SUNDAY SAMPLE

It's time to review a fragrance sample this week and its a new launch from one of my favourite French brands L'Occitane.

HERBAE Eau de Parfum has just been launched here in South Africa and apparently this fragrance has been inspired by the wild grasses that grow in Provence and having been to Provence, several times, I'm curious to see what this fragrance has to offer.
I'm assuming that this fragrance will fall under that Green/Fresh classification, which I normally enjoy, so pop back on Sunday to see whether it's a winner or not... 

MY 4 MOST USED SUMMER BEAUTY PRODUCTS {2018/19}

Even though Summer has officially made way for Autumn here in South Africa, my home town of Durban is lucky enough to experience good weather all year round and this got me thinking about several products that I have reached for most often during the very hot Summer months.

This following trio of products have been my staples on those hot and humid days that

call for minimal make-up.Now I'm never one to go completely bare faced, even if I'm staying home for the day I will always flip over my face with a coat of mascara, lipstick and blush.

Without realising it these four products really have been my most reached for and used on a daily basis, so if you would like to read my original reviews then as always
 click on the Pink Links below.
(N.B.Prices may have changed since my original reviews were written)
Let me know in the comments below if any of these have been your "go to" products this summer.

1.

The Bioderma Tinted Aquafluide SPF 50+  is no surprise as I've been using this product for several years now and for me if offers a tint for an other wise pale skin and gives me that all important high SPF that you need in sunny Durbs.

This summer I decided to play around with applying the tinted sun protection with a beauty blending sponge and treating the product more like a foundation in its application and I have to say its been working well.

To read my full review

2.

The Autograph Multi Bronzer from Marks & Spencer from my beauty advent calendar has really been my "Summer Star", as its been put to use, literally every day, regardless of whether it's a "no make-up make-up" kinda of day" or a "full make-up" day, 
I have been loving this bronzer so much, that its been added to my UK Shopping List.

To read my mini review

3.

Mascara is my "must have" make-up item and I've been reaching daily for my 

benefit BADgal Bang Mascara and a couple of coats works wonders for my sparse pale lashes.I don't find it smudges or flakes even on those most humid of Durban days.

To read my full review

4.

Lipstick or Lipgloss is another non negotiable when it comes make-up application whether it be a full face or my quick summer look.

I have been favouring several, but perhaps my most used has been the
URBAN DECAY HI-FI SHINE Lip Gloss I adore everything about this product, the shade
suits me, I love the formulation and the packaging is so easy to find in my handbag.

To read my full review

FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP {APRIL 2019}

Shock and Surprise 

here's another Friday Feedback post making this two for 2019.

I would really like to do these posts on a more regular basis, as it updates you on any previous product reviews that I've posted.

The updates may include "The Good, The Bad" and of course "The Ugly", as with continued use my opinions on some products can change for various reasons.

The Living Proof Restore Hair Mask Treatment  is one such product where 

I have done an almost 360 degree turn on. 

Having featured it in a Sunday Sample post, as it was a deluxe sample that I tried,

I continued to use for several more weeks after my initial review and with each use I have just fallen in love more and more with this mask, so much so its been added to my 

UK Shopping List.

The "jury is still out" with regards to the hair strengthening claim, but based on

the condition of my hair and the fact that I have been using a hair mask weekly and my hair doesn't feel overloaded with product... is a good sign. 

If you want to know all the details on this hair mask then check out my original review

