EOS LIP BALM {REVIEW}

EOS is instantly recognisable to most of us, as lip balm in a sphere or for me a ball.

 Yes you've seen them around and many brands have since copied the design of the 

EOS Lip Balm. 

EOS stands for "Evolution of Smooth" I didn't know that either and it hails from the USA.

(I'm not sure if they're even available in stores anymore in South Africa however
they are available from online retailer MUSE Beauty)

The one I received in the M&S Beauty Advent calendar was the Pomegranate Raspberry flavour, which would have been my second choice after the Strawberry Sorbet.

 Having never used any lip products from EOS before I was curious as to what this one had to offer over other lip balms.

I strangely found the ball shape not only fun to apply, but much easier to find in my handbag,

 than a lipstick type lip balm.

In terms of the nourishing levels of this balm it really didn't WOW me, despite 

being enriched with natural conditioning oils, moisturizing shea butter and antioxidant vitamins 

C & E to soften, hydrate and nourish the lips.

Initially my lips felt soft and comfortable but that feeling soon wore off and for

me, gave no long term benefits.

eos products are certified 

100% Organic

Petrolatum and Paraben Free 

Wax Free

Hypoallergenic 

Not tested on animals

 Whilst I've enjoyed the fun aspect of using, there are far better lip balms on the market. 

I will finish the product,so it won't end up on a "Products I Didn't Finish and Why" post. 

I have to say they do have a great selection of fun flavour offerings including:

Sweet Mint,First Snow,Coconut Milk,Sugarplum and many more delicious sounding lip

balms.

EOS

Lip Balm

7g

R

95

£

6.50

$

3.29

To find out more about 

eos

MUSE Beauty

CLARINS SUMMER MAKE-UP COLLECTION

Clarins Limited Edition Summer Make-Up Collection is now available at selected

 Clarins outlets country wide and is well worth a closer look.

Inspired by pre-Columbian civilization that worshiped the sun. Gold, a rich cultural symbol, is the highlight of this summer make-up collection. Sprinkle it on the eyes, neck and lips. Jade, sapphire, ruby and tourmaline appear as crystalline gemstones and illuminate this elegant sun-kissed collection.

These are some of my "faves" from the collection:

Shimmer Body Oil

Sunlight in a bottle!

RRSP: R460, 100ml

Review on this product to follow

Splendours Summer Bronzing Compact

Warms the complexion with a natural glow and deepens a natural tan.

RRSP: R520, 20g

Splendours Colour Quartet & Liner Eye Palette

4 Eyeshadows which offer long wear make-up looks.

RRSP: R425, 5.6g

Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gels 

These look like tasty little numbers. Apparently this ultra-shiny gloss has a delicious blackcurrant flavour and instantly promotes smooth, plump-looking lips

 and I can't wait to try.

RRSP: R210, 15ml

www.clarins.co.za

JACK BLACK INTENSE THERAPY LIP BALM SPF 25 {REVIEW}

On a my recent trip to Johannesburg I visited one of the three branches of Metropolitain Cosmetics in Hyde Park....Metropolitain Cosmetics have been around in the Johannesburg region for over a decade. They import exclusive skin care, fragrance and make up brands that are not available in South Africa through the normal, salon, pharmacy or department store channel.

The reason for my visit to Hyde Park on a Sunday morning was two fold, to try Tasha's for breakfast and to quickly run into L'Occitane to buy a Shea Lip Balm (one of my "Must Haves") as mine, was at its absolute end and my lips were in desperate need of some comfort! 

To read my Handy Hint

Unfortunately L'Occitane was closed, so Metropolitan Cosmetics was my next stop. The two consultants on duty were so helpful and knowledgeable and it was refreshing to both see and hear! (Unfortunately I didn't get their names)

They introduced me to an American men's range, that was new to me called 
Jack Black
 and the name grabbed my attention immediately.

Their Story

Back in 2000, Curran Dandurand, her husband Jeff, and Emily Dalton founded Jack Black as a response to a void in the skin care marketplace. At that time few, if any, companies were creating premium quality, high-performance, easy-to-use grooming products for men. The name Jack Black, coined before the popularity of the comic actor, embodied the comfort and approachability of a good friend. And the packaging was designed to appeal to a masculine aesthetic. Jack Black quickly found a home in the most distinguished upscale retailers.

Every Jack Black product is carefully formulated from the very finest ingredients. Many, like plant extracts, herbs and healing botanicals come from time-tested natural remedies. But that’s only part of what makes Jack Black products work so well. We also incorporate the latest technologies to create formulas that are not only effective, but also lightweight and non-greasy. Fragrance-free, colorant-free, cruelty-free and dermatologist tested, Jack Black products take a refreshingly effective, honest and natural approach to helping you look and feel your best.

I was recommended and bought the Lemon & Chamomile lip balm, this product is available however in several Variants, such as Black Tea & Blackberry, Grapefruit and Ginger, Natural Mint & Shea Butter to name but a few!

Intense Therapy Lip Balm 

SPF 25 with Lemon & Chamomile 

R95

This lip balm is enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, the emollient balm soothed and relieved my dry, chapped & irritated lips. 

Unlike waxy sticks, it penetrated quickly to provide instant relief. 

It offers a broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 25, 

which is always welcome, as I live in sunny Durban. 

It guards against windburn and temperature extremes. 

The subtle lemon refreshes the lips and the chamomile both soothes and calms.

Interestingly this product won the Men's Health Award Winner 2009 - Best Lip Treatment.

So I may have just found a new "Must Have" lip balm...The Jack Black product line up is very appealing and it has several products that are sadly lacking in many male ranges available in South Africa. I was given and happily accepted several samples for my husband to try and reviews will follow.... I would love to hear from anyone that has used some of the other products in the Jack Black range.

To find out more about the Jack Black range and to order online visit

METROPOLITAIN COSMETICS

DON'T LIKE THE COLOUR....

How many of us have purchased a lipstick only to realise that once you take it home... you don't like the colour?
I know, as I have several in my drawer, but don't despair, as you can now create a new "likable" and wearable shade by blending several of those "don't like the colour of" lipsticks....play around and you will be surprised what shades of colours that you can create. Use a lip brush to either blend the shades of the back of your hand and then apply to the lips or just apply the colours directly and mix.
Also a neutral lip gloss does wonders over that "not so" great colour!

STOP LIPSTICK BLEED

Some people are more prone to lipstick bleed than others, so how do you prevent it from happening? Try these tips.

• Exfoliate your lips weekly. See a previous post Click here to read 
• When you apply your foundation take it over the lip area and seal with a face powder or better still a foundation powder. This will help to give a matte canvas. The powder will absorb the oils from the lipstick and also hold the colour in place on your lips for longer!
• Apply a lip liner in a similar shade around the lip line, as this will help contain the bleed or feathering.
• Avoid very glossy moist lipsticks, as this will only encourage the lipstick to travel.
• Apply your lipstick with a lip brush to give a better line around the lip edge.
• After the one application you can also try blotting the lips with a tissue and then re apply a second time.