RECENT EMPTIES {APRIL 2023}

This is my 3rd "Recent Empties" in as many months,

 which has to be a record for me.

With the exception of one of these products, I have and would 

again re-purchase all again.

I will link the original reviews below.

L-R

CLEAN RESERVE

 CITROEN FIG

EDP

I love my Clean Reserve Citroen Fig and if I'm not mistaken this is my

3rd 100ml empty. It really has become one of my all-time favourites,

as I just love the top notes of fig, ginger, and lemon oil that will brings 

you an immediate

 burst of citrus, followed by the middle notes of cardamom, mint,

 copaiba, and mandarin, then the base notes of sandalwood, cedarwood,

 and musk will ensure that you have an exotic scent to last throughout the day.

Unfortunately I don't know when I can replace this fragrance as the

only retailer here in South Africa SkinsCosmetics has discontinued

this range of fragrances, which makes me very sad as this is my

absolute favourite fragrance EVER....

To Read My Original Review

~~~~~~

BY TERRY 

LIP-EXPERT 

SHINE LIQUID LIPSTICK

Besides being my perfect shade (Rosy Kisss), 

I have found my absolute favourite lipstick of all time...

The precise doe foot applicator makes application so easy and the buttery

 formula glides on beautifully and offers a full coverage in one coat.

I found the rich pigment to be long lasting and above all extremely 

comfortable and nourishing on the lips.

I do enjoy a shine finish and this shine formula is the perfect amount, 

so I highly recommend you check out the

 BY TERRY LIP-EXPERT SHINE LIQUID LIPSTICK 

To Read My Original Review

~~~~~~

CLINIQUE

MOISTURE SURGE 

100H AUTO REPLENISHING

HYDRATOR

My 15ml size lasted for a month and I was super impressed and

I can now understand the love that fans have for this product.

I enjoyed the texture, it was refreshing, lightweight and more 

importantly it provided hydration, as for 100 hours I can't

comment but based on the above claims I don't doubt it.

It smoothed my skin to allow for a nice foundation application.

It's an easy to apply and useful multitasking product, 

however remember

I have been using during hot humid weather, so

I can't comment on its effectiveness during extreme cold,

but it is a product that I would re-purchase and its great that

it comes in a smaller 15ml size.

To Read My Original Review

URBAN DECAY 

STAY NAKED

CORRECTING CONCEALER

The Stay Naked concealer is a buildable, full coverage concealer that is

 long wearing (up to 24hrs),waterproof and doesn't transfer.

I enjoyed that it had a breathable, flexible formula and didn't look cakey, 

or dry despite giving a matte finish.

Even though the formula is ultra-pigmented, it's also lightweight 

and it covered the darkness under my eyes and the redness around

 my nose surprisingly well.

This has to be my favourite concealer of all time and fortunately

I have a back-up, as we cannot get URBAN DECAY in South Africa

any longer.

To Read My Original Review

~~~~~~

KÉRASTASE

GENESIS

BAIN HYDRA FORTIFIANT

SHAMPOO

When it comes to haircare especially my shampoo and conditioner

I do tend to have chop and change a fair amount and whilst I do

have several professional haircare brands, I also enjoy a couple 

of the more affordable drugstore brands.

For many years KERASTASE were my products of choice and

I supported them for many, many years, however I'm

finding that my hair isn't responding to their products just 

as well as they used to and of course our hair texture and

thickness does alter with age.

I have re-purchased this shampoo several times, however I

doubt I will buy again, as I'm finding that I cannot justify

the price versus how good my hair feels when using

less pricey brands.

To Read My Original Review

URBAN DECAY BROW ENDOWED #TBT REVIEW

Re-posting this makes me a little sad as URBAN DECAY is no longer

available in South Africa and it truly is a brand that I have so enjoyed.

In its short time in South Africa and despite receiving several PR products

they were responsible for me parting me with my money on so many occasions.

I recently opened a new BROW ENDOW and my original review dates

back to September 2019.

Fortunately I did buy several back-ups before they finally closed their doors,

  unfortunately they're all coming to an end.

~~~~~~

Up until a couple of years ago you wouldn't have found a brow product

 in my make-up bag, but today, I have to admit, you will find several 

and they would all be from one of my fave brands benefit ,

as I just think they have such a good handle on all things 'Brows".

