VINTAGE AVON DING DONG,AVON CALLING #TBT POST

This post goes back to November 2014 and how things have changed since

then, not only have Avon been through some difficult times, but some international

markets have even closed e.g. France, Australia and New Zealand
More and more sales are conducting online, but the Avon Ladies and now Men are still
an important part of the sales force...


~~~~~~


Having spent most of my life in the beauty industry I am thoroughly enjoying finding these vintage print ads on Pinterest and the internet.

This is a collection of ads from that household brand Avon, which believe it or not, 

has been around for over 130 years. 

Avon Products, Inc. is a multi-level marketing company in beauty, household, and personal care categories. Avon had annual sales of $4.7 billion worldwide in 2019.

It is the fourteenth-largest beauty company and is the second largest direct-selling enterprise in the world.
Avon have been empowering women since 1886 and is the world's leading direct seller of beauty and related products  Avon sells products in over 100 countries through their independent sales force of over 6.4 million representatives - which were back then fondly known as 

 "Avon Ladies".

The original Avon lady was always well groomed and would carry her beauty wares in a case.

 I even remember a TV ad back in the UK from the 1960's, which showed such female carrying her Avon case and ringing the doorbell of a house, it went something like this..

Ding Dong Ding Dong..."Avon calling".

I have managed to find a collection of TV ads on YouTube from the 60's onwards.

Today these ladies have had to step aside to make way for a 
new a new type of "beauty"

 the "Avon catalogue". 
Avon representatives now show the catalogue to customers in their homes, at work, at social or leisure activities or to their friends and family. The representatives then send the orders to Avon and the products are delivered free of charge directly to the representatives' homes.

Enjoy!

Find out more about Avon in South Africa

DERMALOGICA AGE REVERSAL EYE COMPLEX {REVIEW}

Without doubt the skin around the eye needs lots of TLC and it's an area where I've

paid extra special attention to over the years, in fact I have been using a specific 

eye product since being in my early 20's.

The skin around the eye is not only much thinner and more delicate, 
but also its very hard working and often abused,

more so than any other skin on our face or body and in my opinion it needs a 
dedicated treatment product.

(I know it's tempting to just use your day/night cream over the eye area, but unless

its been formulated to be applied to the eye area, then don't do it)

Some months back I was invited to the launch of a Demalogica Concept Store 

in Ballito Junction,Ballito,KZN.

I was gifted the full size of their AGE Reversal Eye Complex and it couldn't have 

come at a better time, as I had been researching Retinol eye treatments.

Being the first Retinol eye product that I had tried I was a little apprehensive,

as I hadn't yet dabbled into Retinol facial products, but as I'm in my late 50's,

I thought it was about time to see and experience what all the fuss is about.

This short video gives an overview of what Retinol is and why its becoming 

increasingly used in skincare products.

Dermalogica use advanced, microencapsulated Retinol to help 

smooth away the signs of skin aging around the eyes. 

This microencapsulation technology optimises Retinol potency and absorption to help 

reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Microencapsulated Niacinamide and Ash Tree Bark Extract 

maintain hydration and reduce visible dark circles. 

A powerful Age Reversal Firming Complex works with the antioxidant Vitamin C,

 powerful peptides and botanical extracts to fortify and smooth skin.

 Formulated without artificial fragrances, colours or parabens. 

This product contains 1% Retinol, a form of Vitamin A.

On paper this eye product appeared to be what I needed to take my 

eye care regime to the next level and hopefully as the name suggests, 
reverse the signs of ageing around the eye. 

So how did it perform?

Let me just get straight to the point,

I have been using this product for over 6 months now and deserves its name 

and for me it's a 

"Winner"

Dermalogica advises that you start using alternate nights, for the first two weeks and

as the skin responds, build up to using nightly, for some reason I didn't follow these instructions,

 (not sure why) and went straight in using nightly and luckily 

I didn't have any sensitivity issues, which can sometimes happen, as not all skins 
can handle the inclusion of Retinol in products, especially ones to be
 used around the eye.

Part of the AGE Smart range, the Age Reversal Eye Complex is a highly-active eye treatment and for me 

I soon began to see results, especially with the fine lines and Crows Feet and 

the smoothness of the skin under my eyes was to me very evident.

