MY TOP 6 FACE CARE PRODUCTS {2017}

My annual "Top" posts are becoming increasingly more difficult each year 

and the face care one more so than the others. 
There are a multitude of wonderful products and brands out there
and this list is made up of my personal fave finds.

I have increased the number of products chosen from 5 to 6 and these 

facial products have all been tried and fully tested by moi during 2017 

and each one seriously deserves to be included in this post.

My Top  6 Face Care Products 2017

My selection does not follow the popular "best in" category format, but it comprises 

of my absolute favourite standout products regardless of category.

Being a mature beauty blogger that focuses on skincare reviews 

I would just like to remind you that my reviews are never based on a one week 

or even a 6 week trial period, they're based on a minimum of 3 months usage 

or until the product has completely finished. 

I not only hate wasting my hard earned money by abandoning a product

 to move onto the next one, but it's not fair to you the readers to review 

after only a short usage time. 

Due to this lengthy review time I don't perhaps review as many face care 

products as other beauty bloggers and hopefully the reason you follow 

my blog is due to the fact that you enjoy reading about creams, serums etc. 

that have been thoroughly put to the test.

This enables you are to be armed 

with information as to what to expect from a product in terms of its 

features, advantages and more importantly the benefits to your precious skin. 

You will already be aware that I tend to review more mid to high end priced
 anti ageing products especially when it comes to skincare, as at 57 years of age
 I need all the anti ageing technology a skin can get.

I will also link my previous years "Top" posts, many of which I still love and

 use today but here are my top picks for 2017.

Click on the Pink Links to read my full reviews and find out what made 

me enjoy them so much...

1.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Mask

Since writing my review these eye masks are now available in South Africa

1 mask R175

4 masks R635

Full Review

2.

Pixi Glow Tonic

Unfortunately this product is still not available in SA,but it's well worth getting 

a travelling friend to bring back for you

Full Review

3.

Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energising Radiance Masque

Full Review

4.

The Ordinary AHA 30%+BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Again this brand is not available in SA but there are several 

South African websites where you can order, but obviously at 

higher prices, so again its a "call on a friend" scenario

Full Review

5.

Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex

Full Review

6.

Avène Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum

Full Review

I hope you found this post interesting and that it helps you to make a more

 informed decision when it comes to buying skincare products.

I do know that many of you have purchased several of the above already as 

you have kindly let me know how much you are loving them.

However please drop me a comment in the box below

 if your favourite is amongst my top 6 for 2017.

Previous "Top Skincare" posts

My Top 5 Skincare Products 2016

My Top 5 Skincare Products 2015

My Highlights of 2014

MY TOP 3 MOST DISAPPOINTING PRODUCTS {2019}

It's that time of the year again where I write a series of posts to let you know which beauty

 products have impressed me the most during the previous year and this
year is no exception, as it will be my 5th year of compiling "My Top" product posts.

This year I'm kicking off this series of posts with my 

My Top 3 Most Disappointing Products 2019

In previous years I have titled this post 

My Top 5 Most Disliked Beauty Products
However for 2019 I have made a couple of changes to the name of the list from 

Disliked to Disappointing,

 as I feel this is a more appropriate title for 3 products that

I can't say I hugely disliked, but they just disappointed me greatly for 
one reason or another.

Luckily I only have 3 for the past year, which hopefully has a bearing on the fact that I

do much research on a product before purchasing, however not all products were

purchased by myself, as one was gifted by the brand.

(As always I'm 100% honest with my reviews irrespective of whether it was gifted or not)

Now I understand that I may have listed some of your absolute "Faves" below
but these sadly disappointed me the greatest.
I advise that you read my original reviews to find out more details, as to why a

 particular product and I didn't gel, by clicking on the pink links below.

I will also add links at the foot of this post, so you can visit "My Top Disliked" 
posts for previous years..

1.

AVÉNE 

PhysioLift

Eyes

To read my full review

I have been singing the praises of this French skincare brand Avéne since starting 

my blog back in 2012, and still do.

