MY TOP 10 HAIR & BODY PRODUCTS PART 1 {2020}

My annual Top Hair & Beauty Products list for 2020 has had to increase 

from six in 2019 to ten for 2020 and I don't think it will be long before I have 

to split these into two separate categories.

These products are in no particular order and are the best hair & body products 

that I have tried and tested in 2020. I have decided to run this post over 

2 parts again (part 2 will be up on Tuesday 26/1/21) as I did with 

My Top 12 Skincare products of 2020, which you can catch up with 

by clicking on the Pink Links below

Part 1 & Part 2

I will also link my Top 6 Make-up Products 2020 Here

and the not so good of 2020

My Top 3 Disappointing Products 2020 Here

JO MALONE LONDON

WOOD SAGE & SEA SALT

COLOGNE 

Having struggled to find Jo Malone fragrances that I really connect with, 

and love enough to buy, 2020 saw me fall in love with their popular

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne.

I'm already a fan of the Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne, so I'm happy

to add this to my JML collection, which at the moment only consists

of two and considering the size of the Jo Malone fragrance offering is

not very many.

I have to have a love affair with my fragrances, so who knows maybe

2021 will add another "love" to my fragrance wardrobe.

To read my full review

 

 

1.

MAVALA

MAVADRY SPRAY

This is a product that I regret not having discovered years back, as it would 

have saved my nails and my patience on so many occasions.

This Quick Dry nail spray works brilliantly when you want to dry your

 freshly painted nails in double quick time.

I was a little concerned initially as to how long the spray can would last, 

as it is a rather pricey indulgence, but I'm glad to say that my 1st can seems

 to be keeping up with the pace at which I paint my nails, so the cost per use

 isn't very high and that's always a good sign.

To read my full review

2.

RITUALS

RITUAL OF AYURVEDA

FOAM BATH

Sadly not available in South Africa RITUALS has a great collection

of pamper and holistic well being products that hail from the Netherlands.

Actually it's a good thing that they're not available in SA, as they would 

be taking all my money, as I cannot rave enough about these products, 

so on your next trip overseas (whenever that will be) treat yourself to 

something, as you will not be disappointed.

The RITUAL OF AYURVEDA is my personal favourite and the link below

 will take you to my review on several of the products from this range and

whilst I adore them all, the Foam Bath is one of my absolute faves of all time.

Not knowing when I can replenish my stock of any of the products

I am conserving my last couple of uses...

To read my RITUAL OF AYURVEDA reviews

NATUR VITAL

HAIR S.O.S

FORTIFYING MASK

DAMAGED HAIR

My 2019 Top Hair & Body Products list also included a shampoo from the 

same brand and range. Natur Vital have an extensive collection

of hair care products for hair loss/thinning hair and like it or not our

hair does thin with age.

I have been using the usual trio of hair products i.e. Shampoo,Conditioner

and Hair Mask for most of 2019 and I am loving this range and having always

 been one to invest in the more expensive Professional Salon brands 

my budget is loving it to.

I find the mask to deeply nourish and condition without overloading

the hair with product and the size of the tub makes this very cost effective.

The Natur Vital have an extensive hair care product range and is well

worth further investigation whether it be for colour treated hair, dandruff

prone, sensitive scalps or Vegan options Natur Vital seems to have all

bases covered.

To read my Quickie Product Review

CETAPHIL

SUN SPF 50+

LOTION

This has been a newish discovery for me, but that being said its

been a big hit with all the family this summer.

We have had no sunburn whatsoever and it works just as well

on the face as it does on the body.

It does exactly what it says on the packaging and

the price again is good and a little covers well and it has been our

go to sun protection.

To read my full review

As always let me know if you have tried any of my fave Hair & Body products

in the comments section below and don't forget and Part 2 will be posted 

on Tuesday 26th Jan.

BEAUTY PRODUCTS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW {JUNE 2020}

The saying "Time stands still for no man" (or woman) has never been more true

than over the past few months and weeks of "Lockdown in South Africa".

