BEAUTY REVIEW: Empties for February

February 13, 2023 cathitrevorLeave a comment

It’s way too late to say a Happy New Year, a season of joy and happiness tra la la la.. so I’ll just get right back into it with today’s post on mid-month empties which include MONDAY Haircare Volume Shampoo, Filorga NCEF-Shot Supreme Polyrevitalising Concentrate, Sorbet Get That Feeling BB cream and Maybelline Great Lash mascara, an iconic product- does it still pack a punch?

When MONDAY Volume Shampoo with Ginger extract first exploded on the market, bloggers and the like rushed off to buy and try it! There were a lot of positive and negative reviews on social platforms, so when my son’s girlfriend left an almost full bottle behind for me ( too big to travel), I thought ‘let’s see what all the hype was about’.

I tend to buy shampoo and conditioner from the same brand, but as I still have heaps of conditioners, ( why are most shampoo bottles smaller than conditioners where one finishes the former quicker than the latter?); I’m glad to see MONDAY carries the same size in both shampoo and conditioner!

I love the simplicity of the packaging and it looks good on my bathroom shelf! The scent is subtle, it lathers nicely and my hair feels light, clean and manageable. I had read about hair fallout in some reviews, but luckily I didn’t experience that. MONDAY Volume Shampoo ticks the boxes for being vegan, colour-safe, and SLS-free; the bottles are 100 per cent recycled and the shipping boxes are made from recycled content, eliminating all plastic packaging plus the packaging tape is printed with eco-friendly soy-based ink.

Would I buy MONDAY Volume Shampoo again? Absolutely! I see Superbalist has a sale on right now on both see here

I’ve been totally spoilt being sent Filorga products to try out and they’re absolutely fab and innovative. Filorga NCEF-SHOT is a potent serum formulated to improve skin firmness, radiance, and elasticity and wake up the skin cells to function properly with a highly complex dose of NCEF. You may wonder about the acronym? It stands for New Cellular Encapsulated Factors and is inspired by injection methods used in aesthetic medicine clinics for cosmetic effectiveness. It’s preferable to use in between seasons, so I decided to use it mid-January as to me it was the end of summer vay-cay and time to get into the groove of a new year, new mindsets, new beginnings and all that jazz… I saw a noticeable improvement in the texture of my skin from day four, with it feeling super nourished, and revitalised from a boost of goodness ( hyaluronic acid, vitamins, co-enzymes, proteins and vitamins). I followed with my moisturiser and was sad to see it come to an end. Would I re-use? Absolutely – a superb brand!

My makeup artist friend suggested I try Sorbet BB cream as I had just finished using a face tint by Bioderma, which they’ve since discontinued and replaced with a similar one but only in one shade; I shall try it to see if it lives up to its predecessor, but as I was in Clicks, I grabbed Sorbet BB Cream to first try out. The consistency is quite thick so one can use it sparingly and thanks to a botanical called Boerhava Diffusa Root Extract which has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to remove redness.

Would I repurchase?
It contains SPF15, doubles as a primer, is hydrating and has a great price point, so yes, I would.

Maybelline mascara Blackest Black is not a new mascara, but one I keep returning to as it is waterproof, (and my golly, I’ve needed it the past few months with so many shed tears!), glides on to build a great black colour and has a decent brush too. Mascara is my number one go-to as I no longer have lushes lashes as they’ve diminished with age and as much as I’d like to have extensions again, it is time-consuming to get them filled every couple of weeks! I am vigilant about changing my mascara every four months so this one is going into the recycling bin tonight (I’ve already bought another brand to try out so wish me luck it is as good as this one, otherwise it’s back to the iconic Maybelline!

Drop me a line to let me know if you’ve tried any of the above and what are your thoughts?

Happy Monday!!

Bye now

Cath

FRAGRANCE FILE: Zadig & Voltaire: Girls Can Do Anything EDP

January 31, 2019 cathitrevor

While driving through Clanwilliam a couple of years back, the scent of orange blossoms filled the early morning air and as one of the top notes in Zadig & Voltaire’s Girls Can Do Anything fragrance, I thought it sounded tres appealing!

