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Showing posts with label Essence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Essence. Show all posts

Saturday, 14 February 2015

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.

Image result for iq rose blossom toner
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

Image result for name natalie in cursive


Saturday, 14 June 2014

Empties: Products I have used up

Hi there

I have another empties post of products I have used up in the last few months.  I will let you know if I enjoyed the products or not.  So here goes...

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Wipes

I received three packets of the trial size packs, 7 wipes in each, as a gift with purchase offer.
I enjoyed using them, they get the job done and are just as good as the Clicks branded ones I like.  I have not purchased more as the Clicks ones are cheaper.


Simple Kind To Skin Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

I have already purchased another tube of this Simple face wash.  I have always believed in being gentle on my skin in the morning by using gentle face washes as part of my morning skincare routine.
I also use this face wash as night as my pre-cleanse, thereby cutting out the use of pre-cleanse oils, cleansing milks, followed by makeup wipes.  Using this at night has saved me time.  It removes all my makeup. I rinse it off with warm water.  I then follow with my salicylic acid cleanser with a facial brush.  My evening cleansing is then done. In winter, I just want to get finished as fast as possible.

Simple Kind To Skin Soothing Facial Toner


I know, there is a lot of simple Skin care in this post lol.  I have re-purchased this toner many times over.  It is a staple product for me.  I empty some into a fine mist spray bottle and spray some onto a cotton pad to use on my face.  I love this product.


Oxy Wipeout Pads

Oxy Wipeout Pads is another product I have always repurchased and you guys have seen over & over on my empties posts.  During Summer I use it almost every night.  In winter I try and use it only when I feel I need to, as it can dry out the skin.  Like if I am feeling greasy and feel a breakout under my skin about to appear.  This really does dry out any pimples before they surface, and If I have a breakout, it dries them up over night.  This product contains salicylic acid, so be sure to wear sunscreen during the day.


Left: Garnier Pure Active Daily Cleansing Gel Wash
Right: Pure Active Intensive Deep Pore Gel Wash

I have used up both these face washes and have repurchased the Garnier Pure Active Daily Cleansing Gel Wash (left) 3 times.  The one in the white bottle is supposed to be "intensive" but I find the one in the blue bottle is more "intensive"  The blue bottle is also cheaper for some reason.  It contains salicylic acid and purifying zinc for oily to combination skin prone to imperfections.  It eliminates oil & imperfections & tightens pores.
The white bottle has 2% salicylic acid & herbasoothe for oily to spot prone skin. It fights spots & fades marks.
I always use a salicylic acid face wash at night only with a facial brush, after my pre-cleanse.

Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream

I absolutely adore the Clarins Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Comfort Cream.  I agree, it is a comfort cream and its very soothing.  I first tried this product when I received a travel size last year (75% the size of a full size). I used the travel size, which lasted me forever, then I cracked open the full size.  Both of them lasted me from last year summer, to the beginning of winter this year.  You only need to apply a tiny bit.  It is supposed to be for normal to dry skin.  I wore this product through all types of weather, cold and hot, and its safe to say that I can use this product all year round, regardless if my skin is oily or dry.  I seldom find night creams that do not  block my pores and I am sensitive to fragrance.  This one is awesome on me.  Who doesn't love a good anti-ageing cream?


Magi Clear Even Skin Plus Bio-Active Cleansing Gel

This product is by the Institute Science At Work.  The whole Magi Cleat Range is sold in Clicks.  This should have been in an old empties post, but I did not include it.  I found the empty bottle the other day and decided to add it to this post.  The Magi Clear range includes a Cleansing Cream, Smoothing Cream Scrub, Gentle Skincare Soap, a Moisturiser and an Anti-marks Serum (which I would love to try)  They are affordable, dermatologist tested and is suitable for all skin types. 
I found this face wash to be very gentle.  I feel it would be better for winter time when the weather is colder.  I used this in the mornings only.


Softi Round Cotton Pads 80's

Softi Round Cotton Pads 80's


I always repurchase these over and over.  Most of the time there is a special on at Dischem where you get two packs for R19.99 or 1 pack for R12.99.  Dischem has changed the packaging to blue now, but the quality is still the same.

Bergamotessens

This is another recurring product on my blog.  I pour half a bottle of this in my shampoo and the other half in my conditioner.  It was recommended by a hairdresser and works like a charm.  I like the smell and my hair is healthy now because of this.  No more weak, damaged hair,  The only thing, is that it makes the shampoo watery in consistency (not effectiveness) I can live with that.  It does not do this to the conditioner at all.

I also finished a tub of Perfect Touch Shine & Hold Wax - Shape & Definition.  (No Picture Sorry)
I have repurchased this.  I use it to help give my Pixie cut some definition and shine every morning.

