SUNDAY SAMPLE

 This week I'm going to try out these 2 deluxe size fragrance samples,

both of which if I remember correctly, were a part of the Skins Cosmetics

beauty box.

I will post the one review next Sunday and the other on the following

Tuesday in the run up to Mother's Day.

~~~~~~

I have reviewed a couple of Byredo fragrance samples previously,

neither of which were to my liking, so let's see how I enjoy the

BYREDO

GYPSY WATER

which is classified as a citrusy/woody.

Containing some of my favourite top notes of 

Bergamot, Juniper Berries, Lemon, Pepper and base notes of

 Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla.

The 2nd fragrance is 

Angels Share

 by 

Kilian Paris

 and to be honest I'm doubtful that this dark, oak, cognac fragrance 

will be to my liking,

however I will give you feedback next Sunday.

DERMALOGICA HYDRO MASQUE EXFOLIANT #TBT REVIEW

If you find that you are short on time when it comes to exfoliating

and masking then carry on reading as this could be the

product for you...

From breakout-prone and ageing skin to hyper-pigmented and dry, 

dehydrated skin, exfoliation is important to the health of all skin conditions

and is one of my favourite products that gives instant visible results.

DERMALOGICA HYDRO MASQUE EXFOLIANT

Is a hydrating and exfoliating five-minute masque that smoothes and renews

 for luminous, healthy-looking skin. 

DERMALOGICA

recommends pairing one day of intense exfoliation with seven days of 

gentle exfoliation to more effectively stimulate cell renewal rates, 

helping to reduce the signs of premature aging, improve skin texture, remove excess surface cells that clog follicles and brighten skin.

They offer a selection of chemical and physical exfoliants that range from

 gentle to more intense, there is a literally a Dermalogica Exfoliant 

for every skin condition.

I have reviewed several of their products over the years and I'm a huge 

fan of their Age Reversal Eye Complex 

if you would like to read my reviews then click here

The ingredients sound quite exotic:

Exfoliating Bamboo

 primes skin for optimal hydration. 

Snow Mushroom 

holds 450 x its weight in water,

infusing skin with hydration, antioxidants and Vitamin D.

 Jojoba Ester and Amino Acids 

derived from Sugar Beets hydrate and help strengthen skin’s moisture barrier.

 Cucumber Extract 

provides a soothing, refreshing finish.

Apply generously to cleansed face and neck, avoiding the eye area. 

Massage in circular motions until spheres disappear. 

Let the masque activate for 3-5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and follow 

with your moisturiser. 

Use once or twice per week, or as recommended.

My preferred way to use was 5/10 minutes prior to jumping in the shower

and then I rinsed off, whilst showering.

The mask applies as a pale blue colour with tiny spheres that turn 

transparent as you massage on the skin.

It also feels cool on application and has a soft cucumber fragrance.

The packaging is quite unique as its an airless pump and you

press down on the squishy rubber top and you can also (down the side)

 see the amount either you've used or the amount you have left.

They say it has 12 applications, which equates to R112 per use,

which is on the pricey side.

This mask is quickly absorbed, feels comfortable, easy to rinse

and leaves your skin feeling smoother, hydrated and looking healthier.

If you are into premium skincare, lead a busy lifestyle and are

 looking for an effective, time-saving, multi-purpose, exfoliating product

then definitely do some research on this one...

DERMALOGICA 

HYDRO MASQUE EXFOLIANT

50ml

R

1349

1469

$

59

64

£

55

65

MY FAVOURITE BODY EXFOLIATORS {APRIL 2023}

 I have been promising to update my favourite Body Scrubs/Exfoliators

post for over a year now.

Whilst wanting to keep this list to my absolute favourites

I have sadly removed a couple from my previous list, but I've replaced

them with two that are even better.

I hope this helps you in making the correct choice when it comes

to effective body exfoliation products.

Enjoy!

