SISLEY IZIA LA NUIT EDP {REVIEW}

This is a 1st for me, my first review of a product from the

luxury french brand SISLEY.

The SISLEY Black Rose Cream Mask will be my 2nd and my review will 

be posted in a week or so.

SISLEY have a surprising amount of fragrances on offer and the only

one that I know of is their popular Eau de Soir and that's due

to it being the signature fragrance of my UK BFF and this distinct

floral fragrance reminds me of her and is a perfect match for

her, sadly it wasn't for me...

Izia La Nuit 

is a new encounter that was launched in 2021,

 an ode to the night that follows on from 

Izia 

that has been around since 2007

Izia La Nuit 

Is a fragrance for a daring, elegant woman looking for an olfactory signature

 that reveals her slightly but not completely. 

An extraordinary, rare and sophisticated perfume. 

This nocturnal, opulent and deep fragrance is like an encounter that awakens

 the unconscious and stimulates the senses.

 A dizzying array of sensual, full, radiant notes emerges, developing and 

evolving over time like a metaphor for the countless facets of love. 

The sculptural bottle created by artist Bronislaw Krzysztof is adorned with a mysterious, glossy lacquer. Its deep black shade contrasts with the 

delicate golden film that reflects the luminous juice.

Top notes:

 Fresh and vibrant (Blackcurrant, Mandarin, Cardamom) 

Middle notes: 

Floral and luminous (d’Ornano Rose, Freesia, Magnolia) 

Base notes: Woody and sensual (Ambrox, Patchouli, Vanilla)

As with all fragrances the advertising/packaging used are great indicators,

 as to what lies within the bottle.

As I always say "fragrance is a very personal choice" and I

already had my doubts as to whether I would like this fragrance and

you guessed it, this floral-oriental was not to my liking.

Just as the box and the bottle suggests

I found it to be quite intense, deep, sensual and long lasting and that's 

exactly what the perfumer wanted to achieve.

This award winning fragrance is quite complex and despite loving several 

of the individual elements like Rose/Freesia/Blackcurrant/Vanilla

it wasn't enough to win me over.

SISLEY 

IZIA LA NUIT 

EDP

30/100 ML

R

2100/4250

£

100/205

$

142/292

STRIVECTIN SUPER-C RETINOL BRIGHTEN & CORRECT VITAMIN C SERUM #TBT REVIEW

I find it hard to believe that it's a year ago when I reviewed

this product and wrote my findings below.

This serum is also an Award winning product now and deservedly so.

Strivectin is available exclusively in South Africa at Metro Cosmetics

and they currently have a 20% off site wide and in store.

