MONTHLY FAVOURITES {NOV/DEC 2017]

It's time again for a monthly favourites post and the last one

for the year, but I will continue in 2018 to bring you, every couple of months

a blogpost on my "fave" products.

Two of the below have actually been under review for

the several months whilst the other two were discovered and put to the test

during November and December.

Just to give you a heads up - three of the below products will make it onto my 

"Top" product lists for 2017, which I'll post towards the end of January,

so don't miss those posts if you want to know what face,body and make-up

products I rate and highly recommend.

1.

It seemed as though I had been using the 

Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex 

for most of 2017, as this product was not only highly effective, 

but it worked out to be super affordable (despite its initial R990 price tag)

 when you take into account the quantity required

 and how long the 15ml tube lasted and best of the all the results achieved.

To read my full review

2.

Who doesn't love a good hand cream and there are so many

on the market, but the 

NUXE Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream 

was certainly a stand out product and a pleasure to use.

  

To read my full review

3.

My next inclusion was sent to me by the brand, but as always it

doesn't mean that it automatically qualifies for a glowing review.

Bionike 15 Fruit Xsense Multi Sensorial Oil

from the Italian brand Bionike was easy to fall in love with

and a glowing review was given all round.

To read my full review  

4.

No trip to the UK,for a South African Beauty Blogger, would be complete

without a visit to one of the two Deciem shops in London and that's where I 

went in July.

I bought four products from the much hyped brand The Ordinary.

The Ordinary AHA 30%+BHA 2% Peeling Solution 

was a must buy for me,as I always maintain that weekly exfoliation 

is key to a youthful skin.

To read my full review

THE BODY SHOP VITAMIN C GLOW-REVEALING LIQUID PEEL {REVIEW}

We are off to a good start with this product Vitamin C Glow Revealing Liquid Peel from The Body Shop as it's speaking to me via the name, it's mentioning all the words that I, as a mature person, want to hear:

Vitamin C

Glow Revealing

Peel

Dull

Tired 

and 

Grumpy Skin

(not sure that I've ever seen skin referred to as Grumpy before on a product label, but lets go with Grumpy)

As I've said in numerous posts before I'm not a fan of the Body Shop despite remembering the launch of The Body Shop in the UK back in 1976 by the founder

Anita Roddick. 

Back in it's "Hey Day" it was hugely popular and yes I was a fan, but since the acquisition by L'Oreal in 2006 the brand has honestly failed to impress, other than a couple of their recently launched fragrances.

(To read my previous Body Shop Reviews )

The only reason that I am reviewing this skin care product is due to to being given yet another gift voucher and this Liquid Peel appealed to me for all the reasons above.

The Body Shop have a range of products based around the key ingredient of Vitamin C, which is well know for brightening and reviving a tired dull complexion. 

There are many other benefits of using a Vitamin C based skin care range including: collagen production, improved skin elasticity and protection against damaging environmental aggressors.

so if the above benefits are ticking all your skin care need boxes then this range could be one to consider.

So let's get down to the "nitty gritty" as to how this peel performed, despite having no gritty mechanical exfoliants.

The Vitamin C Glow Revealing Liquid Peel containing Vitamin C rich Camu Camu 

from the Amazonian Rain Forest Peru

 targets pollutants that are left sitting on the skin at the end of the day and with the pollutants in the air becoming increasingly problematic, this is another reason why an exfoliant,peel or scrub is a vital product to be included in every ones beauty regime.

The transforming gel-to-peel technology traps and gently peels off impurities and dead skin cells to unveil a brighter, softer, smoother and  healthier looking skin.

(All exfoliators will achieve the same results)

How To Use

Dispense 1-2 pumps of the clear and slightly ascorbic smelling gel onto fingertips, and apply to cleansed, dry skin avoiding the eye and mouth area. 

Massage into skin for up to 20 seconds until clumps become visible and peel away from the skin.

 (Be sure to lean over the sink to catch the peel and you will need to brush the peeling texture off the skin) 

Rinse with water well until completely clean
(If you don't completely remove, unnoticeable bits of peel will be left behind that don't mix well with foundation etc) 

Use 2-3 times per week before the rest of your skincare regime.