Earlier in the year Urban Decay launched a new collection of brow products

 named

Urban Decay Street Style Brow Collection

 and finally its been launched here in South Africa.

The timing was perfect as I was needing a new brow pencil and I was

 introduced to Urban Decay Brow Endowed

Brow Endowed forms part of a new 4 brow product line up, 

which includes:

Double Down Brow 

(Brow Putty)

Brow Blade 

(Ink Stain + Waterproof Pencil)

Brow Finish

(Waterproof Brow Gel)

Brow Endowed

(Brow Primer + Colour)

Brow Endowed is a double-ended tool that volumizes and sets brows

 in two easy steps:

 A primer fluffs and holds, while a tinted cream fills and shapes. 

Perfect for less-than-full brows, like mine 

(and with age mine seem to be getting thinner) 

or brows that are in need of a little fluffing, as this double-ended tool 

lets you tame, tint, and tease all in one.

The excellent long-lasting formula resists sweat and smudging for up

 to 24 hours.

It's surprisingly easy to use an I was amazed at how fluffier, fuller, 

tinted brows miraculously appeared.

Step 1.

Comb the soft-hold primer through the brows to add volume.

(The fine micro spoolies on both ends make it so easy to precisely coat the 

product onto the hairs and the primer does make the brow hairs feel 

slightly stiff similar to a hairspray effect)

Step 2.

Then gently brush on the tinted brow cream to intensify the colour

(Some advice: if you make a splodge or the intensity is a little too much,

 then remove sooner rather than later, as the tint does dry quickly)

               

With 7 shades to choose from and I went for Taupe Trap, 

a universally flattering taupe,

that has turned out to be my perfect shade.

The Urban Decay consultant applied to my brows and I wore for the 

rest of the day to see whether I liked the effect or not.

I went back into the store the next day to buy, as that's how much I 

enjoyed this brow product.

I haven't had full looking brows for many years and this two step 

product just enhanced

the brows that I have to make them look, in my opinion, pretty good,

 so much so, I've had compliments about my brows on a couple of occasions, something which I've never had before. 

If this product had not been demonstrated and used on me I would

 never have bought it, so it just goes to show that sometimes the product

 has to prove itself to you in order for you to buy.

If you're looking to up your brow game then do the same and have the

 product applied and explained and let the product do the selling...

Urban Decay

 Brow Endowed

R

395

N/A IN SA

£

18

20

$

28

URBAN DECAY NAKED RELOADED PALETTE #TBT REVIEW

Sadly URBAN DECAY withdrew from the South African market during the

2nd half of 2020 and I for one was sad about it, as I was a fan of UD and have reviewed and 

loved many of their products.

