#NiveaDelightYourSenses

I was thoroughly delighted when I received a cute little Nivea drop recently. Like I have mentioned in the past, I prefer oils over lotions simply because they seem to save me time. Needless to say the fact that this particular lotion contains oil intrigued me. I received the Orange Blossom & Avocado oil scent to try and I adore it.

Let's just say the scent puts you in a good mood and I could always use more of that. I promise you it is like happiness captured in a bottle. As you can imagine, the addition of oils add intense moisture, which has been a bonus for my skin. I seem to take a beating when it comes to winter time and dry skin. It is not a pretty sight. 

Another major factor for me when deciding on how to moisturise is the consistency of a product. I absolutely loathe spending more time than I need to rubbing in a product. Now you would expect a product this nourishing to be thick and impossible but, it is certainly not.  The formula is light and makes for an easy application. Consider me converted!

No doubt I will be repurchasing the lotion once I have finished this one. Perhaps I will even try another variant. How about you? Have you used any of the #NiveaDelightYourSenses lotions? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

Review : Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

 I have been dying to post about this product from the moment I bought it but, I figured, in order for me to give an honest review, I needed to give it a little time to see whether it really makes a difference to my skin. I have to admit, the uncomplicated packaging really won me over but, I have been duped many a times by charming packaging. It's really important for me to spend my money on products that  make a difference in my life so I was definitely rooting for this water gel. 

According to Neutrogena, if you want hydrated skin and a healthy glow, this is the product for you. The lightweight formula contains Hyaluronic acid and also promises supple skin that lasts throughout the whole day. I have been using the water gel for about 5 weeks now, both morning and night and there are a few things that I like about the gel.

• The texture- It is super lightweight and not greasy which makes it easy to wear under your foundation. It also absorbs super quickly so you don't spend your precious time rubbing your face.
• The light blue pot with the white lid is , as I  have mentioned, quite a charming change for someone who normally prefers a pump bottle. I like that it looks pretty on my night stand.
• It has a comforting smell that is not overwhelming. This is important to me especially since we cannot escape any smells while wearing our masks.

• Even though the gel absorbs very quickly you immediately notice how it quenches your skin.  This probably stood out for me the most. While my skin is not particularly dry, the gel made a visible difference. I looked well rest and hydrated every time I used it.

I have to admit that I normally prefer a cream that has a thicker consistency, especially for night time, but this gel has really changed the way I look at gel formulas. So much so that I have recommended it to all my friends. There are a few other products in the Neutrogena Hydro Boost range and after my great experience with this gel, it goes without saying that I am eager to try some of them. You can find this product at most stores and it retails for just under R140.

Have you tried any of the Hydro Boost products? I would love to hear what you think about it.

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

PS: Special shoutout to Xylon and Thando for helping me take these pictures.

Payot: Masque Charbon

 Hi everyone! 

I know it's been a while since I have posted but, to be honest, this pandemic just sucked  the life out of me. I was uninspired and unmotivated and really not in the mood to blog about anything . However, with life returning to somewhat normal, I have a few beauty, fashion and lifestyle posts lined up. Let's dive in to the first product I am beyond excited to share with you! 

Now I'll be the first to admit that I am the queen of beauty on a budget but, this mask is definitely worth your coins. The mask is ultra absorbent and aids in deep cleansing and exfoliating combination to oily skin. It also rids the skin of toxins,excess sebum and impurities thanks to the charcoal and kaolin it contains.  The french brand was created in 1920 by Dr. Nadia Payot and if I'm being completely frank, it seemed a bit out of my range purely because its a bit pricey. So needless to say when I got a good deal on the mask, I jumped at the chance to use it. 

What I adored about this mask was how amazing it smelled to begin with.  You know how most charcoal masks dry to an impossibly hard cast, this one does the exact opposite. Also you don't have to scrub half of your face of to get it all of. I've seen a major change in the few weeks I've been using it. The first week however, a few pimples appeared but, I figured it was just the charcoal pulling the impurities to the surface.

Lets just say if I can, I will repurchase this mask without a doubt. I look forward to the next few weeks if masking. Do you mask? What is you favourite one at the moment? I look forward to hearing from you  

TILL LATER, LAUREN  

Maybelline Super Stay matte ink - Lover

Every now and then I find a lipstick  that tick all the boxes for me. Amazing quality, great price, amazing staying power and of course a colour that looks beautiful when I wear it. This time around that lipstick  comes in the form of Maybelline's Super Stay Matte Ink.  Let me tell you, in my books, this lipstick is unmatched!