Yes, the Ads and captions aspire to a younger generation, but I’m a firm believer when it comes to fragrances, we’re open to loving whatever the heart desires!

Zadig & Voltaire roots go back to 1997 when trendsetter Thierry Gillier created the French brand capturing a chic, casual spirit. ‘Zadig style is eternally young. A way of being. Rock at heart. Art as inspirations. Paris as heritage.’ I like that.

Girls Can Do Anything opens with zesty citrusy notes and delicate pear with middle notes of tonka beans, rounding off with musk, vanilla, fern and warm woody ambroxan at the base.

A light and fresh scent that’s perfect for these hot summer days! Have you tried it – your thoughts?

Zadig & Voltaire Girls Can Do Anything EDP

ZAR 835 for 30ml

ZAR 1220 for 50ml

ZAR 1615 for 90ml

Available at Woolworths: shop here

That’s it for now…..chat soon

Cath

FRAGRANCE GIVEAWAY: Mademoiselle Rochas EDP

November 22, 2017 cathitrevor

FRAGRANCE GIVEAWAY WORTH R1195

Mademoiselle Rochas fragrance embodies happiness, speaking to a young, carefree and optimistic girl who knows what she wants with her choices and decisions. She’s bold and curious, embracing her surroundings, whether it’s popping into a gallery or sipping coffee in a cafe’ or walking through Tuileries Gardens; this scent, inspired by Femme and Madame, has a personality of its own, elegant and tres French!

Perfumer Anne Filipo created a fragrance to reflect the playfulness of a women so combined

fruity top berries notes with a dash of sweet addictive toffee apple to awaken the senses. At the heart is an explosion of florals including rose petals from the exclusive Rochas rose fields, seductive Egyptian jasmine and a violet accord for a touch of elegance and femininity.
White whispy Chantilly musk evoke the sexy lace that Monsieur Rochas so loved, whilst creamy sandalwood and gentle Ambergris accord round up the base notes.

The bottle is a circular glass smooth bottle evoking the femininity and roundness of the female shape and the slightly pink juice reflects the floral gourmand character of the fragrance.
Actress Noemie Schmidt embodies the French woman, representing the fresh appealing attitude and elegance of Mademoiselle Rochas.

Does this appeal to your senses? It does to me; one whiff of the sweet notes takes me back to my younger days of living in Paris, absorbing everything that the great city offered and knowing that whatever path I took would be on my own terms and damn, life has been good! That’s the beauty of fragrances, to fill your senses with wonderment and feel confident, cool and happy wearing a yum scent! So enough ramblings from me, here’s how to win a delish bottle of MADEMOISELLE ROCHAS EDP 90ml worth R1195 for yourself or an early present for a friend or family member.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE HOW TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY!

All you have to do is write in the comments below two things that make you think of Paris. For an extra yayness follow me on Instagram @cathi_trevor and tag a friend.

Winner must reside in SA and will be announced Thursday, 30th NOV at midday.

Have fun and good luck!!

Cath

Clarins Double Serum(Hydric + Lipidic), Aloe Unique Age-Defying Serum & L’Oreal Revitalift F

October 9, 2017 cathitrevor2 Comments

ONE TWO THREE

Serums form an integral part of one’s beauty regime for hydration, radiance and firming benefits; I’ve been using these three serums: Aloe Unique Age-Defying Serum, Clarins Double (Hydric + Lipidic) Serum and L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Filler Renew Hyaluronic Acid Replumping Serum and here’s what I thought:

SO WHY A SERUM?

Serums are lighter than moisturisers, as they are made up of smaller molecules, absorbing quickly and deeply into the skin. Packed with a high concentration of active ingredients they are powerful age-fighters, amping up your skin routine. When looking into a good serum, look for ingredients like:

Hyaluronic acid for hydration properties; on application skin looks instantly plumped and hydrated, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles without the use of butter, silicones or oils.

