FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP PART 2 {OCTOBER 2020}

 Several weeks ago I uploaded a Friday Follow-Up post and decided 
that there was too much feedback to confine to the one

post, so here is the second half.

To catch up on the first half click here

Back in August I wrote a review on the 

EXUVIANCE TRIPLE MICRODERMABRASION FACE POLISH 

which I highly rate and you can read my full review here

I have since discovered that they have recently changed the name, formula

and packaging of this product, which irritates me slightly, but the formula

appears to have remained very similar to the older version, but it seems 

to have more Lactobionic Acid to boost hydration and I'm sure I will give 

it a try once my old tube has finished and post another review

 to compare the two.

It's now called

 EXUVIANCE PROFESSIONAL GLYCOLIC POLISH

~~~~~~

Last month I reviewed the 

L'OCCITANE INVIGORATING FACE & EYE MASK 

in the pod format, which allowed for 2-3 applications and I enjoyed

it so much that I recently purchased the full size face mask.

To read my full review click here

What appealed to me about this product is the fact you can apply to both 

the face and eye area.Its divine straight from the fridge ensuring that its both refreshing and de-puffing on the skin and eye area.

It's melting sorbet texture is easy to apply and allows this multi tasking mask 

to be a perfect choice for those hot summer days.

I think that is all my follow-up news for now, so until next time

please be safe...

RECENT BEAUTY EMPTIES {OCTOBER 2020}

Even though I say it myself I am getting better at saving my
empty products so I can show you which I liked and have finished and those 

that I would re-purchase.

L-R

1.

CAUDALIE

 Instant Foaming Cleanser

The Instant Foaming Cleanser has been a permanent fixture in my 

shower now for over a year and I have yet to buy this product.

I received 3 x 50mls sizes in various free gifts and these handy travel sizes 

have kept me going, until now.

As many of my readers will already know,I've learned to enjoy

 foam/oil cleansers far more over the last 2-3 years, as I've always been 

a cleansing milk/lotion lover.

Even though I don't use it daily I do use it regularly for ease, to cleanse my

skin whilst I'm in the shower.

I have written a full review if you would like to know more about this

foaming cleansing product Click Here

2.

ELEMIS

revitalise-me

Hand & Body Wash

I was gifted this ELEMIS product by a friend back in 2019, yet I only started 

using at the beginning of this year and I've so enjoyed using it.

I have not actually written a review on this product, so here's a 

mini review.

I'm a huge fan of quality Hand Washes, hence the reason I was bought

 it as a gift and it didn't disappoint.

I used mine as a hand wash and didn't try it as a body wash and it promises

to cleanse, revive and uplift the skin.

Powerful essential oils of Thyme, Basil and Neroli are conditioning and gentle

on the skin and also make this product smell very "Spa" like, which

was heavenly every time I washed my hands.

I find the better quality the hand wash is, the longer it lasts, as you only

need to use a small amount.

I don't think this particular ELEMIS product is available in South Africa

and mine was bought in the UK and it retails for £28.00 for 300 mls

and I'm very sorry to see this luxury hand wash finish.

3.

BATH & BODY WORKS

WHITE BARN

LAVENDER VANILLA

CANDLE

Again I think this is a product that I have never reviewed before here on 

Beauty Shout Box. Bath and Body Works is a brand that we don't have

in South Africa or in the UK, however Dubai has several stores 

and even a concession now at Dubai Airport, so as you can imagine a visit

is always a must when either stopping off or passing through the airport.

My regular purchases are the PocketBac, candles and liquid hand washes

and seeing I was last there in February I have a nice little stash to

keep me going for a while.

White Barn is a sister brand to Bath & Body Works and have the most

divine selection of affordable fragranced candles.(even in Rands)

 Not only do they give a good

amount of fragrance during burning, but they also burn down

evenly and well. They're also one of the few candles that actually burn 

down. to the bottom of the container.

I would highly recommend buying if you ever get the chance.

4.

LABELLO

Crayon Lip Balm

This was one of two purchases during our strict lockdown and I'm

afraid that will be how I remember this product, that being said I

do love the LABELLO crayons and have two of their 3 shades.

They're so easy to carry around and apply. The colour payoff is

good and a re-purchase of the shade in the photo is on the cards.

 My only complaint with this product, would be their poor shade selection 

and would love to see more shades on offer.

To read my mini review click here

5.

SIMPLE

WATER BOOST

Micellar Cleansing Water

This was also a purchase from Dubai back in February, and whilst

we do have a small range of SIMPLE products here in South Africa I

don't think we yet have the Water boost range. 

As a cheap and cheerful Micellar Water I enjoyed and would re-purchase

and if you would like to read more in my full review click here

6.

GATINEAU

FLORACIL

Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

This was somewhat of a trip down memory lane with this eye make-up

remover and a good one at that.

I loved the product way back then and its still as good as I remember it,

so a re-purchase is definitely on the "Beauty Cards".

Click here to find out why I loved this product so much.

I have written several product reviews on the brands featured above and 

if you would to read more of them just click on the links below

SIMPLE

CAUDALIE