Use Promo Code

METRO20

This promo runs from today until midnight on Monday 31st October 2022

I think I will influence myself here and place an order.

~~~~~~

When incorporating Vitamin C and Retinol products into our daily skincare

 routine we've always been advised to use a Vitamin C in the morning,

 whilst keeping the application of any Retinol products for evening use,

 due to various incompatibilities, however we finally have a product from

 the prestige USA skincare brand StriVectin which incorporates these

2 powerhouses of anti-ageing into one serum.

STRIVECTIN 

SUPER-C RETINOL BRIGHTEN & CORRECT 

VITAMIN C SERUM

Together at last:

 the brightening power of Vitamin C and the correcting power of Retinol

 join forces in one supercharged, lightweight serum. 

This ultimate collaboration is a skincare science breakthrough featuring

 two forms of stabilised :

Vitamin C + Acerola Cherry Extract

 to restore clarity and brighten dull, tired skin.

 Retinol 

smooths rough texture and fine lines all while helping to neutralize

 the effects of free radicals to skin. 

All of the above are amplified by NIA-114™, StriVectins proprietary form

 of Niacin, to strengthen the skin barrier for a renewed, glowing complexion.

Formulated to:

 Restore radiance and clarity to dull skin.

Smooth away fine lines and uneven texture​.

Visibly firm and improve elasticity.

How To Use:

1.

Shake well

2.

Apply 1/2 drops to clean face in the morning and evening

3.

Follow with moisturiser and also a sunscreen during the day

I feel like I have been using this serum for an absolute age, 

which just goes to show, how little one needs to cover the face and neck.

(I did have a 2 week break from using twice daily during the unrest

 back in July).

The pipette dropper allows complete control of the amount you dispense,

with no wastage and that always pleases me.

I found the formula of this lightweight serum, unlike many Vitamin C serums, 

to absorb quickly without being tacky or leaving a sticky residue, 

making it ideal to layer under moisturiser or makeup.

It was such an easy product to incorporate into my daily skincare regime

and I soon noticed a difference in my skin (around 4-5 weeks). 

The most noticeable improvement was in the brightness and the radiance

 of my skin, whilst over the weeks I could most definitely see a softening

of the lines across my forehead.

As you can tell I highly recommend this serum, as it's easy to apply, 

it's 2 serums in one and most of all it works and is a great product

as an introduction to the wonders of Vitamin C and Retinol... 

STRIVECTIN 

SUPER-C RETINOL BRIGHTEN & CORRECT 

VITAMIN C SERUM

30ml

R

1850

£

62

$

72

StriVectin is available in South Africa at

 Metro Cosmetics

AVÈNE XERACALM A.D LIPID-REPLENISHING BALM {REVIEW}

Some weeks ago I developed a rather itchy skin, it wasn't

all over my body, it was just prevalent on my shins and forearms.

Having a sensitive and itchy skin was very unusual for me, so

I decided to check out the Avène website, as they're the leaders when

it comes to treating sensitive and compromised skins and after using

 many of their products, I certainly can trust them...

Their experts say that several conditions can cause the skin to be prone

 to varying degrees of itching: contact eczema, lichen planus, urticaria, 

dryness in mature skin, etc.
Itching is also caused by atopic dermatitis, a common form of dermatosis

 that affects children and adults, triggering uncomfortable, 

incapacitating sensations of itching.

I had ruled out the obvious irritants like soap powders/fabric softeners

shower gels, soaps, fake tans etc and decided that mine fell under

"dryness due to my mature skin" category and I needed a product to

replenish my Hydro Lipidic Layer or protective barrier in order to

alleviate the itchiness.

If it had been an issue on my face I would have had several Avène

options to apply, but for my body I had none.

After a little research I opted for the 

AVÈNE

XERACALM A.D LIPID-REPLENISHING BALM 

The XERACALM range (consists of 4 products) is specifically formulated

 to nourish and restore very dry, itchy, atopic/eczema-prone skin. 

This would be my first line of defence and depending on

how my skin responded would determine my next step.

XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing balm deeply nourishes,

soothes and calms very dry skin prone to itching sensations. 

This rich texture helps maintain skin's natural microbiome for a 

healthy skin environment. 

A patented 100% sterile nourishing balm formulated to replenish 

the skin's protective barrier and relieve itching associated with 

atopic/eczema-prone skin. 

After 12 years of research the formulation is proven to

reduce the itching sensations, soothes discomfort due to skin

 hyper-reactivity and allows skin to protect itself once again.

 It has an airless pump, exclusive sterile technology, that keeps the 

cream safe throughout use without the need for any preservatives.

Suitable for people who may be prone to eczema formulated with a 

minimal number of ingredients to minimise risks of allergy. 

Free from fragrance and soap and suitable for infants,

 children and adults.

Luckily after applying twice daily (initially) and then once a day,

this non greasy balm both nourished and soothed my skin and more

 importantly over a period of several weeks, the affected areas soon

 settled and the intense itching thankfully ceased.

The airless pump makes for easy, hygienic and controlled application.

So this product is certainly a keeper for me and one that I cannot 

recommend highly enough, if like me suffer from mature dry skin

 or any of your family suffer from dry itchy skin.

AVÈNE

 XERACALM A.D

 LIPID-REPLENISHING BALM

200ml 

R

345

£

20

$

34

I have written several reviews on Avène products

To read my reviews click here

SUNDAY SAMPLE

 I have a back story as to how I obtained these 2 samples from the 

French Super Luxe brand 

Sisley

It was many months ago that I applied online to have a couple of

free samples posted to my "Kiddiewinks" UK address and it was only 

recently that they, via him, made it to my hands here in South Africa.

This method of sampling is often used in the UK and it's how I

discovered the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation, which has led

me to purchase 2 now, as it's become one of my favourite

 high-end foundations.

I also have recommended to a couple of readers and like me they

fell in love, so sample marketing, if executed correctly really works.

So this coming week I will try out both of these samples and revert back 

with my thoughts.

 Black Rose Cream Mask

I have heard wonderful things about this "Instant Youth" face mask

and cannot wait to try it and this was the reason I submitted

my sample request.

Izia la Nuit

is one of the many fragrance offerings that Sisley have and

it was an extra sample that arrived and I didn't complain,

as its perfect for a Sunday Sample post.

MY TOP 3 MAKE-UP PRODUCTS {2017} #TBT REVIEW

I post my annual "Tops" post every year in January and it's where I pick out my

 absolute favourites from the previous year.

I generally post 3 categories my Top:

 Make-up Products

Skincare Products

&

 Hair & Body Products

and I love compiling these posts and I hope it helps you with some of your 

decisions when it comes to making those purchases.

Today I have thrown it back to 2017 's list and I have repurchased all of

these item's several times.

However I have moved onto to even better things where all of these products are

 concerned, yet that does not take away anything from these 3 products below,

as they're all still great choices and I highly recommend them all.

Click on the Pink Links below to read my original reviews

