GO AWAY 2020

Goodbye 2020 

there is nothing more that I can add to what has already been said 

other than 2020 you were crappy for so many people around the world.

You don't even deserve the pretty pink cake !

2020 will be remembered for the Coronovirus Pandemic, sickness, deaths, heartache, lockdowns, the wearing of face coverings, hand sanitisers 

and for not seeing our nearest and dearest for many weeks.

I can't help but look back and think that all the good wishes we sent out,

 365 days ago, were completely ignored and here we

 are on New Years Eve, yet again wanting to be positive and upbeat and wish 

our friends and family all the very best for 2021.

Alas we all know that much of the crappiness will spill over into 2021,

however, with that in mind my wishes are more heartfelt to you this year

 I want you and your families to be

Healthy and Safe 

in

On a more positive note I want to say a huge

Thank You

 to all that read my blog and followed me on other

 social media platforms I really do appreciate the support.

I have lots more planned when it comes to beauty product reviews

for 2021 and hopefully like me you find my blog to be a

 "Happy Place"

even if its only for the brief time that you read my reviews.

I also have a wonderful Giveaway planned for the New Year, so I'm

kicking the year off on a high, so stay tuned as I will announce

it in a couple of days.

 

CETAPHIL SUN SPF 50+ LOTION {REVIEW}

Suncream is, hands down, the most crucial skincare product to add to your daily 

regime, as suncreen helps to prevent premature ageing caused by the sun

and most importantly the use of a daily suncreen can help prevent the

formation of certain cancers.When selecting a suncreen always opt for 

a SPF 30+ or higher and one that is a broad spectrum 

(one that incorporates both UVA & UVB protectors)

It's that time of year "The Holidays" in South Africa, where the many sun 

creams are brought out from the depths of the cupboard and slathered 

over our children, hubbies and ourselves.

Firstly check to see if it still has a valid expiry date, as suncreams once opened

 can vary and last between 12 -36 months.

If a suncream smells rancid toss it.

I have a new one to try out this summer from the drugstore

Cetaphil Sun SPS 50+ Lotion 

and I can assure you its been needed with the long days of blue clear skies 

and temperatures rising to 30c+.

 

Here is a brief rundown of the Cetaphil brand:

Cetaphil® is a skincare brand recommended by dermatologists for over 70 years, 

and is still used today by millions of people with sensitive skin from all over

 the world.

The original product, called Cetaphil® Gentle Cleansing Lotion, was invented 

by a pharmacist in 1947 specifically for dermatological needs. 

The product quickly became popular, and today, generations later, it’s called Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser.

 While the name has changed, the formula has remained essentially the same

and Gentle Skin Cleanser remains a worldwide favourite and Cetaphil's

 best-selling product.

Cetaphil® today offers a product line that includes face and body moisturisers, cleansers, baby care, sun care and products for common skin issues and daily skincare. 

Across its different offerings, Cetaphil® is committed to providing users with effective yet gentle skincare formulas that strengthen and protect even the most sensitive skin.

The Cetaphil SPF 50+ contains:

Photostable UV filters that offer a highly effective UVA and UVB protection.

Liposomal lotion makes it possible to evenly spread sunscreen on face 

and body for high UV protection

Its also:

Hypoallergenic

Very water-resistant in both fresh water and saltwater

Fragrance free, paraben free

Suitable for sensitive skin

&

Won’t block pores

This high protection SPF has been a hit with the whole family for all 

the reasons above and I have a fussy bunch.

Being a lotion it is quite runny, spreads well yet doesn't leave

any greasy film on the skin and above all...none of us got sunburnt. 

I personally only used the lotion on my body as I have another high

SPF for my face, but i'm sure it works just as well.

As with all SPF's apply liberally 15-20 minutes before sun exposure.

Re-apply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or towelling. 

Avoid contact with eyes.

