ESTEÉ LAUDER HOLIDAY BLOCKBUSTER {2018}

For me the excitement to the run up to Christmas and the holidays is always when the Blockbuster from Esteé Lauder makes it appearance online.

(It always seems to be available online earlier than in store)

I write a post about this Luxury Travel Case filled with EL goodies every year and each year they seem to somehow improve on it, which considering the Blockbuster has been around for 30 years or more is no mean feat.

It seems like stocks are very limited this year and I believe

that they have sold out online already, but some retailers may still have stocks

so don't hang around this year, as its selling fast and considering the

contents and the value its not hard to see why.

In order to qualify to buy the Blockbuster you must purchase a 50ml or larger

 Esteé Lauder fragrance and the Blockbuster can be bought for 

R1495 

Value R6900

This years Blockbuster contains 30 Beauty Essentials and many are full sizes
  contents are:

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

1 oz./30ml (full-size)

Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme

.24 oz./7ml (full-size)

Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

 3.4 oz./100ml (full-size)

3 Full-Size Face + Eye Palettes: 

NUDES 

6 Pure Color Envy Sculpting EyeShadows and Bronze Goddess in Light 

GLOW 

6 Pure Color Envy Sculpting EyeShadows and Pure Color EnvySculpting Blush in Limited Edition Modern Mercury

GLAM

 6 Pure Color Envy Sculpting EyeShadows and Pure Color EnvySculpting Blush in Rebel Rose

Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara 

(full-size) in Extreme Black

Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipsticks (full-size) 

in Rebellious Rose, Powerful and Femme Fatale

 Pure Color Envy Sculpting Gloss 

(full-size) in Berry Provocative 

 Luxury Red Train Case



Available whilst stocks last at selected
 Esteé Lauder counters
countrywide

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER}

It was easy to choose my fave products from the past two months, as they stood out way above the rest.Click on the Pink Links to read all my full and detailed reviews.
One item isn't actually a beauty product as such, it's more of a beauty tool and what a great find it was...

1.

The Beauty Basics Brush Cleaning Mat has been such a great find and I've since

 discovered that there are different sizes available, but I have to say the hand held 

one I chose has been the perfect manageable size.

2.

The Dr.Gobac Cleanser was an unexpected favourite and to be honest before I 

started to use, I really didn't expect it to be making an appearance in my 

monthly faves post, but it did and it's worthy of its place.

To read my full review

3.

Having never heard of this haircare brand or product before I honestly wasn't 

expecting too much, but how wrong I was.

The Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumnising Paste will for sure, be on one of 
my "Top Products" list for 2018.

 It's also in the top of my UK shopping list for November. 

To read my full review

4.

After initially feeling that I had been swayed into buying this product by the 

sales consultant, once I used I then realised that she was 100% confident 

in the products performance and the recommendation was a good one.

The Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion (Anti-Ageing) is a worthwhile purchase

and one I didn't realised I needed and now I'm hooked.

To read my full review

NEUTROGENA HYDRO BOOST CLEANSER MICELLAR WATER {REVIEW}

I won't beat around the "Beauty Bush" with my review on this Micellar Water from the 

Neutrogena Hydro Boost collection. 

This extensive range and affordable collection of products has been formulated to replenish water and help to improve your skin's moisture barrier, resulting in smooth, hydrated skin.

Again I was somewhat influenced into buying something from this range by 

social media and I really should have learnt my lesson by now.

Perhaps I have chosen to review the weakest product in the range and maybe their 

other products are worthy of the praise. 

I'm not even going to go into any of what this product claims to do and you all now by now what Micellar Waters are formulated to do,so I'm going to just get straight to the point.

Unfortunately I found this cleansing water to be one of those, what I like to call a "nothing" product.

I found it did "nothing" nothing more than if I had soaked a cotton pad in a toning lotion.

As you can tell I wasn't impressed with this product and maybe I'm being a little harsh, as it is an affordable drugstore brand, but if Garnier (also an affordable drugstore brand) can nail it with their Micellar Waters then why can't Neutrogena formulate a more effective product.

It sadly, on me, underperformed in removing even a light covering of make-up.

I must also make mention of the fragrance of this product, which I can't describe, but I found it unpleasant to say the least.

Thankfully I purchased this product on special for R77 so I didn't waste too much money, without doubt you'll be hearing about this product again in a future 

Products I Didn't Finish & Why post.

Neutrogena

Micellar Water

200ml

R

99.95

£

6.99

$

8.99

Available 

at Supermarkets, Dischem and Clicks

countrywide

RECENT BEAUTY EMPTIES {OCTOBER 2018}

Here's a quick round-up of some skincare products that I've finished over the

last couple of months.

Two are from the same brand and I must say that I do find it satisfying to finish a product 
completely and it's always a good sign.

1.

I have absolutely loved using this Grape Water Spray from the French brand 

Caudalie 

in fact so much so, that I've added several other Caudalie products

to me "UK Beauty Product Wish list".

(I will write a blog post next month telling you more about the products

that are on my list and why)

I have emptied out every last drop from the spray even though the 

last few sprays came out as stutters and spurts,but i wasn't wasting a drop. 

