BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {JULY 2020}

I have four products that I'll be focusing my attention on this month, three have been around for

 some time whilst the one product is a very recent launch.

I have two hair products and two skincare products to try and test for you

and my reviews will be posted throughout the upcoming days and weeks.

1.

I was kindly sent the 

BioNike SHINE ON Restructuring Conditioner 

to review and I'm always up for trying out a variety of hair products.

I have previously reviewed several of the BioNike skin and body care products,

 but never their hair products, so I'm keen to put this one to the test.

Formulated for damaged and dry hair making it the perfect choice for my hair,

 as I've recently reverted back to having blonde streaks, after a couple of years

with having none, so this product send was ideal timing.

2.

The following product, from one of my favourite drugstore brands, is a new launch

and it appealed to me immediately.

Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel

is an All-In-One skincare product that counteracts dehydration, soothes and 

detoxifies the skin.

Formulated for all skin types that experience dehydration and sensitivity.

What appealed to me greatly was the fact that this product can be applied all

over the face including the eye area, either during the day or it can be used 

in the evening all over the face and eye area in a thicker layer and left overnight

as a face/eye mask.

I have high hopes for this multi-tasking product and cannot wait to report back

 to you with my findings, as I will use it in a variety of

ways and let you know if it's a "must have" skincare product.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

3.

During Lockdown I have, without doubt, neglected my hair as I haven't been

washing it as often as I normal do, due to nothing more than laziness and I have 

relied on Dry Shampoos more than ever. 

Not wanting to use up all of the stash of my favourite Dry Shampoo ever, 

the Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo To read my full review

I am wanting to try a find a good local brand of Dry Shampoo and I settled for the

Sorbet Drybar Chic and Quick Dry Shampoo

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

4.

I am, and have been since I was in my early 20's, a huge fan of skin exfoliation 

and I have exfoliated my skin weekly for the past 40 years.

I bang on about this so often in my blogs, but I'll mention it again

Exfoliation is the key to good skin and is the most important product

 in your skincare regime, yet its one that's most often overlooked.

The Dermatologist developed 

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish

has been highly praised and I was curious to try and whilst it's not the cheapest

of products I'm happy to spend where exfoliators, serums and eye products 

are concerned.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

Drop in the comments box below if you have tried any of the above and

let me know your thoughts...

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {MAY & JUNE 2020}

Yikes another two months have passed and it's time for yet another of my

 Monthly Favourites post.

Again I have a mixed bag of "faves" that include a candle, bath, lip, eye products

and a facial roller and don't forget to click on the Pink Links below to

read my full reviews on all of this months favourite products.

1.& 2.

RITUALS

RITUALS OF AYURVEDA

FOAM BATH & SCENTED CANDLE

I have fallen head over heels in love with the Dutch health and wellbeing brand

 RITUALS and especially

with the RITUAL OF AYURVEDA collection of products.

Inspired by the ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda or “science of life,” the collection is characterised by a delicate fragrance of Indian rose with Himalaya honey 

and sweet almond oil.

I'm already fearing the day when both of these products are finished, as I know they

 won't be easy to get hold of anymore, but they literally make me happy when I use.

To read my full review

~~~~~~

3.

RODIAL 

DRAGON'S BLOOD 

EYE MASK

I have a slight fascination with RODIAL as a brand, as they have some wonderful 

 products that I want to investigate further.

Having tried a mascara of theirs, that I wasn't too impressed with, their skincare

on the other hand has impressed me and none more so than this eye mask.

I've had this in my mask collection for such a long time and I'm now cross with

myself that I didn't try it sooner than I did.

For me it did everything it claimed it would do and more and it's already on my

re-purchase list.

To read my full review

~~~~~~

4.

SEPHORA

ROSE QUARTZ

FACIAL MASSAGER/ROLLER

After being slightly sceptical, as I often am about beauty gadgets, this proved

me wrong and I cannot believe how much I adore my cooling Rose Quartz roller.

I am still using daily and it's incorporated into my beauty regime, so easily

and nicely. I highly recommend, but as always gadgets only work with continued

use and for me that doesn't seem to be a problem yet...

To read my full review

~~~~~~

4.

LABELLO

CRAYON

LABELLO Crayons 

are newly launched and instantly provide your lips with high colour coverage, yet its 

unique moisturizing formula instantly melts into your lips and keeps

 them moisturized, with a long-lasting effect.

I have since purchased another shade and despite reviewing a couple of

high end Lip Balms over the past two months, they haven't made it onto this list whilst 

the more affordable Labello has.

To read my mini review

VIKTOR&ROLF FLOWERBOMB #TBT REVIEW

I lifted out of my sample jar a VIKTOR&ROLF vial to review as part of

my Sunday Sample post only to realise that I had already reviewed this fragrance back 

in October 2017.

My opinions on this fragrance unfortunately haven't changed from what 

I originally thought...

*Prices may have changed*

~~~~~~

It's surprising how many spritzes you can get out of a 2ml vial fragrance spray, which meant that I used my FLOWERBOMB Eau de Parfum sample from designers VIKTOR&ROLF several times during the past week.

