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28 May 2023

TATA HARPER RESURFACING MASK {REVIEW}

This Resurfacing Mask has always been used a part of the 
TATA HARPER
facials that I have had, and love, so it was good to experience it
at home in a sample form.
The sample sachet allowed for a thick layer to be applied all over the 
face and neck in one application.

TATA HARPER is the undisputed ‘Queen of Green’ and her super-natural
 award winning
skin care has impressed beauty editors & award panelists worldwide.
This is an instant glow treatment mask. 
A glow-giving treatment that instantly restores radiance to skin. 
Best for blocked pores, dull, or rough skin.

TATA HARPERS best selling mask promises to instantly transform 
a dull complexion into a vibrant, glowing one with natural BHA 
from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes.
Packed with a wonderful cocktail of natural ingredients;

Ingredients for Glow
Pomegranate Enzymes
White Willow Bark
Calendula
Arnica
Rose Otto

Ingredients to Refine Pores
Pink Clay
Meadowsweet
Alfalfa
Lemongrass
Bergamot

Ingredients to Smooth & Soften Skin Texture
Beet Root Extract
Barley
Olive Oil
Elderberry
Cassava Tapioca


For immediate glow, apply a thick layer of the Resurfacing Mask
 on a clean face and neck 
(avoid the eye area)
Can be used by on all skin types except exceptional sensitive skins.
Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes 
(10 minutes is recommended for sensitive skin). 
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

Can be used up to 3 times per week.
Also as a spot treatment, apply a small dab on blemish and leave overnight;
 reapply as necessary.

Free of toxins, fillers, artificials, synthetics, and GMOs. 
This product is vegan, cruelty-free.

This amber pink slight rose scented gel mask is easy peasy
to apply and after 10 mins expect the mask to feel dry and slightly
tight on the face and neck, which is a sensation that I like to feel
on my skin.
I left mine on for 30 minutes and then removed and the radiant
glow was noticeable and whilst my skin felt comfortable and
soft I cannot say it felt any smoother, however I deep exfoliate weekly,
so I do stay on top of any rough texture caused by those nuisance
dead cells.
As for refining my pores I don't have an issue at my age, so I 
 cannot comment, but for me the GLOW alone was good
enough for me...
 


TATA HARPER 
RESURFACING MASK
30ml

R
1,650


£
61


$
68

TATA HARPER 
facials and products are available from the 
RED CARNATION HOTEL SPA'S throughout South Africa.





24 May 2023

BY TERRY HYALURONIC HYDRA POWDER {REVIEW}

Setting my make-up with a face powder is something that used to be
 such an important part of my daily make-up routine.
However that was back in the day and I haven't used a face powder
 since my late 20's.
In case you are wondering why I stopped using, I honestly
don't know, anyway I did, so it was nice to have this
BY TERRY 
HYALURONIC HYDRA POWDER
to try and I couldn't have chosen a better brand to reacquaint  
myself with a face powder.

Just to remind you this award winning product was part of a
 Cosmetips Influencer Beauty Edit 
and it isn't a product that I would have necessarily purchased on its own.



It's uniquely formulated with only 2 natural ingredients, as the
Hyaluronic Acid is combined with pure silica spheres.

This weightless translucent setting powder is enriched with 
Hyaluronic Acid 
(Hyaluronic acid is an amazing moisturising, plumping ingredient
 that locks in hydration to leave skin smooth and radiant. 
This low molecular weight is a moisture magnet that holds up to 1,000 times
 its weight in water, and penetrates deeper into the epidermis structure)

Silica absorbs shine and blurs imperfections.that instantly mattifies 
and blurs imperfections.

This multi-purpose silky powder will do the following:
Sets make up for long-lasting wear
Absorbs oil and reduces shine
evens out skin tones
Minimises pores
Fills in fine lines & wrinkles
blurs imperfections

It's suitable for all skin types, skin tones and ages.
100% Natural Ingredients
Clean vegan formulation



 Apply by patting onto zones in need of correction with fingertips or apply
 all over the face with the complexion brush.
I was taught back in the day that once you had applied, take your powder
brush and brush up the face and then brush down the face and this will
help to trap the fine particles under the fine facial hairs and help to
prolong the set of your make-up.

