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

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2021}

This is my first Monthly Favourites post of 2021 and I had no problem in

 choosing my top picks of the past two months, as 3 of the 5 products just

happen to be my most loved types of skincare products;

a Face Exfoliator, an Eye Treatment and a Lip product.

I also included a product from a brand that I was trying for the first time 

and it impressed me so much that it made it onto this "Faves" post.

I recommend you click on the Pink Links below for all the details and product info.

1.

ELEMIS

STARS OF THE SHOW

GIFT SET

I had to include my wonderful Stars of the Show Gift Set from ELEMIS.

The vanity/jewellery box housed 6 products from their

Pro-Collagen range and having said in several previous ELEMIS product reviews,

 it's a brand that I would love to discover more of and that is why I love 

this collection of ELEMIS products so much, as it enables me to do just that,

So expect more of ELEMIS in 2021.

To read more about the Stars of the Show Gift Set contents

Click here

2.

ELEMIS

PRO-COLLAGEN

REVIVE EYE MASK

I did warn you... there would be more on ELEMIS.

After exfoliating products my 2nd product passion are eye products

and I was so excited to find this eye mask included, however it's way more than

an eye mask, as this 3-in-1 formula can be used as an overnight anti-ageing mask, 

a hydrating under-eye primer and a moisturising rescue balm, during the day.

For me it ticked so many of my "eye care" boxes  and I highly recommended.

If you would like to find out why and all the product details

Click here

3.

BURT'S BEES

MANGO BUTTER

MOISTURIZING LIP BALM

Me and Lip Balms go back many years and I've discovered another brand 

that I can safely say I love, which isn't always the case with lip balms.

BURT'S BEES are the Lip Balm Queens (excuse the unintentional pun)

as they've been at it for over 30 years.

I'm so enjoying this lip balm, as it feels way more luxurious on the

lips than I expected it to and at only R67 I can now add even

more Lip balms to my ever growing collection or should I say addiction,

Click here to read my full review

4.

KÉRASTASE 

GENESIS 

DEFENSE THERMIQUE

Over January and February I put to the test 3 of the GENESIS hair products,

the shampoo I liked, unfortunately I didn't enjoy the conditioner, but I

highly recommend the DEFENSE THERMIQUE as its an Anti hair-fall intense 

fortifying blow-dry fluid for weakened hair, prone to falling due to breakage.

I liked this product very much and it's one that I would recommend, 

as it made detangling a breeze and my hair felt nourished and soft whilst 

not feeling coated or weighed down and then there is that amazing fragrance.

To read my 3 Genesis reviews click here

5.

PATYKA

DOUBLE ACTION

SMOOTHING SCRUB

I couldn't have chosen a better product to kick off my PATYKA skincare journey,

this Double Action Smoothing Scrub "was right up my exfoliation street".

It's a multi-purpose care product that can be used either as an enzyme mask 

to gently exfoliate the skin thanks to its fruit acids or as a mechanical scrub 

to be massaged onto the skin.

The PATYKA Double Action Smoothing Scrub is one of those large granular

type of exfoliators, which personally I prefer, as it leaves your skin feeling 

super clean and incredibly soft, smooth and bright, it also preps the skin 

to receive whatever face mask or cream you chose to then apply.

To read my full review click here

KÉRASTASE GENESIS DEFENSE THERMIQUE BLOW DRY PRIMER REVIEW

This is the 3rd product from the KÉRASTASE GENESIS collection gift set 

and I'm sure this set is still available.(R990)

This range of haircare products has been specifically formulated to help reduce

hair fall due to breakage.

Genesis is composed of specially selected ingredients to help reduce the problem

 of hair fall. Enriched with Edelweiss Native Cells, ginger root and Aminexil 1.5%

 to help reduce hair-fall due to breakage, whilst also containing hints of bergamot zest, cedar, lime, basil, rose and other inspired notes to contribute to its signature fragrance. Your hair does smell divine when using any of these products alone,

but when using all 3 products together your hair is beautifully fragranced for 

days after using.

Hair falling out is an increasingly common problem for women, up to 70% 

of women suffer some level of hair-fall at some point during their life but it’s important to remember this is not a life sentence. 

There are two potential reasons why your hair maybe falling out:

 either it could be a reaction to external aggressors, 

or 

it’s a progressive process at the root linked to the hair's natural cycle.

We tend to lose between 50 - 100 strands of hair per day, so there is 

nothing to worry about. 

Your hair is constantly renewing. 

However, if your hair is very fragile, actions like frequent brushing 

or friction from a towel can sensitize it even more. 

