29 April 2021

REN EVERCALM ULTRA COMFORTING RESCUE MASK #TBT REVIEW

This review dates back to October 2017 and was a PR Product.
I have since then reviewed several REN products

GREAT NEWS:
If you are a fan of REN they're currently have a discount code in 
conjunction with KISSBLUSH&TELL
25%  OFF Site Wide (South African site only) 
Valid Till 1st May
 Use KBT25 code at checkout.

 *Prices below are current as of 29/4/2021*

~~~~~~

If I were to mention ingredients that are sourced from 
White Mushrooms, Arnica Montana Flower and Bakers Yeast, 
you may think that I was about to share with you a food recipe, 
but you're mistaken, as these are the three KEY components of a new mask
 that was launched earlier this month by the Skincare brand REN 

REN 
EVERCALM ULTRA COMFORTING 
RESCUE MASK 

This also just happens to be the first product from this brand
 that I have ever tried.



This new mask from their extensive EVERCALM range has been formulated
 with the REN exclusive complex of ingredients and as the name
 suggests its focus is to instantly and forever calm, soothe, moisturise
 and alleviate the key signs of a sensitive skin.

White Mushroom Extract:
 A naturally derived painkiller for skin and contains elements that act as a 
topical analgesics to effectively block the message of pain.

Arnica: 
Reduces redness, inflammation, burning and itching.

Beta-Glucan:
(Bakers Yeast) Supports skin’s natural immune and barrier functions and
is also a potent anti-bacterial and antihistamine.

I personally don't have a sensitive or over-reactive skin, but that doesn't 
mean that there haven't been times where my skin has reacted
to the sun or a stimulating product and as I've always said here on my
 blog that any skin type can use products 
formulated for a sensitive or allergic prone skin quite happily
 and I have several in my daily beauty regime that I just adore.

Let's just touch on what a sensitive skin is all about, as it can be highly reactive 
to physical, environmental and lifestyle factors.
 This could be seen and felt on the skin as redness, irritation, itchiness or dryness to mention just a few the symptoms.
Often these can be experienced on a daily and more permanent basis, 
whilst others experience these symptoms only occasionally.
I'm sure most of us have experienced skin sensitivity at some stage and I know
 that on those occasions, we look for a product to bring comfort and 
relief to the skin.

The REN Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask helps treat the cause of 
skin sensitivity, not just the symptoms, as it goes one step further to 
block the message of irritation to the brain, therefore preventing the
 symptoms that we see and experience as sensitive skin! 
With continual usage the mask will help to strengthen the natural protective 
moisture barrier, aid recovery and increase the skins own natural ability to cope 
with stress and ultimately re balance the skin.



Apply a generous amount 2-3 a week on clean skin, avoid the eye area and 
leave for just 10 minutes and then remove the excess 
with a damp cloth or cotton pad, follow with your usual skincare.

This product is cruelty-free, vegan, noncomedogenic, and formulated without gluten. 
Free from Parabens, Sulphates and synthetic fragrances, mineral oil.

This mask is packaged in a hygienically sealed pump container and it's
 easy to dispense an accurate amount of product (both of which I like)
The texture of the mask was surprisingly thick, yet creamy and somewhat 
heavier in comparison to other masks I've tried for sensitive and fragile skins.

Along with its clean fresh fragrance and its obvious "I've got a mask on" feel it reminded me of the "old style" non drying moisturising face masks
 and I have to admit it was a refreshing change to use.

It gives your skin that sensation of being bathed in soothing, calming comfort
 and I would imagine it would be an absolute blanket of relief to a 
stressed sensitive skin.
It left my skin feeling soft, whilst giving my skin a noticeable, more even tone.

This 10-minute rescue mask is a "best friend" for skin that is red, blotchy, 
irritated, sunburned, wind-chapped, dry, stressed, or jet-lagged.
I'm off on a beach holiday next month and this mask will definitely 
be coming along with. 

This mask doesn't come cheap, but for a truly reactive and sensitive skin this
 will be a small price to pay for the comfort, relief and ongoing strengthening 
that this mask will bring...


REN 
Evercalm Ultra Comforting 
Rescue Mask
50ml

R
620
775


£
28
34


$
28
49






28 April 2021

BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE CRAYON {REVIEW}

Here is yet another BYTERRY product review and YES I am loving this 
French brand...so much.
If you would like to read all of my BYTERRY products reviews thus far


One of By Terry’s best-loved lines, Baume de Rose is a collection of 
Rose infused products that contain the highest quality rose oils 
and rose water for glowing skin.
 Ideal for all skin types from sensitive and oily to dry skin.
