Glamglow: Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer

Girls love to gorgeously glow? RIGHT!! I absolutely love to have a gorgeous glow, no matter where I'm going, and yes.. I'm super guilty of even using a highlighter to work! I was absolutely ecstatic when Glamglow South Africa brought in their Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer. I was lucky enough to purchase a jar from Red Square Online in the shade Nude Glow. So you guys definitely know that first impressions are EVERYTHING! So can you imagine my excitement when this Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer arrived home in a hot pink box? I love bright vibrant colours, and this just made me even more excited to try out the product.

The packaging has my heart, shimmering silver with a eye catching casing over the jar, it gave me goosebumps just thinking about how incredible this product could be... moments of excitement filled my soul as I opened the jar... a fresh sweet scent hit me, a scent which was so gorgeously girly, I'm not sure if I'm more in love which the scent or the product. I swiped my finger across a shimmering soft nude cream and swatched it on my hand... at the time, I was sitting outside, so I watched my hand glistening as the rays of the suns light captured the true beauty of this Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer. 

To test this sweet peach scented shimmering beauty out, I applied a thin layer to my skin and topped it up with my everyday Foundation, can you talk about shimmering sun kissed glow? I absolutely loved the light yet creamy texture of this moisturizer, not forgetting the luminous look my skin had minutes after applying this  Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer, I loved how it gave my skin a subtle boost of radiance and glow which I thought was perfect enough to wear everyday. GlamGlow South Africa state that their supercharged formula is filled with vitamins, botanicals, hyaluronic acid and TEAOXI golden root technology which instantly floods dull skin with hydration and moisture for a healthy looking radiance. 

The Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer contains a super blend of ingredients and oils to ensure skin moisture balance is restored. The super blend contains emollients including jojoba oil, shea butter and ceramides. The Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer also contains a special skin conditioning lipid complex which is designed to help infuse skin with optimal hydration. Of course with the hefty price tag of R750, making this item a "splurge", I definitely wouldn't use it everyday, maybe just special occasions or a night out, but an advantage if you're an Edgars account holder, you can grab a jar from Red Square Online and pay on your account which is what I sneakily do when I shop online.  The Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer is available in Pearl Glow, Nude Glow and Sun Glow. 

Pink Cosmetics: Solid Brush and Sponge Cleanser - Pink Peonies

 Being a beauty blogger means you're constantly experimenting with new makeup and trying new makeup techniques, it also means your makeup brushes are always dirty because they're constantly being used. For me, because I use makeup almost everyday of the week so my brushes are smothered with makeup, which means during the weekend, I have a weekly brush bath for my beloved brushes... After searching through many brush cleansers, which are very costly, my favourite that I've come across is Pink Cosmetics Solid Brush and Sponge Cleanser in Pink Peonie. 

Now you can see how absolutely gorgeous this brush cleanser actually is, which left me in such a situation because it was too pretty to use and I actually wanted to preserve the brush cleanser. When I finally got myself together and decided to take the plunge and use the brush cleaner, I was in awe, the scent was so gorgeously girly and made the nasty job of brush cleaning so fun and fresh. This brush cleanser is simple to use, actually it's the most simple method out there... all you do is wet your brush or sponge, and swirl it in the Solid Brush Cleansing Tub, I use a Brush Egg afterwards just to make sure my brushes are super fresh and clean and then simply rinse off. 

You're probably wondering why I prefer this brush cleanser over the few others that are currently on the market, well first off... this one is handcrafted, which means a lot of care and effort has gone into making each one of these cleansers. Each Solid Brush Cleanser contains soothing cocoa butter and olive oil to condition and easily break down excess residue and germs. The brush cleansers are also 100% solid which makes it easy for traveling or if you're a makeup artist on the go! My absolute favourite part of these brushes are that they FREE of all sulphates, parabens, phthalates, petroleum products and other skin irritants, which means cleaner brushes without harsh chemicals on your brushes. These gorgeous Solid Brush and Sponge Cleanser is available for R150 at Pink Cosmetics. The Brush Cleansers are available in Pink Peonie, Pastel Goth Lilac Dreams, Unicorn Dreams, Mermaids Kiss and Natural. 

The Body Shop: Spa of the World - Dead Sea Salt Scrub

 If you’re looking for a little bit of luxury, why look any further than The Body Shop South Africa? The “Spa of the World” range launched in South Africa last year, and one of my first purchases from the range was The Body Shop’s Dead Sea Salt Scrub. The first bit of information you NEED to know is that once you try this range, your “girls day to the spa” is going to be cancelled, because you’re definitely going to invest in this entire range. 

This is one of my favourite products from the Spa of the World range, mainly because everybody needs to invest in a good body scrub to wash away all our dead skin cells and keep our skin looking polished to perfection. According to The Body Shop South Africa “ dead sea salt is precious for its high mineral content and its corse crystals, the perfect texture to reveal fresher-looking skin and stimulate circulation when massaged into skin.” 