Just a quick review. It took me a while to settle on a colour because I kind of wanted them all at once but I settled on #15 Lover. This pink is absolutely stunning on my lips. Not only does it stay on (no matter what you go through) it also doesn't leave your lips feeling stiff and dry. Yes you can actually smile.

I just wanted to share how much I  adore this lipstick and I am definitely going to repurchase (in almost every colour) . They retail for R159,95 and I got mine from Dischem. Have you used the Maybelline Matte Ink Lipstick yet? I  would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Let's get Candid! Revlon review.

My very first foundation was a Revlon one. I have a lot of fond memories of that foundation. For starters: it was the first foundation that actually fit my skin tone. I felt very sophisticated and grown up. Soon I started to venture in to other foundations and naturally other favourites arose. Which is why I was especially excited to take it back to basics for my latest review. When I saw the new Revlon Photoready CANDID foundation I had no idea that it even existed to begin with. Yes, I am not the coolest of bloggers.

Although the packaging was probably the drawing card for me ( I am only human) ,  I have to admit that the words "anti pollution foundation" was the thing that ultimately convinced my broke ass to buy the foundation. Apart from having an amazing natural finish, the foundation actually contains ingredients that protects against anti blue light aggressors. This refers to the light that emanates from digital devices such as computers and smart phones. It also leads to photo aging (aging from exposure to light) and considering the staggering amount of time we all spend on these devices; I figured it would probably do me some good to have even a little bit of protection.

There are so many things I love about the foundation. The texture is so creamy and blendable that it feels like you might be spreading butter across your face. (Not that I have ever done this but still). Just one layer gives you that barely there look. Although I like to add a little extra on my nose and underneath my eyes. The coverage is also amazing to me and all without that heavy feeling. I really hate when I am frequently aware that I am wearing foundation. I have mentioned the beautiful packaging but I want to take special moment to mention the pump/tube hybrid. It just makes life so much easier for me. No leakage and I get to control exactly how much product I use. All in all this my favourite Revlon foundation so far and I am going to keep repurchasing until Revlon decides to send me a complimentary stash. HA!

This little tube of love retails for R149,95 (22ml) and I am currently using shade 400 (Macadamia). The range also includes the Photoready Candid Concealer and Photoready Candid Setting Powder which I cannot wait to dip into. How are you liking the range?

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Behind the scenes: CATRICE's eye foundation

Have you ever spent what seems like an eternity on a beautiful eye look just to have it half disappear in the middle of the day? Or half of the glitter you have applied to your lids end up on your cheeks? Yep, as melodramatic as that sounds: no one likes wasting a good eye look. That might be the main reason I was so intrigued by Catrice's Eye Foundation.

Now you might be wonder why on earth would I need this in my life but the real question is: why would you not? It's waterproof and matte which means there is no need to reapply your make up during the day.

The primer creates a smooth canvas for both powder and cream eyeshadow. You  guys know the struggle of cream eyeshadow when it creases or glitter that won't stay. I have a glittery cream eyeshadow that I adore and trust me, with this eyeshadow primer,  it won't budge. Not even if you pay it to.

So you see, I have really found this eyeshadow primer useful. It has made my life so much easier and I am definitely going to repurchase (It retails for R69,95). Are you using an eye primer that you ready to tell the world about? Start with me, I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Ola Rio!

Essence recently released 4 eyeshadow palletes that had everyone in the beauty world buzzing. Needless to say I was ecstatic to get my hands on my favourite of the four "Ola Rio". Believe me when I say I nearly had to fight someone for it.

The palette consists of 9 gorgeous shimmery and matte colours and I am especially enamoured with the burnt orange and plum shades. The colour pay off is wonderful and there is minimal fall out which I appreciate.  The lighter shades are perfect for day time looks and the darker shades make for striking night time looks.

These 9 shades are highly pigmented and inspired by the sunset in Rio de Janeiro and I cannot wait to show you the looks I have been been creating with this palette. This is the only palette I reach for everyday.

A few quick swatches.

Have you bought any of the four palettes? I adore this one so much I'm actually thinking of venturing into the others as well. I've been brushing up on my make up skills so I'll probably (maybe)  post a few eye looks soon.

TILL LATER , LAUREN!

Mask Off.

