FAREWELL TO 2022

 This will be my last post of 2022 and I do hope 

its been kind year to you all.

As we enter 2023 I would like to say a huge 

THANK YOU

 to all that read my blog and followed me on my other

 social media platforms, I really do appreciate the support.

I have lots more planned when it comes to beauty product reviews

for 2023 and hopefully like me you find my blog to be a

 "HAPPY PLACE"

even if it's only for the brief time that you read my reviews.

I WISH YOU ALL A VERY

HEALTHY, HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL

2023

HUXLEY SECRET OF SAHARA CLEANSING GEL #TBT REVIEW

I reviewed this product 2 years ago and despite enjoying it,

 I haven't re-purchased, in fact I haven't tried any further 

HUXLEY products since this review.

If you are a HUXLEY or Korean skincare brand fan and are looking

for a gel cleanser then read on...

~~~~~~

Having used the Huxley Cleansing Gel for the past week this gel-based cleanser lathers beautifully forming silky, ultra-fine bubbles that gently clean, leaving the skin feeling soft, hydrated and comfortable.

Key ingredients include;

 Cactus Extract and Sahara Prickly Pear Seed Oil

 which provide moisturisation and antioxidant benefits. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

retains water for superior skin moisturisation. 

Centella Asiatica Extract

 is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and soothing ingredient

 Citrus extract 

cleans and smooths the skin.

 Betula Alba Bud Extract

 soothes the skin. 

Suitable for normal, combination and oily skin types.

The cleanser comes with a pump dispenser, which I find always makes
life easier and you use in the normal way, small amount into the palm

of your hand, mix with water and work into a lather, gently massage

on the face and rinse with lukewarm water.

It efficiently removed my make-up, when used as a pre cleanse 

yet left my skin feeling soft (thanks to the inclusion of Hyaluronic Acid

 when used as a morning/evening cleanser.

It's fragranced with the clean fresh signature scent of the 

Secret of Sahara range, which I like very much.

I found this gentle cleanser, on my normal to dry skin, to be ideal for

use during our hot humid summer, however I personally wouldn't use 

during the drier winter months.

 All products are vegan-friendly, Dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic

and Paraban free.

This is my second review on products from HUXLEY and so far I'm 

enjoying this Korean brand and I'm pleasantly impressed on all counts.

If you like to read my full review on the Huxley Glow Awakening Cream

Click Here

HUXLEY

SECRET OF SAHARA

200ML

R

530

$

20

 Huxley products are available exclusively in South Africa from

DERMASTORE

MY FAVOURITE FRAGRANCES 2022 #TBT POST

Despite this post only being written 6 months ago I thought I

would include it in todays #TBT post, as it maybe of some help

to anyone looking to gift fragrance or treat yourself.

My current faves have remained constant now for several years

and as I say below it would take something exceptional to knock 

any of the below off their fragrance perch.

You can access the original full reviews via the Pink Links

~~~~~~

I currently have 4 fragrances on rotation in my "Fragrance Wardrobe" and

 as to which I choose, depends on my mood, the occasion and the weather.

I'm one of those people that loves to wear a fragrance daily and I

always have been, for as long as I can remember.

Fragrances have also been a huge part of my very long career in beauty,

 yet I have very few favourites and as one would expect they have 

changed over the years.

To be very honest I'm not one of those people that love all fragrances,

as I actually dislike way more than I like.

I generally enjoy the more citrusy-fresh genre, but even that has changed

slightly over the years.

Fragrance is very subjective and one fragrance doesn't suit all and it

can often take some time to find the ONE that has you lifting your

wrist to your nose often to just take in more of a beautiful scent.

My four current faves have remained constant now for several years

and it would take something exceptional to knock any of the below

off their fragrance perch.

CLEAN RESERVE

 CITROEN FIG

EDP

I love my Clean Reserve Citroen Fig and if I'm not mistaken I'm on

 my 3rd 100ml bottle. 

It really has become one of my all-time favourites, as I just love the

 top notes of fig, ginger, and lemon oil that will brings you an immediate 

burst of citrus, followed by the middle notes of cardamom, mint, 

copaiba, and mandarin, then the base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood,

 and musk will ensure that you have an exotic scent to last throughout the day.