Antioxidants like Vitamin C fight against free radical damage; amino acids and peptides signal the skin to produce more collagen; Vitamin B strengthens the skin’s barrier and prevents water loss whilst retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids are renowned for their exfoliating properties and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

ALOE UNIQUE AGE DEFYING SERUM

Aloe Ferox is indigenous to South Africa containing twice as many amino acids as Aloe Vera. As it grows wild, no chemical or pesticides are used. This formula of Vitamin A, C, Borage Oil and Aloe Ferox leaf extract is packed with antioxidants and nutrients to boost the skin, all helping to kick-start age-defying powers to reverse and prevent wrinkles, signs of aging and hyperpigmentation. It ticks all the boxes for hydration, elasticity, soothes irritation and reduces skins sensitivity. Alcohol free

50ml R256
available here

LOREAL PARIS REVITALIFT FILLER RENEW Hyaluronic Replumping Serum

I’ve used this in conjunction with the rest of the range but decided to use it again on its own for its high dosage of Hyaluronic acid. It also contains Fibroxyl plant extract renowned for firming properties. The syringe mechanism allows one to apply it perfectly before smoothing the serum in with your fingers. It’s lightweight and absorbs easily.

16ml R285

the syringe like tip

CLARINS DOUBLE SERUM (Hydrc + Lipidic System)

Clarins Double Serum contains both a water phase (Hydric) and an oil phase (Lipidic), featuring two separate compartments in the bottle; with each application, one third is an oil-phase and two-thirds is the water phase. The oil-phase is found in the centre core of the bottle surrounded by the water phase featuring an adjustable dial system customizing the dosage desired. There’s a large dosage setting which is perfect for dry/damaged skin and a setting for normal/oily skin where a smaller dose is recommended. I have the former type of skin so I keep the dial on the larger dose which is enough to incorporate into the face and neck area. The 20 plant extracts are still included in the updated double serum plus added turmeric known for its anti-aging properties. One of the reasons I keep returning to Clarins products is their continued commitment to environmental and social causes that protects biodiversity and help local communities.

Clarins Double Serum (Hydric + Lipidic System) comes in two sizes

50ml R1180 and 30ml R880

Happy day!

#LOrealRevitaliftFillerRenew #AloeUniqueAgeDefylingSerum #serums #antiaging #beautyblogger #clarinsdoubleserum

ELEMIS Life Elixirs Mindful Collection

October 5, 2017 cathitrevor

“Whether you need to quieten your mind, harmonise your inner dynamism, or bring things into sharp focus, these are the five emotional essentials designed to support you throughout your day and bring you back to yourself”.

credit: Cape Town Event Photography

EVER MINDFUL
We went to an awesome launch a few weeks back at the stunning Harbour House in Kalkbay, where Elemis launched their Mindful Collection of Bath and Shower Elixirs; five essential modern aromatic blends for body and mind, each to match your mood. Add 3 capfuls to running bath water, or apply directly to skin whilst showering for a sensory experience.

credit: Cape Town Event Photography

The combination of Bacuri, Sweet Almond, Poppy Seed and Amaranth blended with up to 19 essential oils form a unique synergy found in all five elixirs. Our water shortage has us Kaapies taking quick mindful showers, so I have only rubbed an oil on my body pre-shower, breathing in the heavenly scent, but am hankering after a long soak in a bathtub using an elixir. The miniatures (below) are the perfect travel companion, so I am ready to go road tripping soon..very soon!

The Life Elixir Mindful Collection includes Calm, Clarity, Fortitude, Embrace and Sleep to suit your every mood.

