L'ORÉAL PARIS SMOOTH SUGARS GLOW SCRUB {REVIEW}

I've recently tried several skincare products from L'Oréal Paris and I've not been

 overly impressed, but I cannot fault them when it comes to masking.

In my opinion they really do give the higher end face masks and exfoliators 

a good run for their money.

My "go to" mask is their Pure Clay Glow Mask,which I really enjoy.

Full Review 

and I also rate it as a good dupe for the, triple the price,

 Kiehls Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Mask. 

Dupe Post

I've always been a huge fan of weekly exfoliation from 

being in my early 20's

and in my opinion its one of the most important steps in your skincare regime.

An exfoliating product offers immediate, visible results, so I was excited to see

that L'Oréal have created 3 Smooth Sugar Scrub variants:

Glow

(Polishes,boosts radiance and luminosity)

Nourish

(Softens and soothes dryness)

Clear

(Purifies,unclogs pores and reduces blackheads)

At my age, I'm a little bit like a magpie, as I'm drawn to any products 

that contain the words Glow, Radiance and Smooth , so I opted

for the 

Smooth Sugars Glow Scrub

This 100% naturally-derived exfoliant is rich in essential nutrients and contains

 fine crystals of 3 sugars (brown, blond, white)that are suspended in 

Vitamin E rich Grape seed Oil,

which allows for deep yet gentle exfoliation and cleansing.

Resembling a jar of brown sugar this product can be used both on the face and lips,

which is another reason why I love this product so much.

It leaves your lips beautifully soft and more importantly smooth.
(smooth lips make such a difference to the application and stay ability
of any lipstick)

With dry fingers apply a small amount onto dry skin and then add warm water and

massage gently until the sugars have melted, then rinse with warm water.

(the degree of exfoliation depends on the amount of water added

 i.e.more water = a more gentle exfoliation)

This scrub can be used on all skin types, avoid the eye area  and I have been

using once a week, which has always been my "rule of thumb" with exfoliating, 

regardless of skin type.

 ( always follow the application of any exfoliating

product with a moisturising product, whether that be a mask, day or night cream)

Without a doubt this slightly citrus fragranced scrub instantly smooths, 

brightens and softens the face and lips

 and is an absolute pleasure to use, and even though it's

not yet launched here in South Africa 

(fingers crossed they will soon),

I highly recommend that you "phone a friend" that's travelling overseas

 to bring you one back or any other means of getting your hands on one...

In my opinion it's a great product and coming from moi that's 

used a multitude of different types of exfoliators, peels and scrubs over

 the past 35 years, that's quite

a recommendation 

and I can see this product appearing on my Top 5 Skincare Product list of 2018.

L'Oréal seem to have done it again and they really have become the

"Masking Experts" 

and all at an affordable price.

L'Oréal Paris

Smooth Sugars Glow Scrub

50ml

R

Not Available

$

12.99

£

9.99

(Often on promotion)

LA ROCHE-POSAY EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER SENSITIVE SKIN {REVIEW}

If you love French skincare and have a sensitive skin, then

 LA ROCHE-POSAY

 may already be familiar to you. 

If not here's the low down...

Recommended by more than 25,000 dermatologists and in over 50 countries worldwide, 

La Roche-Posay offers a unique range of daily skincare developed with dermatologists 

to meet their standards in efficacy and tolerance with elegant textures that 

are pleasant to use.

Their skin care products are developed following their own strict formulation charter,
combining their unique antioxidant and soothing Thermal Water with ingredients 
proven effective and gentle on skin. 

I've been aware of the brand for sometime as it occupies space in many French pharmacies 
alongside other well known pharmacy brands like:

Vichy

 Avéne

 Caudalie

 ROC

&

 NUXE 

to name just a few.

Having recently launched in South Africa I popped along to Dischem to

 buy just one product, their Eye Make-Up Remover for sensitive eyes, 

but as often happens I walked out with more than one, in fact it was three. 

The reviews on those products will be coming over the next few weeks 

only once I've tried and tested them fully for you...

