pleasure to use...

(I will post my "Top Products" blogposts for 2017 during the course of January)

Preservative Free

Nickel tested

Includes an allergen-free fragrance

15 FruIT XSENSE Multi Sensorial Oil
100ml

R
230

£
20


Dischem

MINDGAME ESCAPE ROOM UMHLANGA

From the title of my post you may be wondering what it's all about and

you would be correct in assuming that it's nothing to do with beauty, but

if you live, work or holiday in Durban or its surrounds then read on...

I received an e.mail a couple of weeks ago inviting myself and 5 team members

to choose a time slot and take up the challenge to escape from a themed room, 

at this point it didn't grab my attention too much, until I went onto their website

 to read more about the recently opened Mindgame Escape Room 
just 5 minutes from my house in Umhlanga Rocks 
and I excitedly accepted their challenge.

Basically you have 60 minutes to unleash the detective in you and your 

fellow detectives by gathering clues solve puzzles, combine information, 

decipher secret meanings and trigger hidden mechanisms.

 Success can only be achieved by working together, and you will need to

 combine your brainpower to stay cool and profit from each other’s strengths 

while the clock is ticking.

Ultimately you are led to the key that will unlock the door to the room and 

success - you've escaped, hopefully before the 60 minutes are up.

There are 2 rooms to choose from "Sherlock Holmes Baker Street" or 

the "Houdini" Escape room 

and we opted for the Sherlock Holmes Baker Street Mystery, 

which challenges players to solve a murder mystery while attempting to dismantle the 

notorious Baker Street Five, a high-profile gang that has been terrorising Victorian London. 

Your detective adventure commences once your team mates gather in 

the reception area 15 minutes prior to entering the room and you'll

 receive a friendly introduction by the bubbly Ruzika and watch a 5 minute 

info video.

It's also at this point that all cell phones, hand bags and belongings are 

locked away in a chest and you're given the key, 

as you cannot have any outside contact or help

via google, phone a friend etc., but that also meant that I couldn't take any photos,

but you do all to get pose, with props from the room, at the end.

You are then ready to be locked into the Sherlock Holmes themed room 

for 60 minutes, which by the way goes so quickly.

My Beauty Shout box teams' ages ranged for 19 to 60 years of age and we all had

the same feeling of not being too sure of what to do and whilst we knew 

that we had to use the clues to escape, we really didn't know much else.

You carefully need to observe your surroundings, find the subtlest of clues, 

and correctly piece together the mystery to identify the members 

of the Baker Street Five.

It takes you a little while to gather yourself and once you crack the first code and

open the first lock it seemed to all make a little more sense.

Having said this it's not easy and it does pose a challenge and without

 disclosing too much we all had an hour of absolute fun and laughter and I highly recommend this unique experience.

We unfortunately found the key to the door literally seconds after our 

60 minutes were up. 

We were told that only 30% of people escape in under an hour, 

which made us all feel a little better.

This type of event would make for a perfect and enjoyable team building

 exercise for corporates.

I challenge you to round up some friends and family to see if you can solve the

The Baker Street 5 Mystery...

Let me know if you have been already and what you thought and more importantly
did you escape within the 60 minutes.
I would really love to go back with friends and try to escape from the Houdini
room, as its such a fun way to spend an hour.

It's really easy to book  online or contact Ruzika 087 238 2524

The room max is 6 people (over 14yrs) 

It costs R200 pp (5-6 players)

R225 pp (3-4 players)

R250 pp (2 players)

Mindgame Escape Room is located:

 Granada Square

2nd Floor

Room 205

16, Chartwell Drive

Umhlanga

Durban

adventure@mindgame.co.za

REN MOROCCAN ROSE OTTO BATH OIL {REVIEW}

If you have been following my blog for a while you'll already know that

BATHING is my "thing" and my "thing" sadly has been halted in recent months

due to the water shortage and restrictions across South Africa.

I love nothing more than a hot fragrant soak in a bath with

my perfumed candles burning, it's my little bit of heaven.

Unfortunately I have an ever growing stash of LUSH bath bombs, foam baths 

and oils from different brands all just waiting to be "wallowed" in and on my 

recent holiday to Mauritius I decide to take this,the most non travel friendly 

bottle of Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil from REN along with me,as there are

 no water restrictions there.

This product has been on my "Bath" radar for literally a couple of years, but 

I always deemed it to be on the pricey side, that was until recently when

 REN had a less 40%  online sale and the first product in the cart was 

my much lusted after Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil.

This Bath Oil is formulated with Moroccan Rose Otto Oil to not only nourish

the skin, but leave a veil of subtle rose fragrance behind post bath.

 The Rose Otto Oil along with Palmerosa and Geranium Oils all make for a wonderful

fragrant relaxing, soothing, hydrating indulgent and luxurious soak.

If you are a lover of all things "Roses" and taking time out to have a long relaxing

calming soak then this is certainly one to consider adding to your bath water.

Only a small amount needs to be added to a bath full of water and

it's Vegan Friendly and doesn't leave your bath with a greasy film

like so many bath oils do.

The Moroccan Rose Collection consists of several other products, 

which I'm keen to try including

 Body Lotion/Body Wash/Body Oil/Body Scrub and more.

REN

Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil

110ml

R

580

£

31

REN is available from selected Woolworths and Clicks countrywide

www.renskincare.co.za

CHRISTMAS GIFTING IDEAS 2017 {UNDER R250}

With Christmas fast approaching (12 days away) I have compiled a list of just a few of my favourite gifting items 

from some of my personal favourite brands and stores and they 
all come in at under R250.

All of these items can be ordered online from the relevant companies and in some instances they come 
with free gift wrapping.

So if your looking for some inspiration with your gift shopping this year
 I hope the helps.

L'Occitane

R190

These Festive Baubles from the French brand L'Occitane caught my eye, as they have packaged
 some of their best sellers in an attractive bauble that can hang from the tree 
and of course be recycled and used year after year.

Cherry Blossom Bath and Shower Gel 35ml
Cherry Blossom Shimmering Lotion 35ml
Cherry Blossom Hand Cream 10ml

Shea Butter Soap 25g
Shea Butter Body Lotion 30ml
Shea Butter Hand Cream 10ml

Verbena Leaf Soap 25g
Verbena Body Lotion 30ml
Verbena Cooling Hand Cream Gel 10ml
 

L'Occitane offer free delivery online with orders over R1000 and have the best

 free gift wrapping on items purchased in store.

L'Occitane

RAIN

Lime Green and white Polka Dots are not normally associated

with Christmas gifting, but RAIN have created a wonderful collection

of fabric gifting items and it works perfectly for the holiday season.

This Cluster of 3 Verbena Scented Sachets will impart a burst of citrus happiness

into any cupboard, drawer or even the car.

R115

Soft Slippers in lime green with white polka dots sizes S/M

R199

Hand Towel 100% Cotton handwoven towel

R195

Rain

WOOLWORTHS

You can't go wrong by doing a Christmas shop at Woolworths, as they really

do have something for everyone and in every price range.

I don't know of anyone who doesn't like a scented candle and this 

Studio W Mirella Filled Candle 

will not only beautifully fragrance any room, but it's housed

in a lovely pale pink clay jar.

For more candle ideas check out My Top 3 Summer Candles

R160

This fun Pom Pom Ears Keyring is not just reserved for keys, but can be attached

to any bag.

R99.95

This smart beach cover up in the form of a kaftan makes an ideal gift for those

 living in South Africa or any other country that celebrates Christmas in the

height of summer.

Aztec Print Beach Kaftan is ideal to slip on over any cozzie.

R230

Woolworths