ALPHA H LIQUID GOLD ROSE #TBT REVIEW

Even though I posted this "lost" review back in April 2020 I'm

not sure when I originally reviewed this product.

I do know that my London "Kiddiewink" recently came with back-ups

of my PIXI GLOW TONIC as it's still a staple in my skincare routine today

many years later....

~~~~~~

Over the last 7 years of blogging I very occasionally find a blogpost that

just got lost in the depths of a Draft Folder and this is what happened with my

review on the Alpha H Liquid Gold.

 Even though I had finished the review, for some unexplained reason, its never seen 

the light of day, so here is what I thought of this product back then...

~~~~~~

The ALPHA H LIQUID GOLD
with Glycolic Acid is a product that I've been longing to try for some time and 
the Marks & Spencer's Beauty Advent Calendar made it happen with a 50ml
Limited Edition Liquid Gold Rose 25th Anniversary release.
I'm a huge fan of using a daily glycolic Acid to gently exfoliate, resurface 
and brighten the skin.
My go-to has been the PIXI GLOW TONIC for some time now,  

To read my full review   
so I'm curious to see how it compares.

Proudly Australian owned and operated, the multi award winning Alpha-H resurfacing 

treatment is now a global phenomenon, 
stocked in over 25 countries including prestige clinics, exclusive day spas,
 and cosmetic giants Sephora and Marks & Spencer.
Considered a global leader in corrective and preventative skincare, 
Alpha-H creates revolutionary cosmeceutical formulations, which help bridge
 the gap between the beauty counter and invasive treatments. 

The Alpha H Liquid Gold is without doubt the most well known
product in their line-up. It works as a toner, exfoliator, serum and moisturiser
all in one. I personally used it as a toner/exfoliator and still used my regular
serum and moisturiser.

Containing 5% nature-derived glycolic acid (it comes from sugar cane), 
this overnight treatment harnesses the cell-stimulating and exfoliating properties 
of alpha hydroxy acids, which melt the 'glue' that binds dulling dead cells to 
skin's surface, revealing the healthy 'new' skin cells beneath. 
 A "must-have" for anyone concerned with skin ageing, sun damage or 

problem skin conditions.

Apply with a dampened cotton pad, once a week for 2-3 weeks while skin acclimatises and
 apply evenly over the face, neck and decollete, avoiding your eye and lip area. 
 Build up to 3 'neat' applications a week, for maximum anti-ageing and 
skin-brightening benefit.
Can be used by all ages and skin types (even sensitive)
Cruelty Free and suitable for Vegetarians.
For an intensive treatment leave on overnight without applying a night cream 
over the top.(sadly I didn't use it this way and wished I had)
Always use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least factor 15 when using 
resurfacing products.

I can fully understand the hype around this product and I wasn't too happy

when my 50ml promo size came to an end, as it seemed to deliver on all that it

 promises, bearing in mind that I only had 50mls.

Despite the pricing being considerably more than my beloved PIXI GLOW TONIC

I personally can't justify the difference in the pricing to use on a regular basis

and it's unfortunately only available in a 100ml size, so its back to my

PIXI...

ALPHA H

LIQUID GOLD

100ml

R

Not Available in SA

£

33.50

39.95

$

54

SUNDAY SAMPLE

This coming weeks Sunday Sample is a 30ml Travel size of the
BYTERRY 

Baume de Rose Bi-phase Make-up Remover

and I'm highly excited to try this out during this coming week, as

I do love a good Bi-Phase product.

This was one of the products from my BYTERRY Advent Calendar

and there will be many more reviews during 2022 from this much

loved French Skincare & Make-up brand.

To read my previous BYTERRY Reviews Click Here

BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE #TBT REVIEW

Since writing this review back in October 2019 my BYTERRY

collection has swollen somewhat, whilst my purse has seriously shrunk.

Seriously though this Luxe French brand has quickly become one of my faves,

 as they not only formulate products that are effective, but I have found 

them to be super radiance and glow enhancing for the more mature skins

amongst us.

I've since removed the LA MER Lip Balm from my luxe wish list, as

I have purchased and reviewed several other luxe lip balms, one of

which is the BYTERRY Baume de Rose Crayon, so to read that review

 click here

I will be reviewing many more BYTERRY products in the coming months

 following the opening of my BYTERRY Beauty Advent Calendar.