Where possible I opt for specialised eye make-up removers,

preferably for sensitive eyes, as it does tend to be the one area that 

flares up and having recently used an eye product that didn't agree with me,

 I was hopeful that this product would be soothing and gentle on the irritated 

and sensitised skin around my eyes.

Formulated to gently and effectively remove eye make-up, whilst also 

respecting the skins pH.It contains non of the usual irritants like alcohol, 

soaps, colourants and parabans.

I like the simplicity and the easy to use flip lid plastic bottle.

(my pet peeve,the size of the hole is small and doesn't let the contents gush

 out like so many liquid nozzles do).

I personally found this non fragranced product to be both soothing and comforting,

 especially as my skin was still feeling slightly irritated. 

Having continued to use the product post reaction I found it removed my 

eye make-up gently, but I'm not sure how it would fare with heavy eye make-up,

 but true sensitive skins generally tend to avoid heavy eye make-up anyway.

I can happily say that this product has now found a permanent place in

 my beauty regime and I'm happy it has a deserving place...

La Roche-Posay Eye Make-Up Remover

 Sensitive Eyes

200mls

Available at selected Dischems countrywide

www.larocheposay.co.za

R

170

£

11

P.s. I find the pricing here in South Africa to be very good in 

relation to other imported brands.

To see all my previous eye make-up remover reviews

Click Here

SUNDAY SAMPLE

This skincare sample has only just gone into my sample jar and I'm so

 excited to try this newly launched mask from Clarins...

The Clarins SOS HYDRA Mask promises to be a moisturising bath for a

 thirsty skin and that sounds good to me.

Clarins recently launched these three new SOS Masks, the other two being 

SOS PURE Mask and SOS COMFORT Mask.

I will give the SOS HYDRA Mask sample a try this week and I will

post my opinions and thoughts via my blogpost this coming Sunday,

so don't forget to check back then...

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {APRIL 2017}

Again I have some exciting products this month to try and review and I can't wait to let you know whether they're worth the "spend" or not.

Just a reminder that skincare will take me several months to review, so don't expect a review anytime soon, but when I do post you can be sure that I have put the product thoroughly to the test.

1.

The newly re formulated Age Reversal Eye Complex from the renowned Salon brand Dermalogica couldn't have arrived at a better time, as I was in need of a new eye treatment to review and I have high hopes for this advanced, microencapsulated Retinol eye cream.

Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex

2.

I am the first to admit that I have been drawn into the "hype" surrounding the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Colour and Top Coat Duo, so I will be putting it to the test this month to see if it truly is a miracle combo or just another marketing ploy. 

Miracle Gel claims to

"give you up to 14 days of color and shine with 2-steps and no u.v. light required"

As always you can be sure that I will be honest with my review.

*NOW POSTED*

REVIEW

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel

3.

The Radiance Reveal Concealer from Bourjois has been in my hand, to buy, several times and then I've picked up another concealer and put this one back.

Finally it went into my shopping basket and I'm hoping I don't have those thoughts... 

"I should have left in on the shelf"

I love a good concealer and I'm looking forward to reviewing this one.

*NOW POSTED*

Review

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer

4.

Another product from Bourjois is the City Radiance foundation and as you know I gravitate to any product that helps to give radiance to my "mature" skin, so let me put this pretty pink product through its radiant paces...

*NOW POSTED*

Review

Bourjois City Radiance Foundation

CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT NATURAL LIP PERFECTOR {REVIEW}

I'm rather late to the party with this product from Clarins, 

as the Award Winning Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector has been around for some time now and after several weeks of using,

is it really worthy of all the hype?

Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector

There are 8 subtle shades available of this deliciously scented, protective and light reflecting lip balm.

I decided on 07 Toffee Pink Shimmer and it can be worn either on its own to give the lips a natural sheer and shiny shimmer or over any lipstick to enhance the colour and add shine.

The Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector is like no other lip balm I've ever tried and I've tried many, as this melting gel has a beautiful luscious, balmy, smooth texture, with no stickiness.

