Monday, March 26, 2012

Leigh reviews Ofra's lip gloss

Hey OFRA Cosmetics, thanks for the lip gloss!

http://lipglossismylife.com/2012/03/22/hey-ofra-cosmetics-thanks-for-the-lip-gloss/

OFRA Cosmetics is a professional cosmetic line created by international make-up artist Ofra Gaito and is now available in South Africa. Last week they sent me a lip gloss for my birthday (thanks guys!).



OFRA Cosmetics lip gloss in Strawberry, R150.
The shade reminds me quite a bit of MAC’s Plushglass in Ample Pink. It’s kinda like the perfect ‘your lips but better’ type of hue, one you’d wear if you wanted to do smoky eyes/neutral lips on a big night out.



Well hello there little boy...
Ingredients-wise, I can’t tell you what’s in it as I can’t find this information online but I do like its sweet caramel smell as well as the fact that it’s not too sticky and doesn’t dry out your lips.
If you want to try OFRA Cosmetics for yourself, visit their US website to get a look at what they offer.
You can then place your order with a local agent. To find one closest to you, give their head office a ring on (011) 786 9027.

Thanks Ofra!

Love, love
Leigh

Friday, March 23, 2012

Emmy reviews Tip Top Toughen up Maxi Growth Base Coat

http://rougebeauty.co.za/tip-top-toughen-maxi-growth-base-coat/#more-637

Tip Top Toughen Up Maxi Growth Base Coat, R75.99 (available at Clicks)




What they say: Help rebuild the nail from foundation to nail surface with Toughen up Maxi Growth Base Coat for Weak/Post-Acrylic/Damaged Nails, an intensive strengthener that returns thin nails to a healthy condition, using key ingredients.

What we say: This is the only base coat I ever use. I have incredibly weak nails that are prone to splitting and peeling.

When I have this base coat on, my nails feel stronger, break and split much less, and they actually grow. This base coat has remedied my nasty nails – I just make sure I have it on all the time now, and my nails look great, and are much stronger.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

See what Emmy has to say about Eco Tools


http://www.glamour.co.za/2012/03/22/today-glamour-loves/glamour-loves/today-we-re-loving

Today we're loving EcoTools Bamboo Eye Brush Set!


EcoTools is a French brand that has been around since 2008. Their aim is to deliver cosmetic tools that not only work, but are kind to the environment too. This nifty set contains 6 different eye brushes housed in a handbag-sized pouch, making them perfect for travelling!

Our vegetarian staffers are so excited about these brushes because they are 100% cruelty free. Instead of animal hair, the bristles are made out of synthetic taklon - and the greenie points don’t end there. The rest of the brush is made out of renewable bamboo and recycled aluminum! You’ll find this set and the rest of their range in selected Pick ‘n Pay stores countrywide (R119.99).

See what we were loving yesterday!

Into your eco-beauty? You might like these eco-friendly nail varnishes!

Emmy is the daughter of a sailor, animal loving, coffee addicted, beauty product junkie editor of rouge.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Today see what Leigh has to say about Optiphi