 Roses are the true essence of these innovative French beauty products.
The Baume de Rose is an indulgent, multi-purpose lip balm 
which is adored by hordes of beauty editors, 
bloggers and the AAA-list and was one of the first BYTERRY products 
I purchased along with their Brightening CC Serum and my love for these
 two now iconic products set the BYTERRY "beauty ball" rolling for me.
 

Following my complete adjuration for the Baume de Rose in the pot format 
I was keen to try the same formulation in the stick/crayon option

BYTERRY 
Baume de Rose 
Crayon
  
 The nourishing treatment is brimming with rose flower essential wax 
and pastel oil, alongside conditioning shea butter, antioxidant vitamin E 
and strengthening ceramides, to encourage cellular regeneration
 and dispel dryness to leave lips feeling smooth and soft.

Easy to use, the crayon is an ideal travel companion and
so much more practical than the pot option.
The velvety-rich moisturising formula glides on smoothly and leaves 
a non-sticky finish with a subtle pink pearlised shine.
 You can apply it before lip colour to invisibly fill in lines and prevent lipstick 
from feathering or wear it alone for nourished, hydrated and supple lips.
However personally I'm not a huge fan of the pale pink cast it gives the lips 
when used alone.
If I'm completely honest, I do prefer the formula in the pot.
I find it to be more luxurious in texture and more nourishing, yet it can
sometimes feel a little sticky, which I don't mind. 
Even though it's not so handbag friendly
 I would recommend the purchase of the Baume de Rose Lip Balm
over the crayon if you are a first time buyer.
However if the crayon presentation appeals more to your lifestyle or you 
prefer your lip balms to be totally non sticky then it has to be the crayon.
As we've come to expect from BYTERRY 
you are getting an excellent product with either one.

N.B. 
I do have my eye on several BYTERRY additions for my collection including
 the Baume de Rose Lip Scrub and the Baume de Rose Liquid Lip Gloss.





BYTERRY
BAUME DE ROSE
CRAYON
2.3G



R
655


£
26


$
37



BYTERRY 
products are available exclusively
in South Africa at



25 April 2021

ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN CLEANSING BALM {REVIEW}

 Prior to using any products from the UK Skincare brand
ELEMIS
there were two particular products that stood out in my mind, the
 Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
These are just two of the many iconic skincare products within this
luxury range.



My journey with ELEMIS started several years ago and for the past 6 months
ELEMIS products mainly feature in my daily skincare regime.
I have plans to write a blogpost under my "Lets Talk About" title re my journey 
with ELEMIS products so far and which ones I highly recommend etc.


My collection of ELEMIS received a huge boost at Christmas as I was gifted
the fantastic ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN Stars of The Show gift set 
and I cannot express how much joy this collection of skincare products 
has brought me. Sadly it's no longer available, but I'm sure the up-coming 
Christmas gifting offering will have something very similar.
If you would like to read my post on the contents of this special gift set

I have already reviewed around 8/9 ELEMIS products so far and there are 
more reviews coming in the future, so if you would like to read up before
 you buy then click here
 
The ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing balm was part of the above gift set
and being a recent convert to cleansing balms I was excited to give it
a "cleansing whirl".
My current favourite award winning Cleansing Balm is from EVE LOM 
so it has some serious competition, as the EVE LOM CLEANSER 
is not only highly acclaimed in the beauty sphere, but also by me, as I 
personally rate it as the best cleanser I have ever used!
to read why I love this cleanser so much click here
As skin ages, it begins to lose the solid architecture of its youth 
Pro-Collagen was created with this in mind. Developed with incredible, ultra-hydrating marine actives and cutting-edge science, these formulas deliver intense, skin-plumping hydration to smooth the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
 World-renowned for having heavenly textures and surreal results, 
this award-winning range leaves skin looking and feeling more youthful than ever.

As the first product in the Pro-Collagen skincare routine the
 ELEMIS Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm 
is also a much loved award winning cleansing product.
It very effectively removes make-up, daily grime and excess oil effectively
 and effortlessly. 
The formula is infused with luxurious natural oils and anti-ageing ingredients 
that work to remove impurities without stripping or drying the skin.
(The oils do separate, so you may have to mix)

The Key Ingredients include:
Padina Pavonica:
promotes skin elasticity and cell vitality.
Mimosa Flower Wax:
 hydrates and retains moisture in the skin.
Starflower Oil:
 maintains moisture levels.
Almond, Coconut, & Shea Oils:
 nourish and condition.
Elderberry Seed Oil:
 firms and plumps.
Wheatgerm:
 contains vitamins E and F, enriches and nourishes the skin.
Vitamin E:
 is a potent antioxidant that protects against free radical damage.



