Friday 24 July 2015

Kiehl's Product Review

You Make Me Kiehl Like a Natural Woman

“Give us 28 Days!  We guarantee your skin will look healthier and revitalized, or we’ll refund your purchase”.

Kiehls know that their products are superior and that they work.  That’s why they make this pledge.

28 days using these magnificent products has been an absolute pleasure!  The Kiehls #ChangeYourSkin Challenge has come to an end and my results are something quite remarkable.

Not only is my skin the most hydrated it’s ever been (aside from me growing fins and metamorphosing into a fish), but my face is undoubtedly glowing!
Who wouldn’t be happy with these results?  For me the #3Musketeers have lived up to their promise and MORE!  

Kiehl’s guarantee tells me that they are dedicated to quality and services.  Both Kiehls and I believe in their products!  They are committed to customer feedback in order to improve and enhance their products.  They want to be the best and give us the best.

I will definitely be repurchasing their skin care products, especially the Plumping Retexturizing Concentrate.  It leaves your skin feeling and looking like silk!  I can’t wait to see what my results will be in another month’s time!  
I’ve been “39” for a few years now and with Kiehls I might just get away with telling that little white lie for another couple of years or so…

I’m a true believer of “Before and After” photos, because they speak louder than any review.

A MASSIVE thank you to Beauty Bulletin and Kiehls for this brilliant opportunity and gifting me with the #3Musketeers.  My skin has never looked better!
(I'm just absolutely GUTTED that my Cleaner decided to pour most of my Dark Spot Solution on both my bedside table, and all over my floor!)


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The #3Musketeers

The #3Musketeers Work Wonders on Arms Too...
I've been tickled to bits to be a part of The Kiehl's #ChangeYourSkin b2ap3_thumbnail_forearms1.jpg28-day challenge using the #3Musketeers aka Hydro Plumping Retexturizing Serum Concentrate, Midnight Recovery Concentrate and the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution.

Not only have I been using these brilliant products on my face, but I've been testing them on my forearm for the last Three Weeks.  
I've been treating my right arm only, so that I can truly test the success of these products.  With this test, I have at least something to compare it to because I've left my other arm completely untreated.

Sometimes with "Before" and "After" pictures its difficult to see the impact of the results as you often use a different pose, hair style or lighting and the entire effect is lost.
I put the #SerumExperts through their paces on this test and the results speak for themselves. 

The arm on the left (pictured below) is the arm that I've used all three products on every morning and night.  Yes, I have lots of freckles on my arms but try and see "through" them and notice the difference on the texture of my skin.   Its clearly nourished and hydrated and the arm on the right is tight, flakey and "scaly".

The results have been truly amazing.  I couldn't be happier with the results both on my arm and my face!


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My Kiehl's Sandton City Store Visit #ChangeYourSkin

My Kiehls Store Visit

My Kiehl's Store Visit to Sandton City, Johannesburg was awesome

Check out my vloggy.




3 Resons Why Kiehls is More Tempting Than A Cinnabon #ChangeYourSkin

3 Resons Why Kiehls is More Tempting Than A Cinnabon
Happy Week 3, Beauties and I'm as happy as a puppy with two wagging tails! 
  1. My results continue to improve, my skin is completely hydrated and looking all dewy and radiant.  I've had a few flattering comments this week about my skin's dazzling gloriousness, so things must be happening now.   Did I say I am as happy as a pig in schlop?
  2. Little old me got to visit the Kiehls store in Sandton and it was pretty awesome.  The staff were amazing sporting their white pharmacy coats, explaining everything, answering all my questions, offering advice and showing me their 2 new products!  The store is colourful and funky including a wall of fun Polaroid pictures from clients. The stores includes a motorcycle and a Mr Bones skeleton. Did I mention I am as happy as a mole with eagle eyes?
  3. I discovered Kiehls Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, which is Kiehl's equivalent to a Vitamin C Serum.  It include 10.5% Pure Vitamin C!!  Have I told you that I'm as happy as kitten under a leaky cow?
I'll let my vloggy tell you the rest



It Kiehl's So Good #ChangeYourSking

It is Week 2 of using the Kiehl's facial products that I call The #3Musketeers

Half Way, Beauties!  