To read my full review

2.

Another product that I have thoroughly enjoyed using was the 

LA ROCHE - POSAY Micellar Water.

Having reviewed several of their products to read all reviews  

I haven't used one yet that I haven't

enjoyed and it's a range well worth looking into if you suffer from a

sensitive/intolerant skin.

To read my full review

3.

The third product that I've used every last drop of recently, is the 
LA ROCHE-POSAY Eye Make-Up Remover 
and I'm in two minds whether to re-purchase or buy from another brand.

I always strive to try a variety of brands in order to bring you my honest thoughts 
and opinions enabling you to weed out the "not so good" from the great products 
that are well worth a purchase. 

Even though I enjoyed this eye make-up and I would re-purchase,
 just not this next time.

To read my full review

Let me know in the comments below if any of the above are your favourites.

Also I would appreciate any Eye Make-Up Remover recommendations

LANCÔME LA VIE EST BELLE #MAKESOMEONEHAPPY

This is rather a different post today, as it's not a product review, but rather a review 

about a campaigns communication video.

Yes it's about a brands TV advertisement, well I did say it was going to be different...

Having worked my whole career with skincare and fragrance brands, I've seen many press releases over the years and I always head straight to the link to the tv add before

 reading all the bumf about the background to the product. 

I like to watch the video without any prior knowledge of what the product or message of the ad 
is trying to convey and whilst some, I have to admit, loose me 
others hit the nail right on the the "beauty" head (ouch! Sorry)

The new communication video for the best selling Lancôme fragrance, 
La Vie est Belle, 
is what's led me to write this post.

La Vie est Belle means "Life is Beautiful" 

in French and the fragrance 

has always portrayed happiness, however it's time to turn a page and begin 

a new chapter on the La Vie est Belle journey.

#MakeSomeoneHappy

Is a true manifesto of living “la vie est belle”.   
The most important aspect of joy and happiness is SHARING it – and so the 
new campaign was born: 

WHO WILL YOU MAKE HAPPY TODAY?

For me "Happiness" is just what this short video conveys. 
It's starts out as an elegant, yet rather sombre gathering and through her infectious smile
she shines and radiates happiness and it soon turns it into a party...
  

Beautifully filmed with the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop

this ad gets the Happiness message across loud and clear,
as it simply makes you feel good inside...

I know there are all kinds of ways of making people happy and by sharing this video 
I hope to do my bit, in this sometimes mad world, to make you

 "Feel Happy Today" 

even if it's only for a few minutes in these videos.

Julie Roberts has been the face of the fragrance since its inception in 2012 

and not only is she stunningly beautiful, but who can resist feeling happy when she flashes her iconic smile.I personally feel that's she very relatable and we have grown up with her on screen over her long successful acting career and if you can't get enough of her then check out this happy short video.

There are currently 3 incarnations of the fragrance

LANCÔME LA VIE EST BELLE 

EAU DE PARFUM
R1440
50ml

LANCÔME LA VIE EST BELLE 

ECLAT DE PARFUM
R1440 
50ml

LANCÔME LA VIE EST BELLE 

INTENSE

R1500

50ml

If you would like to try some happiness in the form of

La Vie best Belle fragrances then pop by any Lancôme stockist

for a spritz.

#MakeSomeoneHappy

L'OCCITANE PIVOINE SUBLIME FLASH MOISTURE MASK {REVIEW}

After working for L'Occitane for several years I obviously have a soft spot 

for this much loved French brand. 

Whilst most of their products are excellent there are a couple that I can't give too much praise to and often it's been a let down on the packaging front rather

 than on performance.

Pivoine Sublime Flash Moisture Mask 

I've used several products from the Pivoine Sublime range and it's a 

collection of skin Perfecting products,that help through light reflecting ingredients, 

 give the skin a flawless, smooth, velvety fresh appearance and its a collection

 that I normally rave about and can highly recommend.

I have written many reviews on Pivoine Sublime products.

Pivoine Sublime Reviews

A fairly recent addition to the Pivoine Sublime range are 3 mono dose face masks: 

Overnight Perfecting Mask

Pure Flash Moisture Mask 

and the

 Flash Moisture Mask,

 which is the one I opted to try out. 

The Flash Moisture Mask, as the name suggests, has been formulated to intensely 

hydrate and immediately quench a skins thirst for moisture,just what your skin needs when it's feeling parched, tired and in general need of a quick  'pick me up"

Having a rich, creamy texture, this mask 

Contains smoothing, refining and hydrating Peony Extract and glycerin. 

Whilst the mask feels wonderful soft and comforting on the skin I was personally

 put off with the fragrance of this product and I suspect that it's not intentional by L'Occitane but rather a problem with the packaging. 

The mask had a distinct aroma of plastic, the type that comes from a product 

absorbing its packaging smell over time and it wasn't pleasant considering

 its right under your nose for 10 minutes or so.

Like all other similar masks its easy to use

Apply a thin layer evenly over clean, dry skin, including face and neck, avoiding 

the eye contour area. 

