RECENT EMPTIES {JUNE 2020}

Three products that I've thoroughly enjoyed over the recent months

 have all sadly come to an end.

1.

Margaret Dabbs

Nail & Cuticle Serum

This excellent nail and cuticle serum was a gift from my long time friend

back in the UK, as she wanted me to experience the wonders of this "magic pen".

I included this product in a QPR (Quickie Product Review) post some months ago 

and I'm sorry that its now on the verge of being cut open to

scrape out every last bit...

To read my mini review

2.

The White Company

Diffuser

Lime & Bay

This was another gift that I received at Christmas and I've never written a review

about it, not even in a QPR post, so this is now becoming a mini review.

The White Company are UK based and have been around for over 25 years.

 Chrissie Rucker had a vision: to create a company that specialised in stylish, white homewares, combining the highest quality with affordable prices. 

She envisioned creating a seamless shopping experience across every channel, from beautiful stores to online.

Thankfully the "White Homewares" include quality candles and home fragrance

and I was happy to receive the Lime & Bay Diffuser from a vast array of fragrances

 The White Company have on offer.

Lime & Basil is an exotic mix of mandarin, pink grapefruit, bergamot, orange, 

lime, lemon, Jasmine buds, lime blossom, ginger and crushed bay leaves, so if you

enjoy a citrus type of fragrance then Lime & Basil would be a good choice.

This lovely scent diffuser is a subtle way to softly fragrance a room and

I located mine in my bedroom and as far as diffusers go, it was very good in terms 

of diffusing the scent into the air and the longevity of the liquid.

I found that the liquid lasted approximately 4-5 months despite TWC saying

3 months and it's one to go onto my UK Shopping List for the future.

The White Company

Lime & Basil

Diffuser

£27.00

150mls

3.

Bath & Body Works

Creamy Luxe

Hand Wash

I did a mini review on the Bath & Body Works Creamy Luxe Hand Wash

last year and luckily I have several as back-up stock.

These liquid hand washes are beautifully rich, creamy and having an endless

variety of fragrances to chose from they all smell divine.

As hand washes go, this scores very highly with me.

To find out more read my mini review

MY TOP 5 HAIR & BODY PRODUCTS {2021}

 I have reduced the number of My Top Hair & Body product

recommendations for 2021 from a previous 10 to 5, partially due to

me trying less products in this category and also I want to keep

this list to the very best. I have also added a couple products that

don't really fit into this category, but I wanted to include, as I

recommend them highly.

I have already posted my Top 4 Most Disappointing Products of 2021

Click Here

I will also be posting 

My Top Skincare and My Top Make-Up Recommendations

very soon.

These products below are in no particular order and I will link the

 original full reviews

 in the Pink Links below

1.

CHRISTOPHE ROBIN 

CLEANSING PURIFYING SCRUB WITH SEA SALT

I have reviewed several products from the French haircare brand

Christophe Robin. My latest review was on their Purifying Sea Salt Scrub

and I cannot love this product anymore.

In short it's a scalp exfoliator and shampoo that cleanses, removes buildup, 

and soothes sensitive, flaky, and oily scalps and its the type of product

that I had been looking for.

I'm 100% sold on this product, as it left my hair and scalp feeling incredibly

fresh, clean and more importantly for me, my hair felt light, almost

weightless, which has never happened previously with any other

 hair products.

To read my original full review

2.

BURT'S BEES

LEMON BUTTER

CUTICLE CREAM

I do a love a good Cuticle Cream and during 2021 I reviewed this 

Lemon Butter one from the USA brand BURT'S BEES.

Everything about this handy little tin of lemony freshness was

pure pleasure to use and it left my dry cuticles feeler much softer

 and more nourished, so if your cuticles have been neglected then

I highly recommend that you give them a treat this Winter,

your cuticles will love it... 

To read my original Full Review

3.

KÉRASTASE 

GENESIS DEFENSE 

THERMIQUE BLOW DRY PRIMER

Having used a heat protecting/detangling product for many years

 I have been loving and using this product all year and it does last a long time.

