April 2015 Favourites

Hi There

These are the products that I enjoyed using in the month of April:

Beauty Treats 24 Color Warm Eye Palette

With flash

 Renewing Argan Oil Of Morocco - Extra Penetrating Oil 

Bobbi Browln Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15 (Light)

Bourjois Rouge Edition  04 Rose Tweed
Avon Speed Dry+ Nail Enamel in Red Wine

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush & Setting Brush

BeChic Blush CB101 Natural
Maybelline The Colossal Volume Express Smoky Eyes Mascara

Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base

March 2015 Favourites : Skincare

Hi

Here where my skincare favourites for March 2015.  I have already posted my Makeup favourites for the month of March. Click here to see my March 2015 Makeup Favourites.

Age Perfect Intense Nutrition Repairing Eye Balm 15.0 ml Repairing Eye Cream
My Clarins Eye cream that I love (and still do) was finished. I was browsing in Foschini and saw this baby.  I picked it up because it said it contains "Royal Jelly"  which is a very hydrating ingredient.  My under eye area is very dry so I look for hydrating ingredients and this is very thick and hydrating. I also have sensitive eyes and this does not irritate them at all.  It feels thick and luxurious.  Although it says "Eye Balm" is feel like a cream instead, which I prefer.  I can't use eye lotions and gels, or balms as they do not do the trick for me.

Loreal Revialift magic Blur Instant Skin Smoother Anti-Ageing Eye Cream
Honestly, I should have put this product under my makeup favourites instead of my skincare favourites.  Reason being, I use it as an under eye primer before applying concealer. I mentioned that my under eye area is very dry, and this seems to have moisturising properties with the added benefit of being a skin smoother.  I apply it after eye cream and before concealer.  I am enjoying this combo. In my honest opinion, I find this product way better that the Smashbox Under Eye Hydrating Primer, which was a waste of money.

 

IQ Sun Care Face and Body SPF 50 Daily Defence UVA & UVB Protection

Product description - A non-oily water resistant cream that helps protect skin from ageing UVA and burning UVB rays.  

The fact that it prevents premature ageing and helps protect collagen and gives wrinkle prevention is everything I want in a sun protection cream.  I went swimming with this on my face and I did not have to re-apply.  It is also mineral oil free.  The IQ skincare range is developed by dermatologists so I know my skin is in good hands. 

Eucerin Even Brighter Night Cream

I have been using the Clarins Bright Plus Night Cream which I love.  I was going to re-purchase but, at the Dischem's big sale last month, I decided to give the Eucerin one a try.  It was on sale for R170 - what a bargain.  It claims to do the same thing that Clarins Bright Plus does.  Let me tell you, I do not regret buying this product.  It is supposed to be Dermatological Skincare, which is plus for me.  Things that don't clog my pores (which I am prone to) are welcome in my stash.  This is very comfortable on my skin.  It has picked up where my Clarins cream has left off.  My face and neck are practically the same tone now, so foundation does not look funky on me. Acne scars go away even faster.  My complexion is brighter.  I am hoping with continue use that my pigmentation marks lighten up considerably as well.  

Clarins Bright Plus Serum (Intensive Brightening Smoothing Serum)

Because I had already replaced my Clarins Bright Plus night cream with the Eucerin Even Brighter night cream, a purchased the Clarins Bright Plus Serum instead.  Although I gave my Clarins anti-ageing range a break, this serum also provides for that as well.  It is supposed firm facial features and smooth away fine lines.  Not forgetting its main function to minimize the appearance of dark spots  and prevent their re-appearance.  Kkin is supposed to glow with youthful radiance.  I am all about that.  This has definitely been the boost I need to use under the night creams.  My marks are going away even faster than I had hoped.  I love that it is non greasy.  I am currently using this at night only for now.

Thanks for reading

March 2015 Favourites : Makeup

Hi

These are the products I gravitated towards and loved using in March 2015.