I find myself writing my Beauty Products Currently Under Review post 

so late, as we are a week into the month already!

Here are the three products that I am currently using and as always my reviews 

will be posted in the future giving you my thoughts and opinions and whether

 they are worthy a purchase or not...

1.

I recently reviewed the NATUR VITAL S.O.S. Revitalising Shampoo for Normal Hair

To read that post

and I highly rated this shampoo from the Spanish haircare brand, that's available 

exclusively at Dischems countrywide and I was kindly sent the

 NATUR VITAL Hair S.O.S.Fortifying Conditioner 

for damaged hair.

 I recently purchased the shampoo, so I now have the 

corresponding conditioner to put to the test.

2.

I have reviewed the Rève Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm from the French brand

NUXE several years ago, which is in the pot presentation and I loved it, 

as do so many and I'm excited to review their

rève de meil Lip Moisturising Stick

to read my full review

*NOW POSTED*

To read my full review

3.

To date I haven't been disappointed with any products from the French brand 

PAYOT 

and I was lucky to be sent a jar of their

Roselift Collagène Night Cream, 

which forms part of a Roseslift Collagène collection for the face.

They are all formulated to work in synergy to help firm and lift the skin.

I'm excited to give this product a trial, as it's perfectly suited to the needs of my skin,

at my age and I always love reviewing prestige or luxe skin care products,

 so be sure and keep an eye open for my in-depth review in a couple of months time.

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

and your opinions...

MY TOP 6 HAIR & BODY PRODUCTS {2019}

"My Top" annual posts are compiled using products that I have fully reviewed and love,

 and in many cases have re-purchased.

I keep these lists tight, but that doesn't in any way mean, that all of the other 

products that I have reviewed during 2019 are not good, these are just my 

personal favourites of 2019.

It has only been whilst writing this blog post that I've realised that I haven't 

reviewed as many Body Products as I have in previous years, so I've decided to 

combine this category with hair products and these 6 products stood out 

and deserve a place on

My Top 6 Hair & Body Products 2019

To read my full and more detailed review on each product

 click on the Pink Links below.

If you would like to know which products I didn't rate over the last 12 months

then read my most recent post:

My Top 3 Most Disappointing Products 2019

1.

LIVING PROOF

PERFECT HAIR DAY 

DRY SHAMPOO

I discovered this brand via a hair mask that I received in my 2018 Marks & Spencer

Beauty Advent Calendar, which I enjoyed and it led me to research the brand further

and this Dry Shampoo has now found a permanent home in my 

hair "wardrobe" of products.

Only available overseas I do have a a couple of back-ups, even though I'm not

a huge dry shampoo user I wouldn't like to be without this one, as it really ticks

all those dry shampoo boxes.

To read my full review

2.

NATUR VITAL

S.O.S. REVITALIZING SHAMPOO 

for NORMAL HAIR

This shampoo was a very recent discovery and I only included it in my

QPR (Quickie Product Review) in December.

NATUR VITAL is not a brand that I would have given a second look at on the shelf 

of Dischem, nonetheless I'm grateful that I was sent this shampoo to review.

Not only have I enjoyed this shampoo, but judging by the amount that has been

used in a short time my hubby has also taken a shine to it.

Retailing for under R100 another has been added to my Dischem shopping list,

so expect some further reviews on this range in 2020.

To read that post

3.

MARGARET DABBS

NAIL & CUTICLE SERUM

Again this product was included in a QPR post and received a 9/10 score,

 but with hindsight I could have given it, its own blogpost.

Its the first serum that I have ever used on my nails and cuticles and its formula

is what sold me, as its like nothing I've ever experienced before.

This product was sent to my by my BFF in the UK, as she "swears" by it 

and I now agree with her.

To read that post

4.

CAUDALIE

CRUSHED CABERNET SCRUB

Containing 99% of natural products this Body Scrub is up there amongst 

My Top 3 Body Scrubs 

ever, so if you would like to check out which other 2 Body Scrubs

made that list then click on the pink link.

I adore everything about this product, it works so well, it smells divine and it doesn't

dry out my skin, its like a Spa treatment in a jar.

