SUNDAY SAMPLE

This weeks Sunday Sample is a real "Blast from the Past", as the

first Self Tan product I ever used many years ago, was from CLARINS.

Back then it was simply know as the CLARINS Auto Bronze.

I'm sure since it has gone through many re-formulations and 

re-packagings, however the outer brown packaging has remained the

 same colour.

If I were to be truthful my memories of the original self tan are not so good

and it all comes down to "That Smell", that distinctive fake tan aroma

that I dislike intensely.

I do remember that the bronze shade it turned my skin was good

and not that dreadful fake shade of orange.

I have high hopes for the 2022 version, which is now called 

CLARINS SELF TAN

Maybe not the best time to try out a self tan, but this one is a

Self Tanning Instant Gel, so the results should be fairly quick.

My skin is also the palest it ever goes, which means the true tan shade

 should be more noticeable.

I have been looking for a good, fragrance free self tanning product

for sometime now, so this sample came to me just at the right time.

I'm not sure how much of my arms and legs I will be able to cover

with 8mls of product, so pop back next Sunday to find out how

I got along.

 

SKOON.OH SHERBET! EXFOLIATING MASK #TBT REVIEW

This throwback review only goes back to August 2021 and

seeing that my last product review was on the 

SKOON. RUBY MARINE Overnight Hydrating Mask

and I thought it would be an ideal time to re-post my

review on the SKOON. OH SHERBET! Exfoliating Mask,

as the 2 products work really well together.

