Environ Alpha Hydroxy Cream
This is the latest addition to my Environ arsenal and I am very much enjoying it. I wanted to incorporate more exfoliation into my routine, so my facialist, Nina, recommended that I start using the Alpha Hydroxy Cream two/three nights a week. It contains a combination of fruit acids to help promote the skin’s natural exfoliation process, and it’s suitable for problem and sensitive skins (mine) as it decongests without irritation. I have been using it twice a week for the past three months or so, and I’m really pleased with the results: I do feel like my skin appears more radiant, and when I do get blemishes, they’re relatively mild and disappear quickly. If you’re interested in trying this product, remember that hydroxy acids can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so daily SPF is a non-negotiable (which it should be anyway)!
To learn more about hydroxy acids in general, you can have a read of Jules’ very comprehensive post here.
Bourjois Volume Reveal Mascara*
The latest mascara offering from Bourjois is very impressive indeed, it even comes with a 3 x zoom mirror on the side of the tube so you can make sure you coat all of your lashes, even the teeny tiny ones on the inner corner! The plastic brush has quite short bristles, which I prefer because there’s less chance of them smudging on your eyelid, and they really grip onto the lashes and deposit a good amount of product. The result is defined, volumnised lashes – my personal favourite. The only downside is that it sometimes transfers a little bit onto my brow bone (I have been testing the waterproof version), so just bear that in mind if you were considering it for your wedding day/beach makeup bag.
Retails for R179.95 from Clicks.
NYX Micro Brow Pencil in ‘Brunette’
I was in the V&A Waterfront Clicks recently, and miraculously they had some NYX Cosmetics stock on the shelves! I decided to pick up this eyebrow pencil as it looked similar to my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Whiz/Smashbox Brow Tech Matte Pencil/Soap & Glory Archery Brow Pencil ie super skinny pencil on one side, and a spoolie on the other side.
I think the shade ‘Brunette’ is a little bit warm for me, but the consistency of the pencil is great! It’s waxy enough to ensure it stays put, but still soft enough to help you pencil in your brow shape with ease. This gets two very enthusiastic thumbs up from me, and I will be going back to pick up some other colours (if they have them…get it together, Clicks).
Retails for R149.95
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour All Over Miracle Oil*
This oil really is designed to be used all over: hair, face and body! I’m not brave enough to incorporate it into my facial skincare routine just yet, but I can tell you that it works a treat on my body. It has a lightweight consistency which sinks into the skin quickly – so quickly, in fact, that I’m even able to use it in the mornings without fear of ruining my clothes. It is enriched with:
– Omega 6 and 9 to nourish and moisturise the skin;
– Ginger Root Extract to improve the skin’s tone and texture;
– Vitamin E to condition the skin and protect again free radical damage; and
– Boswellia Resin to help improve the skin’s firmness, and to soothe red or irritated skin.
I found that after a week of daily use my skin felt really soft and supple, and I love that fact that it’s so quick and easy to apply – I didn’t have to stand around for ages massaging it into my skin. My preferred method of application is to spritz it onto damp skin, as I find that this helps lock in the moisture in the most effective way.
It retails for R425.00 (so worth it).
*PR Sample