BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {JANUARY 2023}

Here we are at the beginning of 2023 and luckily for me the past year was 

a good one, albeit one that seemed to end no sooner than it began,

I am extremely grateful for everything that the year brought.

January will see me try out and review the 4 products below, a face mask,

a body self tan and a shampoo & conditioner combo, so as always

check back soon to see what I have to say on these products.

L-R

1.

ORIGINS 

DRINK UP INTENSIVE

 FACE MASK

Origins skincare was launched in South Africa during the 2nd half of 2022

and I'm glad to see that its quite readily available via several retailers.

I have previously reviewed one product from ORIGINS and that was the

 GINZING REFRESHING BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM

To read that review click here

So I am looking forward to trying my next product in the form of

a face mask, which has a very descriptive name, one that sounds

right up my "beauty street"

~~~~~~

VITA LIBERATA

FABULOUS GRADUAL

TANNING LOTION

This 50ml size product was actually a free gift with my 

VITA LIBERATA Beauty Blur 

that I order several months ago from the UK.

VITA LIBERATA have recently re-packaged their products and this

 product is still the old look, hence the reason why it was offered as a GWP.

However after some research I don't believe its been re-formulated,

so I will continue with my upcoming review.

I absolutely love their Beauty Blur and have had a couple now and its

such a pity that you cannot get the brand in South Africa anymore.

If you would like to read that review click here

~~~~~~

RITUALS

THE RITUAL OF SAKURA

SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER

Many of you may or may not know that I'm a huge fan of the wellness brand

 RITUALS 

and its a pity we don't have the brand here in South Africa.

Every year I have either 1 or 2 Beauty Advent Calendars to open and

for 2022 my calendar was a RITUALS one and I just loved the

assortment of wellness products, which included these 50ml sizes of

shampoo and conditioner and I cannot wait to put them to the test.

 

BY TERRY LIP-EXPERT SHINE LIQUID LIPSTICK #TBT REVIEW

Todays #tbt review doesn't go back too far...March to be precise

and having just finished this BYTERRY LIP-EXPERT I thought

it would be a good review to re-post.

I have loved everything about this lipstick; the shade, the packaging,

the texture, the applicator, but not the price, as its expensive.

However that being said, would I re-purchase?

 YES 

as its my perfect lipstick.