As always I have updated the prices or should I say ONE price, as yet 

again the South African price is the only one that has increased from

R830 to R970, which is just under a 17% price increase since

October 2019.

~~~~~~

I always have a forever changing "Luxe Beauty Wish List" and on that list

 are two rather pricey Lip Balms.

The one is from the French brand BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE and the other

 is LA MER The Lip Balm both have been highly praised by beauty editors and bloggers around the world and curiosity has gotten the better of me, 

so they're both on my list.

Earlier this year I treated myself to the

BYTERRY CELLULAROSE BRIGHTENING CC SERUM 

To read my full review

I absolutely love this product and on the strength of that I was able to tick 

off my list the

BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE

Baume de Rose Lip Balm 

is without doubt the Rolls Royce of lip care and being a Lip Balm Junkie 

I feel I can say that, after having many years of experience in trying all types 

of lip products ranging from drugstore offerings to high end indulgences. 

This product forms part of the Baume de Rose collection of products, so as

 one would expect the entire range is fragranced with a delightful delicate 

rose scent that soothes the senses.  

The balm has a velvety smooth texture and a non-sticky finish.

This balm harnesses the power of rose blossom essential wax to soothe and 

repair the condition of dry, chapped lips.

Enriched with Vitamins for intense moisturising this balm is both regenerative 

and protective.

Nourishing shea butter, antioxidant vitamin E and ceramides help strengthen

 and protect lips against everyday aggressors. Hyaluronic acid microspheres

 prevent lips from feeling dehydrated.

This balm has several ways to use:

Use fingertips and apply a generous amount over the lips.

 Use alone or apply under lip products as a base for a smoother lip finish.

 For a glossy effect apply over lipstick.

Massage into the nails and cuticles to make them feel softer and smoother 

For a more intensive lip treatment, apply a generous amount over the lips 

and leave to absorb overnight.

I tried all of the above ways of application with the exception of massaging it 

into my cuticles, as I was way too mean to use my precious lip balm

 on my nails, but apparently it has great results.

My preferred way of application is to leave overnight, which works exceptionally

 well on drier lips, but this product miraculously leaves your lips looking great 

and feeling softer any way you apply it.

I understand that with an R830  R970 price tag for this multi purpose lip balm

 doesn't fall into everyone's budget, but if it does then this is definitely one

 to add to your beauty wishlist.

I have no regrets about my purchase, however I do have one looming problem,

as I'm already starting to worry about the day my pot is empty...

BYTERRY 

is available exclusively in South Africa from Metropolitan Cosmetics and 

they have 3

beautiful boutiques in Sandton,Hyde Park Corner and Melrose Arch and for

 those living in other areas of SA, you can order online.

They stock several niche skincare and fragrance brands including 

Dr Sebagh

Zelens

Tan-Luxe

StriVectin

Jack Black

DELAROM

If you don't have any overseas trips planned or don't want to get involved in ordering direct from overseas due to the erratic customs charges we face 

or you can't get a cosmetic mule to bring back for you then 

Metropolitain Cosmetics is the answer.

After much research regarding overseas pricing, especially on the 

BYTERRY range 

the price you pay in SA is around 10% more than the UK for 

example

 (based on the todays rate £1= R18.69)

Which is far less than the 3rd retailer websites we have in SA, which I refuse

 to buy from due to their exorbitant pricing structure.

BYTERRY

BAUME DE ROSE

Nourishing Lip Balm

10g

R

830

970

Order Online

                                                                                 

 £

40

$

60

CLARINS TONIC BATH AND SHOWER CONCENTRATE {REVIEW}

I recently re-visited the Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate

read my full review here

and thoroughly enjoyed, so I thought once the Relax finished I would

re-visit the same but in the Tonic version. 

The Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate is a gel concentrated body wash that

 activates with the heat of a warm bath or shower, releasing the invigorating

 aromas of rosemary, mint and geranium. 

Extracts of gentian and pine cleanse and refine the skin’s texture. 

This new greener lightweight formula is non-irritating and 

gentle enough for even the most sensitive skins.

For use in the bath, pour a small amount of the product into the bathtub

 and run the water. 

Massage the lather onto the skin as you inhale the aromatic benefits

 of the steam. 

In the shower, apply Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate using a sponge.

My preferred method of use is in the bath and I personally prefer 

the aromas of the Relax version, but I did enjoy

this Tonic version, but then again I pretty much love most bath products.

CLARINS

BATH& SHOWER CONCENTRATE

200ml

R

345

$

30

£

21

JO MALONE LONDON WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT COLOGNE #TBT REVIEW

This weeks #TBT Review only goes back to December 2020,I thought in the

 run up to Christmas I would re-post this, as it may provide some inspiration

for last minute gifting ideas.

(Woolworths currently have 20% off)

It seems way longer than 12 months, that I have been loving my

Jo Malone London Wood Sage & Sea Salt.

I have just recently purchased my 3rd 30ml bottle and after saying below

that it's more economical to buy the 30ml size initially and then

invest in the larger 50ml or 100ml sizes, I just found that I have too many

 on the go at any one time, so I decided to re-purchase the 30ml

as that suits my type of usage far better.

I still adore this fragrance along with my JML Earl Grey & Cucumber

and these 2 form part of my regular 4/5 fragrances I alternate between.

I have amended the prices below and again SA prices have increased the

 most...

