BYTERRY HYALURONIC HYDRA-FOUNDATION #TBT REVIEW

I find it hard to believe that I wrote my review on this BYTERRY foundation

over 2 years ago. I have since re-purchased, as it is one of my favourites.

Let me know if you have also tried it, as I would live to hear...

~~~~~~

Over the last couple of years I've become a little obsessed with BYTERRY products, 

whether it be her skincare or make-up.

Having been lucky enough to have been sent some of her products as PR from 

Metropolitan Cosmetics.

I have also purchased several and I will leave the Pink Link below so you can catch 

up on my previous reviews. 

To read my BYTERRY product reviews

Thankfully BYTERRY products are available exclusively in South Africa at

 Metropolitan Cosmetics

and they have an excellent online delivery service, if like me you don't live near 

one of their 3 beautiful Johannesburg stores.

Now this particular treatment foundation has  been on my beauty wish list since

its launch back in 2019 and I managed to place an order during lockdown.

BYTERRY Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation

As usual I had heard so many rave reviews and that always makes me a little

wary, but upon reading the wonderful benefits of this super charged

foundation I couldn't settle until I had tried it for myself.

Promoted as hardworking, luminous and weightless, which I 100% agree with, the Hyaluronic Hydra-Foundation floods skin with moisture, delivering seamless coverage

 with an ultra-fine texture. 

Even though its formulated to suit all skin types, it's a particularly good foundation 

for dry skin, working to plump out wrinkles and fine lines and create a matte luminous finish, 

now I'm not aware of too many mature women that enjoy a matte finish 

from their foundation, as I'm sure most will agree, that we need all the glow we can muster 

from our skincare and make-up, so don't be put off by the "matte" word 

as the foundation contains light-reflecting pigments that create that

"lit-from-within" luminous glow.

This unique formula infuses the skin with Hyaluronic Acid to trap moisture like a magnet, 

locking it into the skin for long-lasting hydration. 

Special ‘Skin-Fit’ technology controls shine and ensures the formula stays 

put all day while SPF30 protects against UV rays.

They don't have an extensive range of shades only 15 and they're broken down into

 5 Cool, 5 Neutral and 5 Warm tones and to help you in choosing 

the correct shade when you order online from Metropolitan Cosmetics 

they thoughtfully include a sample of your ordered shade, so you can test before 

you actually open the full size, thus allowing for a return.

This worked perfectly for me and I was a match for 

300N (medium fair neutral)

The easy to use a dropper delivers a precise custom application tailored to the 

look you want, is a feature that I've been enjoying, so:

2 drops for sheer coverage 

4 drops for medium coverage

 6 drops for full coverage.

Can be applied with a beauty sponge, foundation brush or your trusty fingertips.

This product has a Vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients.

Even though this foundation is on the runny side, which did take a little getting

used to, it didn't disappoint and lived up to all my expectations, as it seems 

everything that I have tried from BYTERRY does.

As I'm getting older I find myself gravitating more to a treatment foundation,

one that has skincare benefits combined with a more natural 2nd skin feel and one that

doesn't settle into my pesky lines and wrinkles and I think BYTERRY 

have nailed it with this product.

Treatment foundations unfortunately come in more expensive and this little 

skin plumping gem from BYTERRY is no exception, but it's a shift in the 

beauty budget that needs to be factored in, as our skin ages and its

one I'm happy to do... 

BYTERRY

HYALURONIC HYDRA-FOUNDATION

30ml

R

1,375

1490

£

49

51

$

59

FRESH SOY CLEANSER {REVIEW}

FRESH isn't a brand that I know very much about because

it's not available in South Africa.

This FRESH SOY CLEANSER was behind one of the doors in

my John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2021.

I had to do some research about the brand and here's a brief

overview...

In 1991, Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg were Russian immigrants

 living in Boston, and they saw the need for beauty that was both

 effective and indulgent.

What began as a small collection in a neighbourhood shop has evolved

 into a full lifestyle line of skincare, lip care, bodycare, and fragrance 

sold all over the world. 

The sensoriality of their products, their textures and scents sets them apart. 

But they’re also scientifically proven to work extremely well. 

It’s this combination of high efficacy and amazing sensations that 

they’re known for.

Lev says fresh creates products people don’t know they need—and then

 can’t live without. 

The founders still work with the brand every day to fulfil their original 

dream of making beauty that performs and transforms.

This best-selling universal face wash is proven to maintain skin’s pH

 while also cleansing, softening, and hydrating all skin types & tones.

Featuring upcycled soy proteins, the makeup-removing, 

non-stripping formula deeply cleanses pores while maintaining skin's pH

 and increasing hydration—even after you rinse.

Formulated for all ages, genders, skin types, and tones. 

Being the first product from Fresh that I have tried it would not

have been my first choice, as I have read several good reviews

on their lip products and a Deep Hydration Toner that has 

rose petals floating in.

Any way it was part of the advent calendar and I've used it

and for me it was just a "nice" cleanser and performed its function and

 there isn't much more I can say about it other than it's not one I 

would purchase or particularly recommend.

Has it put me off the brand NO and as the floating rose petal toner still

appeals to me...

FRESH 

SOY FACE CLEANSER

50/150ml

R

N/A

£

13/31

$

15/38

SUNDAY SAMPLE

