Every now and then we put together a little highlights package from our Instagram account so you can see what we’ve been testing recently. Not everything we see or try out makes it onto the blog (read our content policy here) so it’s a great way to stay up to date with the products we’re using and what we think of them.
You might be wondering why a product that I raved about on Instagram never got a full review on the blog? The sad news is that I found GLITTER IN IT! I tested it for about a week, during which there was very little sunshine so I didn’t notice initially, but the first sunny day that I wore it I was mortified to see my face light up like a disco ball. Super disappointed because otherwise it’s a beautiful foundation… Will have to save it for candle-lit occasions only.
This recent face of the day is a good example of that tonal makeup look I described in my recent Shopping the Stash post: similar caramel shades used all over the face. That Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Foundation is an absolute winner if you like a medium-full coverage base, and surprisingly it works well on both Camilla’s dry/sensitive skin and my oily/combo skin. Am still loving the Colourpop Lippie Stix in “Oh Snap” (amazing texture, must get more) and by the way, this H&M Powder Blush in “Tawny Peach” is great quality and the perfect everyday matte blush (not available in SA).
I’m busy testing this Enlighten Illuminating Serum from NeoStrata, which was sent to us by the brand. I don’t get bad pigmentation (touch wood!) except around my lipline (weird, right) so I can’t really say if it works for fading dark spots, but I think I am starting to notice an overall improvement in my skin’s tone. It just seems more even and less blotchy than usual, although I’m also ramping up my retinol use so it might also be that. This serum is meant to control pigmentation, even out skin tone and brightens skin that is affected by brown marks and hyperpigmentation caused by ageing, hormonal factors and ultra violet exposure. Not suitable for sensitive of rosacea-prone skins. You can buy it here.
I visited Kamers vol Geskenke a couple of weeks ago and was thrilled to see a bunch of local, natural skincare brands in attendance. Skoon, Skin Creamery and Oh Lief were all represented, as well as Wass Skin Food, formerly known as Botanies. The range is all handmade in small batches from 100% natural and organic ingredients, with no preservatives, parabens or synthetic fragrances. All the products are oil based and themed by season e.g. there’s a spring, summer, autumn and winter version of their Body Treatment Oil and Body Balm, as well as a couple of lovely lip balms. You can browse the range and shop online, or visit one of their Cape Town stockists.
Speaking of lovely local skincare, Lulu & Marula recently got a little facelift and sent us two of their products to try: the Balancing Cleansing Balm and Nourishing Mask & Polish. The latter is a dry powder that you mix with water to create an exfoliating (both chemical and physical) paste, and can be customised by substituting water with apple cider vinegar for an intensive detox treatment, or natural yoghurt for something more gentle. So far though I’ve only put the cleansing balm to the test and it is too delicious for words. Infused with sweet orange, bergamot and neroli, it leaves me skin really soft and nourished; I’m already a die-hard fan. P.S. If you’re wondering who did their gorgeous new branding, it was Anzel van Biljon from White Kite Studio.
A standalone Tom Ford beauty boutique opened at the V&A Waterfront recently, much to our delight. Not only is it a gorgeous store, but the prices are extremely good – significantly cheaper than the UK & US, and very competitive vs. other premium brands like Dior and Chanel. Although the displays were full, they didn’t have a lot of stock when we visited last week but apparently it’s on the way. If you’re looking to splurge, I can highly recommend their lipsticks (True Coral is an all-time fave), fragrances and eyeshadow quads. They even had some of the lust-worthy limited edition summer collection…
You can see our previous Instagram Rewind here and don’t forget to follow us!