LUXURY BEAUTY CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2022

 Normally not one to post Christmas Gift Guides, but I decided to

change that for 2022.

If you are looking for something super special on the beauty gifting

front then here is a selection several luxe gifts that I would very happily

 receive on Christmas morning.

So get comfy, grab a drink and peruse what has turned out to be

my personal luxury gift guide.

(A quick calculation the items on this list add up to approximately

R60,000)

Dr LEVY

INTENSIVE 

EYE RESCUE KIT

R2,625

15ml

ARC STORE

My eye area has always been a cause for concern, as I'm sure it is with

many of you reading this post.

I recently saw the Dr.LEVY products on my trip to Switzerland and I'm

intrigued by this Swiss brand.

Dr. LEVY's revolutionary skincare is the world ’ s first cosmeceutical 

that reawakens your skins ’ youth. 

Their supercharged ArganCellActiv® complex contains a 

plant - derived stem cell extract, 

scientifically proven to revitalise dermal stem cells in vitro; the primary

 source of collagen and elastin. 

With over 50 global awards and accolades, their formulations combine medical grade efficacy with a luxurious multi - sensorial experience. 

The result? A visibly firmer, more youthful and radiant looking skin.

This exclusive best-selling kit for instant, long lasting results designed to

 target the delicate eye area. 

The Intense Eye Rescue Kit contains the Eye Booster Concentrate 15ml 

partnered with the TwinTech BeautifEye device. 

Designed to contour the eye area, this hand-held device uses an 

innovative micro-current technology to help enhance product penetration. 

This tech-savvy companion stimulates the eye contour muscle for a 

micro-lifting effect. 

111SKIN

CRYO DE-PUFFING EDIT

R3,440

SKINS COSMETICS

Now this set really appeals to me and why wouldn't it...

The Cryo De-Puffing Edit by 111SKIN is a regenerative face mask for a smooth, sculpted and awakened appearance. 

The set contains the cult-favourite Sub-Zero De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask, 

Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask and Sub-Zero De-Puffing Eye Duo. 

The edit is completed with a complimentary pair of cryo sculpting tools. 

When combining these three products, you’ll alleviate the appearance of redness, encourage circulation, reduce puffiness and temporarily tighten the skin. 

The Cryo De-Puffing Edit is a great revitalizing at-home-facial, perfect for those seeking a tighter, toned and enlivened complexion.

DYSON

AIRWRAP

COMPLETE HAIR STYLER

R10,999

  

ARC STORE  

What can I say about the Dyson Airwrap that hasn't been said already.

I have had my Dyson Hair Dryer for severals years now and I love it

and I'm sure the Airwrap wouldn't disappoint.

LA MER

THE COMPLETE

GENAISSANCE DE LA MER

COLLECTION

R19,000

ARC STORE

This gift set has an eye watering price tag and having never

experienced any products from LA MER I cannot even comment

on the products, but this exquisite set would be a good way to experience

 the very best of La mer.

Delight in the discovery of our most luxurious gift of the season, 

The Complete Genaissance de La Mer™ Collection. 

This time-transcending ensemble reduces the look of lines, imperfections 

and other signs of time for a more refined complexion. 

Paired with a keepsake vanity tray for an elevated finishing touch. 

Your collection includes: 

Genaissance de la Mer™ The Serum Essence 30ml

Genaissance de la Mer™ The Eye & Expression Cream 15ml

 Genaissance de la Mer™ The Concentrated Night Balm 5ml 

and 

Genaissance de la Mer™ The Infused Lotion 150ml.

JO MALONE
WILD BERRY & BRAMBLE

TOWNHOUSE CANDLE

R2,100

JO MALONE SOUTH AFRICA

I've included home fragrance in my guide, as they do add beauty to our lives.

Enliven the spirit with the fresh juiciness of red berries on 

a brambly bush. 

A fragrant tapestry of thorny shrubs and arching brambles,

 brimming with red berries. 

