31 March 2022

FENTY BEAUTY FULL FRONTAL VOLUME AND CURL MASCARA #TBT REVIEW

As always, when I review a product from a brand for the first time I
like to give you some background to that brand and whilst I'm sure most of us
have heard of Rihanna the singer but what about her beauty brand
Fenty Beauty By Rihanna

Fenty Beauty (stylized as FEИTY BEAUTY) is a cosmetics brand launched in 
September 2017 by singer Rihanna. 
The brand is popular for its broad inclusivity across skin tones and gender,
 especially its Pro Filt'R foundation.
The original foundation launch included 40 shades, since expanded to 50. 
The inclusion of Fenty Beauty concealer includes 50 shades offering a wide
 variety to all skin types. 
The intent behind having so many shades to offer is to differentiate from other 
makeup companies that do not cater to a broad market. 
Fenty Beauty was named one of Time magazine's best inventions of 2017.

As you can imagine this new beauty kid on the block has been a huge 
success and whilst I'm not normally attracted to "Celebrity" brands
her latest mascara launch caught my eye at the end of 2109

Fenty Beauty By Rihanna Full Frontal Volume,
Lift & Curl Mascara


"The ultimate do-it-all mascara designed for a fully exposed lash look, 
featuring an exclusive flat-to-fat brush that instantly volumizes, lifts, 
lengthens, and curls.
Get full-on lashes like never before with Full Frontal Volume, 
Lift & Curl Mascara.
 Designed to deliver Rihanna’s full lash look, Full Frontal’s do-it-all 
formula is clinically proven* to volumize, lengthen, lift & curl lashes, 
exposing every little lash with eye-opening definition"
WoW who doesn't want full-on eyelashes like Rihanna? 
and being a bit of a"mascara junkie" my interest was piqued and it 
was soon added to my 
"Beauty Radar" list and I was lucky to be in Dubai earlier this year
 and SEPHORA obliged me with this indulgence of a mascara.



The outer packaging is immediately appealing, as is the black and rose gold wand.The product has a quality look and feel to it, which I was happy to see. 
Full Frontal’s lightweight, ultra black formula was specifically paired with an exclusive flat-to-fat brush: 


The FAT side holds max product to quickly load and lift lashes.
 Use the FAT side to load and lift, wiggling at the base of your lashes
 to build volume.

The FLAT side defines and curls and thanks to the round, pointed tip.
Use the FLAT side to comb through and define, curl, and separate.
Finally use the pointed tip to coat the hardest-to-reach lashes in the
 inner corners.

Initially I fiddled around trying to use the FAT side and then the FLAT side,
but to be honest I soon fell into the habit of just picking up the wand
 and applying as I would any other mascara.
Full Frontal does build easily giving you plenty of playtime to layer,
 define, separate and whatever it is you need to do to create the look
 you want without being clumpy or thick on the lashes.
I found it to be longwearing, smudgeproof, water-resistant and is
 100% Cruelty Free.

Whilst I enjoyed using this Jet black mascara and loved both the effect 
and look of my lashes, when I took the time with application, 
I can't say that it gave my lashes any extra volume, curl or definition
 than some of my other favourite mascaras.
I have compiled a list of My Top 5 Mascaras with full reviews, 
if you want to check out which mascaras I recommend.

The bottom line:
This mascara is without doubt good and delivers on its claims,
 however it does come in quite pricey
 (especially now with the Rand exchange rate)
 and I'm not sure that you are getting a better product than 
several of the great L'Oréal mascaras that I rave about and they all
 come in at a more budget friendly price.
However if you are a Rihanna devotee then this mascara
 won't disappoint.



Fenty Beauty By Rihanna 
Full Frontal Volume,Lift & Curl Mascara


R
N/A in SA


$
24


£
21





30 March 2022

AVÈNE SPF 50+ INTENSE PROTECT {REVIEW}

Avène products have been a longtime trusted favourite of mine for
several years now and one that I recommend often.
If you would like to read my past reviews on many Avène products then

Since the beginning of summer my go to sun protection has been their
newly launched
Avène SPF50+ Intense Protect





It's an innovative lightweight fluid offering very high UV protection 
with ultra water resistance.
It's a Broad Spectrum High Protection, making the 
Intense Protect 50+ it suitable for all skin types, 
including the most sun-sensitive skin:
babies as of 6 months, children, pregnant women, very light phototypes
 that lack natural melanin, damaged skin, post-tattoo or skin suffering
 from the effects of cancer treatments.