~~~~~~

I have learnt that face, lip, hand and body exfoliation becomes even

 more important with age, as we need to encourage and stimulate the skins 
cell renewal process, which naturally slows with age.

Body Polishers, scrubs and exfoliators, call them what you may,
 all pretty much do the same thing and that's to remove the surface 
layer of the dead, drying skin cells that build up over time. 
This build-up is responsible for giving the skin that rough, dull and uneven 
appearance and feel to our skin whether it be on your face or body.

Exfoliators for the body generally comprise of coarser grains than those

 used on the face and I personally love a coarser type of scrub. 
I feel that they are far more efficient at the exfoliation process and leave

 the skin feeling wonderfully smooth, soft and glowing.

As with most exfoliating type products you can control the degree of

 exfoliation by adding more or less water on application.

(If your skin leans more towards the sensitive side then finer granules

 would be more suited)

P.S 

Remember to always apply a body lotion/cream post exfoliation to

replenish that all important hydro lipid layer.

Here is an update of my personal faves, but please let me know in the

comments below, your faves, as I'm always on the look out

for new ones to try and discover...

~~~~~~

WOW!

 this body scrub is possibly the best that I have ever reviewed

and I've reviewed many.

The RITUAL of HAMMAM Hot Body Scrub

Wake up your body and your senses with the ultimate purifying 

scrub experience.

It's just how I love a body scrub to be, it has coarse salts that 

really polish the skin, without stripping or damaging your

skin barrier, it smells divine and an added bonus with this one,

it has that slight warming feel on the skin.

I highly recommend this product if, like me, you enjoy a 

corse salt scrub, one that you can feel working on your skin to

reveal a softer and smoother skin.

To read my full review Click Here

~~~~~~

 For me this product combines the perfect exfoliation with a great 

refreshing fragrance

It's truly bliss for the senses and I adore it...

NUXE RÊVE DE THÉ Revitalising Granular Body Scrub

This surprising exfoliating scrub, an ultra-fresh cocktail combining a green

 Tea extract with Bamboo grains, removes dead skin cells to leave skin feeling revitalized and invigorated, appearing renewed.

 Its granular texture and its irresistible scent with notes of green tea, 

rhubarb and fresh herbs delight the senses to create a revitalizing 

sensation of freshness.

 Formulated using plant-based exfoliants, this scrub with its crushed ice

 effect texture exfoliates and smoothes the skin.

 Freed of dead surface skin cells, skin feels revitalised and renewed. 

To read my full review Click Here

~~~~~~

I fell in love with this product as soon as I opened the jar, 

as it truly smells divine and the aromas immediately work their

 magic to give you a feeling of well being.

It's my "Spa In A Jar" 

Clarins Tonic Body Polisher 
a wonderful mix of

100% essential oils including Rosemary, Rosewood, Mint, 

Hazelnut & Geranium. 

These essential oils not only promote a feeling of well being, 

as they smell amazing, but more importantly help to both respect the 

natural hydrolipidic film and nourish our skin post exfoliation.

The granules in this polisher are made up of a mixture of Sugar and 

Salt crystals from the Camargue region in the South of France.

The only negative about this product is the price, so be warned it

comes in rather pricey.

To read my full review Click Here

AVÈNE GENTLE EXFOLIATING GEL {REVIEW}

I have been wanting to try this exfoliating gel from Avène 

for some time now, so I was pleased to receive it as part of a

recent PR drop.

Having lost track of how many exfoliating/scrubs for the face I 

have tried & reviewed over the years, I am hoping this offering from

 one of my favourite French skincare brands doesn't disappoint,

if it did, it would be the first product that would do so. 

AVÈNE 

GENTLE EXFOLIATING GEL

You can expect this exfoliator to

calm and purify your skin to reveal a brighter, smoother complexion.

This one is suitable for all sensitive skin types and of course

non-sensitives like me...

The peeling effect is achieved with the inclusion of cellulose microbeads

 and jojoba wax gently eliminate dead skin cells.

 3% Niacinamide + 0.5% sodium salicylate aid the mechanical

 exfoliating action of the microbeads leaving the skin texture more 

refined and more radiant.

(It's an eco-friendly biodegradable formula)

Can be used twice a week, apply to a slightly damp skin,

massage and then rinse off.

In my opinion the inclusion of an exfoliating/scrub is a vital step in your

weekly skincare routine and a step that I have have religiously 

included since I was in my very early 20's.

I've enjoyed using this rich gel product and despite it being gentle, the

pink microbeads are abundant and noticeable, which I love.

It was way more effective than I expected it to be, as it left my 

skin feeling incredibly smooth.

If you don't use one, then do your skin a huge favour, as it will instantly

 elevate your beauty regime and your skin will not only feel 

smoother & softer, it will look brighter and render all of your skincare

 products more effective.

This one from Avène would make a perfect introduction to the

world of exfoliation.

AVÈNE 

GENTLE EXFOLIATING GEL

75ML

R

275

$

20

£

13

NARS BLUSH/ BRONZER DUO #TBT REVIEW

It was a year ago I wrote my review on this super hyped

Bronzer/Blush Duo form NARS and not only was I disappointed, but I also

wasted my money as its just be sitting in drawer unused and I hate 

waste.