Leave on for 10 minutes then remove excess with a damp cotton pad, do not rinse. 

Use 1 to 2 times a week.

This mask comes in a single use (Mono Dose) of 6mls which was rather a small quantity 

for both its price and the size of the container the mask came in.

 Once I pulled back the silver protective foil there was more empty space than product.

These mono dose masks are ideal for use during travel, but they do work out to be an extremely expensive format to use, as 6mls of product for R85 is rather heavy 

on the skincare budget.

Most face masks retail in a 50ml quantity and that works out to be over 

R708 based on the 6ml price.

Even though I managed to get 2 applications it's still overpriced for a rather ordinary hydrating mask that I will sadly remember for smelling like plastic flowers

 rather than a soft delicate Peony.

L'Occitane

Pivoine Sublime 

Flash Moisture Mask 

6ml 

Mono Dose

R

85

£

5

$

6

€

15

Available in store or Online

THE MARKS AND SPENCER BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR {2018}

MARKS AND SPENCER BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR

This is my favourite beauty advent calendar, as it always has the best 

of the brands that M&S Beauty sell..

The M&S Beauty Calendar is also one of the few that give you a gift everyday

of Christmas including the 25th December.

Last year my "London Kiddiwink" brought me over the 2017 version

and I loved it, its allowed me to try out so many great brands that aren't 

available in SA.
This collection of products is valued at £250 and it has to be the 
best value Beauty Advent Calendar yet again.

I highly recommend this years option, as I can already pick out so many

 iconic beauty products.

e.g.

Pixi Rose Tonic,

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream plus one of their Verbena Shower Gels

Eyeko Mascara, NUXE Body Cream,THIS WORKS Pillow Spray,
Leighton Denny nail polish
 and so many more products from great brands 
(including their own M&S brands)

I will be picking one up on my upcoming trip to London and I can't wait,
as its hands down this is the best value Beauty Advent Calendar for 2018

£35

With a purchase of £35

(Cannot be food purchases)

Available

 6th November 2018

In store or online
www.marksandspencer.co.uk

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN VOLUMISING PASTE {REVIEW}

No I haven't written a review on Christopher Robin, read again it's Christophe Robin and I'm sure like "moi" you're wondering who the heck he is.

French man Christophe Robin, has been an A-list colorist for more than 20 years, created in 1999 his hair care line selecting powerful natural ingredients for recognized long term results. Christophe Robin, the self named haircare range has been developed through years of experience and passion and has been specially formulated to care and protect colour treated hair.

I was a little sceptical to say the least about this rather obscure (obscure to me)

 unusually named hair cleansing product.

Christophe Robin Volumising Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay

and Rose Extracts 

is a deep cleansing treatment for fine hair lacking in density, which

is exactly how I would currently describe my hair.

It also has a rather unusual appearance, as it looks like more

an exfoliator or body scrub.

 This unique clay-to-foam shampoo is formulated to help create beautiful volume 

while absorbing impurities and oil from the scalp and

 give instant volume at the roots and density down the lengths.

Consisting of 85% natural origin ingredients this formula is a unique blend 

of pure Rassoul Clay, with densifying and re-mineralizing benefits, 

protective rose extracts and Limnanthes extract to help preserve and 

enhance the hair color.

This surprising paste-like texture transformed instantly into a light foam,

and its transformation was pure magic, as I was expecting to seriously work 

this product into my hair and scalp to have any foaming, cleansing effect.

Despite not looking too great in the pot the product has a slight rose fragrance

and more importantly for me, was easy to rinse.

I didn't do my normal double shampoo, as my hair and scalp felt cleaner than its

ever felt before just after one application.

It was easy to rinse despite using too much and having mountains of

from on my head and it certainly didn't add to my dreaded tangle situation

due to my hair being both long,fine and highlighted.

How To Use:

On wet hair: use a tablespoon worth of product (more or less, depending on the length

 of your hair) rub into your palms, and apply all over your hair. 

(As I found out on my first use, use much less than recommended)

With a delicate touch, make circular motions until you feel the paste turn to foam, 

and make sure you lift the roots. Add a little water, emulsify, and rinse well. 

For an intensified effect: let it sit for 2 minutes before you rinse. 

(which I did)

All products are Free from :

PARABEN/SILICONE/SLES 

This product surprised me on so many different levels, its name, its appearance, 

the way the consistency completely transformed once applied to the hair and

the volumising results it gave down to the delicate fragrance it left

in my hair.

I was utterly blown away with this product and if you read my product reviews

regularly, you will know that it takes an outstanding product to make me use the

 term "blown away".

After using twice in the past week my hair felt soft, thicker and incredibly clean. 
I was also able to go longer between washes, which is a Win Win situation.

 I was so impressed that it's on my overseas shopping list. 

Please let me know in the comments below if you have used this product before

or the Volumising Shampoo, as I tempted to buy both.

Christophe Robin 

Volumising Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay

and Rose Extracts 

250mls

R

740

£

42

$

43

Available in South Africa from Skins Cosmetics