Sadly I won't be for sometime, as I have several other lipsticks

to review and use up and I know they won't get used if I 

brought this LIP-EXPERT back into my life

~~~~~~

Another discovery from my BY TERRY Beauty Advent Calendar is

their LIP-EXPERT lipsticks and in particular the SHINE LIQUID formula

in the shade Rosy Kiss

As I've said before beauty advent calendars are such a great way to discover

both brands and products and my BY TERRY one has been an absolute

treasure of discoveries.

I did receive 2 other lipsticks in the LIP-EXPERT MATTE format,

which sadly weren't suitable shades, so I gave them away recently to

a lucky follower.

Inspired by the ever-alluring Parisian style, this high pigment vinyl gloss

 liquid lipstick creates a long-lasting glamorous statement look. 

Featuring a hydrating formula, this liquid lipstick includes a conditioning dose of 

vitamin E to keep the lips moisturised, soft and supple even after repeated

 application.

Formulated to keep your lips hydrated, this lipstick offers irresistible shine 

with a vibrant colour for plump and radiant lips.

Is there any product from BY TERRY that isn't good?

I feel that I have tried and reviewed so many and have still to come

across one that isn't good!

Whilst there are a couple that I wouldn't re-purchased, not because

 I didn't enjoy them, its just that over the years found even better that

have become my firm favourites.

The BY TERRY Micellar Water is one that springs to mind as I'm 

huge fan of the BIODERMA Micellar Water.

If you would like to catch up on my BY TERRY Reviews Click Here

Besides being my perfect shade (Rosy Kisss), 

I may 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 

BY TERRY 

LIP-EXPERT 

SHINE LIQUID LIPSTICK

4ml

R

890

£

29

$

34

 

BEAUTY CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2022 {UNDER R500}

Having thoroughly enjoyed putting together my Christmas Gift Guides

 for 2022 and I've hand picked some wonderful

beauty gifting ideas for under R500.

If you will like to catch up on my previous posts

 Luxury Beauty Christmas Gift Guide 2022

Christmas Beauty Crackers 2022

 Christmas Beauty Baubles 2022

Lets Talk About Beauty Advent Calendars

CLINIQUE

MERRY MOISTURE SET

R345

If the receiver is a Clinique fan then I don't think you can go wrong with

 this set.

Includes: 

Moisture Surge™ 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator, 

1oz/30ml Chubby Stick™ Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mega Melon

FLORAL STREET

ROSE PROVENCE

CANDLE

200g

R483.75

I actually gifted someone with this candle last year and based 

on how much they raved about both the packaging and the fragrance

 I couldn't not include in this guide. 

A must for lovers of Rose scents as this will

awaken your senses with enchanting roses with the Rose Provence Candle. 

Also contains ingredients such as gentle rose core, latticed with raspberry,

 violet and patchouli.

MULTI TOILETRY 

BAG SET

4 PIECE

R479

WOOLWORTHS

This is a perfect practical gift for any beauty loving travellers, as this

WBeauty 4-in-1 cosmetic bag set allows you to easily organise your

 essentials and make-up for ease of access. 

PIXI

GLOW BEAUTY 

IN A BAG

R499

WOOLWORTHS

Being a huge fan of the PIXI GLOW TONIC this bag of glow goodies

caught my eye some weeks ago, but what a great way to

discover Pixi's 4 easy steps to instantly deep cleanse, gently exfoliate 

and reveal happy, healthy-looking skin with the Glow Beauty in a Bag!

FLORAL STREET

 DISCOVERY SET

R320

ARC

This one is for the perfume addicts and what a lovely way to discover

new scents with the Floral Street Discovery Set,

 an adorable mini scent wardrobe set to enthral your senses. 

This multi-award winner, is an exciting mini scent wardrobe containing 

a 1.5ml sized spray bottle of eight Floral Street fragrances.

EVE LOM

ICONIC CLEANSER

ORNAMENT

R475

SKINSCOSMETICS

I should have included this tree ornament in my Christmas Beauty Baubles

 post, alas I didn't and what a good little skin treat it is..

I rate this cleansing balm right up there with my Elemis Cleansing Balm.

The Eve Lom iconic 5-in-1 Cleanser balm removes impurities and 

melts away any traces of make-up, including waterproof formulas, 

and provides hydration for up to 12 hours after use. 

The Cleanser, when used together with the extra-fine Muslin Cleansing Cloth

 made from 100% cotton gives a deep gentle cleanse.

L'OCCITANE

MOST-LOVED 

HAND CRAM TRIO

R465

L'OCCITANE

You cannot go wrong with any gifting item from L'Occitane

and you will find all your favourite hand cream scents, 

delightfully packaged in a festive trio!

This gift set contains:

Citrus Verbena Hand Cream Gel (Travel Size)

Almond Delicious Hands (Travel Size)

Shea Butter Hand Cream (Travel Size)

RITUALS RITUAL OF HAMMAM DEEPLY PURIFYING HOT BODY SCRUB {REVIEW}

Sadly RITUALS isn't available in South Africa and I really 

