RECENT EMPTIES {JULY 2020}

After 6 years or so of blogging I've finally found my groove when it comes to writing

a post about my recent beauty empties.

I'm more disciplined when it comes to keeping the empty containers to let you guys

 know which products I have completely finished, enjoyed or in some cases not

 enjoyed enough to re-purchase.

I have 3 empties this month and they revolve a little around the COVID 19.

Click on the Pink Links below to read my original reviews.

1.

RITUALS

RITUAL OF AYURVEDA

SOOTHING HAND BALM

During lockdown I have been able to finish up several partially used

hand creams that I had lying around in drawers and handbags, many of which

I was just happy to finish and not waste, but this one from RITUALS is my absolute favourite hand cream of all time in terms of formula and fragrance.

I'm so sad to see this one come to an end and its already been added to my overseas

shopping list (whenever travel happens again).

FYI I will be cutting this tube open very soon to scrape out at least a couple more

applications.

To read my mini review

I did write a post about my Hand Cream recommendations back in March 

and I cover all price ranges, so head over to find out which ones make the list.

To read that post

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2.

BATH & BODY WORKS

POCKETBAC

ANTI-BACTERIAL HAND GEL

Another product that I have been using plenty of during lockdown is hand sanitiser.

The BATH & BODY WORKS POCKETBAC is perfect to carry around in your

pocket or bag. They're available in so many great fragrances, non drying

 and thankfully I stocked up back in February.

 I have finished a couple more, but only managed to retain one for the photo.

I highly recommend these if you can get your hands on them.

To read my mini review

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3.

ELEMIS

PRO-COLLAGEN

MARINE CREAM

I was dreading the day that this product finished and again I was sad to scrape out

 the last few drops of this moisturiser.

My overall opinion on this highly acclaimed moisturiser... it's a good one

Was I seriously impressed? Yes I was

and I would highly recommend for both men and women who are looking

for an effective, fast absorbing, daily anti-ageing moisturiser that you apply

and literally forget about...

In terms of value for money this product goes a long way which, when justifying

the initial purchase price,is something to bear in mind.

To read my full review

MY TOP 6 HAIR & BODY PRODUCTS {2019}

"My Top" annual posts are compiled using products that I have fully reviewed and love,

 and in many cases have re-purchased.

I keep these lists tight, but that doesn't in any way mean, that all of the other 

products that I have reviewed during 2019 are not good, these are just my 

personal favourites of 2019.

It has only been whilst writing this blog post that I've realised that I haven't 

reviewed as many Body Products as I have in previous years, so I've decided to 

combine this category with hair products and these 6 products stood out 

and deserve a place on

My Top 6 Hair & Body Products 2019

To read my full and more detailed review on each product

 click on the Pink Links below.

If you would like to know which products I didn't rate over the last 12 months

then read my most recent post:

My Top 3 Most Disappointing Products 2019

1.

LIVING PROOF

PERFECT HAIR DAY 

DRY SHAMPOO

I discovered this brand via a hair mask that I received in my 2018 Marks & Spencer

Beauty Advent Calendar, which I enjoyed and it led me to research the brand further

and this Dry Shampoo has now found a permanent home in my 

hair "wardrobe" of products.

Only available overseas I do have a a couple of back-ups, even though I'm not

a huge dry shampoo user I wouldn't like to be without this one, as it really ticks

all those dry shampoo boxes.

To read my full review

2.

NATUR VITAL

S.O.S. REVITALIZING SHAMPOO 

for NORMAL HAIR

This shampoo was a very recent discovery and I only included it in my

QPR (Quickie Product Review) in December.

NATUR VITAL is not a brand that I would have given a second look at on the shelf 

of Dischem, nonetheless I'm grateful that I was sent this shampoo to review.

Not only have I enjoyed this shampoo, but judging by the amount that has been

used in a short time my hubby has also taken a shine to it.

Retailing for under R100 another has been added to my Dischem shopping list,

so expect some further reviews on this range in 2020.

To read that post

3.

MARGARET DABBS

NAIL & CUTICLE SERUM

Again this product was included in a QPR post and received a 9/10 score,

 but with hindsight I could have given it, its own blogpost.

Its the first serum that I have ever used on my nails and cuticles and its formula

is what sold me, as its like nothing I've ever experienced before.

This product was sent to my by my BFF in the UK, as she "swears" by it 

and I now agree with her.

To read that post

4.

CAUDALIE

CRUSHED CABERNET SCRUB

Containing 99% of natural products this Body Scrub is up there amongst 

My Top 3 Body Scrubs 

ever, so if you would like to check out which other 2 Body Scrubs

made that list then click on the pink link.

I adore everything about this product, it works so well, it smells divine and it doesn't

dry out my skin, its like a Spa treatment in a jar.

To read my full review

5.

RITUALS

RITUAL OF AYURVEDA

SOOTHING HAND BALM

I've always been a little erratic when it comes to using hand creams daily

and I find myself going through short phases of being diligent, however since

receiving this one from the Dutch brand RITUALS I'm a changed woman.

This soothing hand balm was a free gift in a UK magazine and I have fallen in

love with both the formula and the fragrance, so much so, that I have a bought

a candle and foam bath fragranced with Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil, 

so expect reviews on those in the near future.

This was one of the few products that I awarded a 10/10 in my QPR post.

To read that post

 6.

