BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {FEBRUARY 2021}

I'm struggling with the fact that it's February the 1st tomorrow,

how did that happen and so quickly?

As always I have some exciting products to review over the coming

month and months.

PATYKA is a brand that I have heard of but have never tried, so

I'm keen to try out their

PATYKA Double Action Smoothing Scrub

As you are aware I'm a great believer in exfoliation, so this product

excites me.

*Review Now Posted*

Full Review

This month I will be testing out the 

ELEMIS Pro Collagen Revive Eye Mask

I'm glad to re-introduce an eye mask into to my routine, 

especially as my last ELEMIS eye mask was stolen.

ELEMIS products will continue to feature on my blog due to me

receiving that wonderful 

ELEMIS PRO COLLAGEN STARS OF THE SHOW GIFT SET

as a Christmas gift and if you missed that post, as to what the set 

contained you can catch up here

*Review Now Posted*

Full Review

Being slightly obsessed with all things "Lip Care" related I was kindly sent

Burts Bees Mango Moisturising Lip Balm

to try and obviously I accepted the offer of this PR package and its all

ready to be fully tested.

*Review Now Posted*

Full Review

I'm continuing with my review on the hair products that I got in my

KERASTASE GENESIS GIFT BOX 2020

with the 3rd product 

KERASTASE Genesis Défense Thermique

It's a Leave-In Anti-hair fall fortifying blow dry fluid and having used 

their Nutritive Nectar Thermique for many years I'm keen to

try this variant.

*Review Now Posted*

Full Review

In order not to miss out on my upcoming reviews be sure to follow me

 via the Bloglovin  + icon in the right hand column.

SUSANNE KAUFMANN BODY LOTION REVIEW

I was first introduced to Susanne Kaufmann products back in

 May 2018 via a Skins Cosmetics Beauty Box.

Having never heard of her or her brand my research revealed that she

is the founder of the Austrian Organic niche skin and body care line

of the same name.

Formulated for targeted results, each product is packed with organic,

 energy-rich oils and locally sourced active plant ingredients - 

including Chamomile, Sage and St. John’s Wort, recognized for their 

nourishing, regenerative effects.

I reviewed the Susanne Kaufmann Moisturising Mask and it was without doubt

an extremely effective deeply replenishing and intensely moisturising mask.

To read my full review

I recently had the opportunity to try another of her products via the 

2020 Skins Cosmetics Box.

(Watch out as I have a Give-Away of this box happening very soon)

The Susanne Kaufmann Body Lotion, 

as is the rest of the range, a very 

simply packaged product and it certainly gives you that feeling of a

 clean, pure organic product.

The active Key ingredient list for the Body Lotion could be taken from a

 fine Tea menu, as it contains:

Chamomile

Chamomile has an anti-inflammatory, skin-refining, and antiseptic effect.

 It also improves cell renewal.

Honey

Contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and micronutrients like zinc

 which fight free radicals.

Poppy

Contains polyunsaturated fatty acids which provides rich care.

Sage

Sage has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and balancing properties.

The light lotion pampers the skin and leaves it feeling velvety soft 

and was especially suited to the hot humid climate of Durban

Honey and plant-based hyaluronic acids lastingly nourish the skin. 

Formulated for all skin types it has a very soft delicate 

"hardly there" fragrance.

This light lotion preserves the moisture balance of the skin and 

is absorbed quickly.

Susanne Kaufman products are Free From :

Parabens

Paraffin

Sulphates

Silicones

Cruelty Free

and made in Austria

Whilst I have enjoyed using the generous 50ml size and a little of the 

product goes a long way, I wouldn't purchase, not because the product

under performed/delivered, to the contrary, I personally cannot justify

 such a "big" spend on my body, on my face YES, but I'm not at that point 

yet for my body and at my age I doubt I ever will be, but don't let

that put you off, as it is a good body lotion

SUSANNE KAUFMANN

BODY LOTION

100/250mls

R

760/1300

£

32/-

$

46/-

Available in South Africa exclusively at

Skins Cosmetics

MY TOP 10 HAIR & BODY PRODUCTS PART 2 {2020}

As promised here is the 2nd part of my

 My Top 10 Hair & Body Products of 2020

In case you missed out on Part 1 click here

or my other Top posts of 2020 then click on the Pink Links to catch up

My Top 12 Skincare products of 2020

Part 1 here Part 2 here

My Top 6 Make-up Products 2020 here

and the not so good of 2020

My Top 3 Disappointing Products 2020 here

I'm opening part 2 with one of my most expensive beauty purchase ever

and that's the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer

I actually bought this at a special price (thankfully) towards the end of 2019 

and I purposely didn't include it in my 2019 fave list, as I thought it was

 only fair to give the hairdryer a longer trial period and include it into 

my 2020 Top 10 Hair & Body Products 2020 list if deserving.

I highly recommend that you read my rather lengthy review for my

personal story as to why I invested (and an investment it certainly is) 

in the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer.

