Monday, 13 April 2015

Must Have Beauty Item *MAC Pro Longwear Concealer*

Hi Dolls,

Hope you had a fabulous weekend? I did my seasonal wardrobe change from summer to winter - that is such hard work right? Phewwww.  I store my clothes in those Vacu-Pac bags from Makro, it saves so much space, and then the rest of the clothes that I don't want anymore I've put in bags for a charity to collect.  I am officially ready for fall :-)

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer R269.00 

I never used to have under eye bags or circles, although I do get enough sleep, mine has become more prominent in recent years and I'm not sure what causes it.

To cover this and give me a fresh and wide eye look, I've tried so many Concealers but they've mostly failed to give me exactly what I want, but this one delivers 100%!

This concealer is full coverage, and I know some women with severe acne use it as a foundation.  My MAC shade is NW20, so I take the same concealer shade, however, the concealer is about a shade lighter than the foundation which I love as it's perfect to highlight the under eye area.  I do a v-shape and this is the only area I highlight on my face, I may slightly dab the excess product into the t-shape but nothing dramatic or obvious.

One pump is enough to cover the under eye, and I dab it in with a damp beauty blender.  It covers any imperfections completely!

I don't set my under eye concealer with powder, I've tried it various methods and with different powders, and it always ends up looking dry, cakey or as if the powder has removed concealer pigment - is anyone else the same cause I feel like people say they have to powder?  So I much prefer without powder.  My under eye area still creases a little bit, but nothing major or where it looks bad, the concealer dries relatively quickly and has a semi-matte finish.  It's just one of those things that we have to accept, no matter what the brand says, no concealer will ever be 100% creaseless, not even on 18 year old skin.

And the good thing about not setting your concealer, is that you can if you want, lightly pat the creases during the day to smoothen it out, but honestly I don't even bother with it.

This is by far the best concealer I've used, it lasts a couple of months so is absolutely worth the price tag (and remember that MAC has their recycling program where you take 6 empty containers for a free lipstick of your choice).

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Tuesday, 7 April 2015

The Body Shop Drops of Youth: Bouncy Sleeping Mask *Review*

Hi Beauts,

I hope you had a lovely long Easter weekend, I can't believe how quickly 4 days go by.  Honestly, it's ridiculous.  I feel like when you're an adult, time goes by so fast - remember in school how long it took from the start of a semester to the holidays {ages}?  Lol.


I heard about this product from one of my fave YouTubers Sami Erzen in one of her recent video's.  I'm always on the hunt for anti-ageing products!  Honestly, I get so depressed when I see more wrinkles appearing ;) okay, slightly over-dramatic here but anything that promises to turn back the hands of time needs to appear in my regime.

I don't don't have a lot of wrinkles, I think I have the normal amount for people my age, and no, I really don't want to do botox.  Good on you if you have it - I'm all for a bit of help - but I'm deathly afraid of needles so I don't know which I fear most, wrinkles or botox? 

Now I'm going to put this out there.  Normally these types of products take a while to work, but not this! I've had this for say just over 3 weeks, and I've noticed a significant reduction in the appearance of my forehead wrinkles.  They already appear more plump and smooth in such a short time, so can you imagine what it's going to look like in a year's time?  

The product itself is rather weird, and I get the term bouncy because of the "gel-like" texture which almost is a mixture between gel and mousse, it definitely seems to bounce.  I don't think I've ever tried anything that's exactly like this.  Anyway, I immediately thought mask meant a once or twice treatment, but this is actually a substitute for your night time moisturizer.  

I love that it comes with a little spatula, I hate putting my fingers into products, it grosses me out, anyway, I'd say about the size of a R1 coin is enough for your whole face, just dab it all over and rub in it (after cleansing and the whole caboodle).  It feels really nice and smooth on the skin, the reason it is only for night time use, is because once you've applied it, it goes kind of sticky and tacky for about an hour or two, and only then does it start sinking into your skin.  I normally sleep on my side, but I hate the feeling of having sticky stuff on my face against the pillow, so I've gotten into a routine where I apply this early enough so by the time I go to bed, it's more of a thickening moisturizer.

It smells incredible, it's not too fragrant but it has a very clean smell.  There seems to be quite a bit of product too, so although you'll probably end up using this daily, it should last you quite some time.  Like I said, I've had it just over 3 weeks and it doesn't look like I've used half of it yet.

I did pick up the eye concentrate too, and the review will be up this week.

Have a FABulous day!

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Saturday, 4 April 2015

Fall Beauty Survival Kit

Hi Pretties,

I hope you're having a fab Easter weekend.