 I've been on a bit of a roll during September with my 

SUNDAY SAMPLE 

posts and especially with CLARINS samples.

I will be trying out this deluxe 30ml size

EXFOLIATING BODY SCRUB FOR SMOOTH SKIN

over the next couple of weeks.

Being that person that exfoliates weekly I need to give this product

longer than a week, so expect to see my full review in the

 next 3-4 weeks.

I do love a good body scrub/exfoliator and have been using one

weekly for what seems like a life-time.

One of my all time favourites is the Tonic Body Polisher from Clarins

To read my review

So I'm excited to try this and compare the two and let you know

in a future post.

CLARINS HYDRA-ESSENTIAL MOISTURE REPLENISHING LIP BALM {REVIEW}

I have been using the 

CLARINS MOISTURE REPLENISHING LIP BALM

whilst I have been traveling during September and as I'm sure many of

you will agree, travel always takes its toll on our lips, so I was curious 

to see how this one from Clarins would fare.

Clarins products very rarely fail on the performance front and 

I was really hoping that this would deliver on all of its claims.

It's a replenishing lip care for dry and damaged lips.

Enriched with comforting blue lotus wax, this balm's rich melt-in texture
promises to protect, hydrates and nourish lips, restoring their natural

 rosy glow and plumped appearance.

Day: apply to the lips as needed, either on its own or before lipstick.
Night: apply a thick layer to the lips for intensive repair.

It's another winner from CLARINS and it certainly didn't disappoint.

This creamy gel delivers immediate long lasting comfort to 

dry chapped lips. 

Its rich melting texture does protect, moisturise and nourish

 very well. If your lips are super dry then a thick layer

overnight works wonders to replenish and rebalance.

The soft pink tint in the gel does offers a slight rosy glow to the lips,

which is more flattering than the clear gels,

however I'm not 100% sold on the plumping effect.

I'm not usually a fan of a slanted tip applicator on lip balms, yet

this seemed to perform better than others that I've tried.

it works well over any lipstick shade, but particularly well over

the drier matte finishes.

It was easy and quick to use and was the perfect shape and size

 for my bag making it a good travel companion and I would

 highly recommend.

CLARINS 

HYDRA-ESSENTIAL 

MOISTURE REPLENISHING LIP BALM 

15ml

R

295

$

26

£

21

Clarins is available countrywide and

 Online

L'OCCITANE SHEA BUTTER COMFORTING BUBBLE BATH {REVIEW}

It's no secret around here that a luxuriating bubble bath is my

absolute pleasure and my all time favourite bubbles are the

L'OCCITANE LAVENDER FOAM BATH

If you would like to read my review from 2016 then click Here

L'Occitane 

have a wonderful array of foaming bath soaks, in a variety

 of fragrances for the perfect bubble bath and I recently spotted the new

SHEA BUTTER COMFORTING BUBBLE BATH

and I had to have it, after Lavender I'm partial to the fragrance and

 benefits of Shea.

Enriched with Shea (5%), known for its nourishing properties, 

this bubble bath helps to soften the skin and prevent feelings of dryness. 

Its luscious , creamy texture transforms into a rich, generous foam on

 contact with water, for a moment of comfort and well-being.

Ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skins.

This white liquid has the comforting signature Shea fragrance that I adore.

It turns your bath into a luxurious, moisturising haven of bubbles, 

but has it stolen my "bubble bath heart"?

No, it hasn't and the Lavender Foam bath is still my 

ultimate bath product and it would really take something exceptional 

to steal my heart away from the iconic lavender foam bath.

L'OCCITANE 

SHEA BUTTER 

COMFORTING BUBBLE BATH

500mls

R

495

£

28

$

39

CLARINS MOISTURE-RICH BODY LOTION {REVIEW}

I was first introduced to the original Clarins Body Lotion back

during my beauty therapy training days in the late 1970's.

I had a Saturday job in a Clarins salon and one of

my job functions was to sanitise the sunbed and prep the cubicle

for the next client. 

Those fortunate clients had a Clarins Body Lotion (Corps Soyeux)

that they could use post treatment and that delightful, fresh fragrance

has stayed with me forever and I remember the texture of the cream coloured

 lotion being so velvety and rich.

So as you can already gather I was longing for this 2022 formulation to bare

some similarities to the original despite many years of reformulations and 

re- packaging.

CLARINS 

Moisture-Rich Body Lotion

Thanks to its concentration of shea butter, the Moisture Rich Body Lotion

has been formulated to nourish and hydrate all skin types, even the driest.

 Its naturally-sourced extracts of organic raspberry water, tamarind pulp acids

 and organic oat sugars soften and smooth the skin.

First off this rich cream has a new aroma and formulation, just as 

I expected, so there were no similarities whatsoever.

(Can I be blamed, I was just looking for the nostalgia)

 

It does however have a lovely melting texture that pretty instantly

 penetrates the skin, meaning you can get dressed immediately 

after applying.

It's nourishing and strengthens the skins barrier and leaves your skin

feeling well moisturised, comfortable and soft.

I cannot say much more about this rather pricy product other than,

as you would expect from Clarins and as the name suggests,

it is a lovely Moisture-Rich Body Lotion.

CLARINS

MOISTURE-RICH

BODY LOTION

200ml

R

585

$

49

£

35

URBAN DECAY BROW ENDOWED #TBT REVIEW

Re-posting this makes me a little sad as URBAN DECAY is no longer

available in South Africa and it truly is a brand that I have so enjoyed.

In its short time in South Africa and despite receiving several PR products

they were responsible for me parting me with my money on so many occasions.

I recently opened a new BROW ENDOW and my original review dates

back to September 2019.

Fortunately I did buy several back-ups before they finally closed their doors,

  unfortunately they're all coming to an end.

