BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {NOVEMBER 2019}

Even though I say it myself this is a drool worthy line-up of products that are

under review during the month of November.

Only two of the 5 products below were planned purchases, the others were impulse

pick-ups whilst overseas recently.

You will also see that its an eye product heavy month, which is an indicator of

my main concerns with skincare at the moment.

1.

Omorovicza

Queen Of Hungary Mist

Being a daily user of facial sprays and having tried many in my time, this 

Omorovicza Queen Of Hungary Mist has been on my wish list for a long while.

I picked this one up from SpaceNK in a 30ml travel size, as its a premium brand and the 

larger size was stretching the budget, which I wasn't prepared to do for a product

 and brand that was unknown to me.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

2.

ELEMIS

Absolute

Eye Mask

This was on my list of purchases, as I have been looking for an Eye Mask

for sometime now. To be used 2 or 3 times a week I feel I need to 

introduce an eye mask into my beauty regime.

The ELEMIS Absolute Eye Mask
nourishes and smooths and is formulated specifically for counteracting
 dullness and dehydration lines, leaving the eye contour revitalized and rehydrated.

Recently you will have seen that I have been trying out several ELEMIS products

and here is another product that I'm looking forward to trying from this UK brand.

I know that several of you have requested more reviews on ELEMIS, so I hope

you enjoyed my one recently on the
Elemis Pro Collagen Advanced Eye Review 
and there are more reviews coming very soon. 

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review



3.

PIXI
DetoxifEYE
Depuffing Eye Patches

Not a purchase I planned on and I was sold this by the consultant as a "must have"
eye product and as you know I'm a pushover for eye products and it was also
 newly launched.
Everything about these PIXI DetoxifEYE Depuffing Eye Patches
 appeals to me, so check back to see if it lives up to its name and if its anything
 like their iconic PIXI Glow Tonic, which I have
used daily for the past 2-3 years, it will be a winner.
PIXI Glow Tonic Review

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review


4.

Caudalie
Micellar Cleansing Water

I don't need to tell you that for the past 12 months I have been having a love affair
with all things Caudalie and having tried countless products, 
All of my Caudalie Products Reviews
I found a travel size (100mls) Micellar Cleansing Water and I do enjoy a good Micellar Water I don't use one every day, but they're so useful for travel and for those days 
where you need extra help to remove a full face of make-up or when you just feel a little lazy and want to use one multi-tasking product to cleanse your face.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

5.

ORIGINS
GINZING
Refreshing Eye Cream

Again not a planned acquisition, but ORIGINS has always been a brand that I've
wanted to experience, so what better product to try than an eye cream and again
the name and description ticks all of my boxes.
GINZING Refreshing Eye Cream to Brighten and Depuff.
A refreshing eye cream that instantly helps brighten, visibly diminish the look of 

dark circles & depuff for a wide awake look. 

If my eyes are not brightened,depuffed, smoothed, refreshed, revitalised
after trying out all of these eye treatments...
then I'm giving up!
(Not really)

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE {REVIEW}

I always have a forever changing "Luxe Beauty Wish List" and on that list

 are two rather pricey Lip Balms.

The one is from the French brand BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE and the other is

 LA MER The Lip Balm

 both have been highly praised by beauty editors and bloggers around the world and curiosity has gotten the better of me, so they're both on my list.

Earlier this year I treated myself to the

BYTERRY CELLULAROSE BRIGHTENING CC SERUM 

To read my full review

I absolutely love this product and on the strength of that I was able to tick off

 my list the

BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE

Baume de Rose Lip Balm 

is without doubt the Rolls Royce of lip care and being a Lip Balm Junkie 

I feel I can say that, after having many years of experience in trying all types of lip products ranging from drugstore offerings to high end indulgences. 

This product forms part of the Baume de Rose collection of products, so as would would expect the entire range is fragranced with a delightful delicate rose scent that soothes the senses.  

The balm has a velvety smooth texture and a non-sticky finish.

This balm harnesses the power of rose blossom essential wax to soothe and repair the condition of dry, chapped lips.

Enriched with Vitamins for intense moisturising this balm is both regenerative 

and protective.

