28 February 2023

CLINIQUE NEW MOISTURE SURGE 100H AUTO REPLENISHING HYDRATOR {REVIEW}

It would be fair to say that I'm not a fan of Clinique products and apart
from a couple of reviews over the last 12/13 years you won't find much
 else about Clinique on my blog.

Despite the brand being huge around the world, I honestly think
I was scarred back in the early 80's with their Clarifying lotion, 
(in those days you only had the one strength)
as it was like paint stripper and laden with drying alcohol and
anyone reading this from those times will know exactly what I mean. 
It may sound harsh but that's what the Clarifying Lotion
was HARSH.

Lets move on and over 40 years later I'm about to review their
 New Moisture Surge 100H Replenishing Hydrator
This was part of a Beauty Advent Calendar and I have waited to
put the generous 15ml pot to the test.
I personally love a gel moisturiser in the hot humid months of
summer and February seemed a perfect month. 



An upgrade to their refreshing fan-favourite, this oil-free gel-cream moisturiser
 with exclusive aloe bio-ferment and hyaluronic acid penetrates 
deep into skin’s surface for hydration that goes over 10 layers deep* 
and lasts for 100 hours,
 even after washing your face.

Lightweight oil-free formula provides hydration that goes 
over 10 layers deep.* Delivers a 174% immediate moisture boost
 and keeps skin hydrated for 100 hours. 
This advanced dual-action hydrator with Auto-Replenishing Technology 
helps skin create its own internal water source to continually
 rehydrate itself, then locks in moisture for an endlessly plump,
 healthy-looking glow.

Here are a the key ingredients

Aloe bio-ferment: 
Made of lactobacillus, activated aloe water, and responsibly-sourced and 
certified organic aloe extract powder, this exclusive nutrient-rich 
ingredient helps skin retain moisture.
 Helps plump skin for a smoother appearance.

Hyaluronic acid:
 This moisture-binding ingredient helps create a “moisture reservoir”
 for ideal hydration. 
Our formula is expertly blended with two different molecular weights
 of hyaluronic acid.

Activated aloe water: 
Pure water is infused with aloe barbadensis leaf extract, then supercharged
 to hold both positive and negative ionic charges which helps skin 
absorb moisture more easily.

Auto-Replenishing Technology: 
Using activated aloe water and caffeine, it helps trigger skin’s own
 rehydration system.

Use morning and night on clean skin and can be used by all
skin types.

It can be used as a 5-minute mask, cuticle treatment, 
frizz smoother, or dry spot fix 
for knees and elbows.

This product is also Alcohol, oil & fragrance free.

~~~~~~

Did I enjoy this product?
YES I did and I was super impressed at that...
I can now understand the love that fans have for this product.

I enjoyed the texture, it was refreshing, lightweight and more 
importantly it provided hydration, as for 100 hours I can't
comment but based on the above claims I don't doubt it.
It smoothed my skin to allow for a nice foundation application.
It's an easy to apply and useful multitasking product, 
however remember
I have been using during hot humid weather, so
I can't comment on its effectiveness during extreme cold,
but I'm sure this was make a good flight companion to
counteract the dehydrating atmosphere, so maybe I will
put it to the test on my next long haul flight.



CLINIQUE
MOISTURE SURGE 
100H AUTO REPLENISHING
HYDRATOR
15/30/50ml

R
205/380/625


$
16/28/44


£
13/25/40




 

26 February 2023

TATA HARPER REGENERATING CLEANSER {REVIEW}

 This will be my 3rd product review of 
TATA HARPER 
skincare products and so far we've had one hit and one miss.
if you would like to read all of my posts on TATA HARPER

As a quick reminder TATA HARPER is a US brand
and their botanical ingredients have pioneered the ‘farm-to-face’ trend,
 offering a premium, sustainable line of products and accompanying treatments.
 Each Tata Harper product contains biodegradable ingredients which meet
 COSMOS and EcoCert standards, and are packaged with fully recyclable
 and sustainable materials. 
Ingredients are sourced from vendors that are certified for their use of
 organic agriculture, respecting biodiversity and the environment, 
and using natural resources responsibly. 
Tata Harper is also certified by the American Vegetarian Association 
and is 100% cruelty free.

TATA HARPER herself is without doubt the undisputed 
"Queen of Green"  
Tata’s super-natural skin care has 
bewitched beauty editors and award panelists to win many
accolades and the hearts of fans around the world.

The Regenerating Cleanser
is a daily cleansing & exfoliating treatment that buffs and polishes 
for radiant, healthy looking skin.
 Best for dull, uneven, or congested skin.
This type of exfoliating daily cleanser appeals to me greatly,
especially if its a combined chemical and physical cleanser
which I'm happy to say that this is...

This creamy cleanser provides both physical and chemical exfoliation
 with apricot microspheres and BHA from white willow bark to give 
you a healthy looking, radiant glow.
I must make mention that the physical element is very gentle and
suitable for sensitive skins.
And just for good measure 
100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin.
80 % of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming.
COSMOS ORGANIC certified by Ecocert Greenlife

For best results, apply to dry skin and massage gently to 
activate and polish.
 Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 
Can be used daily AM & PM.
It can be used on all skin types.

