THE BODY SHOP INSTAGLOW - PEACHY GLOW CC CREAM {REVIEW}

The Body Shop products and I just don't get along and I know that it's a loved

brand by many, but unfortunately not by "moi".

I have tried many products and with the exception of a couple of fragrances

and candles which I do like,I should maybe resign myself to the fact

that I ain't going to find anything good and move on.

Unfortunately I can't, as I am given a gift voucher every year and I haven't 

the heart to tell the person that I'm not a fan of their products 

(Luckily or unluckily for me, they don't read my blog).

So every year I try to vary my purchases in the hope that I'll

hit the "beauty jackpot" and find just one skincare or make-up item

(and that's not a lot to ask)

 that I could truly rave about on my blog and recommend to you guys

 with confidence, but the honest truth is, I can't and as I'm sure you've 

already gathered this Instaglow CC Cream didn't float my beauty boat either.

The Body Shop claim that their

'Instaglow CC Cream SPF 20 PA+++ goes beyond a CC cream 

it will revive your skin with a healthy-looking glow"

 and this is all it took for me to spend my voucher.

 The appeal for me was very simple, I would wear this on

those lazy non make-up days and give my skin some added protection 
and a healthy glow.

They also claim that this multi-tasking formula:

 1. Illuminates (which is does slightly albeit temporarily)

2. Minimises the appearance of pores (not too bothered about this, 

as I don't have large pores)

 3. Reduces shine (I don't get shine)

 and 

4. Moisturises for 24H – making it a great pre-foundation primer

(not too convinced on the 24hr moisturisation and I did use both
 on its own and under my usual foundation)

INSTAGLOW 

comes in 3 skin shades:

 Bright Glow

Peachy Glow

Warm Glow

I opted for the Peachy Glow which is for

Light to Medium Skins. The shade on my hand, even though it looked very peachy,

once blended looked pretty good and it seemed to conceal the pigmentation

marks on my hand and give a nice glow.

 It was on the strength of this "Hand Test", I decided to use my gift card

and purchase the product.

Unfortunately what you see in the photo below didn't last too long and

I was left with very little moisture, coverage or glow, but I was left

with tiny specks of gold glitter, which certainly was not what I was expecting.

It didn't perform any better on my face either.

I found this product to be what I call a "nothing" product as it really didn't do 

anything for my mature skin, but I wasn't expecting great things, just a CC cream

that I could wear on easy days to just to protect and give my skin a

healthy glow and not a gold glitter face.

I can't even envisage this product performing any better on a young flawless skin.

Another consideration before purchasing is the pricing, for

R200 you only get 25mls of product, which to me seems fairly expensive.

I'm sorry to say that this won't be making it onto my top list of make-up

products I tried and tested in 

2018, but it may just make it onto my worst products of 2018.

Will I ever find a Body Shop product to rave about?

Let me know what are your favourites in the comments below...

On a positive note the packaging is good and the controllable needle point 

nozzle deserves a mention.

Its also Non comedogenic and dermatologically tested 

and is suitable for all skin types.

Available at Body Shops countrywide.

The Body Shop 

INSTAGLOW

Peachy Glow CC Cream

25mls

R

200

£

15

If you would like to read some of my other Body Shop reviews

Click Here

ROSIE FOR AUTOGRAPH AMAZING RADIANCE BODY GLOW {REVIEW}

This is yet another "gem of a product" from the Marks & Spencer

 Beauty Advent Calender 2017 that I'm writing a "glowing" review about, 

The Rosie for Autograph 
Amazing Radiance Body Glow

forms part of a 6 product Bath and Body range 

that has been developed by Marks & Spencer in collaboration with 
British model and actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

You get instantly glowing and healthy looking skin with this moisturising, 

gently tinted lotion, with light reflective particles and you know, me and 

light reflecting particles are best of friends...

It truly is a secret weapon for red carpet radiance, granted not many of us attend

 Red Carpet events, but everyday is an event and there's no reason that this 

product can't be enjoyed everyday.

Don't be deterred by the bronze colour of the product as it does look like 

a dodgy shade of an instant "fake tan".