CETAPHIL

SUN 

SPF 50+

LOTION

200ml

R

249.95

Cetaphil products are available from both 

Clicks and Dischems 

countrywide

MOLTON BROWN HEAVENLY GINGERLILY BATH & SHOWER GEL {#TBT REVIEW}

Whilst scrolling through past posts, in search of a review or article to feature

 in my#tbt post, I came across this review on the Molton Brown

Heavenly Gingerlily Bath & Shower Gel, however upon re-reading it made

me feel sad for various reasons.

Despite only going back to 2012 (8yrs), it mentions 3 powerhouses on the 

South African beauty landscape that sadly are no longer with us.

1.

 Glossybox

 the international monthly subscription beauty box that just didn't

thrive in SA.

2.

Stuttafords 

the department store that had been around for over 100 years.

3.

Red Square

The stand alone beauty store arm of Edgars has recently closed and re-located

their beauty back into the Edgars stores.

On a brighter note I have re-purchased the Heavenly Gingerlily

Bath & Shower Gel several times along with many other of the fragrance

 variants and Molton Brown has become one of my favourite go-tos for 

luxurious indulgent bubbles.

*I have amended the price*

~~~~~~

Molton Brown has been available for over 2 years now in South Africa, but this quintessential British export has been "wowing" its followers worldwide for 

nearly 40 years....so what or who is Molton Brown?

The natural and alternate hairdressing salon opened in 1973 and took its 

name from the street it was situated on...Molton Street London. 

Soon the salon created their own natural hair & body products and as the

 saying goes "the rest is history".

Molton Brown consists of luxurious product ranges for the bath, body, hair, 

men, home, gifting and travel using the finest plant and marine extracts. 

Over 85% of their products are produced in England. 

Expertly created fragrance collections proudly hold a Royal Warrant for 

the supply of toiletries by appointment to Her Majesty the Queen.

Now available in 70 countries worldwide this brand remains proudly British!

I remember fondly of a trip to London in the late 70's as a trainee 

Beauty Therapist making a "beeline" for Molton Brown on Molton Street,

hoping to walk in and get an appointment to have my hair cut....

Oh dear! what naivety.

The reason for this post, is that way back in May I received an exclusive

 Stuttafords "Glossybox" that contained a travel size (30ml) of the

 Heavenly Gingerlily Bath & Shower Gel. 
I cannot believe this was lying in a drawer begging me to try it for 

over five months! 

What is so nice about the Molton Brown product line up, is that it extends to

several products with the same fragrance, so once you have found you're

favourite, it can truly fragrance your room or whole house.

Those that know me well, I am a lover of my bath much preferring it 

to a shower.

For me a Foam bath must be as much about the fragrance and it benefits, 

as the staying power and volume of the bubbles, as you can't have one 

without the other and all of these I found to be great in this product.

 

The name heavenly is also very apt, as the fragrance is absolutely heavenly,

escape to exotic beaches with fragrant lily, warming ginger and cardamom 

in this alluring bath and shower gel.

Paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan

No ingredient of animal origin

Would I buy it? Yes as the fragrance is far too "yummy" to resist...

MOLTON BROWN

HEAVENLY GINGERLILY

BATH & SHOWER GEL

300ml 

R

265

525

$

32

£

22

Molton Brown products are available in 

Stuttafords and selected Red Squares.

skinscosmetics

HUXLEY SECRET OF SAHARA CLEANSING GEL {REVIEW}

Having used the Huxley Cleansing Gel for the past week this gel-based cleanser lathers beautifully forming silky, ultra-fine bubbles that gently clean, leaving the skin feeling soft, hydrated and comfortable.

Key ingredients include;

 Cactus Extract and Sahara Prickly Pear Seed Oil

 which provide moisturisation and antioxidant benefits. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

retains water for superior skin moisturisation. 

Centella Asiatica Extract

 is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing ingredient

 Citrus extract 

cleans and smooths the skin.

 Betula Alba Bud Extract

 soothes the skin. 

Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types.

The cleanser comes with a pump dispenser, which I find always makes
life easier and you use in the normal way, small amount into the palm

of your hand, mix with water and work into a lather, gently massage

on the face and rinse with lukewarm water.

It efficiently removed my make-up, when used as a pre cleanse 

yet left my skin feeling soft (thanks to the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid

 when used as a morning/evening cleanser.

It's fragranced with the clean fresh signature scent of the 

Secret of Sahara range, which I like very much.

I found this gentle cleanser, on my normal to dry skin, to be ideal for

use during our hot humid summer, however I personally wouldn't use 

during the drier winter months.

 All products are vegan-friendly, Dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic

and Paraban free.

This is my second review on products from HUXLEY and so far I'm 

enjoying this Korean brand and I'm pleasantly impressed on all counts.

If you like to read my full review on the Huxley Glow Awakening Cream

Click Here

HUXLEY

SECRET OF SAHARA

200ML

R

530

$

20

 Huxley products are available exclusively in South Africa from

DERMASTORE

CLEAN RESERVE FRAGRANCE REVIEWS {#TBT REVIEW}

It was 12 months ago, to the date, that I originally wrote this review

on 3 Clean Reserve fragrances and our love for them has not diminished

in any way.

They are still the family faves and have been repurchased several times over.

 I hope this helps you to maybe find some new fragrance inspiration.

Clean Reserve fragrances are available exclusively in South Africa

at Skins Cosmetics

*N.B. Prices have been updated*

