Beauty Review Archives - Rupert Approves

Beauty Review, Food, Foodie Stuff, Pregnancy and Parenting

Super Rad Sh*t

September 1, 2017 4 Comments

Happy Spring Day my little fairies! I for one am loving the warmer weather, although I may be imagining it, but for the first time in months I’m in open toed sandals (gnarly troll toes and all) and not wrapped in a Game Of Thrones style coat. So yay, here’s to warner weather and plenty more sunshine.

So, I’ve been tinkering around with a new idea for quite some time, and thought -what better day to launch it than on Spring Day. New starts, fresh beginnings and all that jazz.

The idea for the theme of ‘Super Rad Shit’ came about for two reasons – firstly – I get sent a lot of really cool rad stuff that sometimes isn’t enough for a whole blog post, but has definitely made a positive difference in my life, and secondly, I buy a lot of super rad shit (and sometimes super shit, shit). I’m the type of person who pops to Dischem for deodorant and comes back with a thousand rands worth of stuff (yes mom, I know I should be putting this money into my bond). So, to ease the guilt over being such a product hoarder, I thought what better way than to share my love of all products and things with you, my besties 🙂

I will be posting my Super Rad Shit (Yussis, SEO best practice is annoying) stuff every few weeks, and there probably wont be too much of a trending theme. It will just be me reviewing random stuff I have bought and tried and giving you the honest low down – to potentially save you some cash dolla should you be considering making the same purchase.

Some items are sponsored, some are the result of retail therapy. Either way – I’ll tell you, honestly, how I feel about them

My first post is dedicated to ‘Shit That’s Simplified My Life’. The last several weeks of pregnancy have left me a redundant human. Between the nausea, exhaustion and growing sense of hatred for 98% of all humans, I’ve had very little time for time consuming stuff. So here’s my round up of Super Cool Shit #1.

USN Trust Bars

Sure, the name is more suited to a condom, but these bars ( and I have only tasted the Vanilla Cupcake) flavour, are delicious. I munched one for breakfast this morning and keep them in my draw, handbag, cubbyhole and camera bag for when I haven’t had time for a meal or I’m feeling hunger pangs coming on.

Verdict: Rupert Approves. Rupert like cake.

2. Badger Pregnant Belly Oil.

My tummy has already popped, and I am so worried about stretch marks with this pregnancy. I’ve been using this Badger oil on my tummy since baby was just two lines on a stick. It doesn’t have the vanilla fragrance that it promises on the box, but that’s probably not a bad thing. Preggie noses are not good with overpowering scents, so I’m preferring a more bland vibe these days. The oil spreads beautifully and sinks in quickly – no ruined tops of clothing. Alos, the packaging is stunning and I’m going to see if they have baby products for when ‘Pip’ is born.

Verdict: Rupert – the anti stretchmark Boston Terrier Advocate – Approves.

3. Matsimela Bath Bombs

The closest I get to a Spa day is visiting my actual Spar for bread and milk, so to be tricked into thinking I’m having one at home sounded amazing. One of the things I’m most excited about with our renovations is the oversized freestanding bath we are getting. It’s going to make such a difference when my two-year-old and future baby joins me. The thought of wetting both boobs and knees simultaneously makes me want to poop myself – which coincidentally – is what these bath bombs look like once dissolved. Brown colour aside, they smell insanely beautiful and leave your skin with a soft oily finish. I will be stocking up on more of these for when my new bathroom is ready. I also have my eyes on some Lush products – although I need to save – because I’m pretty sure their non-official payoff line is ‘Gots to be flush, for Lush’.

Verdict: Rupert doesn’t apprive of baths, but he’s totally giving the thumbs up on these bath bombs.

4. Essence Quick and Easy Sponge Nail Polish remover.

Speaking of shit I buy at Dischem, there is never a visit to that store that doesn’t result in me buying something off the Essence stand. Their cheap and cheerful pricing model means I can leave with a little treat without too much guilt. Seeing as I am a nailpolish slut, I figured it was time to try this new nifty nail polish remover bottle, You basically dip your finger in and jerk it around for several seconds until the nail polish is gone. It’s apparently acetone free so I’m also happier to have it lying around the house in case my makeup obsessed son gets hold of it.