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

for weakened hair, prone to falling due to breakage.

I would highly 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 original Full Review

4.

TATA HARPER FACIAL 

AT THE OYSTER BOX HOTEL SPA

I understand this inclusion is a little out of this category but I really wanted

 to mention my TATA HARPER facial at the Oyster Box Spa, 

as it was a highlight of 2021

and I highly recommend if your budget stretches.

I opted for the TATA HARPER Illuminating Facial (75mins).

  The facial also included a welcoming foot cleansing ritual

 and a much needed hand and arm massage, which took the pamper

session to another level of sublime.

The coming together of an award winning spa and a luxury organic 

range of skincare products is an absolute match made in heaven 

and that's just how I felt for 75 minutes...I was in facial heaven.

To read my original Full Review

5.

THE WHITE COMPANY

WINTER CANDLE

This is another random that doesn't have a category, so I've included

 into the Hair & Body group.

I included this candle in one of my QPR posts (Quick Product Review)

back in September and it scored 10/10 and I just had to include it.

I'm a HUGE perfumed candle fan and always have been long before

I started my blog and I burn through many over the course of a year.

This iconic Winter candle from The White Company is perhaps their most

popular and I just adore it and thankfully my London "Kiddiewink"

has ensured that I have another one to burn for 2022.

It's a magical combination of spicy cinnamon, rich warming clove 

and fresh zesty orange which creates the perfect Christmas candle.

The fragrance pay is great and the candle burns very evenly and everything

about it makes me so happy. 

To read my original Quick Review

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEW {QPRS} SEPTEMBER 2021

 

I was aware that I hadn't uploaded a QPR post in sometime,

but when I checked back it was exactly a year ago September 2020.

I'm not 100% sure why that is and I can only imagine that I have

purchased or been sent far less products that require a 

"quickie" review.

Here are 2 products that I want "quickly" to let you know about.

1.

Brand : Moyoko

Product : Hair Brush

Price : R199

I have been a fan of the WET Brush and have bought several over 

the years, but I'm now finding that the pins on the ends of the bristles come

off way to quickly, which results in my scalp being scratched and I've

also had the handle snap on my one, so I've been looking to find a hairbrush

that is gently on my hair whether it be wet or dry and my hairdresser 

recently introduced me to the Moyoko Brush.

They come in an assortment of colours and I chose the orange colour.

The Moyoko brush has a rounded shape to comfortably fit the shape of 

your head, which I really like, making it easier and more efficient way to

 brush your hair. 

The hair bristles and pins are made from nylon and to date they're all

still in place and do not scratch my scalp.

Now whilst I prefer the WET Brush on wet hair, personall, I prefer the

Moyoko for use on dry hair and styling and is a great brush to use whilst

ironing my hair and general brushing through the hair.

The brush pins contain Argan oil to add softness and shine to your hair

which initially I found to leave an oily coating on my hair, which after

several brushings seemed to diminish.

The small silicone pins claim to help detangle the hair and reduces frizz

unfortunately I found the brush to make "hard work" of the initial

post wash detangling exercise.

I'm going to stick with both my Moyoko brush and my WET Brush 

and work between the two, as they both bring some benefits and ease

 to the brushing/detangling/styling process.