Elastic bands can cause damage too so be gentle.

This past week I have posted my full reviews on both the shampoo

and conditioner from the same range. 

The one I enjoyed and sadly the other was not for me or my hair.

I highly recommend that you read my 2 previous reviews.

To read these review click on the Pink Links below

GENESIS SHAMPOO REVIEW

GENESIS CONDITIONER REVIEW

DEFENSE THERMIQUE is an Anti hair-fall intense fortifying blow-dry fluid 

for weakened hair, prone to falling due to breakage. 

Enriched with Edelweiss Native Cells, Ginger Root & Aquaxyl this thermique 

provides anti-breakage protection, up to 88% immediate hydration* and 24hr protection against frizz* without weighing down the hair. 

Its detangling action helps to prevent hair-fall due to breakage from brushing. Protects from heat up to 220°C*. 

I have used, for many years, various types blow dry/heat protecting products 

and it's a product that I am never without.

My major concern, having highlighted hair, is the dreaded task of detangling my hair post wash. I'm also very aware that this is when the hair is extremely

vulnerable to breakage, so I always look for a product that easily detangles 

and provides good heat protection whilst blow drying and straightening my 

already fragile hair.

The DEFENSE THERMIQUE comes in an easy to control and apply spray

bottle and the milky formula can be applied 2 ways:

ON TOWEL-DRIED HAIR: 

Take 2 to 4 pumps, depending on the lengths and thickness of the hair. 

Spread down to tips, then comb to evenly distribute the product. 

Proceed to blow-dry or air dry. 

ON DRY HAIR: 

Apply to dry hair after blowdrying or airdrying as a finishing touch to tame 

frizz and boost shine. Style as desired. 

I liked this product very much and it's one that I would recommend, 

as it made detangling a breeze and my hair felt nourished and soft whilst 

not feeling coated or weighed down and then there is that amazing fragrance.

I have been using these products for 6 weeks or more now, so therefore

I cannot say whether the range is causing less hair fall due breakage or not

as I feel that's a really difficult call to make.

However I will continue to use all 3 products, despite not liking the one 

and I'll give you feedback in a Friday Follow-Up post once I have 

finished them all.

So there you have it , all 3 products have been reviewed and whilst 2 get a

 thumbs up from me, sadly the one doesn't.

Is there a need in the market place for a fortifying system that's professionally formulated to strengthen hair and reduce hair breakage?

Yes there is and the whole range consists of up to 10 products 

(dependant on the country) that all work together to strengthen, protect

 and condition the hair, whilst reducing the risk of hair fall due to breakage.

If excessive breakage is a daily hair challenge you face and your budget allows 

then speak to your KÉRASTASE salon hairdresser for product advice,

as I think its worth a try...

KÉRASTASE

DEFENSE THERMIQUE

BLOW DRY PRIMER

150ml

R

515

£

26

$

39

KÉRASTASE GENESIS FONDANT RENFORÇATEUR {REVIEW}

A couple of days ago I posted my review on the 

KÉRASTASE GENESIS 

BAIN HYDRA FORTIFIANT SHAMPOO

You can read that review here

and today it's the turn of the corresponding Award Winning

 conditioning treatment

KÉRASTASE GENESIS 

FONDANT RENFORÇATEUR

As with the entire GENESIS range of products this 

Anti Hair-fall Fortifying conditioner is for weakened hair that's prone to 

falling due to breakage and the range excited me, especially after using the shampoo that left me with high hopes for this conditioning product. 

Here are the 3 key claims that drew me into buying this range:

1.

The creamy formula offers anti-breakage action with the most lightweight finish. 

Whilst the formula of the product is creamy, sadly I cannot agree

with the claim of a lightweight finish. 

My hair felt overloaded with product,despite following the usage instructions,

and left, what I can best describe as a greasy coating on my hair that 

made my hair appear greasy and lank, which isn't something 

I have experienced with other ranges.

2.

It instantly smoothes, strengthens and softens the fibre while providing deep nutrition without weighing down the hair. 

As for it instantly smoothing and softening, in my experience that's down to 

the formula being too heavy for my hair type, so yes it instantly smoothed and

provided deep nourishment but at the price of weighing the hair down,

which is contrary to the claims.

 In an attempt to give this product a chance to "shine" excuse the pun,

 each time I used I did adjust the quantity applied in the hope of finding some happy medium, but alas I just didn't.

3.

Detangles and adds body.

Yes my hair was easier to detangle post washing, but again I cannot

agree with adding body to the hair.

