Face of the Day: Easy and Quick Glam Eyes

Hi Pretties,

I hope you're well?

This is such an impromptu face of the day, but I hope you like.

Accessorize Eyeshadow in 13-Thalia available from Clicks

You know you get two types of people in shops:  those that are on a mission and scurry past the sales section, and those like me that can spend hours browsing every single aisle including the "dreaded" marked off section.  Granted, sometimes the worst products are left here, but once in a while you'll find a gem.  

I used both of these eye shadows and I love the look!  If you're looking for a quick and easy way to get glammed up, this little beaut will give you just that.  Both of these shadows are shimmery, so if that's not your thing I wouldn't suggest you pick it up.  You can even use a matte creamy shade on your brown bone to tone it down, but frankly, I love the glowy look of this.  My skin has a matte finish so it goes perfectly together.  It took me about 3 minutes to apply the browbone and eyelid colour (which I blended out to just slightly above the crease), there's no crease shade nothing - super quick!

Some people may prefer this for a night time look or special occasion, it's such an easy way to get a smokey look if you're a novice with makeup applications or you just don't have the time to spend hours applying and blending out shades.  Btw, these shadows are very pigmented, with little to no fallout and although they appear quite sparkly in the pan, it just gives a very glowy look - and they blend out easily so if you're a 5 minute no fuss girl - this is for you.

I hope you like this look, I think Clicks is discontinuing this line, which is quite a shame as I have 2 of their blushes which are really pretty.

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New In: Revlon Age Defying Targeted Dark Spot Concealer Treatment {Review}

Hi Pretties,

I hope you're having a fab week so far?  We survived Monday ;P -- so it's only upwards from here!

Revlon Age Defying Targeted Dark Spot Concealer Treatment in Light available at Clicks   |   Burst Studio Brushes Eyeshadow Brush R253.00

One of the things I've struggled with, especially in my 30's when it became more noticeable, is dark circles, and around 2 years ago I noticed more prominent under eye wrinkles.  I've always had a really good skincare regime, especially focusing on anti-ageing, but unless you go for botox, unfortunately you'll have some wrinkles and that's okay.

The biggest trick I can give you to avoid too much under eye creasing (it won't eliminate it completely), is to either colour correct and / or avoid powdering.  I know there's a huge debate as some people feel they must powder to avoid creasing, but frankly it makes my under eye area look very dry, cakey and it still creases.  Whereas if I don't powder, I can easily pat the under eye concealer during the day and trust me, it looks way more natural.

Now onto this particular concealer, I love the Revlon brand for face products, their foundations are really great, so when I saw this in Clicks I thought why not give it a try (variety is the spice of life or so I hear) lol.  I picked it up in Light, and wanted to use it as a highlighter too, and it worked great for that purpose.  

Although it does have a sponge applicator, I preferred using the eye shadow brush from Burst Studios, I've done a full review on them, and collectively with MAC and Sigma they're my favourite brushes.  I love using this specific one, the bristles are incredibly soft and gentle, which is a must when you work on the delicate eye area, I find the sponge applicator tugs on my skin, whereas this one doesn't.

In terms of how the concealer works?  I'm not sure why it's called a treatment.

Does it cover my dark circles?  Only slightly, I find that I have to use a lot of product to get enough coverage, and the problem with using so much product is that it creases so much!  If you have one wrinkle, this makes it look as if you have 3.  I've tried setting it with powder, but as explained above it makes it look 10 x times worse.

I do however love using this as a highlighter (avoiding the under eye area), so I'll apply it at the top of my cheek, and it does an amazing job enhancing a contoured look.

Basically I don't like this product as a concealer, but I do recommend this if you have either young skin with no wrinkles, or you're just looking for a highlighter.

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Dr. Brandt Pores no More Pore Refiner Primer {Review & Before/After}

Hi Dolls,

I hope you've had an amazing and fab week so far?