BATH & BODYWORKS

POCKETBAC

Here's another product that I reviewed in a QPR post and gave it 10/10

 and if you have ever tried one of these Pocketbac Hand Sanitisers from 

Bath & Bodyworks, you will already understand why I'm including this in my "Top" list.

Often on special offer they really are affordable and 

this skin-softening formula kills 99.9% of most common germs, 

while the pocket-friendly design makes it easy to keep hands clean & conditioned 

when you're on-the-go.

To read that post

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {JULY & AUGUST 2019}

I have been so lucky this year to have been continually reviewing many great products, which makes this list, more and more, difficult to compile.

Here are my standout "faves" from the months of July and August

Don't forget to click on the Pink Links  below to read a more detailed review.

1.

SORBET

GET LIPPY

MOISTURISING LIP COLOUR

I'm so happy to have discovered this lipstick from Sorbet, as not only is it a great

shade on me, but the formula is spot on also.

It's moisturising, glides on beautifully and whilst long wearing and moisturising aren't

often mentioned in the same sentence I was impressed by how long the colour stayed

 on my lips.

To read my full review

2.

SORBET

WAY-OUT LASHES

MASCARA

I reviewed two mascaras over the past couple of months and I've included both of them,

as they're both worthy.

Who doesn't love a good mascara and this one is also from Sorbet and if you

keep your eyes open for their 3 for 2 promos at Clicks, it comes in as a very 

affordable mascara.

WAY-OUT LASHES is a lightweight, long wearing, defining mascara with fibres to lengthen and 

give you wide-eyed, leggy lash look, so if that sounds like your kind of mascara 

then check this one out.

To read my full review

3.

CLARINS

WONDER PERFECT

MASCARA

4D

You really can't go wrong with any product from Clarins and this 

Wonder Perfect Mascara 4D

is no exception from this premium French brand and as expected it's a good one.

This really is a do-it-all, all-in-one mascara that curls, defines, lengthens and

 volumizes for that bold wide-eyed look, hence the 4D name.

To read my full review

4.

RITUALS

AYURVEDA

SOOTHING HAND BALM

This was a total surprise love for me, as it was given away as a free gift in an overseas magazine.

Being my first product that I've tried from this Netherlands wellness brand, I was hoping 

it would be good, but the fragrance was what won me over.

The Indian Rose and Sweet Almond fragrance is beautifully delicate and floral and combined with a non greasy balm formula it was a winner, so much so that

I now have more of the RITUALS products on my UK Shopping List.

To read my full review

Let me know in the comments below if you agree or disagree with any of my choices

I would love to hear.

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS {QPR'S} JULY 2019

This hasn't happened before, but I have 3 Hand Cream reviews on my QPR post this month.

Now I do love a good moisturising hand product, whether that comes in the form of a hand cream, lotion or balm. I acknowledge that its one of those products that I've neglected over the years. However,, with age I've realised that I just can't and I find myself reaching more and more to bathe my hands with some moisturising, comforting love.

Personally, I'm sure many are with me on this point, cannot tolerate any creams that leave a greasy film behind on the hands. You know the ones, those that you have to rinse off several minutes after application. Now I don't have exceptionally dry hands and for me the speed of absorption is the key to a good hand cream/balm or lotion.

According to the type of product your hands need, all of the below would make good choices, especially if you're looking to raise your hand cream game without 

breaking the "beauty" bank.

1.

Brand : RITUALS

Product : Ayurveda Smoothing Hand Balm

Indian Rose & Sweet Almond Oil

Price : £9

Size : 70mls

In Europe RITUALS has a strong brand presence, but sadly it's not available here in SA. 

Can you believe that this full size Hand Balm was actually a free gift with a one of the U.K. magazines that I picked up on my last visit. It's the first product that I've tried from RITUALS and I couldn't have picked a better introduction to this brand.

The fragrance of Indian Rose & Sweet Almond Oil immediately won me over, as its divine. 

I love the fragrance so much that more of this collection is in my UK Beauty Shopping List.

It's a beautiful balmy moisturiser that absorbs perfectly and definitely doesn't leave your hands feeling greasy instead they're left feeling soft, comfortable and divinely fragranced and I have to rate this product as my favourite hand balm ever!

Verdict : 10 /10

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2.

Brand : Mineraline

Product : Orange & Pomegranate 

Rich Moisturising Hand Cream

Price : R99

Size : 100mls

This rich hand cream combines the therapeutic benefits of Dead Sea Minerals with the amazing benefits of Pomegranate and Orange Oils. It also contains some of my favourite nourishing ingredients - Shea Butter, Vitamin E and B5, so this hand cream can nourish the driest of hands, whilst retaining the ability to absorb quickly. and the fresh citrusy fragrance is positively delicious.

Verdict : 7/10

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3.

Brand : Bionike

Product : PROXERA 

Nourishing Hand Cream 

Price : R99

Size : 75mls

If you suffer from very dry or even cracked skin on your hands, then this is the hand cream for you, as it's been formulated to moisturise, protect and restore the hydrolipid mantle, and it also softens and soothes the discomfort that cracked skin typically gives.

This fragrance free hand cream, whilst taking longer to absorb, works extremely well on chapped hands as my mum can vouch,unfortunately she suffers terribly, all year round, with dry and cracked skin. 

So this gets a huge thumbs up or should that be a hands up from her.

Verdict : 8/10

Mineraline and Bionike products are available exclusively at all Dischem's countrywide

Dischem