Verdict: Rupert says ‘Nailed it!’

5. Gel effect nail polishes

In a bid to save money, I quit having my nails done. Not the smartest move I’ve made as my hands are always showing – especially with photography. A lot of brands promise a ‘gel’ effect, but I have found that very few actually deliver on their promise. Another Essence favourite though is the ‘1 coat and go’ which is literally that – I can apply a coat of nail polish and have my hands dried, and coated, in less than 90 seconds. The paint chips after a day though – but I honestly haven’t found a product that doesn’t chip on me, even when having my nails done at a salon. I also tried the Wet ‘n Wild ‘1 step gel’ but hated it – the colour went on streaky and my nails were chipped within a few hours.

Verdict: Essence – Rupert Approves. Wet ‘N Wild: Rupert does not.

6. Silicon makeup sponge

I’ve been using the original Beauty Blender for a year now, but because I am as conscientious as a brick wall, I haven’t been cleaning it like I should, and it’s gone a bit mouldy and stinky. Eeuw. I have been seeing these silicon sponges around for a while now – they promise less waste and a smooth makeup application. Um, the verdict is out on this one. For R49 it’s not a devastating loss, but I found that my fingers work better than the silicon. It doesn’t really blend my makeup in as as much as it just smears it around my face. I’d give this one a skip. Side note – also pictured here is a new animal friendly makeup brand I’ve been trying – ‘MINA’. They have a store in Sandton City and every colour under the sun is available. they are well priced and I love the fact that I can wear their stuff, guilt free.

Verdict: Leave the makeup sponge on the shelf. The actual makeup? Rupert Approves.

7. UCOOK

Ok. I will be honest here. The only reason I signed up to try UCook was becasue they were promising a free Le Creuset dish to their first 100 new signups. Sadly, I was customer 101 (Story of my life) so I missed out on the dish, but my guilt also didn’t let me cancel my order. And I am SO glad I didn’t. The box arrived at work laden with ingredients and instructions for 3 meals. So far I have made the spinach, feta and mushroom ravioli and the butternut quesadillas. Both meals have been freaking amazing, and I’ve already signed up for next weeks box. The recipes are clear and the portions are really really generous (I ate my left over dinner on my way to work this morning. The fetus demanded it.)

Verdict, Rupert Approves (although Rupert is cheap and wishes these meals were a tad less pricey).

8. Sheryl Sandbergs ‘Lean In’.

I don’t know if it’s age, work history or what but I am really really battling with the huge amount of sexism I face on a daily basis. I have a vagina and am therefore incompetent and functionally useless. I bought this book a few moth sago after a particularly bad experience and am just loving how it verified everything about how I feel, and how all I suspect, a lot of women, feel daily. Do yourself a fave – get it. Get it now. Your useless, incompetent and confused vagina will thank you for it.

Verdict: Rupert, and Rupertina, approve.

9. Blendid Smoothie Mixes

The only reason my NutriBullet gets used these days is thanks to these bad boys. They have literally been a lifesaver on mornings when my morning sickness is so bad that dry retching is all I can manage. They are packed (I cant finishs one) with ingredients and have the best names. I’m trying to convince them to name a pack after my current situation “Dumb pregnant vagina who vomits all the time”, catchy, no?

Verdict: Rupert, the smoothie connoisseur, approves.

10. HnM Maternity Wear.

It happened on Tuesday. I was sitting at my desk in jeans that were cuting off my blood supply, and I realised it was time to bite the bullet and buy some sexy preggy wear. I never wore them with Carter and have always been super against the idea – but my burgeoning tummy had other ideas. Luckily for me, and you, HnM (Mall of Africa only from what I’ve heard) has a really nice range of fat clothes. Stylish as well. Like these here black pants, which may not be sexy on top but are well fitted, nice fabric and look like skinny tailored work pants. They are also perfectly complemented by the bathroom bin and sexy morning selfie. *face cut off to save you that sight*.

Verdict. Rupert approoooves. And, exhale.

Beauty Review, Life

Putting Your Best Foot Forward with Superbalist.