I often get e.mails asking for skincare advice and in 9 out of 10 instances Avéne

products will be recommended.

Several Avéne products have been included in many of my "Top Skincare Products" 
posts over the years, but sadly this one is appearing on the wrong list this year.

I found the packaging of this product problematic, or so I thought and the product itself

to be rather underwhelming, especially after I had raved about its face counterpart

Avéne PhysioLift Precision Wrinkle Filler. 
I also wrote a follow-up post re this product to explain several things.

 To read my full original review

Follow On Post

2.

Aēsop

Post Poo Drops

To read my full review

This product, despite not being a beauty product in the true sense, had been on my radar for some time, due to there being so much hype around 

a product that had been formulated to disguise the smell of POO!

Yes... 

Post Poo Drops are a thing and the Australian brand Aesop made it a "thing"

as I've never heard of any other brand that manufacture or markets such a product.

I was suckered in and decide to spend £20 and I must add that its the worst £20 

that I've ever spent.

Again some people rave about them, and they do have some novelty value as a gift,

but for me a bottle of essential oil at the side of the loo could achieve 

the same result at a fraction of the price.

 3.

L'ORÉAL

INFAILLIBLE

MORE THAN CONCEALER

To read my full review

I do love a good concealer and its a product where I have tried many 

over the years and like mascaras I'm always on the lookout for the next best one.

I adore L'Oréal's Infaillable Foundation To read my full review from the same collection,

 so why wouldn't I enjoy the concealer of the same name?

Unfortunately it doesn't always mean that you will also like, as I found out with this one.

I eventually found the sponge applicator too cumbersome, the formula was thick, it creased under the eye and it simply just didn't do it for me, so much so, I haven't even finished the product, its just been abandoned.

I recently wrote a post on my Top 3 Concealers if you would like to know 

which I rate the best then give it a read.

My Top 3 Concealers

Let me know in the comments below if you agree or disagree with any of my choices 

this year, as I would love to hear.

My 5 Most Disliked Products 2018

My 5 Most Disliked Products 2017

MY TOP 3 MAKE-UP PRODUCTS {2017} #TBT REVIEW

I post my annual "Tops" post every year in January and it's where I pick out my

 absolute favourites from the previous year.

I generally post 3 categories my Top:

 Make-up Products

Skincare Products

&

 Hair & Body Products

and I love compiling these posts and I hope it helps you with some of your 

decisions when it comes to making those purchases.

Today I have thrown it back to 2017 's list and I have repurchased all of

these item's several times.

However I have moved onto to even better things where all of these products are

 concerned, yet that does not take away anything from these 3 products below,

as they're all still great choices and I highly recommend them all.