ELEMIS

GATINEAU

BIODERMA SENSIBIO H2O MAKE-UP REMOVING MICELLE SOLUTION {REVIEW}

 No doubt there have been thousands of reviews written about the

BIODERMA Micellar Water, but never one by me, so I think it's true to say I'm

very late to the party with this one.

This BIODERMA product has been around for an "age" 25 years to be precise

 and it was the first micellar water that I was ever aware of, yet despite this, 

I'm only trying it now for the first time.

I have reviewed many Micellar Waters here on Beauty Shout Box ranging

from the most infamous and affordable options from Garnier 

(which I do highly rate) through to some mid range and higher priced

French brand offerings.

To read my previous Micellar Water Reviews

The BIODERMA Sensibio range is a collection of products that are often

recommended by Dermatologists and is dedicated to Sensitive skin, that's a 

skin that experiences tingling, overheating, tightness, feelings of 

discomfort and redness.

Even though I don't have a ongoing sensitive skin, this particular 

micellar water was best suited for my skin type, as they do have a 

selection on offer.

In case you've never used a Micellar Water here's a brief rundown;

No Rinse Micellar waters remove all traces of make-up, sebum and various 

other impurities without stripping or damaging skin, all in one step.  

Micellar water is perfect for your daily cleansing routine. 

Use in the morning and at night to gently cleanse while respecting even the

 most sensitive epidermal skin.

The BIODERMA ones are hypoallergenic and contain no alcohol and parabens 

and preserve the skin's hydrolipidic film.

I'm not sure why I've waited so long to try this micellar water from

BIODERMA and its safe to say 'it's been my loss", as I feel I have finally

found my ideal micellar water.

The key to the BIODERMA's success is the formula and the action of 

those important Micelles that are responsible for attracting all kinds

of impurities onto the cotton wool pad and its been obvious to me since

using the BIODERMA that there is a noticeable difference over others 

that I've previously used.

It's fragrance free, it effectively and gently removes the heaviest of 

make-up (including eye make-up) and leaves no residue or feeling of 

tightness on the skin.

I have found myself reaching for this one, more often than any other 

I have used, as it's so easy to pick up and cleanse my skin in the morning 

and again as a first cleanse in the evening.

There is a reason, as to why one bottle of this award winning

BIODERMA SENSIBIO 

Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution

is sold every 3 seconds world wide and that's because its good, in fact

its very good and I seriously regret not trying it much sooner...

BIODERMA 

SENSIBIO H2O

MAKE-UP REMOVING MICELLE SOLUTION

100/250/500mls

R

150/247/325

£

5.20/10.80/15.80

$

4.99/9.90/14.90

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEW {OCTOBER 2020}

A slightly different QPR post this month, as it's focusing more on 

Home fragrance which I adore, as I'm sure many of you do.

Prices for Home fragrance ,of any kind, whether it be a perfumed candle,

room spray or a diffuser, can range from the positively cheap and cheerful

 to outrageously Luxe and expensive. 

However I have discovered a great affordable Fabric & Air

 Fragrance and I also splurged a little on candles, which I don't regret at all, 

as the fragrance pay off is worth every cent.

Oh! and I must not forget the Air Freshener that was, frankly, a waste of money.

1.

Brand : YANKEE CANDLE

Product : CLASSIC CANDLE

Size : LARGE

Burning Time : up to 150hrs

Price : R440

Size : Medium

Burning Time : up to 90hrs

Price : R375

Size : Small

Burning Time : up to 40hrs

Price : R175

Having previously purchased many smelly's from the US brand

 YANKEE CANDLE

ranging from tarts, votives, diffusers and car jars I had never treated 

myself to any of their Large Classic Candles, so I decided to splash out 

on not 1 but 3 Large Classic Yankee Candles.

Yankee Candle is the benchmark for quality in the candle world.

The fragrance oils and dyes are mixed into the wax to provide the famous 

Yankee Candle fragrance throughout the entire candle.

Every jar is finished by adding a top layer of wax to provide a full, even candle… 

all done by master candle makers in the USA.

200 Million candles are made every year

Nothing compares to the true scent of a Yankee Candle.  

Yankee Candle have a large assortment of fragrances on offer

and deciding which to choose is a case of literally sniffing each one in store,

so deciding on 3 did take me some time.Two I chose for the fragrance

and one purely on the colour of the candle (big mistake).

Coconut Splash I fell in love with this fragrance immediately 

and despite its name it's not very coconutty, but rather refreshing and pure, 

with just a touch of natural, tropical sweetness.

It's been burning away now for some weeks in my lounge and is a hit with

all that smell her...

Soft Blanket Was another instant liking for me, as it's all of my favourites, clean citrus, luxurious vanilla and warm amber and 

its perfectly at home on my bedside table.

Vanilla Lime I must admit I rushed into buying this fragrance and

whilst it smells "ok" when it's burning it doesn't bring me as much joy 

as my other two choices. This buy was based more on colour, as it

was to sit at the side of my bath and match my bathroom colour scheme, 

which it does, however I wouldn't purchase it again. 

It's smooth and refreshing, the creamy richness of vanilla with 

sweet cane sugar and a zesty lime twist. 

In comparison to the other two the fragrance pay off isn't as good.

Verdict 

Burning : 10/10

Fragrance Strength : 10/10 

(Vanilla Lime 7/10)

