CAUDALIE GRAPE WATER FACIAL SPRAY {REVIEW}

For those of us that love a glass of vino then this brand could be

of great interest to you.

Caudalie has been on my beauty radar for several years and I regret not buying

some of their iconic beauty products on my last trip to France.
(Interesting fact me sister lives just 2 hours away from Bordeaux, 
so it's definitely on my bucket list to visit the
Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa outside of Bordeaux)

I have a slight obsession with a good facial water spray and I include them daily
 in my beauty routine, in fact I merrily spritz away several times a day.
I have a wardrobe of four facial water sprays and even though, on the surface,
they may appear to perform the same function, for me they each have their
own specific strengths,who knew that facial water sprays could vary so much!
 (perhaps this will be a blogpost for another day) 
Previous Facial Water Spray Reviews

 I recently added the Caudalie Grape Water Spray to my collection and what 
better product from Caudalie to review first.

Before I get to my review here is some background to the brand:

The skin care brand Caudalie was founded by Mathilde Thomas and her husband Bertrand. The story starts in Bordeaux (France), at the heart of the vineyards on the family estate. The vine and grapes possess exeptional powers for the skin - powers which were simply waiting to be developed. 'Do you know that you are throwing away treasures?" This sentence changed Mathilde's life. It marks the meeting with Professor Vercauteren. He is one of the world's specialists in Polyphenols and has been the scientific advisor of the research centre since the creation of Caudalie. Ever since the brand was created, products were created with the maximum amount of natural ingredients that respect the environment. In 2006, Mathilde took the decision to remove parabens from all their products.

One of my fascinations with this brand stems from its intriguing name 
and its beautiful meaning.

A caudalie [kodali] 
is a unit measuring the duration of the wine's flavour on the palate. 
For each second the flavour remains this is a caudalie. 
A quality wine will contain many caudalie's.

The Grape Water Spray itself is made from 100% organic ingredients, 
this gentle plant-based mist, extracted from grapes, works to sooth, refresh and moisturise the skin anytime, anywhere, whilst also reducing sensitivity.

It all starts with the picking of fresh grapes during the very first days of the harvest.
 The harvested grapes are then pressed and distilled using a low-pressure process. 
This exclusive Caudalie process makes it possible to isolate water from the 
grape juice by evaporation.
 This exceptional water is combined with a very small dose of pure 
organic red grape juice to achieve the perfect formula: 
Caudalie organic grape water.

This organic grape water spray has slotted perfectly into my facial water spray 
wardrobe and currently I seem to reach for the Caudalie more than the others.
It has all of those wonderful refreshing, calming and hydrating benefits that we
expect from any good facial water spray, but the Caudalie seems 
to have more of a moisturising element, thanks to the
"power of the Vine" 

Will there be a re-purchase?
For sure along with some other interesting products.
If you're not sure how or why to use a facial spray then check out
this short video.

Caudalie

Grape Water Spray

75mls

R

165

£

6

200ml

R
365

£

11

$

18

Available in South Africa 

www.skins.co.za

NIP+FAB GLYCOLIC FIX DAILY CLEANSING PADS {REVIEW}

NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Cleansing Pads have never been on my radar for a purchase

and happened somewhat by accident.

My London "Kiddiewink" was unable to buy the requested Pixi Glow Peel Pads

and as a 2nd best he bought me a similar product from NIP+FAB, but was it

 a 2nd best choice?

I have used the much loved Pixi Glow Tonic for the past couple of years 

and the thought of a convenient pad format appealed to me,so he did

show good judgement with this replacement buy.

To find out why I love the Pixi Glow Tonic so much read my review below.

To read my Pixi Glow Tonic Review

Having never used any products from this brand previously I'm very

 aware of their cult Glycolic Acid product ranges and I was excited to put

these glycolic pads to the test.

As always here is a quick background to the NIP+FAB brand, which is part

of the world renowned beauty brand Rodial :

London-based beauty entrepreneur, Maria Hatzistefanis, founded her 

ground-breaking skincare group, Rodial, in 1999 by identifying a niche 

for treatments targeted to specific skin concerns. 

With a growing global beauty empire, her results-oriented products 

excite with evocative tongue-in-cheek names such as Dragon’s Blood and Snake. 

