RECENT EMPTIES {JANUARY 2023}

 It always feels good to start the year off with a bit of a beauty

 clear out, so I've rounded up some up my empty bottles etc. first

and here are my "Recent Empties".

L-R

MAYBELLINE 

LASH SENSATIONAL SKY HIGH

 MASCARA

Due to this being my daily "go to" mascara, since I bought it back 

in October, its now come to an end and another

purchase will be on the cards very soon, once I have finished

off some other mascaras. 

To find out more details as to why I rate this mascara then 

click on the Pink link.

To read my full review

L'OCCITANE

BI-PHASIC EYES & LIP 

MAKE-UP REMOVER

I really enjoyed this product, but unfortunately, for me, at full price it

for 100mls it just doesn't work out to be very cost effective at the rate

 I go through this type of product.

To read my full review

If you are wanting to know...

Are there others, just as effective, that are cheaper and that also

 come in a larger size? 

YES... 

there are and I have reviewed many here on my blog so

check out my other Eye Make-Up Remover reviews

 Here

LAURA MERCIER

HYDRATING

LIP BALM

I really enjoyed this lip balm, it glides on beautifully, nourishes 

and looks good worn either on it's own or

under/over a lip colour.

Would I buy it again, sadly NO, but that's only due to the fact that

I love to try new lip balms all the time and there are so many still

for me to experience, so a revisit in the future maybe.

To read my full review

~~~~~~

The following empties are all fragrances and in fact are my

current "faves" and have been for 4-5 years now.

These have all appeared on my Recent Empties several posts before

and they have all literally finished within a couple of weeks of each other,

which isn't good for the budget.

I have replaced all with the exception of the Clean Reserve Citron Fig,

as I think this will now be an overseas purchase due to skins Cosmetics

not stocking it anymore.

Here are the links to all of my original reviews

Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt

Clean Reserve Citron Fig

~~~~~~

The 2 products below have appeared previously on my recent empties 

and thankfully I did have back-ups of both the MAVADRY spray and the 

BY TERRY CC Serum and that's because I really don't want to be caught

 without them, as they are favourites of mine and have been

for some years now.

If you would like to read my original reviews

 MAVADRY Click here

BY TERRY Click here

MY FAVOURITE FRAGRANCES {2022}

 I currently have 4 fragrances on rotation in my "Fragrance Wardrobe" and

 as to which I choose, depends on my mood, the occasion and the weather.

I'm one of those people that loves to wear a fragrance daily and I

always have been, for as long as I can remember.

Fragrances have also been a huge part of my very long career in beauty,

 yet I have very few favourites and as one would expect they have 

changed over the years.

To be very honest I'm not one of those people that love all fragrances,

as I actually dislike way more than I like.

I generally enjoy the more citrusy-fresh genre, but even that has changed

slightly over the years.

Fragrance is very subjective and one fragrance doesn't suit all and it

can often take some time to find the ONE that has you lifting your

wrist to your nose often to just take in more of a beautiful scent.

My four current faves have remained constant now for several years

and it would take something exceptional to knock any of the below

off their fragrance perch.

CLEAN RESERVE

 CITROEN FIG

EDP

I love my Clean Reserve Citroen Fig and if I'm not mistaken I'm on

 my 3rd 100ml bottle. 

It really has become one of my all-time favourites, as I just love the

 top notes of fig, ginger, and lemon oil that will brings you an immediate 

burst of citrus, followed by the middle notes of cardamom, mint, 

copaiba, and mandarin, then the base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood,

 and musk will ensure that you have an exotic scent to last throughout the day.

I have reviewed 3 Clean Reserve fragrances and we now find ourselves being 

a Clean Reserve family, as I use the Citroen Fig, 

my hubby uses Warm Cotton and the youngest 'Kiddiewink" uses Rain

 and best of all we can create more fragrance options by layering with other

 fragrances in the Clean Reserve range and creating a unique fragrance.