To read my full review

~~~~~~~

One of my fairly recent product reviews was on the Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser 

and whilst I liked it, I couldn't see what all the hype was about, as in my opinion there were far better concealers out there.

To read my full review

My one concern was the sponge applicator that had to be clicked round to dispense

which seemed a "faff" but it really didn't bother me after a while.

Also the sponge applicator didn't crumble or become "gross", as I first anticipated.

Another cool feature of this concealers packaging, which you only see with continued use,  it appears that every drop is used, as you can see exactly how much is left in the glass bottle, as the sides are perfectly clean of the product.

I would love to see other brands adopt some of this packaging technology.

What I have also experienced with use, is that I'm going through this concealer fairly quickly.

With regards to performance it still settles into the lines under my eye area, but its become one of my "go to" concealers for my everyday barely there make-up look.

URBAN DECAY NAKED RELOADED PALETTE REVIEW

After several weeks of use, I've finally managed to put down into words my feelings about this 

"super hyped" eyeshadow palette.

Never a brand to follow the generic brand packaging norm, 

URBAN DECAY recently launched their NAKED RELOADED 

Palette and when it comes to the packaging, this cushioned fabric Orchid print palette not only looks trés chic, but it also feels weighty and very comfortable in the hand.

Sadly the birth of the new NAKED RELOADED followed the demise of the globally and much loved original NAKED Palette.

It was a sad moment for many URBAN DECAYERS, but thankfully it has been replaced with a collection of 12 "must have" universally flattering shades in a palette thats been designed for everyone—any age, gender, and skin tone.

If you're looking for a collection of flattering shades that will cover all your essential  nude/neutral/brown requirements plus a little extra, then this is the ultimate palette to have in your eyeshadow collection.

The selection includes soft mattes, satins, metallics and a little sparkly glitter is thrown in for good measure...

I'm also happy to report that UD have included 4 larger outer pans of the lighter shades,

that are used the most for highlighting and inevitably, on any eyeshadow palette, they always finish before the others.

After a couple of months of use I can excitedly report back that the formula of these shadows fall into that buttery, velvety texture with a rich colour payoff and are easy to blend and work with.

One piece of advise though - do ensure that you tap any excess shadow off you brush before application, as there will be shadow fall out, but its nothing that isn't easily brushed away with out leaving any pigment behind.

The longevity of the shadow was good with no creasing or fading, however I have become an unexpected and huge fan of the URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow Potion

to read my full review 

and without doubt it helps to keep your eyeshadows in place all day.

All of the 12 shades are very wearable and I have surprisingly found myself using 

all of the shades at some point, but reaching daily for the following ones:

Bribe

Barely There

Reputation

Burn

Distilled

Boundaries

&

Blur

 and for a slightly more evening,shimmery smokey eye look I just add a touch of:

Barely Baked

Angel Fire

End Game

&

Dreamweaver

It's known, here in south Africa, that UD Eyeshadow Palettes generally weigh in on the pricey side, usually around R800-R900, however the NAKED RELOADED weighs in at a much more appealing price of R695.
 This palette is not only worth its "Super Hyped" status, but its got to be
the NAKED Palette to own above all others.

URBAN DECAY

NAKED RELOADED

EYESHADOW PALETTE

R

695

£

38

$

44

URBAN DECAY SA

I have reviewed several URBAN DECAY products and to date I have not been 

disappointed with any of my purchases.

To read all my detailed reviews

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHOCOLATE

Easter Sunday 

is traditionally a day where lots of chocolate is consumed around the world, 

mainly in the form of chocolate eggs or bunnies! I can assure you that I will be 

eating my fair share this Easter, 

after all I must "uphold" this Easter tradition!

Here are 10 fun facts about Chocolate that you 
may not know:

Fact 1:

People spend more than 7 billion dollars a year on chocolate.

Fact 2:

Chocolate does not cause or aggravate acne, this is a myth.

Fact 3:

Dark chocolate is most popular among men.

Fact 4:

The largest chocolate bar ever manufactured was in Italy in 2000 and the bar had a

 weight of 2268 kilograms.

Fact 5:

More than twice as many women than men eat and crave chocolate.

Fact 6:

The first chocolate bar was produced by Cadbury in England in 1842.

Fact 7:

The word Chocolate comes from the Aztec word xocolatl, meaning, bitter water.

Fact 8:

71% of American chocolate eaters prefer milk chocolate.

Fact 9:

Chocolate makers use 40% of the world's almonds and 20% of the world's peanuts.

Fact 10:

Nestle introduced Chocolate Chips in 1939

Enjoy!

SOURCE

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Today is Maundy Thursday but what does today symbolize?

Maundy Thursday - also called Holy Thursday, is the beginning of the three day celebration of Easter - the most important time in the year for Christians. This period is one big celebration, remembering the last supper, the crucifixion and the death of Jesus, and the Resurrection to new life.

Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

On this day, Christians remember the Last Supper, during the meal Jesus took bread and wine and shared them with his disciples. Christians continue to share bread and wine as part of their worship in church.

The Last Supper was probably a Passover meal – the meal which Jewish people share together to celebrate the time when God delivered Moses and the people from slavery in Egypt.

