Showing posts with label French skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label French skincare. Show all posts

28 April 2021

BYTERRY BAUME DE ROSE CRAYON {REVIEW}

Here is yet another BYTERRY product review and YES I am loving this 
French brand...so much.
If you would like to read all of my BYTERRY products reviews thus far


One of By Terry’s best-loved lines, Baume de Rose is a collection of 
Rose infused products that contain the highest quality rose oils 
and rose water for glowing skin.
 Ideal for all skin types from sensitive and oily to dry skin.
 Roses are the true essence of these innovative French beauty products.
The Baume de Rose is an indulgent, multi-purpose lip balm 
which is adored by hordes of beauty editors, 
bloggers and the AAA-list and was one of the first BYTERRY products 
I purchased along with their Brightening CC Serum and my love for these
 two now iconic products set the BYTERRY "beauty ball" rolling for me.
 

Following my complete adjuration for the Baume de Rose in the pot format 
I was keen to try the same formulation in the stick/crayon option

BYTERRY 
Baume de Rose 
Crayon
  
 The nourishing treatment is brimming with rose flower essential wax 
and pastel oil, alongside conditioning shea butter, antioxidant vitamin E 
and strengthening ceramides, to encourage cellular regeneration
 and dispel dryness to leave lips feeling smooth and soft.

Easy to use, the crayon is an ideal travel companion and
so much more practical than the pot option.
The velvety-rich moisturising formula glides on smoothly and leaves 
a non-sticky finish with a subtle pink pearlised shine.
 You can apply it before lip colour to invisibly fill in lines and prevent lipstick 
from feathering or wear it alone for nourished, hydrated and supple lips.
However personally I'm not a huge fan of the pale pink cast it gives the lips 
when used alone.
If I'm completely honest, I do prefer the formula in the pot.
I find it to be more luxurious in texture and more nourishing, yet it can
sometimes feel a little sticky, which I don't mind. 
Even though it's not so handbag friendly
 I would recommend the purchase of the Baume de Rose Lip Balm
over the crayon if you are a first time buyer.
However if the crayon presentation appeals more to your lifestyle or you 
prefer your lip balms to be totally non sticky then it has to be the crayon.
As we've come to expect from BYTERRY 
you are getting an excellent product with either one.

N.B. 
I do have my eye on several BYTERRY additions for my collection including
 the Baume de Rose Lip Scrub and the Baume de Rose Liquid Lip Gloss.





BYTERRY
BAUME DE ROSE
CRAYON
2.3G



R
655


£
26


$
37



BYTERRY 
products are available exclusively
in South Africa at



18 October 2020

L'OCCITANE IMMORTELLE PRECIOUS OVERNIGHT MASK {REVIEW}

 I usually leave my overall thoughts and review, on a product, until
the end of my post, however for this product I'm switching my format 
around and from the onset I'm informing you that I just did not
 get on with the L'Occitane Immortelle Precious Overnight Mask...at all.
Having loved and reviewed products from this French brand for the past
12 years, I don't think in that time I've written a negative review, 
so you can imagine how it saddens me to be writing this, 
but I like to keep it real on my blog
and as always this is my personal experience.

Being a recent launch I was kindly given several free samples to try
when I purchased another product a couple of weeks ago, so during the
past week I put the Overnight Mask to the test.
I'm assuming that this Overnight Mask has replaced the previous
Immortelle Cream Mask, which I reviewed back in 2017 and loved

The Immortelle Precious Collection of skincare products have been around
for many years and some products are being overhauled and
 being re-formulated with "new powers".

Over the years I have reviewed several from their 
Precious Collection and the core Anti-Ageing ingredient that runs 
throughout the range is the wonderful essential oil of the 
Immortelle flower.


The Precious Overnight Mask helps to reduce dull skin, fine lines, 
uneven skin texture, moisture loss and more importantly 
it has been developed to tackle the damaging effects of
over-exposure to environmental aggressors, including blue light.

Specifically at night, blue light from digital screens could interfere with the
 day-night rhythm of your skin, your skin may not recognise 
it's sleep time! 
Over time, it can dull the complexion and damage the look of youthful skin. 

The Overnight Mask acts during the night and is enriched with:
 
Immortelle Essential Oil
 known for its ability to help fight visible signs of ageing.

Immortelle Super Aqueous Extract
 known to have antioxidant properties, it helps skin’s resistance to 
effects of external aggressors.

Dynamic Hyaluronic Acid
 a unique form of low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid bonded to an 
essential mineral with benefits on skin renewal.

 I do love an overnight mask and have several in my 
"Mask Wardrobe" and I sounded like the perfect candidate and
with the inclusion of the Dynamic Hyaluronic Acid it sounds like 
next level in masking.