OptiPhi Shimmer Shield SPF 15 review

http://lipglossismylife.com/2012/03/19/optiphi-shimmer-shield-spf-15-review/

19 Mar Back in the day I used to secretly idolise my Aunt Ethne’, my mom’s most glamorous friend, who thought nothing of rocking up for a Wimpy burger in a fur gilette and sequin hot pants. All the cosmetics she pulled out of her bag where either Guerlain, YLS or Dior which where always nice and heavy thanks to their opulent gold packaging. I also liked that despite being ever so poised, she was never afraid to zex things up a bit be it with six-inch stillettos or Stikini’s on the beach (hey, it was the 80′s!)…
Anyway…
Award-winning local brand optiPhi have a hot little limited edition in their Shimmer Shield SPF15 (R300). Essentially, it’s a spray-on sun tanning/protection oil that’s enriched with mega moisturising jojoba. The best bit, however, is that it’s chocoblock of copper coloured shimmering pigments. Just LOOK at how pretty it is:
Oooh... well hello there...
The moment I pulled it out the package my first thought was ‘God, Aunt Eth would’ve sooo have had this on her bathroom shelf…’ I could just picture it sitting there next to her Jean Paul Gaultier perfume bottles, tempting me to give it a sneaky spritz while hoping to goodness she wouldn’t notice that I’d been digging through her things…
What I like about this glitzy little gem is that the sparkles aren’t really perceptible on your skin. Sure, it give you a little glimmer, but you hardly look as though you’ve been playing with the body glitter fairies. It also doesn’t have a smell so it won’t interfere with your perfume and leaves your skin feeling like you’ve given it a slick of Bio-Oil as opposed to anything greasy or tacky. I’ve even been using it on my legs and arms at night to give the a little sheen when I hit up events.
Next time you’re in a salon that stocks optiPhi make a point of checking it out. You could also snap it up as a freebie thanks to this current special:


Thanks optiPhi, this is definitely the most indulgent way to beat the summer sun…

Love, love
Leigh

Monday, March 19, 2012

See What Leigh Van den Berg has to say about Nimue

Nimue Super Hydrating Serum review; it really is ‘super’!

15 Mar Like I’ve mentioned before, I was a spoiled little cow in regards to my birthday and yet another of my ‘shame, you’re old’ surprises came from local in-salon skin care brand Nimue. Aside from a mooi little lip gloss from their new-ish ColourScience make-up collection, they also gave me one of their best-selling booster treatments; Nimue Super Hydrating serum (R575).


Was this pure serendipity or do you think they took notes while reading my blog? (If you remember, it was their hydrating mask that saved the day when my skin freaked out towards the end of a facial late last month…) Anyway, I was super impressed with its efficacy so I’m now thrilled to own a bottle myself.

In a nut shell, Nimue’s Hydrating serum is something you can use as an ‘add on’ or ‘booster’ and incorporate into any skin care routine. It makes use of a ‘nanotechnology delivery system’ to saturate your skin with moisture that goes the distance. Ingredients-wise, it makes use of soothing Shea butter and skin softening urea as well as collagen, elastin and silk. The last three ingredients are all great in regards to their water-binding properties and, as they’ve hydrolized (this means made small enough to be absorbed into your skin) they can squiggle into your epidermis and hold moisture deep inside your skin.

As my skin’s often dehydrated but rather oily, I don’t wear this out in the day as it makes me look too dewy. Instead, I apply it at night like a leave-on mask and am wearing it now as I type. Also, on mornings where I’ve woken up feeling a bit droog, I’ve slapped it on, left it to penetrate for twenty minutes or so and then wiped off the excess. Afterwards, any fine dehydration lines have been blitzed in their moer and my skin feels fabulously supple.

In all, if you’ve been looking for something to help bump up your hydration levels, have very dry skin or spend a lot of time in craptastic moisture-sucking environments like heavily air-conditioned offices or planes; this serum’s a safe bet.
Thanks Nimue!

Love, love
Leigh

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Look at what Kim Gray had to say about Banksia's Sanctuary Spa

The banksia boutique hotel spa 

http://www.kimgray.co.za/2012/03/13/the-banksia-boutique-hotel-spa/

I recently discovered a gorgeous spa at Banksia Boutique Hotel. Firstly, if you’re in PR or looking for a venue for a small intimate wedding, this spot is definitely worth viewing.



I loved that the Sanctuary Spa at Banksia was elegant, clean and no clutter in sight. A white, light, uncluttered room really does install a sense of calm and order. Love that!

Little Miracle


Balm Balm has a Little Miracle Rosehip Serum (100% organic) recently available in SA. It is made from luxuriously fine carrier oils, so similar to our own skin’s make up that they are miraculously absorbed leaving no oiliness what so ever. This beautifully rich blend of rosehip, jojoba and borage oils, generously infused with frankincense, rose geranium, palmarosa, juniper and mandarin essential oils will literally feed your skin, allowing it to breathe and feel totally rejuvenated!

