MY TOP 10 HAIR & BODY PRODUCTS PART 1 {2020}

My annual Top Hair & Beauty Products list for 2020 has had to increase 

from six in 2019 to ten for 2020 and I don't think it will be long before I have 

to split these into two separate categories.

These products are in no particular order and are the best hair & body products 

that I have tried and tested in 2020. I have decided to run this post over 

2 parts again (part 2 will be up on Tuesday 26/1/21) as I did with 

My Top 12 Skincare products of 2020, which you can catch up with 

by clicking on the Pink Links below

Part 1 & Part 2

I will also link my Top 6 Make-up Products 2020 Here

and the not so good of 2020

My Top 3 Disappointing Products 2020 Here

JO MALONE LONDON

WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT

COLOGNE 

Having struggled to find Jo Malone fragrances that I really connect with, 

and love enough to buy, 2020 saw me fall in love with their popular

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne.

I'm already a fan of the Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne, so I'm happy

to add this to my JML collection, which at the moment only consists

of two and considering the size of the Jo Malone fragrance offering is

not very many.

I have to have a love affair with my fragrances, so who knows maybe

2021 will add another "love" to my fragrance wardrobe.

To read my full review

 

 

1.

MAVALA

MAVADRY SPRAY

This is a product that I regret not having discovered years back, as it would 

have saved my nails and my patience on so many occasions.

This Quick Dry nail spray works brilliantly when you want to dry your

 freshly painted nails in double quick time.

I was a little concerned initially as to how long the spray can would last, 

as it is a rather pricey indulgence, but I'm glad to say that my 1st can seems

 to be keeping up with the pace at which I paint my nails, so the cost per use

 isn't very high and that's always a good sign.

To read my full review

2.

RITUALS

RITUAL OF AYURVEDA

FOAM BATH

Sadly not available in South Africa RITUALS has a great collection

of pamper and holistic well being products that hail from the Netherlands.

Actually it's a good thing that they're not available in SA, as they would 

be taking all my money, as I cannot rave enough about these products, 

so on your next trip overseas (whenever that will be) treat yourself to 

something, as you will not be disappointed.

The RITUAL OF AYURVEDA is my personal favourite and the link below

 will take you to my review on several of the products from this range and

whilst I adore them all, the Foam Bath is one of my absolute faves of all time.

Not knowing when I can replenish my stock of any of the products

I am conserving my last couple of uses...

To read my RITUAL OF AYURVEDA reviews

NATUR VITAL

HAIR S.O.S

FORTIFYING MASK

DAMAGED HAIR

My 2019 Top Hair & Body Products list also included a shampoo from the 

same brand and range. Natur Vital have an extensive collection

of hair care products for hair loss/thinning hair and like it or not our

hair does thin with age.

I have been using the usual trio of hair products i.e. Shampoo,Conditioner

and Hair Mask for most of 2019 and I am loving this range and having always

 been one to invest in the more expensive Professional Salon brands 

my budget is loving it to.

I find the mask to deeply nourish and condition without overloading

the hair with product and the size of the tub makes this very cost effective.

The Natur Vital have an extensive hair care product range and is well

worth further investigation whether it be for colour treated hair, dandruff

prone, sensitive scalps or Vegan options Natur Vital seems to have all

bases covered.

To read my Quickie Product Review

CETAPHIL

SUN SPF 50+

LOTION

This has been a newish discovery for me, but that being said its

been a big hit with all the family this summer.

We have had no sunburn whatsoever and it works just as well

on the face as it does on the body.

It does exactly what it says on the packaging and

the price again is good and a little covers well and it has been our

go to sun protection.

To read my full review

As always let me know if you have tried any of my fave Hair & Body products

in the comments section below and don't forget and Part 2 will be posted 

on Tuesday 26th Jan.

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS {SEPTEMBER 2020}

There are 3 products in today's QPR post and I have given 2 products a 10/10

score, which I don't think has happened before...

1.

Brand : NATUR VITAL 

Product : SOS FORTIFYING HAIR MASK

Size : 300ml

Price : R109

Currently I'm using the shampoo and conditioner from the same range and

as mentioned in my July QPR post I've been loving this combo and it prompted me 

to buy the corresponding Hair Mask.

This mask claims to restructure the hair fibre from deep inside,while nourshing 

the root of the hair and increasing the resistance to breaking recommended

 for repairing weakened air. This intense conditioner is ideal for hair that has been damaged and needs some tender loving care. 

Having used it several times now I'm loving the softness this trio of products

gives to my hair, without overloading and weighing my hair down with product,

 so it's a big thumbs up for this mask.