~~~~~~

Not available in South Africa other than by 3rd party websites

my 1st NARS purchase came via Duty Free and

I decided on their iconic Duo of Orgasm Blush and Laguna Bronzer.

FRANCOIS NARS Make-up Artist, Founder & Creative Director 

started his own brand NARS back in 1994 with iconic 12 Lipsticks

and as they say "The Rest is History".

Having heard so much about this Blush and Bronzer, I waited

patiently for my "cosmetic mule" to return, as I was excited to finally 

experience

 a little bit of the NARS world.

However my initial reaction when I opened the duty free packet was

"How Small" 

Yes, the 2 pans were no larger than an eyeshadow pan and

despite my mule being told they were full sizes it seems this

Duo palette could be a travel size, despite it looking more like a 

sample size or even a free gift sizing.

Ok initial disappointment over I went in with my smallest blusher brush

only to discover it was near impossible to pick up any product as

the pans were so small. 

After several brush changes I managed to pick up some

of the product and apply, by which time all of my enthusiasm had waned.

Yet I still had hope that these iconic NARS products would redeem 

themselves.

Sadly it just went from bad to worse, as I couldn't jump onboard

with all the love shown to these 2 products.

LAGUNA BRONZER

This award winning bronzer claims to offer the 

"Ultimate Healthy Glow"

Diffused brown pigments with a golden sheen create an all over warmth

soft, natural-looking colour for a long wearing sunkissed glow.

Unfortunately I have nothing to rave about re this product, it's just

a nice bronzer.

ORGASM BLUSH

Is a cult-favorite, bestselling NARS Blush and delivers a weightless, 

 natural-looking rush of cheek colour. 

It does offer a natural wash of colour that seems to suit every skin tone

and whilst I found this Peachy Pink blush with a shimmer of gold more

 enjoyable than the bronzer, it's still just another "nice shade".

I also had the NARS CLIMAX MASCARA on my Duty Free shopping list

and it was out of stock, but perhaps I'll give the mascara a miss now...

To be honest 

I was soo disappointed and I'm not sure what all the hype is about

 regarding these 2 products, despite having zillions of cult followers, 

sadly I won't be one of them...

P.S. I have my first product on my "Most Disappointing Products"

list for 2022.

Let me know in the comments below if you are a fan,

 as I would love to hear.

REN PERFECT CANVAS CLEAN JELLY OIL CLEANSER {REVIEW}

It's been some time since I reviewed a skincare product from

REN

and whilst I have a couple of favourites, its not a "go to" brand for me.

This

PERFECT CANVAS CLEAN JELLY OIL CLEANSER

was an inclusion in one of my COSMETIPS Influencer edits and I have

been putting it to the test for the past few weeks.