The non greasy and light formula honestly didn't feel as though it would be 

enough to deeply hydrate as claimed, yet it did.

I can't say that I noticed any great difference to my dark circles and as for

reducing puffiness,I always find this a hard one to comment on

as puffiness comes and goes and is dependent on so many other factors.

(having said that I was just so thrilled with the other results

 that I didn't mind these short comings too much)

The tube has a needle point dispenser, which I love and allows you to control

the amount you dispense and negates any wastage.

Not only did I find this product to be highly effective, but also economical.

As with most of the Dermalogica products that I have tried a little 

really does go a long way and despite the initial purchase price, which is steep,

the price per application is in my opinion very affordable.

(I still have about half a tube left after 6 months of nightly usage)

 N.B.
It's advisable to use this product every evening, but be sure to use an eye product during the day that contains a high SPF, as the skin will be more sensitive to the suns rays.

Age Reversal Eye Complex

15ml

R

990

£

64

$

78

Available from authorised Dermalogica salons and spas

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)

HOT CROSS BUNS

It is traditional to eat warm 'hot cross buns' on Good Friday. 
Hot Cross Buns with their combination of spicy, sweet and fruity flavours have long been an Easter tradition.

Why do we eat Hot Cross Buns ?

The pastry cross on top of the buns symbolises and reminds Christians of the cross that Jesus was killed on.

The buns were traditionally eaten at breakfast time, hot from the oven. They were once sold by street vendors who sang a little song about them.

"Hot cross buns, Hot cross buns, 

One a penny, two a penny, 

Hot cross buns."

No longer sold on the streets, Hot Cross Buns are now available all year round, again turning a religious tradition into a commercial opportunity, but I for one love these warm sticky buns....

Enjoy!

NUXE HUILE PRODIGIEUSE {REVIEW}

I should have shared this Sunday Sample post with you 3 weeks ago, however I am now into my 3rd week of using and it's still not even half used, so I thought I would delay my review, as it allows me more time to sample this truly Miraculous Oil. 

The Huile Prodigieuse from the French house Nuxe has been around since 1991 with millions of bottles of this dry oil for face, body and hair being sold worldwide.

 With top notes of orange blossom and plum head, heart notes of rose, geranium and magnolia, and a sensual base of coconut and vanilla.....you cannot help but fall in love with the fragrance and I'm sure it's been a huge part of this multi tasking oils success. 

Add to this a natural formula of 97.8%, the Prodigious Oil enriched with vitamin E and guaranteed silicone and mineral oil, 6 Precious Plant Oils (Macadamia, Hazel, Borage, Sweet Almond, Camellia and Hypericum),  it cannot help but nourish, repair and soften the face, body and hair.

Nuxe Huile Prdigieuse

I have recently finished using the Divine Oil from the French brand L'Occitane and whilst I am a huge fan of the brand and especially the Divine anti Ageing range, unfortunately I was unimpressed with what the oil did for my skin. I felt the texture was was too heavy, even though I used only a small amount I could feel a film of oil on my skin in the morning. On the other hand the Huile Prodigieuse delivered an amazing softness to my skin overnight and as you can imagine I was super impressed.The oil has a fine unique texture and was easily and quickly absorbed and no residue was noticeable the next morning. 

Treatment oils are currently in "Vogue" , as most skincare housed have at least one or several in their product line up, but I have never been a huge fan, until now that is, thanks to the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse I have finally found one that is non greasy and that my skin responds to positively.

This oil unlike many can be used in the evenings all year round and I have no qualms about using it as part of my nightly skincare routine during the hot humid climate of a Durban summer. 

I haven't tried on my hair or body yet, as I am using my 10ml bottle of precious oil for face only....Luckily they produce a 100ml spray bottle, which is better suited for application to the body and hair.

I give this product a huge thumbs up and its well deserving of any awards and accolades won over the years.

P.S. If I was ever stranded on a desert island (hopefully never, as it would be my worst nightmare) and I could only take one skincare product, this would be most definitely be the one.

100ml Spray 
R360

50ml Bottle 
R220

Available for Selected Truworths countrywide

www.nuxe.com

SUNDAY SAMPLE

This weeks Sunday Sample to come out of my jar is a product that I have only read wonderful reports about and have been longing to try for sometime and that time is 

NOW...

The

  NUXE 