April 25, 2017 13 Comments

I love my photography job. I cannot tell you the goosebumps and adrenaline I get before and after each and every session. However, there is one thing I dislike about them – and that’s how frumpy I look when I arrive for a shoot – especially as the people I’m arriving to photograph always look magnificent! I’ve ruined enough pumps and sandals to know that only flip flops will work when leopard crawling for that perfect angle, and most of the time I simply end up barefoot. However as we approach Winter it’s pretty cold and stupid to have naked toes in 7 am frosty grass.

I also always arrive looking like a slob in the clothing and hair department (thanks partly to early mornign call times, a very bad ombre experience and the lack of enthusiasm to have it fixed for the 4th time). Just last week I said to my hubby that I wanted to invest in a new pair of funky and stylish sneakers to wear to shoots. And then we laughed and laughed because his bank account has been hacked and we had to spend elevently million on prepping my son for potty training (more on that coming soon) paraphernalia.

So, it was with serendipitous timing that Superbalist.com contacted me about their new range of sneakers that have just landed on their site.

They’ve asked me to pick my top 3 pairs from their website and envision how I would wear them. So basically, this is the couch potatoes version of window shopping and the grown up version of ‘dress-up’. Winning all round!

I have been obsessed with the Nike Roche range since it was launched. Obsessed. And have always wanted a pale pink pair for myself. And then I saw them on Superbalist. I’m so excited I could plutz and I cannot wait to order them in my size!

I’d pair these feminine beauties with a dark pair of skinny denims, rolled up to the ankle, a slim fit white t-shirt like this Annie Tee which I’d tuck in the front. To accessorize I’d keep it simple with a brown skinny utility belt and this khaki anorak (the pockets are perfect for lenses, car-keys and a cellphone). Naturally I’d also look like a supermodel and people would stop and “ooh” and “aah” at my beauty.

Because this is my shoe fantasy I’ve selected anther Nike Roshe pair – this time in a gorgeous olive green with the distinctive Nike tick in a pale pink.

Not all my shoots involve trekking through the Suburban jungles – some require me to be a little smarter, but still be comfortable. I’d use these shoes for this sort of shoot and pair them with this gorgeous, soft and seemingly flattering dress from Noisy May. I like how the front wrap bit looks like it would hide my not-so-new-mom-but-still-very-much-there paunch and the grey and green combo would work beautifully together.

To keep track of the time, and because it’s shit-hot, I’d pair the outfit with this oversized watch from Daniel Wellington.

Lastly, and it was hard to choose a 3rd winner, I’d select these old school classic Reebok sneakers in white. You can never go wrong with white shoes and they dress really well up and down.

I’d wear them with these khaki green Pop Trash joggers and this environmentally (made from recycled plastic!) denim jacket from Raw for the Oceans.

So, now that my Winter shoe wardrobe has been decided on – what would your picks be? head on over to Superbalists site and let me know!

Beauty Review, Life

Readers, Lend Me Your Brains.

June 10, 2016 39 Comments

I have a lot on my mind – everything from finishing a rather massive race in 9 day’s time, to re-doing my entire house décor. So, seeing as you bunch are so freaking smart, I thought I’d try a new crowdsourcing exercise and get feedback from my readers – all of you! So, if you can help/answer any of the below queries, then I will send you a package of dolphin tears and glitter

I want to try do these concrete kitchen counter tops at home – does anyone know of a supplier or someone who does this? Also, because its concrete does it mean I will need to reinforce my existing cupboards and doors? (Look at me sounding all building savvy).

I need to make a photobook – who are the best suppliers/website/template makers out there?

I love this wood wall look for behind my TV in my lounge. Do I need a specific wood and does it have to be treated? (The husband is convinced it’s a breeding ground for termites). Then, is it easy enough to do as a DIY project, or should I rather go the trusty builder route?

Under eye fillers. I can’t stop thinking about having this done ever since my GP gently encouraged me. I’m also convinced it will stop everyone from asking me if I’m tired. All.The.Time. Yay/nay? Have you had fillers done? Where?

Weight loss. After 4 months of religiously training for Half Iron Man I’m still sitting with a lump ‘o lard around my tummy, and feeling very sorry for myself. (I was SO sorry for myself this morning and almost tripped a skinny bitch in the change rooms as she waltzed around in a G-string and non-mom boobs). I think after the race I’m going take up more Pilates and strength training. I also want to adjust my eating plan slightly – I can’t do banting as I don’t eat any meat. What’s worked for you? I know there’s a lot of talk around fermented foods and how much it aids your digestion – I think that’s definitely a route I’m going to explore.