Balm Balm – 100% Organic Facial Range - Little Miracle Rosehip Serum

We don’t call our serum a Little Miracle for nothing.  When you use it even once we know you will feel a difference.  Eight perfect little ingredients, each performing their own little miracle.  Blended together in perfect harmony they synergistically work their magic on all skin types.

The ultimate moisturisor for face and neck. Use alone, day or night, or in conjunction with your regular moisturisor for an added boost to moisturise and refine your skin's texture..

Why Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum is so special...
-          Like all things Balm Balm, it is 100% Soil Association Certified Organic.
-          It is made using the finest carrier oils so it slips straight in, leaving no greasy residue.
-          It is super gentle so works miracles on even sensitive skin
-          It smells divine, plus the essential oils make you feel happy and comforted.
-          The best ingredients available at a very affordable price, because Balm Balm believes every woman should have a little treat at least once a day.

                Our little miracle list of ingredients are:

                ROSEHIP:                restores
                BORAGE:                 revitalizes
                JOJOBA:                  nourishes
                FRANKINCENSE:     oxygenates
                ROSE GERANIUM:  balances
                MANDARIN:            soothes
                PALMAROSA:          protects
                JUNIPERBERRY:      stimulates
            

RRP – R279.00
Stockist details: Headoffice 083 296 9966
   

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Great Make-up starts with a Great Brush!

Studio Basics 6pc Brush 'n Go Set



Applying makeup anytime and anywhere has just gotten easier!  Toss this mini brush set into your luggage, gym bag, or purse for beauty essentials on-the-go.

Set Includes:

LASH & BROW GROOMER
• Use to seperate lashes and groom eyebrows into shape.

POWDER BRUSH
• Use to apply loose or translucent powder for a smooth, lasting finish.

BLUSH BRUSH
• Use to apply blush to the apples of cheeks, stroking towards hairline.

SPONGE EYE SHADOW APPLICATOR
• Use to aply cream eye shadow.

EYE SHADOW BRUSH
• Use to apply powder eye shadow.

LIP BRUSH
• Use thin tip to outline and full brush to fill in with color.

Care Tip: To keep your brushes clean, wash in mild soap and warm water. Place on flat surface and let dry.

This Studio Basics brush set is available at Foschini and retails for R84.95

Studio Basics is a professional line of high-quality, value-priced cosmetic accessories that make it easy for women to create their desired beauty look.

The Studio Basics range includes Brushes, Cosmetic Sponges & Applicators, Nail Clippers, Tweezers, Cuticle Scissors, Emery Boards, Buffers, Mirrors, Dual Pencil Sharpeners, Pedi Files & Manicure Sets

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

See what Lauren has to say about Lamelle's new Nourish range

Beauty Buzz | Lamelle to the rescue

http://dearheartbeauty.com/beauty-bank/beauty-buzz-lamelle-to-the-rescue/

Do you breathe? That’s the question you should be asking yourself if you’re wondering if the new Lamelle Nourish range will help your skin.

The six products in the Lamelle Nourish range.
For the official launch of this exciting new skincare range, beauty eds spent a fascinating afternoon involving loads of lovely ‘good skin foods’ listening to the brilliant Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director at Lamelle Research Laboratories. If biology was your thing in high school, listening to him speak will totally tingle your mitochondria…(steady now).
The range is presented as a comprehensive free radical protection system (read more about those pesky little dudes here) and, essentially, if you breathe oxygen your skin will love it.
Why? Because 2-5% of the oxygen we breathe converts to free radicals, and the more you exercise the more you make! Just when we thought we’d given up on excuses to get off of the couch.
SOOO much research and technology has gone into the creation of this range and believe me if I tried to explain it all to you here you’d be cross-eyed in minutes. So I’ll stick to the important stuff and leave you to google the rest if it tickles your fancy.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Physicians Formula® is the fastest growing cosmetics company