~~~~~~

This is my first "Tops" post where I've isolated make-up
and already feel that I need to increase to perhaps 6 products

for 2018, as I've tried and tested some good make-up items this past year.

I have narrowed it down to the 3 that I have replenished already and that's

always a great sign.

Apologies now, as two of the three are not yet available in South Africa,

but I'm keeping it real and they're my genuine faves .

Click on the Pink Links to read my full reviews and to find out more.
Also at the foot of this post I have included the links to my other Top posts
2017, so you can check out what other products I rate for the last 12 months.

1.

L'OREAL 

PARADISE EXTATIC

MASCARA

I feel that this mascara launch from L'Oréal Paris has been covered and mentioned

by every youtuber and blogger worldwide and quite rightly so, as it's a winner and
after all we can never have too many mascaras.

To read my full review

2.

BENEFIT

BOI-ING AIRBRUSH CONCEALER

If you follow my blog and follow me on social media the 

inclusion of this next product will come as no surprise. 

During 2017 benefit re-launched their Boi-ing collection of concealing products and 

having put them all to the test, this Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer stood out for me

as a "must have" in your concealing collection of products, as when we get older

one concealer just isn't enough.

The whole range is pretty good and definitely worth checking out whether you're

looking for a heavy duty/brightening or hydrating concealing and of course my

star product the flawless finish Airbrush concealer.

To read my full review

3.

IT COSMETICS 

CC+ CREAM WITH SPF 50

Again this is another much talked about product during 2017 and one we

don't have in SA, but during my UK visit in July I couldn't not buy

and try. 

It wasn't an immediate love affair with this CC Cream, but its turned out to 

be my "go to" most days and that's why it's made it onto this list and I 

wouldn't like to be without it.

To read my full review

Below are the links to my other "Top" products posts for 2017

My Top 6 Face Care Products 2017

My Top 6 Face Care Products 2017

RECENT EMPTIES OCTOBER 2022

 I'm pleased to say that "My Recent Empties" post is becoming a regular

item here on Beauty Shout Box and for those that have followed me

for a few years now, will know, that I've never been the best at keeping 

my empty bottles in order to write this type of post.

Recently I seem to have had several beauty products finish within a

 few weeks of each other.

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of these 

products and your thoughts...

L-R

INOAR 

+AMOR -SODIO 

TREATMENT MASK

My 250ml pot of this hair mask has finally and sadly come to an end.

After the first application I wasn't overly impressed, so on the 2nd

use I increased the amount I applied and left it on longer than the

recommended 3 minutes and WOW what it difference that change made.

I actually used the last few scrapings of this mask last night and my hair,

 as always after using, feels incredibly soft, looks shiny and fuller.

It leaves no oily coating on the hair shaft, so the hair doesn't

feel weighed down with product and now that I have my

 correct dosage and timings worked out, my hair smells & feels great

 every time and my hair has truly loved this mask.

To read my full review

SKOON.

OH SHERBET! 

EXFOLIATING MASK

Another product that made me slightly sad when I emptied

 out the last few grains of powder.

As expected it refined, smoothed and brightened and

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.

To read my full review

LIVING PROOF

PERFECT HAIR DAY 

DRY SHAMPOO

This in my opinion is the best Dry Shampoo and as usual

I can only buy it overseas and is always on my UK shopping list. 

Sadly my last large can has recently finished and I'm

now down to my 2 travel sizes.

It leaves no powder or white residue behind and my hair
not only smelt fresh, but it was for me - acceptably clean and many
dry shampoos are not able to give your hair that clean feeling.

I do believe that Living Proof now have a new addition to their

range in the form of

Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo 

which I will definitely buy next time as its an advanced dry shampoo

 that removes oil, sweat, and odour from hair while adding softness

 and shine for that fresh-out-of-the-shower look and feel.

To read my full review

L'OCCITANE 

SHEA BUTTER 

COMFORTING BUBBLE BATH

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 L'Occitane 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.

To read my full review