Shea Nuts

Containing extracts of Shea Butter and Wild Mango to repair and soften the lips plus derivatives of Vitamins A and E, this lip balm both repairs and protects against free radicals (yes free radicals do affect the lips as they do the skin) making this product both a treatment and a lip colour.

Clarins have delivered again and this Instant Light Lip has found a permanent home in my handbag and it's "whipped out" several times a day either to moisturise, tint my lips or pop over another colour.

The sponge applicator, which I thought would soon become tacky and messy has stayed remarkably "clean" (even when using over another lipstick) and the squeezy tube makes for an easy, quick and smooth application.

In reply to my own opening question

"Is it worthy of all the hype" 

YES it is...

I highly recommend you check out the Instant Light colour options if you're not a huge lipstick fan, but  are still wanting to wear a natural lip colour that's quick to apply and easy to wear.

12ml

R265

$26

£18

Available from Clarins outlets countrywide and on line

Clarins

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS - (FEBRUARY 2017)

I have  several more products that don't warrant a full product review on my blog, so they only get a mention in the QPR's 
(Quickie Product Reviews)

All of these came out of the 2016 Essence Beauty Advent Calendar.
Essence is a budget pharmacy/drug store range.

essence Gel Nail Polish Sweet as Candy 8mls

Brand : essence

Product : The Gel Nail Polish (02 Sweet as Candy)

Price : R29.95

Verdict:

Needs several coats to achieve the true colour.
Dries quickly and lasts several days before chips appear and even then the chips are not too noticeable.
Easy lovely colour to wear and is very forgiving with painting errors. 
Its been one of my "Go To" Summer shades.  

7/10

essence Balmy Kiss Moisturising Lip Care with Almond Oil

Brand : essence

Product : Balmy Kiss Moisturising Lip Care with Almond Oil (02 Beauty On The Go)

Price : R29.95

Verdict:

I was pleasantly surprised with this moisturising Lip Balm.
Creamy and comforting on the lips.
 Pale pink frosted colour, which can be applied over another lip colour.

6/10

essence I Love Extreme Volume Mascara 12mls

Brand : essence

Product : I Love Extreme Volume Mascara (Ultra Black)

Price : R59.95

Verdict:

Mascaras are very much a personal and sometimes "hit or miss" affair, but this has to be one of the worst mascaras that I have ever tried.
The brush is way too large for my shorter lashes.
Very difficult to coat the lashes and when I did it just smudged everywhere.
This mascara is perhaps more suitable for longer lashes that are requiring more volume and don't mind the fibres.

3/10

CLARINS TONIC BODY POLISHER {REVIEW}

I love a good face and body exfoliator and I'm one of those people that use 
regularly as part of my beauty regime and I really don't find it a chore, 
as there is nothing nicer than the feeling of a smooth, soft and revitalised skin
 and considering the little effort required, it yields maximum results.

An exfoliator for the face or body is the one product that gives instant results
 that you can both see and feel.

If you don't use an exfoliator then now is the time, as it's never too late to 
introduce to your beauty routine.

I have learnt that face, lip, hand and body exfoliation becomes even more i
mportant with age, as we need to encourage and stimulate the skins 
cell renewal process, which naturally slows with age.

Body Polishers, scrubs and exfoliators, call them what you may,
 all pretty much do the same thing and that's to remove the surface 
layer of the dead, drying skin cells that build up over time. 
This build-up is responsible for giving the skin that rough, dull and uneven 
appearance and feel to our skin whether it be on your face or body.

Exfoliators for the body generally comprise of coarser grains than those used
 on the face and I personally love a coarser type of scrub. 
I feel that they are far more efficient at the exfoliation process and leave the skin 
feeling wonderfully smooth, soft and glowing.

As with most exfoliating type products you can control the degree of exfoliation
 by adding more or less water on application.

(If your skin leans more towards the sensitive side then finer granules would be more suited)

To say that I have used so many body scrubs etc. over my years I cannot believe
 that the Clarins Tonic Body Polisher with Essential Oils escaped my
 "beady beauty eye", 
but it did much to my annoyance and loss.

Having started my beauty career here in South Africa with Clarins, 
firstly as a counter consultant and then as a rep, I have a fond appreciation 
and respect for the brand. 