wished it was, as its a beautiful collection of Wellness products and in

their own words

"We're not here to sell you beauty,

 we are here to make you feel good."

If you have ever been into a RITUALS Boutique, any where in the world,

 you will know how beautiful they are and you cannot help but feel good

 and this applies to all of the RITUALS products that I have tried to date.

I will be reviewing several more RITUALS products in 2023 as I

have one of their beautiful Advent Calendars, which will enable me

to indulge in more of their RITUALS.

The Hammam is one of the oldest cleansing traditions in the world. 

This steam bath experience from the East purifies both body and soul. 

This ancient custom inspired RITUALS to create a modern 

Hammam collection for your home.

Today I'm reviewing...

The RITUAL of HAMMAM Hot Body Scrub

Wake up your body and your senses with the ultimate purifying 

scrub experience.

 This 94% natural origin and nourishing oil-based body scrub 

contains coarse sea salt crystals for thorough yet gentle exfoliation.

 The salt crystal particles remain intact when massaged onto the skin,

 resulting in even softer, smoother and nourished skin.

A rich eucalyptus oil blend with actual eucalyptus leaves is added

 for a stimulating and refreshing effect on the body and your mind.

 Eucalyptus is also well known as a natural antiseptic with anti-viral,

 anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties.

Your body feels super soft and refreshed afterwards and is left with 

a wonderful warm sensation that can immediately help to

 reduce tiredness.

This scrub with 94% ingredients of natural origin is carefully curated

 to benefit your skin optimally. 

The remaining 6% are clean and conscious lab-made ingredients 

which support the integrity and safety of our formulations.

Massage the body scrub into damp skin. 

Rinse off with warm water. 

For best results, use 1-2 a week

WOW!

 this body scrub is possibly the best that I have ever reviewed

and I've reviewed many.

If you would like to read which my current faves are

Click here

It's just how I love a body scrub to be, it has coarse salts that 

really polish the skin, without stripping or damaging your

skin barrier, it smells divine and an added bonus with this one,

it has that slight warming feel on the skin.

I highly recommend this product if, like me, you enjoy a 

corse salt scrub, one that you can feel working on your skin to

reveal a softer and smoother skin.

* I think this product may have had a name change depending on

which market you are purchasing in *

RITUAL OF HAMMAM

HOT BODY SCRUB

300g

R

N/A in SA

£

16.50

LET'S TALK ABOUT - BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDARS IN SA 2022

LET'S TALK ABOUT BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDARS,

as it's a topic I love to talk about.

 (Hence the long blogpost today)

I have to be South Africa's biggest fan of advent calendars, especially

the beauty ones, but I am partial to a chocolate one and I confess

that I've had a chocolate calendar every year since being a child and this

year will be no exception even at my age...

The beauty calendars are what get me the most excited now and I treated

 myself to my first one back in 2016.

Beauty Calendars have been big business in the UK & USA for many years

and I'm happy to report that for 2022 we have a decent

assortment here in South Africa.

I am hoping to make this an annual post and I have 14 listed below.

  Here's some background into the world of beauty advent calendars:

 They can vary between having 12, 24 or 25 doors or drawers and they fall

 into two categories: 

The Brand Calendars, 

where behind every door is a product from the same brand.

The Multi Brand Calendars 

where you will find a

selection of products from a variety of beauty houses spread across 

the calendar doors. These are usually from beauty stores or 

beauty online retailers that retail many brands and are my personal 

favourites.

Beauty Advent Calendars can contain a variety of product sizes

ranging from sample, deluxe, travel and in more recent years 

full size products.

What I love about an advent calendar is the daily excitement and surprise

 behind every festive door in the days leading up to Christmas Day

 and whilst I know what the calendar contains before I order,

 I've usually forgotten by the time it comes to the daily opening.

They also offer the chance to experience new brands and new products,

which I just love.

More often than not, they offer a great saving over buying all of the

items individually and if there's a product that doesn't appeal to

you or not for your skin type, then I often gift them as stocking fillers,

and the smaller sizes always come in handy for travel.

Another added bonus is that many of the boxes are reusable 

and I have filled several of my previous advent calendars with beauty, 

