L'ORÉAL FINE FLOWERS CLEANSING MILK AND TONER FOR DRY SENSITIVE SKINS {REVIEW}

I spotted this L'Oréal Fine Flowers cleansing and toning duo in the UK 

last year and the only reason

 I didn't buy them then, was the size and weight, as they're both 400mls 

of product.

I then spotted them again in Duty Free at OR Tambo Airport (JHB) in November last

year on our way to Mauritius and having no weight issues with my luggage,
 I bought them both.

We don't have this range in South Africa and considering the price point 

I don't know why not, as it's so affordable, in fact in duty free they were 

both dirt cheap (or should I say clean cheap)

They retailed for R65 each, yes you read correctly...

R65

I don't think I have ever reviewed such an inexpensive Cleanser and Toner

before and they're both generous 400mls in size.

At first I thought they were priced wrongly, but the price in the UK

is around £3.99 - R5.99 depending if they're on a special promo or not

so that equates to the correct pricing considering it was duty free.

Now we are not talking any high end cleanser and toner here and

I'm one to advocate that if your budget is under strain, then rather down

budget on your cleanser and toner and invest in your skin serums and creams.

So considering the price how good or bad were they...

I was impressed with both, as they adequately did they're job, 

especially considering their price point as, 

they're both as "cheap as chips".

Formulated with soothing and comforting extracts of Rose and nourishing

extracts of Jasmine this combination works well. 

The creamy textured make-up removing milk leaves the skin feeling soft, 

comfortable and fresh.

Whilst the toner completes the cleansing routine it also leaves the skin 

feeling refreshed and free from any traces of impurities.

These two products are quite strongly fragranced with Rose & Jasmine

 and may not suit those that don't tolerate floral scents.

(I personally enjoyed the fragrance)

Despite this range being targeted at a Dry/Sensitive skin it surprisingly

 contains Alcohol in the toner and combined with the strong fragrance

I'm personally not too sure about how well tolerated this duo would be

if you have a sensitive to very sensitive skin.

I do love the packaging of the cleanser as it comes in an easy

to operate pump dispenser.

However the flip toner lid has my "pet peeve" a large hole, so if you're not

 careful the toner pours out and floods your cotton pad.

There are other products available in this range i.e Cleansing Wipes,

Cleansing Wash and Cleansing Cream.

This cleanser and toner are pretty basic and simple, but for the

price I quite enjoyed using both of these products.

It's a pity about the Alcohol content and for this reason I wouldn't personally

buy again, however if this isn't an issue for you and budget IS,

then you can't go wrong.

L'Oréal Fine Flowers Milk and Toner for Dry Sensitive Skins

400mls

R

Not available in SA

£

3.99-5.99

3 NEW PRODUCTS FROM L'OCCITANE

L'Occitane en Provence have recently added some new items to their ever expanding line up of skincare products. 

There are 3 new additions to the Pivoine Sublime range, which now enable you to Cleanse, Tone and Exfoliate 


Peony Perfecting Make up Remover

Make up remover with a fresh gel texture removes both impurities and make up from the face,the eyes and the lips

200mls
R345

Peony Perfecting Toner

This alcohol free toner completes the cleansing process whilst leaving your skin feeling refreshed and moisturised.

200mls
R315

Peony 2 in 1 Perfecting Scrub

This innovative gel formula transforms into an oil to effectively clean and exfoliate the skin.It can also be used as a mask for a more intense exfoliation.

100mls
R450

Two of my favourites over the past year or so have been from the Sublime range, which is an innovative line of perfecting skincare products aimed to give the skin a sublimated, flawless and smoother appearance. 
A smoother skin will immediate allow the light to reflect better, giving the skin a more radiant and rosy appearance and having a mature skin I welcome any help from products that can achieve that.

I recently reviewed the Pivoine Perfecting Cream and combined with my anti ageing Divine cream, it really has become my perfect skincare Duo.
Two other great product from this range is the Pivoine CC Cream,so if you would like to read my previous reviews then just click on the links below

Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream Review

Pivoine Sublime CC Cream Review

Pivoine Sublime Tinted Lip Balm Review

I will be bringing you reviews on all of these new additions soon.

All items mentioned are available either
online 
or from L'Occitane Boutiques countrywide.

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {MAY/JUNE 2016}

I had quite a few favourites to share with you from the past 2 months, but I've narrowed my tops down to the 3 products below.

1.

My Avène Lip Balm is still going strong and I'm still loving it and it has a permanent place in my bag this winter.

To read my review

Avene Cold Cream Lip Cream

~~~~~~

2.

I'm having a little love affair with L'Oreal foundations at the moment and my second purchase of the Infallible Stay Fresh 24hr Foundation didn't disappoint.