Available at DISCHEM

Verdict : 8/10

~~~~~~ 

2.

Brand : INOAR

Product : HYDRATING SANITIZER GEL

Size : 500ml

Price : R150

This new INOAR Argan Oil-infused antiseptic hand sanitizer gel has a unique formula 

that's nourishing and non-sticky and after all the hand sanitisers we've gone through

over the past 6 months, this is by far the favourite in our house.

It contains 70% alcohol ensuring that 99,9% of bacteria, viruses and germs are 

immediately eliminated, BUT, leaves your skin feeling nourished, moisturized

and soft, due to the inclusion of Argan Oil. ⁠

Inoar’s new Sanitizer is gentle on even the most sensitive, damaged and dry hands. ⁠

Available at leading Hair Salons and online www.inoar.co.za

Verdict : 10/10

~~~~~~ 

3.

Brand : BYTERRY

Product : OMBRE BLACKSTAR CREAM EYESHADOW

Size : 1.64g

Price : R660

I actually reviewed this BYTERRY Cream eyeshadow stylo back in January

and as you will see from that review I raved about it and since then it's become 

a firm favourite of mine.

To read my full review

I have since added another shade to my collection called Frozen Quartz and this soft

pink/brown shade is so flattering especially for the more mature of us 

and as I said in my full review they're super easy to apply, so if you're not so confident anymore with applying powder eyeshadows, then I highly recommend this product

as it's very forgiving with application and is easy to blend that you can't go

wrong...

Available at metropolitan cosmetics

Verdict : 10/10

~~~~~~ 

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS {JULY 2020}

I have 4 QPR'S to give you feedback on this month, two can't be helped as they're 

COVID 19 related, one is an addition to a product I already love and the other

is a beauty tool that I have my doubts about and one of these products receives 

a 10/10 score...

1.

Brand : L'Occitane

Product : Verbena Clean Hands Gel

Size : 65ml

Price : R145

Sadly L'Occitane have discontinued my favourite Clean Hands Gel of all time,

 the Lavender Clean Hands Gel in the tube.

The Verbena Clean Hands Gel, is a new addition to the range, which just happens to be 

 another of my "Fave" L'Occitane fragrances and if you're a lover of all things Verbena like me, then this product will not disappoint, as it has a strong hit of Verbena that lasts.

This convenient flip top container houses a 60% hydro alcoholic hand sanitiser with

the typical fresh lemony scent of Verbena, that leaves no stickiness or resides behind

 and its an ideal size to carry around.

Verdict : 10/10

~~~~~~ 

2.

Brand : L'Occitane

Product : Vanilla Bouquet Hand Cream

Size : 30ml

Price : R150

L'Occitane are without doubt the experts when it comes to Hand Creams and this

Vanilla one is no exception.Containing 20% Shea Butter it ensures that even the driest

of hands are left feeling protected, nourished, softened, yet non greasy.

L'Occitane hand creams are a perfect option for men.

Hand Creams have become a daily application for me and I'm enjoying the process.

Whilst L'Occitane seem to have an endless variety of fragranced hand creams on offer

I find the Vanilla Bouquet to have a rather sweet and synthetic fragrance

which doesn't make sense, as its natural brand and it wouldn't be the fragrance

 I would choose again.

Verdict : 7/10

~~~~~~ 

3.

Brand : Real Techniques

Product : Dual-ended Expert Sponge

Price : R139.95

I saw this "new look" Real Techniques foundation/blush/highlighter make-up sponge

 in Dischem some weeks ago and picked one up as my two, that I have currently on the go

are looking very well used and tired.

Having used the Real Techniques brand for several years I not 100% convinced that

this dual tone one was made of the same material, as previous ones and somehow it just 

doesn't apply or blend in the same way.

I only use a sponge to apply foundation and I must admit I often use my good old hands to

apply, so I'll see how this one goes, but I sense that my hands will become the best 

and only foundation application tools I need.

Verdict : 6/10

~~~~~~ 

4.

Brand : Natur Vital

Product : Hair S.O.S Fortifying Conditioner (Damaged Hair)

Price : R99.95

I am really enjoying this range of hair products and I have included the same shampoo

in a previous QPR post. Click here

It also gained a well deserved place on my Top 6 Hair & Body Products 2019

The conditioner compliments the shampoo well and  gives my hair a well conditioned look

 and feel without leaving my hair feeling overloaded with oils that ultimately give hair

 that weighed down heavy feeling.

Exclusively available from Dischem and they have an extensive hair care range catering

for all hair types and conditions and I highly advise you to check them out, especially if

you're suffering from loss of volume/hair loss.

