MY TOP 5 MASCARAS {MARCH 2023}

I have updated my list of " Top 5 Mascaras ".

My original list was posted back in April 2019 and then I updated it again in 

April 2022, so it seemed only right that I amended my list for April 2023.

I have removed one mascara from my previous 2022 "Top 5" and that doesn't

mean that it's not still good, it's just that I've discovered others.

The one that has fallen off my list is the:

 CLARINS 4D WONDER PERFECT MASCARA 

and its been replaced by the

MAYBELLINE SENSATIONAL SKY HIGH MASCARA

~~~~~~

MASCARA

what would we do without it, its a great invention and I wouldn't

 be a happy bunny if mascara disappeared from my life, as I'm sure is 

the case for many of you.

Mascara helps to open up the eye area, as well as give the illusion of length, volume, curl and thickness to short, sparse, straight and thin lashes.

We just love our mascaras, hence why we are constantly being bombarded

 with new ones making a mascara purchase even more daunting.

I have chosen my top 5 based on what I personally require from a mascara

 and of course your requirements may well be very different, 

but after many years of

 "trial and error"

 The below 5 form my current "Mascara Wardrobe".

I'm looking for a mascara that has a smallish brush (the brush is key for me) 
feels good in my hand and is easy to wield around my sparse line up of lashes.

It must be black, non waterproof, non flake, non smudge and basically make

 my own lashes look long, voluminous and glamorous, it must literally

 "do it all".

If I were to recommend only 2 brands that have, in my opinion, cornered

 the mascara market then it has to be 

L'Oréal and Benefit 

and you really cannot go wrong with any of their mascara offerings.

My list is in no particular order and I hope it helps you navigate the

 "Mascara Maze" and I highly recommend that you click on the

 Pink Links 

to read my full in-depth original reviews.

Please lease let me know

in the comment section below what your favourite mascaras are,

 as I'm always on the hunt for new ones to review...

1.

L'ORÉAL

UNLIMITED MASCARA

When I originally reviewed this mascara it hadn't been launched in SA, 

which meant I had to have a couple of back-ups at all times,

 when I could get my hands on them overseas.

I'm happy to say that it's now readily available in L'Oréal stockists.

I just adore everything about this mascara and the added bonus is the 

angled brush that makes mascara life so much easier, so if you're looking

 for an affordable good all round black mascara that is easy to apply, 

especially on those sparse awkward to reach lashes then this is 

the one to consider.

This mascara deserves to stay on my Top 5 list, as it's everything I need

 from an everyday mascara.

To read my original review Click here

2.

FENTY BEAUTY

FULL FRONTAL 

VOLUME LIFT & CURL MASCARA

Full Frontal is a lightweight, ultra black formula with an exclusive 

flat-to-fat brush:  

The FLAT side defines and curls and thanks to the round, pointed tip.

Use the FLAT side to comb through and define, curl, and separate. 

The FAT side holds max product to quickly load and lift lashes. 

Use the FAT side to load and lift, wiggling at the base of your lashes

 to build volume.

Full Frontal does build easily giving you plenty of playtime to layer, 

define, separate and whatever it is you need to do to create the look

 you want without being clumpy or thick on the lashes.

I found it to be long wearing, smudge proof, and water-resistant.

This mascara is without doubt, both prettily packaged and it

 delivers on its claims, however it does come in quite pricey 

However if you are a Rihanna devotee or not on a budget then this

 mascara won't disappoint.

To read my full original review  Click here

3.

BENEFIT

BADGAL BANG

MASCARA

This is one of the 2 mascaras that have remained on my list from 2019 and to be fair

it is my absolute favourite mascara ever and has been so since I reviewed it back in

February 2019.

The mascara comes with a plastic streamlined flexible brush and it ensures that all

 areas of lashes can be reached, which is essentially for those shorter corner lashes

 and it was a breeze to apply.
It's a pitch black wet mascara, which I personally prefer, and one coat does make

