30 September 2018

URBAN DECAY NAKED ULTIMATE BASICS EYESHADOW PALETTE {REVIEW}

For sometime now I've been on the lookout for a quality palette that contains 
subtle matte eye shadows. 
Matte shadows are far more flattering for the older woman, as with age
 the skin on your eyelid becomes more crepey.
Applying eyeshadow definitely becomes more challenging as we age and shimmery shadows only accentuate any creepiness and can be more ageing, hence why so
many women opt to stop using eyeshadows altogether.


This Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics palette contains 12 basic matte shades 
and it was all that I wanted it to be and more. There's no doubt that the Urban Decay shadow formula's are not only true to colour, they're easy to apply, buildable 
and blend easily and with very little powder fall out.
They don't crease and they lasted for as long as I needed them to.

This selection of 12 shades offer pink nudes, pale and warm browns and burnt oranges
and it covers all you need to create endless natural eye looks from just a wash 
of neutral colour all over the eye area, to a more smokey eye look. 
(I've actually used all of the colours in this palette, which is not the norm for me,
 as there's normally at least one shade that I don't like) 

This palette contains several light shades, which I tend to use the most of, 
especially for highlighting my ever decreasing eye lid area and under the eyebrow. 
There's also a lovely selection of darker shades to use along the lash line and of course several very wearable transitional shades.


The sleek palette comes with a useful large mirror and one application brush, 
which I personally never use from any palettes regardless of the brand.
The palette also has a quality feel in the hand,which I enjoyed.


The purpose of my search was to find one quality eyeshadow palette that contains a useful selection of flattering natural, basic matte shades that I can confidently recommend to everyone, but particularly to the more mature of us and I'm excited that Urban Decay delivers just that with their 
Naked Ultimate Basics... 
It's name is very apt as in my opinion it is the Ultimate Basic Palette and its one that
should be in everyones hand...


If you hurry the Urban Decay Website in South Africa currently has this palette on
 sale 
at an unbelievable price.

Urban Decay 
Naked Ultimate Basics

R
Normally R860
On Sale Online 
 R430

£
39.50


To read my other reviews on Urban Decay products



28 September 2018

ROCKWOOD THEATRE DURBAN - A ROCKING WORLD TOUR

If you're looking for some toe tapping, sign-along, finger clicking, good entertainment
then check out this thoroughly enjoyable latest production  

A Rocking World Tour
 at 
Rockwood Theatre, Sibaya Casino. 


You embark on a musical journey of epic proportions, spinning the globe for the love of music, diversity, rhythm and beat.

This immersive musical tour kicks off in Australasia where great bands and singers that rocked down under, we pay homage to the greats -  AC/DC, Midnight Oil and the irresistible Kylie Minogue.
Spin the globe and get caught up in an Asian adventure, with a colorful fusion of high energy Bhungra and Bollywood Hits.
The next mandatory stop is in the World’s party Capital, Europe! and kick the party off with Sweden’s Roxette and ABBA, Norway’s A-Ha, France’s Gypsy Kings and Daft Punk, Germany’s Boney – M! 
You to jet off to Britain to Celebrate the greatest rock band of all time – Led Zeppelin!
The World Tour continues with the sultry sounds of Latino pop, Mexico’s Carlos Santana and bop to Jamaican jams of Bob Marley. Then belly dance your way through to South America, the only place where hips don’t lie to the sizzling sounds of pop princess Shakira.
We start two-stepping in the name of American greatness with the undisputed king of pop Michael Jackson, and share the stage with Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus.
The last leg of our tour, we touch down on our home turf– Woza Mzanzi! With familiar sounds of Freshly Ground, Brenda Fassie, Mandoza and PJ Powers.


