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

L'OREAL AGE PERFECT CLEANSING MILK {#TBT REVIEW}

This review dates back to July 2017 and as you will see I didn't take too well to this cleanser and I do believe its had a product rename and perhaps a formulation tweak, but it still wouldn't persuade me to re-visit this cleanser.

It also has reminded me to sort out the beauty products that I haven't finished over the past year or so and write another post on "Products I haven't Finished & Why", so expect this type of post soon.

*I have adjusted the price below as of 11/2020*

~~~~~~

On my quest to find good "Budget" priced cleansers I recently picked this product up from the L'Orèal skincare section of my drugstore and even though I've seen it on the shelves for sometime now, I've just never gotten around to popping one into my basket until the other day...

L’ORÉAL PARIS Laboratories have created the AGE PERFECT range for women with mature skin, aged 50 years and over, so luckily I just qualify to use...

The Age Perfect skin care line has been formulated for mature skin and includes cleansers, oils, serums, creams, and lotions, so you can get anti-aging benefits in every step of your skincare routine. Everything from the Age Perfect eye creams to the SPF lotions, moisturize, help reduce the effects of aging and restore healthy skin.

My first criticism of the L'ORÈAL AGE PERFECT CLEANSING MILK is not about the product but rather its packaging, despite the L'Oreal make-up range having a very upmarket look and feel the skincare in my opinion, has a disappointing cheap plastic presentation and therefore it makes me question the quality and efficiency of the contents that lie within...

This white creamy milk cleanser does have a luxurious feel and consistency and a pleasant delicate clean fragrance, but I'm sorry to say... this is where my praise of this product ends.

The AGE PERFECT Cleansing Milk contains Magnesium to cleanse the skin and Vitamin C to help re-energise. Whilst it cleanses perfectly well on a skin with no make-up, it really doesn't cope well with removal of foundation etc. and it actually took me 3 cleanses to remove all traces of make-up and to ensure that my skin was perfectly clean.

I found this cleanser to have an unpleasant oily texture that seemed to glide over the surface of the skin rather than cleanse, but perhaps this is a formulation feature to not drag and pull a weakened mature skin. 

Sadly this cleanser just didn't do it for me...

Products I Didn't Finish & Why

Available from L'Oreal stockists countrywide 

L'ORÈAL

AGE PERFECT 

CLEANSING MILK

200mls

R

119.95

INOAR RÉSISTANCE LOTUS SUPER AMPOULE {REVIEW}

A while back I was sent two newly launched products from the

Brazilian Professional hair care brand INOAR.

Both products intrigued me as they're hair treatment products

INOAR RÉSISTANCE LOTUS SUPER AMPOULE

&

NOAR RÉSISTANCE LOTUS OIL

 Later this week I will be posting my review on the Lotus oil, but it

was the Ampoule that I opted to review first.

*Heads up*

My reviews will both be up in time for Black Friday INOAR website specials 

The key ingredient in the INOAR Resistance range is the Lotus flower, 

which is known to have revitalizng power, regenerating the hair strands & Vegetable/Plant Collagen moisturising the hair, making it softer and more supple. 

Revitalization and repair of the hair shaft works by sealing the cuticle.

Hair is left soft, supple and revitalised with intense shine.

Stimulates hair growth whilst also controlling hair loss.

Improves scalp health and balance.

The contents of the LOTUS SUPER AMPOULE ampoule promise to 

strengthen, moisturise & nourish the hair in 3 minutes.

The ampoule contains around 5-7 applications 

(depending on length and condition of your hair)

It's easy to incorporate into your regular hair routine, after washing your

hair with shampoo apply an adequate amount onto the lengths of the hair

and then spend a couple of minutes massaging into the strands of your hair.

Then use a wide toothed comb to spread the product out evenly.

Leave for 3 minutes and rinse.

This product is:

Cruelty Free

Vegan

Botanical

Sulfate Free

Paraben Free

This ampoule gives your hair that, often needed, extra boost of condition,

softness and shine that I have only previously found after an ampoule

treatment at the hair salon. My hair not only smelt amazing, but it felt amazing

and after a couple of uses I was able to find my ideal amount to apply

and managed to eke out 6 applications and I have long hair.

This intense "HOME" ampoule treatment is flexible regarding use,

as you can also add a couple of drops into your regular conditioner 

or hair mask.

Considering the ease of use, the effectiveness and the price of the ampoule

 this certainly gives you a very cost effective salon result all in the

comfort of your own home.

INOAR 

RÉSISTANCE 

LOTUS 

SUPER AMPOULE

45ml

R

500

To order online

URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION ANTI-AGING #TBT REVIEW

This review was written back in October 2018 and since then

I was gifted, in a press drop, the original Primer Potion and I still prefer

the extra help from the Anti-Ageing option.

Sadly the UD store in Gateway has fallen victim to the Coronovirus 

Pandemic and recently closed its doors.

I have updated the prices below.