I have reviewed 3 Clean Reserve fragrances and we now find ourselves being 

a Clean Reserve family, as I use the Citroen Fig, 

my hubby uses Warm Cotton and the youngest 'Kiddiewink" uses Rain

 and best of all we can create more fragrance options by layering with other

 fragrances in the Clean Reserve range and creating a unique fragrance.

To read my original reviews

~~~~~~

It took me several years to get onboard with the Jo Malone hype, simply

 because after trying so many of the fragrances, over so many years, 

I couldn't find one

that I was head over heels in love with.

After a slow start with Jo Malone I now have 2 JM fragrances included in my

"Fragrance Wardrobe" of four.

JO MALONE

EARL GREY & CUCUMBER 

COLOGNE

A fragrance with a burst of bergamot, the distinction of Earl Grey, and the

 coolness of crunchy cucumber, with a sweet base of beeswax, vanilla and musk. 

It's both reviving and refined and I adore it...

To read my original review

JO MALONE

WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT

COLOGNE

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. 

To read my original review

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...

~~~~~~

PENHALIGON'S

QUERCUS

COLOGNE

A cologne of some sophistication, named for the iconic English oak.

Basil and lemon as fresh as a mountain stream, sweet jasmine,

and a woody, mossy depth that brings one happily back to earth.

I fell in love with Quercus from the first spritz and was introduced to the

fragrance by my BFF in the UK, yet it wouldn't have been a fragrance that

I would have ever considered, however its become a firm favourite of mine

 to wear on those cooler days.

To read my original review

I also have written other fragrance posts that you may find useful :

Tips on How to Choose Fragrance Gifts for Women

Fragrance Evokes Memories

For The Love Of Fragrance Part 1

For The Love Of Fragrance Part 2

SISLEY BLACK ROSE CREAM MASK {REVIEW}

Finally I got to try A Sisley skincare product, albeit only in a 

sample size, but it wasn't just any sample it was a sample of their iconic

 Black Rose Cream Mask I managed to get a couple of applications

out of the sachet, however one application was enough for me to

experience the all the skin hype that has surrounded this super

luxe skincare face mask...

Sisley Paris

is an independent family owned French luxury cosmetic, skin care, 

hair care, and perfume company, whose products based on active 

ingredients derived from plants for different skin types and different uses:

 moisturizing, anti-aging, sun care

 and makeup.

Started in 1976 Sisley’s products are now sold in department stores, 

pharmacies, spas and beauty salons.

 In recent years Sisley has also opened its own stores around the world.

Sisley's headquarters is in Paris. The company designs and manufactures its products in France. 

France is the company's biggest market, followed by China.

Black Rose Cream Mask

forms part of the Black Rose Skincare Collection thats been

formulated to offer luxurious textures and be super effective in

 offering the skin "instant youth" and who doesn't want that?

Rich in active anti-ageing ingredients: 

Black Rose

Padina pavonica

and 

Alkekengi calyx extracts

 

These key ingredients immediately get to work on signs of fatigue

 and leaves the skin looking youthful and energized.

It brings together three actions to restore a luminous complexion 

and redensified skin in just 10 to 15 minutes:

- a smoothing and plumping action,

- a revitalising action,

- a softening and hydrating action.

Suitable for all skin types.

Apply 2 or 3 times a week in a thick layer on the face and neck, 

carefully avoiding the area around the eye. 

Allow to remain on the skin for 10 to 15 minutes, 

then wipe away the excess.

This deliciously scented with rose, soft, creamy textured mask creates

 a moment of relaxation and pleasure that felt wonderful on my skin.

Immediately hydrated and plumped, my skin also felt smoother, incredibly

soft, less fatigued and more radiant.

Of all the products to try 1st from Sisley, this was the ONE and it certainly

 didn't disappoint in any way...

SISLEY 

BLACK ROSE 

CREAM MASK

60ml

R

2,600

£

124

$

180

TIPS FOR MEN - HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT FRAGRANCE GIFT #TBT POST

This is a very early post I wrote for my blog way back in December 2012,

It did make me chuckle on re-reading,

so I thought I would re share, as the tips are still relevant today.

