4 June 2013

JACK BLACK INTENSE THERAPY LIP BALM SPF 25 {REVIEW}

On a my recent trip to Johannesburg I visited one of the three branches of Metropolitain Cosmetics in Hyde Park....Metropolitain Cosmetics have been around in the Johannesburg region for over a decade. They import exclusive skin care, fragrance and make up brands that are not available in South Africa through the normal, salon, pharmacy or department store channel.

The reason for my visit to Hyde Park on a Sunday morning was two fold, to try Tasha's for breakfast and to quickly run into L'Occitane to buy a Shea Lip Balm (one of my "Must Haves") as mine, was at its absolute end and my lips were in desperate need of some comfort!

To read my Handy Hint

Unfortunately L'Occitane was closed, so Metropolitan Cosmetics was my next stop. The two consultants on duty were so helpful and knowledgeable and it was refreshing to both see and hear! (Unfortunately I didn't get their names)

They introduced me to an American men's range, that was new to me called
Jack Black
and the name grabbed my attention immediately.

Their Story

Back in 2000, Curran Dandurand, her husband Jeff, and Emily Dalton founded Jack Black as a response to a void in the skin care marketplace. At that time few, if any, companies were creating premium quality, high-performance, easy-to-use grooming products for men. The name Jack Black, coined before the popularity of the comic actor, embodied the comfort and approachability of a good friend. And the packaging was designed to appeal to a masculine aesthetic. Jack Black quickly found a home in the most distinguished upscale retailers.

Every Jack Black product is carefully formulated from the very finest ingredients. Many, like plant extracts, herbs and healing botanicals come from time-tested natural remedies. But that’s only part of what makes Jack Black products work so well. We also incorporate the latest technologies to create formulas that are not only effective, but also lightweight and non-greasy. Fragrance-free, colorant-free, cruelty-free and dermatologist tested, Jack Black products take a refreshingly effective, honest and natural approach to helping you look and feel your best.

I was recommended and bought the Lemon & Chamomile lip balm, this product is available however in several Variants, such as Black Tea & Blackberry, Grapefruit and Ginger, Natural Mint & Shea Butter to name but a few!

Intense Therapy Lip Balm

SPF 25 with Lemon & Chamomile

R95

This lip balm is enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants, the emollient balm soothed and relieved my dry, chapped & irritated lips.

Unlike waxy sticks, it penetrated quickly to provide instant relief.

It offers a broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 25,

which is always welcome, as I live in sunny Durban.

It guards against windburn and temperature extremes.

The subtle lemon refreshes the lips and the chamomile both soothes and calms.

Interestingly this product won the Men's Health Award Winner 2009 - Best Lip Treatment.

So I may have just found a new "Must Have" lip balm...The Jack Black product line up is very appealing and it has several products that are sadly lacking in many male ranges available in South Africa. I was given and happily accepted several samples for my husband to try and reviews will follow.... I would love to hear from anyone that has used some of the other products in the Jack Black range.

To find out more about the Jack Black range and to order online visit

METROPOLITAIN COSMETICS

3 June 2013

AFRICAN PRIDE MELROSE ARCH HOTEL {REVIEW}

This past weekend my hubby and I spent the weekend in Johannesburg and were fortunate enough to stay at the 5* African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel Johannesburg,South Africa.
I have actually stayed at this hotel before,shortly after it opened several years ago.

If you read my blog regularly you will know that I recently stayed at another African Pride Hotel, the Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa in Cape Town.
(It was the one that my hubby didn't like, as it was too

" Blingy" and pink for him, so luckily this hotel got his nod of approval as its a little more "macho")

To read review

This luxurious hotel is situated within the exclusive urban Melrose Arch lifestyle development, a "city within a city". The entire Melrose Arch precinct is patrolled by 24 hour Security and monitored by CCTV surveillance for peace-of-mind comfort.
Whether you are on business or on holiday, the Melrose Arch Hotel is centrally situated and is only 26 kms from OR Tambo International airport, and only a few kms from many of the major shopping Centres.

However, the Melrose Arch development itself, has some great shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

This "Hip" hotel offers all the usual amenities and services that you would expect from a 5* hotel. The hotel staff are, as you would expect, very attentive and nothing was too much trouble.
All rooms are classed as Luxury and are larger than normal! Again mood lighting features in the bedroom, as it did at the Crystal Towers hotel. The spacious executive work station is well situated and comfy to work at, they also offer free Wi-fi and complimentary slippers, toiletries, tea, coffee, biscuits and a paper daily.

The "Welcome" goodies were very nice, but I do remember on my last visit having a bowl of Lindor chocolate balls, these have now been replaced by a bowl of oranges...mmm for your info and the African Pride Management... Lindor does it for me, oranges don't !

Large flat screen t.v, surround sound and a DVD library seems to be the norm, but my best "little" extra touch, was the two yellow rubber ducks that sit by every bath....Oh! And the candles in the bathroom were also a nice addition!

My only complaint is that most 5* hotels have double wash basins and this bathroom

had only the one, which, with my husbands "basin hogging" tendencies...was a little annoying!

I also must make mention of the great pool area that allows you on those hot days or warm evenings, to enjoy a sun downer, whilst you sit at the table with your feet in the shallow water. Tented day beds are also another great feature. The pool area is dominated by these huge bucket planters, which I love. I must also give a big thumbs up for supplying their guests with a complimentary tube of SPF 15 sun cream.