BYTERRY CELLULAROSE BRIGHTENING CC SERUM {REVIEW}

I feel that I cannot talk about this holy grail of CC Serums without mentioning its creator and founder of this iconic French beauty brand BYTERRY.

Terry de Gunzburg is a trailblazing industry legend who over the course of the past 30 years has changed the face of beauty. 

Hailing from a family of scientists, Terry initially embarked on a career in medicine, but soon abandoned her studies for a more creative life. Cutting her teeth at the now fabled Carita beauty school in Paris she quickly became an in-demand studio makeup artist working across runway and editorial with some of the biggest names in fashion. Her trademark beauty look has always been distinctive: imperceptible foundation, impeccable lips and thick, separated lashes.

But it was her collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent that would leave an indelible mark on fashion and beauty history. As International Makeup Designer of YSL Beauté for 15 years, Terry invented countless products and formulas, including the iconic Touché Eclat in 1992. Indeed, radiance and a healthy, but an invisible complexion has always been key to Terry’s approach to make up, so when she decided to launch her own collection of products in 1998, ByTerry was born as a bespoke 'couture' beauty line offering made to measure cosmetics. 

This much talked about product has been on my beauty wish list for many years and I finally got my hands on, not one but, 3 shades of the Brightening CC Serum during an overseas trip back in November.

I have to admit I was a little nervous to drop £65 on a product that I didn't know

whether I would like or not, as all too often these super hyped products can be a

huge let down.

Thankfully these Brightening CC Serums have not let me down, in fact I've been blown

away by how great they are. As you know skincare is my priority and this product

combines skincare benefits with luxury make-up, so for me its a win win situation.

Infused with radiant rose stem cells, this advanced Brightening CC Serum is an 

illuminating primer that creates a flawless base with NO coverage. 

Optical glow technology blurs imperfections, evens out skin tone, intensifies skin

radiance and neutralise redness.

It really is a wonder primer that enhances the skins natural glow.

Initially I was surprised at how hydrating the serum was and I found it to instantly

make the skin appear brighter and glowing and I was impressed from the first application.

The Cellularose Brightening CC Serums are available in 4 shades and they flatter all skin tones. 

Immaculate Light
(not featured)

Rose Elixir

Apricot Glow

Sunny Flash

Depending on desired results and the correcting your skin requires would determine
 which shade you would opt for:

Rose Elixir

(neutralises washed-out, ashy tones with brightening, pink-toned particles)

Apricot Glow

(a flattering shade that suits fair to warm, medium skin tones)

Sunny Flash 

(a beautiful, bronze-toned colour to unify darker skin tones or grant paler 
complexions a sunkissed glow)



These serums are super easy to apply and literally glide over the skin.
They can be applied alone or mixed with your foundation to unify uneven skin tone and create a luminous, lit-from-within skin finish. For customised colour correction, mix shades together to address your complexion concerns.

Whilst I have used them all, my absolute fave is the Sunny Flash, which just lends itself perfectly to sunny lifestyle living in South Africa.

Being in my 59th year I love the fact that this serum gives me absolute freedom & confidence to wear alone with some bronzer, mascara and lipstick and I'm 

good to go, which after all is Terry de Gunzburg's trademark beauty look...

BY TERRY 

CELLULAROSE BRIGHTENING CC SERUM 

30ML

R

1,215

(Available exclusively in SA at Metropolitan Cosmetics)

Online

£

61

€

71

$
91

I already have several more of her products on my wish lists

let me know if you have used any of the BYTERRY products in the 

comments section below.

LA PRAIRIE CELLULAR MINERAL FACE EXFOLIATOR {REVIEW}

I know I am always "banging on" about weekly exfoliation, but I really am a true believer it's the key to a younger looking , more radiant and smoother skin. I am always on the lookout for new non-chemical products that can be used easily at home, yet give great results.

La Prairie have recently launched two Cellular Mineral Exfoliators, one for the face and one for the body and I was eager to try the facial addition.La Prairie has been for many years one of my favourite prestige skin care brands albeit one of the most expensive in South Africa, but this is the case worldwide. For the more mature skin like "Moi" has, I can highly recommend several of their products, as long as your budget can cope. 

I have always enjoyed La Prairie and for several years used their Radiance Range.