Can be used on all skin types, daily for deep cleansing and weekly as
a mask.

How to Use:

(I personally used only for those days when I wore full make-up as part of 
my double cleanse or on days where I felt like my skin just needed a
good deep cleanse). 
Warm into the palms and then massage over the face, neck and décolleté
 with light circular massage movements. 
(avoid eye area)
Moisten fingertips and continue to massage.
Remove with a warm, damp cotton cleansing cloth.
(The product comes with its own branded cloth but any face cloth/flannel will do)

The balm can also be used as an intensive and relaxing mask
once or twice a week, leave on for 10 minutes and remove.
(Such a wonderful treatment and highly recommend)

This cleansing/treatment balm, for me, offers a triple experience for the skin, 
its a very luxurious and effective deep cleansing oil,
 it also nourishes the skin like you
 would expect a balm to and finally it hydrates the skin like a cleansing milk 
and this along with its divine menthol/herbal fragrance just adds to the
 appeal of this product.

This cleanser turns the mundane cleansing stage of your skin care routine 
into a what feels like a super indulgent "spa like" deep cleanse that leaves 
your skin soft, supple and glowingly clean and I'm hooked and like so 
many others out there I'm now a huge fan of the
ELEMIS PRO-COLLAGEN CLEANSING BALM...


ELEMIS
PRO-COLLAGEN 
CLEANSING BALM
100g


R
959


£
44

$
64


ELEMIS is available in South Africa
online

and in selected salons and spas


22 April 2021

RECENT EMPTIES {APRIL 2021}

 This is my 2nd Recent Empties post of 2021, so I think it's
fair to say that I am getting better with saving my empty beauty products.
Today I have 6 empties 2 of which I have mentioned in past empties post,
but I wanted to mention them again as they're products I use all the time.


L-R

1.
AVÈNE
Eau Thermale

This is an "oldie but goldie" and I have mentioned it several times in
 previous empties posts.
This thermal spring water spray has been part of my beauty life
for many years and it's still the best water spray to calm and soothe 
the skin or to just refresh the skin during the hot days, hence why I
go through so many.
If you haven't tried this product yet I highly suggest you add it to
your beauty regime.
To read my original review 
 

2.
BY TERRY
BLACKSTAR
EYE LINER

I purchased this BYTERRY eyeliner during lockdown last
year and sadly it's finished already, which I'm a little surprised at, especially
as I haven't been wearing eye make-up everyday.
Whilst I enjoyed this product I doubt I would repurchase
based on the simple fact that I just love my favourite of many years the
STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner.
This liquid liner is, in my opinion, the best liquid eye liner out there.
 The STILA liner definitely lasts way longer than the BYTERRY
To read my original review 


3.
WHITE BARN
ROSE WATER & IVY
GENTLE FOAMING HAND SOAP

White Barn products are available at Bath&Body Works and not having
a B&BW here in South Africa I was able to pick up several liquid soaps 
in Dubai back in early 2020.
This liquid hand soap smells amazing and it will be added to my 
overseas shopping list for sure, when we can finally get to travel again.
I haven't actually reviewed this product on my blog, so here is a mini review.
This Gentle Foaming Hand Soap with natural essential oils combines nourishing vitamin E with softening shea extract & aloe to deliver a rich luxurious
 rose fragranced foam that gentle washes hands clean.
 Having used liquid hand soaps for 20 or more years this is possibly
my all time favourite.



4.
URBAN DECAY
ALL NIGHTER
MAKE-UP SETTING SPRAY

I've also included this setting spray in a previous empties post, as it
has become a permanent fixture in my life.
Sadly URBAN DECAY are no longer available in South Africa, luckily 
I did manage to buy a couple of back-ups, but unfortunately I have been 
going through them so much quicker than normal due to wearing face masks. 
It really does help to set and fix make-up in place ensuring 
that less comes off on the inside of my face mask.
To read my original review 



5.
GATINEAU
GENTLE SILK TONER

I finished this toner many months back and I've only just found the
empty container now, so better late than never.
I enjoy GATINEAU products and this toner compliments the 
Gentle Silk Cleanser well and makes a good cleansing and toning duo.
To read both original reviews
 

6.
JO MALONE
WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT
Cologne

I have a couple more spritzes left in my bottle and as always a 30ml
size didn't last too long with me, considering that I just love this fragrance
 so much and its been my go to all summer.
The 100ml size is a better option value wise, so its on my shopping
list, as I really can't be without. In the meantime I've switched to my
 other fave JO MALONE fragrance Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne.