It's super easy to apply and provides a non sticky, fragrant layer of moisture.

 I not only love the subtle glow that it gives to my skin, but the fragrance 

is divine, albeit, not one that would normally appeal to me.

The beautiful floral(predominant Rose) scent, chosen by Rosie, 

was developed exclusively for 

Marks and Spencer and is a perfect blend of vintage femininity

 and contemporary freshness and I love it.

This product is:

Paraben Free

Suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians

&

Is not for facial use

This is yet another unexpected item to be added to my UK shopping list

 and who knows a couple more of the other Rosie for Autograph collection

 of "smellyies" could be added, as I definitely want to investigate this line
some more.

Available exclusively at selected Marks & Spencers countrywide

 Online

Rosie For Autograph

Amazing Radiance Body Glow 

120ml

£

12.50

DRUGSTORE DUPE FOR KIEHLS CRANBERRY ENERGISING MASK

I have a great drugstore "Dupe" for 

the Kiehl's Turmeric Cranberry Seed Energising Masque.

Last year this mask made it onto my

My Top 6 Face Care Products 2017

There was another mask the L'Oreal Pure Clay Glow Mask that I was

super impressed with, but unfortunately it just missed being on 
my top 6 list.

Here are some excerpts from both of my reviews and I could have
been writing about the same product. Obviously there are differences
but the end results are pretty similar.

"This super-charged pure clay mask enhanced with Red Algae Extract has been formulated to exfoliate and refine your skin in just 10 minutes.The beaded, creamy textured terracotta coloured mask contains potent pure clays and volcanic rock exfoliate dead skin cells and smooth surface imperfections to reveal a polished, pore-minimized, smooth, glowing, soft and radiant complexion all without drying out the skin."

"The Cranberry and Turmeric Energizing Mask was enjoyable to use and instantly gave a brighter, healthier and less fatigued appearance to my skin and was pretty close to giving an "Instant Facial". 

"known ingredients proven to brighten and energise the skin."

I have written full reviews on both of these masks, so if your beauty budget

doesn't allow for the more expensive Kiehl's then don't hesitate to try the

L'Oreal Pure Clay Glow Mask... its a GOOD DRUGSTORE DUPE...

*Prices were correct at the time of the original publications*

Kiehls Turmeric Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Masque Review

L'Oreal Pure Clay Glow Mask Review

SUNDAY SAMPLE

This is another of my M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2017 goodies and

a brand that is exclusive to Marks & Spencers.

Rosie for Autograph range will be well known to those living in the UK, 
but to those that don't, 
the Rosie collection of make-up, skincare and Body & Bath products
 is a hugely popular and successful collaboration with supermodel and actress
 Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

I was excited to find the 
Rosie for AutographAmazing Radiance Body Glow 

behind one of the Advent Windows and it was a generous

50ml size.

It's a lightly tinted, fragranced body lotion that's formulated to 
enhance your natural glow and I'm a sucker for any products 
that impart a glow to the skin whether it be face or body.

Check back this coming Sunday to find out if this

Amazing Radiance Body Glow is amazing and will it be added to my
next UK visit shopping list.

ESTEE LAUDER ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR EYE CONCENTRATE MATRIX {REVIEW}

I always,only, post a review once I've finished a product, 

but I'm breaking my own rule on this one and posting 

this review after four and half months of twice daily use.

I seem to have been using the 

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix

 for what seems like an eternity and it's still going strong.

Having recommended previously that you buy skincare according to your budget,

there is one product that I advise stretching the budget for

and that's an anti-ageing eye treatment.

I personally have always focused on the maintenance of my eye area, 

as it really does give away your age and I just want to keep those 

signs of ageing at bay or minimised for as long as possible.

It's a "maze" out there, when it comes to Anti-Ageing

eye products, as we are spoilt for choice.

 For as long as I can remember though I've always used products for 

my eye area twice a day 

  and that's pretty much how I have been able to keep any deep lines

and wrinkles to a minimum and these are not to be confused with your 

natural expression lines around the hard working eye area.

