BATISTE DRY SHAMPOO VS COLAB DRY SHAMPOO {TBT APRIL 2020}

There is no doubt that Dry Shampoos have an important place in many

 "hair lives" and they have improved greatly over the years.

In South Africa the selection on offer is also far greater than when I originally wrote

this post back in February 2016 and since then I have also found a "New" favourite.

I recently discovered the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, which is now permanently 

on my overseas shopping list, as you can't buy Living Proof in South Africa.

Between the more affordable dry shampoos available my review below on batiste and COLAB remain the same. 

*Please note that prices quoted below may have changed*

~~~~~~

Dry Shampoos are a quick and convenient way of getting soft, clean and fresh smelling hair, without water and whilst I don't regularly use one, I always have one on hand to help rescue me and my hair, on that day where, I just knew, I should have made the time to wash it. 

When sprayed directly onto hair the waterless formulation penetrates and absorbs dirt and any other cosmetic product. A gentle rub of the scalp and brush of the hair removes impurities to leave hair soft, clean, fresh and revitalized. Great to use in between washes or after gym.

The Dry Shampoo really evolved as many, many years ago women used talcum powder on their scalp and hair to absorb excess oil and grease.Thankfully we now have a Dry Shampoo in a can!

Klorane Dry Shampoo

My dry shampoo of choice has always been one from the French Botanical hair care brand - Klorane (150ml approx €9), but unfortunately for several years now it's not been available here in South Africa meaning that it was always a permanent item on my overseas holiday shopping list. Obviously I must have been having more "hair rescue" days this past 10 months than I realised, as I have now been forced to look into a locally available dry shampoo.

Not having a great selection to choose from it was pretty much down to two brands in my local Clicks, batiste and the recently launched (in SA) COLAB, so I thought I would review and compare them both and bring you my findings.

COLAB Dry Shampoo & batiste Dry Shampoo

batiste:

Available sizes : 50ml / 200ml

Price Range : R39.95 - R79.95

Batiste have several options to chose from, which include fragranced, volume and hints of colour dry shampoos, I opted for the Blush -A Floral and Flirty fragrance, only because the Classic and Clean was out of stock, personally I prefer to opt for a subtle or non-fragranced version.

My Opinion :

Initially I was shocked with the force of the dry shampoo spray, it really blasts powder onto the hair and scalp. I also found it to be very white and powdery even on my blonde hair, so it must be a nightmare on dark hair. Whilst it absorbed any oil, I found it to be marginally one step up from sprinkling a fine talcum powder onto my hair and doing it the "old fashioned" way. 

COLAB :

Available sizes : 50ml / 200ml

Price Range : R49.95 - R89.95

COLAB have two collections on offer, the Sheer + Invisible (sheer, invisible and weightless formula) and the Extreme Collection (volume ,height and body). I bought the Sheer + Invisible LONDON - A classic yet contemporary fragrance of bergamot, musk & magnolia.

My Opinion :

Again the spray was quite forceful, but as COLAB say their formula is lightweight and invisible and it was. I enjoyed using even though I found its ability to adsorb any oil not to maybe be as good as the Batiste, after saying that I would without a doubt chose the more sophisticated "grown up" COLAB Dry Shampoo as opposed to the girly "teenage" Batiste Dry Shampoo.

Is the Klorane Dry Shampoo being struck off my overseas shopping list? 

No not yet and it just means that on my next trip 2 cans will be bought!

Available from

 www.clicks.co.za

ALPHA H LIQUID GOLD ROSE {REVIEW}

Over the last 7 years of blogging I very occasionally find a blogpost that
just got lost in the depths of a Draft Folder and this is what happened with my
review on the Alpha H Liquid Gold.
 Even though I had finished the review, for some unexplained reason, its never seen 
the light of day, so here is what I thought of this product back then...

~~~~~~

The ALPHA H LIQUID GOLD
with Glycolic Acid is a product that I've been longing to try for some time and 
the Marks & Spencer's Beauty Advent Calendar made it happen with a 50ml
Limited Edition Liquid Gold Rose 25th Anniversary release.
I'm a huge fan of using a daily glycolic Acid to gently exfoliate, resurface 
and brighten the skin.
My go-to has been the PIXI GLOW TONIC  To read my full review  some time now, 
so I'm curious to see how it compares.

Proudly Australian owned and operated, the multi award winning Alpha-H resurfacing 

treatment is now a global phenomenon, 
stocked in over 25 countries including prestige clinics, exclusive day spas,
 and cosmetic giants Sephora and Marks & Spencer.
Considered a global leader in corrective and preventative skincare, 
Alpha-H creates revolutionary cosmeceutical formulations, which help bridge
 the gap between the beauty counter and invasive treatments. 

The Alpha H Liquid Gold is without doubt the most well known
product in their line-up. It works as a toner, exfoliator, serum and moisturiser
all in one. I personally used it as a toner/exfoliator and still used my regular
serum and moisturiser.