~~~~~~

Who doesn't love JO MALONE LONDON, I adore

the whole Georgian London Townhouse vibe along with the now iconic 

luxe cream boxes with black ribbon, yet

despite having a huge selection of fragrances to choose from I, personally, have 

really struggled over the years to find a scent to fall in love with.

Having spent many years dealing with the marketing of fragrances, I

find that I'm really under whelmed by so many and impressed by so few.

Perhaps what I'm trying to say is, I'm picky when it comes to fragrance.

Not having a Jo Malone boutique in KZN I often made a bee-line for

the counters in Duty Free and the boutiques on my travels, but sadly

I just couldn't find THE ONE.

That was until a couple of years ago when I discovered one of my

all time fave fragrances ever...Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne.

There's a back story to this fragrance, as I dismissed it from the onset

of my search, due to the name and I convinced myself that I wouldn't

be the ONE for me, so didn't even give it a spritz.

How wrong I was, as it proved to be THE ONE and was my first 

Jo Malone fragrance.

Earl Grey & Cucumber Review

Recently I found my 2nd Jo Malone scent in the form of

Wood Sage & Sea Salt

and dare I admit to this, but again I dismissed it, as I really didn't

think I would like it due to the ingredients.

How could I make the same mistake twice, so in future even if I don't like 

the name of a fragrance I will try it first and hopefully I'll discover some

new fragrance likes.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne arrived on the fragrance scene in September 2014 accompanied with a perfumed body care collection. 

 Complex Ingredients include ambrette seed, sea salt and sage, along with red algae and grapefruit. Sea air is mixed with salty and mineral texture of sand and stones and the scent of driftwood adds a natural and fresh sophistication.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne was created with the intention to evoke the

 feeling of pleasure, freedom and escape into nature, inspired by the unique character 

and quality of British beach. 

As with many Jo Malone fragrances, fragrance pairing is encouraged

 and this fragrance can be mixed with

 Lime Basil & Mandarin or Nectarine Blossom & Honey eau de cologne.

As I always say fragrance is a very personal choice and that's why it's so

important to try on your skin to see how it develops and finally settles.

I personally buy the smallest size initially, generally 30ml and then move

 onto to purchase the more economical 50ml or 100ml sizes.

Both the Earl Grey & Cucumber and the Wood Sage & Sea Salt are lighter

Citrus/Woody/Aromatic fragrances and for me are ideal for daily Summer wear.

Both are unisex and my hubby also is partial to a spritz of

Wood Sage & Sea Salt...

It's taken me several years of perseverance with Jo Malone fragrances, 

but I feel the wait was worth it, as I Love both of my choices.

JO MALONE

WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT

COLOGNE

30ml/100ml

R

995/2100

1045/2250

£

50/100

52/102

$

72/142

74/144

Please let me know in the comments below as to which are your favourite

Jo Malone scents.

AĒSOP CITRUS MELANGE BODY CLEANSER {REVIEW}

I have been using this body cleanser from AĒSOP for the

past week, it was an inclusion in my recent 

HARPAR'S BAZAAR Beauty Edit Box

 and it's my 2nd product from AĒSOP, which is an Australian 

luxury skin care brand and in addition to skin care, AĒSOP also produces

 hair care, soaps and fragrance.

Established in 1987 my intro into the world of AĒSOP was a fairly recent

 one, via their infamous Post Poo Drops.