Verdict : 8/10

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {JUNE 2020}

The saying "Time stands still for no man" (or woman) has never been more true

than over the past few months and weeks of "Lockdown in South Africa".

I find myself writing my Beauty Products Currently Under Review post 

so late, as we are a week into the month already!

Here are the three products that I am currently using and as always my reviews 

will be posted in the future giving you my thoughts and opinions and whether

 they are worthy a purchase or not...

1.

I recently reviewed the NATUR VITAL S.O.S. Revitalising Shampoo for Normal Hair

To read that post

and I highly rated this shampoo from the Spanish haircare brand, that's available 

exclusively at Dischems countrywide and I was kindly sent the

 NATUR VITAL Hair S.O.S.Fortifying Conditioner 

for damaged hair.

 I recently purchased the shampoo, so I now have the 

corresponding conditioner to put to the test.

2.

I have reviewed the Rève Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm from the French brand

NUXE several years ago, which is in the pot presentation and I loved it, 

as do so many and I'm excited to review their

rève de meil Lip Moisturising Stick

to read my full review

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

3.

To date I haven't been disappointed with any products from the French brand 

PAYOT 

and I was lucky to be sent a jar of their

Roselift Collagène Night Cream, 

which forms part of a Roseslift Collagène collection for the face.

They are all formulated to work in synergy to help firm and lift the skin.

I'm excited to give this product a trial, as it's perfectly suited to the needs of my skin,

at my age and I always love reviewing prestige or luxe skin care products,

 so be sure and keep an eye open for my in-depth review in a couple of months time.

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of the above 

and your opinions...

RECENT BEAUTY EMPTIES {FEBRUARY 2020}

Finally I seem to be getting better at keeping my empty containers in order to 
write a "Recent Empties" post for you and over the past couple of months I've managed 
to save a grand total of 5, which must be an all time record for me.
As always I will include Pink Links to the original reviews.
Enjoy!

1.

NATUR VITAL 
HAIR S.O.S
Revitalising Shampoo

I've been so enjoying this Spanish brand of shampoo,as my hair
 just seems to be responding to its formula so nicely, that I've already been a bought
another one and I even included it in my 
"Top 6 Hair & Body Products of 2019"
To check out what other products made that list

Around R100 they're available exclusively from Dischem's countrywide
To read my mini review

2.

BENEFIT
BOI-ING CAKELESS
CONCEALER

Whilst I loved this latest concealer from benefit, in fact I love all of their
concealers and have said many times that their offering literally covers anything and everything,
yet I was disappointed by how quick this product finished.
I only bought it at the end of September 2019 and despite rotating with other 
concealing products, its already finished.
Another complaint is the amount of wastage there is on the sides of the see thru container 
that you can't seem to get out.
Considering these two "let downs" and the steep price, I sadly won't be buying 
this particular benefit concealer again.

To read my full review


3.

CAUDALIE
MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

If you have followed my blog or followed me on Facebook or Instagram
for sometime now you will know that I'm a huge fan of the 
French skincare brand CAUDALIE.
I don't think I've tried any products of theirs, and I must have reviewed 12 or more
 of their face and body products, that I haven't liked and even though I did like
 the Micellar Cleansing Water it didn't perform adequately enough on my 
first cleanse on those full make-up days and primarily that's when I use a 
micellar water, as a first cleanse.
 I have reviewed several others that perform this function way better.
If however you are looking for a Micellar Water to cleanse a light make-up
or just as a quick morning cleanse then this is perfect.
I did finish the product this way, but again sadly I won't be re-purchasing.

To read my full review



4.

URBAN DECAY
ALL NIGHTER
MAKE-UP SETTING SPRAY

After being such a sceptic about this seemingly unnecessary, much hyped about
 pricey beauty product, I'm now a full on convert and living in a hot humid climate
I seriously can't live with out this product.
This product was deservingly included on my Top 10 Make-up Products 2019.
To find out what other Urban Decay products appeared on that list

I was surprised at how long the 118ml spray lasted me and I pretty much use it 
most days. I have since purchased another and despite the R495 layout, 
its a "Must Have" for me.

To read my full review



5.

MARY COHR
IHC
INCREDIBLE HYDRATING CREAM

I have a couple more applications left in the jar of this Incredible Hydrating Cream
but the sad day is looming when my jar will be completely empty.
This cream made it onto my Top 10 Skincare Products of 2019
along with another MARY COHR product, so check out my absolute 
fave skincare products of 2019
My Top 10 Skincare Products 2019

It was an absolute pleasure using this product and again like the 
NATUR VITAL Shampoo above my skin just, like my hair, responded so well 
to the formula.


To read my full review