Whilst I don't mind a liquid type peel it does require more effort and certainly creates more mess and to be fair to the product it did no more and no less than I would have expected from any other type of exfoliating product.
As always, post peel, my skin felt smoother and looked brighter, however if you do use the other products from their Vitamin C range, then I advise that you include the Glow Revealing Liquid Peel in order to reinforce the cumulative action of the vitamin c.

This type of "messy" peel will not appeal to all and especially to those that have lots of fine, downy facial hair, as it gets caught in the hairs and pulls, which isn't pleasant.

Sadly this hasn't changed my opinion of The Body Shop products and despite trying several I just cannot find anything from the skin care or make-up collections, that I can confidently say is great or a must buy for a mature skin.

If you have any recommendations from the Body Shop range then please drop me a message in the comments box below. It irritates me somewhat that having been in the beauty business for many, many years I have never come across a brand where I cannot find something that shines out above the rest and I was hoping this product would be the one to stand out and "Glow"...

Vitamin C Glow Revealing Liquid Peel

145ml Pump Dispenser

R175

£18

www.bodyshop.com

40 YEARS OF L'OCCITANE {LAVENDER FOAM BATH}

Despite only being around in South Africa since 2008 L'Occitane has been in existence since 1976, which makes 2016 its special 
40th Anniversary year.

I wonder if back then the founder of L'Occitane, Olivier Baussan, could ever have envisaged the outcome of his passion for his native Provence, love of plants and his desire to create wonderful products that were authentic, traceable and respected both the environment and people.

Alambic

With nothing but an alambic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants this young man of 23, set out to sell his distilled Rosemary essential oil on the local markets of Provence in Southern France.

Lavender is a fragrant iconic symbol of Provence and is renowned worldwide for its highest quality, especially that grown in the Haute Provence region and this seemed the most obvious choice for his next essential oil and today it's  still a core ingredient in many of the L'OCCITANE ranges and products.

40 years later and as they say "the rest is history" and L'OCCITANE is now available in every corner of the world for everyone to enjoy.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, L'OCCITANE is celebrating Provence, the land of its birth, through a limited-edition collection based around its most famous flower. 

The packaging features a new design, inspired by fields of lavender seen from the sky, which trace diagonal lines across the plateaus of Haute-Provence, filling them with colour.

My "go to" weekly Lavender foam bath and one that I rave about constantly is the one below and quite simply it's the very 

Best!

It's a rich, delicate foam bath containing Lavender Essential Oil with a captivating lavender scent and more importantly voluminous long lasting bubbles.
The aroma lets your mind escape to Provence as you breathe in its fragrance and enjoy a soothing moment of relaxation. 

It leaves your skin feeling supple and fragranced with the delicate scent of lavender.

If you love your bubbles and enjoy the whole relaxing bathing experience then I cannot recommend a more beautiful relaxing product and maybe the 40th anniversary is a perfect time to treat yourself to a little bit of Provence.

L'OCCITANE

Lavender Foam Bath

500mls R450

100mls R130

L'OCCITANE Lavender Foam Bath

If you follow me regularly on my blog and other social media platforms you will already know that L'OCCITANE is my one of my favourite brands and if you just type in the word L'OCCITANE in the "search for my Shout words" on the side bar, so many L'OCCITANE reviews will pop up and if there are any reviews that you would like me to review in the future, then just leave me a comment below.

Available from L'OCCITANE Boutiques countrywide and online 

L'OCCITANE

LA PRAIRIE CELLULAR MINERAL FACE EXFOLIATOR {REVIEW}

I know I am always "banging on" about weekly exfoliation, but I really am a true believer it's the key to a younger looking , more radiant and smoother skin. I am always on the lookout for new non-chemical products that can be used easily at home, yet give great results.

La Prairie have recently launched two Cellular Mineral Exfoliators, one for the face and one for the body and I was eager to try the facial addition.La Prairie has been for many years one of my favourite prestige skin care brands albeit one of the most expensive in South Africa, but this is the case worldwide. For the more mature skin like "Moi" has, I can highly recommend several of their products, as long as your budget can cope. 