Nourishing shea butter, antioxidant vitamin E and ceramides help strengthen and protect lips against everyday aggressors. Hyaluronic acid microspheres prevent lips from feeling dehydrated.

This balm has several ways to use:

Use fingertips and apply a generous amount over the lips.

 Use alone or apply under lip products as a base for a smoother lip finish.

 For a glossy effect apply over lipstick.

Massage into the nails and cuticles to make them feel softer and smoother 

For a more intensive lip treatment, apply a generous amount over the lips and leave to absorb overnight.

I tried all of the above ways of application with the exception of massaging it into my cuticles, as I was way too mean to use my precious lip balm on my nails, but apparently it has great results.

My preferred way of application is to leave overnight, which works exceptionally well on drier lips, but this product miraculously leaves your lips looking great and feeling softer anyway way you apply it.

I understand that with an R830 price tag for this multi purpose lip balm doesn't fall into everyone's budget,but if it does then this is definitely one to add to your beauty wishlist.

I have no regrets about my purchase, however I do have one looming problem,

I'm starting to worry about the day my pot is empty...

BYTERRY 

is available exclusively in South Africa from Metropolitan Cosmetics and they have 3 

beautiful boutiques in Sandton,Hyde Park Corner and Melrose Arch and for those living in 

other areas of SA,you can order online.

They stock several niche skincare and fragrance brands including 

Dr Sebagh

Zelens

Tan-Luxe

StriVectin

Jack Black

DELAROM

Website

If you don't have any overseas trips planned or don't want to get involved in ordering direct from overseas due to the erratic customs charges we face 

or you can't get a cosmetic mule to bring back for you then 

Metropolitain Cosmetics is the answer.

After much research regarding overseas pricing, especially on the BYTERRY range 

the price you pay in SA is around 10% more than the UK for example

 (based on the todays rate £1= R18.69)

Which is far less than the 3rd retailer websites we have in SA, which I refuse to buy 

from due to their exorbitant pricing structure.

BYTERRY

BAUME DE ROSE

Nourishing Lip Balm

10g

R

830

Order Online

                                                                                  £

40

$

60

GIORGIO ARMANI LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION {REVIEW}

For this past week I've been enjoying the
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

 Giorgio Armani Luminous silk foundation is an oil-free, yet hydrating fluid with exclusive Micro-fil™ technology.Its lightweight and silky texture glides seamlessly onto the skin and provides a buildable medium coverage.
The formula offers an extremely comfortable long wearing, 
weightless and luminous natural finish to the skin.
It honestly feels like silk on the skin...

Use a Blender Brush to apply for a radiant finish. 
Add and blend more product to achieve desired coverage.

Suitable for all skin types

Available in 30 Shades

 mine was #5.25.

Whilst I enjoyed my week of luxury using this beautiful packaged

award winning foundation I couldn't fail the product, alas

I personally wouldn't part with the approx R800, I feel that there are many equally good foundations available on the market and for a lot less money.

From my experiences with both high and mid priced foundations, they don't seem to offer much more nowadays in terms of formulation,coverage,luminosity etc. than some of the very good drug store foundations.
As always I prefer to invest my cash into anti-ageing skincare products than 
high end makeup.

Giorgio Armani 

Luminous Silk Foundation

30ml

R

N/A

$
64

£

42

ELEMIS REHYDRATING ROSEPETAL CLEANSER AND GINSENG TONER {REVIEW}

When it comes to my skincare choices, let's just say "I'm fussy", 

ok let's change that to "very fussy"

and after having a long career in beauty and caring for my skin since I was 15 years of age

 I don't just put any products onto my face and I make no apologies for this.

For the past 12 months I have been purchasing and trying many products from the 

French skincare brand Caudalie and I have been loving it,I can honestly say I have liked

if not loved every product that I have tried from their face or body ranges far.

If you would like to catch up on my Caudalie reviews then click on the pink link at the foot of this post, but grab a coffee or a glass of wine as there are quite a few. 

This leads me onto my next brand, that I've started a journey with, and one that will 

no doubt take me well into next year.

ELEMIS is the #1 British luxury face and body brand that you will find not only

in Salons and Spas around the world but also on cruise ships and in prestige hotels.