Originally Clarins had 3 specific body oils on offer:

Tonic Oil (Firmness & Tone)

Relaxing Oil (Soothing & Relaxing)

Anti-Eau Oil (Anti Water & Fluid Retention)

They no longer have the Anti-Eau Oil, but have extended their product offering
 within the Relax and Tonic ranges, which I'm happy about.

If you would like to know more about the Tonic and Relaxing body products visit

Clarins

The clever people at Clarins have included in their Tonic Body Polisher 
a wonderful mix of

100% essential oils including Rosemary, Rosewood, Mint, Hazelnut & Geranium 

These essential oils not only promote a feeling of well being, 

as they smell amazing, but more importantly help to both respect the 

natural hydrolipidic film and nourish our skin post exfoliation.

The granules in this polisher are made up of a mixture of Sugar and Salt crystals
 from the Camargue region in the South of France 

(I have been lucky to have visited this beautiful region)

This mixture is what eliminates those dead cells, whilst deep cleansing the skin 

to reveal a smoother, brighter and more toned skin.

The inclusion of one of my favourite ingredients Shea Butter along with Hazelnut Oil 

make this body polisher super nourishing and softening on the skin.

This body polisher is also a perfect product to prep the skin prior to the application 

of a self tan, as it ensures an even and streak free bronzed result.

Body exfoliators are easy peasy to use:
Use once or twice a week. Lightly massage into clean, damp skin, concentrating 
on areas of rough skin: elbows, knees, feet. Rinse well.
(Remember it's always advisable to use a moisturising product immediately 
after any skin exfoliating)

I fell in love with this product as soon as I opened the jar, as it truly smells 
divine and the  aromas immediately work their magic to give you a 
feeling of well being.

It's my "Spa In A Jar" and as if it couldn't get any better, the Body Polisher is 
super effective at what it's name suggests and that's...
Polishing the Body



Clarins Tonic Body Polisher
200mls

R

500

$

41

£

33

Available from Clarins stockists countrywide and online

BIODERMA PHOTODERM MAX SPF 50+ TINTED ULTRA-FLUID SUNCARE {REVIEW}

(Originally written in 2014)

 During the summer months I always opt, as should we all, for a high SPF and it has to be one that is not only effective, but also it needs to sit comfortably with both my moisturizer and foundation.

 Several years ago I wrote about the Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50 To read review but during the winter months I still use an SPF of 30, as Durban still experiences average winter temperatures of 20c and a daily average of 7 hours of sunshine.

Bioderma Photoderm 50+ MAX Tinted

This summer I haven't opted to try a different brand, but I rather chose to stick with the same Bioderma product but with a tint. This product is available in 3 shades and I have been using the Clair/light shade for some weeks now.
However this tinted version does have a couple of differences 

(besides the obvious tint) to the Bioderma non tinted SPF 50.

The tinted is classed as an Ultra Fluid consistency whereas the "non" tinted is a Fluid, I found a subtle difference and both were easy to apply. 
The tinted has a more matte non glossy finish, yet neither leaves your skin feeling oily or looking shiny. 

What is great about the tinted is the packaging, as it has a needle point tube, which is a huge help when it comes to controlling the amount of product you dispense and therefore use. 

(I wished more products came in this type of tube) 

Shade: Clair/Light

It offered me a slight colour, which subtly took my skin from that winter pale to a "hint" of a tint, whilst covering slight blemishes and evening out my complexion. 
I especially enjoyed this product on those "no" make-up days.i.e.out walking or lazing around the garden.

Blended

I was concerned that the tint would change or interfere with the shade of my foundation, but all was good and this Bioderma Photoderm Max SPF 50 sits well with my usual moisturizer and foundation when needed, so I would say that this product for me has been a "success".

 I look forward to a summer of high protection with that all important tint.

This product is:

 Non Comodegenic 

Fragrance Free

Hypoallergenic

 Water Resistant 

Photo stable

It can be used for all skin types even combination to oily 

Available from selected:

Dischems

Clicks

RSP R189 (40mls)
Now R237(1/2017)