There are 3 brands – Rodial, Nip + Fab and Nip + Man – sold through 

20,000 doors across 35 countries worldwide. 

Today, the cutting-edge products are available in the most prestigious stores 

around the world, while high profile celebrities such as 

Kylie Jenner front the brands’ campaigns.

The Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing pads are gentle enough to be used, 

as the products' name suggests daily, over the face and neck (avoid the eye area)

once or twice, post cleanse.

The pads are ample in size and are suitably soaked with the product and I found

that the screw top jar sealed well and they didn't dry out with time, as some

pad products can do.

If you use twice a day, like I did, the 60 pads will only last 30 days, 

which does work out to be more expensive than the

250ml Pixi Glow Tonic at £18.

The 60 radiance-boosting pads are soaked in exfoliating glycolic acid (2.8%) 

They will retexture + resurface skin whilst witch hazel helps to tone. 

The moisturising formula includes hyaluronic acid + soothing blue daisy helps 

to reveal brighter + smoother looking skin.

My skin is accustomed to the 5% strength of the Pixi Glow Tonic,

so I found the 2.8% strength of the pads too mild.

These NIP+FAB 2.8% of Glycolic Acid pads are an ideal strength to introduce your

 skin to Glycolic Acids.

Both I and my skin have enjoyed using these cleansing pads and I have already

 earmarked a couple more of the NIP+FAB products to try.

On a side note, it has made me realise that

I want to try the Pixi Glow Peel Pads even more now...

Sadly the NIP+FAB range is no longer available in South Africa,
which is a pity as it was available in Clicks up until a couple of years ago.


NIP+FAB 
Glycolic Fix Cleansing Pads 
60 pads

R
N/A in South Africa


£
12.95


$
12.95



NIP+FAB GLYCOLIC FIX DAILY CLEANSING PADS

PÜR CORRECTING ILLUMINATE AND GLOW PRIMER {REVIEW}

Another product that came from my Christmas Beauty Advent Calendar is the

PÜR Correcting Illuminate and Glow 

Face Primer

  and its from a brand that I have heard of, but have never tried any of 

their products.

Unfortunately PÜR is not available in South Africa. 

Let us get up to speed, as to what the PÜR brand is all about:

PÜR is a USA born and bred mineral based skincare and cosmetics brand 

and from its inception the PÜR Minerals approach has been founded 

on naturally beneficial minerals and associated vitamins.

For over a decade, PÜR has brought woman of all ages ground-breaking 

products that not only help them look their best,

 but actually improve their skins’ appearance.

 Combining the finest ingredients in nature with the latest in skincare technology, 

PÜR multi- tasking formulas work to correct, prevent and interrupt 

common concerns for radiant results you can see you can see

 even after the makeup comes off.

They offer wholesome products that don't incorporate potentially aggravating 

synthetic chemicals in their skincare formulations. 

Clinical studies have shown that regular and proper use of PÜR Minerals products 

can result in significant improvements in the look and feel of your skin

 as well as reduce the risk of dermatological irritation. 

These mineral-based makeups are free of parabens, lanolin, formaldehyde, 

and the brand is vegan friendly and 100% Cruelty free.

It was apparent from my research that this brand is so much more than

what I experienced from using my generous sample for the past week.

I feel that it's really not adequate to just review one product, as this brand is

more of an ethical lifestyle choice and based on its principles

it would be difficult to judge from the use of one product.

As you know though I'm a sucker for anything that helps to illuminate and brighten 

my mature ageing skin and

this Correcting Illuminate and Glow Face Primer preps

 skin and minimizes the appearance of pores, lines, wrinkles and imperfections

 with age-defying Ceretin Complex®, plus key vitamins and antioxidants, t

hat PÜR are known for.

It prime objective it to give dull, ageing skin a more even balance, radiance,

hydration and an overall dewy healthy looking skin.

The light textured tinted cream is suitable for all skin

types and is easy to apply. It certainly felt comfortable and sufficiently

moisturised thanks to the inclusion of one of my favourite ingredients Shea.

The slight tint helped to even out the skins tone, whilst Mica particles

reflect the light, which is key to giving an older skin a more radiant and less 
tired appearance.

PÜR do have a stable of colour correcting products and whilst this correcting

primer, only slightly corrects with regards to evening out the skin tone

 it is "big" on illuminating and glowing front.

