QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEW {OCTOBER 2020}

A slightly different QPR post this month, as it's focusing more on 

Home fragrance which I adore, as I'm sure many of you do.

Prices for Home fragrance ,of any kind, whether it be a perfumed candle,

room spray or a diffuser, can range from the positively cheap and cheerful

 to outrageously Luxe and expensive. 

However I have discovered a great affordable Fabric & Air

 Fragrance and I also splurged a little on candles, which I don't regret at all, 

as the fragrance pay off is worth every cent.

Oh! and I must not forget the Air Freshener that was, frankly, a waste of money.

1.

Brand : YANKEE CANDLE

Product : CLASSIC CANDLE

Size : LARGE

Burning Time : up to 150hrs

Price : R440

Size : Medium

Burning Time : up to 90hrs

Price : R375

Size : Small

Burning Time : up to 40hrs

Price : R175

Having previously purchased many smelly's from the US brand

 YANKEE CANDLE

ranging from tarts, votives, diffusers and car jars I had never treated 

myself to any of their Large Classic Candles, so I decided to splash out 

on not 1 but 3 Large Classic Yankee Candles.

Yankee Candle is the benchmark for quality in the candle world.

The fragrance oils and dyes are mixed into the wax to provide the famous 

Yankee Candle fragrance throughout the entire candle.

Every jar is finished by adding a top layer of wax to provide a full, even candle… 

all done by master candle makers in the USA.

200 Million candles are made every year

Nothing compares to the true scent of a Yankee Candle.  

Yankee Candle have a large assortment of fragrances on offer

and deciding which to choose is a case of literally sniffing each one in store,

so deciding on 3 did take me some time.Two I chose for the fragrance

and one purely on the colour of the candle (big mistake).

Coconut Splash I fell in love with this fragrance immediately 

and despite its name it's not very coconutty, but rather refreshing and pure, 

with just a touch of natural, tropical sweetness.

It's been burning away now for some weeks in my lounge and is a hit with

all that smell her...

Soft Blanket Was another instant liking for me, as it's all of my favourites, clean citrus, luxurious vanilla and warm amber and 

its perfectly at home on my bedside table.

Vanilla Lime I must admit I rushed into buying this fragrance and

whilst it smells "ok" when it's burning it doesn't bring me as much joy 

as my other two choices. This buy was based more on colour, as it

was to sit at the side of my bath and match my bathroom colour scheme, 

which it does, however I wouldn't purchase it again. 

It's smooth and refreshing, the creamy richness of vanilla with 

sweet cane sugar and a zesty lime twist. 

In comparison to the other two the fragrance pay off isn't as good.

Verdict 

Burning : 10/10

Fragrance Strength : 10/10 

(Vanilla Lime 7/10)

~~~~~~ 

2.

Brand : WOOLWORTHS

Product : LEMON VERBENA FABRIC AND AIR SPRITZ

Size : 450mls

Price : R79.99

I was so chuffed with this find, as not only is it one of my favourite

types of fragrances (fresh, citrus and refreshing) but it actually lingers 

in the air for quite sometime unlike many air fresheners 

that last 60 seconds and puff they're gone without a trace...

I also think that the price is good value for the quantity and seems a 

small price to pay to beautifully fragrant my house and linen.

This dual purpose product cleans away lingering odours and freshens 

hard-to-wash fabrics, as its been specially formulated for air and fabric.

Use throughout your home to freshen your room, linen and towels.

Verdict : 10/10

~~~~~~ 

3.

Brand : WOOLWORTHS

Product : LEMON VERBENA MULTI-PURPOSE FRESHENER

Size : 5mls

Price : R39.99

The Lemon Verbena Multi-Purpose Freshener is suitable for cars, 

waste bins and laundry baskets. Made with essential oils for a lingering fresh fragrance that lasts up to 4 weeks. 

On the strength of my love for the above product I thought

I would give this a whirl in my car.

Sadly I struggle to smell any fragrance in my car, so I wouldn't

personally recommend or purchase again.