~~~~~~

I've never been too sure if eyeshadow primers really do add any
longevity to my eyeshadow or add any value to my beauty life. 
I've always perceived them as being an add-on purchase that's nice to have 
and hopefully its one that works. 
After saying this I recently bought one, along with several other items,
 from the newly opened boutique in Gateway

Urban Decay 
Eyeshadow Primer Potion 
Anti-Ageing
 
To read my previous URBAN DECAY reviews

I have to admit, I was totally sold, on one of my least favourite type of products,
 by the sales consultant, who assured me that it would change my opinion
on eyeshadow primers
(By the way there are 5 variants of Eyeshadow Primer Potions available
I opted for the always needed Anti-Ageing version)
She grabbed my attention by mentioning several 
"trigger words" 
like Anti-Ageing, fills in the imperfections, minimise fine lines, blurs etc.
all the things that a woman with an ageing eye area wants to hear.

This creamy eyeshadow primer lets you prep the lids for eyeshadows, 
providing an all-day, 24hr, crease-free wear. 
Its innovative ingredients minimise the look of wrinkles while improving
 the appearance of tone and texture. 
Dermaxyl® helps to smooth the appearance of wrinkles,

 and Kalpariane® supports plumping, firming, 

and hydrating the skin as it improves suppleness and elasticity. 

The optical blurring pigments create a subtle, soft-focus effect that instantly
 brightens up tired eyes and reduces the look of redness, thinning skin in the eye area, and other imperfections. 
Yes I had to have this product...

The nude coloured formula glides on smoothly with the wand applicator 
and here I must stress that a little goes a long way. 
It's best to apply your eyeshadow after application as the primer, when fresh 
acts like a magnet and helps to "lock in" the vibrancy of any colour.
I happily found that the primer didn't interfere with the application or the blending 
of my shadows, which happened to be from my Urban Decay palettes.

Initially I wasn't super impressed with its "staying power" as my eyeshadow
 generally lasts anyway and I don't suffer with oily eyelids or creasing shadows,
so I can't vouch for how well it handles these issues, but judging by
other reviews and reports, it handles them pretty well...

After using several times and not being "wowed" I reverted back to not using
 and that's when I realised just how much I needed this product.
I love that it's an Anti-Ageing treatment primer and only once
I stopped using, did I truly appreciate what a good product it was
 and despite thinking previously that my eyeshadow lasted, which it did,
 but just not with the same true colour that was applied 12 hours or so earlier.
I have even worn "sans" shadows and despite not being able
 to put my finger on it, my eyelid area definitely looked
better, I'd say the fine lines appeared softer and the skin looked smoother
either way, there is a reason - it's one of 
Urban Decays "Best Sellers"

Overall the sales consultant made a good call by recommending this product
and if like me you doubt the effectiveness of eyeshadow primers
then maybe we've just been trying the wrong ones...



Urban Decay 
Eyeshadow Primer Potion 
Anti-Ageing
10mls

R
335

370

£
19.50

$
24


For further info and to order
Online

HUXLEY SECRET OF SAHARA CREAM : GLOW AWAKENING {REVIEW}

Huxley is the first Korean skincare brand that I have ever tried any product from

and by my own admission I have and always will be a lover of European skincare, especially the French brands.

That being said I'm open to sailing into new skin care waters and Korean

Beauty has lots to offer, so this is me dipping my toe in...

Huxley is a contemporary skincare brand from South Korea. 