All for One and One for All!

I have not missed a morning or night using The #3Musketeers and all together, they have been very good to my skin.   

I'm seriously in love with The Midnight Recovery Concentrate.  It is the D'Artagnan of the #3Musketeers.  The Main Character and certainly The Star of the Show.

My skin definitely has more moisture, feels smoother, more supple and looks less blotchy.  Even though we are bang slap in the middle of a dry, scratchy Joburg winter that horrible tight feeling when I cleanse my skin, is gone.  

It means my skin is not dehydrated anymore and that makes me extremely happy as that was my main complaint before I started this 28-day challenge.b2ap3_thumbnail_m7.jpg

I'd like to say that my fine lines are diminishing but my wrinkles are pretty deep set, so I think it may just take a little more time.

I've also reduced the quantities of the #SerumExperts that I use. I was finding that in Week 1 my skin was a little oily in the morning.  I now only use 1 pump of the Hyrdo Plumping Retexturising Serum and only 2 drops of the Dark Spot Solution.  I still use 3 drops of the Midnight Concentrate.  Much better combination for me.

I can't wait to see what my skin looks like the end of Week Three.

Some of you may remember that when I started the challenge, I told you I'd be using The #3Musketeers on my right forearm too.  I will be sharing pictures of the different between my right and left forearm next week.  So stay tuned for that....

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Monday 22 June 2015

The Kiehl's Experiment

My Before Picture....watch this space
Quality. Service. Community.

This is the Kiehl's Promise.

I love what this brand stands for, that its a family business and their commitment to quality and their giving back to the community since 1851.  That's right they are 160 years old!

I'm thrilled to be taking part in my very own Kiehl's Experiment this month.  Today I embark on a 28-day challenge with Kiehl and Beauty Bulletin being the guinea pig to see if I can make myself appear 10 years younger!

Let me tell you all about it.

The Kiehl's #ChangeYourSkin Challenge is wee me crashing testing Kiehl's #SuperSerums and blogging my journey from start to finish.  

I have included a "before" picture in my post so that I will be able to compare my progress and you too can judge the results and watch my magical transformation.

I have great expectations from the pretty smelling bottles and I'll be lugging you through my travels with these pots and potions.  So you'll learn with me along the way.

Join me in hoping they make me look as fabulous on the outside as I feel on the inside.

Pick your poison.   Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or check out my posts on Beauty Bulletin.

My meagre 43 years versus their 160 years.  Not much competition there.  I'm certainly gonna give it a whirl!



Saturday 20 June 2015

Challenge Accepted! #ChangeYourSkin

I'm thrilled to be choosen a part of The Kiehl's ‪#‎ChangeYourSkin‬ Campaign thanks to Beauty Bulletin. 

Watch my skin be transformed before your very eyes with‪#‎SerumExperts‬!

The Challenge starts first thing on Monday. 

Be sure to keep an eye on my 
:  Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, my Blog or check out my posts on Beauty Bulletin. to watch the magic unfold before your very eyes.


Thursday 4 June 2015

Wednesday 3 June 2015

Top 10 Beauty Tips for Winter

Brrrrrrr.....Winter is miserable. Don't you agree with me, Beauties?

I detest this season and all my friends will tell you I go into hibernation.  Everyone complains that they never get to see me and if they do, all I want to do is go home early and curl up on the couch under my favourite fuzzy blanket with a cuppa vanilla tea and watch TV series. 

Do you blame me?  Who wants to be out in this weather?  It gives you a bright red nose and I can never feel my fingers or toes.  Damn, you bad circulation!

However, here is some good news and my top ten beauty tips for winter.

Lip Balm

An absolute essential in winter is lipbalm!