Radiance Review

This luxurious, translucent pink pearly gel is formulated with mineral-rich powders of quartz crystal, pure diamond and tourmaline to remove impurities, dead skin and dryness that can dull the complexion. The hundred-petaled rose, rosa centifola and scarce meteorite dust! (yes you read correctly) ensures that your skin feels fresh and softly moisturised.This product was apparently two years in the making and interestingly has two sizes of exfoliating beads in order to deal with both the removing of those drying dead cells and to dislodge and clean impurities in the pores. The sensation of having two sizes of beads, as you massage is noticeable and very pleasant to use.The product also has that distinct La Prairie cellular fragrance, tinged with a delicate soft rose and is beautiful, yes I know it's only an exfoliator, but it smells delicately divine!

Beautiful Pearly Pink Gel

La Prairie recommend to use this product 2 or 3 times weekly for combination/oily skin, and once or twice weekly for normal/dry skin. 

(This is a "bone of contention" with me, as I disagree with any over stimulation, due to exfoliation, of combination/oily skins as recommended above.I personally feel that once or twice a week is preferable for all skin types) 

Apply to a moist face and neck avoiding the eye area, the more moisture will result in a more gentle treatment.

This product will cleanse as well as exfoliate, however if used in the evening, I suggest that you remove all make-up first. This exfoliator is easy to use, just massage with fingertips in upward circular motions, concentrating around the nose area.Rinse well, pat dry and follow with your usual toner, serum and moisturiser.

Before I tried this product, I must be honest I didn't have such high hopes, as so many exfoliators generally do a reasonable job of smoothing and brightening skin and in my opinion there are very few that stand out above the rest (I have used many and most don't even get a mention on my blog)  and I thought this was going to fall into that very same category, but how wrong I was...

This exfoliator is in my opinion outstanding!  Not only does the product itself look and smell good, it feels different because of the two sized beads, it's gentle, yet leaves you skin feeling wonderfully smooth, incredibly soft and moisturised,which many don't. I know the ingredients are not the normal ones found in skin care, let alone in an exfoliator, but all the mineral rich gem powders and pure essence of wild roses from Provence, obviously combine well to deliver an extremely effective product .....

or maybe it's just a little magic in the meteorite dust.

Whatever it is...I cant wait to try the body exfoliator...

Available at Selected Edgars Stores

Price R1590 (100ml)

www.laprairie.com

MY FIRST VIDEO BLOG

Well it's done, my 1st Video Blog is up on You Tube, so there is no going back now.

I have to say "it was nerve wracking" and all came about due to the French brand L'Occitane approaching me to a video and a written review on their New Generation Divine Range....and essentially forcing me out of my comfort zone.

As to whether there will be a video no. 2 well!..that all depends on how well this one is received, but I won't hold my breath for a career on TV....

I hope you enjoy and feedback is appreciated, but only positive, as I am a sensitive soul...

only joking!

SUNDAY SAMPLE DERMALOGICA HYDRATING BODY CREAM

After using a sample of the Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash a couple of weeks ago, I was quite looking forward to trying another dermalogica product that forms part of their Body Therapy system, which is an aromatherapeutic Spa range that you can customise for home use. I was impressed with the Conditioning Body Wash as the fragrance of the essential oils reminded so much of a visit to a Spa.

I was slightly confused initially with this product as its name says its a hydrating cream, whereas their website mentions this product as being an advanced body lotion. My personal opinion, it's a body lotion/gel as opposed to a cream. This non greasy formula is absorbed rapidly giving the skin a hydrated look and feel. It certainly leaves no oily residue on the skin and even the most delicate of clothes can be worn immediately without any concern for staining. As you would expect from Dermalogica its formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

My skin felt soothed and softened thanks to the inclusion of Lavender, Patchouli and Orange essential oils combine with Green Tea.Lactic Acids and natural hydroxy acid extracts from Sugar Cane and Apple smooth and relieve skin dryness. This product is at the high end of most peoples budget, but again I would highly recommend if your skin is dry and prone to sensitivity. In my experience people spend far more money on trying various cheaper options hoping to remedy a dry sensitive skin when sometimes a leap of faith has to be taken with regard to increasing that spend, which often results in a success. Remember that with a quality product you will need to use less and in most cases it will last longer, making it more cost effective.

The natural clean Spa like fragrance is again a "hit", now I just need to get my hands on more samples from the Dermalogica Body Therapy system, as 2 out of 2 products tried, so far have impressed me.

R350.00 
237ml

R590.00 
473ml

    

                               

dermalogica

NEW FROM CLARINS

Clarins South Africa have a very busy few months ahead and there are plenty of "New" launches coming our way from this Iconic French brand.

Instant Concealer 

This Instant Concealer is a multi tasking product that definitely grabs my attention.