My review on the NAKED RELOADED palette dates back to April 2019, so prices

will have changed.

~~~~~~

After several weeks of use, I've finally managed to put down into words my feelings about this 

"super hyped" eyeshadow palette.

Never a brand to follow the generic brand packaging norm, 

URBAN DECAY recently launched their NAKED RELOADED 

Palette and when it comes to the packaging, this cushioned fabric Orchid print palette not only 

looks trés chic, but it also feels weighty and very comfortable in the hand.

Sadly the birth of the new NAKED RELOADED followed the demise of the globally and much loved original NAKED Palette.

It was a sad moment for many URBAN DECAYERS, but thankfully it has been replaced with a

 collection of 12 "must have" universally flattering shades in a palette thats been designed for everyone

any age, gender, and skin tone.

If you're looking for a collection of flattering shades that will cover all your essential 

 nude/neutral/brown requirements plus a little extra, then this is the ultimate palette to have in your eyeshadow collection.

The selection includes soft mattes, satins, metallics and a little sparkly glitter is thrown in 

for good measure...

I'm also happy to report that UD have included 4 larger outer pans of the lighter shades,

that are used the most for highlighting and inevitably, on any eyeshadow palette, they always 

finish before the others.

After a couple of months of use I can excitedly report back that the formula of these shadows fall 

into that buttery, velvety texture with a rich colour payoff and are easy to blend and work with.

One piece of advise though - do ensure that you tap any excess shadow off you brush before 

application, as there will be shadow fall out, but its nothing that isn't easily brushed away with

 out leaving any pigment behind.

The longevity of the shadow was good with no creasing or fading, however I have become an

 unexpected and huge fan of the URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow Potion

to read my full review 

and without doubt it helps to keep your eyeshadows in place all day.

All of the 12 shades are very wearable and I have surprisingly found myself using 

all of the shades at some point, but reaching daily for the following ones:

Bribe

Barely There

Reputation

Burn

Distilled

Boundaries

&

Blur

 and for a slightly more evening,shimmery smokey eye look I just add a touch of:

Barely Baked

Angel Fire

End Game

&

Dreamweaver

It's known, here in south Africa, that UD Eyeshadow Palettes generally weigh in on the pricey side, usually around R800-R900, however the NAKED RELOADED weighs in at a much more 

appealing price of R695.

 This palette is not only worth its "Super Hyped" status, but its got to be

the NAKED Palette to own above all others.

URBAN DECAY

NAKED RELOADED

EYESHADOW PALETTE

R

695

£

38

$

44

URBAN DECAY SA

I have reviewed several URBAN DECAY products and to date I have not been 

disappointed with any of my purchases.

To read all my detailed reviews

ON MY BEAUTY RADAR {MARCH 2021}

My list of products that I'm lusting over is growing, as I only updated 

"On My Beauty Radar" mid February and here I am at the end of March 

adding to it...

Needless to say I haven't been able to purchase any of the Urban Decay

products I added last month, as we no longer have UD in South Africa,

so those will have to be an overseas purchase which could

take a while. I only foresee my list growing ever longer, with no

 products being added under the "purchased" heading for quite sometime.

{NEW ADDITIONS}

BYTERRY 

HYALURONIC 

HYDRA-CONCEALER

I'm a huge fan of French Luxury brand BYTERRY and my collection

 is building up nicely, however

they have very recently launched a couple of products that

have caught my eye and knowing how I love the items I already have, I'm

confident that I'll also love these new additions, but I'm not

sure my wallet will...

Their new Hyaluronic Hydra Concealer is 87% skincare based formula

and it promises to:

 Hydrates. 

Disguises dark circles

Plumps and blurs

Brightens and protects

 Buildable coverage 

Long-Lasting.

I always prefer my make-up to be more skincare focused and I cant wait to 

get my hands on this concealer.

BYTERRY

HYALURONIC

GLOBAL FACE CREAM

Another new launch that has me intrigued is the 

BYTERRY Hyaluronic Global Face Cream

A powerful Global Face moisturizer with 8 hyaluronic acids for intense hydration. Plumps, smooths and illuminates skin. 

Clean, vegan formula. Fragrance-free. All skin types.Can be used am & pm.

I fear this one will be the wallet "attacker".

{STILL ON MY LIST}

URBAN DECAY
STAY NAKED HYDROMANIAC
Tinted Glow Foundation

Sadly URBAN DECAY are no longer available in South Africa and they 
just so happened to have recently launched two products that have
caught my eye and would love to try.
It's a longwear, tinted glow foundation infused with kombucha filtrate and 
marula oil for up to 24-hour hydration, coverage, and fresh glow.
£29

URBAN DECAY
LASH FREAK
MASCARA

As you know all too well I'm a bit of a mascara addict and this one really
 appeals to me, as its an intensely volumising mascara with an 
asymmetrical brush that lengthens, lifts, and curls lashes for a dramatic, 
wide-eyed effect.
£22

LANEIGE 
LIP SLEEPING MASK

The Korean Beauty brand LANEIGE formulated this, now infamous, award winning
leave-on lip mask that soothes and moisturizes for smoother, more supple lips
 overnight and being  slightly Lip Balm obsessed I had to add to my list.
I was so close to buying earlier this year, at Dubai Duty Free, but unfortunately
they don't sell the individual loose items, only a Duty Free exclusive pack of 4
and even for me 4 was way too many.
Retails $20 and available in 4 options:
 Original
Vanilla
Apple Lime
Berry

LANEIGE
WATER SLEEPING MASK

Now I do enjoy a good "leave on" face mask and thoroughly enjoyed my recent 
LUMENE NORDIC HYDRA AERATING GEL MASK to read my full review
and I'm assuming this maybe quite similar, as it's an overnight, moisture-recharging gel mask that quickly absorbs while you sleep to deeply hydrate skin. 
Again I missed out on this award winning mask as Duty Free only sold
packs of 2 and it was one too many, as it meant double the price.
Retails for $25 and is available in 2 variants:
Original
Lavender

SUMMER FRIDAYS
Jet Lag Mask

This much raved about Jet Lag Mask from SUMMER FRIDAYS is not available 
in SA and since there's been no travel, I still haven't purchased it, so
 On My Beauty Radar it stays...

{PURCHASED}

I can now say that I have purchased this foundation mid 2020

 and I'm loving it, so much so that it made it onto my

 Top Make-Up List of 2020 Here

BYTERRY

HYALURONIC

 HYDRA-FOUNDATION

As I'm sure you will already know, if you read my posts regularly, I do love me

some BYTERRY.

The latest addition to their make-up line up is a hydrating foundation, which I 

would love to try, hence it's made it onto this list. 

It's a Hydrating foundation. 

Perfects and hydrates skin. 

Buildable coverage. 

Infused with hyaluronic acid. 

Protects with SPF 30. 

Long-wear. 

Vegan formula 

and it seems to tick all my foundation boxes and considering how much I enjoy

 their iconic Brightening CC Serums to read my full reviews

I'm hopeful that this foundation will deliver.

 R1490 

to read my full review

Please let me know in the comments below if you have used any of the above

and are they worthy of being on

"My Beauty Radar"

URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION ANTI-AGING #TBT REVIEW

This review was written back in October 2018 and since then

I was gifted, in a press drop, the original Primer Potion and I still prefer

the extra help from the Anti-Ageing option.

Sadly the UD store in Gateway has fallen victim to the Coronovirus 

Pandemic and recently closed its doors.

I have updated the prices below.