The use of eye creams are on going, so get rid of the notion that a product

will "fix it all" in one jar, as that just doesn't happen. 

The sooner you start to incorporate an eye treatment into your daily regime

the better, but if you fall into that category of not having used, 

then don't despair.

If you're a mature woman or man (yes, men need to use eye products also 

and they don't have to be male specific)

it's not too late, however understand that damage has been done,

but in order to slow down the further appearance and soften those

existing lines and wrinkles I recommend that you initially splurge and bring 

in the "Big Guns" of the eye treatment world.

The hugely popular and iconic

 Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Collection 

of products target and reduce the look of all the signs of ageing

for the face and eyes.

They have several targeted eye products in their

arsenal and their Eye Concentrate Matrix is one that I can highly 

recommend if you are wanting to seriously inject some "oomph"

into your eye care routine.

The Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix

is one of those "Big Guns" to be used both night and day.

This serum will repair, fortify and hydrate the skin around the

delicate eye area, so it pretty much deals with the main areas

of concern for most of us.

Their ultra-nourishing, skin strengthening formula has an innovative 360° 

Matrix Technology that provides a cushion of plumping support 

to give eyes a fresh, “wide-open” look and I won't object to

that, as with age sadly our eye area, especially the eyelids become

 more droopy and gives the eye a more closed, tired appearance.

The addition of every skins friend - Hyaluronic Acid 2x Concentrated 

Infusion ensures that the skin remains hydrated for a full 24 hrs.

From the picture above you will see that this product comes with a

massaging applicator, but do yourself a favour and forget even trying to

attempt to massage the skin as EL suggest and just go straight to the

patting with the ring finger...

Using the massaging applicator, gently roll under each eye three times. 

Then massage in a 360° circle under the eye area and above the lid. 

Finish by patting with ring finger until absorbed.

The slightly opaque, cooling gel is easy to blend around the eye around and

feels comfortable and moisturising on the skin, without feeling heavy or

creating any puffiness, which some eye products can do.

It was a pleasure to use and offered a plumpness to the skin,

which in turn softens those lines, especially the deeper ones and gave
a more rested eye area.

Fragrance Free

Opthalmologically Tested

Dermatologist Tested

Estēe Lauder is available in SA from selected

 Edgars, Red Squares, Woolworths online

Foschini and Truworths.

I highly advise that you read my other reviews on
 Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Products.

Estee Lauder Avanced Night Repair Concentrated Eye Mask Review

Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronised Recovery Complex 11 Review

Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix

15ml

R

970

$

69

£

49

www.esteelauder.co.za

THE LOW DOWN ON KISSING

As it's Valentines Day today here are 10 interesting facts about that

 all important kiss

Enjoy!

1. 

An act of kissing puts 29 facial muscles in motion. In other words, kissing can be used as an effective exercise to prevent the development of wrinkles.

2.

 Lovers swap saliva containing various substances e.g. fats, mineral salts, proteins while kissing. According to latest studies, the exchange of the above substances can give a boost to the production of antibodies, which are made specifically to deal with the antigens associated with different diseases as they are encountered.

3. 

As a rule, 66 percent of people keep their eyes closed while kissing. The rest take pleasure in watching the emotions on the faces of their partners.

4. 

According to U.S. statistics, an American woman would kiss an average of 80 men before she gets married.

5. 

A quick romantic kiss will burn about 2-3 calories, whereas a French Kiss (an open mouthed kiss with tongue contact) will burn more than 5 calories.

6. 

Sensitivity of the lips is 200 times higher than that of the fingers.

7. 

The bodies of those engaged in kissing produce a substance that is 200 times more powerful than morphine in terms of narcotic effect. That is why the kissing partners can experience feelings of euphoria and bliss in the process.

8. 

Kissing can help women relax and ease the effects of stress.

9. 

On the average, a person spends 20,160 minutes (two weeks) of his life on kissing.

10. 

Every other person on the planet has his first amorous kiss before reaching the age of 14.

