BUBBLE BATH DAY - 8th JANUARY

Did you know that it's Bubble Bath Day on Friday 8th of January?

 No neither did I,but what I do know is that every day, in my eyes, 

is a Bubble Bath Day and I don't need a special day to celebrate it. Bubble Baths, Foam Baths and even Bath Salts are my thing! 

I love the whole ritual and throw some candles into the mix (not literally into the bath) and I'm in paradise.

So I thought I would share a few of my "faves" with you. 

My all time, best Foam Bath is an easy choice, it's the relaxing 

L'Occitane Lavender Foam Bath. 

I have used this foam bath for many years and what's great is they do a money saving refill.

It's not only highly fragranced, but it's also "big" on the bubble front and I mean plentiful, long lasting luxurious bubbles to just wallow and relax in.

Its my relaxing foam bath heaven.....

L'Occitane Lavender Foam Bath and refill

Another L'Occitane bath product that I enjoy is the 

Roses et Reines Bath Salts,

 a sprinkling in your bath water literally fragrances the whole bathroom with the aroma of beautiful roses. 

There are no bubbles with this one, but the scent more than makes up for it.

 (If I'm not mistaken these Bath Salts could currently be part of their Summer Sale) 

You have to agree that L'Occitane have the best selection of bath products of any brand, which also include products such as Bath Pebbles and Bath Fizzers and I personally love them all.

L'Occitane Roses et Reines Bath Salts

Another great collection of more affordable bath products is my "go to" South African brand

  RAIN AFRICA

I have reviewed so many of their offerings, but I have recently been loving the 

Cape Malva Body & Bath Oil 

from the Aloe & Avocado range.

It's a dual purpose oil that can be used both directly onto the body or pour into the bath to enjoy the many benefits from the essential oils of Sweet Almond, Sweet Orange, Neroli and Cape Malva to name just a few.

RAIN Cape Malva Body and Bath Oil

Hand Made RAIN Earth Eggs 

are a must try and can be bought individually or in an egg box of six, but you do get to choose the assortment of seed and petal encrusted fizz balls (eggs actually)

that fizz away to reveal fragrant essential oils and moisturizing cocoa butter. 

The rose is my personal favourite, as it doesn't get more luxurious than enjoying a beneficial soak in a soothing bath surrounded by floating rose petals.

Rain Earth Eggs

Let me know if you have any favourites that you think I should try, as I am always on the look out for new bath "goodies".

L'Occitane are currently running their summer sale so be sure and visit soon and scoop some of their wonderful bath products.

For more, regarding product info, store locations and prices or 

to order on line

visit :

L'Occitane

Rain

40 YEARS OF L'OCCITANE {LAVENDER FOAM BATH}

Despite only being around in South Africa since 2008 L'Occitane has been in existence since 1976, which makes 2016 its special 
40th Anniversary year.

I wonder if back then the founder of L'Occitane, Olivier Baussan, could ever have envisaged the outcome of his passion for his native Provence, love of plants and his desire to create wonderful products that were authentic, traceable and respected both the environment and people.

Alambic

With nothing but an alambic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants this young man of 23, set out to sell his distilled Rosemary essential oil on the local markets of Provence in Southern France.

Lavender is a fragrant iconic symbol of Provence and is renowned worldwide for its highest quality, especially that grown in the Haute Provence region and this seemed the most obvious choice for his next essential oil and today it's  still a core ingredient in many of the L'OCCITANE ranges and products.

40 years later and as they say "the rest is history" and L'OCCITANE is now available in every corner of the world for everyone to enjoy.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, L'OCCITANE is celebrating Provence, the land of its birth, through a limited-edition collection based around its most famous flower. 

The packaging features a new design, inspired by fields of lavender seen from the sky, which trace diagonal lines across the plateaus of Haute-Provence, filling them with colour.

My "go to" weekly Lavender foam bath and one that I rave about constantly is the one below and quite simply it's the very 

Best!

It's a rich, delicate foam bath containing Lavender Essential Oil with a captivating lavender scent and more importantly voluminous long lasting bubbles.
The aroma lets your mind escape to Provence as you breathe in its fragrance and enjoy a soothing moment of relaxation. 

It leaves your skin feeling supple and fragranced with the delicate scent of lavender.

If you love your bubbles and enjoy the whole relaxing bathing experience then I cannot recommend a more beautiful relaxing product and maybe the 40th anniversary is a perfect time to treat yourself to a little bit of Provence.