~~~~~~

I've never been too sure if eyeshadow primers really do add any
longevity to my eyeshadow or add any value to my beauty life. 
I've always perceived them as being an add-on purchase that's nice to have 
and hopefully its one that works. 
After saying this I recently bought one, along with several other items,
 from the newly opened boutique in Gateway

Urban Decay 
Eyeshadow Primer Potion 
Anti-Ageing
 
To read my previous URBAN DECAY reviews

I have to admit, I was totally sold, on one of my least favourite type of products,
 by the sales consultant, who assured me that it would change my opinion
on eyeshadow primers
(By the way there are 5 variants of Eyeshadow Primer Potions available
I opted for the always needed Anti-Ageing version)
She grabbed my attention by mentioning several 
"trigger words" 
like Anti-Ageing, fills in the imperfections, minimise fine lines, blurs etc.
all the things that a woman with an ageing eye area wants to hear.

This creamy eyeshadow primer lets you prep the lids for eyeshadows, 
providing an all-day, 24hr, crease-free wear. 
Its innovative ingredients minimise the look of wrinkles while improving
 the appearance of tone and texture. 
Dermaxyl® helps to smooth the appearance of wrinkles,

 and Kalpariane® supports plumping, firming, 

and hydrating the skin as it improves suppleness and elasticity. 

The optical blurring pigments create a subtle, soft-focus effect that instantly
 brightens up tired eyes and reduces the look of redness, thinning skin in the eye area, and other imperfections. 
Yes I had to have this product...

The nude coloured formula glides on smoothly with the wand applicator 
and here I must stress that a little goes a long way. 
It's best to apply your eyeshadow after application as the primer, when fresh 
acts like a magnet and helps to "lock in" the vibrancy of any colour.
I happily found that the primer didn't interfere with the application or the blending 
of my shadows, which happened to be from my Urban Decay palettes.

Initially I wasn't super impressed with its "staying power" as my eyeshadow
 generally lasts anyway and I don't suffer with oily eyelids or creasing shadows,
so I can't vouch for how well it handles these issues, but judging by
other reviews and reports, it handles them pretty well...

After using several times and not being "wowed" I reverted back to not using
 and that's when I realised just how much I needed this product.
I love that it's an Anti-Ageing treatment primer and only once
I stopped using, did I truly appreciate what a good product it was
 and despite thinking previously that my eyeshadow lasted, which it did,
 but just not with the same true colour that was applied 12 hours or so earlier.
I have even worn "sans" shadows and despite not being able
 to put my finger on it, my eyelid area definitely looked
better, I'd say the fine lines appeared softer and the skin looked smoother
either way, there is a reason - it's one of 
Urban Decays "Best Sellers"

Overall the sales consultant made a good call by recommending this product
and if like me you doubt the effectiveness of eyeshadow primers
then maybe we've just been trying the wrong ones...