~~~~~~ 

2.

Brand : WOOLWORTHS

Product : LEMON VERBENA FABRIC AND AIR SPRITZ

Size : 450mls

Price : R79.99

I was so chuffed with this find, as not only is it one of my favourite

types of fragrances (fresh, citrus and refreshing) but it actually lingers 

in the air for quite sometime unlike many air fresheners 

that last 60 seconds and puff they're gone without a trace...

I also think that the price is good value for the quantity and seems a 

small price to pay to beautifully fragrant my house and linen.

This dual purpose product cleans away lingering odours and freshens 

hard-to-wash fabrics, as its been specially formulated for air and fabric.

Use throughout your home to freshen your room, linen and towels.

Verdict : 10/10

~~~~~~ 

3.

Brand : WOOLWORTHS

Product : LEMON VERBENA MULTI-PURPOSE FRESHENER

Size : 5mls

Price : R39.99

The Lemon Verbena Multi-Purpose Freshener is suitable for cars, 

waste bins and laundry baskets. Made with essential oils for a lingering fresh fragrance that lasts up to 4 weeks. 

On the strength of my love for the above product I thought

I would give this a whirl in my car.

Sadly I struggle to smell any fragrance in my car, so I wouldn't

personally recommend or purchase again.

Verdict : 5/10

~~~~~~ 

There are 3 fragrance variants of both of the above 2 products:

Lemon Verbena

Pure Cotton

&

Mandarin Leaf & Oud

I also purchased both the Air & Fabric Spritz and the Multi-Purpose

Freshener in the Pure Cotton variant and the Lemon Verbena was by far the

longer lasting fragrance of the two, especially in the Air & Fabric Spritz 

and I would without hesitation re-purchase, but the Pure Cotton in the 

Air Spritz & the Multi-Purpose

 for me was a waste of money and once finished I wouldn't buy again.