Containing 5% nature-derived glycolic acid (it comes from sugar cane), 
this overnight treatment harnesses the cell-stimulating and exfoliating properties 
of alpha hydroxy acids, which melt the 'glue' that binds dulling dead cells to 
skin's surface, revealing the healthy 'new' skin cells beneath. 
 A "must-have" for anyone concerned with skin ageing, sun damage or problem skin conditions.

 Apply with a dampened cotton pad, once a week for 2-3 weeks while skin acclimatises and
 apply evenly over the face, neck and decollete, avoiding your eye and lip area. 
 Build up to 3 'neat' applications a week, for maximum anti-ageing and 
skin-brightening benefit.
Can be used by all ages and skin types (even sensitive)
Cruelty Free and suitable for Vegetarians.
For an intensive treatment leave on overnight without applying a night cream 
over the top.(sadly I didn't use it this way and wished I had)
Always use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least factor 15 when using 
resurfacing products.

I can fully understand the hype around this product and I wasn't too happy

when my 50ml promo size came to an end, as it seemed to deliver on all that it

 promises, bearing in mind that I only had 50mls.

Despite the pricing being considerably more than my beloved PIXI GLOW TONIC

I personally can't justify the difference in the pricing to use on a regular basis

and it's unfortunately only available in a 100ml size, so its back to my

PIXI...

ALPHA H

LIQUID GOLD

100ml

R

Not Available in SA

£

33.50

$

62

RECENT BEAUTY EMPTIES {APRIL 2020}

Since posting my last recent empties back in the middle of February I have

sadly finished  3 skincare products and it will come as no surprise 

that I would highly recommend them all...

As always click on the Pink Links below for more detailed product info.

*Please note that some prices may have changed from the ones advertised 

in my original reviews*

 1.

The StriVectin

Advanced Glow

I must admit my skin and I are missing its daily swipe over with this toner.

I really do miss the gentleness and the softness of this product, since reverting 

back to another daily "Glow" type toner.

You will find all the product details, plus my thoughts on this StriVectin Gem

To read my full review

~~~~~~

2.

Avène

Thermal Spring Water

I'm not sure if I have ever included the Avène Thermal Water spray in a

"Recent Empties" post before, but I have used so many over the last 6 or 7 years,

that I feel that in itself, speaks volumes about this natural soothing, calming,

Thermal Water spray.

Needless to say it's a "must Have" skincare product for me and the family and I 

wouldn't like to be without one.

However I do find now find myself without one due to the COVID 19 lockdown.

To read my full review

~~~~~~

3.

ELEMIS

Rehydrating

Rosepetal Cleanser

My original review included both the ELEMIS Cleanser and the Rehydrating Ginseng Toner.

Being a cleansing milk kinda girl, I thoroughly enjoyed this cleanser and particularly

the pump dispenser, which without doubt helps you to control the amount used.

Ideal for dry, mature and dehydrated skins it was everything I expected from

a premium skincare brand and didn't disappoint in any way.

To read my full review

THE ORDINARY HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5 {REVIEW} {TBT APRIL 2020}

After having tried 4 products from The Ordinary there was only one that

I've repurchased regularly since writing these reviews back in 2018 and thats

the AHA 30% +BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

To read all 4 of my reviews click on the Pink Link below.

The product that I didn't get along with was the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

which this review is about and again my opinion hasn't changed, yet I still

hear so many raving about its wonders...