To read my original Wood Sage & Sea Salt review 
To read original Earl Grey & Cucumber review



19 April 2021

BURTS BEES LIP SHIMMER {REVIEW}

Having only been introduced to US brand BURT'S BEES recently,
so far, the one product that I've tried has really impressed me. 
To read my review on the
 BURT'S BEES Moisturising Mango Lip Balm

BURT'S BEES appear to be THE NATURAL "go to" for all things Lip Care.



The Burt's Bees lip shimmer comes in a slim tube 
(I do believe that the packaging is changing slightly)
and are available in 11 shimmering shades and the shade that I tried 
was Grapefruit, however there are a couple more shades in the line up below
 that I would love to try next time.





 The luminous lip shimmers glide on with the perfect complement of 
moisture and touch of delicate colour. 
Enriched with with my fave Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Sunflower Oils,
 beeswax and antioxidant rich fruit oils to moisturize, nourish 
and soften lips naturally without any stickiness.

The 100% natural moisturizing lip tint has a smooth texture that looks 
great alone or over the top of your favourite lipstick and
I found it to work well over the top of all my lip shades. 
The inclusion of Peppermint gives the lips that fresh invigorated plump
 feel which I personally loved.

The packaging makes it so convenient to carry in your purse 
or in your pocket, as it takes up no space at all, again a feature I enjoyed 
and overall on performance and presentation the
Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer
 gets the
Beauty Shout box seal of approval...





BURT'S BEES
LIP SHIMMER
2.6g


R
99


£
5.99


$
4.99


Burt's Bees products are available from Dischem/Takealot


18 April 2021

BENEFIT HELLO HAPPY VELVET POWDER FOUNDATION {REVIEW}


I have been a huge fan of benefit cosmetics now for several years, 
as in my opinion, they are the experts when it comes to mascaras, 
concealers and brow products.
If you would like to read my past reviews on benefit products

In 2019 their HELLO HAPPY foundation range was launched and I reviewed
and loved the HELLO HAPPY Flawless Brightening Foundation, which
I highly rate for a natural lightweight illuminating liquid foundation.

They also have a powder foundation option in the form of the 
HELLO HAPPY Velvet Powder Foundation and that's what I am reviewing
today as part of my Sunday Sample.
(This is the replacement for the HELLO FLAWLESS Powder Foundation)
The sample of this foundation was very cute as it came on a card with its own 
sponge, however I had my concerns about the quantity of foundation 
as it seemed very little.


I haven't used a powder foundation since my beauty college days and
that was one from Elizabeth Arden.
I've always gravitated towards a liquid foundation due to my skin, even when 
I was younger, being on the normal/dry side as opposed to combination/oily,
 so I was curious to revisit a powder foundation.


Dual-coverage powder foundation
    The mirrored compact includes two custom applicators…a brush and a sponge!
benefit claim that you can choose your coverage with this buildable, 
velvety-smooth Benefit Hello Happy Velvet Powder Foundation. 
The formula is lightweight and breathable, it mattifies all day yet feels 
creamy-soft with Shea-Butter Extracts known to create a luxuriously smooth feel.


You can brush on Hello Happy Velvet Powder Foundation for light coverage 
or to set a liquid foundation. 
Or use the sponge to achieve medium/full coverage for longer lasting results
up to 12hrs, so they claim.
There are 12 shades in the range and my sample was in shade 4.


Now whilst there was enough for one application and I applied with my own
 beauty blender, as I anticipated, the sponge was useless.
Sadly it didn't offer medium/full coverage as benefit claims, 
to be honest it offered a light to almost sheer finish.
It felt lightweight on application but for me 
the powder foundation disappeared as the day wore on, so much so, 
that when I removed my make-up that night there was hardly any 
colour on my cotton wool.
I personally doubt the efficacy of the product due it being a sample of 
the pressed powder on a card.

Now I understand that one sample of powder foundation, no matter how 
prettily presented on a card, isn't perhaps a fair representation of a product,
but if that's how benefit want to sample a product then they must ensure 
that it's as good representation of the full sized product.

Due to so little product I wasn't able to use as a setting powder, but I doubt 
it would have faired any better.

I feel that the HELLO HAPPY Velvet Powder Foundation is as confused as
 I am in regards to its function and for me it certainly didn't perform 
as a foundation.
However it did jog my memory as to why I had stopped using a 
powder foundation all those years ago and I can't see myself revisiting 
them anytime soon, especially if they carry a hefty price tag of
 R550 like this benefit one carries.





BENEFIT
HELLO HAPPY 
VELVET POWDER FOUNDATION
7G


R
550

£
27.50


$
54

Please let me know in the comments if you
have tried this product and your thoughts.