L'OCCITANE

Lavender Foam Bath

500mls R450

100mls R130

L'OCCITANE Lavender Foam Bath

If you follow me regularly on my blog and other social media platforms you will already know that L'OCCITANE is my one of my favourite brands and if you just type in the word L'OCCITANE in the "search for my Shout words" on the side bar, so many L'OCCITANE reviews will pop up and if there are any reviews that you would like me to review in the future, then just leave me a comment below.

Available from L'OCCITANE Boutiques countrywide and online 

L'OCCITANE

L'OCCITANE SHEA BUTTER COMFORTING BUBBLE BATH {REVIEW}

It's no secret around here that a luxuriating bubble bath is my

absolute pleasure and my all time favourite bubbles are the

L'OCCITANE LAVENDER FOAM BATH

If you would like to read my review from 2016 then click Here

L'Occitane 

have a wonderful array of foaming bath soaks, in a variety

 of fragrances for the perfect bubble bath and I recently spotted the new

SHEA BUTTER COMFORTING BUBBLE BATH

and I had to have it, after Lavender I'm partial to the fragrance and

 benefits of Shea.

Enriched with Shea (5%), known for its nourishing properties, 

this bubble bath helps to soften the skin and prevent feelings of dryness. 

Its luscious , creamy texture transforms into a rich, generous foam on

 contact with water, for a moment of comfort and well-being.

Ideal for all skin types, especially sensitive skins.

This white liquid has the comforting signature Shea fragrance that I adore.

It turns your bath into a luxurious, moisturising haven of bubbles, 

but has it stolen my "bubble bath heart"?

No, it hasn't and the Lavender Foam bath is still my 

ultimate bath product and it would really take something exceptional 

to steal my heart away from the iconic lavender foam bath.

L'OCCITANE 

SHEA BUTTER 

COMFORTING BUBBLE BATH

500mls

R

495

£

28

$

39

RECENT EMPTIES {JUNE 2021}

My last Recent Empties post was back in April and since then

I have only accumulated the 3 empties below.

However 2 of the products are re-purchases which

is always a good indicator as to how much I like and would

 recommend a product. 

1.

STILA

STAY ALL DAY 

WATERPROOF

LIQUID EYELINER

Back in 2020 during lockdown I decided to abandon my much loved

STILA eyeliner and I purchased the 

BYTERRY BLACKSTAR EYELINER

To read my full review

 sadly it didn't last very long and whilst I enjoyed the eyeliner I wouldn't

repurchase and I reverted back to my favourite since 2016, the

STILA Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner.

This liquid liner is, in my opinion, the best liquid eye liner out there.

Unfortunately just as I switched over my STILA then ran dry.

I very quickly re-stocked and happily its back in my life.

To read my full STILA review

 

2.

L'OCCITANE

LAVENDER FOAM BATH 

REFILL

On constant repurchase, 

I have used this foam bath since 2008, which speaks volumes

about this product.If you are not into your baths then you many not

fully understand why I love this product so much.

You can find out why click here

Without doubt this is the best foam bath on the market.

Several years ago I started to buy the refill which is not only

more affordable, but it's also more friendly on the environment.

If you haven't yet experienced a L'Occitane Lavender Foam Bath

 then I highly recommend you give it a try soon.

3.

ELEMIS

PRO-COLLEGEN

SUPER ELIXIR SERUM

I was a sad day when I pumped out the last of this ELEMIS serum.

I have been on a wonderful journey with ELEMIS products over

recent years and this serum did not disappoint.

To read my full review

It's been a product that I have genuinely missed using daily and

I do have plans to repurchase another in the near future.

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {SEPTEMBER 2022}

We have arrived at the beginning of September 

and this generally means just one thing,

 from herein the rest of the year 

just seems to fly by and before we know it Christmas and the Holidays

are upon us.

I have 3 products to review during September and all are from

 French brands that I have previously worked for and obviously still love

 Clarins & L'Occitane

I'm having a trip down memory lane with the one product, as

its been around since the Company began and it was one of my 

absolute faves back in the day.

The other is a bath product from a brand that know how to make the 

best pamper products and of course it doesn't take long for yet another

Lip Balm to be reviewed.

1.

CLARINS

HYDRA - ESSENTIEL

MOISTURE REPLENISHING

LIP BALM

* NOW POSTED *

To read my review

This is a new try for me and I can't believe that I haven't tried and 

reviewed this Lip Balm previously.