~~~~~~

Considering that the majority of my working career was spent with fragrance 

I very rarely do fragrance reviews, unless its something that really stands

 out as being different and a scent that I love.

I have found over the years that many fragrances are either re-hashed, 

re-named or smell "same old, same old" as I find myself so often saying 

"this reminds me of something"

but this certainly wasn't the case with my fragrance finds over this past year.

I was introduced to Clean Reserve via a beauty box that I picked up at 

Skins Cosmetics in Sandton back in April 2018 and not being a fragrance 

brand that I had heard of before I wasn't holding out too much hope

 of me liking, but how wrong could I be, as instantly fell in love.

Here's a brief overview of Clean Reserve:

Clean Reserve made its olfactory debut in 2015. The latest fragrance incarnation from the umbrella brand, Clean, it was devised in collaboration with three 

of the globe’s finest fragrance houses. 

The focus is firmly on sustainability – each artisanal blend is formulated 

using high-grade ingredients with impeccable eco-credentials. 

The brand’s ‘field to fragrance’ ethos champions the use of raw sustainables;

 from saffron to spiced herbs, wild moss, birch and patchouli. 

Add to this its 100% recyclable packaging and solar- energy powered production line and its eco-conscious attitude is clear. 

The Clean Reserve brand is also eco-friendly, with the benzoin harvested 

without damage to trees. 

The 10ml Deluxe spray, that I received was of the Warm Cotton, which I used sparingly until I was able to buy a 100ml size.

That 100ml sadly diminished way too quickly due to my hubby and my son discovering that they also loved this fresh clean fragrance.

  Clean Reserve Warm Cotton EDP, a light and refreshing perfume, 

which is ideal for everyday wear. 

The fragrance contains vetiver and benzoin, as well as ozonic, 

and hints of ginger, mint, and musk. 

The light floral hints in the perfume are ideal for summer days and evenings, 

for home and for holidays, and for any day you want to feel a little bit special.

 The comforting fragrance is both familiar and luxurious, created for easy 

layering and blending. 

On one of my overseas trips I discovered more fragrances from the brand

 and that's when I found my favourite fragrance of all time and I''m 

about to open my 2nd bottle...

Clean Reserve Citroen Fig EDP is a beautifully-blended perfume that you 

can layer with other fragrances in the range to create your own, unique scent. 

There are top notes of fig, ginger, and lemon oil that will bring you an immediate citrus burst. This is followed by the middle notes of cardamom, mint, copaiba, 

and mandarin, while the base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, and musk

 will ensure that you have an exotic scent to last throughout the day.

