SUNDAY SAMPLE

I have a rather expensive Sunday Sample this week in the form of a

 fragrance from the niche French perfume house

Maison Francis Kurkdjian

At the young age of 24 perfumer Francis Kurkdjian created the hugely 

popular Jean Paul Gaultier Le Mâle 

(which is one of my fave Male fragrances)

2009 saw the creation of Maison Francis Kurkdjian and in 2015 

they launched their very successful unisex molecule fragrance

Baccarat Rouge 540 

Eau de Parfum 

This unique fragrance was born from the encounter between 

Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Baccarat Crystal to celebrate the crystal 

manufacturer’s 250th birthday.

So combine the most expensive spice in the world, 

Safran nicknamed "red gold" and Baccarat Crystal and you know you

have something, possibly, both unique and pricey with this fragrance.

My 5ml Luxury Sample EDP spray was a delightful inclusion in my 

Skins Cosmetics

Holiday Box 2020

Pop back next Sunday to see how myself and hubby

fared with this fragrance.

 

CLARINS TONIC BODY POLISHER #TBT REVIEW

Throwing it back to February 2017 today with my review on the

Clarins Tonic Body Polisher

This product has been a constant in my body regime since then and I have

just finished yet another jar, however I am now finding the R640 pricing 

to be rather steep and have reverted to another tried and tested 

less expensive body scrub, but I must admit, I am already missing my

 Clarins Spa in a Jar.

 When I re post throwback product reviews I am always amazed at how the prices

have increased over the years and sadly South African increases are always the

 highest and on many occasions the $ & £ increases have been negligible

and have often remained the same.

