28 February 2021

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN EYE REVIVE MASK {REVIEW}

Having reviewed several products from the British skincare brand 
ELEMIS 
I can now official say that it's fast becoming one of my favourite skincare brands.
If you would like to catch up on my previous ELEMIS reviews

I currently have under review a couple of products that came in my 
Christmas gift of the
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Stars of the Show Set 
and it's a gift that keeps on giving and I love it...
I have many more ELEMIS product reviews coming up.
If you would like to read my post showing the contents of that set then


Everything in the set excites me, yet when it comes to eye products
I must admit I do get a little more than excited.

Eye products are often overlooked as being non-essentials in a skincare
regime and I often hear or read the following:
"It's an area where I can save money"
"I can't afford one"
"They don't work"
"I use my moisturiser or night cream over the eye area"
"My eye area is good I don't need to use one"
'I'll think about using one when I see the lines and wrinkles"

As you can imagine, as someone that has been using an eye cream
since my very early 20's I can but cringe when I hear these types of responses,
especially when that person is standing before me wearing super expensive 
shoes and clothes.
I'm sorry to be the one to tell you, but those clothes will be long gone when
you are 60, yet your skin will still be with you, so the choice ultimately
is your's to make, but I for one have been extremely happy with my
decision that caring for the skin around the eye area is as important
 as caring for the skin on your face and body.
Little Rant over...



ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN EYE REVIVE MASK
Anti-Wrinkle Multi-Use Eye Mask - brightens - rejuvenates - hydrates

A serum-infused eye mask that minimises the look of wrinkles, whilst 
targeting the look of puffiness and dark circles.

This moisture-plumping eye mask is formulated with next generation 
Flash Filler Hyaluronic Acid, wrinkle-reducing Watermelon Snow Algae and antioxidant-rich Bush Clover to deeply hydrate and reduce the visible effects
 of tension and strain around the eye contour.

I have seen a noticeable difference with the hydration of my skin and I find
the bouncy gel texture to be both smoothing, comforting and refreshing.
There is absolutely no feeling of product left behind on the skin once applied.
The texture is also like no other that I have tried before, as it's almost 
"cloud like" and it was soon apparent 
that after the first application a "less is more" approach needs to be adopted
as a small amount covers a large area, making this product a very cost 
effective eye treatment, considering its a multi-use product.


For optimal results, use daily or a minimum of 3 times a week.
Apply a thin layer to the eye contour and either layer under makeup
 in the morning, over make-up during the day or leave on overnight.
What I really enjoy about this product is the versatility, as this
 3-in-1 formula can be used as an overnight anti-ageing mask, 
a hydrating under-eye primer and a moisturising rescue balm, during the day.
Personally for my mature skin I find I can quite easily use this as a 
nightly eye cream and I also like to apply during the day, especially
if I've been having too much screen time.
Due to its versatility its fitted perfectly into my current beauty regime
 and I'm reaching for it more often than I first thought I would.

Research & Development where skincare is concerned is changing
fairly rapidly, especially when it comes to multi tasking products
and I think ELEMIS have nailed it with this 
Anti-Wrinkle Multi Use Eye product.
If you are searching for an Eye Cream upgrade,
then this could be one to consider.


ELEMIS 
PRO-COLLAGEN 
EYE REVIVE MASK
15ml


R
1305


£
55


$
82


Please check websites below as many have discounts etc.

ELEMIS is available in South Africa from
RED CARNATION HOTEL SPAS
 & Online


 

23 February 2021

RECENT BEAUTY EMPTIES {FEB 2021}

 I have 4 empty beauty products to show you in this post and whilst the one
 is somewhat of a golden oldie, as I have re-purchased it several times over
the years, I don't think I've ever mentioned it in a 
Recent Beauty Empties post.
The other 3 products are all purchases made in 2020 that have now come 
to an end and the question is "would I re-purchase"?

*Click on the PINK LINKS below to take you to my original reviews*




L-R

1.

BIODERMA
SENSIBIO H2O
MAKE-UP REMOVING
MICELLE SOLUTION


I hold my hands up to this one, I was soo slow on the uptake
with this award winning Micellar Water that I'm highly embarrassed
about the fact and as I say in my original review I don't really
know why. What I do now know is that it's been my loss over the 
past 25 years, yes that's how long it has been around.
This product is deserving of all the accolades and praise, 
as it's good, it's very good.
Whilst a re-purchase is most definitely on the cards I do have a couple
of other Micellar Waters that I would like to check out in the near future.



2.