I think you can gather by now that this product hugely disappointed me

I found it to be difficult to rinse out of my hair and then it proceeded to leave

 an unpleasant oily coating on the hair shaft.

Very similar to skincare, some ranges just don't bring out

the best in your skin and its the same for haircare ranges and I fear

this is what's happening with the KÉRASTASE GENESIS range.

All that is left to say...

I could have my first contender for my Top 3 Disappointing Products 2021

I do still have one more product from the GENESIS range to try, the 

Defense Thermique Blow Dry Primer.

In order to be kept in the loop with this and all my future product reviews, 

click on the pink Bloglovin icon in the side bar.

KÉRASTASE GENESIS 

FONDANT RENFORÇATEUR

200ml

R

475

£

28

$

42

KÉRASTASE GENESIS BAIN HYDRA-FORTIFIANT SHAMPOO REVIEW

Over the years I have used several hair care products from 

KÉRASTASE 

and at a time when my hair was highly bleached I was a huge fan 

of the Nutritive and the Elixir Ultime ranges and stuck to these tried and 

tested products for many years, however as with skin our hair

needs change. With age I now find my self gravitating more to thickening,

volumising and anti breaking hair products.

Its only in the last 2 years or so that I have moved away from the 

professional salon home care hair products and experimented with

several drugstore brands, some have been a miss, but one range that I

was introduced to has been a huge hit for me and its from a Spanish brand 

NATUR VITAL

To read my reviews on several of their products

 Click Here

I was swayed back over to the "salon" side by the newly launched

 KÉRASTASE GENESIS 

Genesis addresses two of the causes of hair-fall; 

1. Hair falling due to stress on the hair fibre 

2. Hair falling from the mid-lengths due to breakage.

Unfortunately most women go through periods in life where they experience increased levels of hair-fall, I know I did after pregnancy and

somewhat now as part of the ageing process.

With input from hairdressers, nutritionists and dermatologists, 

the brand has arrived at an advanced in-salon and at-home routine to help 

reduce hair-fall due to breakage, to create a solution that is efficient and pleasurable. 

The range both appealed and intrigued me and I bought the 

GENESIS Gift Set which contained 3 products and retailed at the 

time of R950.

Containing the Shampoo, Conditioner and a Blow Dry Primer it offered

better value than buying the products individually and it would 

enable me to put them to the test as a whole package.

The range of GENESIS products is quite extensive with 7-9 products

(dependant on which country)

 including ampoules and a serum.

KÉRASTASE 

GENESIS 

BAIN HYDRA FORTIFIANT

SHAMPOO

This shampoo seemed to tick all the boxes for my current hair needs:

Anti hair-fall fortifying shampoo for weakened hair, prone to falling due to 

breakage. 

Gently clarifies and reinforces fibre to reduce the risk of hair-fall due to breakage.

 This ultra-delicate formula is ideal for fine or greasy hair to remove sebum 

and pollution particles from scalp and fibre. 

Its gentle cleansing action soothes and hydrates hair from root to tip, leaving a lightweight feel.

Prevents risk of hair-fall due to breakage from brushing.

97% less hair fall due to breakage from brushing*.

Silicone-free.

The range throughout is enriched with a potent combination of 

Edelweiss Native Cells and Ginger Root, the formula strengthens the fibre 

for intense resilience to reduce the risk of hair-fall due to breakage. 

Hair is prepared to be treated, fortified with a fuller and healthier look.

I've been using the shampoo & conditioner for about 6 weeks now and I can't

say that I've noticed any improvement with hair fall or breakage, as I find it

 so difficult to give a definite YES answer as to whether the breakage and 

hair fall is less, perhaps these are products that I must "Follow Up" on

 in a future post.

 I was slightly concerned that even though

my hair is fine its not greasy but leans more on the normal slightly dry side, however my scalp does become oily and was super impressed by how gently 

yet very effectively it cleaned my hair and especially my scalp.

The shampoo does work up a good lather and is easy to rinse and the shampoo smells lovely and fresh, however when using all 3 products together

 i.e. shampoo/conditioner and the blow dry primer the hair smells absolutely amazing for days.

Would I re-purchase the shampoo again yes I would, but I can't help

but be drawn back to my tried & tested NATUR VITAL range that promises

a very similar outcome for the hair and comes in at a quarter of the price.

*The corresponding Conditioner review will be up on the blog on Thursday*

KÉRASTASE

GENESIS

BAIN HYDRA FORTIFIANT

SHAMPOO

250mls

R

370

£

23.50

$

35

Kerastase products are available at selected Hair Salons

and online retailers in South Africa