Crafted in a textured bisque ceramic. 

Burn time approx. 70 hours. 

This is just one of several Townhouse Candles fragrant options.

DIPTIQUE

CANDLE SET

3 X 70G

R2,705

SKINS COSMETICS

It wouldn't be a Luxury Christmas gift guide without DIPTYQUE

making an appearance.

Three starry skies come to life in the winter night: 

Diptyque’s three limited-edition scented candles in 70g. 

Gathered in a gift box strewn with stars, they envelop the holidays in

 emblematic winter scents faceted with new and singular tones. 

White, gold and silver stars plucked out of Diptyque’s map of stars enhance

 the intense color of the wax.

 Letters flecked with gold dance on the Maison’s emblematic oval.

 Turn out the lights and watch as the starry, phosphorescent design glows 

in the night as if by magic!

DIPTYQUE

CAROUSEL

 BERRIES CANDLE

190g

R3090

SKINS COSMETICS

How stunning is this candle carousel from DIPTYQUE

Like stars around the sun, 

the carousel’s golden charms revolve around the flame.

 This year, the charms are adorned with a myriad of 

Diptyque’s emblematic ovals: 

delicate patterns that make the light dance in a cosmic sparkle.

 In this limited-edition gift box, adorned with stars and dancing letters 

plucked from Diptyque’s map of stars, the carousel enchants the 

classic Berries (Baies) candle. 

One of the Maison’s emblematic scents, Berries combines the tangy coolness 

of just-picked blackcurrant berries with the lively, flowery accents of rose.

DR VRANJES

GIFT BOX

R2,380

My personal favourite Dr.Vranjes fragrance is Rosso Nobile and you

can discover Dr Vranjes' Rosso Nobile home fragrance in a stylish way 

thanks to this Rosso Nobile Gift Box. 

Inside the box you will find a Rosso Nobile Diffuser 250ml and a Candle 200g. 

The delicate fragrance is a sublime combination of sweet and fruity with a 

hint of wood. 

Thanks to this fragrance, enriched with notes of magnolia and berries, you will provide a living space with a relaxing atmosphere.

SUSANNE KAUFMANN

GLOW BOX

R2,815

SKINS COSMETICS

The Glow Box by Susanne Kaufmann makes the skin glow. The longtime classic, the Hyaluron Serum and two additions, the Glow Mask and the Rose Water Mist, made it into the box.

Having tried and reviewed several Susanne Kaufmann products I

can highly recommend this brand.

The Glow Box by Susanne Kaufmann makes the skin glow. 

The longtime classic, the Hyaluron Serum and two additions, the Glow Mask

 and the Rose Water Mist, made it into the box.

DIPTYQUE EAU DES SENS AND OFRÉSIA FRAGRANCE #TBT REVIEWS

If there is one thing that I've learnt from working with fragrance for 35years, 

is that it's a very personal choice. 

Every fragrance smells different on each and every person and unfortunately 

it's often a case of "trial and error" before you find your perfect scent.

Here is my personal, yet simple tip as to whether you have found that perfect fragrance.

If you've sprayed a fragrance onto your wrists and you keep being drawn to smell

 your wrists constantly throughout the top, middle and base note phases of that

 fragrances development, then you've hit the right notes (excuse the pun) 

that mix well with your personal body chemistry to create something

 wonderful and captivating.

 For me this captivation is a good indicator that it's possibly

 worth a future purchase.

Diptyque

is a French fragrance brand dating back to 1963 and you will no doubt

 have heard of their candles perhaps more so than their extensive fragrance collection. 

I have been trying out for the past week, two of their scents and guess what

 One did have me lifting my wrist to my nose to sniff more and more...

Eau des Sens

This Unisex fragrance was created in 2016 and is classified as a floral.

It contains orange blossom, angelica root, patchouli and juniper berry

It brings together all the dimensions of bitter orange, from the roots to the 

top of the tree, including branches, leaves and fruit.