In our long, dry winters in South Africa its absa lootly essential to get yourself a decent lip balm or chap stick.  No one likes to kiss dry, flakey lips and scratch and nip when you lean in for a wet one.  In my eyes prevention is the best solution! S-E-R-I-A-S just make sure you slap those smoochers with some moisturising love.  My favourite this winter has been Maybelline’s Baby Lips. You can pick this up almost anywhere (even Pick 'n Pay has them) for R24.95.  Bargain!
bby lips
Moisturiser
Similar to lip balm, moisturiser is all year round essential.  Not only does it help to moisturise your skin, but helps make your skin look plumper, healthier, dewy and fresh. During winter harsh, cold dry air can quickly dry out your skin.

Remember when choosing a moisturiser is import to choose the right one for the specific body part you want to use it on.

Face moisturisers, in my eyes, are the most important during winter and should NEVER be skimped on.  Get a good quality one that keeps your skin looking fresh and healthy.  Also remember that you need one with a high SPF even in the winter!  Try Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (R165 for 30 ml)
















And for the rest of my body I use Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula which again can be found at Clicks or Dischem and most grocery stores for about R55.00

palmers

Full Coverage Foundation
Winter is the perfect time of year for flawless skin. If you like full coverage foundations, during winter is the perfect time to wear them. Lighter coverage usually means less product or a thinner consistency which is perfect for summer when you don’t want heaps on your face to sweat off. On the flip side, if you’re a full coverage foundation kinda gal, winter is the perfect time to wear it as it looks in moderation with the rest of your covered up body. I prefer a foundation with good coverage, but also buildability so I can wear it all year around. I find this best with my all time favourite foundation;  Revlon Age Defying with DNA Advantage™ which retails for around R255























Darker Lippy
Another perfect make up product to utilise during winter are all those deep reds, maroons and dark purple toned lipstick shades that you hardly ever wear. Winter is the perfect time for stark, stand out lip colour.

Quick tip about dark lips is that they make your lips look thinner, whilst lighter pinks and nudes give a fuller lip effect. This sounds like a negative thing but with the right outfit, dark shades in winter work a treat and bring out your inner vampy sex goddess.

My favourite shade this winter has to be a CoverGirl Lip Perfection lipstick in “Euphoria”
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Vanilla Herbal Tea
Don’t be fooled by the name, herbal teas aren’t as bad as they sound, and they are incredibly good for your health. Packed full of antioxidants and flavour.  They come in every flavour you can dream of, from strawberry to green tea to lemon or vanilla.

Green tea, is by far the best for you, by improving your metabolism speed it can help you loose weight and it is also filled with nutrients and loaded with those all-powerful antioxidants. My favourite herbal teas include Twinings Vanilla tea which can be found for anywhere around $1 – $5 for most of their range of teas.
teaa

Smokey eyes

Dark smokey eyes during winter is one of my favourite looks when I do go out at night.  It gives a subtle sultry look about you.  Puting a slight tinge of colour blended out with a nice dark black shadow to make your eyes pop.  For blue eyes, instead of blending a colour with black, start by blending brown shades into the crease, adding a darker shade of brown each time until the illusion of a dark black is made, on the inner corner try blending in a copper/gold colour that matches the brown tones you have used.

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Face Mask
Face masks are yet another great way to improve your skin and prevent break outs. Depending on the type of face mask you get, it will have a different purpose.

Clay masks contain natural clay substances that deep cleanse by drawing impurities to the skin’s surface as it dries and tightens. Clay masks are ideal for people with normal to oily skin who would like to absorb excess oil without stripping their skin.

Peel-off masks come in gel, plastic, or paraffin wax subtypes, but they’re not as absorbent as clay masks. Peel-off masks tighten the skin temporarily and some stimulate the blood supply. They are good for mature and dry skin.

Thermal masks are applied to the face and gradually heat up. They warm surface tissues and encourage the skin to breathe.

Cream masks contain emollient properties that soften skin. They are ideal for people with normal to dry skin who want to rejuvenate their facial skin by adding moisture.