~~~~~~

3.

Nair have recently launched a range of hair removal products containing Argan Oil and I put the Bikini & Underarm Glide-On to the test and if you are looking to turn the chore of hair removal into more of a pleasure then I can recommend this product.


To read my review

Nair Argan Oil Bikini & Underarm Glide-On

All of the above are available from selected Clicks countrywide

FRIDAY FEEDBACK - ESSENCE - ALL THAT GREYS

After posting an article "Friday Finds"on my blog last week read here about the 

New Limited Edition essence Collection

"All That Greys"

I purchased the 3 items below and I have been using for them daily for the past few days, so here is my Friday Feedback.

Essence is not only a very affordable brand, but it's easily available at 

Dischem's, Clicks and even some PicknPays countrywide.

Having never used any essence products before and to be honest I wasn't expecting any great shakes, after all I generally review high end products and not so much budget ranges.

After my post last week I did on paper fall in love with this 7 colour eyeshadow palette, so that was definitely on my shopping list, along with the lip gloss and I had to buy one of the nail colours.

I had intentions of buying the darker grey polish in the collection, but it had already sold out, so I settled for the lighter grey which is almost white, but I do like a white polish.

Initially I found the brush a little hard to control due to the chunky square lid. 

In order to achieve an even solid colour a minimum of 3 coats is required. 

I was pleasantly surprised to find the polish both quick drying and long lasting.

I found its High Gloss finish a lovely change from my normal matte white nail polish and it gets a huge thumbs up from me on both quality and price and another trip to Clicks is on the cards. 

Girl With A Pearl  R39.95

Again I give the eyeshadow palette a huge thumbs up, as I just love all of the shades in this selection. The pigment was surprisingly good and the powders transferred and blended well on the skin.

My one pet hate with eye shadows is crumbling and I'm sure you all know what I mean, its that irritating and messy crack or break in the eyeshadow that starts an unstoppable crumble and I  have a good feeling that these eye shadows will pass the crumble test.

I normally criticise the brushes that are supplied with certain make-up products, as they are often only good for the bin, but I'm making an exception today, as the brush end was really useful for applying close to the lash line. 

R96.50

Unfortunately I can't give a thumbs up for the Lip gloss, as I found it unpleasantly sticky on my lips and I wouldn't repurchase. The shade was too pale, so I have been wearing it over a lipstick that was too dark and its worked well to lighten and add a glossy look.

Rosewood R39.95

Overall I would look at this brand again if the colours and shades grab my attention and for the price I really can't complain, as I have paid much more for high end make-up brands in the past and not been impressed....

Remember  

This collection is a limited Edition 

and is available now from Clicks and in Dischem from July.

L'OREAL INFALLIBLE STAY FRESH 24HR FOUNDATION {REVIEW}

I'm generally not one to "chop n change" my foundations, as I tend to remain loyal to what I'm happy with and what works for me, that was until the end of 2015.

Thank goodness I took a leap of faith, after reading all the wonderful reviews, and bought the L'Oreal True Match foundation and I wasn't disappointed, in fact I rated it as one of my top products of 2015

L'Oreal True Match Foundation Review 

Top 3 Make-up Products of 2015

On the strength of my new found love for L'Oreal foundations I soon purchased my second and that was the

The L'Oreal Infallible 24hr Foundation, 
which appealed to me for its staying power and coverage.

Infallible Stay Fresh 24hr Foundation (Golden Sand)

L'Oreal claim that the Infallible Stay Fresh 24hr Foundation is a;

"High coverage long wear foundation now with Hydrating Hyaluron Complex. 

The 24H non-stop formula stays on and feels fresh from day to night"

I am not sure how many people would wear a foundation or want to wear one for 24hrs, but if you did then this could be just the one for you, as it's extremely long wearing.

I put it to the test on many occasions for 18hrs+ and I was seriously impressed.

Unfortunately due to me having a dry to normal skin I did find that I had to moisturise really well on the mornings of wearing this foundation,as I found it to be a 
little drying on my skin.

This foundation would work perfectly on combination skin, after saying that, drier skins don't be put off, but just be aware to moisturise well before application and the problem is solved.

The texture upon application is very different to the True Match foundation and you have to work a lot quicker with blending etc. as it noticeably contains less moisture, giving it a drier formula.
The finish of the Infallible for me, whilst giving a lovely flawless finish,was neither a matte or dewy, which I quite enjoy.
The foundation is buildable, but the one application was enough coverage for me, without giving my skin that cakey or dry look.
(the last thing a mature skin needs is a foundation that accentuates any fine lines or wrinkles)

The True Match is still my daily "go to' foundation, whilst the Infallible Stay fresh 24hr is a perfect foundation on those days where a slightly fuller coverage and all day wear is called upon.