I'll be really honest with you, the wet, cold texture of using a sheet mask always reminds me of that time in school I got hit with a wet soccer ball in the face. Not a pretty sight I tell you. But, now that I am getting older and my skin concerns have escalated to things other than teenage break outs, I found myself being brave enough to give sheet masks another shot.

Ponds recently launched three new  serum sheet masks and even though the word "korean"  on the packaging initailly grabbed my attention...I was really keen to find a sheet mask  that could possibly change my mind. I bought two out of the three masks and I could not be more ecstatic.

Yes the gooey, wet texture is still there but this time I didnt mind so much. According to the packaging the  "Firming" mask contains Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Brown Algae extract and promises to boost skin's natural plumping power while the "Brightening" mask contains Niacinamide, Vitamin E and Sea Daffodil and boosts skin's glow from within. Each sheet has a 30x serum intensity and you feel the difference the moment (and long after) you use the mask. That is what really stood out for me; that amazing feeling ages after I have used the mask. They retail for R49,95 each and they are well worth it: trust me.

No doubt I'll ill be keeping these in my skincare regime for a long time to come. I am keen to know however, have you used these masks? What was your experience like? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Toasted Brown

Last year was all about matte lipsticks for me. I was on a mission to find a good, budget friendly matte lipstick and while, that went very well, I was pleasantly suprised  to find a beautiful, brown, creamy lipstick and all by accident.

Maybelline's Toasted Brown Colour Sensational is an absolute joy to use.

First of all the rich brown colour suits just about everyone and the creamy formula glides on and sits comfortably on the lips. I just love how it feels.

Another thing I adore about this lipstick is the fact that it smells like freshly baked biscuits.  I say I encountered this lipstick by accident because it came as a freebie with another product I bought. So I never intended to actually buy this lipstick but, I will definitely repurchase it. The lipstick retails for about R140 and the hue is called 755 Toasted Brown.

I'm on the lookout for more new lipstick to try out now so I would appreciate it you share your favourites with me.  Drop me me blog links aswell.

TILL LATER, LAUREN! 

It's a REVOLUTION!

I remember buying my first matte lip kit not too long ago. It was very cheap and, everytime I wore it, I couldn't smile. Luckily, I have since learned from my mistakes. 

I'm very hesitant when it comes to trying new products because I always think, if its not broken why fix it? But,I was beyond curious when I saw everyone raving about Revolution Make Up on social media. Initially, I wanted to try out a foundation but, the matte lip kits had my attention right from the start. Allow me to tell you what I thought about the product.

The Revolution Retro Luxe matte lip kit  contains a lip liner and a matching liquid matte lipstick. The shade I chose is called Echelon and it's a beautiful blush shade that actually suprised me. I'm usually into browns. I love the texture because its not dry at all and I can actually smile with this one on. Bonus!  The lipstick looks and feels gorgeous for most of the day and when I do reapply it doesn't feel uncomfortable. We've all been left a little tight lipped by matte lipsticks before.

I adore the packaging as well. The black and gold box looks chic and expensive. And the best part is that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg. This retails for R124,95. How often do you find a liquid lipstick that is affordable and great quality? I love it when I can actually afford something and it doesn't leave me dissapointed. (Unfortunately some of us still have to buy our own things lol).

So now I'm setting out the get to know the rest of the Revolution crew and  I look forward to it.  Is there any Revolution products you think I should get? I would love to hear from you!

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

On the fence: Beauty Edition

Hi everyone! 

Hopefully  the week has been  treating you well and if it hasn't, we can only go up from here. I had a lot of fun doing my previous  post (On the fence) so I decided to extend  the series to beauty products as well. While I'm not necessarily on the fence about  the two products  I'm reviewing  today...I was in the beginning.

 I am a  creature  of habit so it's not unusual for me to stay inside my comfort zone.  I had been looking for  a new mascara for quite some time and I have had my eye on this one from Maybelline for longest time so I decided to take the plunge. I'm also not someone who takes hand cream too seriously ( not that I like being ashy), but its just never been a proirity. Let's talk about the products.

This mascara really frustrated me in the beginning. I kept getting it all over my lids, but I was determined to give it a shot because  I have heard amazing things about it. I'm not sure if it's the small brush or just the way I was holding the wand, but I couldn't get a proper application  at first. However, I was dead set on liking this cult favourite. I paid less than R100 for this one so I'd say it's not a bad investment  for such a low price. Eventually I figured out how to handle the small brush properly and now I reach for this mascara  everyday.

Maybelline Great Lash in Blackest Black.