Initially I wasn't a fan of the heady whirlwind mix of Gourmand and floral top notes, which I found to be quite intense and sweet, so it didn't do it for me, but then on the dry down I did somewhat enjoy the softness of the Freesia, Rose, Patchouli and then the linger of Amber and Musk.

Created in 2005 FLOWERBOMB is classified as an Oriental/Warm fragrance and therefore develops better in a colder climate and I found it to be too heady and intense even in the Durban winter. 

Despite having a loyal fan base worldwide, its beautiful bottle and delicate pink packaging this fragrance just wasn't for me, but if you're a fan of FLOWERBOMB notes then this could be one to consider, so next time you're passing a fragrance counter give yourself a spritz.

Top Notes:

Bergamot

Mandarin

Middle Notes:

Jasmine

Osmanthus

Freesia

Rose

Base Notes:

Deep Amber

Patchouli

Warm Vanilla

VIKTOR&ROLF FLOWERBOMB 

30ml EDP Spray

R1,107.00

R1,730.00

£52

$85

Available from selected Red Squares and online

RODIAL DRAGON'S BLOOD EYE MASK {REVIEW}

This review is so overdue, as I included this product in my

 Beauty Products Currently Under Review post

way back in May 2018 and I have only very recently put it to the test.

Luckily they hadn't expired!

The Dragon's Blood Eye Mask from Rodial 

has been a fave of many beauty editors and celebs for sometime now and 

it promises to revive, awaken and refresh tired eyes.

My current "can't live without" eye mask for several years now and especially for travel has been the

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask

to read my full review

This eye mask from Rodial sounds right up my beauty street and knowing how I love a good eye mask, during flights more than any other time, let's see if this one could in fact 

become my new travel companion (once we can travel again)...

These innovative gel eye masks have been 

formulated to provide intense hydration to the delicate eye area and provide an immediate 

de-puff and cooling effect to help the eyes look instantly 

brighter and more alert. 

The list of active ingredients below look highly promising.

Dragon's Blood: 

(Not blood from a Dragon, but rather from the Croton Lechleri tree)

Lifts, firms and smooths skin while reducing redness and inflammation.

Hyaluronic Acid:

 Provides longlasting hydration, while plumping the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Arnica Extract:

 Reduces under-eye puffiness and dark circles. 

Bio-cellulose: 

Deeply hydrating.

Unfortunately I didn't find them the easiest of masks to use and I found them a little sticky and tricky to handle and it's somewhat of a skill to prevent them from 

folding over and sticking back onto themselves.

Also try to position correctly first time and try not to re position whilst on the skin.

Instructions for Use:

Remove each eye mask from the plastic sheet and apply bio-cellulose mask

 directly to the under eye area on cleansed skin. 

Place narrow side towards the nose, wide side to outer corner of the eye. 

Remove the second protective fabric sheet. 

Leave on for 20-30 minutes and peel away.

 Gently massage any residue into skin. 

Discard mask after use.

I found the eye masks to be drenched in serum and there was plenty left in the 

sachet to use for a couple more applications, obviously without the actual eye mask.

(Just re-seal the sachet well)

Once applied the Bio-Cellulose technology which acts like a second skin, seemed to almost blend into the skin as opposed to sitting on the surface, which was a nice feature.The eye mask was extremely cooling and as its infused with Dragon's Blood Complex it intensely moisturised and de-puffed the skin around the eye area, even if the skin is sensitive.

My fatigued eyes were definitely feeling more perky after use, the skin also looked brighter and felt comforted, cooled and refreshed. I would highly recommend and without hesitation I'd re-purchase.

One last note:

Would the Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Mask be travelling with me in future? Sadly NO and that's not due to any poor performance of the product, but it has more to do with the issue of tricky application making it not ideal during a long haul flight especially.

So for now Estée remains my "travel partner".

RODIAL

DRAGON'S BLOOD 

EYE MASK

5g

1 Mask/8 Masks

R

N/A in SA

£

6/39

$

12/49

DOLCE & GABBANA POUR FEMME {REVIEW}

Last week on my Sunday Sample post I was going to review two female fragrance 

samples for you during this past week and post my reviews today...

However after spraying the VIKTOR&ROLF FLOWERBOMB sample I realised that

 I had tried the scent before and after a quick look back on my website

 I discovered that I had reviewed the V&R Flowerbomb back in October 2017, 

so I've decided to post that full review this coming Thursday as my #TBT Post, 

so check back then to read about my thoughts a, that by the way haven't changed.

The second sample was the DOLCE & GABBANA POUR FEMME EDP and you'll be

pleased to know that I haven't reviewed this one before or at least I don't think I

have, just checked and I haven't...

DOLCE & GABBANA 

have quite an extensive collection of both male & female fragrances and perhaps their most popular is their D&G Light Blue, which is personally one of my favourite

D&G fragrances due to its fresh, floral, fruity notes reminiscent of the 

Mediterranean lifestyle.