Personally I enjoyed this product more when I wore it alone over my

 moisturiser for a blurring, brightening natural look more so 
than under my foundation.

This product is apparently great to wear under their iconic

 PÜR Mineral 4in1 Mineral Foundation and perhaps this is where this product

literally shines.

Would I rush out to add it to my UK Shopping list? 

Unfortunately not,as I have tried many good glowy primers, however if the 
ethos of the brand fits in with your

lifestyle and beliefs then PÜR is for sure worth visiting.
I would however like to explore their foundations, especially the 4in1.

PÜR Correcting Illuminate & Glow Primer

30mls

R

Not available in SA

£

24.50

$
33


Marks and Spencer

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS {QPR} JUNE 2018

My last QPR post was back in March,so I thought it was time to bring you
up to speed on some products that I've been trying since then.

~~~~~~

1.

Brand : Mineraline

Product : Invigorating Aloe Vera Gel

250ml

Price : R125

Aloe Vera is well known for treating burns, skin abrasions and irritations,

by quickly cooling and soothing the affected area.

My tube of Mineraline Invigorating Aloe Vera Gel was put to the test recently

 when the London "Kiddiewink" arrived for a month's holiday

 and managed to over expose his skin, in other words he got sunburnt.

Initially this soft green tinted gel feels quite sticky on application

but when it dries down the stickiness disappears and leaves the skin

feeling soothed and calmed.

It turned out to be a life saver and the inclusion of Dead Sea Minerals

and Vitamin B5 ensured that the skin was left feeling moisturised.

I've been using as an all over body gel and I'm loving both the consistency 

and the cooling effects of the gel.It would be great for a Summer body gel.

Apparently it can also be used to calm an irritated scalp.

This product offers great value for an affordable price of R125

for a generous 250mls of product and is definitely one to add to 

your shopping list.

Verdict : 8/10

~~~~~~

2.

Brand : Dove

Product : DermaSpa Goodness3 Hand Cream

75ml

Price : R49.95 (Current price as its 20% off at Clicks)

Dove have recently launched a hand cream as part of their 

DermaSpa range of products.

On application It immediately smells spa-like, as it's fragranced with Vanilla,
Musk and coconut and blended with Omega Oil.
Without doubt it leaves your hands feeling comfortably moisturised and velvety
soft.It's fast absorbing and great to massage into your cuticles and nails, its
like giving yourself a hand spa treatment at home.
This is, a good affordable hand cream backed by the research and development
of Dove. 