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light Plus
The packaging has changed form the old see-through compact.  The powder makes any foundation look better when set with this powder.  It is also perfect for setting concealer under the eyes.  It does not give you that flat matte look.  It actually looks better when it is worn throughout the day.

Clarins Intant smooth Perfecting Touch

This primer is really nice.  It does not clog pores and it smooths out any lines so that foundation does not settle into any lines.  This worn under foundation and foundation set with Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is a winning combo.  This primer does not have that slippery siliconey feel to it.

So it does keep you oil free for longer.   

Elf Studio Contour Powder 

This time I am not raving about the blush.  I previously said that the contour powder was too dark.  I WAS WRONG.  I was obviously using the wrong brushes and the wrong technique.  This contour powder looks perfect when blended out.  This creates the perfect shadow.  Unlike bronzers that have an orangey tinge to them.  I am glad that I tried this powder again to contour.  Now I love it.

LA Girl Gel Liner in Dark Brown

I am sure I have raved about LA Girl Gel Liners when I started using them a while ago.  I wear black eye liner a lot.  But this summer I gravitated to the brown eye liner.  It goes so well with all my summer eyeshadow looks and is also more appropriate for work.  The quality of LA Girl gel Liners are better than any other gel Liners I have tried,  Not to mention the affordable price of these liners.

Revlon Grow Luscious Waterproof Mascara

I loved this mascara when I tried it years ago when it first launched.  I didn't think that the Revlon mascaras that came out after this where any better.  This went on sale at Dischem for half price and I picked one up.  This gives incredible length and Volume.  It can be a little clumpy if you don't watch out.  But it gives me the "big flash lash look" that I like.

 

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Natural Lipstick in 06 Rose Tendre

This lipstick coupled with my "Dusty" lipliner from Signature Cosmetics and a clear gloss over, has been my go to lipstick for the month of March 2015.  It is the perfect finish to my summery eye shadow looks with brown eye liner.  It looks polished but not overdone. 

These where my makeup favourites.  I am going to try and upload my March 2015 Skincare favourites.

Thank you for reading.

January 2015 Favourites - Makeup / Beauty

Hi There

In a previous post I showed my current skincare favourites.  In this post I will concentrate on makeup items.

Catrice Defining Blush 080 Sunrose Avenue

I am a very big fan of Catrice as a brand. I think their products are well-made, finely milled, and extremely affordable. This is my second blush from Catrice.

Catrice Defining Blush in 080 Sunrose Avenue  is a lovely muted, glowy rosy shade.  The finish is much like the pink glow you get in your face after you've been out and about on a nippy, chilly day. This makes it a highly versatile, multi-occasion blush that works for the office and also for nights out. Because it’s so pigmented, however, you need to be light-handed with application, especially if you’re fairer skinned. The upside is I think this shade would work well with a whole variety of skin tones, including darker or olive tones.

The Catrice website describes their blushes as follows:
"The ultra-fine, highly-pigmented powder blush with vitamin C and E spreads easily, sets fresh accents, emphasizes your cheekbones and models the contours of your face. Top marks for a perfect finish"

Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation NC25

I love using this foundation as a concealer on my dark eye circles.  It is gel-based and has a medium to full coverage perfect for dry skin.  My under eyes are really dry and need the coverage.  I find a lot of concealers dry out my under eyes.  I apply eye cream, under eye primer, then a layer of this foundation.  Days when I need extra coverage, I may apply a little LA Girl concealer over this and I think the gel in the foundation really makes a difference.  On cooler days I do reach for this foundation to wear all over my face as well.  

Mac Blanc Type Eyeshadow

I have done a previous post on this eyeshadow and although I have a dupe for this shadow, I reach for this every time I do my makeup instead of the dupe.  It is currently my holy grail browbone shade.  The quality is excellent and the finish is awesome.  Point Blank Period.

Essence Kajal Pencil in 01 Black

I have always liked Essence kajal pencils and lipliners.  There are such good quality and the you cant beat the price.  There is no need to spend money on high end brands when these gems are around. I use this kajal pencil to tightline (line my upper waterline). 