NUXE
RÊVE DE MIEL 
LIP MOISTURISING STICK

I reviewed this lip balm back in June 2020 and it was one of my very few 
lockdown beauty treats and as I say in my review I was a little
disappointed at the time of writing, as it wasn't as good as its pot version.
I did however finish it pretty quickly, which means that I must have 
enjoyed it and I did enjoy, but my lips were not overly dry or in need
 of TLC at the time. 
Would I buy another, most probably not.



3.

GATINEAU
GENTLE SILK CLEANSER 

Over recent years I have switched up my cleansing routine, which has led
to a change in the type of cleansers that I have been buying.
Normally this cleanser would have featured on my Recent Empties
post much sooner, but I find that I'm not using a milky cleanser 
as often these days.
This is a beautiful cleanser and as I say in my review it holds, 
as does the brand, a special place in my beauty heart.
There's no hesitation from me in recommending this product to those 
that love a luxurious, soothing and effective cleanser.



4.

REN
MOROCCAN ROSE OTTO 
BATH OIL

Several bottles of this beautifully fragrant bath oil down and I
can't remember ever including it in my empties post, so after originally
reviewing it back in December 2017, it finally makes an appearance.
That fact that I've made several re-purchases since than says it all, 
but sadly I don't think I will buy again.
The reason for this decision is simply due to there being so many beautiful
 fragrant bath products available now to luxuriate and wallow in,
 I find myself reaching less and less for this bath oil, so I feel it's time to give 
the REN MOROCCAN ROSE Bath Oil a little break,
whilst I discover others.


Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of the above and of
course any thoughts, as I would love to hear.





21 February 2021

PATYKA DOUBLE ACTION SMOOTHING SCRUB {REVIEW}

I love to try new skincare brands and this is my first product
I'm trying from the French skincare brand PATYKA.
This product came via the Skins Cosmetics Holiday Box 2020, who
are the exclusive stockists of PATYKA.
As is standard now with new brand reviews you will find a brief overview 
of the PATYKA brand below.

PATYKA is a Parisian House of Organic Cosmetic whose origins date 
back to the 1920s.
They create high quality products, with unique fragrances, full of elegance and sophistication.
 Patyka's cosmetics have created a revolutionary vision of beauty, with the environment and health as the highest priority.
In 2002, PATYKA became one of the first cosmetic brands in the world to be certified organic (ECOCERT label).
All the products are pesticide, silicone, paraben, polymer, phtalate, 
fatty alcohol, solvent or mineral wax free. 
There are no synthetic additive, preservative or synthetic dye, and it is 
cruelty free.  



The Double Action Smoothing Scrub 
is a multi-purpose care product that can be used either as an enzyme mask to gently exfoliate the skin thanks to its fruit acids or as a mechanical scrub to be massaged onto the skin.
It stimulates cell renewal and allows the skin to regain radiance and suppleness, 
Its creamy texture brings the comfort of a mask and the gentle exfoliation of a scrub to refine the skin grain, illuminate the complexion, blur the pigment 
defects and visibly smooth wrinkles and lines.


Main active ingredients:

Jojoba Wax Microspheres: 
Exfoliate and get rid of dead cells 
while strengthening skin.

Natural Complex of 5 Fruit Acids (AHAs):
 Provides a gentle peeling effect 
which stimulates cellular renewal and refines skin texture.

Bamboo Stalk Powder:
 Erases the imperfections and perfects the smoothing 
of the skin.

Jojoba Oil: 
Creates a non-greasy protective film which regenerates and revitalises skin. 

100% of the total ingredients are of natural origin.
50,6%  of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming.

Application:
In the evening, apply a thin layer of Double Action Smoothing Scrub
 on your face . 
For a more intense brightening and anti-ageing effect, leave the mask
 on for two minutes. 
Then carefully remove using circular fingertip motions and rinse your 
face with warm water. 
Use once or twice a week on all skin types, preferably in the evening.
From the delicate pink colour, the texture, application and ultimately the 
results of this scrub reminded me very much of the 
LA PRAIRIE CELLULAR MINERAL
FACE EXFOLIATOR
I reviewed this product several years ago and fell in love with it,
but sadly not the very hefty price.

The PATYKA Double Action Smoothing Scrub is one of those large granular
type of exfoliators, which personally I prefer, as it leaves your skin feeling 
super clean and incredibly soft, smooth and bright, it also preps the skin 
to receive whatever face mask or cream you chose to then apply.

If you are looking for a cheaper option to the LA PRAIRIE or
just looking for an exceptionally good dual purpose exfoliator, that also 
happens to be Organically Certified then look no further, as this is
seriously impressive...