Physicians Formula® (NASDAQ:  FACE) is the fastest growing cosmetics company operating in the “Masstige” market and has become the 7th largest face and eye makeup brand in the U.S. today.*


Physicians Formula develops innovative, premium-priced cosmetics products with a unique problem-solution approach.  The brand differentiates itself by addressing skin imperfections, rather than focusing simply on changing fashion trends.  Using techniques, such as color correction used by makeup artists to neutralize skin discolorations, Physicians Formula develops makeup solutions that feature the latest technology for the specific, yet common skin problems that women face every day.
 

A philosophy of innovation is the foundation of Physicians Formula, and has been since the company’s inception when Dr. Frank Crandall, founder of Physicians Formula, developed the first hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and dermatologist approved makeup in 1937.  Since that time, Physicians Formula has continued to create category changing innovation, all of which adheres to the brand’s commitment to high quality standards, advanced functionality and product performance that reinforce its class-to-mass strategy. 


The brand was the first to bring Bronzers to the market as an everyday item, not just a seasonal item.  It was also the first to bring Mineral makeup to the mass market, along with being the first ever to launch a complete line of 100% natural makeup with certified organic ingredients.  Today these segments make up over 7% of the total cosmetics market in the U.S.


Specializing in Face and Eye cosmetics, through its unique positioning, Physicians Formula has become a leader in key categories such as face powders, bronzers and mineral makeup with leading market shares in the masstige market. 

The brand has a loyal and rapidly growing consumer base and the brand has one of the highest perceived quality images in the masstige market. Utilizing the most advanced research available, Physicians Formula is dedicated to the development of makeup even today without any of the 132 known skin irritants, making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin and eyes.



*Source:  ACNielsen FDMxw 52 weeks ending 12/24/12

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

No more frozen peas or cabbage leaves!




Breast Nurse aids milk flow and eases breast feeding discomfort fast!

Breast feeding is a natural process giving baby essential ingredients, comfort and security. Sometimes though, engorgement, blocked ducts and mastitis can create soreness for mother, making feeding difficult for baby.

Breast Nurse™ is a simple home treatment to ease discomfort so that you can focus on enjoying your new baby. Sustained cooling and warming therapy is delivered through two soft packs containing a special thermal gel. Used cool it reduces inflammation and soothes pain. As a warm treatment it allows milk to flow more freely to make breast feeding easier.

The cushions contain a special gel developed to give sustained cooling or warming longer than conventional gels and remain soft straight from the freezer.


Easy to use in hospital and at home
Compact shape fits discreetly in bra
Sustained warming or cooling
Warm- stimulates milk flow to help feeding
Cool- soothes mastitis and engorgement
2 thermal gel cushions- reusable



Researched and developed with the help of midwives, breast feeding advisors and new mothers, Breast Nurse™ cushions slip easily into the nursing bra for a fast, discreet and effective treatment.
Breast Nurse... life saving bliss

Breast Nurse™ retails for R 149.95  
Tel: 27 83 44 00 968 / +27 72 808 2302
Stockists: Dis-Chem and online at www.baby.calora.co.za
For more detail on this product visit  www.breastnurse.co.za.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Why you should use an eye shadow primer.



Have you ever put on eye shadow in the morning and by lunch time found that it has either creased or disappeared?  Well that won’t happen anymore with Ruby Kisses Eyeshadow Magic Eyeshadow Primer.

Magic is at work with this around-the-clock eye shadow primer. With a sponge-tip applicator, it glides on to give you vibrant, longer-lasting, crease-proof eyeshadow. There's no other eye prep that even comes close. Before your shadow or eyeliner, magic primer is a must!Retail Price: R79.95
All Ruby Kisses products are available at Foschini from 12th March