Wet n Wild MegaLast Lip Color, Just Peachy 903C-

Wet n Wild Just Peachy lipstick is said to be a dupe for Mac's Kinda Sexy lipstick.  I think Just Peachy is the perfect summer shade.  Its not too bright or too nude.  It pairs well with a smokey eye.  I love wearing it with a green eye shadow look.  This lipstick looks even better when worn with Milani Luminoso Blush.  These two were made to be worn together.  They compliment each other.

Essence XXXL Nudes Lipgloss - 05 Forever Rose

I don't know why this lipgloss is called Forever Rose as there is nothing Rose about it.  It is a peachy shade and pairs nicely on top of Wet n Wild Just Peachy lipstick.  This is the perfect summer combo shade along with Milano Luminoso blush.   I have always liked Essence glosses.  They are super affordable and very good quality.

Justine Make-up Fixer Mist

This was on sale in the Justine catalogue so I wanted to give it a try since my Rose Water Facial spray was finished.  Setting my makeup with powder is a must, but I don't like the dry powdery look.  This kinda melts the powder into my skin with the rest of my makeup and sets it so that it looks more natural and not powdery.  It also has a pleasant smell and does not break me out.  I like to use this if I am going to wear a long wearing dry foundation like my Mac Studio Fix Fluid.

My last favourite is not in the picture above.  It is Signature Cosmetics Nail Polish in Deliciously Dark.  I have been wearing this shade on my toenails since last December.  I had a manicure in December and had this shade on my finger nails and fell in love with it.  I found this shade at a Signature Store.  I believe Rimmel has a shade like this in their line called  Rimmel 60 Seconds Deliciously Dark.

              

Thanks for reading

January 2015 Favourites - Skincare

Hi All

I have not done a favourites post in a long time.  I have changed some of the products I have been using and wanted to share which products I am getting on well with. In this post I will show my skincare favourites from the picture below, then do a seperate post for the remaining products which are beauty related.

Current Favourites

Bright Plus HP Brightening Repairing Night Cream (Not shown in picture above)

I did a previous post when I purchased this night cream and I must say that I am very happy that I bought it.  I normally use the Clarins Multi-Active Night Cream which is for Anti-ageing, which I am definitely going to repurchase in the winter.  I thought summertime would be the perfect time to try this brightening & repairing night cream to soothe my skin from any sun damage that may have been caused from the summer sun and also even out my skin tone and fade any dark spots I may have.  In the morning,  I do notice that my skin is not so dull any more.  My neck and face are almost the same skin tone / shade now, whereas my face used to be noticeably darker than my neck. 

BioNike Defence Two-Phase Lotion Eye Make-up Remover 150 ml

I bought the BioNike Defence Two-Phase Lotion Eye Make-up Remover (R129.95) because the Dischem Cold Cream that I used for removing my eye-makeup had been discontinued.  So I had to find an alternative.  I was recommended this product by a sales assistant that works at Dischem.  I think I even like it better than the Clarins travel size one I received last year that looks the same as this one.  You basically have to shake it up to mix the clear liquid on top, with the blue liquid below and dispense some onto a cotton pad and hold it on over your eye for a couple of seconds while it melts the eye makeup.  Then use the cotton pads to wipe the eye makeup off your eye.  Repeat with a clean cotton pad for the second eye.  I like that it is gentle on the eye as well as non greasy.

IQ Dermaquench Rose Blossom Toner 200ml

Once again, I couldnt find my regular toner (Simple) because it had been discontinued.  I picked up this one because is said the following things "Alcohol Free, Anti-Ageing,  Clears, Restores & Primes Skin, Dry/Sensitive Skin".  it is also dermatologist developed.  It is soothing on my skin which I like and has a pleasant smell.  It retails for R74.99 at Dischem.

