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.

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.

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

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...

To read my full review

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.

To read my full review

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.

To read my full review

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.

To read my full review

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.

 

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {MAY 2023}

I have quite a colourful array of beauty products to try out over the

 next few weeks, which includes a Hand Cream from an Australian

 brand that I know nothing about, so I'll have to some research

on that one.

I also have a Body Cream and a hair product from two of

my favourite brands and a Vitamin C Serum that I'm really

looking forward to using, especially as we now have the brand

in South Africa.

L-R

LIEF

BORONIA

HAND BALM

This is a new brand for me and it hails from Australia and was 

part of the 2022 Skins Cosmetics Christmas box.

It's a full size product that's exclusive to Skins Cosmetics and with me

 hand creams are always put to good use, so expect my full

 review soon.

RITUALS

RITUAL OF HAMMAN

BODY CREAM

As you may well know, I'm a huge fan of RITUALS, so I'm

always excited to try any of their products and this 100ml

Body Cream was a loyalty gift and for anyone that knows and loves

RITUALS they do excellent free gifts.

SUNDAY RILEY

C.E.O

VITAMIN C BRIGHTENING SERUM

It's the ideal time of the year to include a Vitamin C serum into

my beauty routine and I always like to do this post and pre summer.

The Sunday Riley does this with science-based formulas and clinically proven

 effective ingredients, resulting in plant-based skin care products that 

make your skin soft, smooth and radiant.

I'm pleased that Sunday Riley is now available in South Africa

from Skins Cosmetics.

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN

INSTANT VOLUMISING

LEAVE-IN MIST

One of my absolute favourite French hair care brands and one that my

hair responds well to, was also in the Skins Cosmetics Christmas box 

and it's a product that I haven't tried before.

With age my hair has become, without doubt, thinner and less voluminous,

 so any product that helps will be a winner in my eyes.

I highly rate the Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner with Rose Extracts,

as it really creates more volume.

To read my reviews Click Here

I'll let you know how I fare with this Volumising Leave-In Mist.

 

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.

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