 If some of these floral ingredients resonate with you, then Eau des Sens 

could be worth a try...

Diptyque 

Eau des Sens

EDT

100ml/50ml

R

2470/1735

$

145/105

£

102/75

Ofrésia 

Created in 1999 this floral female fragrance spoke to me when I first read 

the name, as its ingredients are white freesia, carnation, guaiac wood and black pepper

 and I just adore freesias.

Interesting fact: 

Freesia is a “mute” flower, which means that no essential oil can 

be extracted from it and its scent must be reproduced using other raw materials.

This fragrance hit those notes for me and I was constantly being drawn back to 

my wrist throughout the day.

Several things that I can say about both of these Diyptique fragrances, 

they're long lasting on the skin and they're both statement fragrances and not

for the fragrance feint hearted. 

They also come at a price and are not readily available in South Africa.

They're far removed from the popular mainstream fragrances and are definitely 

more niche, so if that's what your looking for, something different and unique 

then Diptyque is a range to consider.

Diptyique

Ofrésia

EDT

100ml/50ml

R

2470/1735

$

135/95

£

140/70

To find out more about 

Diptyque

Diptyque is available in South Africa at

Skins Cosmetics

Great News..

This is a great international service offered by

 Diptyque...

Each fragrance purchase will now include a matching sample. 

Use the sample to test the fragrance on your skin before opening the full-size bottle. 

We will gladly accept unopened returns within 14 days of original purchase.

DIPTYQUE INFUSED FACE OIL {REVIEW}

      Think of beautiful French high-end fragrant candle brand and the name diptyque immediately springs to mind, think of French high-end skincare brand and diptyque would be the last brand to spring to mind, but they do have a small range of skincare products available and I for one wasn't aware of this...

I was recently given samples of their Infused Face Oil to try by

Skins Cosmetics in Sandton Johannesburg and to be honest I threw them into

my sample jar with no intention of ever trying.

I had several reservations about trying a skincare product, especially a face oil 

from a brand that is so synonymous with home fragrance.

I found it slightly odd that they would venture into skincare when they have both mastered and captured such a niche market with their great offerings in

 "fragrance for the home".
Feeling rather dismissive of this product I then decided to trial it for the week,
 as my Sunday Sample.

The claims from diptyque are pretty standard for any facial oil, as most good facial oils will

Boosts radiance, revitalizes and smoothes the skin and restores the skin’s natural vitality. 

So what is so different about this oil from any other facial oil?

(Having only used the oil nightly for a week I can only comment on my first impressions,so I'm unable to review any long term benefits)

As always with diptyque products, the packaging is simple but impactful, with the clear dropper bottle allowing you to see the pretty rose petals (key ingredient) suspended in the amber oil.

Countless rose petals float in this feathery oil, each petal continues to diffuse their moisturising powers as they steep in the oil, further enhancing this remarkable potion.

The soft fragrance of White Iris Extract, Almonds and Rose Petals immediately gives this oil a beautiful soft, powdery, rose fragrance that I absolutely adored.This fast absorbing dry oil has a surprisingly light and non greasy formula, yet offered my skin comfort, softness and moisturisation.
More serum-like than oil,it contains high concentrations of active ingredients that work to give your skin a feel-good factor and my skin did feel good.

There are many ways to use this Infused Face Oil and it can be used by all skin types: 

A.M. apply 1 to 2 drops all over a freshly cleansed face

 P.M. massage 3 to 4 drops on the face for a relaxing moment of well-being

To enhance the skin’s radiance, add a drop of Infused Face Oil to your face cream in the palm of your hand.

It was so easy to incorporate into my existing beauty routine and you'll be glad to know
its Paraben-free; phthalate-free; sulfate-free; artificial color-free; TEA-free; DEA-free; PEG-free; PPG-free; silicone-free; aluminum-free.