I would go as far as to say that I prefer it, just a tad more, to my much loved 
EXUVIANCE TRIPLE MICRODERMABRASION FACE POLISH
(Unfortunately my review, even though it was only written during mid 2020,
 is now out of date, as I believe they have launched their newly re-packaged,
 re-named and slightly tweaked version of the 
Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish)




PATYKA
DOUBLE ACTION 
SMOOTHING SCRUB
50ml


R
845

£
37.70



PATYKA 
is available in South Africa exclusively at


18 February 2021

AESOP POST POO DROPS #TBT REVIEW

As I say in my original review back in June 2019 this was a very
random purchase and to be honest was a waste of money.
I was taken in by the hype and the nearly full bottle is still sitting in my
 bathroom today. This product even made it as one of my 
Top 3 Most Disappointing Products of 2019
If you would like to see what the other 2 were

Interestingly all 3 currency prices below have not changed in 18months.

~~~~~~

Sometimes curiosity can lead to a random beauty purchase and I was so 
curious about these Aésop Post Poo Drops,
that it led to a purchase from SpaceNK earlier in the year.

Aesop is an Australian beauty brand that I've heard many good reports about 
and especially on these wonder drops, that I couldn't resist putting them to the 
smell test.
I must say upfront, that they're by no means a "must have" purchase, but 
rather one of those "nice to have" products or is it?



First off these Post Poo Drops don't come cheap, as they weigh in at £20 a bottle
to basically mask unpleasant odours in the bathroom.
The Post Poo Drops come in a brown bottle with a pipette dropper, 
which I like as you can control just how many drops you dispense,
 into the toilet bowl post flush.

The amber coloured liquid comprises of Lemon Peel Oil, Mandarin Orange Peel Oil
and other floral elements that all work together to neutralise unpleasant
 bathroom smells.


Super easy to use you just dispense three drops into the toilet bowl post-flush
and it's suppose to leave the little room smelling lovely and fresh and they also recommend that you add a couple of drops to the hand basin to intensify 
the citrus fragrance.

Sadly I was somewhat under whelmed by these little drops of promise, as I was 
expecting the fragrance to be stronger, they did however work slightly better 
in a small guest toilet area than in a larger bathroom and the fragrance
 was intensified once drops were added to the basin.

The Aésop Post Poo Drops are Vegan and Cruelty Free  
and are also free from:
Colourants
Mineral Oils
Parabens
and Silicones

It's certainly more discreet when you're at a friends house to use the dropper 
of these post poo drops rather than the give-away noisy air freshener blast
 to camouflage any bad odours, before the next guest uses the little room...
(If you feel the need you can carry the drops in your handbag, as they do come
 with with a very nice cloth bag)

There's also no doubt that they certainly look more stylish in the bathroom, but
 I do have difficulty in spending £20's on a product that is flushed or rinsed away, 
when I could spend the same money on a more important skincare product.

I suppose it's all about priorities and obviously mine ain't about combating 
a smelly loo post poo, but this product has gained notoriety and I'm sure we 
can all bring to mind someone that this would make a perfect gift for...


Aésop 
Post Poo Drops
100ml



£
20


25


$
29






15 February 2021

ON MY BEAUTY RADAR {FEBRUARY 2021}

This is a series of blog posts that I started at the beginning of 2020
and this is my 3rd edition.
It's where I let you guys know what products are 
On My Beauty Radar
and whilst some maybe brand new launches others maybe golden oldies 
that I've lusted after for ever.

Let me pre warn you that some of these products may be on my "Beauty Radar" forever, either due to my budget not stretching so far or it could be that they're only available overseas, whilst others may get ticked off much sooner.
(Sadly with the COVID 19 around I can't see too much travel taking place 
anytime soon).

I have however added 2 products to my wish list below,I've also kicked one
product off my list completely and another of the products has been purchased.
These are currently the most lust worthy on my radar.

{NEW ADDITIONS}


URBAN DECAY
STAY NAKED HYDROMANIAC
Tinted Glow Foundation


Sadly URBAN DECAY are no longer available in South Africa and they 
just so happened to have recently launched two products that have
caught my eye and would love to try.
It's a longwear, tinted glow foundation infused with kombucha filtrate and 
marula oil for up to 24-hour hydration, coverage, and fresh glow.
£29




URBAN DECAY
LASH FREAK
MASCARA


As you know all too well I'm a bit of a mascara addict and this one really
 appeals to me, as its an intensely volumising mascara with an 
asymmetrical brush that lengthens, lifts, and curls lashes for a dramatic, 
wide-eyed effect.
£22





{STILL ON MY LIST}

LANEIGE 
LIP SLEEPING MASK


The Korean Beauty brand LANEIGE formulated this, now infamous, award winning
leave-on lip mask that soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips
 overnight and being  slightly Lip Balm obsessed I had to add to my list.
I was so close to buying earlier this year, at Dubai Duty Free, but unfortunately
they don't sell the individual loose items, only a Duty Free exclusive pack of 4
and even for me 4 was way too many.
Retails $20 and available in 4 options:
 Original
Vanilla
Apple Lime
Berry





LANEIGE
WATER SLEEPING MASK


Now I do enjoy a good "leave on" face mask and thoroughly enjoyed my recent 
LUMENE NORDIC HYDRA AERATING GEL MASK to read my full review
and I'm assuming this maybe quite similar, as it's an overnight, moisture-recharging gel mask that quickly absorbs while you sleep to deeply hydrate skin. 
Again I missed out on this award winning mask as Duty Free only sold
packs of 2 and it was one too many, as it meant double the price.
Retails for $25 and is available in 2 variants:
Original
Lavender


SUMMER FRIDAYS
Jet Lag Mask

This much raved about Jet Lag Mask from SUMMER FRIDAYS is not available 
in SA and since there's been no travel, I still haven't purchased it, so
 On My Beauty Radar it stays...




{PURCHASED}

I can now say that I have purchased this foundation mid 2020
 and I'm loving it, so much so that it made it onto my
 Top Make-Up List of 2020
To read my full review Click Here


BYTERRY
HYALURONIC HYDRA-FOUNDATION


As I'm sure you will already know, if you read my posts regularly, I do love me
some BYTERRY.
The latest addition to their make-up line up is a hydrating foundation, which I 
would love to try, hence it's made it onto this list. 

It's a Hydrating foundation. 
Perfects and hydrates skin. 
Buildable coverage. 
Infused with hyaluronic acid. 
Protects with SPF 30. 
Long-wear. 
Vegan formula 
and it seems to tick all my foundation boxes and considering how much I enjoy
 their iconic Brightening CC Serums to read my full reviews
I'm hopeful that this foundation will deliver.
 R1490 






{KICKED OFF}


LA MER
The Lip Balm


Again this is another beauty product that seems to have been on my Wish List 
forever and despite reading rave reviews I just cannot see myself
spend R975 on a Lip Balm anytime soon, so sadly this is being removed
 from my Beauty Radar.
Let me know in the comments below if any of these above products 
are on your Wish List


11 February 2021

STILA STAY ALL DAY WATERPROOF LIQUID EYE LINER #TBT REVIEW

This Stila eyeliner review was posted 4 years ago nearly to the day
and I still use and highly rate this eyeliner for all the reasons mentioned in 
the original review below.
One point I would like to add, this eyeliner lasts longer than any other
that I've tried since, some seem to dry out much quicker than others
so cost per use on the Stila one is extremely good.