Warm-oil masks are usually applied in spas and contain almond oil, olive oil, or vitamin oil. They are excellent for dry or mature skin because they soften the skin and increase blood circulation to the face.

Natural masks are based on the rejuvenating properties of fruits, plants, and herbs, such as cucumber, papaya, and oatmeal.


Water Proof Mascara

Although they are a pain in the arse to remove at the end of the day, they are definitely a must have during winter. Whether you are one to get caught in the rain a lot or you just enjoy a good cry at the end of a sappy movie, you need at least one of these beauties in your collection. Waterproof eyeliners are also a great idea in winter. My current go-to mascara is Avon SuperShock MAX Waterproof Mascara Black for R149 and sometimes only R99 on special





















Argan Oil Of Morocco
Dry and damaged hair owners have a new BFF in the world of hair care, Argan Oil of Morocco! Along with dry skin and lips, winter tends to damage your hair as well. This oil deeply penetrates your roots to promote growth, renew and create a new softness in your hair whilst still strengthening each strand. It is quick and easy to use, after you have washed your hair, put a few drops into your palm and apply to your towel dried hair working it evenly into the ends of your hair to further protect it from spilt ends.

You can pick this one up from R149 for 50mls. It also has an equally effective matching shampoo and conditioner that also works wonders on your mop up top.


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Dry Shampoo
My very own Time in a Can! 

batiste-new-look-01
Although dry shampoo is usually seen as a summer necessity, its perfect for winter as well. When it’s so cold that you dread getting into the bath to wash yer locks, because you know that when you get out you’ll feel an arctic breeze that freezes your naked everything!  Or when you've been wearing your favourite winter hat that makes your hair grubby?

Skip the invasive cold and save time by spraying some dry shampoo in your hair and shake it off, shake it off *singing Taylor Swift song*.  Not only does it absorbs the oilyness in your hair, but also gives it a nice texture for styling and smells soooo good.

The Batiste Dry Shampoo is my new favourite comes in different fragrances and colours for those of you with darker hair types, for anywhere between R79.99 depending on can size.


Friday 30 January 2015

Gel Rocks My Face Off



Elegant Touch Gel Rocks Duo Nail System is a two-step system that gives you the results of a professional gel manicure at home without the need to cure the nails.

Elegant Touch Gel Rocks uses an innovative gel activating top and base coat system and it is really easy-peasy to apply and it promises to last for up to 10 days. 

The Gel Rocks comes in eight gorgeous colours.

All you do is choose a colour, paint the colour on in 2 coats, letting each one dry before moving on.  I used 2 thin coats of the Elegant Touch Gel Rocks nude (named Unoriginal Sin), let each one touch dry (I don’t have time to hang on forever) and then I applied the gel activating top coat.

I let that dry while I watched some telly and I was incredibly happy with the results.

Normally nail polish only lasts about 2 or 3 days with me.  I wash dishes, clothes, mop floors, go to gym everyday, so I’m hard on my hands.

But this Elegant Tough Gel Rocks lasts for ages – even with me!  I’m on day #7 already and only one nail has a small chip.

It gives a gorgeously glossy and plumped up finish, very similar to the look of a professional gel manicure.  It does this with a blend acrylic materials (that act as a plumping activator on the base of the nails) and gel polish colour to deliver a finish that is lifted and super shiny.

I’m impressed for R119.95 at Dischem

Monday 12 January 2015

How to Apply False Eyelashes

Here is Ginger McLashes' way of applying False Eyelashes....

Magic happens outside your comfort zone", they say...

"You are only going to grow if you are willing to feel awkward"
they say...

"Be Brave enough to travel the path unknown", they say...

"Do one thing every day that scares you", they say...

I decided to do something that pushed my limits.

I AM BUSTING OUT!

I've always loved the way that false eyelashes look in the glossy magazines - all beautifully full and perfectly curled - it just makes anyone's eyes POP.

