Posts Written ByJules

NEW: Estée Lauder New Dimension Range

Estée Lauder New Dimension

I don’t know about you, but I’m really tired of being bombarded with anti-ageing messages by the media. The vast majority of beauty brands seem to think the best way to market products to women is to imply that a) they aren’t good enough as they are and b) their self esteem and well being will be improved through the magical time-reversal properties of their lotions and potions. In other words, you will be loved if you look younger so you simply HAVE to use this cream! I could write an entire post on how this attitude makes me feel…

Backstage at MBFWCT 2015

MAC Cosmetics South Africa | All Dolled Up

Last Thursday marked the kick-off of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Cape Town for SS16 and we were lucky enough to be invited backstage to watch Michelle and her team work on all the models. I was expecting a chaotic scene, full of maniacal MUAs and harassed hair stylists, but what unfolded in the hair and makeup tent was something much more calm and organised. They were preparing for Stefania Morland when we arrived; a gorgeous island-inspired look. Skin was being prepped with Strobe Cream and Mineralized Moisture Foundation so it looked really dewy, while Pearl Cream Color Base and a slick…

July Favourites: Jules

July Favourites 2015 | All Dolled Up

Revlon Powder Blush in “Naughty Nude” I’m fairly addicted to blush so when I saw this one being mentioned a few times on YouTube, it was inevitable that it would find its way into my makeup collection. The shade is a light rosy brown with a subtle golden sheen, so it’s the ideal nude blush and perfect for winter because it’s not too bright. The formula isn’t the best; it’s a little bit chalky and the shimmer tends to emphasize skin texture, but I love the colour so much that I can work with these shortcomings. I think it would…

Review: Retail Box Secret Box #13

RetailBox Secret Box 13 | All Dolled Up

Let’s be honest; not all surprises are good surprises. So when a little black box landed on our doorstep yesterday, we were intrigued but also a little bit nervous. Luckily the contents of the latest Secret Box from Retail Box is well worth a few moments of anxiety – three full size premium hair care products and at a seriously marked down price. If you want to skip the sense of trepidation completely then read on to find out what’s inside.

Winter Beauty Update

Winter face masks | All Dolled Up

Masks My collection of face masks is getting a little out of control but I really do love them! My combination skin gets particularly dehydrated in winter, which can leave my face uncomfortably tight and even stinging in places from lack of water. The Clarins Hydra-Quench Cream Mask is packed with hyaluronic acid (obvs), and other happy skin ingredients like katafray bark and vitamin E that help to prevent moisture loss. Similarly, the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask uses nature’s most powerful moisturiser to draw water to the skin. Both work beautifully as overnight treatments too. Skin Serums and oils…

Favourite Five: Conditioners for Very Dry Hair

Best Conditioners for Very Dry Hair | All Dolled Up

“Crispy” and “deep fried” are both words that I love when they are used to describe some of my favourite foods but unfortunately they apply all to often to the state of my hair. Although my roots are very oily, the lengths and ends can sometimes resemble straw, having been treated to years of abuse from chemicals, hot tools and styling products. You can avoid a lifetime of split ends with the right maintenance however, and this starts with a good conditioner. I leave mine in for about 10 minutes whenever I wash my hair (which is most days) so…