My oh my... 
face powders have come such a long way since I was an
 avid user and this particular one is comparable to applying silk to
 your skin.
It's super fine, weightless and just beautiful.

I was quite prepared to apologise for not being able to give you
any constructive feedback due to my lack of experience in using
face powders for the past 40 years, despite that I can honestly say
that this powder is pure powder bliss for the skin.
I'm not going to tell you that my skin looked absolutely flawless,
 as that's a tall ask at 62, but on a younger skin I'm sure it does.
My skin looked and felt good, it didn't feel dry and it certainly didn't 
sit in my lines and wrinkles, so that's certainly a 
WIN for the more mature woman amongst us...



BY TERRY 
HYALURONIC HYDRA POWDER
10g

R
970


£
42


$
54



BY TERRY is exclusively available in South Africa at




21 May 2023

SUNDAY SAMPLE


As a reminder TATA HARPER make products with 100% non-synthetic,
nontoxic ingredients that are found in nature.
They also have the Farm to Face promise with: 
No outsourcing
No shortcuts 
They do it all themselves with their own people on their our own farm 
in Vermont.

 TATA HARPER 
facials are one of my favourite facials to have meaning that I
have previously experienced the 

TATA HARPER
RESURFACING MASK



This is a glow-giving treatment that instantly restores radiance to skin. 
Best for blocked pores, dull, or rough skin.
So I'm keen to give this treatment a try at home and I may include
it as part of a mid week self care mini facial and I will report back
to you with my full review next Sunday.


18 May 2023

AVÈNE DERMABSOLU RECONTOURING MASK {REVIEW}

For the past few weeks I have been pampering my skin with a new
product from AVÈNE that forms part of the DermaAbsolu range,
which is skin care designed for mature, sensitive skin, providing density,
 vitality and comfort thanks to the efficacy of a unique combination of 
patented active ingredients.

The range currently in South Africa consists of the following:
Recontouring Serum
Defining Day Cream
Comforting Night Balm
Youth Eye Cream
and now the
DermAbsolu Recontouring Mask





Eau Thermale 
Avène 
DermAbsolu Recontouring Mask 
claims to visibly hydrate, firm, tone and illuminate the skin,
 whilst protecting against collagen depletion and intensely nourishing 
the skin.
 Key ingredients such as niacinamide and provitamin C brightens,
 smooths, and evens out skin texture softening the signs of ageing.
 SytenolTM is a natural alternative to retinol that helps
 protect against collagen depletion, and Glycoleol as an essential skin lipid 
precursor that intensely nourishes and mimics the skin. 
Apply 1-3 times per week over the face and neck and leave for 10 mins
and then remove the excess or you can apply as a sleep mask,
which I have done on a couple of occasions and my skin felt wonderful.
Even after just 10 minutes my skin looked luminous, felt nourished, 
soothed and as they claim, intensely moisturised for up to 8 hours.


This transformative anti-ageing cocooning mask
is luxurious and provides results you can see and feel 
after just 10 minutes, which makes it perfect for a quick skin
pick-me up if beauty "time is of the essence".
With a gel-cream texture that is suitable for all skin types and the 
product melts into the skin.
I was rather surprised at how fragranced this product is and despite it
having a pleasant fragrance of jasmine, rose, and violet, I would go as far
 to say that this is the most perfumed Avène product that I have reviewed
and I have reviewed many.
My skin has been absolutely loving this mask, so much so it's
making me want to try some of the other DermAbsolu products
 and this mask is one, for starters, that I 
highly recommend for those drier mature skins.