DOLCE & GABBANA Pour Femme 

on the other hand has a very different appeal and sadly one that I wasn't 

too partial to, as it was a tad too sensual, sweet

 and heady for me.

Classified as an Oriental this classic perfume embodies the essence of the 

Dolce&Gabbana woman – passionate, sensual and maternal. 

For the woman that is aware of her strength and her instincts.

Top Notes:

Soothing Neroli

Raspberry

 Green Mandarin. 

Heart Notes:

Jasmine

  Orange Blossom.

Base Notes:

Sugary Vanilla

Heliotrope

Intense Sandalwood.

As with any fragrance it's a very personal choice, but if the notes

of this fragrance resonate with your own personal likes,then definitely

pop along and have a spritz...

DOLCE & GABBANA

POUR FEMME

EAU DE PARFUM

50/100ml SPRAY

R

1,570/2,070

£

69/84

$

94/NA

SUSANNE KAUFMANN MOISTURISING MASK #TBT REVIEW

Todays #TBT post reviews a face mask from the Austrian

Organic Luxury skincare brand Susanne Kaufmann.

I was fortunate to try this luxurious mask back in May 2018 and I still rate

it as a very good moisturising mask and I'm happy to report that this

brand is still stocked exclusively in South Africa at

Skins Cosmetics

~~~~~~

Having never heard of this relatively new brand I had to do my research,
so before I get into the product review, here's some background to the 

Organic niche skin and body care line 
Susanne Kaufmann

Susanne Kaufmann 
was born and raised in the Bregenzer Forest Austria – 
a unique valley in the Alps, where the community shares a unique appreciation 
and understanding of the healing properties of nature – has harnessed this 

centuries-old wisdom, 

passed down from generation to generation, to create an exceptional, 
results-orientated and scientifically-proven range of 
natural skin and body care that promotes a powerful sense of wellbeing. 
Developed in collaboration with a team of pharmacists and dermatologists, 
Susanne’s vision has grown into an extensive collection of skin-specific formulas –
targeted treatments designed to address the full spectrum of common 
skin concerns and in turn,
 help to re-establish equilibrium.

This range of products are filled, sealed and packed by hand into very plain glass jars with

 no fancy frills,
 in fact I would most probably
have not given this, somewhat boring looking, range a second glance if 
I saw it merchandised on the shelf.
However this is a real case of "don't judge a book (product) by its cover"
for what lies beneath the lid is far from plain and boring.  

There is something I find so satisfying about using a Luxury face mask,

for me it's a product where you can truly feel the quality of the ingredients on

application and The Susanne Kaufmann Moisturizing Mask 

is a real pamper for the skin.

It's without doubt a deeply replenishing and intensely moisturising mask.
It's a must-have for all those whose skin is particularly parched, 
stressed or lacklustre. 

Initially you notice the gentle yet wonderful aroma of the mask, as it certainly 
has an Alpine fresh fragrance,which reminded me 

very much of the original Clarins Cleanser Milk with Alpine Herbs.

This rich velvety mask is also packed with wonderful ingredients that 

quite literally make me happy:

Bee's Wax and Hazel Nut Oil 

richly nourishes the skin 

 Wheat Germ Oil

 stimulates the metabolism and has tissue-strengthening properties

Pansy Extract

 has a calming effect that relieves irritation providing immediate relief 

from tightness and discomfort

Sodium Hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) 

attracts and retains up to 1000 times its molecular weight in water, 

to leave skin perfectly firm, fresh and luminous.

Suitable for all types of skin.

Generously apply to the face, neck and décolletage after cleansing,

 allow to work for at least ten minutes,

 then remove gently with lukewarm water. 

It can be used one to two times per week, but I squeezed in a third 

application.

After using the mask my skin not only felt nourished,comforted,plumped

but I immediately noticed that my face had an 

almost relaxed and rested look about it,

which to be honest I don't think I have ever noticed before after using a face mask.

When reading back over the benefits of this mask on the Susanne Kaufmann

website this sentence stood out

"The moisturising mask hydrates the skin and removes feelings of tension".

Confirmation that this mask is different to other prestige moisturising masks

that I've tried and has piqued my interest to learn and try more from this brand.

If you are looking to change from high end skincare to effective Organic

high end skincare then Susanne Kaufmann

may be well worth some more investigation.

The 15ml sample jar that I got in the SkinsCosmetics Beauty Box some
weeks back

will happily provide me with several future generous applications.

In South Africa Susanne Kaufmann is relatively unknown premium niche brand,
 but is available from
Skins Cosmetics 
in Sandton Shopping Centre, Johannesburg,
South Africa

Please let me know, in the comments below, if you have heard of this
brand or have any great recommendations within their range...
*Prices may have changed since this review was written*

Susanne Kaufmann

Moisturising Mask

50ml

R

1,015 

(2020)

SKINS COSMETICS

£

41

CULT BEAUTY

$

65

 NET-A-PORTER