Their formulations respect the skin barrier with minimalist, plant-derived ingredients. 

The key ingredient found in all Huxley products is Sahara Prickly Pear Seed Oil, 

a desert cactus and real wonder of nature. 

It contains unique phytochemicals that provide intensive moisturisation 

due to its excellent ability to retain water.

Huxley products are expertly crafted with elegant and sophisticated formulations that are a pleasure to use. They are manufactured at a cutting-edge facility

 in South Korea and preserved within high-quality packaging.

All products are vegan-friendly, Dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic

and Paraben free

The Huxley Secret of Sahara Cream

 Glow Awakening

was the cream that I had heard most rave reviews about and it sounded like

a product that my skin and I would enjoy.

The Secret Sahara range has been formulated to be rich in antioxidants that moisturise and brighten dull, lack lustre, stressed skins, whilst offering 

protection from pollution and the 

Glow Awakening Cream 

appears to be the star of the show.

I found this cream to be a light-medium weight texture that not only had 

a very pleasant clean, fresh fragrance, but it also felt instantly comfortable

on the skin and applied smoothly and easily.

This cream can be used am & pm and is suitable for all skin types and I 

would imagine a more combination skin type would particularly enjoy its texture.

I've only been using mine in the morning, as I had other 

night creams on the go, but I'm about to also use both morning and evening.

I must make mention of the packaging, as it comes in

a solid glass jar, that has a more luxe feel about it than many 

creams double the price and I'm happy to say it also comes with a spatula.

The Huxley products are well priced here in South Africa and are only

available through DERMASTORE

Truthfully this cream didn't WoW me on the glow factor front as much as

 I thought it would, but it does give the skin a dewy appearance which I liked.

I've thoroughly enjoyed applying it as part of my morning routine, as it's just one

 of those comfortable, reliable, all round everyday, well priced moisturisers

 and as my first K Beauty product, I'm happy I dipped my toe into the Korean waters and I think I may be dipping more toes into the water.

I would, without hesitation recommend this cream and re-purchase 

it again myself...

HUXLEY

SECRET OF SAHARA

GLOW AWAKENING CREAM

50ml

R

590

SUNDAY SAMPLE

 With a recent beauty order from MetroCosmetics I received several 

skincare samples and amongst them was this 

ZELENS Transformer Instant Renewal Mask 

and I thought it would make a good sample to put to the test this week,

it will be so convenient , as I will be away on holiday.

The last time I reviewed a ZELENS sample on my Sunday Sample

post I went on to buy the full sized product.

This anti-aging mask developed by Dr. Marko Lens for his tailor-made 

"Red Carpet" facials and sounds intriguing already.

It claims to instantly renew the skin and visibly restores its vitality.

Intensely moisturise the skin and enhances its youthful elasticity and

helps to achieve a healthy, glowing and younger-looking complexion.

All sounds promising, so check back on Sunday to find out if this

Transformer Instant Renewal Mask delivered on all of the above.

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN VOLUMISING PASTE #TBT REVIEW

This post dates back to October 2018 and I still use this product today.

Having never previously heard of this brand, my introduction came via

a travel size in a curated Beauty Box from Skins Cosmetics Sandton 

(they have now opened 2 more stores in Menlyn and V&A Shopping centres).