~~~~~~

Up until a couple of years ago you wouldn't have found a brow product

 in my make-up bag, but today, I have to admit, you will find several 

and they would all be from one of my fave brands benefit ,

as I just think they have such a good handle on all things 'Brows".

Earlier in the year Urban Decay launched a new collection of brow products

 named

Urban Decay Street Style Brow Collection

 and finally its been launched here in South Africa.

The timing was perfect as I was needing a new brow pencil and I was

 introduced to Urban Decay Brow Endowed

Brow Endowed forms part of a new 4 brow product line up, 

which includes:

Double Down Brow 

(Brow Putty)

Brow Blade 

(Ink Stain + Waterproof Pencil)

Brow Finish

(Waterproof Brow Gel)

Brow Endowed

(Brow Primer + Colour)

Brow Endowed is a double-ended tool that volumizes and sets brows

 in two easy steps:

 A primer fluffs and holds, while a tinted cream fills and shapes. 

Perfect for less-than-full brows, like mine 

(and with age mine seem to be getting thinner) 

or brows that are in need of a little fluffing, as this double-ended tool 

lets you tame, tint, and tease all in one.

The excellent long-lasting formula resists sweat and smudging for up

 to 24 hours.

It's surprisingly easy to use an I was amazed at how fluffier, fuller, 

tinted brows miraculously appeared.

Step 1.

Comb the soft-hold primer through the brows to add volume.

(The fine micro spoolies on both ends make it so easy to precisely coat the 

product onto the hairs and the primer does make the brow hairs feel 

slightly stiff similar to a hairspray effect)

Step 2.

Then gently brush on the tinted brow cream to intensify the colour

(Some advice: if you make a splodge or the intensity is a little too much,

 then remove sooner rather than later, as the tint does dry quickly)

               

With 7 shades to choose from and I went for Taupe Trap, 

a universally flattering taupe,

that has turned out to be my perfect shade.

The Urban Decay consultant applied to my brows and I wore for the 

rest of the day to see whether I liked the effect or not.

I went back into the store the next day to buy, as that's how much I 

enjoyed this brow product.

I haven't had full looking brows for many years and this two step 

product just enhanced

the brows that I have to make them look, in my opinion, pretty good,

 so much so, I've had compliments about my brows on a couple of occasions, something which I've never had before. 

If this product had not been demonstrated and used on me I would

 never have bought it, so it just goes to show that sometimes the product

 has to prove itself to you in order for you to buy.

If you're looking to up your brow game then do the same and have the

 product applied and explained and let the product do the selling...

Urban Decay

 Brow Endowed

R

395

N/A IN SA

£

18

20

$

28

SUNDAY SAMPLE

 Having recently purchased several Clarins products online

I now have many samples to try out, due to the amount that they

send you with your order, so expect Clarins to be appearing in my 

Sunday Sample posts over the coming weeks and months.

 

Having worked with Clarins back in the 80's I remember their original

body lotion very well and it was hugely popular back in the day.

No doubt its been reformulated, re-named and re-packaged many times

 since then and I was excited to see todays version in my deliver.

This week I will be trying out this 

Moisture-Rich Body Lotion 

to the test and I'll report back next Sunday