There is a good selection of shades available from L'Oreal stockists countrywide at R199

FRIDAY FINDS - ESSENCE ALL THAT GREYS

I have found some really affordable goodies for this weeks "Friday Finds" post.

I must say I do love a grey tone nail polish for winter, especially as I tend to wear more black and grey and these 3 shades of grey (R39.95) caught my eye from the newly launched Essence Trend Edition called

 "All That Greys".

The entire collection is inspired by the roaring twenties where shades of grey are matched with rosy red shades. 

If it's time to update your look this winter, then check out the whole collection currently available in 
selected Clicks countrywide and in Dischem's from the 1st July.

I thought I would share some of my favourites.

Back to Black

Step into the Grey Zone

Time to Grey Up

 I also love this Rose, Red & Grey eyeshadow palette which offers seven soft, powdery textured shades, all with high coverage.
This would be a palette where I would make use of every colour, unlike some where there is always a couple that I don't like hence I don't use. 
This eyeshadow palette retails for 
R96.50

The soft rosewood colour of this lip gloss looks like it was made for me.

It has high coverage with a glossy finish and retails for only

R39.95

   

SUNDAY SKETCHES - LBD

I not only love a Little Black Dress (LBD), but I also love Inslee Haynes illustrations, 

so here is a combination of both for my Sunday Sketches post.

Enjoy!

WHATS NEW IN NAIR?

Argan Oil 

is 

Everywhere....

You now find this wonder ingredient included in a variety of products ranging from 

hair & skincare to makeup and guess what!.... 

it's now in a depilatory cream.

 Nair have just launched in South Africa an interesting range of 7 depilatory products which all contain

Nair Argan Oil. 

Shower Power Cream 200ml R124.95

Upper Lip Kit 220ml R94.95

Face Roll-On 15ml R189.95

Facial Brush-On 50ml R84.95

Bikini & Underarm Sensitive Glide-On 100ml R89.95

Bikini Brush-On 60ml R99.95

Washable Roll-On Wax R279.95

Nair Argan Oil

It seems an obvious combination to me, considering that depilatory products do contain chemicals that come into contact with delicate skin, especially in sensitive areas like under the arms and along the bikini line. 

Argan Oil is known for its softening, soothing, nourishing and more importantly healing properties and these are all super beneficial to the skin when using a depilatory cream. 

This range of Nair Argan Oil products now cares for the skin whilst effectively removing any unwanted hair. The skin, post depilation, will feel softer and smoother 

and that sounds like a "no brainer" to me if I was faced with a shelf of hair removing products...some including Argan Oil and some without.

However as always I will be putting a product to the test 

and I will tell it as it is, so watch out for my review soon on the 

Bikini & Underarm Sensitive Glide-On.

Nair Argan Oil 

exclusive to Clicks countrywide.

SUNDAY SAMPLE - KIEHL'S ACTIVELY CORRECTING & BEAUTIFYING BB CREAM

I don't believe that I'm writing yet another post about my love/hate relationship with the 

US skin and body care brand Kiehl's, 
but I am!

Over the past couple of years I've tried and written about several Kiehl's products and it still remains a brand that I can't get my head around, as some of their products are firm regulars in my daily skincare regime and I can't live without them, whilst others I just don't get along with at all. 

I have been in the beauty industry for over 35 years and in that time I have used so many products from many different brands and generally I either dislike a brand completely for whatever reason or I love a brand, but with Kiehl's I find my
self having one cheek on the love side and one cheek on the hate side 
(excuse the change of word, didn't sound right using the word foot) 

Unfortunately the 

Kiehl's Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream with Vitamin C

has found itself on the hate side.

BB creams also happen to be a concept that I battle to get my head around, as I am sceptical about multi tasking miracle creams, which many profess to be, whilst others in my opinion appear to be glorified tinted moisturizers.

Actively Correcting & Beautyifying BB Cream with Vitamin C 30ml

KIEHL'S say that their Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream is more than a BB Cream, due to its dual-action formula, which instantly conceals imperfections with lightweight buildable coverage and visibly corrects the appearance of skin tone irregularities on a daily basis.

I have been using 2 samples of the product for the past week and whilst I cannot comment on any cumulative effect that the product claims to have, I can comment on the immediate benefits.

I so wanted to like this product, but for me I could unfortunately only gleam 4 positives.