Verdict : 7/10

~~~~~~ 

2.

Brand : The White Company

Product : Winter Signature Candle

Price : £20

Size : 140g

Created over 21 years ago, Winter is now loved all over the world and often described by their customers as ‘the scent of Christmas’ and I agree 200%,

 as it's a magical combination of spicy cinnamon, rich warming clove 

and fresh zesty orange, it just never fails to please.

This single wick candle has been so loved and treasured by me, because

 I don't know when I'll be able to replace, and sadly it's nearly at the end.

The fragrance pay off has been great, the candle has burnt very evenly 

and I'm really going to miss my "Christmas" in a candle.

Verdict : 10/10

ESPECIALLY ESCADA FRAGRANCE COLLECTION {REVIEW}

It was this beautiful pink Escada display that I saw in Woolworths Gateway yesterday that has prompted me to review the Especially Escada range of fragrances. For those that are not aware Escada is an international luxury fashion group in women's designer clothing and was founded in 1978 by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley in Munich, Germany.

Escada Beauté was founded in 1990, which saw the release of its first fragrance, Escada Margaretha Ley, named after one of the company's founders. Internationally Escada has launched many fragrances most of which never made it to South Africa.Like the company's fashions, the fragrances are notable for their bright packaging and unusual bottle shapes.The company's emphasis was on youthful fruity-floral scents and in my opinion they had some of the worst names ever, like Ibiza Hippie, Cherry In The Air, Escada Sexy Graffiti and Chiffon Sorbet to name but an awful few. Alas many of the fragrances that were launched here in South Africa were sadly "forgettable" that was until 2011, when the now successful Especially Escada collection was launched. Especially Escada was followed in 2012 by Especially Escada Delicate Notes and in 2013 Especially Escada Elixir emerged on the fragrance scene.

This  Especially Escada range is designed to reflect the passion and beauty of the rose, with each scent celebrating a different flower., This "grown up" trio, whilst still appealing to the fun loving young, fits comfortably with a more mature market, especially like Moi! 

Especially Escada

Is a luxurious Eau de Parfum, which is a modern yet feminine scent, with a sparkling top note of pear and exotic notes of ambrette seeds, which dries down to reveal a fresh combination of rose and ylang ylang. Light musky notes complete the scent, adding a dewy subtle touch of femininity, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Available in 30ml , 50ml , 75ml Eau de Parfum Sprays 

R585/R810/R1030

Especially Escada Delicate Notes

Offers a delicate Eau de toilette version of the original Especially Escada, this scent is effortless and easy to wear reflecting the freshness of morning dew and pear blossom in springtime, this fragrance sparkles with femininity. This delicate fragrance would be ideal in the warm and humid summers of Durban or for those days that where delicate was the order of the day.

Available in 50ml & 75ml Eau de Toilette Sprays 

R745/R930

Especially Escada Elixir

A powerful version of the original rose fragrance, Especially Escada Elixir is a seductive scent with a deep, feminine allure.

The top note of pear adds sweetness to the fragrance, and its delicate fruitiness is again fresh and feminine.The heart includes Turkish rose absolut, ylang-ylang, accords of prune and fresh plums, laid on the base of patchouli, white musk, dry amber, cashmere and Madagascar vanilla.This more intense Eau de Parfum would be perfect for me in the evening or in the cooler winter months.

Available in 30ml & 50ml Eau de Parfum Sprays 

R610/R860

If it hadn't have been for the Rose barrow in Woolworths I would still be of the opinion that Escada should just stick to doing what they do best...clothing and accessories, however Especially Escada is a great collection of sparkling,feminine rose fragrances that suits every age, occasion and season. I just hope they don't return to creating forgettable fragrances with hideous names.

To Order Online

Woolworths

Red Square

CARIBBEAN TAN IN A CAN INSTANT {REVIEW}

In life I am not normally a procrastinator, but when it comes to "spray on tans" I have deliberated for the past 3 years, yes you read correctly... 3 years! I had good intentions of doing some research into spray tans offered at salons, but guess what...I didn't get around to it, so hence this post!

With the salon route being out of the picture for the moment I turned to the "off the shelf" options available from Clicks. My list of "wants" was primarily no orange shade, easy to apply, no streaking and no chemical smell.Despite being in the beauty business the variety on display daunted me. I found myself having to read the info on each brands box, which was not only time consuming,but also caught the attention of the security who then decided to stand along side me and keep me company during this decision process, which only added to my irritation.