Just before fall arrives, I wanted to share my beauty favourites with you.  The cold weather can wreck havoc not only on your skin and hair, but also on your mood right?  Unless you're me that loves cold weather ;) -- The only product I didn't photograph that is a must have is the Garnier Moisture Rescue for Dry Skin (it's a pink bottle), my skin gets extremely dry and flaky, and this moisturizer works like a charm (oh by the way I forgot to pick it up recently and wanted to get this post up, sorry)!


1.  Glamour Magazine
Nothing beats reading a magazine with a cuppa on a cold morning, it's one of my favourite things to do and the heat is instantly turned on with the gorgeous Jennifer Aniston on the cover! 

2.  1D Cheek Tint in Coral Cutie - R43.95
I know you're giving me the look, it's okay lol, but no I'm not a 1D fan whatsoever although I do love some of their catchy tunes.  I've totally been into dewy skin, and was looking for a creamy blusher in Clicks, there's not really a lot to pick from so when I saw the stand for 1D I had to have a squizz, and this coral peachy colour instantly got my attention.  And what does it look like?  It's a really pretty colour, it goes with any look, whether you have a dramatic eye or simple one.  The blush is quite pigmented, it's creamy and blends out very well, I just dab it on with my fingers, there's no shimmer in it and it dries within a minute or two and lasts throughout the day.  Very impressed with it so job well done lads!

3.  Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub - R95.00
I have dry lips throughout the year, but in winter it's so much worse.  There's no point piling on lip balms if you don't get rid of the dead skin cells, and a good 'ol scrub is a must, especially if you're daring and going for a dark lip during winter.  DIY lip scrubs work just as well, but this Lush one is just amazing!  It smells divine, you just dab on a bit, scrub a dub and then you can lick it off or wipe away, depending how bad your OCD is ;) and you'll have smooth and nice smelling lips for the rest of the day.

4.  Placecol Gentle Exfoliating Treatment Safe AHA Exfoliant Weekly Booster - R320.00 **Sponsored Product**
I've been a fan of Placecol for years and have done many reviews on this brand, it's one of those brands that you know works, and is affordable.  An exfoliant for your skin is so important and if you'd like to have a smooth skin all year round, it is recommended that you exfoliate 1 - 2 times a week.  This product doesn't only help keep your skin smooth, but it reduces fine lines and wrinkles
and is moisturizing. What is an AHA exfoliant? 
"AHAs are preferred for sun-damaged and dry skin because they exfoliate on the surface of skin and have the added benefit of also improving moisture content."Paula's Choice

5. Clicks Hair Rescue Soothe & Nourish Extra Strength Silicon Serum - Price Not Available
Hair takes such a beating with all the heat and things we put on it, and one of the things I never go without is a good serum. Up until recently I used the Jean Pepe serum, which in my opinion is the best, but since it's finished I opted to try this one out. It works really well, not as good as the Jean Pepe but it's a great drugstore alternative.

6. Oh So Heavenly Cool Comfort Lavender Talc - Price Not Available
I love body powders, especially at night once I've had a bath, I literally shower myself in powder instead of wearing perfume to bed. This powder smells so nice, it's very calming and perfect for nighttime, and it helps keeps you fresh and dry throughout the night. Imagine the delight wearing this with your fluffy pj's (yes please).

7.  The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Body Butter - R150.00
Oh my goodness, this body butter smells so cosy and delicious.  Body butters is a must during the colder months and I tend to steer away from fruity smelling ones as they're too summery for me.  What I enjoy about these ones is that they are really nourishing to your skin, but soaks in within minutes and leaves no layer on your skin.

8 & 9.  Essence Colour & Go in be berry now! R24.95 and Essie in Size Matters R120.00
These colours are my go to's for this winter, I definitely stick with darker colours, and the previous winter I enjoyed wearing bright red and blue.  But this winter I'm leaning towards these types of colours, and I can't wait to pop it onto my nails.  They're quite similar in tone, but the Essence one is more purple and the Essie one is more red.  Both are so pretty though and are brands that I love as they're both long lasting and pigmented.

10.  Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Moisturizing Body Oil
Okay, I have to admit, the one part of my beauty regime that I absolutely don't enjoy, is slathering on body moisturizer!  I hate that part, I don't know why but it feels like such a chore haha.  So this nifty little beauty is perfect for lazy girls like me.  There's several ways you can use this.  Just pop a bit into your bath water, then instead of rubbing yourself dry, gently pat the towel into your body and you'll be left with a light layer of this oil, voila - super easy!  I've also used this on my face, it smells just like chocolate and I got no breakouts from this.  I've also used it on my hair as an all over treatment (it works great if you get dry scalp like I do), this truly is a multi-functional product.