Huile Prodigieuse 

is an iconic multi purpose dry oil from the French brand Nuxe and was included in a recent Rubybox and this 10ml size is generous for use on the face and on your hair, but it certainly won't go very far on my body!

Just having finished using another French skincare Oil I am very curious to compare the textures and the absorption abilities of each.

I generally don't review a skincare product after only a week, as I like to trial for at least 2-3 months, but I anticipate that the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse won't disappoint, so tune in next Sunday for my Sunday Sample review.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse 10ml

PRO SELECT WET BRUSH {REVIEW}

Despite knowing that you shouldn't brush your hair when wet and always to work gently from the ends up to the roots to remove any tangles and knots, I still end up with various sizes of clumps of broken or shedded hair in my brush.

Denman - The Hairdressers Brush has always been my brush of choice since I was a teenager and over the years I have bought the correct styling brush for my hair type and length and have built up quite a collection and have always been very happy. 

I wasn't really in the market for yet another hairbrush let alone a detangling one, but my hairdresser used the Pro Select Wet Brush last week to detangle my just highlighted wet tangled hair and what a difference!
   

The Wet Brush R140

The unisex Wet Brush can be used on both wet and dry and the brush itself is very lightweight. 

The bristles are not firm or rigid, thus enabling the bristles to actually flex and glide easily and smoothly through the hair resulting in far less pulling, snagging and pain.

This brush must be a gift from "Hair Heaven" for mothers of kids with long knotted "birds nest" type hair, who brave the daily traumatic ritual of hair brushing and
R140 seems like a small to price to pay.

However proof for me was in the brush and needless to say there were only a couple of strands of hair left behind. Obviously you will lose hair naturally as part of the hairs life cycle, but I'm now confident that my "detangling brushing" is not aiding breakage and premature hair loss through tugging and pulling and that has to be a good thing.....

With regards to the Wet Brush claim of being the

 "Worlds Best Detangling Brush Ever"

 it seems like it could just be, but what I do know is - this brush does a good job for my long locks.

There is a selection of brushes available for different uses and in various colours.

Available in selected salons countrywide.

I bought mine from 

Sands Hair & Beauty 

 Umhlanga Sands Hotel

Umhlanga Rocks

Kzn

031 561 5663 

Wet Brush funky colours

EYE SLICES {REVIEW}

If you suffer from tired, puffy or strained eyes and don't we all, then carry on reading as I may have the perfect remedy. 

These award winning reusable Eye Slices have been around for sometime now and it's been on my list of things to "try and buy" for a while... 

Try I did, but buy I didn't, as I was lucky enough to be gifted a pair of Professional Eye Slices.

Profesional Eye Slices R150

I recently put them to the test on my trip overseas when my eyes were desperately in need of reviving and some TLC, as I flew from Durban to Dubai to Manchester and not being one to sleep on a plane I was pretty much wide eyed for 36 hours, which isn't good for the eyes. 

These convenient gel slices are packed with active ingredients 
(the key one being Aloe Ferox) 

and are so easy to use...

Just place the slices over a clean eye area and lie back or sit back in my case and relax for 5-10 mins. The skin around my eye area instantly felt soothed and look revived. 

Eye slices can be used daily to help diminish dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles and after use pop them back into the resealable zip bag. 

(Eye Slices can be used for 10 applications and should be used with a month) 

For extra coolness you can store in the fridge. even though it's not necessary, they do feel wonderful. Eye Slices contain no chemical preservatives or parabens and are safe 

to use with your contact lenses in.

I recommend Eye Slices without hesitation, as they really were an "Eye Saver" and will be coming along with me in my handbag on my future travels.

 My only complaint....

 "I just wished I had discovered them sooner".

Eye Slices are sold through professional beauty salons and spas. 

For more info and to order online

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT PEDI {SORBET UMHLANGA ROCKS}

Over the years I have had many pedicures, some good, some bad and some that have left me physically injured!

To me a pedicure is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing of all the beauty treatments you can have. I have decided to do a series of posts on my experiences with pedicures and rate them accordingly.

5 ***** are up for grabs in the seven scoring areas.