Clean Reserve Rain EDP This fragrance is reminiscent of the rainforest

 and evokes memories of the clean air after a rainfall. 

The perfume has been created from ingredients such as white flowers, 

bergamot, vetiver, and patchouli. 

The lightness of this fragrance makes it perfect for both men and women. 

The natural ambiance of this perfume also makes it a good choice for 

when you want your perfume to complement you rather than overpower you.

We now find ourselves being a Clean Reserve family, as I use the Citroen Fig, 

my hubby uses Warm Cotton and the youngest 'Kiddiewink" uses Rain

 and best of all we can create more fragrance options by layering with other fragrances in the Clean Reserve range and creating a unique fragrance.

 So if you are looking for something different, something more "niche" where fragrance is concerned and you have the opportunity to try the selection on offer from Clean Reserve then do, 

as like me and the rest of my family I think you could be pleasantly surprised.

Clean Reserve 

EDP

100ml

R

2085

2385

$

98

£

82

SUNDAY SAMPLE

Having previously tried and reviewed a korean beauty product
from the skincare brand Huxley, I'm excited to put another Huxley

product to the test in the form of their

Secret of Sahara Cleansing Gel.

 To read my full review on the Glow Awakening Cream 

This hydrating and soothing cleansing gel is best suited for

normal, combination and oily skin, which isn't ideal for my skin type,

however for use in summer, when my skin is more normal,

it will be fine.

Pop back next Sunday to read my thoughts on this cleansing gel...