chocolates and other goodies for my family.

My past beauty advent calendars have all been mainly multi brand calendars,

however last year I also had my first brand calendar BYTERRY, which

was one of my favourites of all time.

and I have Highlight Reels over on my IG account for each one

with what my daily openings revealed.

For 2022 I will be opening the 24 Days of the 

RITUALS PREMIUM CALENDAR

and I cannot wait for December 1st

LA MER

ADVENT CALENDAR

12 DAYS

R7,900

Shop online

Limited Edition. 

A holiday countdown calendar with a host of La Mer favorites.

12-PIECE SET INCLUDES

The Cleansing Foam, 30ml

The Tonic, 30ml

The Renewal Oil, 5ml

The Regenerating Serum, 5ml

The Revitalizing Hydrating Serum, 5ml

The Lifting & Firming Mask, 15ml

The Intensive Revitalizing Mask, 15ml

The Eye Concentrate, 5ml

The Lip Balm, 9g

The Hydrating Infused Emulsion, 15ml

The Cool Gel Cream, 15ml

Crème de La Mer, 15ml

JO MALONE

ADVENT CALENDAR

25 DAYS

R6570

Shop online

Make the countdown to Christmas even more exciting. 

Fill your December with 25 days of scented treats.

 Mood-boosting home fragrances, popular colognes in miniature,

 seasonal adornments and a couple of full-sized surprises await.

The Advent Calendar Includes:
White Moss & Snowdrop Cologne 9ml
Scarlet Poppy Cologne Intense 9ml
Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne 9ml
Honeysuckle & Davana Cologne 9ml
Red Roses Shaped Soap
Pine & Eucalyptus Travel Candle
Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne 9ml
Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense 9ml
Wood Sage & Sea Salt Body Crème 15ml
Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne Intense 9m
Peony & Blush Suede Body & Hand Lotion 30ml
Blackberry & Bay Cologne 9ml
Limited-Edition Collectible Snowball Keyring
Velvet Rose & Oud Cologne Intense 9ml
Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Wash 30ml
Peony & Blush Suede Cologne 9ml
Myrrh & Tonka Mini Candle
Red Roses Cologne 9ml
Oud & Bergamot Cologne Intense 9ml
Jasmin Sambac & Marigold Cologne Intense 9ml
Lime Basil & Mandarin Mini Candle
Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne 9ml
Limited-Edition Collectible Snow Globe
English Pear & Freesia Body and Hand Wash 50ml
English Pear & Freesia Cologne 30ml

CHARLOTTE RHYS 

ADVENT CALENDAR

24 DAYS

R2332

Shop online

If the countdown to Christmas fills you with festive joy, 

you'll love the brand-new CHARLOTTE RHYS Advent Calendar.

With a range of beautifully fragranced treats hidden inside, 

this stylish calendar puts a twist on a treasured tradition and leaves you

 feeling and smelling great.

 Featuring a selection of our signature scents to enjoy, it makes the 

perfect present for friends and family or for yourself.

In The Drawers you'll find:

4 x 100g Bath Soap 

 (A timeless treat, our bath bar soap lathers into rich, sumptuous suds

 that leave your hands feeling and smelling incredible.)

4 x 50g Perfumed Candle

 (Whether it's for cosy nights in or long summer suppers, our deliciously scented, slow-burning candles give you hours of fine fragrance to enjoy)

4 x 30ml Hand Cream

(With its beautifully fragranced formula, this luxurious lotion will help nourish

 and condition your skin, giving your hands the attention they deserve.)

4 x 100ml Hand & Body Lotion

 (Packed with heavenly hydration, this lotion smooths into the skin, 

reviving and restoring your hands and body whilst leaving you smelling sensational.)

4 x 100g Supreme Body Crème

(Our supreme body creme will nourish and repair your skin with its richly 

textured, yet elegant, formula locking in moisture to leave it soft and

 nourished throughout the day.)

4 x 10ml Eau De Parfum

 (With just a splash of our Eau de Parfum, you can transform your mood,

 elevate an experience and perfume your world)

Fragrances Include Oud Noir, Oud Blanche, No.17, Under the Leaves, 

Gingerbread (50g candle)

All Charlotte Rhys products are vegan-approved, cruelty-free and carefully crafted using sustainable practices.

NIMUE

12 DAYS OF HEALTHY SKIN

ADVENT CALENDAR

R1,750

Shop online

Unlock 12 days of healthy skin this festive season with Nimue's

 limited edition Advent Calendar.

Contents:

 Cleansing Gel 15ml
▪ Exfoliating Enzyme 15ml
▪ Hyaluronic UltraFiller Serum 15ml
▪ Super Hydrating Mask 15ml
▪ Environmental Shield SPF 50 15ml
▪ 2x Active Resurfacing Wipes
▪ Hydro Lip Protection
▪ Anti-ageing Eye Cream 15ml
▪ Select your own moisturiser*
▪ Limited edition Body Wash 15ml
▪ Limited edition Body Lotion 15ml
▪ Limited edition Active Heel Treatment 15ml

L'OCCITANE

CLASSIC

BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR

24 DAYS

R1300

Shop online

Start everyday of December (re)discovering the best of L’OCCITANE products, including our latest novelties. 

This advent calendar features their most popular body, hair and skincare products. 24 days of pampering – what’s not to love?