Shaving your face. Ok… so this has been met with much division, but I recently read this article on the benefits of (ladies) shaving their faces to aid skin renewal, exfoliate and slow the ageing process. Thoughts??

So looking forward to your comments and feedback. Especially from my mother around the eye fillers.

Beauty Review

{Win!} A Pampering Treatment At YouBar Salon

June 8, 2016 17 Comments

I was at the Doctor a few weeks back, and after the initial diagnosis (Bronchitis) he pulled me into a separate room and quietly said “but what you really need, Kate, are under eye fillers” while making me gaze at my haggard, sleep deprived reflection in the mirror.

So when YouBar salon recently contacted me to review and giveaway an anti-ageing facial, my immediate response was “yes please!”.

Confession time: I haven’t had a facial in over 10 years. In fact, when my son was born, every little luxury flew out the window. My beauty routine now consists of a monthly mass Veet (I pretty much cover three-quarters of my body in hair removal and hope for the best), borrowing my baby’s aqueous cream as a moisturizer and a manicure comes in the form of spilled beetroot juice that’s stained my talons. So, in my Doctors defense, I’m looking like shit, and in desperate need of some pamper time.

I’m also terrified of dead air, which means 90 minutes on a salon bed with just me and the therapist to shoot the breeze leaves me feeling nauseously nervous. Except, Floyd, the angel-sent-from-earth-therapist was just too amazing. She was confident, knowledgeable and completely put me at ease. She didn’t even judge me when I told her what products I was currently using (Vaseline, spit, Johnsons).

I had a !QMS Winter Anti-Ageing Treatment which was an hour and a half of pure bliss. I remember at the time trying to memorise the product names, but in all honestly all I can compare it to is ‘the most relaxed hour and a half of my life’. The !QMS range is incredible, and the treatments, combined with Floyds application, the head feet and hand massage and the warm room left me feeling amazing. And I’m not just saying that. I genuinely don’t know why I have waited this long to go for a facial, and if I can squeeze this into my budget I will definitely be making this a monthly thing (My kid doesn’t really need nappies every day, does he?).

Once the treatment was up and my skin felt as if a Unicorn had farted on it, Floyd walked me back downstairs to the salon side of YouBar (The treatment rooms are all located upstairs).There I encountered Utopia. Ladies sat side by side sipping on wine and having their nails done, products and bespoke jewelry pieces adorned the raw wood shelves, and the entire ambience was one of ‘come, sit stressed lady, drink and be pretty with us’. I was hooked.

The next day at work 3 people commented on my glow (and not in a “you‘re so pregnant way” in a “you actually look less hellish than yesterday”, way).

The good news is that YouBar are giving one Rupert Approves reader the same !QMS anti-ageing treatment that I had. The even better news is that YouBar knows that being a mom (or dad) a woman (or man) and a career person are not mutually exclusive, so they (unlike our friends at every other retail store) are open in the evenings , which makes it the perfect place for a post work pamper.

As an added bonus, YouBar is giving every Rupert Approves reader 10% off any full sized retail product when booking a facial. Simply quote ‘Rupert Approves’ and then give them the mystery handshake and door knock. I jest.

It’s so easy to enter:

Comment on this blog and tell me why you need this treatment – you can also motivate on behalf of someone to win it
Make sure you like the Rupert Approves Facebook page

The Tees and The Cees

Winner will be drawn randomly
Prize must be redeemed and used by 1 September 2016
Winner must be based in Joburg or be able to get to YouBar in Joburg on their own
Competition ends on Monday 13 June 2016

You can find YouBar online, on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. tell them I sent you (because I REALLY want to be invited back).

Good Luck!

Beauty Review

To Thai For – Win One Of Two Experiences with Enmasse Massage!

September 2, 2015 33 Comments

Guys, I hardly ever do the spa scene. I am truly the most awkward spa-goer there is. Firstly, I always wear the wrong things, I feel completely lame in front of the therapist and I generally lie there as stiff as a rod wondering if my feet smell from the pumps I was wearing that day. Don’t even get me started on bikini waxes – when suddenly my cellphone becomes the most important thing in the world while the therapist pulls and yanks things that not even my husband has seen. So, it was with slight hesitation that I agreed to accompany some friends for a Thai massage this week.