Since Winter is approaching us, our skin is going to need that extra “something special” to keep it looking in good condition, the dead sea salt scrub is definitely you answer. My favourite part about this scrub, is the fact that it isn’t that rough scrub that will hurt you, it is actually more moisturising than you think, this scrub contains a range of oils to condition and moisturise skin. The body scrub has a light refreshing scent, which instantly makes you feel calm and relaxed, while the scrub does its work by washing away the day’s stress. 

The scrub has a rich emollient texture, which I love, because after I massage in the Dead Sea Salt Scrub onto my damp skin, I can feel the moisture soaking into skin and coating my skin in a rich but sheer moisture layer. Even after rinsing off the scrub, your skin feels soft and nourished, there is no need for a moisturiser afterwards, which makes it perfect to use during the colder months. 

This Dead Sea Salt Scrub has become a must have in my body care range, from the scent, to the way your skin feels, this is a MUST HAVE, because every girl needs to have a pamper day at home at least once a week, and this is an essential in your pamper routine! This Dead Sea Salt Scrub retails for R290, and is available at all The Body Shop stores. 

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor - Passion

Let me start off by saying “ OH MY GOD!” Every time Revlon South Africa launches a new product in South Africa, it gets better and better and BETTER. I think we’ve officially came across the best product Revlon can offer us, introducing Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor. I love how everything about this lipstick screams CLASSY! The lipstick is packaged in a gorgeous matte tube, with a shimmering soft matte silver lid, with a package like this, the lipstick is definitely going to get some admirers.

As soon as you open the tube, the deliciously sweet scent hits you, it is a subtle vanilla scent, a scent so yummy, you can’t help but catch yourself sniffing this liquid lipstick a few times just because it smells so good. The applicator gets a big THUMBS UP from me, it is a paddle applicator, which means you get enough product on both sides of the applicator, so you can coat your lips in two coats of this matte lipstick. 

Here comes a little bit of the disappointment, the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolour isn’t 100% matte, yes it leaves lips with a gorgeous velvety colour, but to me it isn’t completely matte, which I don’t have a problem with at all… in fact, I find it much more comfortable to use to work on a daily basis, and the colour last through the long boring meetings and the quick lunches. 

I have the shade 635 HD Passion, which is an eye catching dark pink colour, the perfect shade for a girls night out, or a quick lunch date, for me… this shade is my everyday to go lipstick, since purchasing it, I’ve worn it everyday to work for two weeks so far, I think I’m a little obsessed. I love how the lipstick sits so comfortably on lips, without creasing, no fading and best part.. no flaking off or tight feeling like your lips are facing a drought. 

To make sure you get the best look with the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolour, make sure you exfoliate lips regularly because it makes a HUGE difference, and apply a thin layer of lip balm first and lightly blot your lips, so your lips are moisturised before you apply the lipstick. The Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor retails for R150. 

Physicians Formula: Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil

 Ever heard of “liquid gold”? Something so magical that with frequent use, this mystical “liquid gold” could improve skin’s tone, brightness, texture and elasticity… Look no further, because I’ve found the HOLY GRAIL of Argan Oils, right here in Dis-Chem. A big thank you to Physicians Formula for bringing this HG Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil to South African shores. I’m normally sceptical when purchasing facial oils, but I was super excited when I spotted this Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil in Dis-Chem Ballito, I kept looking at the bottle because the “mystical” look of the bottle, really caught my attention. Of course, I had to have the Argan Oil, because my shopaholic side, just couldn’t say no. 

I’ve spent the last month testing out this HG Argan Oil, and I’ve found amazing uses for it. I’ve tested it out on my face, hair and body and WOW, after a few uses, I started to see a great improvement. Physicians Formula states: this weightless multi-tasking combines the benefits of a moisturiser, primer, brightener, protector and treatment, all in one. According to Physicians Formula, this Argan Oil contains magical ingredients from Morocco to transform skin, smoothing the appearance of fine lines, brightening dull skin and renewing suppleness, helping to enhance skin’s youthful looking glow without ever feeling or looking greasy. 

I’ve used this Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil as a facial oil for a month, every night before bed. After using this Argan Oil every night, I noticed a big improvement in my skin’s condition, I woke up every morning to smooth, nourished skin with a lovely glowing look. I even tried applying the oil on damn skin during the day, and it left my skin with a dewy fresh look, surprisingly, even though my skin is REALLY oily.. I didn’t have a very oily look, which I really liked, because oily skin also needs nourishing. This Physicians Formula Argan Oil is: hypoallergenic, fragrance free, paraben free, gluten free, non comedogenic and dermatologist approved.

 This Argan Oil is really an all rounder kind of product, in all my excitement I really forgot to mention the packaging, as you can see.. this liquid gold comes in a gorgeous printed glass bottle, I keep my bottle displayed on my acrylic make up organiser because the bottle is so “classy”. I especially like the gold print on the bottle, but the reason I really love this Argan Oil is because of the dropper tool,it just caught my attention, mainly because it is something different, as you don’t find a lot of facial oils with droppers now days. Retails at R229,95, and is available at Dis-Chem.