Verdict : 5/10

~~~~~~ 

There are 3 fragrance variants of both of the above 2 products:

Lemon Verbena

Pure Cotton

&

Mandarin Leaf & Oud

I also purchased both the Air & Fabric Spritz and the Multi-Purpose

Freshener in the Pure Cotton variant and the Lemon Verbena was by far the

longer lasting fragrance of the two, especially in the Air & Fabric Spritz 

and I would without hesitation re-purchase, but the Pure Cotton in the 

Air Spritz & the Multi-Purpose

 for me was a waste of money and once finished I wouldn't buy again.

The above products can all be found in the 

Woolworths food section.

Woolworths

SUNDAY SAVINGS

This weeks Sunday Savings are from...where else but Woolworths.

They currently have a "saving" promotion on hundreds of costume Jewellery items, which includes some lovely pieces from Witchery, Trenery, Country Road, Studio W and Mimco, it also includesa wide range of sunglasses.

Buy 2 and get 20% off selected costume Jewellery plus 10% WRewards plus 5% when you pay with your Woolworths card, so it could be as much as 35%

These are just a few of my picks, but if you want to view more then visit 

Woolworths

The Beat Sunglasses

R 799.00  BUY ANY 2 SAVE 20% +

Rolling Stone Ring

R 399.00  BUY ANY 2 SAVE 20% +  

Supernatural Wrist

R 499.00  BUY ANY 2 SAVE 20% + 

Twist & Shake Ring

R 499.00  BUY ANY 2 SAVE 20% +  

SUNDAY SAVINGS ON A THURSDAY

I know.. I normally post my Sunday Savings post on a Sunday, but guess what....I forgot to post last Sunday and these offers end this coming Sunday 29th November, so here it is on a Thursday!

Woolworths have done it again and are offering a 20% saving, when you buy any 2, on selected women's accessories and that includes a great selection of handbags (inc Trenery,Mimco and Witchery), beachbags, hair accessories, scarves, jewellery, hats and many other accessories.

This promotion could also attract that extra 15% off, if you are a WRewards member, which even with my poor maths can add up to a very worthwhile saving.

So now is really the time  to either treat yourself or stock up on gifts for Christmas.

Here are some of just a few of my picks..

Country Road

Raffia Visor

R399

-20% = R319.20

Bow Appliqué Hair Slides

(Pack of 2) 

R39.95

-20% = R31.96

Country Road

Polka Dot Logo Cotton Tote

R649

-20% = R519.20

 Witchery 

Rose Gold Amy Coin Purse

R199

-20% = R159.20

Country Road

Vertical Linen Stripe Scarf

R399

-20% = R319.20

Available in store 

or

Woolworths online

SUNDAY SAVINGS - WOOLWORTHS

If you are considering buying a new handbag or if you are like me and many other women, just have a weakness for bags, then why not pay Woolworths a visit, as they are currently running a 20% off promotion with an extra 10% if you are a Rewards member on selected women's bags until 
4th October.

There is nothing nicer than the smell of a new genuine leather bag and with some regular nourishing a good classic styled leather bag will last you for many years. 

I have a preference for a larger bag to accommodate lots of essentials and unfortunately lots of non essential "junk" and black or beige are my go to colours.

So whether it's a Tote, Satchel, Hobo or Backpack Woolworths have a cool selection and as if this promo wasn't good enough already it also includes several bags from the Australian brands 

Mimco, Trenery, Country Road and Witchery and here are a few of my current "faves".

TRENERY

Juniper Satchel

100% Leather

R 1,599.00

Less 20%  R1,279.20  

WRewards less extra 10% = R1,151.28

This 100% leather is so adaptable and useful to have in your wardrobe.

Juniper Satchel

COUNTRY ROAD

Tamara Sling

R 1,399.00

Less 20%  R 1,119.20 

WRewards Less extra 10% = R1007.28 

A practical soft 100% leather crossbody bag.I have a similar bag to this in black also from COUNTRY ROAD that I bought several years ago and it's still looking good.With age the original soft leather has become even softer. The adjustable strap enables you to wear this bag across your body at a comfortable height.This is my overseas sightseeing bag as I can keep it securely and comfortably against my body for extra security.

Tamara Sling also avaialble in black

COUNTRY ROAD

Kimberley Backpack

R 2,499.00

Less 20% = R1,999.20  

WRewards Less 10% = R1799.28

This backpack has a slouchy foldover design and an adjustable strap that can be worn on either shoulder. Its clean, modern profile is a perfect way to add a chic point of difference to everyday winter dressing. 100% Leather.

Kimberley Backpack

COUNTRY ROAD

Milla Hobo

R 1,999.00

Less 20% = R 1,599.20  

WRewards Less 10% = R1439.28

This has to be my "fave" hobo bag, crafted in soft premium leather. 100% Leather.

Hobo Bag

To order online

SUNDAY SAVINGS

For this weeks Sundays Savings I spotted these pretty soup mugs on Woolworths website and they are all 20% plus an extra 10% WRewards when you order online only. If you are looking for stylish new soup mugs/bowls this winter and here a few that caught my eye, then visit Woolworths online

Striped Soup Mug

R55.00

Less 20% R44.00
Less 10% WRewards R39.60

'Moroccan' Soup Mug

R 69.95

Less 20% R 55.96 

Less 10% WRewards R 50.36 

Spot Soup Mug

R59.95

Less 20% R47.96 

Less 10% WRewards R43.16 

Café Soup Bowl

R45.00

Less 20% R36.00

Less 10%  WRewards R32.40

DADS RULE