Rockwood Theatre, set within the iconic complex of Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom.  The 360-degree style event venue is designed to deliver the best possible entertainment experiences. Be immersed in this amazing LIVE SHOW VENUE, perfect for fundraisers and year end functions. 
The venue opens at 18h30 for dinner service, with show commencing at 20h00 from Thursday – Saturday and 14h00 on Sundays.  
Food can be ordered in the venue or you can take food in that has been bought from the franchises in the complex.   
Rockwood Theatre Sibaya now accepts Thank U cards for ticket purchases and bookings are open for A Rocking World Tour (13 September – 4 November 2018)
 Tickets R99 per person (Thursday) 
R130 per person (Friday – Sunday), 
Sunday Special for pensioners of 50% off ticket price and Kids U12 are free.

General Information / Bookings
Pre-order food and drinks
 
Tel: 031 161 0000

26 September 2018

AVÈNE COLD CREAM NOURISHING BODY LOTION {REVIEW}

I recently realised that all of my body lotions are fragranced 
and I don't have any fragrance free options in my collection.
I came across this body lotion from one of my favourite fragrance free, 
hypoallergenic French skincare brands Avène.

The Avène Cold Cream Nourishing Body Lotion 
 forms part of the Cold Cream range, which is a product line 
formulated to restore the hydrolipidic film in sensitive dry to very dry skin. 
This small range of products for the face and body is purely aimed to
to leave the skin feeling ,restored, nourished and soothed.

I have reviewed their Cold Cream Lip Cream when I visited the UK during Winter
 a couple of years ago and I can assure you it was severely put to the test



I found the formula of this body lotion to be both light and non greasy.
It combines the natural botanical oils of Coconut,Safflower and Sesame
and leaves a velvety soft, comforted, supple, soft finish to the skin.
It was super easy to apply and the handy dispensing pump made it
not only quick, but each pump was controllable and avoided 
unnecessary wastage.




After several weeks of use, I can highly recommend this body lotion
as it has filled that void in my lotion/cream collection of a simple, easy to use, 
yet effective daily application of restorative moisture.
Not only great for sensitive skins, but ideal if you want to avoid clashes between
a fragrance and a different fragranced body lotion.

Another plus factor with this product is the price, as it comes in a 400ml size
and retails for R199.95 and that equates to good value in my 
"beauty book".




Avène 
Cold Cream
 Nourishing Body Lotion

400mls 
Pump Bottle 


R
199.95


Available from selected Clicks and Dischem countrywide

To read more of my reviews on Avène products



23 September 2018

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS {QPR} SEPTEMBER 2018

There are only 2 QPR's for you in this post today, but I'm so excited to tell you about the item that I've given a score of 10/10 
which I don't think I've ever given before, so let's start off with one of the best
 beauty discoveries this year.


Brand : Beauty Basics
Product : Make-up Brush Cleaning Mat
Price : R49




I can't believe that I'm so excited about a brush cleaning tool, yes a hand held 
silicone mat that does such a great job of cleaning make-up brushes of any size 
or shape and it makes me happy. 
It's turned the, once dreaded, chore into a pleasure. 
The mat has 3 different areas of textured silicone that allows for a change in the agitation, which in turn thoroughly cleans the brush. 
Apply your regular cleansing product to a wet brush head and massage away over 
the mat until the water runs clean, rinse and hey voila!
 you have lovely clean brushes in next to no time.
The mat is really easy to handle and sits securely in your hand whilst you
 massage the brush using your free hand.
The mat itself easily rinses clean and the whole process is not only pleasurable,
 but super quick and easy. This product is literally a life saving tool for users of multiple brushes and I highly recommend. It's the best R49 I've ever spent.