The Body Shop: Frosted Plum Shimmer Mist

 Summer should be filled with fruity scents and gorgeous glows right? EXACTLY, that is why The Body Shop has made shopping a lot easier for summer, thanks to their limited edition range for Christmas. I’m going to focus on their Frosted Plum Shimmer Mist today, because it was definitely one of their “MUST HAVE” products this year. The only reason I chose the frosted plum is because I’m a sucker for anything purple (you already knew that), and it had a gorgeous ‘girly girl’ kind of scent, which I wanted for summer. 

My first impression about the Shimmer Mist was definitely the glass “Christmas Bauble” kind of look, a BIG thumbs up to The Body Shop for making the bottle see-through, with no labels, it actually enhances the shimmering effect, as you can see the fine shimmer swirling around the lavender coloured mist in the bottle. I’m going to be absolutely honest and say, I was immediately drawn to this Shimmer Mist, mainly because of the bottle and the sparkle swirling around (I’d say it is the perfect “Purple Sparkle” effect). 

I know this body mist comes in three sparkling scents: Frosted Cranberry, Frosted Plum and Glazed Apple. I tested all three scents, but the frosted plum had me at first shimmer, I was swept away by the lightly scented fruitiness of the plum. This light scent, is absolutely refreshing and the plum scent lingers on skin for quite a few hours, I really think this is a perfect Summer/Spring kind of fragrance. 

After a good few times of swirling around the bottle, just to be mesmerised by the glittery shimmer swishing around the bottle, I decided to check how shimmery this shimmer mist really is.. after a few good sprays, I was SOLD. The shimmer was light and delicate,but I personally find the shimmer mist to be a little flashy for daytime use, but if you need a little sparkle to make your day, go ahead and sparkle on!

I would really recommend purchasing this shimmer mist, if not for the fruity fresh scent, then definitely because you need a little sparkle on your night out. The shimmer mist fragrance is long lasting and perfect if you’re wanting that ‘summer fresh’ feel. The shimmer mist retails at R200 per a bottle and is limited edition, therefore it is only available this Christmas, so make sure you get your hands on this shimmer mist. 

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

When I say “Baby Skin”, you may never understand my excitement when I found out this “much raved’ about primer was hitting South African shores. In fact, I stalked my local Foschini until they had received stock, and then bought the first two primers I could get my hands on. Like any other blogger, I rushed home, admired the packaging for a few good minutes, and then went straight to testing out the primer. I’m going to start off my review by talking about the packaging, because who doesn’t love a product with a pretty cool packaging? I loved the teal and turquoise packaging with the hot pink writing, it catches my attention as soon as I glance at the product. The packaging is quite sturdy, and I especially love the screw on cap, so there is no spillage if you’re travelling around. I do believe that overseas, the Baby Skin tube is packaged in a cardboard and plastic packaging, I would have really appreciated that in South Africa, so I know the product I’ve purchased hasn’t been tampered with in stores.

The Baby Skin tube labels this primer as an “instant pore eraser”, the tube also states that baby skin is a lightweight primer, for smooth, poreless looking skin and that the primer is only for adults. I was a little surprised, because this primer didn’t really state whether it was for any specific skin type, plus there isn’t much information available on the packaging about the product, but since everybody raved about this product, I really wanted to try it out. After testing out the product on my hand, I was amazed, this primer felt velvety soft and smooth on the back of my hand, which made me even more excited to try it out. The first day I tried out the primer, I wore it with a full face of make up, I applied a pea sized about of primer to my moisturised face, and gave it a few minutes to settle in and then applied my make up, my make up applied like a dream, it looked flawless in the pictures, which got me really excited because I thought I found my Holy Grail primer, until a few hours after applying my skin looked really oily, like past trying to save with translucent powder oily. YIKES!

I tired to remain as calm as possible and be positive, maybe it was just too much make up for my primer to handle (said no woman ever), I tried it a few days later with just regular BB cream and some powder, but nope, still looking like I left the house with oil on my face. I was beginning to get disappointed because maybe this primer just wasn’t cut out for me. I have oily skin, well combination skin to be exact, and this primer made my skin look plain down too oily to deal with. Don’t get me wrong, this primer is a really powerful primer, it leaves skin feeling soft and smooth, with a well moisturised feeling, it also blurrs imperfections on skin, making skin appear flawless and “smooth - looking”, plus it is a perfect canvas for make up, as make up glides on, but it is really NOT cut out for oily skin, I really tried to work around the primer, but I couldn’t. It just isn’t meant for combination/oily skin.

So would I recommend Maybelline Baby Skin? Yes I would, ONLY if you have dry skin, if you have combination or oily skin, I really wouldn’t recommend this primer because you’ll just be left with more of an oily look than you can really handle. The Maybelline Baby Skin retails for R89 and is available at Foschini, Dis-Chem and Clicks.