Lush Mask Of Magnaminty

The Lush Mask Of Magnaminty really is a skin saver as it really does get rid of pimples.  I am just sad that it has a quick expiry date as I have soo much left and its near its expiry date.  I also wished I used it more often, instead of just using it only when I had a skin emergency.  I received this as a gift at the end of last year along with other Lush goodies.  A male Lush assistant once told me that this saved his skin as he had such bad acne.  Although it says "Minty", it is really gentle on the skin - no burning at all.  The mint isn't even strong smelling either.  This is a definite repurchase item.  It comes in two different sized tubs.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post on my January 2015 skincare favourites.

I am going to upload a beauty / makeup favourites post for January as well.

Keep well

Favourites : November & December 2014

Hi

These are my current favourites that I have been using  for the last couples of months.

Dischem Cold Cream Cleanser - The one in the pink lid on the right

Dischem Cold Cream Cleanser - This jar has lasted me like forever.  I use it on my eyes to remove my eyemakeup.  I rub it on with my fingers.  It melts the makeup on my eyes.  I then wipe it off with tissues.

Clarins Extra Firming Eye Wrinkle Smoothing Cream

Clarins Extra Firming Eye Wrinkle Smoothing Cream - This is a nice thick cream for my under-eyes.  My eyes are more moisturised and don't look so parched all the time.  Its like a comfort cream for my eyes.  From day one from using this cream, I have noticed the difference.  By moisturising my eyes so well, it looks like I have less lines than I did before. 

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch - I have been dying to try this product for a while.  It is used as a primer and blurs lines and fills in pores.  I find that it controls oil throughout the day as well.  I have the 4ml travel size tub.

Mac Studio Fix Fluid - NC20

Lush Colour Suppliment Light Yellow

I purchased the Lush Light Yellow Supplement a while ago, but never really got into using it.  It was meant to be mixed with your moisturiser and then applied to the face like a foundation.

As for the Mac Studio fix foundation, I have a love hate relationship with this foundation.  Anyway, these two mixed together, then applied with ta damp beauty blender sponge gives me a pleasing result that I like.  Together they give me the right colour, coverage and finish.  Who would have thought?

Essence Big Bright Eyes 01 Highlight It ... Nude - This pencil comes in three options: 

01 highlight it... nude,02 highlight it... pearly and 03 highlight it... funky.

I have 01 highlight it... nude.  I use this on my browbone and on the inner corner of my eyes.  It is soo creamy.  I apply it, then apply Mac's Blanc Type eyeshadow over it.  This combo gives me the perfect hightlight shade for my browbone. This pencil is even better than my NYX Push-up Bra for eyes.  I have been using it for months now and it is nowhere near being finished.

MAC Blanc Type - Matte Eyeshadow

MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow - This is a Matte eyeshadow that works perfectly as an everyday browbone shadow.  It works with every eye look I have worn since I got it.  Some matte shadows are not very pigmented.  This matte shadow is very pigmented and very creamy / buttery.

Coastal Scents 26 Shadow Blush Palette

Coastal Scents 26 Shadow Blush Palette - I pulled out this palette and couldn't stop using it.  This palettes has featured in a favourites post before.

Thanks for reading

Current Beauty Favourites August to October 2014

Hi there

These are the products that I have been using and loving over the last couple of months.

Yves Rocher Elixir 7.9 Youth Energy Care - Day Cream
I have already done a blogpost on this product)

Woolworths Smoothing Primer
(They have since changed the packaging into a tube instead of a bottle)

Dischem Foundation Sponge
R26 and they have them in blue

Benefit 10 Bronzing Powder
(I only use the bronzer for contouring)

Elf Studio Blush and Contouring Set
(I love using the blush. the bronzer is a bit dark for me)

LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

This is how I apply the LA Girl Concealer

Essence Lashes Go Wild Volume Mascara

Mac Prep + Prime CC Powder

LA Girl Glazed Lip Paint in Blushing
(I have the shade "Coy" as well)

Cala Brush - Deluxe Powder 301
(Available at Dischem)

Thanks for reading!

Natalie