I have always enjoyed La Prairie and for several years used their Radiance Range.

Radiance Review

This luxurious, translucent pink pearly gel is formulated with mineral-rich powders of quartz crystal, pure diamond and tourmaline to remove impurities, dead skin and dryness that can dull the complexion. The hundred-petaled rose, rosa centifola and scarce meteorite dust! (yes you read correctly) ensures that your skin feels fresh and softly moisturised.This product was apparently two years in the making and interestingly has two sizes of exfoliating beads in order to deal with both the removing of those drying dead cells and to dislodge and clean impurities in the pores. The sensation of having two sizes of beads, as you massage is noticeable and very pleasant to use.The product also has that distinct La Prairie cellular fragrance, tinged with a delicate soft rose and is beautiful, yes I know it's only an exfoliator, but it smells delicately divine!

Beautiful Pearly Pink Gel

La Prairie recommend to use this product 2 or 3 times weekly for combination/oily skin, and once or twice weekly for normal/dry skin. 

(This is a "bone of contention" with me, as I disagree with any over stimulation, due to exfoliation, of combination/oily skins as recommended above.I personally feel that once or twice a week is preferable for all skin types) 

Apply to a moist face and neck avoiding the eye area, the more moisture will result in a more gentle treatment.

This product will cleanse as well as exfoliate, however if used in the evening, I suggest that you remove all make-up first. This exfoliator is easy to use, just massage with fingertips in upward circular motions, concentrating around the nose area.Rinse well, pat dry and follow with your usual toner, serum and moisturiser.

Before I tried this product, I must be honest I didn't have such high hopes, as so many exfoliators generally do a reasonable job of smoothing and brightening skin and in my opinion there are very few that stand out above the rest (I have used many and most don't even get a mention on my blog)  and I thought this was going to fall into that very same category, but how wrong I was...

This exfoliator is in my opinion outstanding!  Not only does the product itself look and smell good, it feels different because of the two sized beads, it's gentle, yet leaves you skin feeling wonderfully smooth, incredibly soft and moisturised,which many don't. I know the ingredients are not the normal ones found in skin care, let alone in an exfoliator, but all the mineral rich gem powders and pure essence of wild roses from Provence, obviously combine well to deliver an extremely effective product .....

or maybe it's just a little magic in the meteorite dust.

Whatever it is...I cant wait to try the body exfoliator...

Available at Selected Edgars Stores

Price R1590 (100ml)

www.laprairie.com

SUNDAY SAMPLE

I must be the only beauty blogger in South African to have not tried and reviewed the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. This sample was deep in the depths of my sample jar, hence why I hadn't tried it, but I tipped out the entire contents of the jar onto my bed and did a "closed eyes" pick and this was the lucky sample that will get to be reviewed next in my Sunday Sample post.

I have read and heard many good things about this product, but I will report back on Sunday with my findings, bearing in mind that I am not easily impressed, so let's hope this product lives up to its reputation.

To read other other reviews on Kiehl's products

Kiehl's Overnight Biological Peel

Epidermal Re-Texturizing Microdermabrasion

Cucumber Herbal Alcohol Free Toner

Creme du Corps

ESPECIALLY ESCADA FRAGRANCE COLLECTION {REVIEW}

It was this beautiful pink Escada display that I saw in Woolworths Gateway yesterday that has prompted me to review the Especially Escada range of fragrances. For those that are not aware Escada is an international luxury fashion group in women's designer clothing and was founded in 1978 by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley in Munich, Germany.

Escada Beauté was founded in 1990, which saw the release of its first fragrance, Escada Margaretha Ley, named after one of the company's founders. Internationally Escada has launched many fragrances most of which never made it to South Africa.Like the company's fashions, the fragrances are notable for their bright packaging and unusual bottle shapes.The company's emphasis was on youthful fruity-floral scents and in my opinion they had some of the worst names ever, like Ibiza Hippie, Cherry In The Air, Escada Sexy Graffiti and Chiffon Sorbet to name but an awful few. Alas many of the fragrances that were launched here in South Africa were sadly "forgettable" that was until 2011, when the now successful Especially Escada collection was launched. Especially Escada was followed in 2012 by Especially Escada Delicate Notes and in 2013 Especially Escada Elixir emerged on the fragrance scene.

