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

To read previous REN reviews

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.

REN

 *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

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

click here 

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

Metropolitian Cosmetics

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

click here

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

AbsolutSkin

OneSkinemporium

Takealot

and in selected salons and spas

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 

click here

 

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 

click here

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 

click here

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

Cleanser Review

Toner Review

 

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 

click here

To read original Earl Grey & Cucumber review

click here

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

click here

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

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

Click here

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.

To read that review

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.