I have already posted my 1st review on their Pro Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment

To read my full review

Today it's the turn of their 

Rehydrating Rosepetal 

Cleanser 

and 

Rehydrating Ginseng 

Toner

Whilst I enjoy cleansing Micellar Waters, Cleansing Balms/creams and Cleansing Oils my preferred type of product will always be a cleansing milk.

I use a cleansing milk daily and generally alternate with any of the above depending on

what I'm needing my cleanser to do and what I fancy using on that day.

As expected, ELEMIS have a great selection of cleansing products to chose from

and I opted for the Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser, that comes in a super convenient 

plastic bottle with a pump, which I prefer as it allows total control of how much you dispense and ultimately avoids product wastage.

This cleanser is ideal for dehydrated, mature or sensitive skin.

Both hydrating and nourishing this rose petal-infused cleanser effectively removes 

make-up and the daily build-up of skin pollutants.

Fragranced with the delicate scent of Roses I found it to be silky in texture 

thanks to the Lecithin, Vitamin E and F are blended with Rosepetal Flower Water to 

hydrate and purify the skin, restoring a clean and more radiant complexion.

It can be applied either onto your fingertips and massaged into the skin or applied directly onto cotton wool pads. It also offers the versatility of being removed with water and effectively removes non waterproof eye make-up.

To follow the cleansing process I spritzed on the Rehydrating Ginseng Toner, which smells like a spa and I absolutely fell in love with it.

Again ELEMIS have a good selection of toners and mists and I'm so glad I opted for this

refreshing Ginseng toner.

This nourishing toner effectively tones skin, re-balances its pH level and preserves the natural oils, without the use of alcohol or harsh detergents.

 Extracts of Korean Ginseng, Quillaja Wood and Sweet Betty Flower help to revitalize and moisturize skin, leaving a radiant and hydrated complexion.

Apply onto cotton wool and wipe around the face or as I like to do, spray onto

the face and remover with a cotton wool pad.

 If like me, you prefer to use a cleansing milk and toner from a luxury brand that is serious about skincare,then I highly recommend both of the above.

So far I have tried 3 products from ELEMIS and to date I'm impressed, there are more reviews coming in the future, so this could be my new "brand" focus, but that doesn't 

 mean that I'm abandoning my beloved Caudalie,as there is so much more that I want to try and I have another Caudalie review 

coming up in November... 

ELEMIS

Rehydrating Rosepetal 

Cleanser 

200ml

R

555

£

25

$

36

ELEMIS

Rehydrating Ginseng 

Toner

200ml

R

555

£

25

$

36

To read my Caudalie Reviews

ELEMIS is available online from

Edgars

SUNDAY SAMPLE

This is a slightly different and special Sunday Sample post, as I'll be trying a sample of 

a Luxury brand foundation, that I would most probably have never got the chance to try

if it wasn't for a promotion that I saw on Instagram.

Giorgio Armani 

Beauty were giving away samples of their award winning iconic 

Luminous Silk Foundation

only open to UK addresses I had the sample delivered to my in-laws, for collection a couple of weeks later.

I must admit I then forgot about it,as I seriously thought that I wouldn't receive

a sample.

You can imagine my surprise when there was a lovely padded envelope

waiting for me, containing my requested shade and an info card.

I had requested the shade #5.25, which is a medium 

with neutral undertones, so I hope it's the correct shade.

Luminous Silk Foundation is a lightweight glow foundation and I'm looking forward
 to trying it out this coming week.

Apparently the glass bottle holds up to 10 days supply, but I seriously doubt that,

so check back on Sunday to see what I have to say about

a Luxe foundation with a £42 price tag...

BENEFIT HELLO HAPPY FLAWLESS BRIGHTENING FOUNDATION {REVIEW}

Benefit 
Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation

recently launched here in South Africa and I had to try, the products name is what

sold it to me, as at my age flawless and brightening are becoming the main focus

of all my make-up purchases of late.

Benefit is a brand that I have promoted and loved for several years, yet its not a brand I recommend for foundations, 

YES for concealers, all things brows and mascaras, so will this new foundation addition change my mind.

I purchased a mini size,one of the great things about benefit is their extensive

range of mini sizes available, that allows you to try out before investing on a

full size and I must make mention that this full size foundation

retails for a hefty R445, so it doesn't fall into everyones' budget. 