~~~~~~

This was, without doubt, one of the best smelling cleansers 
I've ever used, it was naturally fresh and citrusy and truthfully
 it lifted my mood instantly,
 whilst on the cleansing/exfoliating front it 
performed pretty well also.
My skin felt beautifully cleansed, yet not stripped or in need of
too much re-hydration.
I cannot comment too much on the de-congestion aspect of 
this cleanser, as my skin doesn't suffer from that.
I just know that as a combined cleansing and exfoliating
daily cleanser it buffed and brightened my skin and
if you are looking for a natural organic, yet luxury skincare brand,
 then you cannot go wrong with TATA HARPER and this cleanser
would be a perfect product to start with....



TATA HARPER
REGENERATING CLEANSER
125 ml


R
1,850
Tata Harper retail products and treatments are available at all the
 following Red Carnation properties:
 The Oyster Box
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Spa Wellness Retreat.
Xigera Safari Lodge (Botswana)


£
79




$
88






22 February 2023

GLOSSIER LIP GLOSS {REVIEW}

Several years ago Glossier was quite the "in brand"
and before I review the product, let me just do a brief
overview of what Glossier is all about.

Glossier is a US brand founded by Emily Weiss.
Glossier make products designed with your real beauty routine in mind. 
You'll find skincare, makeup, body care, and fragrance.
Glossier, Inc. was founded in 2014 on the belief that beauty isn't built 
in a boardroom—it happens when you're a part of the process. 
She got her start through the blog Into The Gloss, a beauty website
 devoted to people 
sharing the products they love, and our source for inspiration
 and information.

To be honest Glossier wasn't a brand that was on my beauty radar,
however the Glossier Lip Gloss was included in one of the cosmetips
beauty edit boxes that I recently received from the UK.


Glossier say it's High shine without the stickiness
A comfortable, long-wearing lip gloss with a glassy finish.

Fuzzy doe-foot applicator scoops up just the right amount of gloss, 
giving you instant shine in one swipe.


Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil keep lips cushiony soft and moisturized
Comes in 3 shades that all give an equally high-shine, 
glass-like finish that lasts.
My shade was the clear and it also comes in a red and holographic.



Gloss-Lock Technology
 A mixture of emollients that bind to your lips,
 so the shine stays put.

Conditioning Jojoba oil
Helps the gloss smooth on and spread out evenly
no goopy feeling!

Vitamin E Acetate 
Leaves lips feeling moisturized and cushiony soft.


GLOSSIER is
 Free of parabens, formaldehydes, formaldehyde-releasing agents, 
phthalates, mineral oil, retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, coal tar, 
hydroquinone, sulfates SLS & SLES, triclocarban, triclosan,
 and contains less than one percent synthetic fragrance.
 It is also vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.