Click on the Pink Links below to read my original reviews

~~~~~~

This is my first "Tops" post where I've isolated make-up
and already feel that I need to increase to perhaps 6 products

for 2018, as I've tried and tested some good make-up items this past year.

I have narrowed it down to the 3 that I have replenished already and that's

always a great sign.

Apologies now, as two of the three are not yet available in South Africa,

but I'm keeping it real and they're my genuine faves .

Click on the Pink Links to read my full reviews and to find out more.
Also at the foot of this post I have included the links to my other Top posts
2017, so you can check out what other products I rate for the last 12 months.

1.

L'OREAL 

PARADISE EXTATIC

MASCARA

I feel that this mascara launch from L'Oréal Paris has been covered and mentioned

by every youtuber and blogger worldwide and quite rightly so, as it's a winner and
after all we can never have too many mascaras.

To read my full review

2.

BENEFIT

BOI-ING AIRBRUSH CONCEALER

If you follow my blog and follow me on social media the 

inclusion of this next product will come as no surprise. 

During 2017 benefit re-launched their Boi-ing collection of concealing products and 

having put them all to the test, this Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer stood out for me

as a "must have" in your concealing collection of products, as when we get older

one concealer just isn't enough.

The whole range is pretty good and definitely worth checking out whether you're

looking for a heavy duty/brightening or hydrating concealing and of course my

star product the flawless finish Airbrush concealer.

To read my full review

3.

IT COSMETICS 

CC+ CREAM WITH SPF 50

Again this is another much talked about product during 2017 and one we

don't have in SA, but during my UK visit in July I couldn't not buy

and try. 

It wasn't an immediate love affair with this CC Cream, but its turned out to 

be my "go to" most days and that's why it's made it onto this list and I 

wouldn't like to be without it.

To read my full review

Below are the links to my other "Top" products posts for 2017

My Top 6 Face Care Products 2017

My Top 6 Face Care Products 2017

MY TOP 3 MAKE-UP PRODUCTS {2017}

This is my first "Tops" post where I've isolated make-up
and already feel that I need to increase to perhaps 6 products

for 2018, as I've tried and tested some good make-up items this past year.

I have narrowed it down to the 3 that I have replenished already and that's

always a great sign.

Apologies now, as two of the three are not yet available in South Africa,

but I'm keeping it real and they're my genuine faves .

Click on the Pink Links to read my full reviews and to find out more.
Also at the foot of this post I have included the links to my other Top posts
2017, so you can check out what other products I rate for the last 12 months.

1.

L'Oréal Paradise Extatic Mascara

I feel that this mascara launch from L'Oréal Paris has been covered and mentioned

by every youtuber and blogger worldwide and quite rightly so, as it's a winner and
after all we can never have too many mascaras.

To read my full review

2.

benefit Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer

If you follow my blog and follow me on social media the 

inclusion of this next product will come as no surprise. 

During 2017 benefit re-launched their Boi-ing collection of concealing products and 

having put them all to the test, this Boi-ing Airbrush Concealer stood out for me

as a "must have" in your concealing collection of products, as when we get older

one concealer just isn't enough.

The whole range is pretty good and definitely worth checking out whether you're

looking for a heavy duty/brightening or hydrating concealing and of course my

star product the flawless finish Airbrush concealer.

To read my full review

3.

IT COSMETICS CC+ CREAM WITH SPF 50

Again this is another much talked about product during 2017 and one we

don't have in SA, but during my UK visit in July I couldn't not buy

and try. 

It wasn't an immediate love affair with this CC Cream, but its turned out to 

be my "go to" most days and that's why it's made it onto this list and I 

wouldn't like to be without it.

To read my full review

Below are the links to my other "Top" products posts for 2017

My Top 6 Face Care Products 2017

My Top 6 Face Care Products 2017

MY TOP 3 MAKE-UP PRODUCTS OF 2015

Now that 2016 is well under way I am slowly writing posts on my personal favoutites of 2015.

My Skincare top 5 and my top 3 beauty gadget posts are already on my blog, so feel free to check them out

 My Top 5 Skincare Products of 2015

My top 3 Beauty Gadgets of 2015

Here are my top 3 make-up products of 2015. 

Have you tried any of them? if so then let me know what you think by leaving a comment in the box below.

1.

The L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation was both re-formulated and re-packaged recently and I am so glad that I decided to give it a try, as for me it was a "winner" and has been the only foundation that I have worn since I discovered it.

To read my full review

L'Oreal true match foundation

~~~~~~

These 2 benefit mascara's have been my daily "go to" and I love them both equally, either worn individually or as a combo for that glam look.

2.