Verdict : 10/10




~~~~~~



Brand : Bourjois
Product : Healthy Mix Foundation
Price : R265.95






Verdict : 6/10



18 September 2018

ELIZABETH ARDEN ADVANCED CERAMIDE CAPSULES {FIRST IMPRESSIONS}

As some of you may already know, I've never used any skincare products from 

Elizabeth Arden

 so this past week I've remedied this previous judgement of error. 
It's not that I don't like Elizabeth Arden, but having a career in the cosmetic industry 
for 35yrs and working with many prestigious skincare brands, 
it didn't leave much room or time to try other ranges and I honestly can say that
 I was passionate and loved all of the skincare brands that I worked with 
and have remained loyal to many, 
hence "Elizabeth" never got a look in or a chance, but that's all about to change...

I was given a trial box of 7 Advanced  Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum recently and I have been using them night and day for the past 7 days. 
Now I know that 7 days is by no means long enough to write a full review on any  
 Anti-Ageing product, so I will share with you my initial impressions on these
 "infamous" capsules.



I couldn't have been introduced to the Elizabeth Arden skincare range with a 
more ideal product for my age and my skins needs.

Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum 

Elizabeth Arden literally started a skincare revolution with the development of these Ceramide Capsules – a bio-engineered, skin-identical ceramide formula available
 in a first-of–its-kind single-dose capsule and I vividly remember these being 
introduced to the market over 25 years ago and at the time they were the next level in terms of skincare anti-ageing technology. 
Elizabeth Arden have over the years formulated a complete skincare line
 around this Ceramide technology.


This iconic round almost pearl like capsule contains a surprisingly lightweight, silky-smooth serum that infuses skin with youth-restoring ceramides and potent botanicals for a visibly smoother, firmer and youthful appearance.(With age, ceramide levels drop, resulting in visible aging signs)
Each Ceramide Capsule delivers a triple the anti-ageing power with a concentrated
 blend of skin-identical ceramides and potent youth restoring ingredients
 and I'm hooked after just a week. 

To be used over the face and neck area (avoid the eye area)
 before any other day or night treatment.
With a light massage I found the silky serum, to not only absorb easily, it also
 felt incredible lightweight on my skin without feeling sticky or oily.
It also worked will with the other products in my daily beauty regime.

Now I'm not going to tell you that after a weeks use it made my skin look more youthful or felt firmer, as it's way too soon and let's keep this real, but when it comes to my skin feeling smoother and the hydration and moisture levels being enhanced, I have noticed a pleasing improvement, so much so that I'm curious to try more products from collection
Elizabeth Arden

Advanced Ceramide Capsules 

Daily Youth Restoring Serum 



      Available in various sizes

60 Capsules R840 
90 Capsules R999 


60 Capsules £64
90 Capsules £84

60 Capsules $78
90 Capsules $98



I'm also very keen to try their newly launched 

Retinol Ceramide Capsules

Line Erasing

Night Serum
 Available from Elizabeth Arden stockists countrywide





16 September 2018

BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDARS LAUNCHING IN THE UK {OCTOBER 2018}



The second post in my series on the Beauty Advent Calendars being 
launched in the UK includes several from my personal favourite beauty houses.
October will also see many of the calendars going on sale either in store or online.
As always many do sell out fairly quickly, especially those that are limited

MOLTON BROWN OPULENT INFUSIONS ADVENT CALENDAR


It just wouldn't be Christmas in the stores without the advent calendar
from Molton Brown making an appearance.
An annual hit, it always contains a great selection of their
wonderful bath and body products, in fact you receive 24 gifts and do I spot 
a candle in this pic?

Price
£175

Available
21st October 2018





SUSANNE KAUFMANN ADVENT CALENDAR


This 24 day Advent Calendar doesn't look the most festive from
the organic natural skincare brand Susanne Kaufmann, but it excites me.
Having tried one of her face masks earlier this year
I would love to get my hands on one of these, as they say it
will contain bath oils, body products, salts and even festive teas.
(There will however be a different all-gold version available exclusive to 