To read the RUBY MARINE Mask Review

Exfoliate first with the OH SHERBET! remove and then apply the

RUBY MARINE overnight and Voila! you wake up to super

smooth, hydrated and soothed skin.

~~~~~~

SKOON. is a home grown skincare brand that

with a small, strong, women-led South African team are driving hard to

 offer more conscious choices with beauty secrets that for centuries

 have been handed down through generations of African tradition. 

(SKOON means Clean in Afrikaans)

Formulated to revive and refine, nourish, replenish and bring you the 

cleanest, kindest beauty on Earth. 

Wherever possible, their lab on a farm near Cape Town chooses potent

 natural ingredients harvested sustainably in Africa. 

Non-toxic, effective, clinically proven ingredients that are both ancient 

and incredibly modern - and boosted by science-led thinking in formulating.

SKOON. is both Clean, Kind & Scientific.

I recently received my 1st SKOON product, a full size 

OH SHERBET! Exfoliating Mask and Mask Brush 

in a beauty box and whilst it wouldn't have been a product I would have 

purchased I was glad to receive and put it to the test, as I had heard such

 good things about this mask.

The Azelaic Acid + Probiotic Clay Mask helps clears pores and exfoliate 

dull skin.

OH SHERBET! Azelaic acid 10% exfoliating clay mask can be used 

daily for breakouts. 

Gentle Cape clay is super absorbent and will further help to mop up excess 

oil and dry out bumps and blemishes. 

Other ingredients include:

Kaolin

Azalaic Acid

Glycerine

Lactobacillus

Lemon Peel Oil

Lavender & Geranium Flower Oil

Although OH SHERBET! is a wash-off mask you can also spot treat 

individual breakouts with dabs of clay mask and leave it on overnight.

 ◦ Gentle exfoliation - no harsh abrasions

 ◦ Mops up excess oil

 ◦ Reduces breakouts

 ◦ Anti-redness

Unfortunately I cannot comment on how well it deals with excess oil or 

reducing breakouts, as at my age I don't suffer from these issues, so

I'm really reviewing the exfoliating & brightening aspect of this product.

This mask can be used either AM or PM by adding a small amount of

the blush tinged Sherbet clay powder into a small bowl, add a few drops 

of water in order to create the active paste, which is then painted onto

a clean skin with the mask brush. (avoid the eye area)

The mask will change colour from the blush shade to a solid white

and as expected from a clay mask it will harden on the face. 

It's left on the skin for 5-8 minutes before rinsing off with water.

Do expect some tingling.

I personally use this mask once every couple of weeks.

I thoroughly enjoyed the more traditional process of mixing

the mask and applying with a brush, as this was how masks were

created and applied during my beauty training back in the late 70's.

Not everyone will enjoy that "tight" feel of the mask, as it dries

and hardens, which is typical of a clay mask, but I certainly did.

It was easy to both apply and remove and had a pleasant 

delicate rose fragrance.

I found the mask to be quite stimulating on my non sensitive skin

and it certainly increases the circulation, which wasn't an issue for me,

but maybe it would be for more sensitive skins.

As expected it refined, smoothed and brightened my skin and followed

 with any of my usual post exfoliation face masks, my skin always felt good.

I can only imagine how well this mask would work on an

oily and congested skin and as a specific overnight spot remedy.  

Despite this mask not being 100% for my skin type I've grown

to love a little mask mixing and applying

with a brush, as it seems to add something extra to my 

more leisurely pamper sessions and I highly recommend.

SKOON.

OH SHERBET! 

EXFOLIATING MASK

40g

R

599.95

649.95

NO MESS BRUSH

R129.95

Visit

 SKOON. Website

SKOON. RUBY MARINE OVERNIGHT HYDRATING FACE MASK {REVIEW}

I'm rather late with posting my review on this face mask from

the South African skincare brand SKOON.

SKOON.

Kind. 

Clean. 

Scientific. 

The SKOON. brand is all about having your cake 

and eating it! 

They are committed to the best nature has to offer. 

They believe in science. 

Most of all they give you “clean” beauty for a healthy skin.

And they think skincare should be a ridiculously good-feeling ritual – 

so they say yes to natural scent!

Having thoroughly enjoyed their OH SHERBET! Exfoliating Mask recently

read my review here

 I have high hopes for this

RUBY OVERNIGHT Hydrating Face Mask

The aim of this face mask is to ultimately give a moisture top up for 

all skin types and boost overnight hydration.

Its formulation promises to both soothe and hydrate your skin whilst

 you sleep. 

It protects against winter dry skin and improves skin barrier,

especially for dull, sensitive skins.

 This dream combo of super-soothing, moisture boosting hyaluronic acid 

in a velvet base of Vanilla, African Shea, Wildflower Honey

 and Marula Oil will work during the night.

Infused with Wakame Extract and Hyaluronic Acid to entrap water molecules

 on the surface of the skin.

Smooth a generous layer of overnight hydrating mask onto clean or 

moisturised skin. 

Alternatively, blend a small scoop of mask with a dollop of moisturiser 

in the palm of your hand and smooth over face and neck.

N.B.

In summer the texture of RUBY MARINE may slightly soften and be slightly

 harden in colder temperatures.

Like no other mask that I have ever felt or applied, it is different and not

the "norm" in masking terms.

This thick pink buttery mask had a divine vanilla fragrance and was easy

to apply.

I found this mask to sit on the skin and create a barrier rather than 

being absorbed into my skin, so therefore it felt quite greasy, which I 

didn't really mind, as it was an overnight product,

 but I could imagine more oily/combination skins may not enjoy.

This could also double-up as the perfect defense balm to protect skin 

against extreme cold or drying out during sport.

This mask comes in 2 sizes and I opted for the smaller 15ml size

 and was surprised at how many applications this little pot gave,

so I would recommend that you try this size first.

The next morning my skin certainly felt softer and overall this mask

has found a place in my "Masking" wardrobe of products.

SKOON 

RUBY MARINE 

OVERNIGHT HYDRATING

 FACE MASK

15/30ml

R

325/560

SKOON is available from Woolworths,

ARC Store, Superbalist, Wellness Warehouse,

Foschini

ESTHEDERM OSMOCLEAN MICELLAR WATER FOR FACE & EYES #TBT REVIEW

This is quite a recent #tbt review, as it only goes back 12 months to 

July 2021

and unfortunately I haven't tried anything further from this brand due

to having many other brands to review, but I will at some point

and as always I'll give you my honest opinion as to whether it's

one to try or not...