To read my review

The

AĒSOP CITRUS MELANGE BODY CLEANSER

is a gentle low-foaming gel cleanser enhanced with a purifying blend of

 botanical extracts, to cleanse skin and impart a vivifying citrus aroma.

The main ingredients are :

Petitgrain, Lemon Rind, Grapefruit Rind.

AĒSOP is Cruelty-free & Vegan

Whilst the gel texture feels rich and luxurious and the product seems to do

its job of cleansing the body, I wasn't too partial to the fragrance,

however they do have a couple of other fragrant variants being,

Geranium Leaf, Coriander Seed and A Rose By Any Other Name.

Sadly I wasn't impressed, it was the same with their

Post Poo Drops, however for the AĒSOP "die hard" fans, of which there 

are many, I'm sure they'll disagree with me.

This review is short and not so sweet, as I wouldn't repurchase

either of these products and it has deterred me now from trying

anything further from this brand and occasionally that's how it

goes, some brands just don't do anything for you and so far

 AĒSOP is that brand for me...

Please let me know in the comments below if you have any 

faves from AĒSOP.

AĒSOP 

CITRUS MELANGE 

BODY CLEANSER

100/500ml

R

285/695

£

15/33

$

17/45

AĒSOP 

is available in South Africa exclusively at

SKINS COSMETICS

CETAPHIL SUN SPF 50+ LOTION #TBT REVIEW

Having just re-purchased this sun lotion I thought I would re-post

my original review from a year ago for todays #TBT Review.

I have updated the price below and I was shocked to see that the

current price has increased by R100 in 12 months.