LUSH SNOW FAIRY BODY CONDITIONER {#TBT REVIEW}

I thought it would be appropriate to post a TBT post on the

Snow Fairy Body conditioner from everyones favourite store 

Lush

Snow Fairy is a range that is limited to the festive season, it often 

sells out extremely quickly and I'm sure this year is no exception.

~~~~~~

As you can see from a couple of my posts this past month I'm 

a little obsessed with the Limited Edition collection of Snow Fairy products

 from Lush, and I for one are excited that they've added more products

to the range this year.

I doubt that you can still buy very much, either in store or order online, 

from the Snow Fairy range, as it generally comes out around the end of October

 and is usually sold out well before Christmas, 

but it's certainly one to remember for next year if you like

a sweet candy floss, bubble gum type of scent.

(Body Conditioners are available in several fragrances) 

I stocked up on my faves and purchased some of the 

new products including the

Snow Fairy Body Conditioner

Snow Fairy is not everyones "cup of fragrance", however it's hugely popular 

and has a loyal band of worldwide followers, which includes me since 

last Christmas and now I've even got my BFF hooked.

It was my Birthday this week and amongst my pressies were a couple more

Snow Fairy products, so expect reviews to follow.

To read my previous reviews:

Shower Gel Review

Naked Shower Gel Review

Containing Cocoa & Mango Butter for skin softening and conditioning

 and Avocado Butter for hydrating and nourishing you can be assured this

product as its name suggests conditions the body.

I mustn't forget the all important Cherry Infusion that creates a

sweet, fruity yet luxurious fragrance that I adore...

I've always been slightly indifferent to "In shower" body moisturising type

products, since trying one from Nivea several years ago, which was

a huge fail for me. Nivea In Shower Body moisturiser Review

Lush Body Conditioners are to be used, like you would use a hair conditioner

after washing your hair. 

It's the final stage of showering, to condition and moisturise your skin.

I don't vigorously rinse off the product, but rather just let the water

gently rinse over me at the end of my shower.

I believe that you can just apply to wet skin once you've finished showering and 

massage the shimmering pink cream into your skin and leave to air dry.

I haven't yet tried this way, but I will for sure.

This product is flexible in its application and it took me a couple of uses to

estimate just how much I needed to apply, in order to achieve that

 conditioned feel rather than a greasy, sticky one.

(Thankfully Lush have made me a convert to the virtues of this

format of "in shower" moisturisers)

As with all Lush products you can create a more intense fragrance by 

 layering your products.

With using the Snow Fairy shower gel and then the body conditioner your skin

is undoubtedly scented with a beautiful veil of Snow Fairy sweetness 

that I just 

LOVE

As always Lush products are not tested on animals and contain natural

or safe synthetic ingredients.

Lush

 Snow Fairy 

Body Conditioner

225g

R

285

(12/2020)

JO MALONE LONDON WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT COLOGNE {REVIEW}

Who doesn't love JO MALONE LONDON, I adore

the whole Georgian London Townhouse vibe along with the now iconic 

luxe cream boxes with black ribbon, yet

despite having a huge selection of fragrances to choose from I, personally, have 

really struggled over the years to find a scent to fall in love with.

Having spent many years dealing with the marketing of fragrances, I

find that I'm really under whelmed by so many and impressed by so few.

Perhaps what I'm trying to say is, I'm picky when it comes to fragrance.

Not having a Jo Malone boutique in KZN I often made a bee-line for

the counters in Duty Free and the boutiques on my travels, but sadly

I just couldn't find THE ONE.

That was until a couple of years ago when I discovered one of my

all time fave fragrances ever...Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne.

There's a back story to this fragrance, as I dismissed it from the onset

of my search, due to the name and I convinced myself that I wouldn't

be the ONE for me, so didn't even give it a spritz.

How wrong I was, as it proved to be THE ONE and was my first 

Jo Malone fragrance.

Earl Grey & Cucumber Review

Recently I found my 2nd Jo Malone scent in the form of

Wood Sage & Sea Salt

and dare I admit to this, but again I dismissed it, as I really didn't

think I would like it due to the ingredients.

How could I make the same mistake twice, so in future even if I don't like 

the name of a fragrance I will try it first and hopefully I'll discover some

new fragrance likes.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne arrived on the fragrance scene in September 2014 accompanied with a perfumed body care collection. 

 Complex Ingredients include ambrette seed, sea salt and sage, along with red algae and grapefruit. Sea air is mixed with salty and mineral texture of sand and stones and the scent of driftwood adds a natural and fresh sophistication.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne was created with the intention to evoke the

 feeling of pleasure, freedom and escape into nature, inspired by the unique character 

and quality of British beach. 

As with many Jo Malone fragrances, fragrance pairing is encouraged

 and this fragrance can be mixed with

 Lime Basil & Mandarin or Nectarine Blossom & Honey eau de cologne.

As I always say fragrance is a very personal choice and that's why it's so

important to try on your skin to see how it develops and finally settles.

I personally buy the smallest size initially, generally 30ml and then move

 onto to purchase the more economical 50ml or 100ml sizes.