AVÈNE 
DERMABSOLU
RECONTOURING MASK
75ml

R
595


Available from the following retailers
Clicks
Dis-Chem
Woolworths


15 May 2023

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {MARCH & APRIL 2023 }

 I have 4 "standout" products that are featuring on my
 Monthly Faves for March & April, so this post is up later than normal,
as its now the 15th May, but that doesn't detract from how great these
products are and they're all from brands that I already love.


1.

FENTY BEAUTY
GLOSS BOMB
LIP LUMINIZER

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.

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...



2.

RITUALS
RITUAL OF AYURVEDA
RECOVERY HAND BALM


This rich & 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.

This is without doubt another beautiful scented hand cream from RITUALS
and it becoming apparent that you cannot really go wrong with any
of their hand products.





3.

AVÈNE 
GENTLE EXFOLIATING GEL

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.





4.

AVÈNE
CICALFATE+ 
PURIFYING CLEANSING GEL

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. 

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.
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.













11 May 2023

KILIAN PARIS ANGELS' SHARE {REVIEW}


In the run up to Mother's Day here in South Africa I have another 
fragrance review.
This was another generous deluxe sample size that was part of the 
Skins Cosmetics Christmas box.

Here is some background to the brand

KILIAN PARIS

Heir to a long line of French cognac makers who were pioneers in luxury, 
Kilian Hennessy (Hennessy Dynasty) decided to take up the torch
 of family tradition. 
Creating a new luxury brand was definitely a challenge worthy of 
his predecessors, and in 2007, 
Kilian launched his own namesake fragrance house.

The brand is a true reflection of not only his ambition and distinct personality,
 but is also a perfect alliance between elegance and uncompromising luxury.

His “eco-luxe” philosophy that each bottle can be refilled and kept for a 
lifetime catapulted the brand to the top of the fragrance market and into
 a niche of its very own. 
Today, the world of Kilian includes more than 35 scents, spanning across 
5 distinctly unique fragrance collections.
It also falls under the Estée Lauder group of companies.




Angels' Share by KILIAN Paris 
is a fragrance from the Liquors collection, inspired by the heritage 
of Kilian Hennessy, with woody notes accompanied
 by cognac, hazelnut and oak.

Angels’ Share contains the essence of Cognac derived from the liquor 
to lend it a natural caramel colour. 
Opening with cognac oil, upon a blend of oak absolute, cinnamon essence
 and Tonka bean absolute, the scent’s long-lasting notes of sandalwood,
 praline and vanilla make for a delicious finish, a rare concoction 
only angels should experience.

This is a fragrance that I should not like, it's dark, woody and intense,
 the exact opposite from my usual sparkling, light, bright, fruity 
yet I like it, not enough to purchase a bottle, but enough for me
 to continue to enjoy my beautiful deluxe size throughout this winter.
Not an ideal scent for the South African summer but one
to enjoy in the cooler winter months. Whilst I would say that this 
has a more masculine appeal, I'm sure there are many females 
that would enjoy this rather unique and distinct offering from Kilian.
 As you can imagine it is a
statement fragrance and has "staying" power and definitely one
to try, in-store, before you buy.


KILIAN PARIS
ANGELS' SHARE
50ml


R
3,560


£
185


$
230


Kilian fragrances are available in SA from
skincosmetics online or instore.




 

8 May 2023

BYREDO GYPSY WATER {REVIEW}

BYREDO
is one of those fragrance brands that I find quite daunting, a little
reminiscent of the JO MALONE LONDON brand, as they both seem
 to have an endless line-up of fragrances, that all look the same and
I just know that much trial and error is needed before I hit on the
ONE that's for me.
That's why it is so important to try before you buy and considering the
prices its more important than ever.

My journey with JO MALONE was somewhat epic and after many
years and many tester sprays later, I finally hit on 2 that I now adore and
form part of my fragrance wardrobe.
My personal wardrobe consists of 4 fragrances that I have stuck with
 for several years now.
If you would like to know what they are then Click Here  

I have reviewed another BYREDO fragrance previously
MOJAVE GHOST and whilst I liked it, sadly it failed to WoW me and
 make it into my rather exclusive "Fragrance Wardrobe".


