CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {APRIL 2019}

The first quarter of the year has come and gone so quickly and as we enter the 2nd quarter I have to say that my run of reviewing some great beauty products continues.

I have 5 skincare "Goodies" to put to the test over the next few weeks.

1.

I was kindly sent two products from the French skincare brand 

PAYOT - Blue Techni Liss range, which was launched recently and I have the Night Cream and the WEEK-END Peel Mask (not pictured) to put to the test.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

2.

This next product the BY TERRY Brightening CC Serum came in a Christmas set which gave you the opportunity to try 3 shade variants was a splurge purchase and as I'm always drawn to products that promise Glow and Radiance and having read so many good reports, I couldn't pass on this one.

 I really do hope that I'm not disappointed or regret this splurge.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

3.

The Avène PhysioLift Eyes was sent to me by the brand over 2 years ago and it was somehow packed away and never reviewed.(Apologies Avène)

Luckily I found it last week and, still within its expiry date, I immediately

put it to work.
Being a huge fan of Avène and my ageing eye area being of a concern to me 
I'm looking forward to using this for the next few months.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

Follow-Up Review

4.

This has been on my "Wish List" since its launch last year and I received this

50ml size of the REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic in the Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent Calendar in December.

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

I would love to know if you've tried any of the above and what you think,

 if so leave me a comment below.

BIODERMA PHOTODERM MAX SPF 50+ TINTED ULTRA-FLUID SUNCARE {REVIEW}

(Originally written in 2014)

 During the summer months I always opt, as should we all, for a high SPF and it has to be one that is not only effective, but also it needs to sit comfortably with both my moisturizer and foundation.

 Several years ago I wrote about the Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50 To read review but during the winter months I still use an SPF of 30, as Durban still experiences average winter temperatures of 20c and a daily average of 7 hours of sunshine.

Bioderma Photoderm 50+ MAX Tinted

This summer I haven't opted to try a different brand, but I rather chose to stick with the same Bioderma product but with a tint. This product is available in 3 shades and I have been using the Clair/light shade for some weeks now.
However this tinted version does have a couple of differences 

(besides the obvious tint) to the Bioderma non tinted SPF 50.

The tinted is classed as an Ultra Fluid consistency whereas the "non" tinted is a Fluid, I found a subtle difference and both were easy to apply. 
The tinted has a more matte non glossy finish, yet neither leaves your skin feeling oily or looking shiny. 

What is great about the tinted is the packaging, as it has a needle point tube, which is a huge help when it comes to controlling the amount of product you dispense and therefore use. 

(I wished more products came in this type of tube) 

Shade: Clair/Light

It offered me a slight colour, which subtly took my skin from that winter pale to a "hint" of a tint, whilst covering slight blemishes and evening out my complexion. 
I especially enjoyed this product on those "no" make-up days.i.e.out walking or lazing around the garden.

Blended

I was concerned that the tint would change or interfere with the shade of my foundation, but all was good and this Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50 sits well with my usual moisturizer and foundation when needed, so I would say that this product for me has been a "success".

 I look forward to a summer of high protection with that all important tint.

This product is:

 Non Comodegenic 

Fragrance Free

Hypoallergenic

 Water Resistant 

Photo stable

It can be used for all skin types even combination to oily 

Available from selected:

Dischems

Clicks

RSP R189 (40mls)
Now R237(1/2017)

NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE {REVIEW}

I should have shared this Sunday Sample post with you 3 weeks ago, however I am now into my 3rd week of using and it's still not even half used, so I thought I would delay my review, as it allows me more time to sample this truly Miraculous Oil. 

The Huile Prodigieuse from the French house Nuxe has been around since 1991 with millions of bottles of this dry oil for face, body and hair being sold worldwide.

 With top notes of orange blossom and plum head, heart notes of rose, geranium and magnolia, and a sensual base of coconut and vanilla.....you cannot help but fall in love with the fragrance and I'm sure it's been a huge part of this multi tasking oils success. 

Add to this a natural formula of 97.8%, the Prodigious Oil enriched with vitamin E and guaranteed silicone and mineral oil, 6 Precious Plant Oils (Macadamia, Hazel, Borage, Sweet Almond, Camellia and Hypericum),  it cannot help but nourish, repair and soften the face, body and hair.