Verdict : 7/10

~~~~~~

3.

Brand : Rimmel 

Product : Lip Liner 1000 Kisses

Shade : Cappuccino

Price : R95.00

On a previous QPR post I reviewed the inexpensive Ultra Last Lip Liner from

Essence and I was suitably impressed and it encouraged me to try

another lip liner, this time one from Rimmel.

Not being "big" on lining my lips I only have the essence one to compare

this Rimmel one to.

I found this one to be a much harder pencil and not as long lasting, despite

the colour being good, I much prefer the texture of the essence and it

comes in way cheaper than the Rimmel. 

Verdict : 5/10

SUNDAY SAMPLE

I'm slowly working my way through the items in the 

2017 Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calender. 

The travel sizes are proving to be ideal for my regular Sunday Sample posts. 

Many of the brands included are not available in South Africa, but that only makes 

it more interesting for me and hopefully for you the readers. 

I know from my analytics that I have many followers from the UK and there 

are plenty of readers here in South Africa that travel frequently overseas and

 it's always good to see what other skincare options are available outside of SA. 

PÜR

is a US mineral based make-up and skincare brand that's not available in SA,

 but I'll be trying this

 Correcting Primer over the next week, so be sure to check back on Sunday 

to see if this product is worth a purchase or not.

LA ROCHE-POSAY MICELLAR WATER {REVIEW}

Over the past couple of years and much to my surprise, Micellar Waters have 

become an important part of my beauty regime .

 I previously relied on them mainly for travel, as they provide a quick and practical solution for 

removing face and eye make-up on the go. 

I also turn to a Micellar Water on those "full make-up" days, as part of a 

double cleanse, however my favourite way to use a Micellar Water is in the morning. 

I find a quick wipe around the face with a soaked cotton pad cleanses my skin

 and preps it for my morning skincare routine.

As you can see Micellar Waters are so versatile hence their rise in popularity

 over the past few years.

 Most skincare ranges now include a Micellar water in their product line-up 

and over the last couple of years 

I have tried and tested several of varying prices.

To read my previous reviews on Micellar Waters

I have reviewed several products from LA ROCHE-POSAY recently and have enjoyed

each one and for those that suffer from a fragile, sensitive or intolerant skin,

then I highly recommend this affordable French skincare brand. 

To read my previous reviews on LA ROCHE-POSAY

Just to re-cap in the ethos of the brand:

La Roche-Posay is a French Dermatology skin care company recommended by more than 25 000 Dermatologists worldwide. Their promise is to make a better life for Sensitive Skin. Every product is unique in its inherent active ingredient – thermal water from the natural springs of La Roche-Posay, which contains high levels of Selenium – a mineral proven to protect cellular metabolism with its powerful antioxidant properties. 

The LA ROCHE-POSAY Micellar Water for Sensitive skins has been my

Micellar Water of choice for the past few weeks.

The Physiological Micellar Solution acts as a fresh cleansing solution 

and make-up remover in one, for face and eyes and can be used whether

 you have a sensitive skin or not.

It's the perfect product for people in a hurry.

The gentle non scented water formulation is suitable for all skin types,

 as it respects the skin’s physiological & pH balance.

Key ingredients are Citric Acid to gently cleanse and exfoliate and of course the

soothing LA ROCHE-POSAY Thermal Spring Water.

This product contains no

 soap

 alcohol 

colourants 

lanolins

or 

parabens

I found this product slotted perfectly into my morning regime as my 

cleansing water

and I'll be sorry when it finishes, as it will be time to move on and review another

Micellar Water from another brand.

LA ROCHE-POSAY MICELLAR WATER

200ml

R

190

£

12

$

14.99

Available in South Africa

Dischem

FATHERS DAY GIFTING IDEAS {2018}

Father's Day 

is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, 

paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society and in several countries 

around the world it's this coming Sunday 17th June.

I've put together some gifting ideas to help provide you with some inspiration 
and the quick links to all websites are in pink.

Enjoy....

Woolworths

Single Ficus Ginseng in Ceramic

R186.74

For the green fingered dad, a Ficus plant in ceramic 
from Woolworths may just be 
the perfect gift. as its one that continues to give.

~~~~~~

Crabtree & Evelyn

City Zen Candle

200g

R800

Help dad escape to a quiet zone and retreat from the hectic demands of 

modern life with the Oriental floral notes in this luxurious fragranced candle from 

Crabtree & Evelyn. 

The spiritually calming and sensorial inspired from Hong Kong’s exotic
 ginger flower mingle with warm and spicy cardamom and black pepper. 

Cleansing notes of bright lemon finish the scent, transporting the mind to 
places of peaceful tranquility.

~~~~~~

rain

Beard Oil

50ml

R159

One of my favourite local brands rain have recently launched

a Mens G Range and this Beard Oil is a perfect gift for the bearded dad.

Rich in Argan and Baobab essential Oils this will keep the facial hair nourished 

and protected, whilst moisturising the skin beneath.

Other interesting products to look out for are their Soap On A rope

and a new shaving format in the form of a Shaving Milk.

~~~~~~

Nespresso

Festive Touch Travel Mug

R275

If your dad already has an Nespresso machine or even if he hasn't 

this Travel Mug makes a perfect gift for "coffee on the go".

Holds 375mls and is cool to the touch and keeps your coffee or any

 hot drink piping hot.I bought this for my hubby at Christmas and its

been a huge hit.

~~~~~~

Trenery

Leather Benjamin Weekender

R4,034.07

If you are really wanting to Splurge on dad then this 100% leather 

weekender bag from Woolworths will be a gift that will

not only be useful for the travelling man, but will last for years to come.

Available in Black or Brown leather.

~~~~~~

L'Occitane

Verbena EDT

100ml

R 890.00  

With a zillion male fragrances out there to choose from this 

unisex clean,fresh, citrusy scent is a hit with all the males

in my life and I honestly don't know of anyone that

doesn't like the uplifting Verbena EDT from L'Occitane