Philip Kingsley Elasticizer*
Elasticizer has got to be the ultimate cult hair product. It wins awards left, right, and centre and is renowned as being the most effective hair care treatment on the market. For those who may not know what Elasticizer is, it’s an intensely moisturising pre-shampoo treatment which delivers a huge dose of moisture to the hair’s cuticle. This moisture creates suppleness, elasticity and bounce without weighing down or coating the hair. All you do is wet your hair and comb through a generous dollop of the treatment, relax for 25 minutes and then rinse it off. I know 25 minutes sounds like a long time, but do what I do: on Saturday/Sunday mornings, I wake up, run my hair under the hand-shower, pop the mask on, put on a face mask (I know how to live) and get back into bed with some tea and a magazine. Half an hour later, hop in the shower, and shampoo and condition as normal – it couldn’t be easier. I saw such incredible results after my first use – I will definitely be using it once a week from now on (the results are cumulative – so the more you use it, the better results you’ll get). Yes, it’s pricey, but I promise you it’s worth it.
Retails for R759.95/150ml and R399.95 for 40ml. Available at selected Edgars stores and online here and here.
rubybox Fresh in a Flash Brush Cleanser
This was a bit of an impulse purchase. I have never actually used a cleansing spray before, believe it or not – I usually just whip out my trusty Sigma Spa Brush Cleansing Glove and get to work with good old soap and water. As satisfying as a good soapy wash is, I have to say, I am kind of in love with this cleansing spray. It’s so quick and easy, and the brushes dry so fast – I can totally see why it’s a backstage essential. I have only used it on my eyeshadow brushes so far, so I can’t attest to how well it removes foundation, but as far as powder and cream eyeshadows are concerned, this spray lifts them out in a jiffy.
I find that the brushes are easier to shape after I’ve cleaned them with the spray, so they appear less splayed than they do after I wash them properly – the bristles just seem more compact, as if restored to their former glory! The spray is also anti-bacterial so it gets rid of all the nasty germs that might be lurking in between the bristles. Fantastic product – highly recommend.
Retails for R69.95.
GR8SKN Reset Pollutant Free Probiotic Cream & Screen Face Friendly Sunscreen SPF 30*
GR8SKN (great skin) is a natural skincare brand aimed at teens (so I’m a little out of the age bracket, but let’s roll with it) which provides gentle, yet effective, products to clear up acne and keep skin healthy. The range comprises of only 5 products: the Clean Gentle Foaming Face Wash, the Clear Acne Cream, the Reset Pollutant Free Probiotic Cream, the Hydrate Light Moisturiser and the Screen Face Friendly Sunscreen SPF 30.
The Probiotic Cream contains Vitamin A, which is very effective at targeting acne without doing further damage to the skin – ideal for teenagers battling with spots. It is very lightweight and fluid and I found it didn’t offer nearly enough moisture for me (bear in mind my skin is dry), so I had to layer another moisturiser on top to stop my face feeling tight. The smell is also a little bit off-putting but I can get past it. I think if your skin is on the combination/oily side (as most teenage skins are), this might be a good match for you.
The Screen Face Friendly Suncreen is lovely. It contains zinc oxide to protect the skin without clogging pores and causing further breakouts (again, ideal for teens) and it doesn’t leave an unsightly white cast either. I did find that if I used the Probiotic Cream followed by the Screen Sunscreen, my makeup didn’t sit well at all – it pilled and couldn’t settle properly. However, teens shouldn’t be wearing makeup anyway, so that’s not much of a concern for them I don’t think (if you’re a teen and you’re reading this, please don’t wear makeup while you’re still at school, just make the most of your fresh complexion and youthful glow).
You can learn more about the brand here. Products available online only.
*PR sample