So December hubby and I went on our annual Christmas {get me the heck out of here} shopping.  Needless to say, it's almost obligatory to shop for yourself too right?  As we were browsing the beauty department at Foschini, a lovely lady approached us from the Dr. Brandt department.  To be honest, I wasn't very familiar with his products, I'd heard of the name before but that's it.  She showed my hubby some manly goodies and he excitedly came to show me how his wrinkles had magically disappeared, and how matte his skin looked, the consultant then showed me this little beaut (with a big punch I might add), and told me it's used by men and women .. horrayy for unisex products and saving a bit.  Now you know those buys that becomes a must have, this is one of them for me!

Dr. Brandt Pores no More Pore Refiner Primer -- Available from Foschini

"Dr. Brandt's pores no more pore refiner primer is my secret to having closeup ready skin.  It shrinks the size of pores and refines the skin, it is brilliant!"- Gwyneth Paltrow

Who wouldn't want a celebrity dermatologist catering to your every whim and need?  I certainly do, and that's exactly what you'll get when you buy the Dr. Brandt skincare line.  

From their website:

"A cult favorite, pores no more pore refiner primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup.

• minimizes the appearance of pores by diffusing light
• blurs imperfections & lines
• erases shine & mattifies skin
• absorbs oil, reduces shine and helps regulate sebum production
• antibacterial action for a healthy skin
• acts as a shield to prevent make-up from clogging pores"

I've tried many primers, from drugstore to high end like Smashbox, and to be honest, although some of them have worked fine, I've always wondered what the purpose is of primer, since I haven't seen a noticeable difference as I have with this one.  

There is a trick to applying pore refining products, DO NOT rub and wipe the product over your face, especially the problem areas.  With this primer, one squeeze is enough to cover your face.  Take the majority of the primer and tap it onto the problem areas, then tap (don't wipe) it into the skin.  This movement ensures that the product goes into the pore (which is what you want), once you've tapped it in with light movements, gently wipe the rest of the product over your face.

They claim that they are cruelty free, but there isn't a logo on the product from an approved cruelty free organization, this doesn't mean they're not, but I have to put it out there.  They don't use any artificial fragrances and the packaging is made with recyclable material.

Like I mentioned before, I never saw the need for a primer, because frankly they didn't really do anything else or different for me, but since I've purchased this, it has changed the way my makeup sits and looks on me - especially close ups.  That is when you can see all the little imperfections.  So I have combo skin, with pores across my nose and the cheek area next to the nose.  Did you know that it's good if you have pores?  Just for all the ladies that hate the look of big pores.  I know superficially it's really annoying, but most likely you'll have oily skin, and oily skin helps the skin look younger for longer - compared to someone that suffers from dry skin.  So there is something to celebrate see =)

Don't judge me on the below pics it's a real close up so you can see it all lol!  I wanted to give you a true idea on what the product does, so this is a portion of my bare face (eeepppp), we're all women and we have our imperfections, that's okay, God didn't make anyone to be perfect anyway right?  There's no filter on these photo's, it's the exact same spot of my face, and no photoshopping was done.  I know when you look at the after pic you can see blurring, and that is all the product I promise you!  Amazing right?  Can you see why this is a necessity for me, and why I adore this so much?!

I need to give the other products in their skincare line a try.  So many people claim to be skin experts nowadays, but the proof is in the pudding.  Dr. Brandt did an amazing job in creating this skincare line, and although I'm all for bargain products, sometimes it's worth investing, especially in something as precious as your skin.

Hope you have a BLESSED week!

Love <3

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The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer aka "The Luminizer" {Review & Swatches}

Hi Dolls,

I hope you're having a fabulous & blessed weekend so far?  We had an awesome church service this morning, a Sunday well spent brings a week of content right, yes preach it sister ;) lol.