I’m so glad I said yes though – because Enmasse is absolutely amazing. It’s not your typical spa – all burning incense and humming dolphins. It’s beautiful; dark, stark and minimalistic – with modern music, a tea bar and extraordinarily friendly staff.

Assuming this would be the typical spa experience – where one emerges as oiled up as a Brakpan mechanic, I arrived suitably prepared with 3 day old unwashed hair. Awkies. One remains clothed and un-oiled the entire time. (Because, according to Enmasse, it’s not that kind of party). The massage process, for want of a better word, is neat and clean, there are no standing beds with head cutouts, instead the massage areas are partitioned off by white linen walls and patrons lie on the floor on fancy feeling duvets and pillows.

My masseuse, Thandi, was lovely – she didn’t even snort when I apologized for being fat. She simply made me feel totally at ease while she bent and manipulated every part of my body. I didn’t even worry about sweaty feet. Alas, the loser in me reared her awkward head at the end of the massage when Thandi left me lying on the ground. Do I wait here I wondered? Ya, I’m sure I wait here. So waited I did, as still as a plank. After 5 minutes with no return of the Thandi I started hissing for my friends. ‘Lauren!?” “Jasmine??”. “Guys?”. Eventually I stood up, only to find all the massage areas completely empty and made up. No sign of human life remaining. I skulked into the main parlour and found them giggling (not at me, they promised) on the couches drinking herbal tea, or ‘betrayal beverages’ as I now call them.

Check out their website for their offerings. They even do pre-natal massage which is something I desperately needed when I was preggers. Sadly, asking my husband for a foot rub didn’t quite do the trick.

So, even though I may have overstayed my welcome a tad, no-one made me feel uneasy. Not even when I dropped an earring under a chair and had half the staff on hands and knees looking for it. I am not kidding when I say I’m that person.

The fabulous owners at Enmasse would now like you to experience what I went through (minus the sweaty feet and awkwardness, of course). I’m giving away two 60 minute massages valued at R420 each.

Entering is easy:

Like Enmasse on Facebook
Follow Rupert Approves
Leave a comment on this post. Any comment will do, but I will be swayed by bribery of ‘You’re so pretty’ and ‘Gosh you look thin today’.

The Ts and The Cs and the thank you pareese.

Enmasse is located on Corlett Drive, Sandton. Winners must make their way to and from the venue
The competition closes at 5 pm on Friday
The prize is not transferrable
Competition mechanics must be followed in order to stand in line to win
I was only kidding about nice comments. Kinda.

As an added bonus. Enmasse is offering R100 off a massage for every Rupert Approves reader. Simply use the top secret code word ‘Rupert Approves’ when claiming and booking.

Beauty Review

The Anti Makeup Review (The Most Rubbish Beauty Products In My Bag)

January 9, 2015 11 Comments

The Most Rubbish Beauty Products in my Bag

As a hoarder of all things cosmetic, I have taken it upon myself to save you money this year (you’re very welcome) by helping you shop for things that aren’t shit. And trust me, with the way I purchase beauty products I have quite the list of beauty boo boos to share with you.

1. Any mascara from Maybelline that isn’t this one:

… And even then, one needs to have saintly patience before it really becomes good. I can’t tell you how many hundreds of ronds I have literally urinated away on purchasing glorified tubes of rubbish promising extra length, false look effect and 33% more volume. Dogs bollocks, all of them. The biggest culprit? This waste or R190 posing as a wand of mascara:

2. This face cream from Sorbet.

Is it a cream or an exfoliator? Because why in gods name would a face moisturiser contain microscopic grains of sand? Ladies, picture going to the beach, getting dunked by a wave and having sand land in your bikini top. Picture that sand rubbing against delicate nipples for hours on end. Unpleasant? Well that’s exactly what this cream from Satan feels like when applied to your face.

3. Essie Nail Polish

I’ve watched an episode of Friends that lasted longer than this crap. Plus, Essie is now stocked in Clicks. That’s when you know a product is officially one step away from being the water boy at a B game.