11.  Lush Karma Bubble - R38.50
No beauty survival post will be complete without a Lush product.  Now can I just say, this one smells freakin amazing!  I had a little bag with all of these products ready to type up my post, and the whole bag smells of spicey oranges!  Yum!  It also looks really pretty and will surely brighten up any winters day.

12.  The Body Shop Solid Oil Lips - Argan Oil Lip Tin - R60.00
After scrubbing with your lush scrub, pop this lip balm on, especially at night before going to bed and in the morning, and you'll have soft baby lips throughout the year.  Oh, this also smells really nice, and feels buttery on the lips.

13 & 14.  Essence Longlasting Lipstick in Oh So Matt! R44.50 and Essence XXXL Shing Lipgloss in True Love R34.95
I'd say a nice nude and a darker shade lip product will complete any outfit during winter.  Although I love my MAC lippies, Essence has always been a drugstore dupe.  Really, if you haven't given their lippies a try do so!  The nude lipstick isn't deathly nude, I actually think if you're after a Kylie Jenner lip, pair it with a lipliner similar to MAC Spice.  I quite like matte lips in winter, as well as darker lips, however, I don't have nearly enough confidence to pull off a matte dark lip, although I think it looks so beautiful with all the jewel toned clothes that are in.  So a good alternative if you're anything like me, is to go for a gloss.  That way you can choose a desired pigmentation that you're comfy with.  This lipgloss is a stunning brown red with a blue undertone, so it will make your teeth appear nice and bright.  And of course you can mix the lipstick and lipgloss as they both will go together like toast and tea!

I hope you enjoyed my list of beauty must-haves to feel gorgeous and pretty even during the colder months.


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Friday, 3 April 2015

Luxury Clip in Hair Extensions: FrontRow {Review & Introduction}

Hi Dolls,

Happy Easter!  Do you see anything different ;) I changed back to my old design with new elements and a new layout, which I hope will make it easier for you so you can scroll past posts you're not really interested in?  I really hope you like it!

Wishing you an amazing long weekend with your loved ones!

Recently I got an amazing opportunity to collaborate with a fabulous brand called FrontRow, and I'll be doing regular hair posts on their blog www.frontrow.co.za, so please be sure to visit as there will be some exciting hair tutorials and ideas on there.

You may be well aware that my hair went from long and swishy to an a-line bob, and I love love my hairstyle. To be honest I don't know when or if I ever will go back to long, it's not going to be anytime soon, but that doesn't mean I don't want a variety of hairstyles.  And although you can do different hairstyles with a bob, I was really excited to give my short hair a boost with these extensions.  

One of the things I really like about this brand, is that the owner of FrontRow is an ambitious and hardworking woman, and I love supporting fellow gals working their butts off to create an empire, plus she's really lovely as well so that's already a recipe for success.

The extensions are 100% Remy hair, which means you can treat them the same way you treat your own hair, you can put heat on them (but as with your own hair use heat protectants and treatments), colour it (not bleach), it shines and is healthy looking - no one will know it's not your own hair.  One of the things Kim mentions on her website, is that she realized there is a need amongst South African women for affordable but high quality extensions.  I have to be honest that I was really surprised about the cost of these, as they truly feel like your own hair without the price tag.

You have to be careful when ordering hair extensions online, not all claims of 100% Remy hair is legitimate, and sometimes it's expensive too.  When I received my hair extensions, I couldn't wait to see what it feels like and how it "performs" for lack of a better word - and I'm so impressed by them, and can't wait to do tutorials with them.  

The service delivery is so fast, they use a courier company that really exceeds your expectations, so don't worry about having to wait ages for your lusted extensions to arrive.  The extensions come boxed, then packaged in a plastic sleeve.  At the top you get a test extension, so you can ensure that your extensions match your hair perfectly, and if not you can return them, granted you have not opened the big plastic pocket. This is really nice of them because I've never had extensions received this way before.  Should you find that the extensions match, and you open the bigger pocket, you'll see the extensions have neatly been tied together with a hair net.  You then have the option of storing the extensions as you've received it, or even just in the box.  How nice?  No need for you to go out and purchase additional storage for them, and it's little things like this that sets them apart from the rest.

Please be sure to check out their website regularly, like I mentioned I'll start posting tutorials on there soon and the first one will be a how to clip in extensions in a bob so it blends in perfectly {PS - Just a little disclaimer that all the posts for FrontRow is sponsored, if you'd like to read my policy on sponsored posts I have more information here}.

Have a FABulous and Blessed day everyone!


*  Sponsored Post *

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