Net-a-Porter)


Price
£110
Gold Calendar
£175
(Exc to Net-a-Porter)

Available
October 2018



DYPTIQUE ADVENT CALENDAR





One day I would love to receive this calendar from Dyptique 
seriously who wouldn't?
It really is the advent calendar of dreams.
25 days of fragrant excitement with a selection of their famous
candles and fragrance.

Price
£325

Available
 15th October 2018 





HARRODS BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR






This has to be the ultimate beauty advent calendar and along with the Dyptique
this is on my "Dream On" wishlist.
It's pure skincare luxury when it comes to its contents.
25 days will give you goodies from Huda Beauty,Acqua d Parma,
Sisley and the beauty luxe list goes on.
This collection carries a value of £680

Price
£250


Available
 1st October 2018 




Source of pricing and availability info and photo credits
Marie Claire Magazine



12 September 2018

DR.GOBAC COSMECEUTICALS CLEANSER {REVIEW}

Dr Gobac isn't a brand that I'm too familiar with, other than having heard of the 
brand and knowing that it's a South African Cosmeceutical range retailed through
skincare specialists,salons,spas and dermatologists I know little else.

But first lets address what Cosmeceutical products are and how do they differ 
from Cosmetic products:

Cosmeceutical products contain key active ingredients in high enough 
concentrations to effect positive changes in the skin. 
These active ingredients penetrate into the deeper levels of the skin and act on 
the skin’s cellular structure, stimulating the production of healthy collagen. 
They are stronger than cosmetic grade products, but they do not require a medical prescription to dispense.  
A skin analysis and consultation with a therapist is recommended to address skin 
concerns and conditions before using a Cosmeceutical product.



I was kindly sent this cleanser by the PR company and as I'm always on the look out 
for new products and ranges to try and even more so if they up the anti 
with my existing anti ageing skincare regime.

Let me give you a brief overview of the ethos of DR. GOBAC® COSMECEUTICALS

The DR. GOBAC® COSMECEUTICALS range of products is created to be simple, 
easy to use, eco and health friendly and they are not tested on animals
The range is based on DR. GOBAC’s own experience as a medical doctor 
and practitioner of integrated health. 
After many years of intense scientific research DR. GOBAC and his team of
 chemists and scientists have developed this advanced and high effective
 skin care range.
DR. GOBAC® COSMECEUTICALS products are non-invasivenon-aggressive 
and offer a healthy approach to combating signs of ageing by
 stimulating and facilitating the skin’s natural healing process.


DR. GOBAC® CLEANSER 
is formulated to cleanse gently but thoroughly while preserving the 
skin’s natural hydro lipidic barrier. 
This milky, fragrance free, soothing cleanser has both anti-bacterial and 
anti-inflammatory properties, making it an absolute pleasure to use. 
(This cleanser is used in the conventional way and can be removed
with either water or cotton wool)

I put this cleanser to the test in various ways and it removed 
heavy make up, as part of a double cleanse, with surprising ease.
Yet it was remarkably gentle when a single cleanse was all that was needed
 on those no make-up days.
I can only imagine how wonderfully soothing and healing this cleanser would be 
on a sensitive, delicate skin.
(They do have a face wash available if you're not a milky cleanser lover)


I really enjoyed the packaging, as it comes in an airless pump dispenser ensuring
 that it remains contaminant free, which is vital for a compromised skin, 
especially after any facial procedure.
Another plus for this type of container is that you can easily control the amount
 of product dispensed ensuring less product wastage and that feature
 always gets my vote.

Overall I was impressed with my first product from the 
DR. GOBAC® COSMECEUTICALS Range and whilst a cleanser is a good intro product,
they appear to have a highly effective,compact anti-ageing range
 consisting of Vitamin A & Regenerating Serums and even advanced anti-ageing
serum called BIORESTORE NEEDLE FREE
which I have to say, are all up "my skincare street".

Hopefully I will bring you some more reviews in the future.

 DR. GOBAC® COSMECEUTICALS
is available at selected stockist s throughout Europe and the UK.
For a list of stockists or to order online 



DR. GOBAC® CLEANSER

100mls

R325