Read my full review here

I have been using this hairdryer for well over a year now and

personally I wouldn't be without, it's super quick and easy to use 

and drying my hair is no longer a lengthy tedious chore, as it's truly dry

 within 5-10 mins and in turn that has cut down the heat exposure on my 

hair drastically and thats exactly what I was looking for from my hairdryer,

so it NOW deserves to be included in this years list.

~~~~~~

2020 was a year where I had time to focus more on using treatments

on my hair, more so than in previous years, and these next two products

have really made a difference and have  both

proved to be a useful additions to my haircare collection.

Inoar Résistance Lotus Flower Oil 

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

and a little applied in the palms of your hands goes such a long way, so don't

be under the impression(as I initially was) that 7mls won't last too long

as it does and offers great value for money

To find out more details, as to why it's made my list click here

Also from the same haircare brand the

INOAR Résistance Lotus Super Ampoule

The contents of which promise to 

strengthen, moisturise & nourish the hair in 3 minutes.

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.

To read more about this Hair Ampoule click here

~~~~~~

Who would have thought that 2020 would have been the year of the 

Hand Sanitiser, but it has and it doesn't look like we will be saying

goodbye to it anytime soon, but rather it seems to be a permanent fixture in

our lives or should I say bags, cars and homes.

I've always been a user of Hand Sanitisers, but not to the extent I have 

during 2020 and whilst I have 2 favourites the one is way more affordable

than the other.

The

INOAR Hydrating Hand Sanitizer Gel

stood out above the other affordable options that I tried over the year. 

It contains 70% alcohol ensuring that 99,9% of bacteria, viruses and germs 

are immediately eliminated.

I have recommended this product to so many people and the feedback 

has all been the same:

Non drying

 Non sticky

Non drying, 

Leaves your skin feeling moisturized and soft,

Offers good value for money.

This particular hand sanitizer can be found dotted around my house and in

my car and by the way this one was Clean "Hands Down" the most liked

 by the family.

To read my Quickie Product Review (QPR)

click here

The L'Occitane Verbena Clean Hands Gel

it a more expensive option and therefore has pride and place in my 

handbag and rightly so, as Verbena is one of my fave fragrances.

Being a 65ml size it easily fits into my bag and has a quick and easy to open

 flip lid and I found it not also to be non drying and non sticky, but it smells amazing and brightens any day.

To read my QPR click here

I would love to hear, in the comments section below, any of your views 

on these products.

 

MY TOP 10 HAIR & BODY PRODUCTS PART 1 {2020}

My annual Top Hair & Beauty Products list for 2020 has had to increase 

from six in 2019 to ten for 2020 and I don't think it will be long before I have 

to split these into two separate categories.

These products are in no particular order and are the best hair & body products 

that I have tried and tested in 2020. I have decided to run this post over 

2 parts again (part 2 will be up on Tuesday 26/1/21) as I did with 

My Top 12 Skincare products of 2020, which you can catch up with 

by clicking on the Pink Links below

Part 1 & Part 2

I will also link my Top 6 Make-up Products 2020 Here

and the not so good of 2020

My Top 3 Disappointing Products 2020 Here

JO MALONE LONDON

WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT

COLOGNE 

Having struggled to find Jo Malone fragrances that I really connect with, 

and love enough to buy, 2020 saw me fall in love with their popular

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne.

I'm already a fan of the Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne, so I'm happy

to add this to my JML collection, which at the moment only consists

of two and considering the size of the Jo Malone fragrance offering is

not very many.

I have to have a love affair with my fragrances, so who knows maybe

2021 will add another "love" to my fragrance wardrobe.

To read my full review

 

 

1.

MAVALA

MAVADRY SPRAY

This is a product that I regret not having discovered years back, as it would 

have saved my nails and my patience on so many occasions.

This Quick Dry nail spray works brilliantly when you want to dry your

 freshly painted nails in double quick time.

I was a little concerned initially as to how long the spray can would last, 

as it is a rather pricey indulgence, but I'm glad to say that my 1st can seems

 to be keeping up with the pace at which I paint my nails, so the cost per use

 isn't very high and that's always a good sign.

To read my full review

2.

RITUALS

RITUAL OF AYURVEDA

FOAM BATH

Sadly not available in South Africa RITUALS has a great collection

of pamper and holistic well being products that hail from the Netherlands.

Actually it's a good thing that they're not available in SA, as they would 

be taking all my money, as I cannot rave enough about these products, 

so on your next trip overseas (whenever that will be) treat yourself to 

something, as you will not be disappointed.

The RITUAL OF AYURVEDA is my personal favourite and the link below

 will take you to my review on several of the products from this range and

whilst I adore them all, the Foam Bath is one of my absolute faves of all time.

Not knowing when I can replenish my stock of any of the products

I am conserving my last couple of uses...

To read my RITUAL OF AYURVEDA reviews

NATUR VITAL

HAIR S.O.S

FORTIFYING MASK

DAMAGED HAIR

My 2019 Top Hair & Body Products list also included a shampoo from the 

same brand and range. Natur Vital have an extensive collection

of hair care products for hair loss/thinning hair and like it or not our

hair does thin with age.