I'm really not expecting to find a perfect pedi on my quest, as I believe its quite a tall ask, but I will bring you my personal findings on the day of each pedicure I experience.

                                                                    Onwards in my quest: 

1. Booking Process: ****

I  booked over the phone and my booking was handled professionally, but no sms confirmation was sent.Sorbet salons have popped up all over the country in the last few years and most are run as a franchise, so the chances are there is one in a major shopping centre near you.

2. Bonjour: ***

Upon my arrival I was greeted and introduced to my pedicurist and asked to choose my polish.However I wasn't offered any drink at this point, but I was asked during the course of my pedi.

3. Ambiance:***

In my pursuit of the perfect pedi I realize that I am not comparing apples with apples when it comes to visiting a Spa for a pedicure as opposed to a nail bar or salon. I feel that the ambiance is an important factor in my overall pleasure of the pedi and in most cases the Spas win hands down. The ambiance in this Sorbet salon whilst being very pleasant was in no way a match for my two previous spa reviews.

4. Product : ****

Where the Sorbet salon loses a star for ambiance it reclaims it in the product section. Sorbet salons have a great collection of nail products to choose from OPI, Morgan Taylor and Essie and most are available to purchase. Sorbet have recently launched their own nail colour range and ancillary mani and pedi products. (I love their range of nail polish removers with the salon pump)

All Sorbet salons stock Dermalogica, which is a great salon brand along with Environ and their own Sorbet range of face and body products.

5. Treatment: ***

The treatment that lasted an hour included the obligatory and necessary soak and exfoliation (using Sorbet products) in yet another plastic bowl. The order of the pedicure was different to the norm and the way I was taught, as the soak was literally a quick dip in warm water and out again and then a longer soak later on in the pedicure, by which time the water was barely luke warm. I was alarmed that the exfoliating treatment was only to my feet and toes and not to the lower leg, yet the massage was performed on my lower leg up to the knee.I have to be honest and say I didn't like this order, especially as I felt a little cheated. Never having had a Sorbet pedi before I am not sure if this is a Sorbet procedure or the pedicurist's own method.

My pedicurist was friendly and attentive, but was a little lacking when it came to the filing and massaging, however she did paint well.

6. Au Revoir: ***

My "checkout" was handled efficiently and I was asked if I would like to enrol in their Loyalty program which I did, as it is linked with the clicks loyalty. Unfortunately I wasn't asked if I would like to re book another pedi.

7. Was it a perfect pedi ?

Unfortunately not, but having said this I will try another Sorbet salon, just to compare and find out about that unusual order of the pedicure.

For more info on Sorbet Salons visit

www.sorbet.co.za

Shop 06 Granada Square 

16 Chartwell Drive 

Umhlanga Rocks

Tel: 031 561 2538

Or

 073 042 6496

EASTER GREETINGS 2015

Easter Greetings 

from 

Beauty Shout Box

IN PURSUIT OF THE PERFECT PEDI {TEREMOK SPA}

Over the years I have had many pedicures, some good, some bad and some that have left me physically injured!

To me a pedicure is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing of all the beauty treatments you can have. I have decided to do a series of posts on my experiences with pedicures and rate them accordingly.

5 ***** are up for grabs in the seven scoring areas.

I'm really not expecting to find a perfect pedi on my quest, as I believe its quite a tall ask, but I will bring you my personal findings on the day of each pedicure I experience.

                                                                             Onwards in my quest:

My second "pedi" in my series of posts is from the Teremok Spa in Marine Drive Umhlanga Rocks. The spa forms part of the award winning 5* Teremok Lodge and is true to the meaning of the Russian name, being a “little hideaway” for lodge guests and a discerning outside clientele. The Spa offers all the usual treatments you would expect including two options of pedicures, R260 for a 1hr. Pedicure and R300 for a Paraffin Wax Pedicure. 
I was rather excited to see that they also offer a foot peel for R100, which can be a treatment on its own or an add on to the pedicure, but extra time is required.
 Knowing my views on exfoliation this has to be my next treatment, as I have been assured its excellent, so I am there as soon as time allows and you can be sure a review will be posted.

Koi Pond

1. Booking Process: ****

I phoned at 8.40am to make a booking, but an answering machine came on, so I left my details and someone phoned me soon after to take my phone booking, which was handled professionally and enthusiastically with an sms confirmation being sent soon after.