Intense Protect 50+ is also suitable for all types of exposure and also
 the most extreme and demanding conditions for sun protection: 
high altitudes, high seas, dry climates, humid
tropical heat, and nautical sports.

It can be used on both the face and the body, however I have used it mainly
on my body, as I had sun protection for my face that I had to finish.

Key ingredients include:

 Patented TriAsorB
 an innovative sun filter inspired by the natural protective properties of melanin.
 It absorbs and reflects harmful UVB, short & long UVA rays, as well as 
high-energy visible blue light. 

Pre-tocopherol
is a photostable precursor to Vitamin E and offers powerful antioxidant benefits.

 Avène Thermal Spring Water
is known for its soothing, softening, and anti-irritating benefits.

This SPF is Ultra water-resistant, Sweat-resistant and Fragrance-free.

This SPF has served me very well during the past few, 
hot and humid months.
It offers super fast absorption, feels dry to the touch and has a
 transparent finish and it also
provides good hydration (8hrs they claim) and more importantly leaves
 no white marks.
So if you are looking for intense high protection or an everyday SPF 
for the whole family, then this is certainly one to consider.



AVÈNE 
SPF 50+ INTENSE PROTECT
150ml


R
339 


£
20


Available In South Africa at Clicks, Dischem
 and online at
 Dermastore, Superbalist and Woolworths







 

27 March 2022

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES DE-STRESS MUSCLE BATH & SHOWER OIL {REVIEW}

Bath or Shower?
I'm 110% in the Bath camp and I cannot stress how much my
bathing ritual is my absolute "Happy Place".
I have to admit though, my water is often too hot, my bubbles and candles
 are too many, but all combined it makes for my perfect relaxing setting
and I love it.
I am known to "spend money" when it comes to candles and bath products
and I don't apologise for it...
In my 2021 Beauty Advent Calendar from John Lewis this was
THE product, over several others, that convinced me to buy the calendar.
It was also a full size, what more could I ask for...

AROMOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES 
DE-STRESS MUSCLE BATH & SHOWER OIL


Despite having nearly bought it on several occasions I just couldn't
bring myself to splurge on this ultimate award winning bath product.

Here is some background on the 
AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES brand

They've been sharing the therapeutic powers of essential oils for over 30 years. 
Starting out as therapists in the early 1970s, the founders, 
Geraldine Howard and Sue Beechey
 connected with the emerging practice of aromatherapy. 
 They experienced first-hand the powerfully positive effects of essential oils 
on our physical and emotional wellbeing and it
began a love affair with aromatherapy.
In 1985, Geraldine and Sue's passion for teaching, practicing and blending 
oils spilled into a desire to share the benefits of aromatherapy with a wider audience. Aromatherapy Associates was born with a small range 
of therapeutic-grade products and treatments.
Fast forward to the 21st century. 
They continue to celebrate and share the wonders and benefits of 
essential oils
 with an ever-growing range of award-winning products and transformative treatments that can be found all over the world.

The healing properties of therapeutic Rosemary, warming Ginger and
 invigorating Black Pepper are especially blended to ease tired limbs. 
Immerse lack-lustre, fatigued or over-exerted muscles in the warming
 and soothing essential oils of the 
De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil. 
There is a slight difference with this oil as it
is applied directly to the body and not poured into the bath.
Infused with up to 30% pure essential oil blends, just one capful of
 Bath & Shower Oil provides a truly therapeutic experience. 
Bring a little therapy to a bathing experience by massaging this oil all over
 your lower back & torso prior to stepping into a warm bath or shower. 
Enhance the aromatherapy benefits by cupping your hands to your face 
and inhaling deeply several times. 
 Apparently one bottle will provide you with up to 20 muscle soothing
 bathing experiences.
I'm not too sure that mine will last for 20, but I'll report back.