Indulge a loved one or treat yourself to this luxurious pre-Christmas gift, 

which contains:

75ml Almond Delicious Hands

5ml Immortelle Precious Cream

25g Verbena Leaf Soap

4ml Shea Ultra Rich Lip Balm

35ml Almond Shampoo

10ml Shea Butter Hand Cream

 30ml Verbena Body Lotion

10ml Rose Hand Cream

 35ml Citrus Verbena Shower Gel

 5ml Overnight Reset Serum

10ml Verbena Cooling Hand Cream Gel

35ml Almond Shower Oil

6ml The Petit Remedy

 5ml Shea Light Comforting Cream

35ml Almond Conditioner

A Wooden Comb

10ml Cherry Blossom Hand Cream

35ml Repairing Shampoo

25g Shea Milk Extra Gentle Soap

35ml Citrus Verbena Body Lotion

50g Almond Delicious Soap

35ml Repairing Conditioner

30ml Verbena Shower Gel

10ml Shea Butter Foot Cream.

BODY SHOP

ULTIMATE

ADVENT CALENDAR

25 DAYS

R2,995

Shop online

The Body Shop have 2 calendars on offer in SA this year and this

one is the more expensive one.

The Body Shop Ultimate Advent Calendar features an amazing 

pop-up construction with 25 seriously good head-to-toe treats for keeping

 you pampered all season. 

Plus, a few full-sized favourites and bestsellers have been added to make 

this calendar extra-special. 

Your countdown to Christmas Day will be even more wonder-filled with this 

Box of Wishes and Wonders Ultimate Advent Calendar.

BABOR

AMPOULES CONCENTRATE

ADVENT CALENDAR

24 DAYS

R1,820

The BABOR Advent Calendar 2020 has arrived - 

containing a whole collection of the most effective serums from BABOR! 

This year their beautiful calendar includes an active course of these

 24 ampoules….

2 x Hydra Plus

2 x Algae Vitaliser

2 x Stress Control

2 x Beauty Rescue

3 x Active Night

3 x 3D Firming

3 x Lift Express

2 x Grand Cru Rosé

3 x Grand Cru White

2 x Grand Cru Black

SENSAI

HOLIDAY ADVENT CALENDAR

12 DAYS

R4,500

Shop online

Treat yourself or someone you like this Christmas with a gift featuring SENSAI’s most beloved skincare and makeup  products.

Inspired by Kirie, the Japanese paper art, this limited edition set is decorated

 with scenic motifs unique to Japanese nature and the four seasons.

This beauty calendar includes 12 windows with best-selling products that are

 either used during the coming year, either as a surprise each month, or for those who can’t wait, like a Christmas calendar with a window to open 

every other day.

SOIL

AROMATHERAPY

ADVENT CALENDAR

24 DAYS

R320

Shop Online

A 24-day journey exploring natural and organic wellness products. 

Join SOiL in the countdown by following our social media pages.

The calendar shares 1ml vials to sample pure essential oils and pure 

essential oil blends; massage oil blends; remedy roller blends; carrier oils

 and even an aroma charm for your Christmas tree.

BENEFIT

SINCERELY YOURS

BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR

12 DAYS

R1,150

Shop Online

Get 12 of Benefit’s bestselling & fan-favorite beauty goodies

Features brow top-sellers, mascaras, pore primers & face powders

Open a door each day for a holiday beauty surprise!

MOLTON BROWN

ADVENT CALENDAR

24 DAYS

R6,160

Shop Online

One of my bubbles of choice this MOLTON BROWN calendar is filled

with some absolute MB treasures.

Make your festive countdown full of merriment with 24 cherished Molton Brown icons, Bathing luxuries and Fragrances joyfully waiting to be revealed. 

This Limited Edition Advent Calendar is splendidly embossed with a golden wreath, sprinkled with festive flowers and fruits.

ACQUA DI PARMA

ADVENT CALENDAR

25 DAYS

R8,000

Shop Online

Celebrate colours and joy with 25 special treats this Holiday Season with Acqua di Parma's Advent Calendar wrapped in a visual symphony of the Maison's golden shades of yellow with seasonal accents of red and green.

Celebrate colours and joy with 25 special treats this Holiday Season with 

Acqua di Parma's Advent Calendar wrapped in a visual symphony of the

 Maison's golden shades of yellow with seasonal accents of red and green.

CLARINS

ADVENT CALENDAR

24 DAYS

R2,100

Shop Online

It's not just children who look forward to Christmas...

 so you can count down in style, Clarins presents its iconic beauty calendar.

 A festive selection of 24 iconic surprises to discover each day when 

you open the window: skincare, body care and make-up to embellish

 your preparations and make sure you're the most beautiful

 thing under the tree. 

It's hard to resist opening all the windows at the same time!

ESSENCE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

ADVENT CALENDAR

24 DAYS

R599

Shop online

In the limited edition essence advent calendar, 24 happy moments are 

waiting to be discovered: 

21 full-sized products & 3 nail polishes in a mini format.

This advent calendar contains a moisturizing sheer lipstick, eye patches

 in the shape of a star and a Xmas highlighter. 

This is guaranteed to make the Christmas countdown all the more beautiful!