Despite being a huge lip balm/gloss fan I really didn't
have any high expectations from this one, but I was 
pleasantly surprised at how much I have enjoyed this product.
It works perfectly over lip colours and adds a flattering
glistening shimmer, yet it also works well on its own.
I liked the unique formula, the high shine and glassy finish 
regrettably my only issue 
and its contrary to what Glossier claim, I found it to be 
quite sticky on the lips.
Overall I did enjoy, would I buy again, probably not,
 however I can understand
why this product is one of their best sellers.




GLOSSIER
LIP GLOSS
4.2ml

R
N/A


$
15


£
12





19 February 2023

RITUALS AYURVEDA NOURISHING RICH BODY OIL {REVIEW}


My favourite range from RITUALS is the Ritual of Ayurveda
and this passed week I have been indulging myself in a 
30ml deluxe sample size that was in my 2022 Advent Calendar.


The Ritual Of Ayurveda
Nourishing Rich Body Oil


As a reminder this range is one of Rituals Classic collection
and for me smells divine, the 2 core ingredients are 

INDIAN ROSE
As a universal symbol of purity and love, the sweet and delicate aroma 
of the rose evokes positive feelings. 
Its aroma also has soothing properties. 
It is all you need to boost your mood! The refined aroma of Indian Rose
 also has a positive effect on your skin!

SWEET ALMOND
Sweet Almond helps to exfoliate and polish the skin gently.
 It's known for several skin benefits; it helps soften, deeply nourish
 and promote healthy skin.

The luxurious formula contains three Ayurvedic oils which are especially
 well-known for their intensely nourishing benefits,
such as nourishing sweet almond oil, moringa oil for its anti-inflammatory
 properties and hydrating coconut oil. 
The rich body oil offers deep and instant hydration and keeps the skin soft 
and protected. 
It's perfect if you've got very dry skin.

~~~~~~

Warm the oil between your hands and gently massage the rich formula
 onto your body.
This rich body oil contains 97% ingredients of natural origin.

~~~~~~

Some time back I reviewed the Ritual Of Ayurveda Dry Oil 
and only gave it a 5/10 on my Quickie Product Review, so I was
a little concerned that I may not enjoy this body oil either,
but the 2 products couldn't be more different.

As the name suggests this oil is rich, very rich and a little is all
that's needed for skin to be left feeling incredibly nourished and the 
fragrance is magnified as the oil warms on your body, so if like me you
 want all the Indian Rose and Sweet Almond scent you can get,
 then this product has it.

With hindsight February and temperatures of 30c+ maybe wasn't
 the ideal time to review a rich body oil, but I can tell from my
weeks trial that this will be the saviour of many winter dry skins,
so bring on Winter.....



RITUALS 
RITUAL OF AYURVEDA 
NOURISHING RICH BODY OIL
100ml


R
N/A SA


£
22


$
28.50




To read more of my Rituals reviews






14 February 2023

ESTHEDERM CELLULAR WATER MIST {REVIEW}

Having reviewed many, I would say that I'm a huge fan
of facial sprays but they come in all types of formulations
 from just a pure mineral water for soothing and calming,
through to radiance enhancing facial sprays
and or you can opt for one of the more treatment infused 
skin care face mists, there are so many on the market today
 and it really depends
on what you are requiring from a face mist.
Of course many may see these types of products as a
 "non essential", but "nice to have" additions to your regime.
 

ESTHEDERM 
CELLULAR WATER MIST

Unique and patented, Cellular Water is the main ingredient of all
Institut Esthederm formulas.
I have reviewed several of their products and if you would
like to catch up click here

They claim that this Cellular Water Mist is as powerful as a serum.
This moisturizing anti-oxidant revitalizes skin thanks to its formula, 
which is enriched with, every skins favourite, hyaluronic acid. 

When applied before other skin treatments, it transforms your daily 
beauty routine into an age-defying ritual. 
Immediately boosts the hydration capacity of subsequently applied
 skincare products. 

When applied daily the skin's antioxidant capacities are improved. 
It defends itself better against daily stresses 
(UV rays, pollution, tobacco, etc) 
which accelerate signs of ageing: wrinkles, dull complexion, irritation.