*Please note 
this product is not suitable for during pregnancy or breastfeeding*

What can I say other than this oil is
pure pampering bliss
It relaxes and eases tension, whilst stimulating circulation all at the same time
 and of course it smells divine, leaves the skin feeling amazing
and with so many other products in the collection, 
this has ignited a passion for AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES 
and I want more...


AROMOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES 
DE-STRESS MUSCLE
 BATH & SHOWER OIL
55ml


R
N/A in SA


£
50


$
71


If you would like to read more of my Bath Products Reviews



23 March 2022

BY TERRY LIP-EXPERT SHINE LIQUID LIPSTICK {REVIEW}

Another discovery from my BY TERRY Beauty Advent Calendar is
their LIP-EXPERT lipsticks and in particular the SHINE LIQUID formula
in the shade Rosy Kiss
As I've said before beauty advent calendars are such a great way to discover
both brands and products and my BY TERRY one has been an absolute
treasure of discoveries.

I did receive 2 other lipsticks in the LIP-EXPERT MATTE format,
which sadly weren't suitable shades, so I gave them away recently to
a lucky follower.



Inspired by the ever-alluring Parisian style, this high pigment vinyl gloss
 liquid lipstick creates a long-lasting glamorous statement look. 
Featuring a hydrating formula, this liquid lipstick includes a conditioning dose of vitamin E to keep the lips moisturised, soft and supple even after repeated application.
Formulated to keep your lips hydrated, this lipstick offers irresistible shine 
with a vibrant colour for plump and radiant lips.



Is there any product from BY TERRY that isn't good?

I feel that I have tried and reviewed so many and have still to come
across one that isn't good!

Whilst there are a couple that I wouldn't re-purchased, not because
 I didn't enjoy them, its just that over the years found even better that
have become my firm favourites.
The BY TERRY Micellar Water is one that springs to mind as I'm 
huge fan of the BIODERMA Micellar Water.
If you would like to catch up on my BY TERRY Reviews Click Here


Besides being my perfect shade (Rosy Kisss), 
I may have found my absolute favourite lipstick of all time...

The precise doe foot applicator makes application so easy and the buttery
 formula glides on beautifully and offers a full coverage in one coat.
I found the rich pigment to be long lasting and above all extremely 
comfortable and nourishing on the lips.
I do enjoy a shine finish and this shine formula is the perfect amount, 
so I highly recommend you check out the
 BY TERRY LIP-EXPERT SHINE LIQUID LIPSTICK 


BY TERRY 
LIP-EXPERT 
SHINE LIQUID LIPSTICK
4ml


R
890


£
29


$
34




20 March 2022

BYREDO MOJAVE GHOST {REVIEW}


BYREDO
 is a European luxury brand founded in Stockholm in 2006 
by Ben Gorham.
Byredo creates and develops a range of products such as fragrance, makeup, 
home, leather goods and accessories, and is sold in more than 40 countries
 in a very high-end exclusive network worldwide.
Byredo conceives objects using the highest quality materials available
and has a Cult following worldwide.



By the way, the Byredo name comes from the old English word 'redolence',
 which roughly means sweet-smelling and aromatic.

Mojave Ghost
Inspired by the wonderful, extremely rare and incredibly powerful
 'ghost flower' from the Mojave desert, blooming without nutrients and water.

Top:
Ambrette

Heart: 
Magnolia, Sandalwood, Violet

Base: 
Cedarwood, Chantilly Musk, Crisp Amber

It's 83,4% natural and classed as a Woody fragrance.
It's also genderless and of a medium intensity

For the past week I have been trying out a 2ml sample of the 
BYREDO Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum.
Having tested in-store, several of the most popular of the
BYREDO fragrances, I haven't yet found the one for me.