Trouble is, I've never been able to apply them properly.  I always look like a lopsided caterpillar has slithered onto my eyelids and parallel parked there (not very efficiently).  The glue gets stuck to my lashes, my fingers, my tweezers...  I always have to reapply over and over and I make a total hash of it.

I figured I'd give it one last go AND take the challenge to wear them to work!

Here is the outcome!

 

Friday 9 January 2015

John Frieda Full Repair™ Repairing Oil Elixir

John Frieda Full Repair™ Repairing Oil Elixir claims to reverse the look & feel of damage with every use.

I couldn't wait to try this product as I've only heard brilliant things about ALL the John Frieda products on Beauty Bulletin.  I was keen to see what all the fuss was about.

Not only is this wee 100ml bottle of happiness good for colour treated hair, its makes your hair feel and look silky smooth.  

It's packed with repairing Inca Inchi Oil which is great for repairing damaged hair and preventing more damage.  I love the pump-action bottle, which means each time you get the exact amount and there is no wastage.  You really don't need much of this luxurious golden liquid.  One or two pumps to damp hair does the ends of my long hair - bargain!  It will last me longer and good value for money.    

It smells great and conditions my hair and helps with those thin fly-away hairs.  It conditioned my hands to boot too!  Bonus!

Price: R109.95 for 100ml -  a bargain!

Give it a whirl!

Wednesday 7 January 2015

Africology

Another hand-crafted product that I won on a Beauty Blogger's giveaway is the Africology Chamomile Body Balm.

A treat for both mind and body, Africology Chamomile Body Balm combines the
fragrant signature basie with the calming effect of Chamomile. Whether you have had a stressful day or if you're just in need for some good-ol' pampering, add a blob to your bath for a comforting soak or massage the balm into dry skin.  
This pretty vintage chocolate pot with golden screw-top lid is quite an intense chamomile fragrance.  It is a hydrating treatment which makes it brilliant for eczema and stretch marks.  It hydrates your skin immediately and is easily absorbed to areas that need care.
Perfect for my Winter Hands! 

It keeps the Mozzies away too, believe it or not.

This waxy cream is quite solid, but a dollop rubbed between warm hands softens the balm and is easy to apply.

Made with 100% Natural Essential Oils, marula, african potato, rooiboss, rosehip and aloe vera.  Great South African ingredients!

R245 for this wee 125ml pot of Proudly South African product.  

Worth every penny.

Monday 5 January 2015

Smashbox Be Legendary Lips



Hi Love Lassies

Ginger McLashes has already done a video review for the Smashbox lippy products, but for those of you who don't have access to watch videos at work or even at home. 

Here's my written review:


Smashbox Be Legendary Lipgloss in Pout. I usually don't like lipgloss because it has that sticky feeling on your lips and doesn't last very long. Also, every time the wind blows my hair onto my lipgloss, my lipgloss lands up all over my face and hair. Not so Legendary. But this lipgloss is nice for when you're not outdoors in the wind as it leaves a silky smooth glass-like textures and its not sticky at all.


Price : 220


Smashbox Be Legendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer in Coral


This wee pot of loveliness has a wet consistency but a creamy texture goes on velvety smooth and has a moisturising feel. Once the top layer and shiny finish wears off (about an hour after application) lips are left with an even stain of colour. It hydrates and compared to other long wearing lipsticks it doesn't feel patchy or drying.


And it doesn't stick to my hair so I don't get lipgloss residue all over my cheeks and hair. Booyah! Bonus!


Here's a Tip: Wear the lipliner with the lip lacquer. I think because it has a spongy applicator so you tend to slather it on. It tends to feather and bleed into the wee lines around your mouth! So remember to use lip liner with this product.


Price : R250


The packaging for both the lip gloss and lip lacquer are not that impressive. For something that's supposed to be "Legendary", the plastic feels cheap. The matt top picks up loads of dust, crumbs and fluff (which every woman has at the bottom of yer handbag) and starts to look shabby. I do love the chevron stripes though! 