To read my full review

5.

RITUALS

RITUAL OF AYURVEDA

SOOTHING HAND BALM

I've always been a little erratic when it comes to using hand creams daily

and I find myself going through short phases of being diligent, however since

receiving this one from the Dutch brand RITUALS I'm a changed woman.

This soothing hand balm was a free gift in a UK magazine and I have fallen in

love with both the formula and the fragrance, so much so, that I have a bought

a candle and foam bath fragranced with Indian Rose and Sweet Almond Oil, 

so expect reviews on those in the near future.

This was one of the few products that I awarded a 10/10 in my QPR post.

To read that post

 6.

BATH & BODYWORKS

POCKETBAC

Here's another product that I reviewed in a QPR post and gave it 10/10

 and if you have ever tried one of these Pocketbac Hand Sanitisers from 

Bath & Bodyworks, you will already understand why I'm including this in my "Top" list.

Often on special offer they really are affordable and 

this skin-softening formula kills 99.9% of most common germs, 

while the pocket-friendly design makes it easy to keep hands clean & conditioned 

when you're on-the-go.

To read that post

RECENT BEAUTY EMPTIES {FEBRUARY 2020}

Finally I seem to be getting better at keeping my empty containers in order to 
write a "Recent Empties" post for you and over the past couple of months I've managed 
to save a grand total of 5, which must be an all time record for me.
As always I will include Pink Links to the original reviews.
Enjoy!

1.

NATUR VITAL 
HAIR S.O.S
Revitalising Shampoo

I've been so enjoying this Spanish brand of shampoo,as my hair
 just seems to be responding to its formula so nicely, that I've already been a bought
another one and I even included it in my 
"Top 6 Hair & Body Products of 2019"
To check out what other products made that list

Around R100 they're available exclusively from Dischem's countrywide
To read my mini review

2.

BENEFIT
BOI-ING CAKELESS
CONCEALER

Whilst I loved this latest concealer from benefit, in fact I love all of their
concealers and have said many times that their offering literally covers anything and everything,
yet I was disappointed by how quick this product finished.
I only bought it at the end of September 2019 and despite rotating with other 
concealing products, its already finished.
Another complaint is the amount of wastage there is on the sides of the see thru container 
that you can't seem to get out.
Considering these two "let downs" and the steep price, I sadly won't be buying 
this particular benefit concealer again.

To read my full review


3.

CAUDALIE
MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

If you have followed my blog or followed me on Facebook or Instagram
for sometime now you will know that I'm a huge fan of the 
French skincare brand CAUDALIE.
I don't think I've tried any products of theirs, and I must have reviewed 12 or more
 of their face and body products, that I haven't liked and even though I did like
 the Micellar Cleansing Water it didn't perform adequately enough on my 
first cleanse on those full make-up days and primarily that's when I use a 
micellar water, as a first cleanse.
 I have reviewed several others that perform this function way better.
If however you are looking for a Micellar Water to cleanse a light make-up
or just as a quick morning cleanse then this is perfect.
I did finish the product this way, but again sadly I won't be re-purchasing.

To read my full review



4.

URBAN DECAY
ALL NIGHTER
MAKE-UP SETTING SPRAY

After being such a sceptic about this seemingly unnecessary, much hyped about
 pricey beauty product, I'm now a full on convert and living in a hot humid climate
I seriously can't live with out this product.
This product was deservingly included on my Top 10 Make-up Products 2019.
To find out what other Urban Decay products appeared on that list

I was surprised at how long the 118ml spray lasted me and I pretty much use it 
most days. I have since purchased another and despite the R495 layout, 
its a "Must Have" for me.

To read my full review



5.

MARY COHR
IHC
INCREDIBLE HYDRATING CREAM

I have a couple more applications left in the jar of this Incredible Hydrating Cream
but the sad day is looming when my jar will be completely empty.
This cream made it onto my Top 10 Skincare Products of 2019
along with another MARY COHR product, so check out my absolute 
fave skincare products of 2019
My Top 10 Skincare Products 2019

It was an absolute pleasure using this product and again like the 
NATUR VITAL Shampoo above my skin just, like my hair, responded so well 
to the formula.