Launched this week in South Africa, Clarins have developed an instant long lasting customising concealer that also smooths the skin around the eye contour area, whilst reviving tired eyes...after all who doesn't have tired eyes that require reviving?

My review on this product will be posted on my blog next week.

R310 15ml

Extra-Comfort Anti Pollution Cleansing Cream

Even though I am not a "soap n water" kinda girl, I may be tempted to try this product.

The key words for me in the name of this product are "Comfort" and "Cream" and having a mature skin, these words definitely speak to me!

I don't want to reveal too much right now, but I can't wait to bring you my review on this product next week.

R265 200ml

BIODERMA PHOTODERM MAX 50+ SUN FLUIDE {REVIEW}

Living in Durban, South Africa as I do, it would be "skin suicide" to not use a sunscreen with a high SPF daily. Summer temperatures reach the high 20's to mid 30 degrees centigrade on a continual basis from Mid October through to the end of May, with the sun beating down for a good 8-10 hours a day, so what SPF (sun protection factor) should you opt for?

During the summer I use and always have done, nothing on my face less than an SPF 30+ and in most cases an SPF 50+. I have to admit that I have always used on both myself and my family a specialized sun cream for the face and a different cream or lotion for the rest of the body. I am not one to advocate using one of the mass manufactured sun protection everywhere from top to toe but, after saying this, it is better to use the same product rather than go unprotected and suffer uncomfortable burning and damage to the skin.

For many years I have used the RoC range of sun protection,but unfortunately it is no longer available in South Africa, so I was forced to find an alternative. Bioderma is a pharmacy range and a product line that has always just sat on the peripheries of my skin and sun care radar.

Well.. several weeks ago it made it onto my radar and I purchased my first ever Bioderma product..the Bioderma Photoderm MAX SPF 50+ Sun Fluide.

Bioderma hails from France and their commitment is to work in close partnership with dermatologists. Bioderma commits to developing for them products that respond to the needs and demands of their patients, treating every kind of skin, even the most sensitive. Bioderma is often a skincare range of choice with pharmacists and retailed through pharmacies in France and Europe. (Almost every pharmacy you enter in France will have a retail section of "pharmacy exclusive" skincare ranges, as the first point of call for anyone looking for serious advice and recommendation of products, will be a pharmacist. These pharmacists will be fully trained in the different houses and this knowledge combined with the expertise in pharmacy is a "win win" situation. Unfortunately this is not a system rarely adopted in South Africa)

I opted to try the Boiderma Photoderm MAX Fluide, but there is a cream, milk and a tinted option available and even a powder. 

   

The manufacturers claim that Photoderm MAX Fluid offers Maximum photoprotection for skin intolerant to all types of sunshine, very fair skin with freckles, and skin subjected to maximum sunshine (tropics, high mountains)

• The maximum anti-UVB efficacy and unmatched "extreme anti-UVA" performance ofPhotoderm MAX Fluid safely protect against sunburn, prevent sun intolerance reactions and combat premature cutaneous ageing.

• A major advance against risks of cell damage, its exclusive patented Cellular BIOprotection^® complex* provides optimum protection for the skin cells.

• The ultra-light texture of Photoderm MAX Fluid leaves the skin feeling extremely soft. Perfectly colourless when applied, Photoderm MAX Fluid spreads very easily, leaving no oily film or white marks.

• Non-comedogenic, Photoderm MAX Fluid is water-resistant and photostable.

• Photoderm MAX Fluid is fragrance-free and ensures excellent tolerance.

I found this product to be everything that the manufacturers claim especially regarding the easy spread ability and it definitely leaves no oily film, which is often the biggest complaint when it comes to using high SPF sun products.My hubby even enjoys using this product and as you know men hate to use products that leave any oily residue on the skin. 

I opted for the Fluide, as we have high humidity in Durban and I felt it would be too much to use the cream in conjunction with my daily anti Ageing moisturizer. However the cream would be an excellent choice in the case of very dry skins or for use in those cold conditions for example snow skiing.

The pricing for the mentioned products vary between R159 - R209 and my next acquisition may well be the tinted version. In fact I may just be tempted to investigate further into their skincare offerings also.

Bioderma is available from Dischem and Clicks

Visit their website to discover more about Bioderma

TOP POSTS OF 2013 #2

The 2nd most viewed post on Beauty Shout Box in 2013 was written back in February 

and was my review on

  KIEHLS Overnight Biological Peel

Enjoy!

To read this review click here

To read another review on Kiehls click here

YVES ROCHER EXPRESS EYE MAKE UP REMOVER {REVIEW}

This past year I have tried a couple of the French brand Yves Rocher skincare products and have been suitably impressed, especially on the price point.