BYREDO 
GYPSY WATER



This particular best selling fragrance Gypsy Water 
is an ode to the beauty of Romani culture and was formulated to waken 
a dream of colourful lifestyle made of innate nomadism 
and gypsy nights spent in the forest.

The ingredients include:

Top: 
Bergamot, Juniper Berries, Lemon, Pepper
Heart:
 Incense, Orris, Pine Needle
Base: 
Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla


On paper this fragrance had so many ingredients that I normally
enjoy, but as we know they can be formulated in so many different ways
 and proportions.
As with many fragrances nowadays its vegan & genderless and a
matching body lotion/cream, hair fragrance and hand cream is available.

Unfortunately I experienced this fragrance to be very delicate and soft on
my skin, which was quite surprising considering it's an Eau de Parfum
and on a side note it certainly didn't awaken anything in me...


BYREDO 
GYPSY WATER
EAU DE PARFUM
50/100mls

R
2995/4250

£
140/200

$
205/290


BYREDO
 is found exclusively in South Africa at





 

5 May 2023

FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP {MAY 2023}

WoW its been a while since I posted a Friday Follow-Up post 
where it lets you know how I feel about some of the products that I
 have already previously reviewed.
Sometimes I have extra info to add to the original review and on
the very rare occasion I have done a complete about turn 
on the product.

~~~~~~

DERMALOGICA
NECK FIT
CONTOUR SERUM


"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.
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."

*I'm happy to report back, that despite the hefty price tag and its
roller applicator, it did last way beyond the 6 weeks that 
Dermalogica claimed.
This means the product offers a relative low cost price per use 
and considering how good this product IS, its a winner.

Click Here to read my original review


~~~~~~

KÉRASTASE 
GENESIS 
FONDANT RENFORÇATEUR


Very similar to skincare, some ranges just don't bring out
the best in your skin and its the same for haircare ranges and I fear
this is what's happening with the KÉRASTASE GENESIS range.
I found it to be difficult to rinse out of my hair and then it proceeded to
leave an unpleasant oily coating on the hair shaft.
I gave up after several attempts to find the ideal amount to use

I enjoyed both the shampoo and the blow dry primer, however initially
the conditioner was a NO NO, so I set it aside to try again later, sadly
it didn't improve and it did appear on my Most Disappointing Products list.

Click Here to read my original review

~~~~~~


DERMALOGICA
SKINPERFECT PRIMER
SPF 30

I have another Dermalogica product to include in this feedback post.
I was super impressed with this rather unassuming product that
Illuminates+Primes+Protects.
I love a multi functional product and it's especially useful if you are 
time strapped or just having a lazy skincare day.

As I wrote in my original review:
"My only reservation about my new "skin find" is the size and price.
It comes in a rather small 22ml size tube, yet it has a hefty price tag.
Dermalogica do say it lasts for approximately 63 uses and they include
a tube dispenser to help get the most product out of the tube."

I adore this product, but I'm not sure that the price tag of R1,100 per
22ml tube is sustainable for my current beauty budget.
Bottom line is, this tube is just too small of a quantity and as you can
 imagine it didn't last too long, so I think this product despite me loving
it, will have to be sadly dropped from my skincare routine.

Click Here to read my original review
~~~~~~

BY TERRY 
CRAYON KHÔL TERRYBLY
 EYELINER


I hate to be including this product, but despite it being the best eye pencil
 I have ever used, it unfortunately has a drawback.

"This eye pencil/eyeliner has an incredibly soft ultra-creamy texture,
it's a perfect softness and smudginess for the oldies to use, whilst it
doesn't pull our already stretched skin on our eyelids."

There is a pay off for this softness, so be prepared to plough through
these eye pencils, as its the only one that I have completely finished.
It hasn't stopped me re-purchasing, but please be aware its the quickest
 eye pencil you will ever finish.

Click Here to read my original review