~~~~~~

Having reviewed last month, the

 ESTHEDERM OSMOCLEAN HYDRA CLEANSING MILK

To read my review

this month its the turn of the corresponding

MICELLAR WATER FOR EYES & FACE.

This French skincare brand is relatively new to me in terms of using 

any of their products and I was suitable impressed with their 

cleansing milk, so let's see how this product performed.

 Institut Esthederm Osmoclean Osmopore Face & Eyes Cleansing Water 

completes skin cleansing while respecting the skins surface ecosystem. 

It gives a pleasant sensation of invigorating freshness and prepares your 

skin for skin care products.

Perfect for active, busy people and frequent travellers who like the 

convenience of a three-in-one product, Osmopure Micellar Cleansing Water 

gently removes make-up from face and eyes and leaves skin free from dirt, 

excess oil and harmful bacteria, whilst still able to protect itself 

against external aggressions.

The gentle surfactants form micelles that capture and lift away dirt, 

impurities and pollution particles.

Acts in perfect osmosis with the skin while protecting and preserving

 the hydrolipidic film.

Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

The fresh toning texture leaves skin clean, fresh and soft and

I've been enjoying this Micellar Water, thus far, as it's ticks all the

boxes when it comes to what you expect from a Micellar Water.

Having only used 2 products from ESTHEDERM I'm hoping

to try more from their range in the future, as what I've tried so far

I Like.....

ESTHEDERM

OSMOCLEAN

MICELLAR WATER

FOR FACE & EYES

200ml

R

317

345

£

18

$

29

30

Available in South Africa at Dischem & Woolworths

SKIN PROUD REFRESHER HYDRATING MIST {REVIEW}

Skin Proud 

is the brainchild of the British Entrepreneur Charlotte Knight, and this isn’t 

her first trip around the beauty block, as she’s previously founded both

 Ciate and Lottie London. 

Skin Proud was recently and very quietly launched into South Africa 

and now appears on the shelves in Edgars Beauty, Arc Stores

and is available online from Woolworths and Superbalist.

This relatively small collection of skin care products with a Gen Z focus 

(a category that I definitely don't fit in to) is a no fuss, simple approach

to effective and affordable skin care.

The formulas are created with a blend of both powerful natural extracts

 and science-based ingredients.

It's 100% Vegan and Clean, Cruelty Free and suitable for all skin types.

I was attracted sometime ago to one of their eye products

Icicle Cooling Eye Serum Stick and I have just opened my third one.

I absolutely adore this product, now whilst it isn't my primary eye

care product, far from it, it has found a place in my daily

skin care routine and if you want to find out why then

to read my review Click Here 

 REFRESHER HYDRATING MIST

This pineapple scented facial mist will refresh and hydrate tired skin. 

Formulated with hydrating Japanese rose water, refreshing aloe vera

 and refining witch hazel extract, this super-fine mist is perfect for a skin

that's in need of a boost or quick pick me up any time of the day or night.

I do love a good rose facial spray and again this product like the

 Icicle Cooling Eye Serum Stick

 spoke to me, but unfortunately I didn't fall in love this time.

The issue I had with this product was not the packaging, it was pink and

 had a very good spray nozzle, it did refresh my skin, it was the pineapple fragrance that I didn't take to.

I also found the mist to be a little sticky on the skin and whilst I will

finish the product it won't be a re-purchase for me.

I do understand that I am not the target market for this brand, so

maybe the stick serum was a one off, however I do think that this brand

 offers a great, easy, yet serious skincare introduction to those

 Gen Z'ers.

.

SKIN PROUD 

REFRESHER

90ml

R

245

$

10.99

£

9.99

AUGUSTINUS BADER THE RICH CREAM {REVIEW}

Before I get into my thoughts on this award winning cream from

 Augustinus Bader 

let me give you an overview of the man behind this brand.

Professor Augustinus Bader is a globally recognized biomedical scientist and physician 

and one of the foremost experts in the field of stem cell biology

 and regenerative medicine.

