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

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.

ELEMIS DYNAMIC RESURFACING FACIAL PADS #TBT REVIEW

My views on any make of

Resurfacing Facial Pads still remains the same,

they are such a quick and convenient for daily use, 

especially when you decant for travelling.

This is my favourite way to use and personally would never replace 

my weekly or bi-weekly, more intense exfoliating home treatment for 

the facial pad method.

As always I have update the prices and once again increases

can be seen across the world.

~~~~~~

I recently received a wonderful skincare gift set from ELEMIS that included

a tub of their Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, which is one product 

that I've haven't yet tried and considering that

I am not only ELEMIS'S No.1 fan, I'm also a huge advocate of

weekly body and face exfoliation, so it was perfect. 

These pads form part of a larger collection of products that focus on

 smoothing, resurfacing and exfoliating the skin.

Exfoliation or resurfacing really does make an enormous

 difference in both the smoothness, brightness and radiance of the skin

and an exfoliator/scrub/resurfacer is a must have for all skin types.

These dual-action exfoliating pads reveal baby-smooth skin in literally

 one swipe.

Powered by patented^ Tri-Enzyme Technology, these gentle yet effective 

resurfacing pads deliver a measured dose of Tri-Enzyme Technology for

 smoother-looking skin. 

Formulated with Lactic Acid and Probiotic Ferment Complex, 

they are clinically proven* to accelerate skin's natural cell turnover in 28 days. 

They physically lift away dead cells and gently exfoliate, leaving the skin 

looking significantly smoother and brighter. 

These textured pads help reduce the look of dark spots, pores and

 uneven skin texture. 

Use every morning and evening after cleansing.

Smooth pad, texture side down, over the face in a circular motion.

I found these pads to be super convenient and easy to use and fitted 

perfectly into my daily skincare regime.

I personally would use these pads in place of my daily PIXI Glow Tonic, 

which by the way , I adore, but I feel it would be over-kill.

I would continue to use my more intense peels etc. once a week.

I also didn't experience any tingling sensation and they certainly didn't

 upset my hydro-lipid layer, which some re-surfacing products can do.

I highly recommend for those people who are either not into exfoliation

or find the whole process too much of a faff, as the results from these

pads are well worth it and for such minimal fuss.

Something to consider, at R950 R1035 for 60 pads and you use 2 per day,

  does work out to be quite a monthly cost for the convenience

 and ease.

All in all I have enjoyed my resurfacing journey with ELEMIS...

ELEMIS

DYNAMIC RESURFACING

FACIAL PADS

60 PADS

R

950

1035

£

40

45

$

47

64

 

DERMALOGICA HYDRO MASQUE EXFOLIANT #TBT REVIEW

A throwback to a year ago when I originally put this 

mask to the test.

Whilst I enjoyed using it, I seem to think

that I may have a couple of more applications in the container,

so I need to finish it completely.

However I doubt I would re-purchase as there are so many masking products

out there for me to discover and put to the test.

I have updated the prices below and I see that the prices have

 increased by R120/£10/$5

~~~~~~

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

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

RAIN RELAXING NIGHT CREAM #TBT REVIEW

I spoke highly of this night cream (back in May 2022)

 from the South African skincare brand rain and it did make it 

onto my list of

Top 11 Skincare products of 2022.

In case you missed this annual post then here's the link

My Top 11 Skincare Products 2022 Part2

It sat as a Proud South African next to the likes of 

SKOON 

(another SA brand) 

Sisley

By Terry

Augustinus Bader

ELEMIS

and several more well respected international brands, so you

know that this product is amongst some very good "Beauty" company

~~~~~~

Having been a lover of the RAIN bath and body products for many years,

I can now say I'm a huge fan of their face care range.

Launched several years ago, this will be my 4th product review

from their range of 10 products and I have

earmarked a couple more, that I would love to try and bring 

you reviews on in the future.

All the products in the range are formulated to synergistically work together

 to create an ideal skincare routine.  

The aim of the Rain Skincare range is to:

Maintain good skin condition

Maintain skin health through probiotics 

(delivers good bacteria and nutrients to help balance skin)

Provide natural skincare for normal to sensitive skin.

RELAXING NIGHT CREAM

Is a natural relaxing night-time moisturiser, formulated with probiotics 

and botanicals known for skin conditioning.

 It's naturally fragranced with lavender and grapefruit essential oils. 

 African oils such as Baobab, Marula, Kalahari Melon and Moringa will leave

 skin feeling moisturised and conditioned.

For daily evening skincare routine. 

Use after cleansing and toning. 

Apply onto face, neck, and décolletage. 

Recommended use in combination with RAIN Relaxing Night Serum.

This calming night cream has an ultra-rich and luxurious texture and it's

  the type of texture that's reminiscent of the night creams pre the

cream/gel era.

Despite having a rich texture, which is an absolute pleasure to apply

 to a dry/ very dry skin, it isn't heavy at all.

The skin feels comforted, nourished but more importantly non greasy,

which can be an issue with night creams.

It slotted into my existing skincare product line-up perfectly

and not only does it smell of calming Lavender, but a little goes

a long way and it proved to be very cost effective and it's easily

available either in rain boutiques or online.

This is another face product from rain that is well suited for a mans skin,

 as this collection of face products is one that my hubby really enjoys. 

My skin responded well to this night cream and it's one that I would

highly recommend for normal/dry or sensitive skins.

RAIN

RELAXING NIGHT CREAM

50ml

R

649

$

69