It is designed to support the skin’s natural function to leave it looking
and feeling its best.
The proprietary formula replicates the skin’s own natural hydration, 
helping to deliver instant energy for fast revitalisation on application.
Provides instant energy boost to skin.
Formulated with balanced mineral salts and trace elements.
Mimics skin’s natural moisture.

This fragrance free product is suitable for men and women;
 all skin types including sensitive skin.
Spray on the face and gently press to help it penetrate
 the skin. 
Apply before your day cream or serum , after make-up to fix it,
 or at any time of the day. 

This particular ESTHEDERM product has been on my radar for
sometime, however having several other similar products on the
go I've held off.
The spray nozzle isn't as fine as other similar sprays that I've tried,
but it didn't worry me.
There is a pleasant and slight moisturising film that's left behind
 on the skin.
I found my preferred method of application, is to spritz
several times during the day on those 
stay at home, no make-up kind of days
or as a pre curser to my
evening or daytime beauty routine,


Whilst I have enjoyed the inclusion of this product in my daily
skincare routine, once my large can has finished, I doubt
I will re-purchase.
If however you are a loyal fan of ESTHEDERM products then I would say
 this is an integral step in the brands prescribed routine.

 I honestly prefer my facial sprays to give an instant
result as in a soothing, calming, refreshing spray or a mist that 
imparts some glow and radiance.
Also considering the price I would prefer to direct that budget
into an actual "serum" product.
 


ESTHEDERM 
CELLULAR WATER MIST
100/200ml


R
345/565


$
24/42



£
18/-



Here I have linked some of my preferred facial sprays: 








12 February 2023

SUNDAY SAMPLE

It's been a while since I've posted a Sunday Sample post and as a
 reminder, its where I pick a sample, from the many that I have,
and I use it for the week and report back to you on my findings etc.
on the following Sunday.
The types of samples will always be of products that I can give you
 quick feedback on, so it's generally confined to fragrances, cleansers,
face masks and other quick use products and it will never be 
 a long term use treatment product i.e. serums, moisturisers
 or night creams etc.

Next Sunday I will report back on this RITUALS 
The Ritual Of Ayurveda
Nourishing Rich Body Oil

Of all the Rituals this is my favourite and I have many products in this
 range and they do the best Home Fragrance products.
This 30ml size that I received in my recent Advent Calendar should 
be a couple of applications and I cannot wait to try it out...
So pop back next week and in the meantime here are my 
previous reviews on some Rituals products.




 

9 February 2023

RECENT EMPTIES {FEB 2023}

My Recent Empties postings are comparable to that of a bus,
you wait so long for one to come along and then two 
come together.
Having only posted recently, at the end of January, here is
My Recent Empties upload for February.
Excuse the messy products but they have all been 
well used and loved.




L-R


L'ORÈAL
UNLIMITED MASCARA

This mascara has been a permanent fixture in my mascara  
 wardrobe since 2018 and its appeared on my empties post many times.

I have also included it on my Top 5 Mascaras list that I
updated back in April 2022 Click here
and I don't see it being knocked off that list for sometime
as it's everything I need from an everyday mascara.



ELEMIS
PRO-COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM


My huge 100ml jar of Marine Cream has sadly come to an end
and this is what has spurred me on to do another Empties post.
I adore this product and it's easy to see why it has such a
dedicated global following.
The gel/cream formulation is incredibly lightweight and
the texture of the product is quick absorbing, easy to apply
 and makes your morning skincare routine a breeze.
I highly recommend for both men and women who are looking
for an effective, fast absorbing, daily anti-ageing moisturiser that 
you apply and literally forget about...





AVENE
HYDRANCE
AQUA-GEL

Another empty from a brand that I adore and recommend
often is this multi tasking Hydrance Aqua Gel that can be used 
as a day cream, a sleeping mask and can also be used 
around the eye contour and I have already re-purchased.
I enjoy the versatility of this product and I generally reach for
 in the summer months.
So if you're looking for the convenience of one product that
 "does it all" 
or 
like me, you're just looking for a calming, soothing, hydrating
 product alternative in your 
skincare line-up, then you cannot go wrong with this offering
from my trusted Avène...