 a difference to lashes, but why stop at one when you can easily layer several coats
to create a bolder bigger lash.

So if you love your mascara to be big, bold and dramatic then
BAD gal BANG is the one for you...

 I just love it...

To read my full original review Click here

4.

URBAN DECAY 

PERVERSION MASCARA

I find URBAN DECAY to be a make-up brand that I re-purchase

 from often, as it has several of my absolute favourite products. 

Sadly UD ceased its operations in South Africa a couple of years ago

 and I also discovered that UD have ceased its operations in Turkey, as my 

cosmetic mule recently found out when she couldn't find UD anywhere,

which sadly meant that my order of back-ups of my fave URBAN DECAY

 products didn't materialise.

PERVERSION MASCARA

is an intense black, ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara that 

glides on beautifully and is buildable, stroke after stroke.

I liked the twisted trim on the high-tech, volumizing brush that latches 

on to each lash to separate and define..

I would definitely recommend this long lasting mascara for ease of

 application, bolder and more voluminous lashes that don't smudge or flake.

So If you want bigger, blacker, badder lashes then this mascara is 

certainly one to check out.

To read my full original review Click here

5.

MAYBELLINE 

SENSATIONAL SKY HIGH MASCARA

Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara is a mascara that grants

 incredible lash length and volume. 

This washable formula is both easy to apply and buildable, ideal to highlight

 your eyes with long-wearing intensity. 

The silicone brush, which I love, is precise and allows for both a quick

 and effortless application that reaches every single lash, even my

most shortest.

Exclusive Flex Tower mascara brush bends to volumize and extend

 every single lash from root to tip.

The formula doesn't flake or smudge and is easy to remove. 

Featuring bamboo extract, fibers and also precious oils, the mascara

 contributes to long, full and healthy lashes. 

This mascara for me is a winner and that's why its gone straight onto

my list of Top 5 Mascara List.

To read my original review

FENTY BEAUTY GLOSS BOMB LIP LUMINIZER {REVIEW}

 Being only my 3rd product that I'm reviewing from 

FENTY BEAUTY

 I'm expecting great things, as I absolutely love the

Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint click here and their 

Full Frontal Volume & Lift mascara click here isn't too shabby either.

This GLOSS BOMB LIP LUMINIZER

was part of an influencer beauty edit that I bought in

the UK last year, so it wasn't a specific purchase and probably

would not have been one that I would have made.

This universal lip luminizer delivers explosive shine in shades that

flatter all skin tones. 

One swipe of Gloss Bomb’s XXL wand leaves lips looking instantly

 fuller and smoother.

The non-sticky formula is super shiny, and has an addictive peach-vanilla

scent you just can't get enough of. 

Apparently Rihanna was obsessed with creating

the perfect gloss that makes you want to put it on over and over again.

The shade I received was FENTY GLOW, which is a liquid shimmering

sheer rose nude with a high shine.

I was very sceptical about the gold/bronze shade, as this shade would

not be one that I would choose, but don't be put off as

it's a very flattering either worn alone, which is how I wear it the

 most or over any other lipstick shade.

Since the beginning of March it has been my go to everyday and I'm

loving both the shade and formula and one I would highly

recommend if you are looking for an easy to wear, pretty,

 hint of a tint lip gloss.

RIHANNA's obsession could well have paid off, as she has created 

an excellent rose nude Lip Gloss...

FENTY BEAUTY

GLOSS BOMB

LIP LUMINIZER

9ml

R

385

£

18

$

20

Fenty Beauty is available from

Edgars and ARC Stores

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES DE-STRESS MUSCLE BATH & SHOWER OIL #TBT REVIEW

I have been rather precious 

with this bath product and contrary

to what I normally advocate, I have been keeping this beautiful

oil for use on special occasions only, as I'm not sure when I will be 

able to get my hands on more...

However that doesn't alter

anything that I wrote in my original review a year ago.

ENJOY!

 