4. This cop-out of colour disguised as an eye shadow.

SHAME ON YOU CATRICE FOR EVEN ATTEMPTING TO LAUNCH SOMETHING LIKE THIS. I could get more colour out of a tin of baking soda. Not even wetting the brush and applying the dare-I-call-it-shadow like a paint makes a difference. Donate this one to a small child, or a dustbin closest to you.

5. This smells-like-a-hookah shower gel

Disclaimer – it may be because I’m pregnant, but using this shower douche (and what a douch it is) pretty much smells like I’m washing my bits with strawberry hubbly bubbly tobacco.

6. Aussie Miracle Hair conditioner

What is a miracle? Walking on water? Actually finding that needle in a haystack? Because seriously, to name your product after an entire country (as well as an act of divine intervention) is really setting your standards, and my expectations very high. Plus, it’s sold at Clicks, and we all know what that means.

The only redeeming factor to this shameful excuse for a conditioner? It smells glorious. But so does bacon, and that’s also pretty rubbish when applied to your scalp.

I’m stopping here. I don’t want to overwhelm you or make myself cry again.

If you were planning on buying any of the above items, stop it immediately and spend your money on something more wise, such as a water pistol, or electronic can opener.

Beauty Review, Life, Party Planning

A Halloween Birthday and Pop Art Makeup Tutorial

November 10, 2014 1 Comment

We celebrated Halloween a week late this year, to coincide with a mates birthday. As usual our hosts pulled out all the stops with decor and the guests did the same.

This year I really wanted to do something different, and decided to attempt a ‘Pop Art’ makeup look that I have seen all over Pinterest.

My first effort was an absolute fail – so I decided to ignore the rules I had read and make up my own. Read below for a mini tutorial on achieving the pop art look, or just scroll down to see some pics of the Halloween party and the brilliant food and decor!

Pop Art Makeup Tutorial

1. You will need (most of these things should be in your makeup bag already, so the cost is minimal) the following:

Foundation and powder (I used a white mattifying powder)
Mascara
Liquid eyeliner
White kohl eyeliner
Eyeshadow (bright colours work best)
Red or fuchsia lipstick

2. The application:

Apply foundation – thicker than normal as you want everything to be covered. Apply powder – the whiter and matter the better. The reason for this is that you want the makeup effect to be the main focus, nothing else. Remember to contour your cheeks with a darker blush – this also helps when adding the cheek bone line.
Add a white base to your eyelids (and if you are doing the tear drop shape then that area too). I used the white eye pencil for this as it makes the colour on top ‘pop’ that much more.
Grab your liquid eyeliner (I like the liquid pen as its steadier and easier to apply) and outline the outside of your face, your cheekbones, your eyebrows, a line down your nose, under your nose and everywhere one would outline a cartoon drawing. Don’t do the lips yet – save that for last. Don’t forget to enhance your collar bones and cleavage as well 🙂
Grab your white eye pencil and start making equal spaced dots all over your face. This is time consuming, so don’t leave it till last. (TIP – blast the eyeliner under a hairdryer for a few seconds every several dots – this really makes the white come out and also makes it last)
Fill in your lips with a bright red or pink and outline with the black eyeliner pen
Finally, using a large brush or kabuki brush, dust the white/setting powder all over your face, chest and wherever else you have applied the makeup.
I found that not using any face paint was the best idea – as face paint is cheap, runny and goes on terribly.
Lastly – to complete the look, add a wig of your choice.

Pre Wig – Post Makeup

The finished effect

More pics from the Halloween Party. I am NOT embarrassed to tell you that I won first prize for my eyeball cake pops in a pumpkin – winning, no?

There’s no hiding the bump anymore!

Beauty Review

My Spring Makeup Must Haves

September 22, 2014 1 Comment

It’s been ages since my last ‘Must Haves’ post. I guess the 5 ~~year~~ month winter left me sapped of more energy and enthusiasm than I imagined. At long last though, Winter seems to have kindly farked off, and left us sweating in 30 degree plus weather. Spring must have happened that one time we overslept, I guess.

The thing I love most about warm weather, especially after what felt like years of cold, is the feeling of potential that it brings. Everything feels so fresh, so new and so green, so…fat.