In a career that has spanned the globe, the German-born Professor has 

spent over 30 years researching and developing technologies that activate

 and harness the human body's capacity to heal, with a focus on the 

reawakening of cells that become dormant due to aging or trauma. 

In 2008 he developed a groundbreaking Wound Gel that heals severe 

skin traumas without the need for surgery or skin grafts. 

It is this revolutionary technique that inspired Augustinus Bader skincare.

Professor Bader is currently the director of Cell Techniques and Applied 

Stem Cell Biology at The University of Leipzig, in Leipzig, 

Germany where he lives with his family.

Augustinus Bader skincare was launched as recently as 2018 and

I first heard of this brand via the VICTORIA BECKHAM collaboration.

In such a short space of time Augustinus Bader has been

Voted Number One in WWD Beauty Inc.'s 

The Greatest Skincare of All Time

 by a jury of hundreds of our discerning peers, beauty insiders,

 and industry experts.

In his own words Augustinus Bader said

"The reason we launched the skincare brand was to provide a platform to 

allow for the continued research and development of treatments that alleviate suffering 

for those afflicted by severe burns and wounds and in turn,

 the skincare activity will finance the research.

When it comes to our skincare, we are not traditional beauty developers; 

we have decades of scientific research behind our products. 

My approach to skincare focuses primarily on respecting, first and foremost,

 human skin physiology and skin health and we will only release products

 that bring a real solution to our customers." 

 

So how did I manage to get my hands on a product from this super niche 

skincare brand?

It was my primary reason for buying the 

John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar

back in 2021 and whilst it contained many of my "lusted" after

 beauty products, it was the

 Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 

that I wanted to get my hands on the most.

The calendar contained a 15ml size and I purposely waited to 

put this iconic cream to the test and despite the 15ml size giving

me around 5 weeks of use I was extremely sad when it came to an end.

The original award-winning daily moisturizer is intensely luxurious, 

hydrating and nourishing. 

Supports cellular renewal to dramatically improve the complexion's appearance. 

Backed by 30 years of research and innovation. 

Powered by TFC8®

Clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging including the appearance of 

fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation

Deeply hydrates, conditions, and renews for soft, even, restored skin

Promotes elasticity, supports skin barrier function, and prevents 

transepidermal water loss - for skin that’s supple, plump, and smooth.

Protects against environmental aggressors

TFC8® supports cellular renewal and guides key ingredients to the cells.

On cleansed, dry skin, smooth the desired amount over the face, neck and décolleté, morning and evening.

Ideal for normal to dry skin, more mature skin types, and colder,

 drier climates I feel it was made just for me.

AB skincare is 100% free of parabens, fragrance, SLS, SLES, DEA, 

heavy metals, talc, and petrolatum/paraffin/mineral oil and formulated

 without unnecessary preservatives, solvents, or emulsifiers.

The texture is luxuriously rich and creamy and it glides on beautifully, yet

initially I wasn't wowed by this product, which I was expecting considering

the price point, but patience is needed as with most skincare and as the first

month of use approached I began to notice my skin was definitely smoother,

plumper, softer and generally was looking great and I was super disappointed

 that I was not able to put this product to the test for at least 3 months.

I can already see in my skin that it's missing the benefits of this cream

and I'm now able to fully understand the cult following/addiction, as

it's been like no other product that I've ever tried.

The fact that in just 51 months, Augustinus Bader has garnered an 

unprecedented 92 industry-coveted awards, speaks absolute volumes

about this brand and their products, so I'm not sure what more I can add

other than I hope I can experience more from this brand in the future,

so I had better start saving now.

AUGUSTINUS BADER

THE RICH CREAM

15/30/50ml

R

N/A in SA

$

89/175/280

£

69/135/215

AVÈNE HYDRANCE AQUA-GEL #TBT REVIEW

A throwback to July 2020 with this review on the

 AVÈNE HYDRANCE AQUA-GEL

I have re-purchased and it's still my go to for all the reasons I mention below. 