Nuxe Huile Prdigieuse

I have recently finished using the Divine Oil from the French brand L'Occitane and whilst I am a huge fan of the brand and especially the Divine anti Ageing range, unfortunately I was unimpressed with what the oil did for my skin. I felt the texture was was too heavy, even though I used only a small amount I could feel a film of oil on my skin in the morning. On the other hand the Huile Prodigieuse delivered an amazing softness to my skin overnight and as you can imagine I was super impressed.The oil has a fine unique texture and was easily and quickly absorbed and no residue was noticeable the next morning. 

Treatment oils are currently in "Vogue" , as most skincare housed have at least one or several in their product line up, but I have never been a huge fan, until now that is, thanks to the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse I have finally found one that is non greasy and that my skin responds to positively.

This oil unlike many can be used in the evenings all year round and I have no qualms about using it as part of my nightly skincare routine during the hot humid climate of a Durban summer. 

I haven't tried on my hair or body yet, as I am using my 10ml bottle of precious oil for face only....Luckily they produce a 100ml spray bottle, which is better suited for application to the body and hair.

I give this product a huge thumbs up and its well deserving of any awards and accolades won over the years.

P.S. If I was ever stranded on a desert island (hopefully never, as it would be my worst nightmare) and I could only take one skincare product, this would be most definitely be the one.

100ml Spray 
R360

50ml Bottle 
R220

Available for Selected Truworths countrywide

www.nuxe.com

RAIN BIOLOGIE SANITISING HAND GEL {REVIEW}

Recently rain have introduced a very handy sized (44ml) Sanitising Hand Gel, 

which forms part of their Biologie Range.

(BIOLOGIE is an eco ethical range, formulated using organically certified botanical ingredients and wild harvested plant oils and extracts) 

There are several hand sanitising, waterless, gel type products on the market most of which I have to admit are not very good. This type of product is becoming more and more popular and personally I never go anywhere without one, not that I have an OCD problem, but often situations arise where I need to wash my hands and water is not always on hand.

For me it's imperative that the gel:

• Leaves no sticky residue behind after you have applied. 
• Most contain alcohol, which is the sanitising part,so therefore must include some moisturising ingredients.

 The key is not to use too much, otherwise they do leave your hands feeling sticky.

I am pleased to report that the rain Sanitising Hand Gel, which by the way contains, soothing Lavender and Tea Tree oil, passes my "test". 

I also like the size and convenience of the packaging with its flip lid, which fits easily into your handbag, gym bag or nappy bag.

I have to admit that my personal favourite is the

 L'Occitane Lavender Hand Purifying Gel, 

which permanently has a place in my bag, but the rain Sanitising Hand Gel is a close second and at R49 its well worth a place in any ones life.

Rain Biologie Sanitising Hand Gel R49

Order Online

My reviews on other Biologie products:

Biologie Mustard Ginger Bath Soak 
Biologie Body Butter Review
Biologie Manketti Starflower Body Scrub
Biologie Winter Therapy Bath Soak

L'OREAL GENTLE MAKE UP REMOVER EYE {REVIEW}

As a beauty blogger I should be trying new products on a regular basis, 

but occasionally when you "hit" on a product that you really enjoy its difficult to move on in search of something different or better.

 A couple of years ago I stumbled across the Express Eye Make-Up Remover by the French brand Yves Rocher and having tried so many eye make up removers over the years, 

I instantly knew this was perfect for me. 

To read my review

Yves Rocher Express Eye Make-Up Remover

Unfortunately I have been forced to try another remover for my eye make-up and the reason I say "forced" is because I had no choice, as it was a desperation move. 

After several weeks of visiting the Yves Rocher counter in Woolworths Gateway 

they still were out of stock...Off to Truworths I trot to find the same "out of Stock" situation. Now this could be a result of poor planning by either the store cosmetic buyers or by the importers of Yves Rocher South Africa, but either way, I went off to Clicks to find a reasonably priced temporary replacement and that's how I ended up with the L'Oreal Gentle Eye Make -Up Remover.

L'Oreal Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover EYE

For me it was ticking all the boxes on paper as it was:

Reasonably priced R95 for 125mls

Suitable for Sensitive Eyes

Opthamologically tested

Bi Phase Lotion

Enriched with Allantoine

I think you can tell from the tone of this post that the worst is still to come, as I have several issues with the product and its packaging:

• This is a warning to any one who uses it for the first time, don't hold onto the body of the plastic bottle...(like one would normally do), as the flip lid is not easy to grip onto when you want to open, hence you end up squeezing the bottle, when the air is released,and guess what.....out shoots the product, which didn't go down too well with me, as there was quite a bit of wastage. I suppose on the positive side, it goes to prove that its a good product to travel with, as there is no chance of any leakage.