It's ideal for Dry, Normal & Combination skins.
Sadly, despite this mask sounding great on paper, in practice I wasn't 
impressed and here are my 3 personal reasons why:

1.
Sadly I found this cream to have, for want of a better word, 
a vaseline type texture that sat just on my skin, I felt that my skin 
couldn't breathe, a feeling that I've never experienced in 40 years of being
 involved with beauty.
Maybe you are thinking, as I did, I applied too much, but as instructed 
I applied a thin layer on my face and left on overnight. 
(You can also use twice a week, apply a thick layer on your face, 
leave for 10 minutes then gently remove with cotton pads)

I'm always one that advocates the "less is more" policy where skincare is concerned,
 so on my second application I applied an even thinner layer and the feeling 
was exactly the same.



2.
Another issue I have with this mask is the fragrance, as with all
L'Occitane products that contain Immortelle Essential Oil, it has a
distinct floral aroma, which isn't to everyones taste.
 I can tolerate in the other Immortelle products, as it soon wears off, 
but oh my goodness this mask is way too fragranced and overpowering
 for my liking and unfortunately it lingers rather than dissipates. 

3.
Now I'm not shy to spend when it comes to skincare products, but this
Overnight Face Mask is way overpriced, as it retails for a whopping
R1025 for 50mls of product
yes you read correctly!
(previous size of the Immortelle Creme Mask was 125ml)

To be fair to the product I have only used twice and in isolation, with no 
other Precious products, so I really
cannot comment on any longterm effects this mask has on the
skin, however here is another example of how trying a sample of
a pricey skincare product works.
I discovered that this mask, for all the reasons mentioned above, was not 
for me or my skin, as they say 

"some you win and some you loose"
so
 c'est la vie...


L'Occitane 
Immortelle Precious Overnight Mask
50ml


R
1025


£
52


$
75



Please let me know in the comments below if you have tried this mask
and your experiences.





4 October 2020

AVÈNE CICALFATE+ RESTORATIVE PROTECTIVE CREAM {REVIEW}

 I'm sure all my readers by now, are very aware of the French skincare brand 
Avène
I have written numerous reviews here on my blog and with the exception of
 one product I highly rate them all.

Just a quick re-cap:
Avène 
is decicated to Dermatology and is the leading dermo-cosmetic brand in
 Europe and Japan. 
All Avéne products have biodegradable formulations and come in packaging 
that is 100% recyclable. 
Not tested on animals, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.


Avène Cicalfate 
product line promotes the quick repair of 
sensitive irritated skin.
It facilitates epidermal repair, reduces risk of bacterial proliferation 
and soothes fragile skin. 


The re-formulated
 Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream 
is a multipurpose barrier repair cream that helps to rapidly repair, 
purify and soothe irritated skin.

Whenever skin is sensitised, its barrier function or hydro lipid layer
has been superficially and temporarily compromised and this repairing
cream is best suited to deal with many of the issues below:
 
 Localized dryness
After stitches
Superficial cuts
Razor burn
Post-epilation irritations
 Nappy rash
Skin irritations
Peri-oral irritations
Sunburn
After superficial dermatological treatments 
(laser, chemical peel, cryotherapy)
Irritations on external intimate areas
Mask-related skin irritations

Inspired by recent discoveries in the microbiome, this multi-purpose cream 
offers optimal efficacy thanks to a restorative & protective complex
 that promotes epidermal repair, limits the risk of bacterial proliferation and soothes sensations of discomfort. Helps restore the skin's natural balance all
 thanks to a patented, 
postbiotic active ingredient: [C+-RESTORE]™ derived from 
Avène Thermal Spring Water. 
Also contains Zinc/Copper complex that acts as antibacterial agents.

I have had several uses for this repairing cream since it was sent to
me to review, the first was on a rather painful steam burn from
draining the water off boiled potatoes 
(I'm sure many of you reading this have done the same)
and you will know how painful it can be.
I immediately spritzes onto the burn some of the soothing
Avène Thermal Spring Water


This helped to immediately cool the skin down, more so as I always keep one
 in the fridge. Once the skin had dried I applied a good covering of the
Cicalfate+ to the steam burn area. It certainly soothed the area and over the
next few days I applied regularly to the  traumatised area and within a few days,
 all was good.

I have found myself reaching for this cream post exfoliation and on
days that my skin is feeling slightly irritated or on days where I really
don't want to apply anything too active.

I recently recommended the Cicalfate+ along with the Thermal Spring Water 
to a reader who was struggling with the annoying Mask Acne
and feedback has also been very positive.