I have updated the prices below and as you can see the $ price has

 increased by $1 and the £ price has remained the same, whilst the

SA price has increased by R140

I also notice that the name of this product in the US & UK has 

changed to

Tonic Sugar Polisher

~~~~~~

I love a good face and body exfoliator and I'm one of those people that use 
regularly as part of my beauty regime and I really don't find it a chore, 
as there is nothing nicer than the feeling of a smooth, soft and revitalised skin
 and considering the little effort required, it yields maximum results.

An exfoliator for the face or body is the one product that gives instant results
 that you can both see and feel.

If you don't use an exfoliator then now is the time, as it's never too late to 
introduce to your beauty routine.

I have learnt that face, lip, hand and body exfoliation becomes even more
important with age, as we need to encourage and stimulate the skins 
cell renewal process, which naturally slows with age.

Body Polishers, scrubs and exfoliators, call them what you may,
 all pretty much do the same thing and that's to remove the surface 
layer of the dead, drying skin cells that build up over time. 
This build-up is responsible for giving the skin that rough, dull and uneven 
appearance and feel to our skin whether it be on your face or body.

Exfoliators for the body generally comprise of coarser grains than those used
 on the face and I personally love a coarser type of scrub. 
I feel that they are far more efficient at the exfoliation process and leave the skin 
feeling wonderfully smooth, soft and glowing.

As with most exfoliating type products you can control the degree of exfoliation
 by adding more or less water on application.

(If your skin leans more towards the sensitive side then finer granules

 would be more suited)

To say that I have used so many body scrubs etc. over my years I cannot believe
 that the Clarins Tonic Body Polisher with Essential Oils escaped my
 "beady beauty eye", 
but it did much to my annoyance and loss.

Having started my beauty career here in South Africa with Clarins, 
firstly as a counter consultant and then as a rep, I have a fond appreciation 
and respect for the brand. 

Originally Clarins had 3 specific body oils on offer:

Tonic Oil (Firmness & Tone)

Relaxing Oil (Soothing & Relaxing)

Anti-Eau Oil (Anti Water & Fluid Retention)

They no longer have the Anti-Eau Oil, but have extended their product offering
 within the Relax and Tonic ranges, which I'm happy about.

The clever people at Clarins have included in their Tonic Body Polisher 
a wonderful mix of

100% essential oils including Rosemary, Rosewood, Mint, Hazelnut & Geranium 

These essential oils not only promote a feeling of well being, 

as they smell amazing, but more importantly help to both respect the 

natural hydrolipidic film and nourish our skin post exfoliation.

The granules in this polisher are made up of a mixture of Sugar and Salt crystals
 from the Camargue region in the South of France 

(I have been lucky to have visited this beautiful region)

This mixture is what eliminates those dead cells, whilst deep cleansing the skin 

to reveal a smoother, brighter and more toned skin.

The inclusion of one of my favourite ingredients Shea Butter along with Hazelnut Oil 

make this body polisher super nourishing and softening on the skin.

This body polisher is also a perfect product to prep the skin prior to the application 

of a self tan, as it ensures an even and streak free bronzed result.

Body exfoliators are easy peasy to use:
Use once or twice a week. Lightly massage into clean, damp skin, concentrating 
on areas of rough skin: elbows, knees, feet. Rinse well.
(Remember it's always advisable to use a moisturising product immediately 
after any skin exfoliating)

I fell in love with this product as soon as I opened the jar, as it truly smells 
divine and the  aromas immediately work their magic to give you a 
feeling of well being.

It's my "Spa In A Jar" and as if it couldn't get any better, the Body Polisher is 
super effective at what it's name suggests and that's...
Polishing the Body

Clarins 

Tonic Body Polisher

200mls

R

500

640

$

41

43

£

33

No price increase

Available from Clarins stockists countrywide and

 online

To read my other 

Body Scrub/exfoliator reviews and my Top 3

recommendations

Click here

RODIAL SOFT FOCUS GLOW BOOSTER DROPS {REVIEW}

RODIAL SOFT FOCUS GLOW BOOSTER DROPS

were on my UK shopping list a couple of years ago and due to a lack

of beauty budget they were overlooked for other products that were

 obviously deemed more important to me at the time.

Not having any official stockists of RODIAL in South Africa,

we do have online 3rd retailers and this is where I recently managed 

to order my product from.

With age it's only natural to be drawn to products that promise to

enhance/restore that radiance and glow that the skin once had and

 I'm a self confessed glow and radiance addict.

So as you can imagine when a beautiful pearly pink serum offers to

"Illuminate the complexion and achieve a lit-from-within glow"