Positives:

1. Delivers a Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA+++ giving a good protection against any future damage from the sun.
2. Paraben Free, Fragrance Free, Silicone Free and Mineral Oil Free.
3. Contains Vitamin C which not only helps to brightening but has several anti-aging effects on the skin.

4. Available in a selection of 4 natural mineral pigment shades ranging from fair to dark.
(I used light which was the good shade for me)

Negatives:

1. This product has that distinct Vitamin C smell similar to that of fake tan, which was an immediate "put off" pour moi.

2. The texture, whilst feeling like a fluid upon application, felt incredibly heavy on my dry/normal mature skin. (I tried using less but it felt no different)
3. Whilst it is build-able the more you apply the heavier it feels on the skin.

4. It can be applied in the morning alone after your daily skincare products, however it left my skin feeling sticky for quite sometime, which was really unpleasant.

5. When applied under my foundation it still felt too heavy and made my skin look uncharacteristically oily and shiny. I battled to apply and blend my make-up evenly, especially powder blushers etc.

6. Sadly I didn't notice any beautifying effects on my skin and it failed to instantly conceal any of my imperfections and the coverage was more on the light to sheer scale and no better than a poor tinted moisturiser.

Final note...
I am still confused with this product, as I'm not sure who it is appealing to or what skin type its aimed at.Maybe the cumulative effects are amazing, but in the short term it was a complete and utter fail for me.

I cannot believe I am typing this, but it has to rate high up on my list of most disliked products EVER.

Maybe I am missing something with this product, so please let me know in the comment box below if you have used and what your thoughts are.

To read my other reviews on Kiehl's products:

KIEHL'S Epidermal Re Texturizing micro-Dermabrasion

KIEHL'S Over Night Biological Peel

KIEHL'S Midnight Recovery Eye

KIEHL'S Powerful Strength Line Reducing Concentrate

KIEHL'S Creme du Corps

KIEHL'S Sunflower Color Preserving Conditioner

KIEHL'S Cucumber Herbal Alcohol Free Toner

KIEHL'S Midnight Recovery Concentrate


KIEHL'S is available at selected Edgars stores

www.kiehls.com

L'OCCITANE CARES SOLIDARITY POUCH

As you may well know one of my favourite French brands is L'OCCITANE and it will always have a special place in my 

"Beauty Heart"

 and that's all thanks to the founder Olivier Baussan. 

I wonder if he had any comprehension back in 1976, at the age of 23, just what he was creating, 

as this year L'OCCITANE celebrates its 40th Anniversary. 

This young man had passion, vision and armed with nothing but an alambic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants the L’OCCITANE journey began. 

With his distilled Rosemary essential oil he set off to sell his first of many products in his local boyhood markets in Provence. 

His first Boutique opened in 1981 in the small Provençal town of Volx and as they say the rest is history, as this hugely successful international brand has worked its way into many hearts around the world, just like it has in mine.

Along this journey Olivier Baussan ensured that L'OCCITANE nurtured simple values: 

Authenticity

Respect 

and 

Sensoriality

This is more than a philosophy; it is a commitment that, over the years, has influenced many of the company's important decisions. 

All of their actions and choices have been guided by a twofold desire: to preserve and to pass on. 

It is this that gives the brand its life force, its meaning and its purpose.

One such decision was taken in 1997 and that, as a sensorial brand, was to feature Braille labelling on its products.Through braille labelling, it allowed L'OCCITANE products to be accessible to the visually impaired. 

The L'OCCITANE Foundation was set up and in 2001

partnered with ORBIS, an international NGO that fights blindness 

(The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of blindness is preventable or curable)

 L’OCCITANE South Africa have recently partnered with The South African National Council for the Blind to visit the Nokuphila Primary School in Tembisa Gauteng to provide comprehensive eye care screening, treatment ,spectacles, skills transfer to teachers and referrals to children in need of eye care support.

L'OCCITANE Cares Solidarity Pouch

L'OCCITANE 

continue to give back in conjunction with you their loyal customers and this 

L'OCCITANE Cares Solidarity Pouch, 

which just happens to contain two of my favourite products..

The award winning Shea Butter Hand Cream and the Pure Shea Butter.

If you have never tried these two amazing products then this is a perfect time to not only gift yourself, but with the proceeds of the sale possibly give the gift of sight to a child.

*100% of the profits will be donated. 

Sales price in store minus taxes, transport and production costs.

L'OCCITANE Cares Solidarity Pouch 

Contains:

Shea Butter Hand Cream 30ml

Pure Shea Butter 10ml

Solidarity Foundation Pouch

R250

Value R335

These pouches are available in all L'OCCITANE Boutiques countrywide while stocks last

L'OCCITANE