Formulated to deep clean your complexion this gentle yet effective

 cleansing treatment is clinically proven to remove waterproof makeup, pollution and SPF.

It's one of those magical tri-phase cleansers that starts off as a thick gel

 and then transforms into a rich oil as you work

 it into dry skin and finally, with the addition of water, it turns

into a milky consistency.

The key ingredients are:

Grapeseed Oil known for its antioxidant and soothing properties, 

helps protect against free radicals.

Sunflower Seed Oil protects skin's natural moisture barrier to prevent

 continued dryness.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil helps replenish skin's barrier with essential fatty 

acids Omega 3 and 6.

It's super easy to use and incorporate into your existing

skincare routine and can be used by all skin types.

Just work the jelly into dry skin and feel it turn into a rich oil that 

dissolves make-up, SPF and pollution. 

Splash water and the oil turns into a milky emulsion to wash away dirt

 and impurities and leaves a beautiful hydrated finish on the skin.

Whilst I have enjoyed using this cleanser and it does everything you

require from a cleanser and leaves your skin perfectly primed

for the rest of you skincare products, 

Honestly I wasn't blown away enough to re-purchase and the

100% natural fragrance didn't do it for me either, as it 

reminded me of almonds & marzipan.

It also comes in rather pricey for a relatively small amount of

100ml and if you have followed me for sometime now,

you know that I'm not shy to spend on skincare products, but I'm

not sure that this price point is sustainable for me in the long term.

REN

PERFECT CANVAS

 CLEAN 

JELLY OIL CLEANSER

100ml

R

640

$

38

£

29

I have written several REN product reviews

to read Click Here

AVÈNE CICALFATE PURIFYING CLEANSING GEL {REVIEW}

As you may know I'm a huge fan of the French skincare brand 

Avène

and it's brand that I have written many reviews on, so if you

would like to read any of those then click here

For sensitive, compromised and delicate skins Avène would always be

 my first recommendation.

Avène Cicalfate+ Purifying Cleansing Gel 

is a new line extension to the Cicalfate+ range and is a gentle,

 non-drying foaming cleanser that offers a purifying and soothing experience. 

Suitable for sensitive, compromised, or fragile skins.

It offers excellent skin tolerance and can be used on the face, body, 

intimate areas and scalp. 

Its suitable for the whole family including infants, and works well with

the Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream.

Key ingredients include C+-Restore™ 

a patented postbiotic active ingredient derived from 

Avène Thermal Spring Water, which promotes epidermal strengthening.

 Rich in signature Avène Thermal Spring Water, known for its 

soothing, softening, and anti-irritating properties.

 A purifying combination of 

Copper Sulfate and Zinc Sulphate reduces

the risk of bacterial proliferation. 

Glycerin 

is a humectant that attracts moisture to your skin. 

It's also Fragrance-free. 

Physiological pH.

 

It's pleasant, blue texture foams on application.

Can be used on the Face, Hands & Scalp and external intimate areas

of newborn infants, children and adults.

 Just apply once or twice

a day to wet skin and lather, rinse and gently towel dry.

This washing gel is formulated without perfume and contains 

98% ingredients of natural origin and comes in a 100% recycled 

and recyclable plastic bottle, 

with an un-screwable cap also designed to be recycled.

My whole family have been using this product 

and all for different reasons.

It's suitable for those, expected and unexpected, 

everyday discomforts

 from nappy rash, scratches, intimate discomfort, infantile skin rashes,

 tattoos, superficial dermatological procedures, umbilical cord care

 and the list goes on.

This product is also recommended for people undergoing

 anti-cancer treatment or post-treatment and can gently cleanse the skin

after superficial dermatological procedures.

It's gentle and soothing on the skin and non drying,

one of those "must have" products in your family bathroom.

AVÈNE

CICALFATE+ 

PURIFYING CLEANSING GEL

200MLS

R

235

Avène is available in SA from

 Clicks

Woolworths

Dischem