Not only have I seen this beaut featured by huge youtube makeup gurus, but I love the brand philosophy (cruelty free yayy) and history:

"theBalm cosmetics boasts a complete line of makeup, skin care, hair care and nail polish. With a "beauty in five minutes" philosophy, theBalm's multi-use, mega fabulous products have become its calling card, offering quick fixes and wondrous solutions for a wide range of beauty wants and needs. The company's wearable colors and fantastic formulas allow women to release their inner artist so they can look and feel fabulous. In 2004, Marissa Shipman, founder of theBalm, realized there were a few simple products she needed to help her look and feel glam all the time-and if she needed them, other women did too... Marissa decided to indulge her cosmetic curiosities and went to Amazon where she bought 11 books on how to make makeup and started mixing in her kitchen. "I went makeup crazy. I incorporated the company, worked out a budget, hired a chemist and designed a website." She began integrating anti-aging ingredients, triple-milled pigments, fabulous scents...and theBalm was born. Fast forward ten years, you can now find theBalm's Paraben and Cruelty-Free products worldwide."

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer available from Retailbox SA - R385.00

I absolutely adore the retro vibe, the concept that this is a woman that has been jailed for basically being utterly fabulous is so cute and lovely!  It's obvious that a lot of creative thinking went into the design of the packaging, which is something I appreciate and shows how unique the brand is (have a look at the fingerprint detailing on the back), honestly, 10 out of 10.

You can feel that the container is made out of sturdy material, it comes with a clasp and a mirror (perfect for travelling or keeping in your handbag).  Now I've used MAC Soft & Gentle for years, and recently added Revlon Skin Illuminator as a highlighter, I love both of these but I'm always interested in trying out new ones (hellooo I am a blogger that's what I do hehe).  So when Luzanne from Pink Peonies blogged about Retailbox SA I had to have a squizz on their website as to the products they have, and needless to say I've always wanted to try out The Balm goodies and decided to purchase 2 of their products (the other one will be up very soon).  I was in a bit of tug and war as I didn't know if I should try out the Cindy Lou-Manizer or Mary-Lou Manizer, I think I ended up making the right decision as I love this one!

This is definitely a pretty product, at first glance you can see it has a lovely champagne colour, it's beautiful! There's no glitter in this, but instead has a luminous and golden glow/shimmer.It's buttery soft to the touch, has no fallout and is very pigmented.  

The only way for me to really describe this highlighter is to say that it is as beautiful as the morning sun!  

I use this with a fan brush I picked up from Dischem, and you only need to tap it into the product very lightly, then dust all over the highest points of your cheekbones to give you a glow that looks natural and pretty.  I also love using this as an all over eyelid colour, it almost gives the same look as Stila Kitten, although not an exact dupe it's pretty close, I'll wear it just like that for a natural look, or I'll smoke it out with other colours. This works really beautifully in your tear duct or on the brownbone and can be dusted on your collarbone ~ basically this is a multi-functional product.  Powder highlighters are the best for people with oily/normal or combination skin, however, if you have dry skin just make sure that you hydrate (primer and / or moisturizer) well before applying this to avoid patchiness.

I have to say that this and the Revlon illuminator is my favourite highlighters, I like MAC Soft & Gentle, but for my personal taste The Balm and Revlon is the bomb!

Love and Blessings <3

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Favourite Face Combo

Hi Pretties,

The weekend is here!  Whooppp!!

I wanted to share my favourite face combo - I'm kind of obsessed with these products, they're really lovely and gives me the perfect glowy and flawless skin {but not cakey}.

In 2012, I did a review on the just launched (at that time) Garnier BB cream which you can read here.  They then launched a BB cream for oily skin, up until then I wasn't a fan of BB creams, just because I found that they made my face very oily and provided very little, if any, coverage.  That is until I tried the new Garnier BB cream, which I absolutely LOVE!  Honestly, in my opinion it's more of a light to medium coverage foundation than a BB cream, it creates a lovely smooth finish, it doesn't dry completely matte on my skin, but gives it a dewy not an oily finish.  I use one normal layer all over my face, I prefer using this especially on areas where I have wrinkles such as my forehead, as it doesn't accentuate wrinkles as foundation does, so if you're struggling with that I do suggest trying out a BB cream instead.  I use a short stippling brush from MAC which I find works best with this, then pat any streaky areas with my Beauty Blender which I buy from The Spa Shop - their customer service is top notch btw.