Yep, with the rising temps comes the shedding of clothes, and unless you lived on boiled cabbage and green tea for the past 6 months, chance are you’re feeling a little apprehensive about baring all too soon.

Now, I cant make you thinner (sorry girls, if I could I would have helped myself a long time ago) but I can make sure you put your best face forward with a few of my Spring picks;

If you’re anything like me your foundation slides right off at the first hint of humidity. I stumbled upon this gem quite by accident a few months ago when both MAC and Estee Lauder had run out of my colour. A lovely lady at Clarins managed to convince me to try something new – and I haven’t looked back. Everlasting Foundation from Clarins goes on seamlessly, has buildable coverage, lasts pretty much all day (I suggest a primer and powder) and smells so so fresh. It also mixes well with a dot or 2 of a BB cream – useful for those in between months when your skin shade is more confused than 2002 Ricky Martin.

Clarins Everlasting Foundation

Being blonde has it’s perks. It also has its downsides, the biggest for me being that I do.not.have.eyebrows. Sure, look closely and I have what looks to be Aunt Mildreds upper lip hair, but get too close to a gas stove one time and those things don’t stand a chance. When it comes to eyebrows, I need all the help I can get.

Although a huge fan of the eyebrow shadow (MACS Brun – which is technically an eye shadow – being on of my staples) I have found that after a few hours small which patches of dry skin appear. I heard about Revlons Brow Fantasy and decided to give it a try. Essentially its a pencil and a gel (one to colour and one to set). I chose the dark brown as it was the effect I was going for. The result? Darker and more defined eyebrows that don’t fade for several hours.

I am a huge fan of Urban Decay and am the proud owner of a Naked palette. So when a colleague returned from a trip to London and gave me this (today!) I was smitten! It’s the perfect blush and bronzer combo – and I cannot wait to test it out.

My makeup artist at my wedding introduced me to the next gem on my list. Something I’ve always stayed away from was a cream blush as I felt it added to my sweaty sheen, more than enhanced it. However, the Stila ‘Convertible Colour’ cream blush is one of the few that adds a perfect pop of color, and doesn’t make my face look like a melting was crayon. Even better, ‘set’ it with a powder cblush in a matching colour, and you’ve got a look that really will last all day…even after a swim. (Extra perk – it can double up as a lip gloss)

Why is sunblock so important you ask? Because, this.

Invest in a good quality sunblock – and wear it daily. This one from Dermaceutic is so gentle it can be used after surgery and laser treatments. Do yourself a favour, and don’t turn into that lady from Something About Mary.

IF you do overdue the sun exposure a little bit, and your skin is more parched than Charlie Sheen on a Monday, then make Bio Oil your best friend. I like to mix a little bit with my night cream and body moisturizer. It’s easily absorbed and wont leave a any awkward residue on your clothes.

Lastly, in a perfect world, where my skin is flawless, my bum like Barbies and my boobs perky – I would definitely invest in this bikini.

What are your Spring must haves?

Beauty Review

Wet 'n Wild is now available in South Africa

September 5, 2014 No Comments

12 years ago, while living in America, my obsession with ‘drug store’ beauty products began. I had left Clicks, our local Unicorn branded ‘Health Home and Beauty store’ with its measly offering of Yardley’s Oatmeal range or Lentheric body sprays, and entered a world where drugstores, supermarkets and Target (oh, Target. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of you) were stocked with aisle upon aisle of beauty products and accessories. My mind was blown, and I couldn’t get enough. Even then, when the exchange rate was at its highest, I could still find joy in a $0.99c lipstick or body lotion special.

When I returned home in early 2003, I assumed that my beloved country would have realised how much I needed these products in my life, and automatically stocked them. Alas, Clicks was still Clicks, and choices were dismal. I mean, my god, we didn’t even have hair straighteners in our country back then ( I eventually resorted to importing one from America…velvet plates and all).

Fast forward a few years and finally a few retailers stated jumping on the International brand bandwagon – Woolworths had, and still has, a brilliant variety, MAC stores started popping up, and with the introduction of the Internet came eCommerce and the option to buy things from overseas (bless you, technology).