The hand cream from  Isabella  Garcia   was a gift from my mom and it really surprised me. I'm unlucky enough to pick up greasy, not easily absorbed formula's but this one is exactly  the opposite. This one is part of a limited edition  set of three so I have two others to try as well but, so far I'm thoroughly impressed.

 It contains notes of white musk, amber, orange blossom, coconut and rhubarb. Fancy hey? It's amazingly creamy without  the greasy residue and leaves my hands both looking and feeling gorgeous. I guess I'm converted  now. The Isabella Garcia  La Parfum Creme Trinite retails for R325 on takealot.com last time I checked.

Isabella Garcia Last Parfum Creme  in Hypnotique

Are there any products  that you were not completely  sold on at first but adore now? Or maybe the internet really hyped up a product and it left you dissapointed. Tell me about it.  I would love to hear  from you. 

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Hair 911!

I have been on a major mission to get my hair back in shape. And by shape, I mean looking at least decent enough. It gives my confidence such a boost. When my hair looks good, I feel great. So for the past few months I have been going out of my way to find hair care products that will improve my hair overall. In this post you will find three products that I adore at the moment.

*Elvive Extraordinary Oil Low Shampoo
This shampoo is pleasantly creamy because it contains Amla oil and 6 precious Flower Oils. It promises to nourish and detangle leaving hair more manageable. It's made especially for very dry, curly of afro hair and while I dont exactly fall into either of those categories I thought the shampoo would still be perfect for me. I love that it's a gentle cleanser and prevents breakage. This retails for about R99,99.

*Marc Anthony Grow Long Super Fast Miracle Treatment
I was very intrigued by this tiny little pink tub. For starters, it says "super fast miracle treatment" on the lid and that was enough to persuade me to pay a little bit more than R50 for a 30ml treatment. I've heard amazing things about the Marc Anthony brand and I love this treatment. I've been using it for less than a month so I am yet to see how much of a miracle it really is but, I'll continue using it. I love the thick consistency and the delicious smell.

*Pantene Repair & Protect Instant Split End Mender Serum
I've  been trimming my ends every six weeks but, I still needed a little extra help. The Repair and Protect range have always been good to me so this serum was a no brainer. It leaves my hair extremely nourished without weighing it down or making it greasy. I appreciate that. I paid R39,99 for this serum on special.

Getting my hair back to being even half way decent won't be an easy journey but, its one that I am looking forward to. What are your favourite hair care products at the moment? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Winter Beauty Savers #2

Hi there!

Welcome to my second instalment of my "winter beauty savers" series. This is going to be a quick one because I have only used the product once; but I'm just so amazed that I just couldn't wait to share it. You see, I have been struggling with my hair for the longest time. If its not split ends; its breakage and winter is especially damage inducing.

I recently bought this Tresemme Keratin Smooth 5  benefits mask after seeing everyone rave about it on social media. Saying that I'm desperate at this point would be an understatement so, I was really hoping for the best with this one.

 I haven't bought the Keratin Smooth Shampoo yet so, I used this hair mask with a different shampoo and kept it on for about half an hour because I figured my hair needed a bit more TLC. I was astonished by the results however.

 The mask promises up to 72 hours of frizz control, supposedly detangles, softens and  tames fly aways all with the help of Marula Oil. Guys, let me tell you after one use I was ready to cry. 

My hair was visibly more silky. It was also more manageable and overall just looked a lot better than it had been for the past few months. If you haven't guessed already, I am definitely going to repurchase this until I cannot anymore. I have high hopes for the long term results. 300ml retails for R84,95 and it is worth every cent.

Have you used this hair mask from Tresemme? I would love to hear what your experience with it was like. If you would like me to check out your blog, leave the link in the comments:)

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Winter beauty savers #1

I love the idea of winter. When I say that, I don’t mean I love the season itself but, I love what it represents. I love cosy knits, mouth-watering warm drinks, binge watching my favourite series on a Sunday afternoon and reading steamy novels while it’s storming outside.

Even my mood changes in the winter season. I desire textures that are opulent and make-up that is equally rich and colour. It’s a moodier vibe than I would normally display in the warmer months. With the cold season right here on our doorstep I feel the need to not only switch up my skin care routine but, also my beauty regime. So I have decided to do a series of posts sharing my winter beauty savers.