• In my thirty odd years in the business I have never ever seen such a large hole for the product to come out of...and no matter how much I tried to control the amount of product I dispensed onto the cotton wool pad, it always resulted in too much. At this rate of wastage this product will not last me a month, which makes it rather an expensive product.

• I found the effectiveness of the product to be poor and considering I do not wear excessive eye make-up...this is a huge fail for me.

So all things considered, I feel simply "ripped off" with this product, so Woolworths please hear my plea and order stock of the Yves Rocher Express Eye Make-Up Remover for your Gateway store, just so I don't have to endure this useless product any more.

L'Oreal is available at Clicks countrywide.

CLARINS 3 DOT LINER {REVIEW}

I was sent the press release on this product some time ago and it immediately grabbed my attention, even though there are a couple of houses around with a similar type product..

I wanted to try this one from Clarins.

Unfortunately liquid eye liners and me aren't the best of friends, as liquid liners need a steady hand and a smooth wrinkle free eyelid in order to create that wonderful line, both of which I don't have,so eye pencils have always been my eyeliner of choice for many years. 

Following it's hugely successful launch, as a limited edition last year, the 3 Dot Liner is now a permanant product, much to the happiness of many. 

Clarins 3 Dot Liner

After a delay with the official launch date in South Africa I finally got my hands on this Clarins 3-Dot liner and as you can see from the picture above its comes as a sleek pen with a 3 pronged dot applicator. The idea is to dot the pen along the line of the eye lashes filling in between and creating a line of black that accentuates the eye, whilst giving the lashes a volumising effect.

It looks as easy as joining the dots, but was it as easy to master as it looked....initially I would say no, but as with most things in life "practice makes perfect" and whilst I am not yet perfect at using the 3-Dot liner I am becoming more proficient with each application. 

I am right handed and the application on my left eye is pretty good whilst my right always proves to be a little problematic with a few dots being higher than the rest. 

(Being in my 50's the skin on my eyelid isn't smooth making it more challenging than if my skin was in its 20's and 30's) 

This liner is a "stayer" as once applied it doesn't go anywhere until its time to remove.

Only available in Black at the moment and it is a "True" Black, I would love to see Clarins bring out the 3-Dot Liner in a black/grey or even a dark brown, which would be a little softer and more flattering for the more mature user like 

Moi.

I have a couple of helpful tips with regard to using the 3-Dot liner:

1. It will take a while to master application, so don't be discouraged, as practice will pay off.

2. Hold the pen at right angles to the eyelash line otherwise you end up with splodges of black rather than precise, small dots creating the line.

3. The thickness of the line, with practice, can be changed according to the way you angle the pen.

4. Have a Qtip dipped in eye make-up remover close at hand, as you will need it to quickly remove any messes made with the liner.(The liner fast drying on the skin making it difficult to remedy any errors)

5. Don't try to remove or smooth the line with your finger, as you will end up with panda eyes, which I did on several occasions.

6. Apply before your mascara or any eyeshadow as this enables you to see clearly your lash line.

7. Even though this product is not waterproof, I used my normal eye make-up remover to remove, it did require a soak and a few swipes with the cotton wool to remove.

I  really am enjoying my new found hobby of joining the black dots every morning and sadly I don't see a place for my eye pencils anymore....

So if you recognise some of the same problems with using liquid/pencil eyeliners then 

the Clarins 3 Dot Liner could just be your saviour.

Available from selected:

R250

www.woolworths.co.za
www.edgars.co.za
www.truworths.co.za
www.foschini.co.za

CARIBBEAN TAN IN A CAN INSTANT {REVIEW}

In life I am not normally a procrastinator, but when it comes to "spray on tans" I have deliberated for the past 3 years, yes you read correctly... 3 years! I had good intentions of doing some research into spray tans offered at salons, but guess what...I didn't get around to it, so hence this post!

With the salon route being out of the picture for the moment I turned to the "off the shelf" options available from Clicks. My list of "wants" was primarily no orange shade, easy to apply, no streaking and no chemical smell.Despite being in the beauty business the variety on display daunted me. I found myself having to read the info on each brands box, which was not only time consuming,but also caught the attention of the security who then decided to stand along side me and keep me company during this decision process, which only added to my irritation.