I finally opted for the Caribbean Tan In A Can Instant which is a fine tanning spray with instant colour and 360 degree spray technology. It promised to deliver a deep, even, seamless tan. It gives an immediate bronze that develops over 8 hours and dries within 10 minutes.
Originally formulated for salon application only.. in 2007 they expanded the brand to include products to use at home. 
This award winning range now includes the following products:

 Self Tan 
Sunscreens 
Bronzers 
Moisturisers 
and 
Exfoliators 

My colour choice was made a little easier as Caribbean Tan offer a colour chart on the side of the box that you can match to your own colouring. I decided that I really didn't want the dark look, but rather a subtle body colour change to take me from winter pale to summer bronze, so I opted for the "safe" shade A Fair/White.

Caribbean Tan is an innovative concept in the application of Sunless Tanning. Their State of the Art Delivery System virtually eliminates all problems associated with Sunless Tanning Creams, which means no streaks,no concentration of dark colour around elbows and knees and no "tell tale" fake tan smell. The innovative Sun Protection products also offer UVA and UVB protection.Their products also contain tan enhancing ingredients that make your skin tan faster and so lessen the time you need to spend in the sun working on your tan. This product seemed to answer my list of "wants".

As with most Sunless products on the market you will find an assortment of "Add Ons" to buy, in order to smooth and moisturise the skin for preparation and products to apply to extend the tan. I used my usual exfoliator and a neutral body moisturiser, as it is important to prep your skin before application to ensure that all important "natural look".

How does Caribbean tan work?

Caribbean Tan products contain specially formulated active ingredients. One of these ingredients is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone - natural sugar cane derivative). When applied to the skin, DHA causes a chemical reaction with the skin to produce a tan much like the sun, but without the UVA and UVB damage to the skin.

 (Stained hands after application can be problematic and I advise that you  not only work speedily but wash your hands often during the application to ensure no staining. As with most fake tans you do need to allow to dry completely before applying clothes.If however you do stain clothing normally washing will remove)

How long does it last?

Caribbean Tan lasts between 4 to 10 days, depending on your skin type and how well you maintain it.

(I found that a light application every 4-5 days just kept the colour constant and was really no extra effort)

Caribbean Tan is available in selected beauty and tanning salons around SA for those that feel a little anxious about doing your own home spray on tan, but I found the whole home process very easy and I enjoyed the subtle colour change it gave my skin. I also think for the price of around R90 it offers affordable value for money...

Now that I'm on a roll with the "Tan in a Can" concept expect some more reviews from other brands. 

If you have a favourite brand please let me know in the comment box, so I can consider for my next review.

Just one last question pour "Moi"....Why did I procrastinate for so long??

For more info on products and stockists

BOURJOIS 123 PERFECT CC CREAM {REVIEW}

If I'm not mistaken this is the first product that I have tried from the French brand 

BOURJOIS...

I had to do some research, as I knew very little about this brand, so here is a quick look at its origins:

 In 1863, Bourjois was born on the great boulevards of Paris in the theatre district, at a time when France was the world's second leading economic power. The actor Joseph-Albert Ponsin was the company's first creator; he prepared makeup and perfumes for actors and actresses in the comfort of his own home. In 1868, Ponsin entrusted his entire activity to Alexandre-Napoléon Bourjois. The company blossomed in the hands of Monsieur Bourjois, who made it internationally known.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

I've tried several BB (Beauty Balm) creams in the past, so I thought it was about time I tried my 2nd CC (Colour Correcting) cream. 

(Yes I'm a bit late on the CC bandwagon, especially as they have been around since 2010) 

CC creams were formulated to reduce the appearance of skin redness or sallowness or to improve uneven skin tone. 

Most include a SPF and can be used alone or as a primer under your foundation. 

CC creams can range from a light sheer tinted moisturiser to a heavier textured cream with a higher coverage, similar to that of a foundation and most brands now have a CC cream in their product offering that have a variety of multi tasking features.