One such "value for money" items is the The Express Eye Makeup Remover, which retails for R85 for 125mls. 

This is a bi-phase eye makeup remover, so expect to see the two phases separated out and remember to always shake well before use,otherwise the product will be imbalanced and not be as effective. The one ingredient is the Organic Cornflower Water which is renowned for being gentle on the skin round the eye and having soothing properties and both are often 

found in many eye products. 

What is great about this product is that it is Paraben free as well as being specially formulated for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

This product is easy to use, just apply onto a cotton wool pad and wipe over the eye area, flip over the pad and a re wipe is sufficient to effectively remove all my eye makeup without too much effort.My eye area was left feeling refreshed, there was no stinging and no real fragrance to mention with this product.

(I must make mention though that I do not have a sensitive eye area)

Would I buy again?

Definitely......and I would highly recommend to those that do have sensitive eyes.

Bi Phase product

Important to mix the product

Yves Rocher available at selected Woolworths

Velvety Cleansing Milk Review

Perfecting Toning Review

LA PRAIRIE SPOILS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

The Swiss Skincare brand La Prairie have done it again this Holiday Season with some beautiful gifting ideas. I know that we are not talking about gift ideas under a R100 here, 

in fact more like gifts for under R20,000!

The Creme de la Creme of both skincare and gifting for this season has to be the 

Luxuries Platinum Moments Collection.

This ultimate rejuvenating Platinum range will visible lift, firm and transform the skin to look, feel and move like younger skin, thanks to the Colloidal Platinum, which recharges the skins's electrical balance, whilst a complex of mega-actives work with La Prairies Cellular Complex.Without doubt this is pure science at its best and offers unparalleled benefits.

Luxurious silver keepsake box containing:

Cellular Cream Platinum Rare, 30ml (full-size)

Cellular Eye Cream Platinum Rare, 20ml (full-size)

Cellular Serum Platinum Rare, 30ml (full-size)

This set comes at a price of R16,900 offers a saving of R3710.

**********

Luxuries Caviar Moments

Powerful Caviar Extracts and Unique sea proteins transform the skin into a firmed, lifted and illuminated look of satin.

Luxurious silver tote  containing:

Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, 50ml (full-size)

Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, 10ml

Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream, 3ml

Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex, 5ml

R4,900 offers a saving of R2,750

Swiss Delights for Christmas 2012

Swiss Radiance Review

WE ARE DERMALOGICA

Yesterday evening I went along to the regional dermalogica offices in KZN to hear all about their soon to be launched 
"we are dermalogica" consumer campaign.

Cheeses, pestos, fruit, nuts and wonderful breads

If you are not too "au fait" with its products or of its history, be warned this is about to change with their largest campaign to date. They are literally hitting the roads of South Africa to introduce the public to the dermalogica brand. Expect to see advertisements in several major magazines, on billboards and even outdoor placements at airports. The most important tool in this campaign however, is the branded FJ Cruiser and the mobile D-rig pop up station, which will embark on a journey around SA to "Face Mapp" the nation. 
(Face Mapping is Dermalogica’s unique skin analysis, a Dermalogica professional skin therapist will decode your skin – zone by zone – and equip you with the real advice and results-driven regimen only available from a trained professional)

The dermalogica branded FJ Cruiser

The well stocked D-rig pop up station

Lauren, Heloise, Sonette and Cherie the passionate team

Over the next few months this D-rig will be popping up, not only outside shopping centres,

 but also at various high profile events:

Nedbank Golf Challenge
Momentum 94.7 Cycle
Professional Beauty Wellness Show
Nike Run Jozi
Taste of Joburg

The dermalogica team cannot wait to find new skins to change and they want the whole country to know that dermalogica takes skin care very seriously and so should you!

Watch out for the "we are dermalogica" cruiser and D-rig travelling on our roads and pay them a visit if you see it at any of the major shopping centres or at any of the above events.

Follow the whereabouts of the D-rig on 

facebook

dermalogica website

follow on twitter

LUSH AQUA MARINA FACIAL CLEANSER {REVIEW}

For those that follow my beauty ramblings on my blog regularly,you will know that both my teenage sons have had some great successes with several of the LUSH products.
The Mask of Magnaminty and Grease Lightening have been the biggest hits so far with my "Kiddiewinks" and thankfully they have continued to use.

I recently bought them the Aqua Marina facial cleanser, which contains a host of "do good" ingredients that are wrapped in Nori Seaweed which creates a large facial sushi. 