Fortunately CLICKS currently have a 3for2 offer on 

Cetaphil Sun and Skincare

CLICKS

~~~~~~

Suncream is, hands down, the most crucial skincare product to add to your 

daily regime, as suncreen helps to prevent premature ageing caused

 by the sun and most importantly the use of a daily suncreen can help

 prevent the formation of certain cancers.

When selecting a suncreen always opt for 

a SPF 30+ or higher and one that is a broad spectrum 

(one that incorporates both UVA & UVB protectors)

It's that time of year "The Holidays" in South Africa, where the many sun 

creams are brought out from the depths of the cupboard and slathered 

over our children, hubbies and ourselves.

Firstly check to see if it still has a valid expiry date, as suncreams once 

opened can vary and last between 12 -36 months.

If a suncream smells rancid toss it.

I have a new one to try out this summer from the drugstore

Cetaphil Sun SPS 50+ Lotion 

and I can assure you its been needed with the long days of blue clear skies 

and temperatures rising to 30c+.

 

Here is a brief rundown of the Cetaphil brand:

Cetaphil® is a skincare brand recommended by dermatologists for over

 70 years, and is still used today by millions of people with sensitive skin

 from all over the world.

The original product, called Cetaphil® Gentle Cleansing Lotion, was invented 

by a pharmacist in 1947 specifically for dermatological needs. 

The product quickly became popular, and today, generations later, it’s called Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser.

 While the name has changed, the formula has remained essentially the same

and Gentle Skin Cleanser remains a worldwide favourite and Cetaphil's

 best-selling product.

Cetaphil® 

today offers a product line that includes face and body moisturisers, cleansers,

 baby care, sun care and products for common skin issues 

and daily skincare. 

Across its different offerings, Cetaphil® is committed to providing users with effective yet gentle skincare formulas that strengthen and protect even the

 most sensitive skin.

The Cetaphil SPF 50+ contains:

Photostable UV filters that offer a highly effective UVA and UVB protection.

Liposomal lotion makes it possible to evenly spread sunscreen on face 

and body for high UV protection

Its also:

Hypoallergenic

Very water-resistant in both fresh water and saltwater

Fragrance free, paraben free

Suitable for sensitive skin

&

Won’t block pores

This high protection SPF has been a hit with the whole family for all 

the reasons above and I have a fussy bunch.

Being a lotion it is quite runny, spreads well yet doesn't leave

any greasy film on the skin and above all...none of us got sunburnt. 

I personally only used the lotion on my body as I have another high

SPF for my face, but i'm sure it works just as well.

As with all SPF's apply liberally 15-20 minutes before sun exposure.

Re-apply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or towelling. 

Avoid contact with eyes.

CETAPHIL

SUN 

SPF 50+

LOTION

200ml

R

249.95

350.00

Cetaphil products are available from both 

Clicks and Dischems 

countrywide

AVÈNE TOLÉRANCE SOOTHING SKIN RECOVERY BALM & CREAM {REVIEWS}

During Mid October Avène Dermatological Laboratories launched their

Tolérance CONTROL range.

a range composed of 2 new highly innovative skin care products to

 immediately calm the skin while reducing its sensitivity over the long term.

Tolérance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm

Tolérance Control Soothing Recovery Cream

This dermatological skin care range has been a long time in its formulation 

and promises to control the skin reactivity of hypersensitive, 

intolerant and allergic skin types.

A hypersensitive/intolerant skin reacts to everything, and anything can 

trigger a reaction.

The daily life of reactive skin is literally governed by the unexpected and the 

most unpredictable things. 

Stinging, redness, tightness: these are manifestations of skin discomfort

 caused by stimuli to which it shouldn’t normally react. 

This is what’s known as skin hyper-sensitivity. 

Tolérance Control 

Soothing Skin Recovery Balm

This rich soothing balm, hydrates dry, hypersensitive, reactive, intolerant 

or allergy-prone skin and calms the skin in 30 seconds, thanks to 

ultra-calming D-Sensinose™, a new patented, post-biotic active ingredient.

 This rich moisturiser instantly calms sensitive skin and sensations of tightness, 

tingling and discomfort.

 The skin is left intensely moisturised and its barrier restored in 48 hours.

 Its rich and comfortable texture is particularly recommended for 

dry to very dry skin. 

Tolérance Control 

Soothing Skin Recovery Cream

The Tolérance CONTROL Cream is more lightweight and

 immediately soothes stinging, tightness and hot flushes. 

It hydrates dry, hypersensitive, reactive, intolerant or allergy-prone skin.

 It’s the perfect everyday ally to control unpredictable skin reactions for a

more normal to combination skin.

The below are applicable to both products:

 Can be use twice a day AM/PM

On the face, neck and around eye contour area.

By Adults or Children over 2 years of age.

Fragrance-free and Preservative-free 

98% Natural Origin Ingredients

Both of these high-tolerance, skincare products

 benefit from a new Sterile Cosmetics® tube that protects the formula

 from outside air and bacteria.

100% Airtight.

They both hydrate, calm and strengthens the skin barrier and

contain the Avène signature Thermal Spring Water known

 for its calming

and anti-irritant properties.

Over the years I have used several similar types of products and 

whilst my skin isn't plagued constantly with hypersensitivity there are

times when my skin does become intolerant and slightly reactive.

My skin doesn't react too well to a change in temperature, especially

the cold and without fail my skin reacts, when I travel overseas to

 a Northern winter.

With this in mind I always adjust my skincare and I

opt for the calming and desensitising products and some of my go to's

in the past have been, Caudalie & La Roche Posay.

Having tried both of these Avène products I can't say I prefer one over

 the other, as it really would depend on the season, as to which I would opt

 for in my time of need.

The Balm had a richer texture and surprisingly proved a big hit

 with my hubby, as I thought he would have preferred the lighter texture

 of the cream.

 He tends to have dry flakey patches and his skin is

definitely reactive and becomes red and flushed quite easily.

He thoroughly enjoyed the ease of the sterile pump, as did I.

He didn't complain about any greasiness or fragrance etc. and he's

been using daily, so that's a great success.

The balm would be my option to pack for an overseas visit to a cold

climate, whist the cream would be my choice for those days where I 

wanted to calm or soothe my skin or as I do several times a year, 

to just give my skin a break from any actives in products.

I can only imagine how soothing and comforting these would both be

when used on a highly reactive skin, especially in children,

similar to wrapping the skin in a cocoon of pure softness and bliss.

As the name suggests both products help you and your skin , over time

 take back CONTROL

 and I'm sure there are many people who have been waiting 

for a break-through range like this....

AVÈNE

TOLÉRANCE CONTROL

SOOTHING SKIN RECOVERY

 CREAM

40ml

R

369

£

17.50

$

35

AVÈNE

TOLÉRANCE CONTROL

SOOTHING SKIN RECOVERY

 BALM

40ml

R

369

£

17.50

$

35

I have recently written a review on the 

Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser, 

which forms part of the Tolérance collection and to find out more 

read my review 

Here