Fathers Day is just around the corner in South Africa (Sunday 21st June)  and here are a few of my picks from Woolworths to spoil dad on his special day.

Artisan Tapas Board

R 180.00 

This Oak board is handmade by artisans using techniques perfected over time; each piece is alive with character and originality. Perfect for serving Tapas food in rustic style.

Enamel Mug with Coffee Plant

R 99.99  

Master Chef South Africa The Cook Book

R 350.00  

Number 1 Dad Milk Chocolate Medal 

23g

R 19.95  

To order online

GARNIER SOFTENING CLEANSING LOTION & SOFTENING TONER GOODBYE DRY{REVIEW}

I am always on the look out for brands that offer effective, yet reasonably priced cleansers and toners, as this is an area where you can save some money if you are on a tight budget. 

Any savings can then be used towards purchasing, in my opinion, more important treatment creams or serums.

Not having used Garnier products previously other than their

Garnier BB Cream

I wasn't sure what to expect, but today Garnier is the 2nd largest brand in L’Oreal group and is sold in more than 64 countries including South Africa.

( I actually purchased the Softening Cleansing Lotion Goodbye Dry and the corresponding Softening Toner Goodbye Dry on a savings promotion from Boots in the UK,
both together were £4 approx R72.80 R18.20=£1) 

This purchase wasn't exactly on the cards,but I was left no choice as I had forgotten to pack my regulars. This lapse of memory was soon turned into an opportunity to buy and try new products.

My normal to dry mature skin seemed a perfect fit, so what were my impressions. 

Initially, it's the fragrance of both of these products that hits you on use, as "faint it ain't", now don't get me wrong I loved the floral aroma and if pink were a fragrance then this would be it, but it is pungent and even though the range is suitable for sensitive skins, I felt some sensitive users may not like the fact that it is so highly perfumed.

Both products were a pleasure to use, effective, gentle and left no feeling of tightness, only comfort to a perfectly cleansed and toned skin.I did experience a softness to my skin that sometimes is hard to find even with a high end cleansing duo. I didn't test the cleansing lotion on waterproof make-up, as I don't wear and I avoided using over the eye area, as I prefer to use a specific eye make-up remover. However the lotion can be used over the face and eyes as a 2in1 cleanser. 

Both are enriched with softening Cherry Tree and soothing Moringa extracts and have no parabens.

My only complaint is with the toner nozzle, 
you may remember my moan about the nozzle on another L'Oreal product

Gentle Make-Up Remover Eyes 

it's too big and it means you haven't really got much control over the amount of toner your dispense onto your cotton wool, hence on several occasions I ended up with a completely saturated cotton pad, so irritating as the toner will need replacing long before the cleanser. 

Luckily the retail price is affordable at R64.95 for 200mls and really offers great value for money. 

Other treatment products are available in the same range.

You can find Garnier products at Dis-Chems and Clicks countrywide.

SUNDAY SAVINGS - WOOLWORTHS FOAM BATH AND HAND WASH

Whilst this weeks Sundays Savings are certainly not "High End" products,but 

they are good CnC (Cheap n cheerfuls) from Woolworths.

I know the packaging, whilst looking very similar to a well known kitchen cleaner, does suggest a "No Frills" basic foam bath and hand wash and that's exactly what they are.

After decanting into nicer containers they do offer good value for money especially as they are 20% less at the moment, everyone can enjoy some bubbles.

They both come in 3 fragranced variants:

Lavender

Honey Vanilla

Tea Rose 

Both the foam bath and hand wash are Vitamin E Enriched, Dermatologically tested

 and comply with Beauty Without Cruelty.

Foam Bath

500mls

R42.99

R34.99

Hand Wash

300mls

R36.99

R29.59

WOOLWORTHS

FRIDAY FINDS

Good "old" Woolworths never fail to dissapoint when it comes to Christmas gifting and their hamper selection just gets better and better each year.
Hampers are always a great choice as a family or business gift.

These can all be ordered on line and delivered direct to the recipients home or workplace,

now that couldn't be any easier.

Check out some of my finds from their 2014 offering.

Enjoy!

Festive Hamper

R 799.95 

Christmas Hamper containing:

Method Cap Classique Brut

Traditional shortbread

Chocolate selection 

Marzipan log

Vanilla Flavoured fudge

Golden Brandy Christmas pudding

Foiled hollow chocolate ball

Cherry genoa Mini fruit cakes

Earl grey tea and Lemon ginger fruit infusion

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Coffee Culture

r349.95 

This Suede Box with tissue paper hamper includes:

2 x Latte glasses

WW chocolate dipped shortbread biscuits

Colombian 100% Arabica ground coffee

Kenyan 100% Arabica ground coffee

~~~~~~

Choco-O-Box

R 499.95

This Suede Box with tissue paper hamper includes:

Chocolate selection

Chocolate dipped shortbread fingers

Chocolate Decadence

Dark chocolate coated almonds

White chocolate coated almonds

160-page Chocolat recipe book

                                            

For more gifting ideas and to order on-line