I did go onto buy the full size of the Volumising paste along with the

 Volumising Shampoo and Volumising Conditioner and loved them both.

~~~~~~

No I haven't written a review on Christopher Robin, read again it's

 Christophe Robin 

and I'm sure like "moi" you're wondering who the heck he is.

French man Christophe Robin, has been an A-list colorist for more than 20 years, created in 1999 his hair care line selecting powerful natural ingredients for recognized long term results. Christophe Robin, the self named haircare range 

has been developed through years of experience and passion and has 

been specially formulated to care and protect colour treated hair.

 

I was a little sceptical to say the least about this rather obscure (obscure to me)
 unusually named hair cleansing product.
Christophe Robin Volumising Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay
and Rose Extracts 
is a deep cleansing treatment for fine hair lacking in density, which
is exactly how I would currently describe my hair.
It also has a rather unusual appearance, as it looks like more
an exfoliator or body scrub.

 This unique clay-to-foam shampoo is formulated to help create beautiful 

volume while absorbing impurities and oil from the scalp and
 give instant volume at the roots and density down the lengths.

Consisting of 85% natural origin ingredients this formula is a unique blend 
of pure Rassoul Clay, with densifying and re-mineralizing benefits, 
protective rose extracts and Limnanthes extract to help preserve and 
enhance the hair color.

This surprising paste-like texture transformed instantly into a light foam,
and its transformation was pure magic, as I was expecting to seriously work 
this product into my hair and scalp to have any foaming, cleansing effect.
Despite not looking too great in the pot the product has a slight rose fragrance
and more importantly for me, was easy to rinse.

I didn't do my normal double shampoo, as my hair and scalp felt cleaner

 than its ever felt before just after one application.
It was easy to rinse despite using too much and having mountains of
foam on my head and it certainly didn't add to my dreaded tangle situation
due to my hair being both long, fine and highlighted.

How To Use:

On wet hair: use a tablespoon worth of product 

(more or less, depending on the length of your hair)

 rub into your palms, and apply all over your hair. 
(As I found out on my first use, use much less than recommended)
With a delicate touch, make circular motions until you feel the paste turn to foam, 
and make sure you lift the roots. 

Add a little water, emulsify, and rinse well.

 
For an intensified effect: let it sit for 2 minutes before you rinse. 
(which I did)

All products are Free from :
PARABEN/SILICONE/SLES 

This product surprised me on so many different levels, its name, its appearance, 
the way the consistency completely transformed once applied to the hair and
the volumising results it gave down to the delicate fragrance it left
in my hair.
I was utterly blown away with this product and if you read my product 

reviews regularly, you will know that it takes an outstanding product 

to make me use the term "blown away".

After using twice in the past week my hair felt soft, thicker and incredibly clean. 
I was also able to go longer between washes, which is a Win Win situation.
 I was so impressed that it's on my overseas shopping list. 

Please let me know in the comments below if you have used this product 

before or the Volumising Shampoo, as I tempted to buy both.

Christophe Robin 
Volumising Paste with Pure Rassoul Clay
and Rose Extracts 
250mls

R
740

845

£
42

Currently on special on Lookfantastic

30

$
43
53



Available in South Africa from Skins Cosmetics

BYTERRY LIGNE BLACKSTAR EYELINER {REVIEW}

 I can only recall previously writing reviews on 2 or 3 liquid eyeliners, 

which just goes to 

show that I'm not a huge user of them, but I am of the pencil liners.

That being said I have over the past 7 or 8 years always had one on hand

for those times when I to apply a full eye make-up and need to fill in along 

my lash line to make my lashes appear denser.

My go to for many years now has been the 

STILA STAY ALL DAY WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER

to read my full review click here

I wasn't unhappy with my trusty STILA but I had just finished one

and thought I would give the

 BYTERRY LIGNE BLACKSTAR 

PRECISION TATTOO EYELINER

 a try, since I adore their OMBRE BLACKSTAR Cream eyeshadows so much.

to read my full review click here

 

This waterproof eyeliner with tattoo-like precision is a true 

eye-enhancing ink pen. 

The felt tip liner featuring aqua-emulsion ink glides on effortlessly, allowing you

 to create demure or smouldering eyes, with a fine or diagonal line, 

for a chic and incredibly stylish look.

You can adjust the thickness of the line by angling the tip, I suggest

practicing on your hand first to get the angles correct.

The Carbon black pigmented microparticles ensure high-impact, deep and 

luminous colour with absolute coverage.

The tattoo complex sets the colour for long-lasting hold and guarantees intense shine and rapid drying.