CALM BATH & SHOWER ELIXIR 6ml: Lavandin, Rosewood and Clary Sage oils help lift and soothe the spirit, leaving the senses feeling relaxed and tranquil

CLARITY BATH & SHOWER ELIXIR 6ml: includes Bitter Orange, Cardomom and Ginger for clear thinking, awareness and a mindful attitude

FORTITUDE BATH & SHOWER ELIXIR 6ml: an empowering blend of Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood and Geranium to help ground and strengthen the mind throughout the day

EMBRACE BATH & SHOWER ELIXIR 6ml: an exhilarating blend of Frankincense, Vetiver and Red Pepper to ignite the senses and inspire a sense of adventure

SLEEP BATH & SHOWER ELIXIR 6ml: a blend of Elemi, Patchouli, Palmarosa for a sense of wellbeing and well rested

*It is recommended not to use essential oils when pregnant

100 ml bottle of Elemis Life Elixir Bath & Shower Oil is R1225 per 100ml

Price of Elemis Life Elixir Mindful Collection R625 available here Elemis

Optiphi Classic Facial⎨REVIEW⎬

September 8, 2017 cathitrevor

PUTTING YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

I’ve long been a fan of local brand OPTIPHI but had yet to try out their facials, so when I was invited earlier this week to pop along to The Life Day Spa, I jumped at the chance.

Situated in the V&A Waterfront, The Life Day Spa feels incredibly sumptuous and inviting; a chilling lounge is done in a palette of turquoise, grays and geometric prints, where I filled in my details on skin concerns; a list that pretty much covers everything from dryness to redness, fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation!

Optiphi products help rehabilitate and rejuvenate skin, so I knew the Classic Facial would do wonders, plus I’m currently using Optiphi Intense Retinol Serum and Optiphi Moisture Control Ultra in my beauty regime so some extra added goodness! I’m doing a blog post on the latter products (pictured below) in a week or two so watch this space!

My therapist Mikaela, wrapped me up in a towel and blanket on a spa bed and proceeded to give me an amazing facial which included a double cleanse, exfoliation and a skin analysis before applying a hydrating mask. She gave me a heavenly neck and shoulder massage (this is always the best part of a facial especially when the pressure is firm!) A hydrating eye and face serum, a peptide cream and lastly an SPF were then applied. I walked out with not only a radiant complexion but feeling relaxed and energised!

Cost of the Optiphi 60 minute Classic Facial is R590

For more info The Life Day Spa

BEHIND THE MASK: Prevage City Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask

September 6, 2017 cathitrevor

MASK OFF

Prevage City Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask is something I have been dying to try out since it first launched a few months back and am really impressed with the results!

You may think we’re whipping up a breakfast smoothie with the mention of goji, cranberries, and blueberries, but these are some of the ingredients found in the mask; add Idebenone and Thiotaine, and you’ve got a super concoction of powerful antioxidants to fight against skin damaging free radicals.

Prevage City Smart Double Action Detoxing Peel Off Mask acts like a liquid magnet removing impurities whilst resurfacing skin and enhancing it’s natural detoxification system. It’s super easy to apply over your entire face and neck, just avoid the sensitive eye area. I applied a generous amount creating a thick layer and waited twenty minutes before lifting it off from the sides towards my nose; its a gel formula so it’s easy to manipulate and pull off. Tree mushroom extract has astringent properties to help minimize visible pores, whilst a smart Polymer blend resurfaces skin lifting away impurities, so when you peel the off mask you experience a brighter, renewed and fresh skin as oils, pollutants, and grime have been removed.

Just a heads up if you’ve had laser resurfacing, dermabrasion or deep chemical peels wait a week before trying out any Prevage products as you may experience a skin reaction.

So it’s all very well for me saying yay, I love, but what do the studies reveal?