Urban Decay 
Eyeshadow Primer Potion 
Anti-Ageing
10mls

R
335

370

£
19.50

$
24


For further info and to order
Online

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION MASCARA {REVIEW}

Mascaras are one of my make-up weaknesses and I cannot deny it, especially
if you see how many I have reviewed and written about over the years of 

writing my blog.

I added a new one to that list very recently in the form of the

URBAN DECAY 

PERVERSION MASCARA

I find URBAN DECAY to be a make-up brand that I re-purchase from

the most, as it has several of my absolute favourite products.

If you would like to check out my previous UD reviews and which items 

I highly recommend then click here

If you want bigger, blacker, badder lashes then this mascara is one to check out.

PERVERSION

is an intense black, ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara that 

glides on beautifully and is buildable, stroke after stroke.

All thanks to the inclusion of Hairdensyl, a complex blend of proteins and amino acids—including marine glycogen, known to stimulate lash growth and

honey extract to provide deep nourishment it nurtures the lashes.

The texture is not too dry, not too wet and allows just the right amount of

 “pull” so it glides smoothly through lashes, which sadly I can't say about some 

of the pricier mascaras on the market.

I liked the twisted trim on the high-tech, volumizing brush that latches on to 

each lash to separate and define.

After several weeks of use now the formula hasn't become brittle and the brush

 has stayed clean and not gone clumpy.

I would definitely recommend this long lasting mascara for ease of application, bolder and more voluminous lashes that don't smudge or flake.

This product is free from Parabens, Vegan and Cruelty Free.

There is a Waterproof variant available.

URBAN DECAY 

PERVERSION MASCARA

12ml

R

400

£

21

$

25

URBAN DECAY STAY NAKED CORRECTING CONCEALER {REVIEW}

I recently took advantage of the URBAN DECAY 50% Off Sale and used it

as a way to stock up on some of my much loved tried and tested products and at

the same time I popped into my basket a couple of products that I've been 

wanting to try out.

If you would like to check out what I bought in the big sale then click on the

 Pink Link below

URBAN DECAY SALE HAUL

 and for all those much loved faves you will find Pink Links

within the Sale Haul post.

Similarly with a mascara ,I'm always the hunt for a "best" concealer one to

help conceal and camouflage my problem area and that's my dark circles under the 

eyes along with redness around my nose area.

The 

STAY NAKED 

CORRECTING CONCEALER, 

on paper, seemed to be the one and I couldn't pass by the opportunity to purchase 

one at half the normal price.

The URBAN DECAY NAKED Collection is the Holy Grail of the URBAN DECAY 

product line-up and to accompany their hugely popular long wearing, full coverage

 Stay Naked Foundation, the Stay Naked Concealer is a perfect side-kick for the 50 foundation shades, as there are 25 shades of concealer with nine intensities, three master tones and five undertones to camouflage, accentuate and sculpt as you see fit.

The patented, wave-tip applicator makes it easy to get the right level of coverage. Use the flat side for precise, light application or lean into the curve for a heavier dose of product.

As with many duel sided applicators I tend to just apply and not worry too much

as to which side I'm using and this applicator was no exception. I still found it easy and effortless to apply, especially under the eye area.

This product is suitable for all skin types, its vegan and cruelty free.

Under advice I opted for 30NN a light neutral with a neutral undertone, which seemed to be an ideal shade for my skin tone.

The Stay Naked concealer is a buildable, full coverage concealer that is

 long wearing (up to 24hrs),waterproof and doesn't transfer.

I enjoyed that it had a breathable, flexible formula and didn't look cakey, 

or dry despite giving a matte finish.

Even though the formula is ultra-pigmented,it's also lightweight and it covered

the darkness under my eyes and the redness around my nose surprisingly well.

Not having used the Stay Naked Foundation myself I would imagine, used with

its namesake concealer, it would be a formidable "Stay All Day" duo and I can

understand the love for this combo.

URBAN DECAY 

STAY NAKED

CORRECTING CONCEALER

10.2g

R

400

£

23

$

29

URBAN DECAY SOUTH AFRICA