I have been looking for a night cream to help my skin get extra moisture while I sleep. I wanted something lavish but, not greasy. When I saw Nivea's Daily Essentials Regenerating Night Cream I was curious to say the least. I haven't used many night creams so I wasn't sure what to look for exactly but, the "24-hour moisture boost + refresh " on the packaging was enough to convince me. I love this night cream. I know I tend to post only about products I love but, right now I don't have the energy or time to post about disappointing products.

The smell is amazing. It's not overpowering but rather soothing. I also like the consistency. It's thick enough to leave your skin feeling supple and moisturized but, it doesn't leave a greasy residue. I've been using it for a few weeks and my skin is absolutely radiant. The 50ml retails for R69.99 and now I am actually considering getting the day cream as well. 

Overall this night cream was exactly what I was looking for and I can't wait to see how it works with the day cream. I give it 7/10 and I am definitely going to repurchase. What's your favourite night cream at the moment? Or share your winter skin saver with me, I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

Review: Essence You Better Work Primer

Imagine a primer that works as hard as you do. One who promises to keep you looking sweat free and instagram ready even after a work out. Now, imagine no more and say hello to Essence's You Better Work Gym proof primer.

The latest offering from Essence is sweat proof, has SPF20 and gives you an instant blur effect.  I put it to the test both at work and at my fit club and I adore it. I usually look like a bit of an overcooked tomato after working out but, not when I wear this primer which is a bonus for me. It cancels out the red look you get from sweating.

The light blue liquid reminds me of toothpaste and has a thicker formula than what I am used but, it still blends easily. I use it sparingly and I usually wait a minute or two  before applying my foundation. I feel like the people at Essence are really taking into consideration what we do on a day to day basis and are creating products that are relevant. With or without foundation this primer works and the slim tube slips easily into your hand or gym bag.

This primer retails for R74,95 and I could kick myself for not buying more than one. So it goes without saying that I am definitely repurchasing.

What are your thoughts on primer? Is it part of your make up routine? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

Review: Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser

I'm not the biggest fan of lotion. Don't get me wrong...I'm not the kind of person who likes to be ashy. I just prefer a body mist or bath oil. Something that doesn't require a lot of rubbing and ultimately saves me time. When I saw Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturiser I was definitely intrigued . First of all the packaging ( a 190ml spray bottle) seemed really fancy. So it's safe to say that I'm a sucker for packaging. That aside, let me tell about the actual product.

The spray comes in 3 variants at the moment. Deep Restore, Cocoa Radiant and Aloe Soothe and they are absolutely perfect for the winter months ahead. They all contain micro-droplets of Vaseline jelly which helps with moisturising and restoring dry skin.

Deep Restore

 The formula is completely non greasy and absorbs quickly and easily into your skin. They also smell and feel amazing and it makes your skin look like the sun licked it ( hello glow).

Cocoa Radiant

 I love the fact that you get to choose which scent you like instead of just having to deal with one scent for everyone. I like every single one of the them but, the Cocoa Radiant  has a bit of a special place in my heart.

Aloe Soothe

So the real question here really is whether its worth the R79 bucks its retailing for? One hundred percent! It does a perfect job of moisturising even the dryest parts of your body, it lasts a long time and it smells divine. What exactly is not to love?

Sidenote: they are on special for R39,99 @Dischem at the moment but I'm not sure for how long so hurry and let me know what you think about it!

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

First Impression : ABHCosmetics Glow Kit

Hey everyone!

This is a post I am ecstatic to do. Recently my friend suprised me with the most beautiful make up gift I have ever laid eyes on. I might as well have been living under a rock because, before the gift, I had never heard about Anastasia Beverly Hills Cosmetics (ABHcosmetics). Or rather I didn't notice exactly how many bloggers had been talking about the brand. Once I did some research, my excitement grew leaps and bounds.

This particular glow kit was a collaboration between vlogger Nicole Guerriero and ABH and it contains six stunning shimmery shades. The pigmentation and colour pay off is glorious.

-from left to right, bottom to top the shades are:

*Kitty Kat
*Forever Young
*Daydream
*Forever Lit
*Glow Getter
*143

They are shimmery shades which creates some beautiful effects. The brown and copper shades are perfect for day time glam and the maroon and silver will spruce up any night time event. As intense as the colours look in the pan, they are really easy to use and perfect for layering. Another thing that I love is the stunning pink packaging. Great packaging always wins in my books.

Like I have said before the colour pay off is amazing and you can use them anywhere you please. It accentuates and highlights the face and body. So its just a matter of personal taste. I can't wait to create some amazing looks with this palette :)

Have you used any of the ABH cosmetics? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!