95% agreed to skin looked clearer after just one application

93% agreed their pores were visibly reduced after two weeks

93% saw a brighter complexion after just two weeks

Available at Truworths, Foschini, Red Square and Woolworths

R850

REVIEW: Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Range

August 30, 2017 cathitrevor

SHE’S GOT THE BLUES

I’ve long been a fan of Clarins products, especially the anti-ageing Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil and Clarins Double Serum, so was super keen to try out some from the latest Hydra-Essentiel range. Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Bi-Phase Serum, Clarins Hydra-Essential Moisturizer Silky Cream and Clarins Hydra-Essential Cooling Gel landed on my doorstep so I put them to the test! Here’s what I thought:

The key ingredient in Clarins Hydra-Essential range is a hardy plant found in NE Madagascar, called Kalanchoe, or ‘organic leaf of life’. Scientists uncovered a powerful natural hydration activator in the succulent that boosts the skin’s hyaluronic acid production, (just what we need as the production of hyaluronic acid slows down dramatically as we age!)

Add environmental extremes, temperature changes, pollutants and stress factors, skin’s self-hydrating power decreases so skin becomes even more dehydrated.

So what did I think of these pretties?

CLARINS HYDRA-ESSENTIEL BI-PHASE SERUM

I am somewhat heavy handed when it comes to applying serums as I love the way they sink instantly into skin; directions advise one pump of product, but I go for two because I like even numbers…one…two! This serum gives an extra boost of moisture, thanks to key ingredient, Kalanchoe, a remarkable plant which enhances the skin’s ability to retain precious moisture for intensely hydrated skin.

R645

CLARINS HYDRA-ESSENTIEL MOISTURIZER SILKY CREAM
Heaven in a jar! My skin felt instantly quenched, hydrated and nourished from the very first application. A rich and thick texture which I prefer using throughout winter months as it feels like my skin is getting extra nourishment; the cream doesn’t just ‘sit ‘ on the surface, but really sinks in. I used it twice a day after applying the serum.

R560

I have included Clarins Hydra-Essential Cooling Gel (R540), which is actually for normal to combination skin; I tend to use products for normal to dry skin (and anything that says ‘anti-aging’!), but I loved the Cooling Gel’s consistency, is super lightweight and fabulous and worked as a midday skin pick me up! It also contains Beautyberry extract for radiance, so yes please! Would I use these products again? Most definitely, but would change up by using the silky cream at night as it’s rich enough and include a product with added SPF like Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Day Cream SPF15, (R560) to protect against the elements. I’m a great believer in mixing up and trying out new products; sometimes it sounds daunting, but it should be a fun and sensorial experience! If you have any questions please inbox me or leave a comment below.

Happy Day!

CLARINS HYDRA-ESSENTIEL COOLING GEL

SUPER CLEAN: Foreo Luna Mini 2

August 16, 2017 cathitrevor1 Comment

SKIN DEEP

Foreo Luna Mini 2 is one of the best facial cleansing gadgets I have used; one year on and I’m still raving about it!

Sometimes I’m so knackered the last thing I feel like doing at the end of the day is going through an entire beauty rigmarole: thank heavens for the Luna, an electric cleanser that offers a quick and deep facial cleanse.

The Foreo Luna Mini 2 uses T-sonic pulsations which vibrate against your skin without causing irritation. The bristles are made from quick drying non-porous silicone so there is no bacteria build up, making it a more hygienic way to cleanse your face. The combination of pulsations and silicone bristles remove dead skin cells, makeup, dirt and unclogs pores; the 3 zone face brush is suitable for all skin types. I have a dry skin and even after using it the first time could feel the difference, especially as it helps to enhance the absorption of other skincare products (meaning my serum and moisturiser is doing an even better job!)

So how do you use it?
After applying a cleanser either to your damp face or straight onto your Luna, turn it on and gently use circular movements around the face for a minute. Rinse and dry face before applying your other beauty products.

USER EXPERIENCED:

97% more deeply cleansed skin

87% healthier-looking skin

97% softer and smoother skin

It is USB re-chargeable and available in a rainbow of lovely colours; mine is called FUSCHIA. The price point may be a bit steep (from R2030), but comes with a 2 year limited warranty, and a 10 year quality guarantee. As I said earlier, a year has gone by and I am still so impressed with it, hence the love! Let me know your thoughts if you have a Luna or contemplating buying one?

Happy Wednesday!