The above products can all be found in the 

Woolworths food section.

Woolworths

L'OCCITANE IMMORTELLE PRECIOUS OVERNIGHT MASK {REVIEW}

 I usually leave my overall thoughts and review, on a product, until
the end of my post, however for this product I'm switching my format 

around and from the onset I'm informing you that I just did not

 get on with the L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Overnight Mask...at all.

Having loved and reviewed products from this French brand for the past

12 years, I don't think in that time I've written a negative review, 

so you can imagine how it saddens me to be writing this, 

but I like to keep it real on my blog

and as always this is my personal experience.

Being a recent launch I was kindly given several free samples to try

when I purchased another product a couple of weeks ago, so during the

past week I put the Overnight Mask to the test.

I'm assuming that this Overnight Mask has replaced the previous

Immortelle Cream Mask, which I reviewed back in 2017 and loved

To read that review

The Immortelle Precious Collection of skincare products have been around

for many years and some products are being overhauled and

 being re-formulated with "new powers".

Over the years I have reviewed several from their 

Precious Collection and the core Anti-Ageing ingredient that runs 

throughout the range is the wonderful essential oil of the 

Immortelle flower.

The Precious Overnight Mask helps to reduce dull skin, fine lines, 

uneven skin texture, moisture loss and more importantly 

it has been developed to tackle the damaging effects of

over-exposure to environmental aggressors, including blue light.

Specifically at night, blue light from digital screens could interfere with the

 day-night rhythm of your skin, your skin may not recognise 

it's sleep time! 

Over time, it can dull the complexion and damage the look of youthful skin. 

The Overnight Mask acts during the night and is enriched with:

 

Immortelle Essential Oil

 known for its ability to help fight visible signs of ageing.

Immortelle Super Aqueous Extract

 known to have antioxidant properties, it helps skin’s resistance to 

effects of external aggressors.

Dynamic Hyaluronic Acid

 a unique form of low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid bonded to an 

essential mineral with benefits on skin renewal.

 I do love an overnight mask and have several in my 

"Mask Wardrobe" and I sounded like the perfect candidate and

with the inclusion of the Dynamic Hyaluronic Acid it sounds like 

next level in masking.

It's ideal for Dry, Normal & Combination skins.

Sadly, despite this mask sounding great on paper, in practice I wasn't 

impressed and here are my 3 personal reasons why:

1.

Sadly I found this cream to have, for want of a better word, 

a vaseline type texture that sat just on my skin, I felt that my skin 

couldn't breathe, a feeling that I've never experienced in 40 years of being

 involved with beauty.

Maybe you are thinking, as I did, I applied too much, but as instructed 

I applied a thin layer on my face and left on overnight. 

(You can also use twice a week, apply a thick layer on your face, 

leave for 10 minutes then gently remove with cotton pads)

I'm always one that advocates the "less is more" policy where skincare is concerned,

 so on my second application I applied an even thinner layer and the feeling 

was exactly the same.

2.

Another issue I have with this mask is the fragrance, as with all

L'Occitane products that contain Immortelle Essential Oil, it has a

distinct floral aroma, which isn't to everyones taste.

 I can tolerate in the other Immortelle products, as it soon wears off, 

but oh my goodness this mask is way too fragranced and overpowering

 for my liking and unfortunately it lingers rather than dissipates. 

3.