As you can tell from this review I've been won over by this rather understated beauty product, one that sits on the shelf alongside its more infamous candle, room sprays and diffuser relatives.

I feel somewhat bad now for tossing the sample aside and dismissing its skincare capabilities and I'm so glad that I gave this product a chance to shine.

Once again through my blog I have stumbled upon another little beauty gem, one

that I would happily include in my current beauty regime...

DIPTYQUE

INFUSED FACE OIL

30ml

R

955

Skins Cosmetics

£

48

€

55

$

70

SUNDAY SAMPLE

This weeks Sunday Sample is a Facial Oil from a French brand that we associate

 very much with beautiful candles.

I for one, wasn't aware that the much lusted after candle and home fragrance brand Diptyque made facial products, albeit a very condensed range.

I was given this sample by Skins Cosmetics in Sandton, with a purchase, some time ago and I've delayed using it...

Honestly I'm rather hesitant to use this Infused Face Oil, as I'm rather particular

as to what I apply to my skin and whilst I don't doubt that Diptyque would make a good product I can't help thinking that skin care is not their "forte".

Any way in the name of research for you my readers I'll put this 3ml sample of Infused Face Oil to the test, so check back on Sunday to see whether my initial reservations were justified or not.

Let me know if you have tried this product in the comments section below,

 as I would love to read your views and opinions.

DIPTYQUE EAU DES SENS AND OFRÉSIA FRAGRANCE REVIEWS

If there is one thing that I've learnt from working with fragrance for 35years, 

is that it's a very personal choice. 

Every fragrance smells different on each and every person and unfortunately 

it's often a case of "trial and error" before you find your perfect scent.

Here is my personal, yet simple tip as to whether you have found that perfect fragrance.

If you've sprayed a fragrance onto your wrists and you keep being drawn to smell

 your wrists constantly throughout the top,middle and base note phases of that

 fragrances development, then you've hit the right notes (excuse the pun) 

that mix well with your personal body chemistry to create something

 wonderful and captivating.

 For me this captivation is a good indicator that it's possibly worth a future purchase.

Diptyque

is a French fragrance brand dating back to 1963 and you will no doubt

 have heard of their candles perhaps more so than their extensive fragrance collection. 

I have been trying out for the past week, two of their scents and guess what?

 One did have me lifting 

my wrist to my nose to sniff more and more...

Eau des Sens

This Unisex fragrance was created in 2016 and is classified as a floral.

It contains orange blossom, angelica root, patchouli and juniper berry

It brings together all the dimensions of bitter orange, from the roots to the 

top of the tree, including branches, leaves and fruit.

 If some of these floral ingredients resonate with you, 

then Eau des Sens could be worth a try...

Diptyque 

Eau des Sens

EDT

100ml/50ml

$

135/95

£

90/70

Ofrésia 

Created in 1999 this floral female fragrance spoke to me when I first read 

the name, as its ingredients are white freesia, carnation, guaiac wood and black pepper

 and I just adore freesias.

Interesting fact: 

Freesia is a “mute” flower, which means that no essential oil can 

be extracted from it and its scent must be reproduced using other raw materials.

This fragrance hit those notes for me and I was constantly being drawn back to 

my wrist throughout the day.

Several things that I can say about both of these Diyptique fragrances, 

they're long lasting on the skin and they're both statement fragrances and not

for the fragrance feint hearted. 

They also come at a price and are not readily available in South Africa.

They're far removed from the popular mainstream fragrances and are definitely 

more niche, so if that's what your looking for, something different and unique 

then Diptyque is a range to consider.

Great News..

This is a great international service offered by

 Diptyque...

Each fragrance purchase will now include a matching sample. 

Use the sample to test the fragrance on your skin before opening the full-size bottle. 

We will gladly accept unopened returns within 14 days of original purchase.

Diptyique

Ofrésia

EDT

100ml/50ml

$

135/95

£

140/70

To find out more about 

Diptyque

Diptyque is available in South Africa 

Skins Cosmetics