Price: 6ml for R250 


Smashbox Always Sharp Lip Liner in Nude Light


The Twist off top lip liner is lovely! It glides on easily and prevents the lip lacquer bleeding into your little lines around your mouth.


A long-wearing, water resistant lip liner that self-sharpens every time you twist the cap off. Neat wee trick!


Price: R230


Great products, but a wee bit too pricey for me. I will buy the lip lacquer again, though. My hair doesn't stick to this lip lacquer. Big plus!

Sunday 4 January 2015

Heaven Sent - Picture Perfect Blur Primer

I won an Oh So Heavenly Hamper on the #FridayPrizeDay Giveaway on Beauty Bulletin and decided to treat my mum to these products. 

Thanx to our current post office strike, she still hasn't received them.

However, I did keep ONE of the products in the hamper for myself...only because my mum doesn't wear make up, so she wouldn't have used the Picture Perfect Miracle Blur Primer anyway.

Thats MY excuse and I'm sticking to it! Okay?!

I've tried some of the other Oh So Heavenly products before. I especially love their hand serums, so I knew I was going to get something that not only smelled divine and good enough to eat, but that it would work!

I love the cute pink packaging, which is so feminine and girly. it makes me feel as if I'm really treating myself to something special. I've never used a primer before so this was my first try and I LOVE IT. 

It's supposed to "Blur" fine lines and wrinkles and it sure does, for me anyway. It makes me skin feel moisturized and gives it a smooth silky finish. I adore that. The microspheres scatter the light in all directions for that perfect skin finish. It may just be an illusion, but an illusion that makes my skin look picture perfect, its my kinda brand.

After this wee baby, I'd love to try some of the "heavier" primer brands...

I know that Oh So Heavenly are against testing on animals, which is a huge plus for me.

This 45ml tube retails for R119.95 and is available from Clicks Stores. A great price for what this product does to my skin.

Saturday 3 January 2015

Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Fragrance

Hi Lovely Lassies


The concept of this fragrance is centered on the idea of natural and simple beauty, freedom from conventions and the choice of once own vision of happiness. 
It's fresh, clean and incredibly feminine. It's a sweet, fruity fragrance with with hints of vanilla.


Beautifully packaged and its PINK! 
Super cute.
Julia Roberts is the celebrity face of this fragrance and La Vie Est Belle means "Life is Beautiful" in French.
Happiness in a pretty spray bottle.

R999 for a bottle of 75ml spray available at all cosmetic and beauty outlets.

I love this fragrance.....so pretty and girly.

Friday 2 January 2015

Those Mean Girls

Hi Lovely Lassies

Growing up, I was always the geeky freckled ginger who everyone teased and called “Duracell”  (the coppered colour top – get it?) 

Yeah, I got a lot of those ginger nicknames. 

If you’re a ginger, you can relate to having transparent milk-bottle skin, and ginger eyelashes and eyebrows.  

As a teenager, I got into trouble at school for wearing mascara!  

I was only  trying to look like all the other pretty popular girls. I could never get away with the mascara, because my eyelashes are so long and the mascara would rub off and smudge on to my eyelids and give my secret away.  The teachers would make me wash it off and I’d be left looking like a spook once again. Detention would ensue, and a letter would go home with me explaining my crime.

My Mum would not let me tint my eyebrows or eyelashes, so I did the next best thing,  I used a nail scissors and cut my long, ginger eye-lashes in half!   

I would get away with wearing brown mascara to school without it smudging all over my face - and at least I didn’t look like a Ginger Ghost.

It took forever for my stumpy eyelashes to grow back to their former glory.

Daft or what?

That being said, I could never really do without my mascara now.  Avon SuperShock Mascara is the single product that ALWAYS gives me confidence to walk tall, strut and embrace my Ginger Awesomeness.  I love the wide bristles that give me an even coating of mascara to each lash.  I detest the clumpy mascara look. 

As for those mean girls at school who used to tease me? 

Well, I don’t think I’d greet you if I bumped into you on the street.  

Most of you have gotten so old and fat,  I wouldn't even recognize you anyway…