Enjoy!

~~~~~~

This will be the first time in 18 years that I will not be working on Christmas Eve,
however after saying this, I will miss all the fun that working on that day brings.

Over the years I have seen this same scene many, many times over and

 it's always a source of great amusement....

Typical Fragrance Department

All to often the unprepared male enters the cosmetic department on Christmas Eve hoping to quickly rush in and pick up a bottle of perfume for his partner or wife as a gift. 

Invariably he enters with a smile on his face, until he is met with a department full of products, bottles, colours, shoppers, assistants and aromas and the look soon changes from one of Christmas cheer to "horror" and "dread" as the realisation of the task ahead seems to have well and truly slapped him in the face. 

It isn't long before he is spotted by an eager consultant as "easy prey" in they swoops with a few standard probing questions:

Consultant "Hello Sir how can we help you today"?

Customer "I am looking for a perfume for my wife"

Consultant "What does she normally like to wear"?

Customer "I'm not sure, but it smells of flowers"

Consultant "That makes it rather difficult Sir, but can I show you some of the latest

 fragrances, as she most probably won't have any of these, 

as they have only just been launched"?

Costumer "I'm sure I'll recognise the bottle of her favourite fragrance"

Consultant "No problem Sir lets walk along the department and see if you recognise

 a name, bottle or the colour of the packaging.

Consultant "Any luck Sir"?

Customer "No! what were those new perfumes you spoke of"

Let me tell you, this method of "elimination" buying can vary in time depending on

the patience of the purchaser...

a few minutes - if he realises that this is way beyond his realm of detective capabilities

 or easily an hour - if he believes he is Inspector Clouseau and won't be beaten 

by thousands 

of fragrances glistening back at him from the shelves....

Not all men are like the example above and many do know exactly what their partner

 wears and the type of fragrance she enjoys.....

so guys if YOU are the customer in my story, then do yourself a favour and investigate 

before hand!

Here are few tips to hopefully help you navigate the daunting fragrance 

department at Christmas time!

1. Be prepared and take notice of what fragrance she has on her dressing table or in the bathroom.
2. Many women wear several fragrances , so write down all the names of the fragrances she uses or better still take a quick pic on your cell phone.
3. Often the one that has been used the most is the one that she likes the best.
4. If this doesn't help then you can always ask her sister or friend for advice.
5. Don't expect to just rush in and choose a fragrance in 10 minutes, so give yourself time to shop.
6. Do not leave the buying of the gift until Christmas Eve, as the best offers and gift sets have already been sold and you could end up "panic buying" which can end up costing you more.
7. Understand that casual staff  are sent in by the individual companies to spray and promote fragrances and are therefore pushing a particular brand, so don't be easily swayed if you have had definite instructions on what to buy and what not to buy.
8. If you require more in depth fragrance knowledge and more neutral advice, then ask to speak to the permanent generic fragrance consultant and not the temporary staff.
9. Firstly ask to see any gift sets that maybe available in the particular fragrance you decide on, some brands bring out beautiful Christmas sets filled with the fragrance and the matching body products and can work out to be better value.
10. If you want to surprise her with something new then try and keep to the same classification of fragrance. In other words if she loves Opium by Yves Saint Laurent then the chances are that she will not like Ck one by Calvin Klein, as the one is a spicy and heavy and the other is a fresher more lighter wearing type of fragrance. A good fragrance consultant will be able to advise you on this.
11. Do not test the fragrances on yourself  or the consultant, as it will not smell the same on your partner.Fragrance is very personal and develops differently on everyone.
12. Make use of the spray blotters (strips of blotting paper that you spray the fragrance onto) that all stores have.This enables you to get an idea of what the fragrance smells like without using every inch of your body to test.
13. If you are buying for someone and have no idea of their "likes" or "dislikes" then ask for a sample of the fragrance that you have decided on and gift it at the same time. This means she can try the sample rather than open and use the gift fragrance, thus allowing it to be returned and exchanged if necessary.
14. Always ask for a gift receipt, so she can do an easy exchange if you get it wrong (as long as the cellophane or seal is intact)
15. Make life easier for yourself and get the store to beautifully gift wrap ,which is generally free of charge.

I hope these tips help you

 Happy Shopping!

CLARINS HYDRA QUENCH TINTED MOISTURISER {REVIEW}