I finally opted for the Caribbean Tan In A Can Instant which is a fine tanning spray with instant colour and 360 degree spray technology. It promised to deliver a deep, even, seamless tan. It gives an immediate bronze that develops over 8 hours and dries within 10 minutes.
Originally formulated for salon application only.. in 2007 they expanded the brand to include products to use at home. 
This award winning range now includes the following products:

 Self Tan 
Sunscreens 
Bronzers 
Moisturisers 
and 
Exfoliators 

My colour choice was made a little easier as Caribbean Tan offer a colour chart on the side of the box that you can match to your own colouring. I decided that I really didn't want the dark look, but rather a subtle body colour change to take me from winter pale to summer bronze, so I opted for the "safe" shade A Fair/White.

Caribbean Tan is an innovative concept in the application of Sunless Tanning. Their State of the Art Delivery System virtually eliminates all problems associated with Sunless Tanning Creams, which means no streaks,no concentration of dark colour around elbows and knees and no "tell tale" fake tan smell. The innovative Sun Protection products also offer UVA and UVB protection.Their products also contain tan enhancing ingredients that make your skin tan faster and so lessen the time you need to spend in the sun working on your tan. This product seemed to answer my list of "wants".

As with most Sunless products on the market you will find an assortment of "Add Ons" to buy, in order to smooth and moisturise the skin for preparation and products to apply to extend the tan. I used my usual exfoliator and a neutral body moisturiser, as it is important to prep your skin before application to ensure that all important "natural look".

How does Caribbean tan work?

Caribbean Tan products contain specially formulated active ingredients. One of these ingredients is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone - natural sugar cane derivative). When applied to the skin, DHA causes a chemical reaction with the skin to produce a tan much like the sun, but without the UVA and UVB damage to the skin.

 (Stained hands after application can be problematic and I advise that you  not only work speedily but wash your hands often during the application to ensure no staining. As with most fake tans you do need to allow to dry completely before applying clothes.If however you do stain clothing normally washing will remove)

How long does it last?

Caribbean Tan lasts between 4 to 10 days, depending on your skin type and how well you maintain it.

(I found that a light application every 4-5 days just kept the colour constant and was really no extra effort)

Caribbean Tan is available in selected beauty and tanning salons around SA for those that feel a little anxious about doing your own home spray on tan, but I found the whole home process very easy and I enjoyed the subtle colour change it gave my skin. I also think for the price of around R90 it offers affordable value for money...

Now that I'm on a roll with the "Tan in a Can" concept expect some more reviews from other brands. 

If you have a favourite brand please let me know in the comment box, so I can consider for my next review.

Just one last question pour "Moi"....Why did I procrastinate for so long??

For more info on products and stockists

DIOR ADDICT EAU DE TOILETTE {REVIEW}

Mention Christain Dior and the chances are the name will mean different things to different people...I automatically think of my favourite male fragrance Fahrenheit, as I worked for CD in South Africa back in 1988 when this great fragrance was launced.Others may conjure up visions of their favourite Dior lipstick or eyeshadow quartet, beautiful fashion, exquisite shoes, crafted handbags, jewellery and even a pair of sunglasses with the infamous CD logo on the arms. 

There is now doubt that this iconic fashion and fragrance house, 

which like to be now known as simply Dior, is synonymous with "Luxury"...

a little piece of this Dior "Luxury" can be purchased in its least expensive form for a few hundred rands, in the way of a lipstick, whilst many tens of thousands can be spent in the quest to own a piece of Dior "Haute Couture". 

On to more affordable "Dior" I have recently been wearing their latest fragrance addition,

Dior Addict Eau de Toilette and whilst we are discussing the price of how much it costs to own "something" Dior, this fragrance will set you back around,

 R895 for a 50ml spray

R1419 for the 100ml spray

which today is pretty much the norm for a luxury high end fragrance.

Addict Eau de Toilette is a new version of the Dior Addict Eau de Parfum fragrance launched in 2012, which was a reinterpretation of the original Addict launched in 2002. 

Having tried neither of its predecessors I cannot make any comparisons.

Classified by Dior as a woody/floral, I find it to lean more towards a fresh/floriental.

Its key ingredients are Jasmine, Sicilian Mandarin, Tunisian Neroli, Vanilla and Sandalwood. Initially I enjoyed the slightly "heady" Jasmin, as it was softened by the Mandarin and Neroli,

 yet on the dry down the Sandalwood and Vanilla came to the fore to give it a powdery soft fragrance, which I really enjoyed. 