This  Especially Escada range is designed to reflect the passion and beauty of the rose, with each scent celebrating a different flower., This "grown up" trio, whilst still appealing to the fun loving young, fits comfortably with a more mature market, especially like Moi! 

Especially Escada

Is a luxurious Eau de Parfum, which is a modern yet feminine scent, with a sparkling top note of pear and exotic notes of ambrette seeds, which dries down to reveal a fresh combination of rose and ylang ylang. Light musky notes complete the scent, adding a dewy subtle touch of femininity, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Available in 30ml , 50ml , 75ml Eau de Parfum Sprays 

R585/R810/R1030

Especially Escada Delicate Notes

Offers a delicate Eau de toilette version of the original Especially Escada, this scent is effortless and easy to wear reflecting the freshness of morning dew and pear blossom in springtime, this fragrance sparkles with femininity. This delicate fragrance would be ideal in the warm and humid summers of Durban or for those days that where delicate was the order of the day.

Available in 50ml & 75ml Eau de Toilette Sprays 

R745/R930

Especially Escada Elixir

A powerful version of the original rose fragrance, Especially Escada Elixir is a seductive scent with a deep, feminine allure.

The top note of pear adds sweetness to the fragrance, and its delicate fruitiness is again fresh and feminine.The heart includes Turkish rose absolut, ylang-ylang, accords of prune and fresh plums, laid on the base of patchouli, white musk, dry amber, cashmere and Madagascar vanilla.This more intense Eau de Parfum would be perfect for me in the evening or in the cooler winter months.

Available in 30ml & 50ml Eau de Parfum Sprays 

R610/R860

If it hadn't have been for the Rose barrow in Woolworths I would still be of the opinion that Escada should just stick to doing what they do best...clothing and accessories, however Especially Escada is a great collection of sparkling,feminine rose fragrances that suits every age, occasion and season. I just hope they don't return to creating forgettable fragrances with hideous names.

To Order Online

Woolworths

Red Square

TASTE OF DURBAN WINNERS

Beauty Shout Box has been running a competition this past week to 

giveaway 2 Double Tickets to the upcoming culinary event...

Taste Of Durban 

 25-27 July. 

For all "foodie" lovers out there..this is a must attend event.

The winners have been randomly drawn and they are:

1. Bronwyn Aricksamy

2. Kendra Hunsley

Congratulations to you both of you and enjoy the Taste of Durban.

Please send me a message on Beautyshoutbox facebook page with a contact phone number and e.mail address before 5pm on Saturday 12th July, so the tickets can be e.mailed to you.

MY PINTEREST WISHLIST - BLACK/WHITE/GREY

I love my Pinterest boards, but if I had to create a "Wishlist" for the
perfect black/white/grey ensemble this would be IT!

I just love the geometric lines of the Karen Millen dress,the shoes
are my all time favourite style and the bag is well...just too exquisite.
So if there are any fairy god mothers out there...

just contact me for my sizes and delivery details.

Enjoy!

Follow my Boards of Delights
on
Pinterest

Lanvin Silk Scarf

Karen Millen

                                                    

Alexander McQueen

                       

Balenciaga

WHY DOES WAYNE GOSS HATE PRIMERS?

Wayne Goss...you either "love" him or "hate" him and I just happen to "love" him, 

as he calls it, as it is!

Here is a recent video that he posted with regards to his views on Primers

Enjoy!
Let me know your opinion...

TASTE OF DURBAN 2014

The Pick n Pay Taste of Durban is back from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World (Suncoast). Chefs from nine of Durban’s top restaurants will create special menus of starter-sized dishes, including their signature dishes, designed to reflect their individual philosophies, whilst showcasing seasonal and premium ingredients. Taste of Durban 2014 promises to be the most exciting ‘foodie’ event of the year.