I have been using the usual trio of hair products i.e. Shampoo,Conditioner

and Hair Mask for most of 2019 and I am loving this range and having always

 been one to invest in the more expensive Professional Salon brands 

my budget is loving it to.

I find the mask to deeply nourish and condition without overloading

the hair with product and the size of the tub makes this very cost effective.

The Natur Vital have an extensive hair care product range and is well

worth further investigation whether it be for colour treated hair, dandruff

prone, sensitive scalps or Vegan options Natur Vital seems to have all

bases covered.

To read my Quickie Product Review

CETAPHIL

SUN SPF 50+

LOTION

This has been a newish discovery for me, but that being said its

been a big hit with all the family this summer.

We have had no sunburn whatsoever and it works just as well

on the face as it does on the body.

It does exactly what it says on the packaging and

the price again is good and a little covers well and it has been our

go to sun protection.

To read my full review

As always let me know if you have tried any of my fave Hair & Body products

in the comments section below and don't forget and Part 2 will be posted 

on Tuesday 26th Jan.

MY TOP 12 SKINCARE PRODUCTS 2020 {PART 2}

Here is Part 2 of 
My Top 12 Skincare Products of 2020

For this post I have literally taken my favourite 12 skincare products 

that I have tried and tested during 2020 and they're ones that I 

highly, highly recommend if you are looking for skincare recommendations.

Every year the selection of my fave products varies tremendously, however

 during 2020 my choices have been fairly well balanced, as I seem to have

a good mix of cleansing products/exfoliators/face masks/moisturisers 

and eye products. 

If you missed my Part 1 of my Top 12 Skincare Products of 2020

then you can catch up Here

For my full reviews on all of these products just click on the 

Pink Links below

 

1.

BIODERMA 

SENSIBIO H20

MAKE-UP REMOVING

MICELLE SOLUTION

To read my full review

By my own admission I've had a couple of regrets in 2020

re certain products that I wished I had tried earlier

and the BIODERMA Micelle Water was one of them. 

This pioneer product in terms of Micellar Waters, celebrated its 25th Birthday

 in 2020 and that's how long it has taken me to give this now iconic beauty 

product a try and it has been my loss.

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.

This is a must have product in your beauty routine, as it truly outshines

or should I say Out Cleanses the rest.

2.

OSKIA

RENAISSANCE 

CLEANSING GEL

Check out all the details in my original review

I've never been one to get too hyped up about those "Hyped Up" beauty 

products, as often the product reviews and endorsements are paid 

for and sometimes 

are not a true reflection of the product. However this is not the case with the

 Cleansing Gel from the UK brand OSKIA.

Formulated to purify, revitalise and strengthen the skin, 

the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is a unique illuminating gel-to-oil facial cleanser, 

that works effortlessly to remove makeup and impurities and can

 be used on all skin types.

If you are a fan of gel cleansers then you will no doubt enjoy the OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel, as it's a hard working cleanser that just gets on 

with the job at hand, without leaving your skin feeling or looking like its 

had a workout and I'm now officially a FAN...

1.

SVR

VITAMIN C ANTI-OXIDANT

FOAM MASQUE

For my review click here

Being the first product that I'm trying from the French skincare brand SVR

was a peeling treatment and it got me excited.

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

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

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.

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

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

2.

EXUVIANCE

TRIPLE MICRODERMABRASION

FACE POLISH

To read my review

*During 2020 this product had a packaging/name & formulation overhaul

and whilst this is the older version on the product, I am hoping to

try the new formulation this year and then write my review on the newer one,

but for now this version was one of my top 12 "faves" 2020.

 I am assured that the product remains very similar, just more effective*

As you should all know by now exfoliation is a key product to a good, 

effective anti-ageing skincare routine.

This was another 1st for me in 2020 and this product came highly recommended

by Tori from KissBlush&Tell.

EXUVIANCE hails from the US and their 

Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish is a completely 

innovative exfoliator that masters a triple-action approach 

to skin transformation in a single yet powerful treatment. 

It contains a unique blend of physical, chemical and enzyme rejuvenators. 

Again highly recommend if you want to take home exfoliation up a notch.

LUMENE

NORDIC HYDRA

24H MOISTURIZER

To read my rave review

LUMENE is a Finnish brand and having only ever used 3 of their

products I find myself including 2 on my Top 12 list and unfortunately

the third appeared on my Top 3 Disappointing list To view that list

However thats not deterred me from hopefully using and reviewing more

 products in the future.

I have completed fallen in love with this cream that

absolutely delivers on all it promises and I would go as far to say that this

super hydrating moisturiser is one of, if not, the best hydrating products 

I have ever tried and it's been a real bonus in 

my skincare regime and my skin has responded well to it.

HUXLEY

SECRET OF SAHARA

GLOW AWAKENING CREAM

For more details Click here

This was another brand/product that Tori from KissBlush&Tell raved about

and my 1st Korean skincare product to try, yes I was late to the Korean 

Beauty party also...

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.

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...

I do hope that you have enjoyed a look back at my 

Top 12 Skincare Products of 2020 and that this steers you into the right

direction, especially if you are looking to purchase some new skin products.

Let me know in the comments below if I have included any of your

personal favourite products.