As you can see from the picture below it looks almost good enough to eat.

The sushi mix contains carrageen extract, vegetable glycerine, Irish moss gel, aloe vera gel, fine sea salt, sweet orange oil and patchouli oil, which is then mixed with calamine powder and kaolin which binds everything together.

This mineral rich cleanser is packed full of emollient ingredients to soften the skin and clay powders to deep clean and absorb grease. Only a small amount of this pink cleanser is required to clean the skin, just mix with water and cleanse as normal, rinse and follow with a toner. The boys have complained that its messy to use and judging by the state of the washbasin every morning, it appears so.

The texture is quite unusual, as is the smell, (predominantly of the calamine/kaolin & seaweed),which my boys weren't too partial to.....

However their skins did look calmer immediately after using, unlike some cleansers which can leave their faces red and looking slightly irritated . 
I have to say that this product is a little too fussy and messy for my lazy boys to use consistently every day and they have been quite vocal about this cleanser,so alas this particular Lush product didn't go down too well.....onwards we go!

100gr R105

LUSH

L'OCCITANE SUBLIME ESSENCE & SUBLIME BEAUTY CREAM {REVIEW}

The French brand L'Occitane en Provence has been one of my favourite brands, especially for bath and body since they launched in South Africa nearly 5 years ago, but are you aware that they have some wonderful and very effective skin care products? 

My staple anti ageing day and night cream since its launch, has been the award winning Divine Cream!

More about this product in a later post.

The one aspect that I like about L'Occitane, among many, is that they are constantly researching the effects and uses that plants can have on our skins. Their latest discovery has revealed that there are active ingredients in both the blue and white Iris flower, organically grown of course, that promotes skin desquamation and epidermal cell renewal, as well as the ability to visibly reduce redness and help prevent the appearance of blemishes. Combine the above with the following two ingredients, Organic Angelica essential oil that not only protects the skin against free radicals, but also improves elasticity and some Organic Angelica water will ensure the increase in the production of Aquaporins and you have an "Iris Angelica" marriage made in heaven. 

This marriage has given birth to the latest additions in their ever expanding SKINCARE family. 

The Sublime Essence and the Sublime BB Cream slots into the existing Angelica range. I was lucky enough to receive the essence and both of the BB creams, medium and light, to review. This is only my third BB cream that I have tried and reviewed and considering how many are out there, I am somewhat of a BB cream novice! I must explain that this has been through choice, as I have only wanted to try BB creams belonging to houses that have their roots in skincare rather than a background in make up, as the treatment element is important to me.

It is hard to talk about the Sublime Beauty Cream without mentioning the Sublime Essence as this will boost the radiance enhancing effects of the cream. This light, sheer serum can be used daily by all skin types and acts like a second skin. It will tighten,moisturise and literally leave your skin velvety soft all of which I can agree with.The one huge bonus of this product, is that they achieve all this without using any silicone, as this is a silicone-free formula!

The texture of the Essence is great, as it melts into the skin and has a wonderful fresh fragrance. It was enough moisture for me to not need to use any other moisturizer over the top,but I rather applied the Beauty Cream immediately.

Light

 

   

  Medium

L'Occitane claim that the Beauty Cream will both enhance the complexion and ongoing will visibly reduce the appearance of blemishes. The skin will also look plumper and softer and it will provide a perfect flawless finish to the face and again I cannot dispute these claims!

The Beauty cream is also just as easy to apply, glides onto the skin without too much blending and would look just as good on its own, as it would being used as a base.I was able to use both of the shades available as they matched my colouring,but darker toned skins will have a problem. I am seriously considering not using a foundation in the future, as I feel that there is no need for me to use one anymore, as this skin perfecting duo gives me all that I am looking for.Oh! I nearly forgot the Sublime Beauty Cream has an SPF of 30, which adds even more appeal for me! Already I am planning to ditch my foundation and my sunscreen....

The one difference between this BB cream and the others that I have tried, is the matte powdery finish it leaves on the skin as opposed to a dewy look. This all depends on what your skin type is and which look you prefer, I actually liked both. The prices are on the high side, but considering I won't be buying a foundation or a sunscreen in the future, it all balances out!

•        Angelica Sublime Essence R610
•        Sublime Essence BB Cream Medium R430
•        Sublime Essence BB Cream Light R430

A final note: 

The Sublime Essence and the Sublime Beauty Cream really do complement each other and both were a refreshing joy to use, and they delivered on all of their promises, so well done to L'Occitane and may you continue to source the wonders of nature for us to enjoy!

L'Occitane