~~~~~~

Bath or Shower?

I'm 110% in the Bath camp and I cannot stress how much my

bathing ritual is my absolute "Happy Place".

I have to admit though, my water is often too hot, my bubbles and candles

 are too many, but all combined it makes for my perfect relaxing setting

and I love it.

I am known to "spend money" when it comes to candles and bath products

and I don't apologise for it...

In my 2021 Beauty Advent Calendar from John Lewis this was

THE product, over several others, that convinced me to buy the calendar.

It was also a full size, what more could I ask for...

AROMOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES 

DE-STRESS MUSCLE BATH & SHOWER OIL

Despite having nearly bought it on several occasions I just couldn't

bring myself to splurge on this ultimate award winning bath product.

Here is some background on the 

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES brand

They've been sharing the therapeutic powers of essential oils for over 30 years. 

Starting out as therapists in the early 1970s, the founders, 

Geraldine Howard and Sue Beechey

 connected with the emerging practice of aromatherapy. 

 They experienced first-hand the powerfully positive effects of essential oils 

on our physical and emotional wellbeing and it

began a love affair with aromatherapy.

In 1985, Geraldine and Sue's passion for teaching, practicing and blending 

oils spilled into a desire to share the benefits of aromatherapy with a wider audience. Aromatherapy Associates was born with a small range 

of therapeutic-grade products and treatments.

Fast forward to the 21st century. 

They continue to celebrate and share the wonders and benefits of 

essential oils

 with an ever-growing range of award-winning products and transformative treatments that can be found all over the world.

The healing properties of therapeutic Rosemary, warming Ginger and

 invigorating Black Pepper are especially blended to ease tired limbs. 

Immerse lack-lustre, fatigued or over-exerted muscles in the warming

 and soothing essential oils of the 

De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil. 

There is a slight difference with this oil as it

is applied directly to the body and not poured into the bath.

Infused with up to 30% pure essential oil blends, just one capful of

 Bath & Shower Oil provides a truly therapeutic experience. 

Bring a little therapy to a bathing experience by massaging this oil all over

 your lower back & torso prior to stepping into a warm bath or shower. 

Enhance the aromatherapy benefits by cupping your hands to your face 

and inhaling deeply several times. 

 Apparently one bottle will provide you with up to 20 muscle soothing

 bathing experiences.

I'm not too sure that mine will last for 20, but I'll report back.

*Please note 

this product is not suitable for during pregnancy or breastfeeding*

What can I say other than this oil is

pure pampering bliss

It relaxes and eases tension, whilst stimulating circulation all at the same

 time and of course it smells divine, leaves the skin feeling amazing

and with so many other products in the collection, 

this has ignited a passion for AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES 

and I want more...

AROMOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES 

DE-STRESS MUSCLE

 BATH & SHOWER OIL

55ml

R

N/A in SA

£

50

$

71

If you would like to read more of my Bath Products Reviews

Click Here

RITUALS RITUAL OF AYURVEDA RECOVERY HAND BALM {REVIEW}

Thanks once again to my

 RITUALS 

Advent Calendar 2022 for another great product find. 

My absolute favourite RITUAL is the Ritual Of Ayurveda and I just

 cannot get enough of the beautiful combination of

 Indian Rose and Sweet Almond

that evoke positive feelings and boost your mood.

On the hand cream front I have reviewed previously their

Ritual Of Ayurveda Hand Lotion, 

To read Soothing Hand Balm review

which, by the way is my favourite

hand cream of all time, so I'm hoping that this

Ritual of Ayurveda Recovery Hand balm

is just as good if not even better.

This luxurious hand balm has been specially developed to soften and

 moisturise dry hands. 

Enriched with softening sweet almond oil and soothing Indian rose, 

your hands will feel nourished and silky soft. 

The rich and luxurious hand balm sinks in the skin easily, so you can easily

 use it at any moment of the day.

This hand balm for dry hands with 98% ingredients of natural origin is

 carefully curated to benefit your skin optimally. 

The remaining 2% are clean & conscious lab-made ingredients which 

support the integrity and safety of our formulations.

This is without doubt another beautiful hand cream and I would

hate to recommend this one over the Soothing Hand Balm,

so my recommendation is that you try both and then make

your own decision, as you really cannot go wrong with either.

RITUALS

RITUAL OF AYURVEDA

RECOVERY HAND BALM

70ML

R

285

$

14.50

£

11.50

If you would like to read more of my

reviews on RITUALS then

click here

You can now buy RITUALS online from NamOnline here

SKOON GEL-TO-GO CLEANSER +MAKE-UP REMOVER {REVIEW}

SKOON

 is a home grown South African skincare brand and one that has

impressed me thus far, with the two products, that I have reviewed.

As I have made clear on my blog, so many times, my preferred

format for a cleanser is either a milk or cream cleanser, 

call me "Old School" but nothing beats the comforting feel a 

cream cleanser gives whilst either removing your make-up

or just cleansing away the pollution of the day.