Bourjois say that 123 Perfect CC Cream will correct and perfect your complexion with its 
3 colour correcting pigments that give a fresh and luminous result.

Apricot Pigments : Anti Fatigue
Green Pigments : Anti Redness
White Pigments : Anti Dark Spots

I found the 123 Perfect CC Cream to be a combination of a light foundation and a 
treatment cream, as I experienced a super hydrating product that provides long lasting 
hydration with that all important SPF, in this case a reasonable SPF of 15.

The product is quite liquid despite its name being a cream, so be sure to give it a good shake before use.
Its surprisingly lightweight oil-free formula glides easily onto your skin for a smooth application.

I personally preferred to use the product alone on those days where I wasn't needing to wear full make-up, as I found it was too much moisture/hydration when used over my regular moisturise and under my foundation, as my skin just felt overloaded with product and greasy, especially in hot humid climes of Durban.

As a colour corrector - I'm unsure about this product, I do have a mature skin with some redness and the usual dark areas, but I can't say it did anything more than a concealer and foundation would have done.
Having said that I do understand why people would love this CC cream, as it would enhance beautifully a younger skin giving it a more perfect flawless appearance.

Unfortunately young skin isn't "moi", so my disappointment is more due to my incorrect choice of product rather any poor performance of the product itself.
However I will use up the product on those "stay at home" days, but I won't be repurchasing.

There are 3 colour shades to choose from; Bronze, Ivory and Rose Beige and I opted for the later Rose Beige, which was a good match.

Boujois 123 Perfect CC Cream retails for R195.95 for 30mls
Available from selected Clicks and Dischems countrywide.

To read my previous reviews on BB creams:

garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Review
L'Occitane Sublime Essence Sublime Beauty Cream Review
Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream Review

To read my previous review on a CC cream :

L'Occitane Pivoine Sublime CC Cream Review

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER "LE BEAU MALE" REVIEW

Jean Paul Gaultier is a French haute couture and Pret-a-Porter fashion designer. Best known for his dramatic  sculptured costume designs, the most recognizable creation being the famous cone bra, that he created for Madonna's Blond Ambition tour 23 years ago and we must not forget his "man skirt" collection. 

Often courting controversy with his creations and choice of models, he has been hailed as a brilliant designer!

Its often a natural and lucrative progression for  fashion designers to crossover into producing their own fragrance collections, which he did in collaboration with the Puig Company back in 1990. 

The latest addition to  the JPG male assortment is "Le Beau Male" which translated means 

"The Beautiful Male"

 and

 "beautiful"

 is what comes to mind, 

with regard to the hunk in the ad campaign!

KAYLAN FALGOUST

Ok! 

Eyes away from the BORING poster and back to reading my review please!

The fragrance is initially a burst of freshness thanks to the mint and absinthe, which tricks you into thinking this fragrance is light and cool.

Then comes the calming Lavender, mixed with clary sage and orange blossom and the base notes are a sensual and seductive concoction of musks.

This fragrance offers a unique mix of hot and ice-cold notes.

To quote Jean Paul Gaultier himself:

"This is the scent of freshness which makes men hot.The new fragrance Le Beau Male is created to accentuate erotic potential of each man and to stimulate all sense".

The bottle is shaped like all previous editions of the Le Male collection. The Man' torso is colored in ice blue with light blue, metallic stripes over his chest. Ice cold white color accentuates juiciness and freshness, while blue metallic stripes restrain strength and energy.

HOT & COOL

 is exactly what this fragrance is!

Luckily both my hubby and I enjoy the Le Male original and in my opinion it's still one of the "sexiest" fragrances around...and I love it!

Unfortunately, over the years the sailors torso lost its place in my hubbys fragrance wardrobe.

However combine the original with this new intense freshness and I am in love all over again...

Whilst retaining some of the powerful facets of the original,

 be warned....

don't expect the same sexy and sensual linger from Le Beau Male.

Sizes & Prices:

75ml Edt R685

125ml Edt R845

200ml Shower Gel R550

75g Deo Stick R385

Available from JPG stockists nationally

Other fragrance reviews:

Manifesto Yves Saint Laurent

Swarovski Aura edt

Pure DKNY a drop of rose