~~~~~~

Many, many years ago at beauty college I always wore a liquid eyeliner, 
but as the fashion and beauty trends came and went, so did my interest 
in liquid liners and I switched to eye liner pencils.
Unfortunately with age the skin on the eyelid becomes slacker and more 
crepey making it more difficult to draw a smooth, even line along the lashes. 
 
That was until a couple of years ago when I was introduced to the 
Clarins 3 Dot Eye Liner. 
The Clarins 3 Dot Eye Liner seemed to bridge that gap between the ease 
of using a pencil and the more precision needed for the application 
of liquid liner. To read that review Click Here



However I decided to make a giant eyeliner "leap" of faith and buy a liquid liner,so my search began.
 I wanted one that gave me a super fine line whilst being easy to use and I 
found just what I was looking for in the 

Stila 
Stay All Day 
Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner


Available in shade Intense Black and black it truly is.
This long-wearing literally STAY ALL DAY waterproof liquid eyeliner has a fine, marker-like tip that glides on precisely and easily
without smudging. 
I was a little hesitant initially as it is waterproof, yet it removed fairly easily 
with my regular eye make-up remover. 
The liquid does dry quickly on the skin, so any errors or slips need to be 
removed just as quickly. 

I'm sure everyone experiences the same, whether your using a pencil or liquid,  
you seem to always apply neater and smoother on one side than the other. 
The fine tip allows for the finest to the thickest of lines to be drawn with precision and ease, whether you are a pro or a novice like "Moi".
Now I'm not a "fundi" on liquid eye liners, but I have been completely happy 
with my leap from pencil to liquid and its all thanks to Stila

STILA
STAY ALL DAY
WATERPROOF LIQUID EYELINER
5mls


R
340

£
16

$
22


Available from selected Woolworths