Anyway, I then move onto foundation, I adore MAC studio fix fluid, I've used this for years and it's always been a firm favourite, and even when trying out different foundations it's been a security blanket which I so easily fall back into using.  I don't use the foundation all over my face, I use it more as a concealer, so I pat it with my beauty blender onto my cheeks, chin and around my nose.

I then apply the Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Bare Light on my cheekbones with my beauty blender, and pat the remaining product onto the other high points of my face.  This illuminator is one of the best ones I've used, it's basically the liquid version of MAC Soft and Gentle/The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer.  I also sometimes mix this with my foundation, or apply it all over my face before foundation, as it gives your skin such a healthy glow.

I do have sensitive and acne prone skin, and neither of these products break me out.

These products are must haves all year round, in winter when your skin start to look a bit dull or dry, grab these and I guarantee your skin will look fabulous and nourished.

Love <3

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Pamper Time: Lush Goodies

Hi Pretties,

Hope you're having a fab week so far?

Lush is a cult favourite amongst beauty enthusiasts, and after watching the 100th video of their products, I had to order some goodies.  Now I have to mention that I have a very particular taste when it comes to scents, basically it needs to smell sweet, I'm not a fan of natural or organic type scents (normally).

Needless to say, when I got my box of goodies which I ordered before Christmas, I couldn't wait to give them a sniff.  I ordered some of the Christmas ones, the Santa and another one, those were the first 2 products I tried.  And to say I was disappointed was a bit of an understatement.  I really didn't get the fuss, to be honest I felt like I paid R50 for coloured water, and I really didn't care for the fragrance of them either.

Anyway, I wasn't going to waste the other ones I ordered, and the next one was the Candy Mountain - and this absolutely restored my hopes in the Lush brand.  It was everything I had hoped for, it smelled incredible.  So although I had a bit of a shaky start, I've now realized that it's just a matter of trying until you find the ones you really like (almost like dating you know lol).

Honey Bee Ballistic R42.50

I'm not the best at describing scents, the best I can do is tell you that it smells wonderful and sweet, so I'll give you my best copy and paste directly from the Lush website:

"For a soothing, cleansing soak. Honey Bee smells like caramel, much like Honey, I Washed The Kids soap and Soft Coeur massage bar do. Honey Bee holds its own special distinction, though; in addition to soothing honey, it has Moroccan rhassoul mud to deep cleanse and soften your skin. The world’s best spas offer honey or mud baths on their menus. Now, you can have both in one go, for roughly 1% of the cost." 

Think Pink Ballistic R32.50

"The Think Pink Ballistic is back with a slimmer figure. We’ve made it smaller, but this hot pink bomb is still fragranced with tonka bean’s edgy aroma and the sweetness of vanilla absolute. It’s sweet, but not overbearingly so, with a subtle bite that will remind you of pink bon-bons. We highly recommend you spoil yourself with our gloriously indulgent, rather sophisticated surfeit of pinkness."

Phoenix Ballistic R45.50

How pretty is this ballistic?  

"All the myth and magic of a Phoenix pressed into one bath time experience, which lets you arise at the end feeling refreshed and ready for the next 500 years. One of Lush’s patented double layer bath ballistics, your Phoenix will sink to the bottom then rise in triumph, his mythical sparkling purple and green plumage unfurling through your bath water.  He’ll release gentle shea butter, cocoa butter and jojoba oil to leave your skin feather soft, and exotic essential oils of fruit and spices, which take your mind on a flight of fancy to distant shores where you are lying on a beach drinking ..."

Soaking in a lush bath is now a part of my weekly pamper routine.  Just taking 15 minutes or so to inhale the mixture of carefully mixed spices and scents, is a must have!  And I feel kind of bad that we had a shaky start, but I'm sure this is going to be a romance that lasts much longer than KimK's 2nd or 3rd marriage ;) hehe.

Which lush product is your favourite?

Love,

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