However a softness in a fragrance can often lead to a quick fade, which is exactly what happened on my skin after a very short time, so several sprays throughout the day and night would be on the cards for me in order to keep enjoying this fragrance. 

This has prompted me to now try the Dior Addict Eau de Parfum as that may give me a longer linger that I require from a fragrance.

Let me know your opinions of this latest Dior fragrance and remember fragrance

 is a very personal thing!

Available from selected Woolworths, Edgars,Red Squares and Truworths countrywide.

www.dior.com

SUNDAY SAMPLE - KIEHL'S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY CONCENTRATE

30mls R585

This past week I have been using a sample of the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.I think I must be the only person, not to have tried and reviewed this brands top selling product. 

Its claimed that this elixir works all night to replenish the skin with moisture and leave you with younger-looking, smoother,softer more radiant skin by the morning and who doesn't want younger looking skin? 

To be used on a clean skin in the evening I found this elixir to be readily absorbed and literally a couple of drops was all my skin needed. It's advised to gently use your fingertips to press the clear serum evenly over the cheeks, forehead, and chin before massaging. This product can be worn alone or under your normal night cream. Having tried it both ways I prefer to use it alone, as I found it to be enough comfort and moisture for my skin.

Enriched with a blend of naturally derived ingredients including Squalane, Evening Primrose Oil, Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Essential Oils including Lavender, all help to deliver a boost of intensive moisture especially to dehydrated and tired looking skins. 

Whilst it was an easy to use product with a pleasant fragrance, I did notice that my skin felt softer and more hydrated, I can't say that my skin looked any younger, but then I think it would take more than a couple of nightly drops, over the course of a week,for a "midnight recovery" of my mature 50+ skin.

Oh well! Onwards I go in my quest to find that miracle serum that delivers younger skin overnight!

This product is Paraben-Free and contains 99.8% naturally derived ingredients and for a serum is well priced, especially as a little goes a really long way.

Kiehl's is available at selected Edgars

For more product info

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 KIEHL'S CREME DE CORPS {BODY CREAM }

I have tried a couple of Kiehls products before, the one was a "hit" with me
 and the other unfortunately was a "miss".
 Kiehls adopt a great marketing strategy of "try before you buy" by the way of sampling, hence my review this Sunday is of the Creme de Corps (body cream) which I received when I bought my Epidermal Re-Texturizing
Micro-Dermabrasion last year. 

   
(Sampling allows you to smell,feel and experience the product in the comfort of your own home prior to buying. Often the one or two applications in a sample is sufficient for you to decide whether its compatible with your skin or not, especially if you have sensitivity issues, so with this in mind, it is unreasonable to expect to see great results after a couple of applications from a sample.You may have noticed that I never review a face skincare product from my Sunday Sample jar, as in my opinion a fair review can only be given after a minimum of a months usage)

The reason I am outlining the aim of sampling, is that it states on the back of the 
Creme de Corps sachet "with continued use for 10 days will provide a 
skin texture heretofore unattainable", 
so my review is only based on the 2 applications from the sample.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps 500ml 

Of all the body moisturizers that Kiehl's have on offer, the Kiehl's Creme de Corps is the most hydrating "all over" body moisturizer and they claim its enriched with the
 finest ingredients known to Kiehl's for a rich elegant skin texture.

It is therefore best suited for an extremely dry or flaking skin, 
which I have to admit I only suffer from very occasionally 
(thanks to my obsession with weekly exfoliation any flakiness is removed)

Immediately upon application of this yellow cream I noticed a lack of any fragrance, which I prefer.Also I was  pleasantly surprised that even though they claim it to be a rich cream, I didn't find it to be rich in texture like many body creams that I have tried, yet it was rich in its nourishing and moisturizing capabilities. Initially upon application it felt a little greasy,but that soon disappeared and left my skin soft, smooth and beautifully moisturised.

All things considered, for me... this is another "hit" from Kiehl's after only 2 applications.

This is a premium body cream and is available in 3 sizes
The 500ml size comes with the pump dispenser and works out to be the 
most economical size.
Available from Selected Edgars stores.

125ml R245
250ml R365
500ml R615

To read previous reviews

Overnight Biological Peel Review 

Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion Review

Kiehl's