Essence Sun Club Oil Control Paper

These are great to keep in your purse especially in Summer when its hot.  I use blotting papers less in Winter time.  These are inexpensive and a good staple to keep in your hand bag.


Charlie Mega Wink Lash Enhancer Mascara

I bought this mascara because it was on sale for R39 at Dischem.  Wow, I should have bought more than one.  I like it more than the other mascaras that I have raved about.  I would have never purchased this if it was not on sale.  But I think I discovered it too late because it looks like it has been discontinued.  When I went back, the ones left in the sale section, had been opened.   Have a look at the brush.  it kinda looks like the brush on the Revlon Grow-Luscious mascara (the original one).  There was zero clumps, awesome separation of lashes, volume and extended length. .  I have short lashes and believe me when I say that I received compliments when wearing this, even while wearing reading glasses.  I am sad that this is now finished.

Charlie Mega Watt Volumising Macscara 

I bought the Charlie Mega Watt mascara the same day I bought the Charlie Mega Wink Mascara.  Sadly, this one didnt do anything for me.  It was just an "okay" standard mascara.  I would use it as a base coat under other mascaras.

The other products I used up consist of hand wash, soap, tooth paste etc., the usual stuff, nothing exciting.

Sorry for the long post, but thanks for reading.




Natalie

Saturday, 26 April 2014

Essence Colour Flash Volume Macara - Haul & Review

Hi There

I spotted the Essence Colour Flash Volume Mascaras on the Essence stand at Dischem a few weeks ago.  They retail for R49.


Shades
01 miss early green-birdy (the green shade)
02 miss sue blue (the blue shade)
03 miss mary berry (the dark pink berry shade)
04 miss louise turquoise (the turquoise shade)
05 miss lila deleila (the purple shade)


I originally bought every shade except 03 miss mary berry.  The next day I returned the purple and the green shade unopened.  I realised that I was being a bit greedy.



I have worn the blue mascara a few times and have received compliments.  I applied the LA Girl Glide Gel liner Crayon in GP363 Royal Blue on my top and bottom lash-line.  Then I took an angled brush and ran the brush over the liner with an eyeshadow in the same colour as the liner.  This makes the liner stay on even longer and vibrant.  Then I applied at least two to three coats of the blue mascara.  This mascara is very volumising.  It lets you apply a few coats without clumping.  So I am impressed with this mascara.


These are obviously not for everyday wear, but you could definitely brighten up your day every now and again with these beauties.



Are you planning to try these out?


Sunday, 22 September 2013

Essence Fantasia Collection


The Essence collection that is currently in the Durban South Africa Stores is the Fantasia collection.

After swatching the testers, I made a decision on what to buy and what not to buy.
I already had the exact same eyeshadow shades, so I passed those by.  But for those of you who don't, these shadows where very good quality and highly pigmented, so you would not go wrong buying these.

The Liners swatched a bit patchy.  Maybe because the testers were opened too many times and where drying out?  Anyway, Essence liners are normally really nice and smooth.  

The Lip Laquers where really nice and very pigmented.  The normal essence lip glosses are divine.

I love Essence nail polishes.  They rival high end brands in my opinion.

The eye jewels is not something I really wear, but it was cute anyway.

And the one product I did purchase...the Highlighter at R29.
Why? Because I am a sucker for highlighters and it was soo pretty, just look at it!
It may be a little shimmery, but still very pretty.

So that's my run-down of the Essence Fantasia Collection.

xoxo
Nats


Sunday, 18 August 2013

Sunday, 26 May 2013

Essence 2013 Oz The Great and Powerful Collection


I always wait in anticipation to see what Essence next collection will be.  Just like lots of people can't wait for Mac's new collections.  Its no secret that I like Essence as a brand.  
From the picture of the collection below I only picked up two things: The Highlighter Powder and the Cream blush.



The reason I picked up the Highlighter Powder was because the last highligher Essence released from the Twilight range was awesome and has become my everyday HG highlighter.  This powder has a good look to it (the embossing on the powder).  Makes me not want to mess the embossing.  Anyhoo, its a very smooth powder and I can actually use it as a setting powder instead as sadly there is no highlighting effect as all. 


The cream blush I have not used yet.  I guess I am scared because I have never tried a cream bush before and I want to experiments on the best way to apply it and not look like a clown.  Not sure if I am going to keep it or pass it onto a friend but I love the shade.


Here are swatches of the Cracked nail polishes;

 V.l.n.r 02 Winds of Change, 01 Master of Illusion

More swatches from the collection:

V.l.n.r. Cream Blush 01 Beware the wicked witch, Lipbalm 01 Glinda the good, Eyepencil 01 Fragile but feisty, Eyeshadow 01 Goodness
All pictures where taken from google.

Cant wait for the next Essence collection.

XOXO