Avène has been such an effective, affordable French skincare brand

 and one that I recommend often.

~~~~~~

Several years ago the French brand Avène arrived in South Africa and has

 become everyones' favourite, affordable skincare range, regardless of 

whether you have a sensitive skin or not.

Over the years I have used so many of their products and to date only one

 has disappointed.

If you would like to read all my previous Avène reviews 

Just to recap on the brand:

Avène Dermatological Laboratories offer a range of treatments specially developed for sensitive skin, and recommended by dermatologists. Avène Thermal Spring Water, with a unique biological and mineral heritage, whose efficacy has been demonstrated in more than 150 scientific studies, is at the heart of all their products. This remarkable water is renowned for its soothing, anti-irritant and softening properties.

Recently launched the

Avène Hydrance AQUA-GEL

is all-in-one hydrating skin care solution, inspired by Asian skincare innovation,
formulated in Japan and made in France.

It can be used as a day cream, a sleeping mask and around the

 eye contour. 

The Hydrance range targets dehydrated/sensitive skins and is a range that

 my skin enjoys, especially the Hydrance OPTIMALE Hydrating Serum 

and I've lost count of how many, I have both used and recommended to followers and friends, over the years.

My hubby is currently using the serum and he's a new fan.

The AQUA-GEL offers the dehydrated and sensitive skin:

24H HYDRATION*
Cohederm™ complex restores the skin's water resevoirs, boosts radiance 
and restores suppleness.

ANTI-FATIGUE AND ANTI-OXIDANT
Dextran Sulfate & Pre-tocopheryl work together to decongest the skin 
while protecting it from the harmful effect of free radicals.

SOOTHES
A high concentration of Avène Thermal Spring Water (75%) offers intense
 soothing and softening benefits.

Some immediate observations when you first apply

the Aqua Gel:

1. Smells divinely aqua fresh and clean. 

2. It feels cooling on application

3. The texture melts into your skin.

4. Completely and quickly absorbs.

5. Leaves no sticky or greasy layer on the skin

Being a multi-tasking hydrating product, that can be used by all skin types

 I have been extensively testing this product over the past few weeks on my

 normal/dry/mature skin.

As a daily moisturiser I found this product to not be enough for my skin, especially

 now in Winter. However it maybe a product I'll reach for more in 

Durbans extremely hot humid Summer months. 

As a moisturiser this product would be perfect for anyone with a

sensitive or compromised skin, dehydrated skin and it's also ideal for those

 looking for a lightweight, fast and easy application, non greasy, no fuss, 

morning product that can also be applied around the eye area.

Combination/oily skins would no doubt adore this formula.

I did layer with my Hydrance serum, applying the serum before applying

 the Hydrance AQUA-GEL and that duo felt more comfortable for me.

I found the AQUA-GEL it to be a perfect soothing and calming product

 applied post exfoliation.

Applied in a thick layer overnight as a sleeping mask was my preferred

way of application and it was convenient that one product could be used

on the face, neck and around the eyes. 

As a mask it's gentle enough to use several times during the week.

I used this product often as an eye treatment as occasionally I wanted a rest

 from the active anti-ageing eye products that I normally use and this 

provided a neutral cooling, soothing alternative.

This new product from Avène will no doubt be hugely popular, as the formula

 will please many, including men, but for me, as a day treatment it was lacking.

Where I did thoroughly enjoy the AQUA-GEL was as an overnight mask 

and eye treatment.

This AQUA-GEL as an ALL-IN ONE product is effective, affordable and easily

 available in Clicks & Dischem and is one that I would highly recommend if

you suffer from a dehydrated/sensitive skin, if you're looking for the

 convenience of one product "does it all" or if you are looking to introduce

 skincare into your busy lifestyle for the first time or like me, you're just 

looking for a calming,

soothing, hydrating product alternative in your skincare line-up.

AVENE

HYDRANCE

AQUA-GEL

50ml

R

349

399

£

20

21

$

36

38