*Please note that prices may have changed to the ones quoted below*

~~~~~~

Having already posted 3 of my 4 reviews on The Ordinary products that

 I bought last year, I thought it was about time I posted my opinions

on their Hyaluronic Acid 2% +B5.

This post has been sitting in my drafts folder for months, not because I'd

forgotten about it,like I have on occasion,it was due to me wanting to give this 

serum another chance to impress me...

I don't think I have given any product so many 2nd chances as this one.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Initially I didn't enjoy it, but after reading so many glowing reports I re-visited

it several times, hoping that I would see and experience what

others were raving about.

Just to give you a brief overview of Hyaluronic Acid in general and why it's hailed 

as the "wonder" ingredient.

It naturally occurs in the body and has the ability to hold 

1000 times its own weight in water.

This gentle Humectant ingredient has the ability to draw moisture into the 

skins cells and retain hydration throughout the day, whilst also 

preventing moisture loss.

As the skin cells are plumped up (similar to a sponge absorbing water)

it not only gives the skin a more plumped and hydrated appearance 

but more importantly for me it quickly smooths out fine lines.

Hyaluronic Acid is amazing because it can be used by all skin types 

and ages and should be included in everyones skin care regimes,

including oily skin types.

All skins benefit from hydration...

It can also be used alongside other ingredients like Vitamin C,AHA's and Retinols.

I personally have always seen the benefits of using either HA serums or

products that include HA and I know my skin responds well to its inclusion,

unfortunately I found this particular brand to be rather underwhelming.

The Ordinary HA 2% is combined with Vitamin B5 which 

enhances surface hydration.

The Ordinary do however have a side note about HA on their website;

" Hyaluronic Acid is found in the skin naturally but its natural function within the skin is not hydration. Many products have used HA to claim hydration benefits, but HA is too large of a molecule to penetrate the skin and instead sits on the surface and can draw moisture out of the skin making the surface feel soft and hydrated temporarily. This formula uses three forms of HA with varying molecular weights, as well as an HA crosspolymer, to offer multi-depth hydration and visible plumping without drawing water out of the skin solely to improve temporary surface hydration".

I was aware of the above "almost reversal" effect that some HA products can

have on hydration, yet I've personally not experienced it with any others, 

however this was one of the reasons that I don't like this product from 

The Ordinary.

I found the texture of this oil free, water based gel serum to be smooth

when I initially applied, but it soon turned

extremely tacky and sticky after a minute or so of application.

This serum can be used AM & PM either alone or under moisturisers.

Now I always advocate the "Less is More" approach to product application,

so I adjusted the amount I applied several times, but nothing seemed to

make any difference in terms of the feel on my skin.

Not only did I not enjoy the texture, but my skin seemed to feel drier with use,

exactly what The Ordinary said (in their side note above)

of other competitors products incorporating HA.

The Ordinary is a no frills, affordable line of skincare, which I'm all for,

I found the product though to be rather simple and unpolished and personally

 I'm not wanting to comprise on the effectiveness of a product, 

just for a cheap price.

After saying all of the above,you can't really afford not to give

this product a try, as it could just work wonders for your skin...

I was obviously "missing something" about this product, but that's what's great

about this industry

 "every skin is different" 

Having now completed all 4 reviews on my experiences with 

The Ordinary products I'm very happy to have finally moved this last review from

my drafts folder...

To read my previous reviews on The Ordinary

THE ORDINARY 

HYALURONIC ACID 2% + B5

30ml

R

240

Available in SA via 3rd Party websites

£

5.90

$

10.90

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of

The Ordinary 

products and what you think...

FENTY BEAUTY FULL FRONTAL VOLUME AND CURL MASCARA {REVIEW}

As always, when I review a product from a brand for the first time I

like to give you some background to that brand and whilst I'm sure most of us

have heard of Rihanna the singer but what about her beauty brand

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna

Fenty Beauty (stylized as FEИTY BEAUTY) is a cosmetics brand launched in 

September 2017 by singer Rihanna. 

The brand is popular for its broad inclusivity across skin tones and gender,

 especially its Pro Filt'R foundation.

The original foundation launch included 40 shades, since expanded to 50. 

The inclusion of Fenty Beauty concealer includes 50 shades offering a wide variety 

to all skin types. 

The intent behind having so many shades to offer is to differentiate from other 

makeup companies that do not cater to a broad market. 

Fenty Beauty was named one of Time magazine's best inventions of 2017.

As you can imagine this new beauty kid on the block has been a huge success and

whilst I'm not normally attracted to "Celebrity" brands

her latest mascara launch caught my eye at the end of 2109

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Full Frontal Volume,

Lift & Curl Mascara

"The ultimate do-it-all mascara designed for a fully exposed lash look, featuring an exclusive flat-to-fat brush that instantly volumizes, lifts, lengthens, and curls.

Get full-on lashes like never before with Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara. Designed to deliver Rihanna’s full lash look, Full Frontal’s do-it-all formula is clinically proven* to volumize, lengthen, lift & curl lashes, exposing every little lash with eye-opening definition"

WoW who doesn't want full-on eyelashes like Rihanna? and being a bit of a"mascara junkie" my interest was piqued and it was soon added to my 
"Beauty Radar" list and I was lucky to be in Dubai earlier this year and SEPHORA obliged me with this indulgence of a mascara.

The outer packaging is immediately appealing, as is the black and rose gold wand.The product has a quality look and feel to it, which I was happy to see. 

Full Frontal’s lightweight, ultra black formula was specifically paired with an exclusive flat-to-fat brush:  

The FAT side holds max product to quickly load and lift lashes. Use the FAT side to load and lift, wiggling at the base of your lashes to build volume.

The FLAT side defines and curls and thanks to the round, pointed tip.Use the FLAT side to comb through and define, curl, and separate. 

Finally use the pointed tip to coat the hardest-to-reach lashes in the inner corners.

Initially I fiddled around trying to use the FAT side and then the FLAT side,

but to be honest I soon fell into the habit of just picking up the wand and applying

as I would any other mascara.

Full Frontal does build easily giving you plenty of playtime to layer, define, separate and whatever it is you need to do to create the look you want without being clumpy

or thick on the lashes.

I found it to be longwearing, smudgeproof, water-resistant and is 100% Cruelty Free.

Whilst I enjoyed using this Jet black mascara and loved both the effect and look of my lashes, when I took the time with application, I can't say that it gave my lashes any extra volume, curl or definition than some of my other favourite mascaras.

I have compiled a list of My Top 5 Mascaras, with full reviews, if you want to check out which mascaras I recommend.

The bottom line:

This mascara is without doubt good and delivers on its claims, however it does

 come in quite pricey (especially now with the Rand exchange rate)

 and I'm not sure that you are getting a better product than 

several of the great L'Oréal mascaras that I rave about and they all come in at a

more budget friendly price.

However if you are a Rihanna devotee then this mascara won't disappoint.

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna 
Full Frontal Volume,Lift & Curl Mascara

R

N/A in SA

$

24


£
21