HAPPY VALENTINES

DAY

Source

THE ORDINARY MATRIXYL 10% +HA {REVIEW}

This is the 3rd review of the four serums that I bought from the

much hyped, simple, no frills skincare brand

The Ordinary, 

which falls under the Deciem umbrella.

The Ordinary 

 "Clinical formulations with integrity". 

To read more about the brand and the serums that I purchased 

My UK Skincare Haul The Ordinary

and to read my reviews 

 The Ordinary Caffeine Solution

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution Review

Matrixyl 10% + HA is perhaps the product that is the most difficult to give

you feedback on, as it's a Peptide serum with Hyaluronic Acid, that silently

 works away and doesn't give you

any obvious quick results, it's a long term ongoing treatment.

I had this product on my shopping list, as I currently do not have any Peptide

serums in my current beauty regime.

(I must explain that Matrixyl is a trademarked peptide composition 

developed by Sederma in France.

 Neither DECIEM nor The Ordinary is affiliated with Sederma)

This highly-effective Matrixyl composition is combined with a specialized 

Hyaluronic Acid delivery system, which has been shown to reduce the look of 

static and dynamic wrinkles...

Exactly what I and many other women in their 50's are looking for.

What are Peptides and why are they important ?

Peptides are chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of 

proteins in the skin.

When peptides form a long chain of amino acids, they become proteins. 

When they are in a short chain of amino acids, luckily for us,

 they are able to penetrate the top layer of our skin and send signals

 to our cells to let them know how to function.

Collagen is one such important protein and Collagen gives our skin 

its thickness and suppleness. When collagen breaks down in the skin 

(from age and environmental factors like the sun and stress), 

wrinkles form. 

Peptides applied topically to the skin can send messages to collagen to 

prompt the formation of new collagen, which leads to the appearance

 of a more supple and youthful skin.

I've been using several drops of the High Strength Peptide Formulation

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10%+HA 

for the past 4-5 months. I used in the evening and it integrated well with all 

of my nightly products and I'm sure this would

be an ideal anti-ageing serum for a sensitive skin, that finds Retinol

or Vitamin C serums too stimulating or active.

The inclusion of Hyaluronic acid, which is a natural substance found in skin, 

 has the magical capacity to attract and hold vast amounts of 

moisture and is loved by all skin types and 

was very appealing to me.

Best applied on a clean dry skin prior to any other products,

 it can used both am and pm, but to be honest I didn't enjoy the texture of

this thick,viscous,clear jelly like serum for morning application.

I found that use in the evening was preferable, but just a 'heads up" 

this serum doesn't spread easily, as it's Silicone free and drys fairly 

quickly leaving a slight tacky, sticky film on the surface of my skin.

I tried adjusting the amount that I used, but that feeling was still evident

 on my face and it just didn't do it for me.

I don't feel that I can fully or fairly review this serum, as I was only using

it once a day, but considering the length of time I have been using

I can't say I've noticed any diminishing of my lines and wrinkles, but

as I said earlier, it's a silent worker.

I have said this before in previous posts, if you skin is neglected

and ageing rapidly, then you will no doubt see more visible results, 

but remember that my skin has been well looked after for 

40 years or more.

However in comparison to previous serums that I've used over the years ,

 I found this one to be somewhat crude and basic and YES I know

it's selling for a fraction of other serum prices and based on 

its texture alone I won't be repurchasing.

I'll finish the product until the end, but

I will be on the lookout for another Peptide treatment

 to include into my daily skincare

regime, so if you have any that you can recommend please

drop me a note in the comments section below.

After saying all of the above I maybe eating my words, as it could just 

be one of those treatments where you only notice the difference once 

you stop using, but I will be sure to let you know if that happens...

This product is :

Silicone Free

Alcohol Free

& has a 

pH of 5.00-6.00

The Ordinary products, are also free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone, animal oils, benzalkonium chloride, 

coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, mercury, oxybenzone.

DECIEM does not test on animals and does not pay others to do so. 

For this reason, none of their brands are sold in mainland China since such sales 

require animal testing for registration purposes.

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10%+HA

30ml

R

Available on certain websites in SA 

£

6.00

$

15.90

To find out more about Deciem and The Ordinary