Benefit’s Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation with SPF 15 forms

part of the benefit Hello Happy foundation range, which already includes 

a Velvet Powder Foundation and a Soft Blur Foundation.

Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation 

with SPF 15

offers lightweight medium coverage, its breathable with a satin natural-looking illuminating finish.

 Cleverly supercharged with photochromic pigments that adapt to your skin

 giving it a brightening ,fresh and glowy appearance.

A blend of flower extracts help to boost radiance, while hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated and healthy.

The formula is exactly what I’ve been looking for, as it gives a natural-looking, 
long lasting, dewy finish that offers medium coverage and all whilst helping 
your skin to look fresh and glowy in any light and its always a good sign when someone compliments you on your skin, which happened on 2 occasions.

My perfect shade is No.4 (the same as the Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer)
Boi-ing Cakeless Concealer Review
and there are internationally

  12 shades that feature neutral undertones, 

making them versatile enough to suit a range of skin tones and types

As with all benefit products they're fun and easy to apply, blend and I found this

foundation to be buildable if you needed more coverage.

After wearing for a couple of weeks now, it's a hit with me,

it felt lightweight and comfortable over my normal skincare and wore well with no separation of fading, so lets just say that it could well be a turning point for me with regards to benefit foundations.

A big thumbs up all round for this latest addition to the 
Benefit Hello Happy family...

Benefit 

Hello Happy 

Flawless Brightening Foundation

30ml

R

445

(10ml Mini R195)

£

26

$

30

ELEMIS PRO COLLAGEN ADVANCED EYE TREATMENT {REVIEW}

The #1 British skincare brand Elemis, for me, conjures up a vision of

Luxurious premium face and body products used in some of the most beautiful and exquisite salons and hotel Spas around the world.

It's also a brand that I've never really used before, other than a massage oil many years

ago, but recently I received three products that were gifted and not by the brand.

My eye area has always been an area of concern, so I'm always willing

to spend and try new eye products that speak to me and everything on the front of this

box piqued my interest.

Elemis

Pro-Collagen 

Advanced Eye Treatment

This anti-ageing eye serum forms part of a much wider range of Pro-Collagen products that ELEMIS have on offer and upon further investigation I discovered ELEMIS have an extensive collection of eye products including an eye mask, which I have bought and will

be including in my November reviews.

This advanced eye treatment targets the fine lines and wrinkles around the delicate eye area, smoothing skin for a more youthful appearance. 

Formulated with protein rich actives and a super active Padina Pavonica 

and Blue Flower Linseed that help tone and firm, whilst a sophisticated Amino Acid complex attracts and locks moisture deep into the skin. 

The combination of exceptional moisturisation and regeneration supports fragile skin without overloading it.

This fragrance free, weightless gel feels comfortable on the skin and it is lightweight and you can hardly tell that you have any product around the eye.

This anti-ageing eye serum is ideal for 30's + and can be used both morning and evening, however for my age I would recommend this product to be used daily in the morning and then I personally would use a heavier more active anti-ageing eye serum at night.

Unfortunately I was somewhat underwhelmed with this product for the first few weeks

of use and I was dreading writing this review, however I have done a full 180 on my

opinions, which again confirms that with most skincare products you have to give the product a good 8 weeks before forming a fair review and as you know I often only write my reviews after 12 weeks of daily use.

Initially I felt this product was one of those ineffective, notice no difference, type of eye products, I persevered and I started to notice, not with the deep lines, but with the fine lines, as they became way softer and without doubt, the skin under the eye took on a smoother appearance.

My only criticism of this product- is the nozzle - don't depress fully as you will dispense way too much product and it's not easy to slightly press it down, so I do feel that over the weeks I have wasted product.

Whilst I would recommend this eye product I personally wouldn't buy another,

as ELEMIS have so many other wonderful eye products that I would rather opt to

try something different.

Talking of something different I now have 6 ELEMIS products in my possession,

so expect more reviews in the future and as always they will be honest and properly

tested.

Elemis

Pro-Collagen 

Advanced Eye Treatment

15ml

R

1,075

£

46

$

68