Now I'm not shy to spend when it comes to skincare products, but this

Overnight Face Mask is way overpriced, as it retails for a whopping

R1025 for 50mls of product

yes you read correctly!

(previous size of the Immortelle Creme Mask was 125ml)

To be fair to the product I have only used twice and in isolation, with no 

other Precious products, so I really

cannot comment on any longterm effects this mask has on the

skin, however here is another example of how trying a sample of

a pricey skincare product works.

I discovered that this mask, for all the reasons mentioned above, was not 

for me or my skin, as they say 

"some you win and some you loose"

so

 c'est la vie...

L'Occitane 

Immortelle Precious Overnight Mask

50ml

R

1025

£

52

$

75

Please let me know in the comments below if you have tried this mask

and your experiences.

FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP {OCTOBER 2020}

I had almost forgotten about my Friday Follow-Up blogposts, as it was 

way back in November 2019, since I last posted one, so this

is way over due.

Here is a quick general catch up and some feedback on some previously 

tried and tested products.

My latest news:

Normally during the last quarter of the year I visit my

family in the UK, however since there hasn't been any travel for 

most of the year I haven't been and this in turn has led to me not

buying a Beauty Advent Calendar to open daily throughout December.

I have had a Beauty Advent Calendar for the past 3 years and the

one year I was lucky to have had two to open daily.

I am a total Beauty Advent Calendar addict, so this makes me very sad

that I wont be partaking this year in receiving my daily beauty treat and

sharing it with you over on my Instagram Stories,

 but in the bigger scheme of things, it's not the end of the world.

However this could all change if I happen to find something of interest 

here in South Africa...

Product Feedback:

Excitedly over the past 12 months I have managed to remove several 

products off my beauty 'Wish List" (only 2 are available in South Africa)

 all 3 just so happen to be Luxury foundations. 

in the form of:

1.

GIORGIO ARMANI

Luminous Silk Foundation

This foundation was added to my wish list after trying out a free

sample and I was lucky enough then purchase the foundation some 

months later.

After saying in my original review that I wouldn't part with

"Lots of Cashes" to buy this foundation, I did and I don't regret it.

To read my full review

I'm still loving everything about this foundation except the fact that

it's now nearing the end and it's one that will be added to my

UK Beauty Shopping List, which by the way, is ever increasing.

2.

BYTERRY 

Hyaluronic Hydra Foundation

With age I'm realising that treatment foundations are becoming a must 

for me, as the skincare benefits are invaluable to my ageing skin.

I've become a huge fan of BYTERRY and I'm expanding my list

of products to 6 very soon.

I crossed this off my list during lockdown thanks to a 20% discount code

and as with all BYTERRY products they fall into that Luxury price 

bracket. I highly recommend this foundation and to find out more

check out my full review here

3.

ZELENS 

Youth Glow Foundation

As though I've not purchased enough Luxury treatment foundations I

have, just this week, ordered yet one more to add to my collection.

This is another purchase that was driven as a result of trying a sample.

This product theoretically didn't have time to make it onto my Wish List,

as its only happened over the past couple of months.

To read my review of the sample click here

I have now realised that I have so much more to fill you in on regarding

follow ups on products etc. and its too much for this post,

 so expect another Friday Follow-Up post soon.

SVR VITAMIN C ANTIOXIDANT FOAM MASK {REVIEW}

For those regulars that are reading this review, you will know already

how important it is to include an exfoliating product either weekly

 or bi-weekly into you skincare routine.

It's the key product that ultimately will improve the efficiency of all

the other skincare products that you use.

It's an instantly gratifying product from the first use, as all good

exfoliating type products, whether they be Chemical or Physical 

will smooth, brighten and aid the penetration of all products that follow.