The benefit Roller Lash mascara

To read my full review

benefit Roller Lash Mascara

~~~~~~

3.

The benefit Roller Lash mascara  and the they're real mascara combo

To read my full review

benefit they're real mascara

MY TOP 4 MOST DISAPPOINTING BEAUTY PRODUCTS 2021

 Fortunately the "Disappointing" category is the one that I have

 the least trouble compiling,

 hence why it's always the first "Top" post to be published here on my blog.

I have been uploading my annual "Top" posts since 2013 and these lists 

highlight my top tried and tested beauty recommendations, which hopefully

 assists you when deciding where to allocate your beauty budget spend.

If you would like to see my past "Top" beauty product posts then

Click here

I have found that with age that I do more and more research into

beauty products before buying, which results in less disappointments

and ultimately less money wastage.

That being said, I am contradicting myself now, I have increased this years

number of products from 3 to 4. 

The reasons for disliking a beauty product can vary immensely and my

experiences are personal to me and may not apply to you, in fact you 

may disagree totally with my findings and that's ok.

Whilst some dislikes are due to being totally let down after buying into

the over-hyping on social media, other reasons could be due to

me not enjoying the texture, poor performance, packaging fail or even the 

fragrance not being to my liking.

All will be explained if you click on the Pink Links below to read 

my full reviews.

 Considering the amount of products I review in a year I still

think 4 "Disappointing" products is pretty good going and I must 

clarify that I am not saying that my Top 4 are bad products, they're 

beauty products 

that disappointed me for one reason or another, however in the 

case of all 4 products below I have not been able to finish any of them

and I will no doubt be donating soon.

 

L-R

1.

LANEIGE

WATER SLEEPING MASK

This was a face mask that I had lusted over for several years and having

 finally acquired one I was excited to try for myself and see why everyone

 raved about this cult Korean Beauty product.

Full Review

So you can imagine my disappointment when I first tried this mask only 

to find that it didn't agree with my skin whatsoever...whilst the cooling, 

lightweight gel formulation and the fragrance are great, my skin soon started

 to feel uncomfortable and tingly and I had to remove, as I certainly wasn't able 

to sleep with this mask on.

I actually waited a couple of weeks and tried again and I had more success

 this time, as I didn't experience any sensitivity and I was able to sleep 

with the mask overnight, however the expectations of waking with "soft, radiant

 and glowing skin" didn't happen, as I woke with extremely parched, dehydrated skin, 

the exact opposite of what the mask claims.

I tried this mask a total of 3 times, as directed, and its sadly had its time

 with me and I won't be using it again, as I fail to see the fascination and hype

 of this mask.

Sadly this is another product I won't be finishing. 

2.

KÉRASTASE GENESIS 

FONDANT RENFORÇATEUR

I purchased this product as part of a 3 product gift set during 

December 2020 and I posted my review back in Feb 2021.

Full Review

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 

it left me with high hopes for this conditioning product. 

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 and was not the look I was going for.

My hair was easier to detangle post washing, but unfortunately

it came at a price. I actually haven't finished this product, which says a lot,

as I like many I don't like to waste product or money.

3.

AĒSOP 

CITRUS MELANGE 

BODY CLEANSER

This was a very recent review and unfortunately it snook onto my list at

the 11th hour and once again I had high hopes for this product from the

 much loved and revered Australian Luxury skincare brand AĒSOP.

I tried a 30ml Travel size that was part of my 

HARPERS BAZAAR Beauty Edit

Box

Full Review

Whilst the gel texture felt rich and luxurious and the product seemed to do

its job of cleansing the body, but nothing remarkable, I wasn't too partial to

 the botanical fragrance and to be honest it wouldn't warrant a purchase from me, 

as I couldn't get past the smell and overall it was fairly underwhelming. 

4.

CLARINS

WATER LIP STAIN

No doubt many will disagree with me on this inclusion and

sadly this was my first product to go onto the list of 

Most Disappointing Products 2021 

and I’m annoyed at myself  as I broke all of my own rules on this one.

Full Review

I had a voucher that was about to expire and I headed off to use the 

voucher against a beauty purchase and in my mind I was looking for a lip tint

 that wouldn’t smudge under my face mask and at least give your lips some 

colour without wearing an actual lipstick, simple you may think but during a

 worldwide pandemic and with the removal of all testers it wasn’t.

I was unable to feel the texture or see how the shade looked on my hand, 

so I was literally guessing as to which shade to opt for and I decided

on the Rose Water.

Despite the colour being totally unsuitable for me it does deliver

on the "Stain" claim, as it stains all day, it doesn't budge for anything.

I found, initially, on application it to be comfortable on the lips, but I soon

experienced dryness and felt the need to apply a lip balm over the top.

This is another purchase that I cannot finish.

Let me know in the comments below if you have any thoughts on 

my above choices.