I'm planning on taking this on an upcoming holiday and

I'll see how this restorative, hydrating lip balm performs and report

 back, as always, with a full review.

 However I must say that this type of applicator is not my favourite

 for lip balms, who knows I maybe converted so let's wait and see.

2.

CLARINS

TOTAL EYE CONTOUR GEL

* NOW POSTED *

To read my review

As you may have gathered I have recently been buying several Clarins 

products online and whilst some were re-purchases, this was a re-visit.

I worked both with Clarins (in salon) and for Clarins (as a rep)

back in the late 1970's and its always held a special place in

my "Beauty Heart".

My first eye product that I ever used in my very early 20's was the

Clarins Blue Eye Gel targeted for puffiness and dark circles

 and I loved it.

I thought they'd discontinued it many years ago, that was until I saw

something similar online and just had to order.

Will the 2022 version on my 1970's Blue Gel for the eyes be anything

as I remember, check back during the next couple of months

to find out.

3.

L'OCCITANE

SHEA BUTTER

COMFORTING FOAM BATH

* NOW POSTED *

To read my review

If you've followed me forever you will know that I adore all things

bubbles for my bath and I do enjoy a good pampering soak.

My favourite all time bath indulgence comes in the form of the

 L'Occitane Lavender Foam Bath and if you haven't tried, then I highly

recommend you do Click here to read my review.

A more recent bubble variation is this Shea Butter Comforting Foam Bath and

again you may know that I really enjoy products containing Shea Butter 

and its miraculous skin benefits, so I'm excited to enjoy all that this

foam bath has to offer.

RECENT EMPTIES OCTOBER 2022

 I'm pleased to say that "My Recent Empties" post is becoming a regular

item here on Beauty Shout Box and for those that have followed me

for a few years now, will know, that I've never been the best at keeping 

my empty bottles in order to write this type of post.

Recently I seem to have had several beauty products finish within a

 few weeks of each other.

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of these 

products and your thoughts...

L-R

INOAR 

+AMOR -SODIO 

TREATMENT MASK

My 250ml pot of this hair mask has finally and sadly come to an end.

After the first application I wasn't overly impressed, so on the 2nd

use I increased the amount I applied and left it on longer than the

recommended 3 minutes and WOW what it difference that change made.

I actually used the last few scrapings of this mask last night and my hair,

 as always after using, feels incredibly soft, looks shiny and fuller.

It leaves no oily coating on the hair shaft, so the hair doesn't

feel weighed down with product and now that I have my

 correct dosage and timings worked out, my hair smells & feels great

 every time and my hair has truly loved this mask.

To read my full review

SKOON.

OH SHERBET! 

EXFOLIATING MASK

Another product that made me slightly sad when I emptied

 out the last few grains of powder.

As expected it refined, smoothed and brightened and

despite this mask not being 100% for my skin type I've grown

to love a little mask mixing and applying with a brush, as it seems to 

add something extra to my more leisurely pamper sessions 

and I highly recommend.

To read my full review

LIVING PROOF

PERFECT HAIR DAY 

DRY SHAMPOO

This in my opinion is the best Dry Shampoo and as usual

I can only buy it overseas and is always on my UK shopping list. 

Sadly my last large can has recently finished and I'm

now down to my 2 travel sizes.

It leaves no powder or white residue behind and my hair
not only smelt fresh, but it was for me - acceptably clean and many
dry shampoos are not able to give your hair that clean feeling.

I do believe that Living Proof now have a new addition to their

range in the form of

Perfect hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo 

which I will definitely buy next time as its an advanced dry shampoo

 that removes oil, sweat, and odour from hair while adding softness

 and shine for that fresh-out-of-the-shower look and feel.

To read my full review

L'OCCITANE 

SHEA BUTTER 

COMFORTING BUBBLE BATH

This white liquid has the comforting signature Shea fragrance that I adore.

It turns your bath into a luxurious, moisturising haven of bubbles, 

but has it stolen my "bubble bath heart"?

No, it hasn't and the L'Occitane Lavender Foam bath is still my 

ultimate bath product and it would really take something exceptional 

to steal my heart away from the iconic lavender foam bath.

To read my full review

SUNDAY SAVINGS - WOOLWORTHS FOAM BATH AND HAND WASH

Whilst this weeks Sundays Savings are certainly not "High End" products,but 

they are good CnC (Cheap n cheerfuls) from Woolworths.