Both the Earl Grey & Cucumber and the Wood Sage & Sea Salt are lighter

Citrus/Woody/Aromatic fragrances and for me are ideal for daily Summer wear.

Both are unisex and my hubby also is partial to a spritz of

Wood Sage & Sea Salt...

It's taken me several years of perseverance with Jo Malone fragrances, 

but I feel the wait was worth it, as I Love both of my choices.

JO MALONE

WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT

COLOGNE

30ML/100ML

R

995/2100

£

50/100

$

72/142

Please let me know in the comments below as to which are your favourite

Jo Malone scents.

INOAR RESISTANCE LOTUS FLOWER OIL {REVIEW}

Last week I posted my review on the 

Inoar Resistance Lotus Super Ampoule Review

and this week its the turn of another of their newly released products the

Inoar Résistance Lotus Flower Oil 

The Lotus Flower is composed of plant ingredients that penetrate deep 

into the hair fibre and gives back its natural moisture. 

It strengthens, repairs, realigns, reduces frizz, and restores hair health & shine.

My preferred way of use is to massage a very small amount into the palms

of my hands and apply to freshly washed and blowdried hair focusing on the

ends to give extra moisture and to smooth those damaged, frizzy ends.

It may seem like a small bottle, but don't be fooled, as this tiny 

divine smelling package

packs a powerful punch of all round hair goodness.

This product is:

Cruelty Free

Vegan

Botanical

Sulfate Free

Paraben Free

Inoar

 Résistance Lotus Flower Oil

7ml

R

130 

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {DECEMBER 2020}

 How have we arrived at the last month of the year so soon, it only seems like

the other day that we were in a National Lockdown for 5 weeks

and that was way back at the end of March.

Personally I always find that once we hit September the time seems to 

race towards the end of the year and I don't think there will be many

that can honestly say that they're not glad to see the back of 2020. 

I have three products under review this month and one is an all important 

sun product for us in the Southern Hemisphere, a highly popular fragrance

and a much raved about overnight hair mask.

CETAPHIL SUN SPF 50+ 

is for both face and body and it's the perfect time to try out a new

 sun cream that the whole family can use.

It's  formulated to be both water-resistant in both freshwater 

and saltwater, it's suitable for sensitive skins, non greasy and suitable

 to be worn under make-up.

It is also easily available at Dischem countrywide and affordable.

Over the Summer months we will be spending more time at

home and around the pool than usual and this 200ml tube will be

 on hand for all.

I will give you all the families feedback in an upcoming review.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

 

JO MALONE LONDON 

WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT COLOGNE

is my 

fragrance of the moment and I will be bringing you more details on this

 fragrance during the course of the month, as I fell in love with it

from the first spritz.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

PERCY & REED WONDER OVERNIGHT MASK 

I received this 50ml size last 

year in a Beauty Advent Calendar and I'm only now getting around to 

trying it out. I don't think I have ever tried an overnight hair mask 

previously so this should be interesting, as I'm always concerned 

about having a greasy

 mess on my face and pillowcase.

Check back soon to see how I get on...

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

 

ZELENS TRANSFORMER INSTANT RENEWAL MASK {REVIEW}

Last Sunday I was away on a road trip to the Cape region and it was whilst

I was away I put my sample of the 

ZELENS TRANSFORMER INSTANT RENEWAL MASK 

to the test and the clue as to how good this mask is, is in the name, as it was

TRANSFORMING

This unparalleled anti-aging mask was developed by Dr. Marko Lens for his 

tailor-made "Red Carpet" facials, so I was expecting something special

from this mask and it certainly didn't disappoint, far from it, as it exceeded

all my expectations and coming from me that's quite some praise...

This hi-tech mask encourages skin renewal with immediately visible results. Powered with a potent complex of high-performance ingredients, this advanced multi-action mask hydrates, energises, replenishes and revives the skin.

The fortified cocktail combines hyaluronic acid 

(a naturally occurring component of skin tissue) 

and sesame protein to plump and tighten the skin, diminishing the appearance

 of lines and wrinkles, 

with seaweed complex and fatty acid-rich pearl extract for reinforced moisture

 and a radiant glow. 

Intensely moisturising, your skin will feel smooth and velvety with enhanced elasticity, restored vitality and a healthy, youthful glow.

I managed to squeeze 2 applications out of my sample and whilst I cannot

comment on any longterm benefits, the immediate visible results have 

sold me on this product.

My skin felt softer than its ever felt, it felt firmer and had a noticeably youthful glow, SIMPLY I'm hooked on this multi-tasking gem.

It truly is unique and like no other mask I have ever applied previously.

Application
Apply generously to cleansed face, neck and décolleté, avoiding the eye area. 

Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. 

Use one to three times a week or as required.

Zelens products are extensively tested for safety and efficacy by renowned independent laboratories. Zelens uses no animal testing and no animal ingredients. Zelens uses no parabens, Zelens is committed to eco-responsibility.

Zelens is fast becoming one of my favourite skincare brands, but sadly

for me each product has to go onto my Wish List

To read my previous reviews

ZELENS

TRANSFORMER

RENEWAL MASK

50mls

R

2250

$

205

£

100

Available exclusively in South Africa at

MetroCosmetics