~~~~~~

2. Bonjour: ****

On my arrival I headed up towards the lodge reception, as I was unsure as to where the spa entrance was, other than a gym sign on a door there was no direction boards that I could see. Once I was directed to the door by the Koi pond I was pleasantly greeted and led through to a relaxation lounge area where I filled in the mandatory details and contra indications questionnaire, which many salons do not do! I had a little chuckle to myself as I noticed a lovely floral box that contained reading glasses for those that had forgotten and needing readers myself...I thought this was a really thoughtful touch and one that I can't say I have seen before.

I was offered a selection if drinks including cappuccino, tea and water which is what I opted for. It was a hot day and the infused water came with welcoming ice! I was shown by my pedicurist Kelly to one of the two treatment rooms and once comfortably settled on the treatment bed my pedi began.

Reading Glasses Box

3. Ambiance:***

The usual "salon" type relaxing music was playing in the background and the room, which did have a beautiful feature wall, was darkened and relaxing, but it seemed a pity that they couldn't somehow create a pedi n mani area to overlook the pool or an outside courtyard area.

Treatment Room

~~~~~~

4. Product : ***

When I was asked to chose my nail colour, I was excited to see a great selection of Essie polishes, if for some reason you are not a fan of Essie, which fortunately I am, then you have no other choice. Teremok Spa offers a wide range of face and body treatments available using products from Dermalogica, Mama Mio and Lillian Terry International, and state-of-the-art BT anti-ageing technology.

~~~~~~

5. Treatment: ***

The treatment that lasted an hour included the obligatory and necessary soak and exfoliation in a plastic washing up bowl...yes a plastic washing up bowl!!  A nice touch at the start if the pedi was a heated bean bag around my neck and shoulders. My pedicurist Kelly was friendly, attentive and experienced. She was thorough and had good firm hands when doing the lower leg massage.The usual foot scraping, cuticle pushing and painting all made for a very pleasant pedi at Teremok Spa.

~~~~~~

6. Au Revoir: ***

My "checkout" was handled efficiently and I was asked if I wanted to make a booking for the foot peel that Kelly sold me on. One of the owners was on hand and asked how I enjoyed my pedi, which is always a nice to see.

~~~~~~

7. Was it a perfect pedi?

Whilst it was a good proffessional pedi, I would recommend the Teremok Spa to ditch the plastic washing up bowl for something a little more "in keeping" with the Spa's upmarket image. I can't wait though to return for another pedi and a foot peel.

Overall ****

Finished Result

Teremok Lodge

To find out more about treatments offered at Teremok Spa

www.teremokspa.co.za

Previous posts In Pursuit of the Perfect Pedi

1. The Spa On Fairway