and the words Soft Focus are mentioned I'm both 

interested and intrigued.

This next-generation wonder serum combines skincare actives with a

 subtle pearlescence to instantly boost luminosity.

 Its weightless formula is enriched with an antioxidant to help to rejuvenate

 the skin creating the perfect dewy base for makeup application or used 

on its own as a soft-focus skin-enhancing serum.

Key benefits: 

Squalane known to soften skin and smooth texture

Glycerin helps to maintain moisture levels for dewy-looking skin

Antioxidants work to brighten skin and boost luminosityApply two drops and pat into a clean, dry face.
Use before makeup as the ultimate illuminating primer or use on
its own for a dewy complexion.
Just a word of warning you do need to shake well before use.

I do enjoy a product in a dropper bottle, as I like to be in

control of how much I dispense and that's particularly

important with this product.

I did experience some stickiness on the skin if I used too

much of the product, but you soon get to know how

much to dispense.

I also had some concerns that this serum would impart more

of a shimmer to the skin, like so many similar products do,

but I'm glad to report that all it takes are a couple of drops

to transform a dull skin into a soft glowing and dewy skin.

I was also impressed by how moisturising the serum felt,

especially when used on its own.

It was super easy to incorporate into my skincare routine,

whether I used as a primer under foundation, on its own with

no moisturiser, or over my usual moisturiser,

however I also enjoyed mixing the Glow Drops with my

foundation before application.

The soft focus glow drops deliver what it says on the box.

However this product is by no means a "must have" in your

skincare regime, but it's certainly a "nice to have" product

especially if you have a mature skin and are looking for

a little BOOST on the glow front.

RODIAL

SOFT FOCUS GLOW

BOOSTER DROPS

31ml

R

N/A

£

50

$

65

I have posted several reviews on Rodial products including

their Dragons Blood Lip & Eye masks.

Click here

NUXE VERY ROSE 3-IN-1 SOOTHING MICELLAR WATER {REVIEW}

This Micellar Water from NUXE has been in my beauty sights for

a little while and my only hesitation re buying was down

to me loving my BIODERMA Micellar Water so much.

I recently got my hands on a 40ml travel size and it was the perfect 

amount to try without purchasing the full size, especially as I'm a 

newly BIODERMA Micellar Water convert, as it really is a great product

To read my full review

Laboratoire NUXE 

has developed the VERY ROSE range of make-up removers and cleansers with Rose Floral Water which is known for its ability to soothe and soften

 the skin. They have a wide range of formulas and textures to meet

 every cleansing wish.

I have previously reviewed the Rose Soothing Cleanser & Toner

Click Here

 

The

NUXE 

Very Rose 3in1 Soothing Micellar Water

 has been formulated to remove

 make-up and cleanse the skin on the face and eyes, removing make-up

 and impurities.

Whilst it removed my foundation etc. swiftly and easily, it didn't cope 

just as well with my eye make-up and mascara.

 It certainly leaves the skin feeling soothed, fresh and soft and even

 the delicate rose scent was delightful.

The product contains:

 Rose Floral Water: 

recognised for its soothing and softening properties on all skin types, 

including sensitive skin.

 100% botanical-origin Skin-Respect Complex: 

consisting of Moisturising Sugars, it hydrates and strengthens skin’s

protective barrier.

Micellar cleansing agents:

 to effectively remove impurities and make-up while ensuring good skin tolerance.

*Formula containing no ingredients or derivatives of animal origin

97 % of the total ingredients are from natural origin

Formula tested under dermatological supervision.

How to use:

In the morning and evening, gently wipe a cotton pad soaked in 

micellar water over your face and eyes.

Repeat the process until the cotton pad remains clear. 

No need to rinse.

(I used as a first cleanse in a double cleanse and also as a 

morning cleanser)

 

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this Micellar Water as much as I did.

I suspect I was misled, as to the efficiency of this product, by the 

delicate pink packaging and soft rose scent, but don't be fooled as

 this Micellar Water is up there with the best and it will be one I will

re-visit in the beauty future...

To read all my NUXE reviews Click here

NUXE 

VERY ROSE

3-IN-1 SOOTHING 

MICELLAR WATER

200ml

R

295

$

22

£

15.50

Nuxe 

is available in South Africa

at Woolworths,Truworths and online

L'OCCITANE IMMORTELLE DIVINE FOAMING CLEANSING CREAM #TBT REVIEW

Today's Throwback Thursday Review goes back to August 2018

and since then I have become a huge fan of a variety of face

cleansing products including the foaming type cleansers.

However my concern regarding the price hasn't changed as I still

 prefer to invest more in my treatment/active/serum

 products rather than my cleansing.

