New at the Drugstore (August 2015)

What's new at the drugstore | All Dolled Up

I went to Clicks yesterday and it didn’t end well for my wallet… Here’s the new stuff I found: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water We were thrilled to see this stuff on Luzanne’s Instagram feed as it’s known for being an amazing budget dupe for Bioderma, the beauty world’s favourite micellar water. There are two variants: one for sensitive skin and one for combo-oily skin. I bought both (obvs) and rushed home immediately to take off my makeup, using one on each side of my face. I can’t really tell any difference between them to be honest but they certainly to…

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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…

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Dischem, Clicks and Foschini Haul

I had been itching to do a “drugstore” haul for the longest time, so when payday rolled around I decided to head to Canal Walk (all the best shops are there, even though getting there after work can be painful) and I even managed to convince my trusty sidekick Jules to accompany me. Here’s a quick whistle-stop tour of what I got (including a mini-review of the products I have already tried). Avène Rich Compensating Cream. I had been researching new day cream options and decided on this one from Avène as it fitted the “hydrating and mild” bill! I have…

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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…

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July Favourites: Camilla

Marvala Nail Shield A few months ago my nails were looking seriously worse for wear and I thought to myself “I know, I’ll try Gelish for a little while and see if it helps”…in the words of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman: big mistake, huge! Not only did Gelish not help, but it actually made my nails worse (not throwing shade at Gelish here, by the way, I think it’s bloody brilliant and I loved having glossy, chip-free nails for 2 months – if my nails were stronger I would absolutely have kept getting Gelish manicures). When my manicurist scraped the…

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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…

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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.

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Review: Heavenly Spa, The Westin

A few weeks ago Jules and I were invited to enjoy a treatment at the Heavenly Spa at the The Westin, followed by a meal in their ON19 restaurant and a night in one of their suites. I don’t think we have ever accepted an invitation so quickly in our lives – as two busy working women, the thought of a pampering night away was positively dreamy. Jules and I both selected the Aspire massage, which is a 60 minute treatment (there is also a 90 minutes option) which uses aromatherapy oils specially tailored to how you want to feel. We…

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