Look, I am the first person to splash out on R900 foundation and R400 blush, but there is something so nostalgically appealing about the ‘brands I left behind’ in the good old USA. Especially, when on a budget, and you see things like this.

So, it was with much excitement and a small squeal when I found out that Wet n Wild (yes, the cosmetic brand that sounds like a condom brand) was finally in SA. In Clicks nogal!

The prices are so reasonable and the selection is great. I’m currently using the Pressed Powder and the blush and must say – I’m really impressed with both – considering the price (cheap!) the pigment is strong and lasts just as long as any MAC or Bobbi Brown blushes I’ve used.

Wet n Wild is sold exclusively in Clicks stores – and you can also follow them locally on Facebook .

It’s a good start…but there are so many other brands I wish would come to SA – which ones are you lusting after?

Beauty Review, Foodie Stuff, Life, Uncategorized

My January Must Haves

January 15, 2014 11 Comments

15 days into the year and we are all officially in the swing of things. Work is manic, schools are full and our roads are saturated with already-frustrated drivers.

One of the good things about a new year – apart from attempting almost impossible resolutions – is testing out new products and items. This January has seen me using, reading, watching, listening and doing some new things.

Here is my top 10 must haves of January 2014.

1. MAC Extreme Dimension Mascara

I love anything MAC and about 90% of my makeup kit consists of their products – their mascara however has always left little to be desired. Until this bad boy came along – it’s so effective (and trust me, when your eyelashes are sparser than a metro cop at a broken traffic light you need all the help you can get!) that people have asked me if I’m wearing extensions. It goes on clump free, its semi waterproof – I know this as I’ve had my fair share of meltdowns wearing it and the packaging is fab! Available for 215 ronds from Macs new online store .

2. Burts Bees Lip Balm

OK, so this isn’t a new obsession. I have been endorsing and promoting Burts Bees for years – in fact it is the only lip balm I will use. Unfortunately it’s not available in SA yet – so if you happen to be traveling overseas… wink wink.

3. Scanner Pro

I’m a bit of an app whore – I download everything and use noting. Until I came across the Scanner pro app for my iPad – and can’t stop using it. We are currently sitting without a printer at our office, and therefore getting documents to clients has been a nightmare. With this bad boy its a matter of using the camera function to scan, saving the document and emailing it. Honestly one of the most useful apps I have come across in ages.

4. Avicii – True

My love affair started with ‘Wake Me Up’ – it became my anthem for every moment in 2013. Currently I’m loving ‘Hey Brother’. If you enjoy a bit o’ country, you will enjoy this new offering from the band.

5. Chef ‘N Veggie Chopper

This was one of those ‘filler’ items on our wedding registry and has now become a daily necessity during cooking time. I love it because it honestly does what it promises – chops and dices in a few blade rotations. Barry loves it because it mimics the motions of starting a lawn mower with its pulley cord. Friends – spoiler alert – you will all be getting one for your next birthday/wedding/batmitzvah or baby shower. You are welcome.

6. Property24.co.za

We were robbed …. again…. on Christmas last year. For us it was the final straw – why live in a security complex when security is clearly lacking? I now spend my free time browsing house porn on property24 and weighing up selling my body for extra cash or robbing a bank in order to afford it. There’s also a property24 app which handy for a techie like me.

7. Dexter

Never has murder been so attractive. We watched Series 1 through 7 in about 2 months towards the end of last year. To say we are obsessed is an understatement. I need Season 8, in my life, right now.

Nothing like a good cuppa kill to start your day

8. The Night Circus

I’ve just stared reading this book after rave reviews from everyone I’ve spoken to. I have no idea what happens or what its about. All I know is that I’m loving it. Also, magic.

9. Online Shopping

I swore to myself I would find a better work life balance in 2014. One of the things Im doing to help with that is try and do most of my shopping online. 3 of my faves? Mr Price (delivery in 24 hours) Pick n Pay and Yuppie Chef. Sorted.

10. Boschendal Blanc de Noir

The weather has been hotter a Pool Party in hell – so red wine most of the times is out of the question. White wine is niiiice but I’m currently loving the slightly off white blush from Boschendal. Ugly new packaging aside, its the perfect sun-downer drink. Cheers

Don't judge this bottle by its cover — Don’t judge this bottle by its cover

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