To read my original reviews

~~~~~~

It took me several years to get onboard with the Jo Malone hype, simply

 because after trying so many of the fragrances, over so many years, 

I couldn't find one

that I was head over heels in love with.

After a slow start with Jo Malone I now have 2 JM fragrances included in my

"Fragrance Wardrobe" of four.

JO MALONE

EARL GREY & CUCUMBER 

COLOGNE

A fragrance with a burst of bergamot, the distinction of Earl Grey, and the

 coolness of crunchy cucumber, with a sweet base of beeswax, vanilla and musk. 

It's both reviving and refined and I adore it...

To read my original review

JO MALONE

WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT

COLOGNE

Complex Ingredients include ambrette seed, sea salt and sage, along with

 red algae and grapefruit. 

Sea air is mixed with salty and mineral texture of sand and stones and the 

scent of driftwood adds a natural and fresh sophistication.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne was created with the intention to evoke

 the feeling of pleasure, freedom and escape into nature, inspired by 

the unique character and quality of British beach. 

To read my original review

Both the Earl Grey & Cucumber and the Wood Sage & Sea Salt are lighter

Citrus/Woody/Aromatic fragrances and for me are ideal for daily Summer wear.

Both are unisex and my hubby also is partial to a spritz of

Wood Sage & Sea Salt...

~~~~~~

PENHALIGON'S

QUERCUS

COLOGNE

A cologne of some sophistication, named for the iconic English oak.

Basil and lemon as fresh as a mountain stream, sweet jasmine,

and a woody, mossy depth that brings one happily back to earth.

I fell in love with Quercus from the first spritz and was introduced to the

fragrance by my BFF in the UK, yet it wouldn't have been a fragrance that

I would have ever considered, however its become a firm favourite of mine

 to wear on those cooler days.

To read my original review

I also have written other fragrance posts that you may find useful :

Tips on How to Choose Fragrance Gifts for Women

Fragrance Evokes Memories

For The Love Of Fragrance Part 1

For The Love Of Fragrance Part 2

CLEAN RESERVE FRAGRANCE REVIEWS {#TBT REVIEW}

It was 12 months ago, to the date, that I originally wrote this review

on 3 Clean Reserve fragrances and our love for them has not diminished

in any way.

They are still the family faves and have been repurchased several times over.

 I hope this helps you to maybe find some new fragrance inspiration.