What is the origin of the name Maundy?

The name 'Maundy' is derived from the Latin word “mandatum”, meaning a commandment. Jesus Christ, at the Last Supper, commanded:

'And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.' John 13:34

Source

L'OCCITANE DELICIOUS LIP SCRUB RASPBERRY CRUSH {REVIEW}

L'Occitane have just launched here in South Africa a range of

3 Delicious Lip Scrubs and I have to say this excites me.

I've said a million times on this blog about how its so important to

exfoliate our bodies from top to toe, including our lips.

To be fair there's not a huge choice of Lip scrubs/exfoliators out there but L'Occitane

 have just launched 3 fruity options, as part of a Fruity Collection of products, which also includes Lip Balms, Lip Protector,Lipsticks and Face Masks.

The 3 Mediterranean flavours are:

Marmalade Kiss

Raspberry Crush

&

Fabulous Fig

My choice was the the Raspberry Crush and it not only looks and smells scrumptious

(similar to Raspberry Jam)

 but it does an excellent job of smoothing the skin to reveal soft lips.

Its formulated with mouth watering extracts of Mandarin,Fig and Raspberry to gently exfoliate.

It couldn't be easier or more of a delight to use:

Use once or twice a week.

Gently rub onto dry lips in a circular motion then rinse off with water for a smooth finish. A small amount is all you require and 
after use you can follow with the new L'Occitane Delicious Multi-Balm for extra moisture and Fruity Lipstick for a shot of care and colour.

The Formula is vegetarian friendly and made without silicone, mineral oil and animal derivate ingredients.

Beauty Shout Box gives this product a very deserving 10/10 despite its rather
steep pricing, but I'm sure the cost per application will work out to be fairly low.
I'm just happy to see that there is now a wider selection of lip care products available
here in South Africa
 and hopefully this will become a permanent line, as I sense that this new collection
 could be a Limited Edition range.

L'Occitane
Delicious Lip Scrub
Raspberry Crush
11ml

R
285

£
N/A

$
N/A

MY TOP 5 MASCARAS {APRIL 2019}

I've been intending to write this post for such a long time and today I've finally

done it...I have compiled my list of favourite mascaras.

Every January I write separate posts  for my "Top" Skincare/Make-up/Hair and Body Care products from the previous year and whist I do include mascaras, this is purely focused on 5 mascaras that I highly rate and more importantly use on a regular basis.

If you want to see which beauty products I rated during 2018

Top 5 Skincare Products 2018

Top 5 Make-up Products 2018

Top 3 Hair and Body Products 2018

MASCARA what would we do without it, its been a great invention and I know I wouldn't be a happy bunny if mascara disappeared from my life, as I'm sure is the case for many.

They help to open up the eye area, as well as give the illusion of length, volume, curl and thickness to short, sparse, straight and thin lashes.

We just love our mascaras, hence why we are constantly being bombarded with new ones
making the decisions even more daunting.

I have chosen my top 5 based on what I personally require from a mascara and after many years of "trial and error" I have my "Mascara Wardrobe".

I'm looking for a mascara that has a smallish brush (the brush is key for me) 
feels good in my hand and is easy to wield around my sparse line up of lashes.

It must be black, non waterproof, non flake, non smudge and basically make my own lashes look long, voluminous and glamorous, it must literally "do it all".

My list is in no particular order and I hope it helps you with any future purchases
and I have included all the Pink Links to my original reviews.
I have also include the updated prices.

1.

L'Oréal Unlimited Mascara

and since my review it unfortunately still hasn't been launched here in SA, 

but fortunately for "moi", I have got a supply of back-ups.

I just adore everything about this mascara and the added bonus is the angled brush

that makes mascara life so much easier, so if you're looking for a good all round black

mascara that is easy to apply, especially on those sparse awkward to reach lashes 

then this is the one to consider.

(N/A in SA)

To read my full review

2.

EYEKO LASH ALERT 

Mascara has been my most recent discovery and it came via the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2018.

This is the mascara I reach for on those days where I'm not looking for a more natural

lash look. The brush is what I enjoy most about this mascara as its fine and separates

the lashes well for that more natural lash, so there's no false lash look with this 

LASH ALERT.

(I didn't do a full review on this mascara, but included it in a QPR review rather and since that review Ive added it to my UK Shopping List, as I love it for those no make -up, make-up days.

(N/A in SA)

To read my mini review

3.

benefit Roller Lash 

has been a "fave" of mine for several years now and it really is as good as everyone says.Again the brush is key to the effectiveness of this mascara.It seems to grab hold of the shortest of lashes and effortless coats,curls and lifts.

R375

3.

L'ORÉAL PARADISE EXTATIC MASCARA
makes it two from L'Oréal that have made it onto my Top 5 list and L'Oréal
in my opinion have "nailed it" when it comes to both mascaras and foundations
you really can't go wrong.
I'm happy to inform you that this mascara is now available in SA in both this and the waterproof version, so if again its thick, full lashes you're looking for then look no further
(R185)


To read my full review

5.

benefit BADgal BANG 

is my second choice from the US brand benefit and again they for me, come out tops 

when it comes to mascaras.

This was also a recent purchase and I again I rate this one highly and if its

a false Lash look your looking for then this is one to try and what's nice about benefit, they have travel sizes of both the BADgal BANG and the Roller Lash making it easier 

to buy a smaller size to try before deciding to purchase the full size.

R375

To read my full review