Its creamy texture initially appears to be slightly on the thick 
and heavy side, but it amazingly and quickly absorbs leaving no
greasy residue behind, as you would perhaps expect from this type of product.
My hubby has even used this product on some razor burn and it got a huge
thumbs up from him. This product can be safely used on infants, 
children and adults, however it's not recommended for oozing lesions. 

This cream acts like a "magic" repairing bandage over the skin and
one that I'm happy to have in both my skincare regime and my first aid box.





AVÈNE 
CICALFATE+
RESTORATIVE PROTECTIVE CREAM
40ml


R
209


$
28


£
18


Avène is available from Clicks countrywide 
and





23 August 2020

PAYOT ROSELIFT COLLAGÈNE RESCULPTING NIGHT CREAM {REVIEW}

The more I'm using from the French skincare experts 
PAYOT 
the more I'm falling in love with this long established, a 100 years to be precise,
 Luxe skincare brand. 
(I even included the PAYOT BLUE TECHNI LISS Night Cream in my
Top 10 Skincare products of 2019)



The latest addition to their product line-up is the 5 piece collection
Roselift Collagène 


PAYOT dedicates its new firming range, Roselift Collagène to women 
who take a positive and caring approach to the first visible signs of ageing. 
Roselift Collagène is a “slow age” firming range that supports women by 
slowing the effects of skin slackening for a better experience of ageing. 
The range is an ideal blend of a collagen booster and a patented active ingredient derived from Damask rose, in skincare with ultra-sensorial 
textures that make each product a unique experience.


I was very kindly gifted the Roselift Collagène Nuit (Night Cream) several
months ago and have been using it pretty much every night for the past 3 months.

Roselift Collagène Nuit 
is a resculpting night care enriched with peony extract and it has a dual redensifying and lifting action, which firms the facial contour and redensifies the volumes of your 
face while you sleep.
Its unique formula combines a collagen-boosting peptide with a patented active ingredient derived from Damask rose.
The delicate pink cream has a more traditional rich, smooth and velvety feel, 
it's also a heavier texture than many of the lighter whipped formulations I have been trying of late and for night time, I do prefer.

 This cream is fragranced and beautifully I may add, with rosy, fruity and woody floral notes, that conjure up visions of soft, comforting and delicate ingredients working their lifting and firming magic overnight.

However if you're not a rose fragranced lover or have a sensitive skin, then you 
may not appreciate the rosy fragrance that the cream has, but I personally loved it...

Unfortunately I can't say that I've noticed a firmer, plumper or more lifted facial contour, but then again the effect is often accelerated when you use the complete collection of 5 products, that all work in synergy, however this certainly wouldn't stop me from highly recommending this night cream, 
especially if you are looking for a firming, anti-ageing night product.


*At this point I must make mention of the how little you need to apply, as this product 
is creamy and emollient and judging by the amount I've used over 3 months, this 
night cream will last me another 3+ months and equates to excellent value for money
in comparison to many other luxury brands that I've tested.
I have noticed this with several other of the PAYOT creams that I have previously 
reviewed, they all seem to last a long time, but I for one "ain't" complaining...

To read my previous PAYOT reviews



PAYOT
ROESELIFT COLLAGÈNE 
NUIT
50ml


R
995


$
78


£
65



PAYOT 
is available at Dischem and selected pharmacies countrywide







31 March 2020

GATINEAU GENTLE SILK TONER {REVIEW}

If you haven't read my review on the Gatineau Gentle Silk Cleanser that I posted yesterday, then here's the link Gentle Silk Cleanser Review

As promised today I'm reviewing its partner the
Gatineau Gentle Silk Toner 



An alcohol-free toner designed to remove all traces of cleanser whilst respecting the skin’s pH and moisture levels. Formulated with soothing extracts of Silk and Cotton, pores are refined and the skin is left feeling refreshed and radiant.
Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive.

The Gentle Silk Toner contains the same 3 core ingredients as the 
Gentle Silk Cleanser:
Silk Extracts – promote cell regeneration and improve elasticity
Cotton Extracts – leave the skin soft and comfortable
Sweet Almond Oil – nourishes and softens the skin

Having now tried and reviewed 3 cleansing products from Gatineau it's just as I remember,
 a good quality French skincare brand and if you are looking to introduce some luxury cleansing into your life then I can highly recommended my old friend Gatineau.
The Gentle Silk Cleanser and Toner make a perfect duo
and I must say it's a duo that, after all these years, I've fallen back in love with.


GATINEAU
GENTLE SILK TONER
200ml

R
310


£
22.00

To read my review on the Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-up Remover


Gatineau products are available from selected
Woolworths/Dischem/Truworths counrtywide.



11 February 2020

GATINEAU FLORACIL GENTLE EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER {REVIEW}

Having worked, many years ago for Gatineau or Jeanne Gatineau, as it was named back then, using this FLORACIL Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover was a real "Blast from the Past"
and I had forgotten just how good this product was.