Marcelle Roberts from Café 1999 is back for the third-year running with her inimitable brand of casual cuisine.  Louise Potgieter from Havana Grill at Suncoastand Themba Mngoma from Little Havana. Newcomer Nardia Adams, from Asian Tapas spot Greedy Buddha, will be cooking up a storm on the grill with Lucy Markewicz flying the colours for Freedom Café.  Popular Indian restaurantAmaravathi Palki, Market, Beluga Durban, Vigour & Verve and exciting new addition to the line-up this year, The Durban eKasi Experience, brings the total of participating restaurants to nine.  

Over three days, this unique international restaurant festival will bring together Durban’s most dedicated and sophisticated foodies in an

al fresco, dining celebration. Visitors will have the opportunity to sip, sample and shop their way around the festival.  This year’s show offers a range of brand new features and culinary experiences, to ensure that there is something for everybody to enjoy.

Beauty Shout Box has two sets of double tickets to give away and it's so simple to enter:

1. Like my Facebook Page if you have not already done so.

2. Leave an answer to this simple question in the comments box below:

Question: Name 1 of the 9 participating restaurants in this years Taste of Durban.

T&C'S apply:

Sorry only entrants from KZN can enter this competition.

The winners will be randomly drawn on Friday 11th July 2014

Good Luck!

"MY" TOUR DE FRANCE

Today saw the start (Grand Départ) of the 101st Tour de France in the city of Leeds in Yorkshire and it's only the second time that the Tour has started in the UK. I was in Yorkshire just recently, as I flew from Leeds/Bradford airport to France and as drove around I saw no sign that the Tour would be starting in 4 weeks time, but watching on tv today it looks like the county of the white rose has pulledout all the stops to support the worlds toughest 3 week long cycle race.

My hubby and I have ridden in The Cape Argus cycle race many times and even though we are now ex cyclists most of our friends are still very much involved in the South African cycling scene.We were lucky enough in 2009 to visit my sister in France, along with our bicycles (that's perhaps a story for another day) and we watched the one stage of the Tour in Limoges.

Watching the 2014 Tour brings back lots of happy memories of that fun day and a fun day it was. Just some advice...it's important to plan your arrival and exit route carefully, as they often close the roads the night before. We positioned ourselves on a small country road and our car arrived loaded up with everything we needed, chairs,table,plenty of food and drink and a great amount of patience, as you do wait and wait....Not only to see the cyclists, who literally whizz past in a few seconds, but to see La Caravane.

Le Caravan is coming

About an hour or so before the peloton arrives a huge parade of sponsors vehicles drive past and you get showered with branded goodies. In crowded areas it's somewhat of a 
"bun fight", so expect the occasional tussle. 

Stickman

Our secret weapon was a stickman wearing our cycling clubs shirt, which was powered by "Moi" jumping up and down, shouting "Donnez Moi s'il vous plais" which means "please give me" and guess what it worked, as the photo below shows. We actually received duplicates of most of the goodies, cycling shirts, t-shirts,pens,lanyards,sweets, key rings,caps etc. 

Our Tour "goodies"

This "Caravan" takes some time to pass and really gets the crowds excited and enthused before the big moment. It's festive and fun, but we also had a good supply of champagne and food on hand to help us through the day. 

Champers and nibbles

You know when the riders are nearing, as helicopters appear in the distance and the excitement reaches fever pitch. There was one cyclist that I particularly wanted to see and that was, the now disgraced, Lance Armstrong. If the cyclists are grouped together it is difficult to pick out any one rider,but I was lucky, as Lance passed me so closely, that I could have pushed him off his bike,which I would never have done back then, but knowing what we know now I can't be sure.

My day was made, but unfortunately there is no photo, as it's hopeless attempting to get any shots of the cyclists riding past so don't bother.

Soon the roads were opened,the snacks, nibbles and "champers" were all gone and we headed home after a very special day with some wonderful memories and of course our stash of hard earned Tour de France freebies.

Tour de France 2014