I'd completely forgotten that I had reviewed this product back in 2013 as 

part of a series of posts on Tinted Moisturisers.

It can't have made too much of an impression back then

otherwise I would have remembered and not re-purchased...

Being 9 years ago it's been through some re- formulation

 and packaging re-tweaking.

I ordered online, so my shade choice (gold) was a bit of a guess and

unfortunately it's too dark.

The Hydra Quench Tinted Moisturiser 

is an ultra-fine, melt-in texture, which makes it easy and pleasurable

 to apply. 

This tinted moisturiser combines hyaluronic acid and Katafray bark extract

 with mineral pigments to restore the skin's radiance

 and promote a natural-looking healthy glow. 

It moisturises continuously, leaves the skin feeling supple, soft 

and extremely comfortable.

It successfully brightens the face and ensures a healthy glow 

with a nice satin finish.

The inclusion of an SPF is always welcome and this product provides a

 an SPF 15 to protect against UV rays (100% mineral protection),

 pollution and free radicals.

It's Dermatologically tested and Non-comedogenic.

Suitable for all skin types and all ages and it currently in SA only

comes in 3 shade options:

Peach

Gold

Bronze

(There were more options available, which leads me to think

 this product could be in the process of being phased out)

Unfortunately the shade for me was too dark and had an orange

tinge which wasn't a good look.

However if I apply very lightly or mix in with a light foundation 

I'm able to wear, especially on those stay at home no make-up kinda days,

just to use up and not waste the product.

The coverage is also more than you would expect from a tinted 

moisturiser. Unfortunately it's not a product I would re-purchase or

recommend.

If you are a Clarins fan THOUGH and looking for one product that 

provides radiance, moisture, an SPF and light coverage then this may be

 a product to try, as it does deliver on ALL.

CLARINS 

HYDRA QUENCH 

TINTED MOISTURISER

50ml

R

560

£

33

DERMALOGICA NECK FIT CONTOUR SERUM {REVIEW}

Since my very early 20's I have cared for my skin daily and what started out

as a basic skin care routine has over the years become more focused

to include targeted products and of course serums etc.

As always your skincare application should never end below the chin

 but must always be taken down the neck and onto on your décolleté

 (chest area).

For many months I have been wanting to introduce a specific neck 

cream and to be honest I should have introduced one into

my regime a couple of years ago.

I was looking for a product that was more than just a cream, I was

looking for something special.

Recently my search finally came to an end after being offered a free

60 minute Dermalogica facial.

It was during that facial that I was introduced to the 

Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum.

The therapist concentrated on my neck & décolleté

especially when it came to exfoliation and this helped greatly to

smooth and brighten the skin, which gave me a good foundation

for the commencement of my neck serum journey.

 

This firming serum is a skin care workout for your neck and décolleté. 

With the help of the roller applicator, this product trains the neck to be tighter, 

smoother, more toned and contoured. 

Flex Lift Contour Technology acts like an invisible mesh to immediately

 tighten skin. 

Plant-based science and a novel tripeptide ​deliver Retinol-like results,

 visibly smoothing, firming and toning skin. 

Resurrection Plant-inspired polysaccharide helps strengthen 

skin’s moisture barrier for a smooth, even appearance.

How to use:

Turn applicator ON. 

Tilt chin up and roll applicator over entire neck, 

from the décolleté up to the jawline. 

Gently squeeze tube to dispense a thin layer of serum while rolling.

 Return the applicator to the OFF position and continue rolling it in an 

upward motion over skin to massage in the serum.

 Keep chin up until serum dries. Then apply your usual moisturiser. 

Use this serum morning and night.

Can be used on all skin types.

Dermalogica says the tube should last approx 6 weeks if used twice

a day, however I would say this is a cautious estimate as I have

been using for longer than 6 weeks and I still seem to have

plenty left in my tube.

In short, this serum for the neck was exactly what I was looking for

as it seriously delivers on all of its claims.

It visibly lifts, tightens, firms and tones the neck and décolleté

Smoothes fine lines and helps protect skin against pollution

Reduces the appearance of skin ageing.

(Do not be put off with the extra work and time needed to apply the

product, as its really easy and I soon incorporated into my routine

and I enjoy the process of application)

This product is a definite keeper, as I have been 

super impressed with the visible results and would highly recommend if,

 like me, you feel that its time to focus on your neck area. 

DERMALOGICA 

NECK FIT CONTOUR SERUM 

50ml

R

1899.00

£

89.00

$

82.00

Dermalogica South Africa