This Original Floracil Gentle Eye Make-up Remover is just as cooling and refreshing as I remember. Its non-oily, non-drying and non-irritating liquid is highly effective.
I was impressed with how quickly it dissolved my eye make-up, even the most stubborn 
of my mascaras,whilst leaving no residue behind rendering it an absolute breeze and pleasure to use.

 Floracil is extremely gentle with the same pH as tears; which means, no stinging, irritation or puffiness. Its also Dermatologist tested and Fragrance Free.

I'm so happy to have re-discovered this blue bottle of soothing effectiveness...


GATINEAU 
Floracil 
Gentle Eye Make-up Remover
200ml

R
395


 £
22



Gatineau is available at selected Dischem's
Woolworths and Truworths.




10 November 2019

MARY COHR EXPERT FACE SCULPTOR {REVIEW}


Mary Cohr Paris skin care is the no. 1 in professional aromatherapy, and renowned for exceptional facial and body care treatments and products.
 Mary Cohr products take plant-based ingredients blended with scientific technology, creating formulas that provide effective anti-aging results. 

I was very lucky several months ago to be gifted 3 MARY COHR products and I fell in love with the IHC Incredible Hydrating cream and this hydrating cream will without question make it onto my 
Top Skincare List for 2019



The Expert Face Sculptor serum intrigued me from the start as it makes some 
hefty claims regarding re contouring and sculpting the face and for anyone
over 40 years of age this product is, no doubt, of great interest.

Sadly and annoyingly as we age our facial muscles become weaker with time, the 
loss of collagen, which gives skin its elasticity, and the loss of facial fat all cause the skin to become loose, our jawline loses its contour and our profile becomes less defined.

The MARY COHR Expert Face Sculptor Serum has been formulated to target these
issues and whilst I was initially very sceptical, I am a great believer in the powers of good skincare over reverting to any plastic surgery, etc. so I was extremely keen to put this product to the test.
MARY COHR Expert Face Sculptor
is a Slimming reshaping face serum/cream formulated 
to reshaped and resculpt facial contours.They claim that your features appear slimmer and visibly lifted, whilst ensuring that your skin feels comfortable and well-moisturised.
Formulated around the Slimming Sculpting Complex, which is a combination of high performance actives that slim down and resculpts facial contours by activating the fat breakdown process and promoting the elimination of water retention. 
Caffeine is an ingredient that we are familiar with, when it comes to slimming and reducing fat storage and its a key ingredient.

Firms facial features by forming a tensor film over the skin’s surface thanks to a 
Biotechnological Complex.

How to use:

Apply daily, morning and evening, to problem areas of the face and neck. 
Work into skin using upward strokes.
 Avoid the eye contour.



After religiously applying both morning and evening for 2 months now, I am
seriously impressed with this product. The texture of the serum is lightweight and its
 a cross between a cream and a gel.It does have a delightful fresh fragrance making it a pleasure to use. Its easy to apply and the pump dispenser is controllable re the amount you dispenser, so as to avoid wastage.

It worked well under my other products and there were several occasions where I used 
alone and it felt very comfortable on the moisture front.

No doubt you're dying to know did if it worked and are my contours more sculpted,
is my face slimmer and before I answer that question I feel I need to give you a brief
history of my skin.

As you most probably know I've taken very good care of my skin since I was 15years
old. ( soon to be 59) I have been very lucky in my beauty career to have worked and had access to some of the best luxury skincare products available.
I know for a fact that I retain water, especially in my my face and my face and neck are the first areas to show any weight gain, so lets be real here
I have a chubby, puffy face...

As with all skincare, results are not instant, but without any dieting I find my face
to be less puffy and I don't seem to be retaining fluid in my face, specifically on and above my cheekbone area.I look at my reflection in the mirror and think my face looks slimmer and my jawline more contoured.
Whilst the changes may seem subtle to family and friends, for me they're more
 noticeable, as I know my skin so well and when you read the above ingredients and their function I just feel that my puffy, chubby face was a perfect candidate for this serum to 
work its magic 
and for me it did..



MARY COHR
Expert Face Sculptor
90ml

R
1950

*As with all MARY COHR products in SA, they don't come cheap, however I must bring to your attention that this serum is 90mls of product, which happens to be 
10mls less than two 50ml serums 
(which is the normal size of a serum)
Taking this into consideration, if this bottle contained 50mls then its retail price would
 be just over R1000 per bottle bringing it into line with many French skincare serum on the market.*

I have used approx a quarter of my bottle using it twice a day for 2 months.



Contact MARY COHR SA
for more info and stockists.