~~~~~~

Cleansing is the first important step in your twice daily beauty routine. 

It's vital to start with a clean canvas before applying any treatment creams.

Even though I'm more of a Cleansing milk/lotion kinda a girl and always

 have been I don't mind slotting a cleansing cream or balm, as my second 

cleanse into my skincare routine every now and then.

L'Occitane

 Immortelle Divine 

Foaming Cleansing Cream

I've been using the twice a day (am & pm) for this past week and whilst

 this is not a full long term review, I felt it was enough time for me

 to form an opinion and straight off its like no other

cleansing product that I've ever tried, as it's a cream in foam texture.

This Foaming Cleansing Cream has been formulated for all skin types,

to be used following the Divine Cleansing Balm, as the second cleanse 

in the Divine routine.

(I used this product in 2 ways, as a second cleanse post using another 

cleanser as a first cleanse and several times on its own)

 This rich luxurious cream transforms into a dense, generous foam on 

contact with water to cleanse the face without drying the skin, 

it gently rids the skin of impurities, traces of make-up and pollution, 

which it does with relative ease.

After a minute or so of massaging it's easy to rinse or you can remove 

with a wet face cloth and yes it does leaves the skin looking

 and feeling both clean, fresh and above all soft and Divine...

Being a lover of the all of the products in the 

L'Occitane Immortelle Divine Range, 

this foaming cleansing cream contains the same anti-ageing 

immortelle essential oil, as the other products in the range 

along with Vitamin E and all of its antioxidant benefits, whilst

 95% of its ingredients are from natural origins.

This cleanser doesn't come cheap and whilst it forms an important part of 

the Divine regime and when it comes to high end brands and let's face it, 

the Divine range is high end, I always advocate that you buy and use 

the prescribed products in the range to ensure the best results.

I really enjoyed my weeks trial with the Divine Foaming Cleansing Cream 

and even though the product is DIVINE sadly it hasn't converted me.

I'm just not a huge fan of these types of cleansing products, so personally 

I can't justify the price.

L'Occitane 

Immortelle Divine 

Foaming Cleansing Cream

125ml

*Prices correct as of May 2021*

R

560

660

£

28

32

$

39

44

JO MALONE LONDON ENGLISH PEAR AND FREESIA COLOGNE {REVIEW}

Considering the vast array of fragrances that 

JO MALONE LONDON

 have in their "fragrance stable" I have only ever found 2 that have

 truly unleashed my fragrance love and adoration;

Earl Grey & Cucumber Click here

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Click here

  Granted I haven't tested them all yet, so my journey with 

JO MALONE scents continues.

However with a recent JO MALONE order that I placed online I was 

gifted a rather cute 9ml spray size of their popular 

English Pear & Freesia Cologne

and Freesias just happen to be my favourite scented bridal flower.

I had freesias in my own bridal bouquet along with roses and still

to this day they both remain my favourite flowers.

English Pear & Freesia sounded like a match made in floral heaven.

JO MALONE describe this combination as 

The essence of autumn. 

The sensuous freshness of just-ripe pears is 

wrapped in a bouquet of white freesias, and mellowed by amber, 

patchouli and woods. Luscious and golden.

Top Note:

King William Pear

An unusual, innovative ingredient, this accord of mellow scented fruit is 

fresh and ripe with a juicy facet.

Heart Note:

Freesia

Quintessentially English, cool white freesias imbue the heart of the fragrance

 with a delicate yet distinctive scent.

Base Note:

Patchouli

A sensuously deep, woody note that enhances the longevity of the fragrance.

For the lovers of the English Pear & Freesia scent there is an 

extensive collection of scented products including: a Home Candle, 

Body Cream, Fragrance Diffuser, Body & Hand Lotion, Bath Oil

and a Body & Hand Wash, Hair Mist and a Hand Cream.

Unfortunately for me, this combo was not a match made in floral heaven,

as I found the fragrance was more dominant with the soft pear notes

 than my beloved bridal freesias.

Despite being classified as "Fruity" this isn't your usual fresh, citrus, 

sparkling, fruity offering, for me it leans towards being a more delicate 

floral scent.

I personally found the lingering woody base note of Patchouli

to offer little longevity, as on "moi" it soon faded.

As I've said in numerous fragrance reviews, it's all a matter of personal

taste (not literally) and sadly the rather nondescript 

English Pear & Freesia 

was not for me, so for now my JO MALONE "loves" still remain at two...

 JO MALONE 

LONDON

ENGLISH PEAR & FREESIA

COLOGNE

30/50/100mls

R

995/1500/2100

£

50/70/100

$

72/100/142

Let me know in the comments below what your favourite JML

fragrances are.