To read my full review

KÉRASTASE GENESIS BAIN HYDRA-FORTIFIANT SHAMPOO REVIEW

Over the years I have used several hair care products from 

KÉRASTASE 

and at a time when my hair was highly bleached I was a huge fan 

of the Nutritive and the Elixir Ultime ranges and stuck to these tried and 

tested products for many years, however as with skin our hair

needs change. With age I now find my self gravitating more to thickening,

volumising and anti breaking hair products.

Its only in the last 2 years or so that I have moved away from the 

professional salon home care hair products and experimented with

several drugstore brands, some have been a miss, but one range that I

was introduced to has been a huge hit for me and its from a Spanish brand 

NATUR VITAL

To read my reviews on several of their products

 Click Here

I was swayed back over to the "salon" side by the newly launched

 KÉRASTASE GENESIS 

Genesis addresses two of the causes of hair-fall; 

1. Hair falling due to stress on the hair fibre 

2. Hair falling from the mid-lengths due to breakage.

Unfortunately most women go through periods in life where they experience increased levels of hair-fall, I know I did after pregnancy and

somewhat now as part of the ageing process.

With input from hairdressers, nutritionists and dermatologists, 

the brand has arrived at an advanced in-salon and at-home routine to help 

reduce hair-fall due to breakage, to create a solution that is efficient and pleasurable. 

The range both appealed and intrigued me and I bought the 

GENESIS Gift Set which contained 3 products and retailed at the 

time of R950.

Containing the Shampoo, Conditioner and a Blow Dry Primer it offered

better value than buying the products individually and it would 

enable me to put them to the test as a whole package.

The range of GENESIS products is quite extensive with 7-9 products

(dependant on which country)

 including ampoules and a serum.

KÉRASTASE 

GENESIS 

BAIN HYDRA FORTIFIANT

SHAMPOO

This shampoo seemed to tick all the boxes for my current hair needs:

Anti hair-fall fortifying shampoo for weakened hair, prone to falling due to 

breakage. 

Gently clarifies and reinforces fibre to reduce the risk of hair-fall due to breakage.

 This ultra-delicate formula is ideal for fine or greasy hair to remove sebum 

and pollution particles from scalp and fibre. 

Its gentle cleansing action soothes and hydrates hair from root to tip, leaving a lightweight feel.

Prevents risk of hair-fall due to breakage from brushing.

97% less hair fall due to breakage from brushing*.

Silicone-free.

The range throughout is enriched with a potent combination of 

Edelweiss Native Cells and Ginger Root, the formula strengthens the fibre 

for intense resilience to reduce the risk of hair-fall due to breakage. 

Hair is prepared to be treated, fortified with a fuller and healthier look.

I've been using the shampoo & conditioner for about 6 weeks now and I can't

say that I've noticed any improvement with hair fall or breakage, as I find it

 so difficult to give a definite YES answer as to whether the breakage and 

hair fall is less, perhaps these are products that I must "Follow Up" on

 in a future post.

 I was slightly concerned that even though

my hair is fine its not greasy but leans more on the normal slightly dry side, however my scalp does become oily and was super impressed by how gently 

yet very effectively it cleaned my hair and especially my scalp.

The shampoo does work up a good lather and is easy to rinse and the shampoo smells lovely and fresh, however when using all 3 products together

 i.e. shampoo/conditioner and the blow dry primer the hair smells absolutely amazing for days.

Would I re-purchase the shampoo again yes I would, but I can't help

but be drawn back to my tried & tested NATUR VITAL range that promises

a very similar outcome for the hair and comes in at a quarter of the price.

*The corresponding Conditioner review will be up on the blog on Thursday*

KÉRASTASE

GENESIS

BAIN HYDRA FORTIFIANT

SHAMPOO

250mls

R

370

£

23.50

$

35

Kerastase products are available at selected Hair Salons

and online retailers in South Africa