There are many other mascaras that I could recommend, but I've kept this list to my absolute Top 5, that I regularly use & re-purchase.

Let me know in the comments below if you agree with any of my choices or better still let me know which are your "faves", as I'm always looking for new ones to try...

SUNDAY SAMPLE

I'm excited about this weeks Sunday Sample, as its from one of my favourite 

French brands L'Occitane, who have just launched a very interesting

range of Mediterranean fruit infused Lip and Face Masks

that honestly sound good enough to eat.

This new fun, brightly packaged and rather pricey collection consists of: 

3 masks 

R495

1 Balm Perfector 

R395 

5 Tinted Lip Balms

 R395

8 Lipsticks

 R335

 and 

3 Lip Scrubs 

R285

Wanting to try all of these fruity products, I will be trying out one of the

Delicious Lip Scrubs with Raspberry,

so check back on Sunday to find out just how delicious 

it was or was not...

SARAH CHAPMAN SKINESIS INTENSE HYDRATING BOOSTER SERUM {REVIEW}

Despite having heard nothing but good things about Sarah Chapman skincare products 

I can't say that any of her products were on my skincare wish list, that was until I was offered the option of one for free, no charge, gratis...

On my visit to the UK back in November last year, obviously SpaceNK was on my

places to visit along with a skincare shopping list and this visit, luckily for me,

 happened to coincide 

with Black Friday weekend sales and offers.

SpaceNK had a choice of free gifts available depending on the amount of your spend

and as my spend was over £150 I' had a pretty good selection of free gifts to choose

from and that's how I ended up with this 

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Hydrating Booster Serum 

that currently retails for £64.

I can't actually remember the other gift items on offer, but I thought this would be a perfect 

opportunity to experience some of the Sarah Chapman magic.

I do love a good Hydrating serum and having used one daily for many years,this one from Sarah Chapman appears to go that step further by intensely boosting the skin in times of stress 

or if the skin has been compromised.

As I have never reviewed anything from Sarah Chapman previously, here is a brief overview 

of her and her brands ethos:

"Founder, CEO and product formulator Sarah Chapman is widely regarded as one of the UK’s premier skincare authorities. With advanced training in cosmetic science, Sarah delivers highly effective treatments and products founded on cutting-edge clinical research."

"Sarah’s discreet Skinesis clinic in Chelsea, London, is the ultimate destination for those in pursuit of perfect skin, with a 12-week waiting list for a much-coveted facial appointment. Her inimitable results have earned her a long list of loyal clients, from A-list celebrities and beauty editors to socialites and facial obsessives everywhere."

"The Sarah Chapman brand philosophy fuses potent, high-performance scientific actives with powerful botanicals. Skinesis formulas are infused with restorative natural scents to deliver a multi-sensory skincare experience that delivers exceptional results."

The Skinesis Intense Hydrating Booster Serum is formulated to hydrate and moisturise stressed out skin, this targeted serum offers much-needed cooling relief and works to soothe, repair and protect environmentally damaged and unbalanced skin.

This multi-tasking, oil free serum works to enhance the moisture levels in the skin and activate its natural defences. Formulated with a mix of supercharged cosmeceutical ingredients, rose water, moisture magnets and hyaluronic acid, it helps to protect, rehydrate and plump up the skin.

Key Benefits:

Leaves the skin with a fresh, dewy glow

Skin feels refreshed and soothed

Skin’s immune system is strengthened

Acts as the ideal makeup base 

Helps to prevent breakouts 

Works to minimise fine lines

Hydrating serums are often the first type of serum the majority of us will introduce into our skin care routines and can be used by all skin types, as the majority do need some help with hydration, so whether you have a sensitive, dry, normal, oily or combination skin the earlier you can introduce a hydrating serum the better and if you haven't yet, then you need to be seriously considering one...

The texture of this supercharged "Booster Serum" from Sarah Chapman has a lightweight, silky, yet slightly runny feel and a little really does go a long way, so be warned that even though the glass pipette helps to guide you with the quantity dispensed, its a genuine case of "less is more", so don't do what I did and continually dispensed too much for the first few weeks, which was such a waste.

As with all hydrating serums you apply onto a clean face, allow to settle and dry and then follow with your day cream or night cream.Its advisable that this serum be useda.m & p.m for maximum results to re-balance and set your skin back on track.

A top tip from Sarah Chapman is to mix several drops into your face mask in order to give it a supercharged boost, which I'm going to try soon.

This boosting serum can very easily be incorporated in to your existing skincare regime regardless of the brand.

I found the serum easy to use and incorporate into my current routine, but if I'm honest

I found it a little underwhelming, especially as this product is one of the brands "Hero" products. 

Serums often work silently beneath the skin and don't reflect too obviously on the skins surface, but I have to say I was expecting a bit more of a skin "Boosting" effect.

However that being said I must point out that I do and have taken very good care of my skin for the past 45yrs + and for my age I do have a good balanced skin, so sometimes I find it difficult to visible notice any changes.

I have no doubt though, that if your skin has been neglected and is needing an all round

 "boost"

then this serum, for sure, would work its

magic...

SARAH CHAPMAN 

SKINESIS 

INTENSE HYDRATING BOOSTER 

SERUM 

30ml

R

Not available in South Africa

£

64

$

98

Sarah Chapman