I was recently approached by the PR from Laboratoire SVR and asked If 

I would like to review one of two of their exfoliating products, 

needless to say mention the word "exfoliate" and I'm interested, 

so I opted for the 

SVR VITAMIN C ANTIOXIDANT FOAM MASK

What appealed to me about this option were the words Foam & Vitamin C, 

as I don't think I have ever used a foam peel before and Vitamin C is a tried

 and trusted ingredient for brightening and boosting radiance and is always 

welcome on my skin.

As I'm using this brand for the 1st time here is some info

About the brand...

Laboratoire SVR 

was established in 1962 by visionary French pharamacists – Simone and 

Robert Veret.

They started SVR with a single aim in mind – to create ‘beautiful skin’.

What was born was an unrivalled skincare brand when it comes to

 effectiveness and tolerance.

This can be attributed to its formulation of leading dermatological 

active ingredients, at the highest dosage possible, without affecting 

skin tolerance.

SVR is the most concentrated dermatological brand and is 100% 

tested on sensitive skins.

Today, SVR is prescribed by dermatologists in 45 countries around the globe,

including South Africa, while remaining true to its

values and its core reason for being – to create beautiful skin.

An authentic, ethical and sincere approach combined with reliability and 

outstanding quality has enabled the brand to bring leading skincare products 

to the market, for all skin types including the most sensitive

skin.

SVR is suitable for all skin types and addresses issues such:

Delicate / sensitive skin

Oily / acne-prone skin

Pigmentation

Dry skin

Rough skin

Ageing skin

This micro-peeling creamy foam is a cocktail of wonderful active ingredients 

to awaken any dull, tired skin and boost the skins radiance. 

It contains  a high concentration 25% optimised vitamin C, 

a powerful ingredient that protects

 against aging and illuminates the skin, combined with re-texturizing 

and plumping active ingredients. 

It exfoliates, smoothes and illuminates the skin’s complexion.

It also includes gluconolactone for gentle retexturizing, smoothing and refining effect; Vitamin B3 and a moisturising complex with high molecular weight hyaluronic acid, to safeguard against damaging the skins barrier function.

I was excited to see that the mask was packaged in an aerosol, 

which optimises the efficacy and stabilises the vitamin

C by preventing it from coming into contact with air and light, as this is

 so important when dealing with Vitamin C in products.

Vitamin C does have its own distinct smell and so does this mask, 

however it is masked (excuse the pun) fairly well by the pleasant

 citrus notes.

It's rather fun and different to apply:

Shake and apply the mousse in the palm of your hands, a little note

of warning, its one of those foams that grow and grow, so don't squirt 

out too much!

Massage onto a clean face until absorbed (the skin will feel tacky) 

Then choose to leave on for 15 minutes then rinse, or remove the excess 

with a damp cotton pad and leave the rest on all night. 

In the morning, rinse with water.

Apply once to three times a week.

I have so many exfoliating products on the go at any one time and

I use which ever I feel my skin is needing on that specific day, but

I have been reaching for this foaming beauty every time, as it

delivers on all that it claims.

It's quick, pleasurable to use and leaves the skin looking brighter, smoother

and comfortable, which isn't always the case post exfoliation.

Two side notes:

 I was a little concerned that the container, only containing 50mls 

of product, would finish quickly, but I'm pleased, so far as to how 

long it's lasting, considering how many times I've used.

I do exfoliate my hands regularly and use hand cream several times a day

(thanks to coronovirus) but I decided to treat the backs of my hands

 to a foamy 15 minutes of pampering

and OMG the difference was amazing in terms of brightness.

If you are looking to change up your exfoliating product, with the

emphasis on radiance then this is one, without doubt, to consider.

I will keep you updated in a Friday Follow Up post as to how long

the can of goodness lasts...

SVR 

VITAMIN C ANTIOXIDANT 

FOAM MASK

50ml

R

750

£

30

  Available at

www.absoluteskin.co.za

Currently have it at a special price of

R705

Available at

www.riekiemedaesthetic.co.za

 www.absoluteskin.co.za

or 

www.shopfomo.com 

and at

selected beauty salons and Doctors.