Clean Reserve fragrances are available exclusively in South Africa

at Skins Cosmetics

*N.B. Prices have been updated*

~~~~~~

Considering that the majority of my working career was spent with fragrance 

I very rarely do fragrance reviews, unless its something that really stands

 out as being different and a scent that I love.

I have found over the years that many fragrances are either re-hashed, 

re-named or smell "same old, same old" as I find myself so often saying 

"this reminds me of something"

but this certainly wasn't the case with my fragrance finds over this past year.

I was introduced to Clean Reserve via a beauty box that I picked up at 

Skins Cosmetics in Sandton back in April 2018 and not being a fragrance 

brand that I had heard of before I wasn't holding out too much hope

 of me liking, but how wrong could I be, as instantly fell in love.

Here's a brief overview of Clean Reserve:

Clean Reserve made its olfactory debut in 2015. The latest fragrance incarnation from the umbrella brand, Clean, it was devised in collaboration with three 

of the globe’s finest fragrance houses. 

The focus is firmly on sustainability – each artisanal blend is formulated 

using high-grade ingredients with impeccable eco-credentials. 

The brand’s ‘field to fragrance’ ethos champions the use of raw sustainables;

 from saffron to spiced herbs, wild moss, birch and patchouli. 

Add to this its 100% recyclable packaging and solar- energy powered production line and its eco-conscious attitude is clear. 

The Clean Reserve brand is also eco-friendly, with the benzoin harvested 

without damage to trees. 

The 10ml Deluxe spray, that I received was of the Warm Cotton, which I used sparingly until I was able to buy a 100ml size.

That 100ml sadly diminished way too quickly due to my hubby and my son discovering that they also loved this fresh clean fragrance.

  Clean Reserve Warm Cotton EDP, a light and refreshing perfume, 

which is ideal for everyday wear. 

The fragrance contains vetiver and benzoin, as well as ozonic, 

and hints of ginger, mint, and musk. 

The light floral hints in the perfume are ideal for summer days and evenings, 

for home and for holidays, and for any day you want to feel a little bit special.

 The comforting fragrance is both familiar and luxurious, created for easy 

layering and blending. 

On one of my overseas trips I discovered more fragrances from the brand

 and that's when I found my favourite fragrance of all time and I''m 

about to open my 2nd bottle...

Clean Reserve Citroen Fig EDP is a beautifully-blended perfume that you 

can layer with other fragrances in the range to create your own, unique scent. 

There are top notes of fig, ginger, and lemon oil that will bring you an immediate citrus burst. This is followed by the middle notes of cardamom, mint, copaiba, 

and mandarin, while the base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, and musk

 will ensure that you have an exotic scent to last throughout the day.

Clean Reserve Rain EDP This fragrance is reminiscent of the rainforest

 and evokes memories of the clean air after a rainfall. 

The perfume has been created from ingredients such as white flowers, 

bergamot, vetiver, and patchouli. 

The lightness of this fragrance makes it perfect for both men and women. 

The natural ambiance of this perfume also makes it a good choice for 

when you want your perfume to complement you rather than overpower you.

We now find ourselves being a Clean Reserve family, as I use the Citroen Fig, 

my hubby uses Warm Cotton and the youngest 'Kiddiewink" uses Rain

 and best of all we can create more fragrance options by layering with other fragrances in the Clean Reserve range and creating a unique fragrance.

 So if you are looking for something different, something more "niche" where fragrance is concerned and you have the opportunity to try the selection on offer from Clean Reserve then do, 

as like me and the rest of my family I think you could be pleasantly surprised.

Clean Reserve 

EDP

100ml

R

2085

2385

$

98

£

82

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2019}

It's time to do a round up of the products I was loving during November and December 

and in most cases still am.

Products only make it onto this list that really stand out, but that doesn't mean that I don't love or enjoy all the other good products that I've reviewed over the past two months.

1.

PIXI 

DETOXIFEYE DEPUFFING

 EYE PATCHES

What can I say - I just love these cooling depuffing eye patches SO much and would 

without hesitation re-purchase, however after making this claim I am still keen to try

 the eye patches from Peter Thomas Roth (which were out of stock, so I purchased this new launch from PIXI instead)

You can read more about the story and my full review on these eye patches by 

clicking on the pink link below.

To read my full review

~~~~~~

2.

DYSON

SUPERSONIC

HAIRDRYER

This was my most expensive purchase in 2019 and whilst I enjoy my DYSON 

and don't regret my mega spend it is overpriced.

I've included it in my Monthly Faves post as I would really hate to be without it now.

I have written an extensive and informative review and if you are considering purchasing 

a DYSON then I highly advise you to read my post.

To read my full review

~~~~~~

3.

LOOKFANTASTIC

BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 

2019

This had to make it onto my Monthly Faves, as I just love a good beauty advent 

calendar and this was a good one.

I really enjoy being given access to some new products and new brands, especially ones that we cannot get here in South Africa.

For the past 3 years I've been fortunate enough and had a calendar to open during December and hopefully it will continue.

Every year each retailer or brand offers a different festive presentation along with selection of products, so it doesn't mean that the one from 

LOOKFANTASTIC will be just as good, as it just depends.

If you want to check out all of my Beauty Advent Calendar reveals then head over to my 

Instagram account Click Here 

They will all be under the Highlights including 2017 and 2018 calendars.

To read my full review

~~~~~~

4.

CLEAN RESERVE

FRAGRANCES

My favourite fragrance review was only posted in November despite using the

fragrance for over a year.

The review below covers 3 of the Clean Reserve fragrances 

(Warm Cotton,Rain and Citroen Fig) with Citroen Fig 

being my "best" and as you will read, the whole family uses

Clean Reserve and whilst we each have our faves,Warm Cotton is loved and enjoyed

 by us all.

