All Dolled Up

March 26, 2013

London Calling

So, next week I’m going to London. To shop. I’m not even going to pretend there’s any other reason for going besides burning a hole in my credit card at the new 6-story flagship H&M store in Oxford Circus (squeeee!) and attempting to stuff 30kg of new beauty products in my suitcase without getting arrested. Oh, and I will also be shopping for a wedding dress. GIRLIE HEAVEN. Before I get completely carried away with excitement, I thought I would share a few recent skincare purchases with you that will be waiting patiently for me at my brother’s flat when…

March 25, 2013

Wise words

The most beautiful makeup for a woman is passion but cosmetics are easier to buy -Yves Saint Laurent

Image via.

March 25, 2013

Review: Dr Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm Cream SPF 25

This was one of the products that arrived a few weeks ago, courtesy of our dear friend Charlotte who came to visit from London. Dr Jart+’s selection of BB creams have been bestsellers in their home country of Korea since their launch in 2004. BB creams were initially created to combine skincare and makeup – they were designed to help improve the skin’s texture and to aide the recovery of scarring following surgery. There are 4 in the range, catering to different skin types and concerns. I went for the Water Fuse which claims to be oil free yet hydrating,…

March 22, 2013

Disappointing Product: Molecule 01 by Escentric Molecules

Escentric Molecules fragrances are designed to react with your natural pheromones to create an individual scent that is personalised to the wearer. I first learned about this perfume when I was living in London – I couldn’t open a magazine without reading yet another rave review. Molecule 01 is billed as the human equivalent to cat-nip: every man, woman and child who comes near you will be driven wild by your scent. It will leave them in a daze as you drift past them, as though they have been intoxicated by you. Allegedly. I was tempted to buy it then,…

March 20, 2013

How to Get a Glossy Mane?!

I stumbled upon this old Timotei ad yesterday and it cracked me up so I had to share: Please enjoy this cutting-edge television ad from 1985 too: Maximum LOLs!

March 20, 2013

Beauty Spotlight: MAC 217 Blending Brush

I was reminded this week of how wonderful this make-up brush is while on the hunt for a birthday present for my friend Donné. I was trying to think of some essential products that I use on a daily basis to give her as part of a little beauty basics kit, and suddenly the MAC 217 popped into my head. I simply couldn’t live without this magical little blending tool and here’s why: The fine, natural-fibre bristles are perfectly shaped into an oval point that makes softening the edges of your shadow a breeze. It can be used to add…

March 19, 2013

Nail Revolution: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

We all know the feeling: sitting patiently, waiting for our nail polish to dry. And then, just when you think you’re ready to go, you touch something and it smudges. RAGE. But fear not, help is at hand…I give you Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. What is it? A fast-drying top coat specially formulated to penetrate through nail polish to the base coat, forming a single solid coating over the nail for a more durable finish. What does it promise? To cut drying time dramatically, and to leave nails resistant to chipping and peeling. Does it deliver? YES. I have been…

March 18, 2013

Estée Lauder Free Gift with Purchase

If you’re a serious skincare addict like Camilla and I then you probably already know about Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, which has long been a favourite of beauty editors the world over. It’s known for being the best anti-ageing serum on the market, and it has 30 years’ worth of dedicated fans who will testify that it really does leave skin looking smoother, younger and more radiant. The problem is that, like many high-end serums, it’s extremely expensive. I would argue that although it’s pricey, it’s still great value for money because a bottle lasts forever and the product…

March 15, 2013

Review: Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara

Julia and I aren’t exactly what you would call faithful when it comes to mascara brands – we are constantly on the look out for the next best thing. My two favourites, up until now, were Maybelline Great Lash and L’Oreal Extreme Million Lashes. Julia’s was Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara. But that’s all changed…we’ve both fallen hook, line and sinker for the Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara. This mascara promises the most extreme volume (hence the name) and “wraps lashes in instant, jaw-dropping drama”. As usual, Julia and I did our reviews separately and did not consult each other.…

March 14, 2013

Must-Have Cream Blush: Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge

“Pretty Powerful symbolizes my belief that all women are pretty, and with the right tools, are empowered to a higher level of pretty – it’s about being confident and about being who you are” – Bobbi Brown. That’s a philosophy that I can subscribe to, can’t you? Bobbi Brown has released a limited edition Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge for International Women’s Day (which took place on 8 March 2013), with all sales in South Africa going to HeartBeat, a charity that cares for orphaned and vulnerable children suffering from the impact of HIV. This item was only released in four…