It's also Ophthalmologically tested.

This luxe eyeliner only comes in one colour and that's black, so be warned

it's very black, which I actually prefer, it also dries super quick and allows for

no time to clean up any errors.

Whilst it's easy to apply I much prefer the ease of application of the

STILA over the felt tip of the BYTERRY.

However that being said, this is a good eyeliner, its an intense black,

it glides on beautifully, smudgeproof, waterproof and it stays on all day 

and the next, if you don't spend time to remove it properly.

 And its by

BYTERRY

what else am I going to say other than I'm going to love it, as she really

 doesn't create any bad products.

If you would like to read all my previous reviews on BYTERRY products

Click here

BYTERRY 

LIGNE BLACKSTAR

EYELINER

R

630

£‌

26

BYTERRY 

products are available exclusively in South Africa at

METROCOSMETICS

MAVALA MAVADRY SPRAY {REVIEW}

 I'm not generally known for my short product reviews, but I do
think this is my shortest review to date, as the bottom line with a review

on a nail "Quick Dry" spray, 

IS

"does it dry the nails quickly"?

Believe it or not we don't seem to have much choice, here in South Africa,

 when it comes to nail quick dry products, especially in a spray format.

After much searching I discovered that MAVALA the Swiss nail experts

had exactly what I was looking for in the form of the

 MAVALA 

MAVADRY SPRAY

I managed to find this product at my local Dischem and couldn't

wait to put it to the test.

You very rarely see my finger nails naked and I've used nail polish

for way longer than I truly care to remember.

Over that time I have lost count of how many times I have smudged

my freshly painted nails either on the bedlinen or on my bedside lamp

as I go to turn it off at night.( I have always painted my nails in bed at night)

I was in desperate need of a quick dry type product in a spray form as 

opposed to a paint on application and the MAVALA offering seemed to be

my only option.

(If you have any other recommendations in SA then please leave me

a comment below, so I can review)

MAVADRY SPRAY claims to dry nail polish in seconds (touch-dry), 

prevent chipping and make your manicure more brilliant.

Bottom Line, it works, my nails were touch dry after a couple of sprays, 

I can't say it prevented chipping, but it did give my home paint job a

more professional looking, lustrous finish.

Note: Does not contain any gas that depletes the ozone layer.

For me this product is now a "Must Have" and I don't know how I

have persevered for so long without it.

Sadly it doesn't come cheap, I suppose I can only give you feedback

on cost per use, once the can is finished and that will determine wether its 

brought out for emergency quick dry's of not, but for now I can highly 

recommend especially if you don't have the time or the patience to literally

hang around waiting for paint to dry...

To read my other MAVALA product reviews

click here

MAVALA

MAVADRY SPRAY

150mls

R

269

$

20

£

13

MAVALA ONLINE

DISCHEM ONLINE

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {NOVEMBER 2020}

 WoW the time is seriously whizzing by and I cannot believe that we 
are fast approaching Christmas and a New Year, which hopefully is better
than 2020.

November sees me reviewing 4 beauty products including two hair, one nail

and one make-up product.

MAVALA MAVADRY SPRAY 

I have been on the hunt for a nail polish quick dry spray for

 sometime and I had no idea how difficult it was to find one, 

let alone a good one.

Sorbet nail salons have a Quick Dry spray that they use at the end

of your mani or pedi, but unfortunately they don't retail it in salon

and neither do Clicks, the main other retailer of Sorbet products.

I eventually found this one from the Swiss nail experts MAVALA, so

I'm looking forward to giving this a try, even if it is on the pricey side.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

~~~~~~

INOAR RÉSISTANCE LOTUS SUPER AMPOULE 

is a new launch from the hair salon brand INOAR.

This Super Ampoule offers 5-7 treatments per ampoule and promises

to Strengthens, Moisturise and Nourish the hair in 3 minutes  and this

sounds like my kinda hair product.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

~~~~~~

BYTERRY LIGNE BLACKSTAR 

is a waterproof liquid

eyeliner and having used the STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid 

Eyeliner for several years and I've decided to have a change and try

 this one, from one of my favourite brands BYTERRY.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

~~~~~~

INOAR RÉSISTANCE LOTUS FLOWER OIL 

also forms part of the new collection and is composed of 

plant ingredients that penetrate deep into the hair fibre.

 This multi-purpose oil repairs, 

strengthens, re aligns,reduces frizz and restores health and shine.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

~~~~~~

As always, all of the above will be fully tried and tested, then reviewed 

during the upcoming weeks on my blog. 

In the meantime please let me know, in the comments below, if you

 have any other nail Quick Dry spray recommendations, as I would love

to hear from you.