That being said I did enjoy Mojave Ghost, but I didn't love it
enough to make me want to buy a bottle.
As I have mentioned in previous fragrance reviews, for me
a fragrance needs have that WOW factor and it must draw me
in and have me repeatedly lifting my arm to take-in more
of the fragrance and sadly this didn't.
As with many of the niche brands that have an extensive fragrance 
selection, sometimes it takes many tests to find 
THE ONE... 



BYREDO
MOJAVE GHOST
EDP
50/100ml


R
2680/3775


£
127/182


$
196/276


Available exclusively in SA



17 March 2022

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN CLEANSING PURIFYING SCRUB WITH SEA SALT #TBT REVIEW

I'm only throwing it back to March 2021 with today's 
Throwback Thursday review.
The prices thankfully have remained the same.
P.S. I still love this product....

~~~~~~

Contrary to what the name suggests, 
Christophe Robin's 
Cleansing Purifying Scrub With Sea Salt 
is a product for hair and not the face.
In short its a scalp exfoliator and shampoo that cleanses, removes buildup, 
and soothes sensitive, flaky, and oily scalps and its the type of product
that I have been wanting to use for time.
I believe that our scalps need to be exfoliated regularly just as we exfoliate
 our face and bodies, but finding this type of product has been difficult
especially here in South Africa, so I'm very happy to have had chance to
experience this one from Christophe Robin.

To read my other Christophe Robin Product Reviews
 

The cleansing purifying scrub with sea salt is ideal as a detox treatment as it 
cleanses, purifies and restores balance to sensitive or oily scalps. 
It can also be used as a post-colour treatment to sooth tingling 
and itching sensations.

I wrote about my own Hair Detox many years ago, as I personally need 
to put my hair and scalp through a regular detox to rid it of a chemical, 
product and skin build-up.



The Cleansing Purifying Scrub by Christophe Robin forms part of a 
3 product range that is aimed to purify and detox the hair and scalp.

The scrub contains large grains of mineral-rich sea salt, which are very evident
 in the white paste and salt being a natural exfoliant you can certainly feel it 
 both cleanse the scalp and stimulate the blood circulation and it's a wonderful
invigorating sensation that leaves the scalp and hair feeling incredibly clean.
In addition, any chemical traces of colour and impurities are naturally removed.
Other 100% plant-based ingredients in this scrub ensure that even after rinsing,
 the scalp is still hydrated, soothed and itch-free. 

Within 24 hours of use, the moisture content of the scalp is back in balance 
and irritations are considerably reduced and these effects can last for up to 
four days after treatment. 

This Christophe Robin scrub is free from parabens, silicones and colorants.
Recommended for Sensitive scalps, Oily scalps, Men & women.
Can be used once or twice a week as a shampoo

Detox treatment: 
Apply the equivalent of a tablespoon on damp hair. 
Gently massage the scalp, add a trickle of water then lather, concentrating
 on the nape of the neck. 
Rinse thoroughly and apply a nourishing treatment on the lengths 
and ends depending on your hair's condition. 
For a more intense effect: leave on for about two minutes before rinsing. 

Post-colour soothing treatment: 
Ideal for eliminating chemical residues, which have become embedded
 on the scalp. 
Instantly soothes itching and calms irritation.

I'm 100% sold on this product, as it left my hair and scalp feeling incredibly
fresh, clean and more importantly for me, my hair felt light, almost
weightless, which has never happened previously with any other hair products.
As a shampoo the foam is rich, thick and voluminous, again like nothing
 I've EVER tried.
It is without doubt a unique product and I cannot recommend 
this product enough, especially if you suffer from any of the above
 hair or scalp issues.
I also believe the pricing of this type of product is very good as the entry 
size of 75mls will give you plenty of deep cleansing washes.

I'm currently using this product once a week, however I'm sure I will
drop back to once every other week in the future.
As a heads up this product has already been added to my 
Top Hair & Body Product list for 2021
thats how much my hair loves it...




CHRISTOPHE ROBIN 
CLEANSING PURIFYING SCRUB WITH SEA SALT 
75/250ml

R
370/825


£
17/40


$
19/53


Christophe Robin products are available
 in South Africa
exclusively in store and online
 at