To read my full review

~~~~~~

5.

MARY COHR

EXPERT FACE SCULPTOR

This Face Sculpting Serum from MARY COHR was always going to appear on my 

Monthly Favourites list, as I have loved using this and thankfully being a 90ml bottle its still going strong.

 Just to give you a heads up, it will also be on my list of 

Top 10 Skincare Products of 2019.

My various "Top Product" posts will be uploaded throughout January, so if you want to know what products ranging from Skincare,Bodycare,haircare and make-up have been given the

 Beauty Shout Box seal of approval then keep

an eye open for those postings.

To read my full review

CLEAN RESERVE FRAGRANCE REVIEWS

Considering that the majority of my working career was spent with fragrance I very 

rarely do fragrance reviews, unless its something that really stands out as being different

and a scent that I love.

I have found over the years that many fragrances are either re-hashed, re-named or smell "same old, same old" as I find myself so often saying "this reminds me of something",but this certainly wasn't the case with my fragrance finds over this past year.

I was introduced to Clean Reserve via a beauty box that I picked up at Skins Cosmetics in Sandton back in April 2018 and not being a fragrance brand that I had heard of before I wasn't holding out too much hope of me liking, but how wrong could I be,
as instantly fell in love.

Here's a brief overview of Clean Reserve:

Clean Reserve made its olfactory debut in 2015. The latest fragrance incarnation from the umbrella brand, Clean, it was devised in collaboration with three of the globe’s finest fragrance houses. The focus is firmly on sustainability – each artisanal blend is formulated using high-grade ingredients with impeccable eco-credentials. The brand’s ‘field to fragrance’ ethos champions the use of raw sustainables; from saffron to spiced herbs, wild moss, birch and patchouli. Add to this its 100% recyclable packaging and solar- energy powered production line and its eco-conscious attitude is clear. 

The Clean Reserve brand is also eco-friendly, with the benzoin harvested without damage to trees. 

The 10ml Deluxe spray, that I revceived was of the Warm Cotton, which I used sparingly until I was able to buy a 100ml size from overseas 

at SPACENK, as its much cheaper in the UK than here in SA. 

That 100ml sadly diminished way too quickly due to my hubby and sons discovering that

 they also loved this fresh clean fragrance.

  Clean Reserve Warm Cotton EDP, a light and refreshing perfume, which is ideal for everyday wear. 

The fragrance contains vetiver and benzoin, as well as ozonic, and hints of ginger, mint, and musk. 

The light floral hints in the perfume are ideal for summer days and evenings, for home and for holidays, and for any day you want to feel a little bit special. The comforting fragrance is both familiar and luxurious, created for easy layering and blending. 

On one of my overseas trips I discovered more fragrances from the brand and that's when I found my favourite fragrance of all time and I''m about to open my 2nd bottle...

Clean Reserve Citroen Fig EDP is a beautifully-blended perfume that you can layer with other fragrances in the range to create your own, unique scent. 

There are top notes of fig, ginger, and lemon oil that will bring you an immediate citrus burst. This is followed by the middle notes of cardamom, mint, copaiba, and mandarin, while the base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood, and musk will ensure that you have an exotic scent to last throughout the day.

Clean Reserve Rain EDP This fragrance is reminiscent of the rainforest and evokes memories of the clean air after a rainfall. The perfume has been created from ingredients such as white flowers, bergamot, vetiver, and patchouli. 

The lightness of this fragrance makes it perfect for both men and women. The natural ambiance of this perfume also makes it a good choice for when you want your perfume to complement you rather than overpower you.

We now find ourselves being a Clean Reserve family, as I use the Citroen Fig, my hubby uses Warm Cotton and the youngest 'Kiddiewink" uses Rain and best of all we can create more fragrance options by layering with other fragrances in the Clean Reserve range and creating a unique fragrance.

                                     

So if you are looking for something different, something more "niche" where fragrance is concerned and you have the opportunity to try the selection on offer from Clean Reserve..then do, 
as like me and the rest of my family I think you could be pleasantly surprised.

Clean Reserve 
EDP
100ml

R
2085

$
98

£
82