I generally prefer to do a double cleanse, 1st cleanse is with a 

face wash/balm or oil type cleanser and then I go in with a

 milk or cream to give my skin the perfect double cleanse.

However with this

SKOON GEL-TO-MILK Cleanser + Make-Up Remover

I chose to use it as my 1st and 2nd cleanse, if the quantity in the sachet

allows for it.

This all-in-one cleanser and makeup remover

goes from a soft gel to milky fluid the moment you add water, 

soothing while cleansing. 

It's a foam-free, jelly cleanser that claims to soothe extra-dry

 or sensitive skin.

It removes make-up without ‘stripping’ vital oils and is

Fragrance free.

How to Use:

Can be used both AM & PM

Massage small amount of cleanser into skin. 

Dip fingers into water and continue to massage milky gel to uplift 

any residual makeup. 

Final step, splash with water and SKOON recommends that you

 wipe with a muslin facecloth to remove any excess cleanser 

and leave skin smooth and polished.

Unfortunately I was only able to get one application from my sample

yet it was just enough for me to form an opinion.

Whilst the gel to milk cleanser was pleasant to use and it did remove my

light make-up and didn't strip my skin, it didn't really impress me enough

 to say much more on the product and it's not one I would personally

 go onto purchase.

Thankfully the use of the sample did prevent me from dropping

over R450 on a rather small 100mls of cleansing product.

SKOON

GEL-TO-MILK CLEANSER

 + MAKE-UP REMOVER

30/100ml

R

229.95/469.95

SKOON is available online

or from selected retailers:

Woolworths

DR.VRANJES FIRENZE ROOM SPRAY {REVIEW}

Dr. Vranjes FIRENZE is, for me, the ultimate when it comes to home

 and even car fragrance and despite having one of their divine 

room diffusers for a couple of years now, I have never reviewed 

the brand here on my blog.

I was excited to receive a 25ml Rosso Nobile Room Spray in my

 SkinsCosmetics Christmas Box 2022.

Here is a brief overview of the brand:

Dr Paolo Vranjes

 a chemist and accomplished artisan perfumer, has developed a unique

 and world renowned range of luxury fragrances.

Inspired by his home city of Florence and the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany,

 Dr Vranjes artfully blends together pure natural ingredients with the 

world's finest essential oils to create stimulating and evocative fragrances.

In 1999, Maestro Paolo Vranjes chose to enter the world of perfumery

 by creating ambient fragrances.

The iconic bottle, created in 2008 was inspired by Florence - 

inspired by Brunelleschi's Dome, the bottle is a glass cast 

handcrafted by Florentine artisans.

Maestro Paolo Vranjes, who has headed the Maison for over 36 years, 

continues to dedicate himself fully to what he loves doing,

creating recollections and memories through scent.

There are many fragrance options that the Doctor has created, 

however Rosso Nobile is for me and for many, his best creation

of all and it's like no other fragrance that I have ever tried

and it's the best seller.

Like many good creations there's always a good story and this

creation is no exception...

The ambient fragrance of Rosso Nobile was created due to a challenge

 that a dear friend and wine maker proposed to Maestro Paolo Vranjes.

 He was convinced that the scent of a glass of red wine and its nuances

 could not be reproduced within a fragrance. 

He was forced to admit defeat a few years later when he was sent

 Rosso Nobile.

Rosso Nobile

 is a sublime combination between

 the sweet and fruity notes of grapes and berries, 

the soft notes of violet and magnolia,

 and tannin invoking birch wood. 

The scent of a Tuscan red is perfect to provide a relaxing atmosphere 

to living spaces.

There's no doubt that Rosso Nobile is a deep and rich fragrance, that

brings a luxurious warmth to any space, however I would alway

choose the room diffuser over the room spray, as the lingering fragrance

 pay off is just outstanding with the diffuser.

The room spray is a perfect back up to the diffuser for 

those occasions when you require that instant

burst of the beautiful Rosso Nobile fragrance into your room.

DR.VRANJES

ROSSO NOBILE

ROOM SPRAY

100ml

R

1,015

Dr.Vranjes is available in South Africa from

Skins Cosmetics

Rosso Nobile is a sublime combination between the sweet and fruity notes of grapes and berries, the soft notes of violet and magnolia, and tannin invoking birch wood. The scent of a Tuscan red is perfect to provide a relaxing atmosphere to living spaces.