I know the packaging, whilst looking very similar to a well known kitchen cleaner, does suggest a "No Frills" basic foam bath and hand wash and that's exactly what they are.

After decanting into nicer containers they do offer good value for money especially as they are 20% less at the moment, everyone can enjoy some bubbles.

They both come in 3 fragranced variants:

Lavender

Honey Vanilla

Tea Rose 

Both the foam bath and hand wash are Vitamin E Enriched, Dermatologically tested

 and comply with Beauty Without Cruelty.

Foam Bath

500mls

R42.99

R34.99

Hand Wash

300mls

R36.99

R29.59

WOOLWORTHS

QUICKIE PRODUCT REVIEWS {QPR} AUGUST 2018

Here's my latest QPR post on 3 products that I've recently tried and tested
including one where I broke all my own rules when buying...

1.

Brand : Catrice Cosmetics

Product : Ltd Edition

Price : R99.95

After me saying in a "zillion" of my posts how I rarely buy on impulse and how I 

always put prior thought into my purchases, well here is what happens 

when I break my own rule.

I even wrote a blog post very recently on How to Avoid Impulse Purchases

I end up buying things, that not only hugely disappoint, but end up not being used 

and this is exactly what happened with the Contour brush from 

Catrice Cosmetics.

 I was first drawn to how pretty this white contour brush was

 and how unusual the shape was (the bristles are longer on the one side) 

the idea is that brush picks up the product and then you apply to the cheek area

ensuring that you contoured in the correct place.

Unfortunately the application was a fail, as the bristles are too firm

making it unpleasant to use over the cheeks 
(I seemed to remove more of my foundation than deposit the contour).

 Obviously everyone's cheekbones are shaped differently and on me this brush 

was sadly totally ineffective.
It was a Ltd Edition and doubt that it's still available.

Verdict : 4/10

~~~~~~

2.

Brand : Dr. Teal's

Product : Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salts

Soothe & Sleep with Lavender

Size : 1000 mls

Price : R120.00

Having heard several good reports about the American Dr.Teals Epsom Salts
 (they combine the ancient benefits of pure Epsom salt with the 
revitalizing and restorative qualities of natural essential oils)

I thought I would give their liquid Foaming Bath with Pure Epsom Salts a try, 

as I love a good long soak in a bubble bath and it's even better if it 

comes in a Lavender fragrance.

There are several other therapeutic fragrant variants available:

Eucalyptus & Spearmint, 
Chamomile, 
Rosemary Mint, 
Milk & Honey,
 Ginger & Clay,
 Avocado, 
Pink Himalayan and Coconut Oil

However when it comes to foam baths I always opt for the calming,soothing 
qualities of Lavender over any other options.

This bottle is huge as its a 1 litre and whilst it produced great long lasting bubbles 

I was a little disappointed with the intensity of the rather weak Lavender aroma.

However this foam bath wins hands down on price versus quantity and I will for sure 

re purchase one of their other fragrances or perhaps opt for a bag of their 
Pure Epsom Salts.
Its a brand that offers so many different "well being" body and bath products 
that I may investigate into this range further.

Verdict : 8/10

~~~~~~

3.

Brand : Cotton On

Product : Double Wick Fragrance Candle

Size : 290 grams

Price : R249.95

R70.00 with any purchase

 I'm sure I'm like many of you reading this, in that I love a good fragrant candle, 

but I'm finding the price of some of my more expensive branded ones 

becoming a little prohibitive in terms of their pricing, 

so I'm always on the lookout for more affordable options, as I often have them

 burning either in my bathroom,bedroom, lounge or office,

 so as you can see it can work out fairly costly. 

I recently spotted these rather pretty candles in "Cotton On" 
that we're on special,

 (bought without any other store purchase they would retail for R249

or with any purchase R70) which I thought was a good price.

These medium sized, double wick,scented, Soya boxed candles came in an

 assortment of fragrances and unlit they both smelled amazing, 

so I bought two.The one above was Kiss (French Can Can) and the other I bought
was Wild ((English Pear Freesia)

They have burnt down evenly and the fragrance pay off is fairly good
and they also come in heavy duty, pretty pastel glass containers.

However I'm not sure if these will still be available, but it seems that

"Cotton On" change their candle range regularly, so if you see them again

for R70 with any purchase in the store then try one, but at their

full price of R249 I personally wouldn't pay that.

Verdict : 8/10

~~~~~~