BEAUTY REVIEW: Skin Creamery Wildflower Water-Cream

June 5, 2022 cathitrevorLeave a comment

Skin creamery acmella flower aloe leaf Wildflower water-Cream

Skin Creamery’s Wildflower Water-Cream contains the Spilanthes Acmella, a powerful plant botanical known for its medicinal properties. Because of how it stimulates your skin’s fibroblasts, your skin feels immediately tighter and smoother. The hydrating elixir enhances collagen and elastin production while relaxing facial tension and is suitable for all skin types.

Skin Creamery’s ethos is: ‘Be kind to the earth, and kind to your skin’, meaning no synthetic fragrances, parabens or preservatives are used in their products; also suitable for strict vegetarians and vegans.

Skin Creamery Acmella flower Aloe leaf Wildflower Water-Cream

I have mature skin, so I used Skin Creamery Wildflower Water-Cream as a serum under a cream plus sunscreen in the daytime and night cream in the evenings – the double layering of products felt wintertime perfect! It’s a lightweight hydrating elixir with a 100% natural fragrance with restorative and regenerating properties.

Did you know that Skin Creamery aims to replace single-use packaging with functional, reusable or recyclable packaging? All their ingredients are naturally sourced, certified organic and cruelty-free. I’m not shy to admit that packaging is a big factor for me when buying beauty products, (I mean, they’re going to sit on my bathroom shelf so I want them to look good while making me look good, right?). I absolutely love their botanical-themed packaging and (recyclable!) frosted bottles.

Skin Creamery Acmella flower aloe leaf Wildflower Water-Cream

I’ve written about Skin Creamery before and continue to rave about this proudly South African skincare brand. Have you tried any of their products out? Another one you may enjoy is Skin Creamery Baobab Helichrysum Prickly Pear – read my review here

I’m going to enjoy the last rays of sunshine outside with a cuppa tea before I have to close up for the evening, (we have been blessed with superb winter sunshiny days of late!) I mean it’s June and winter is kindly keeping a low profile – you got it, I’m not a winter person!!) So I’ll sign off and see you later in the week!!!

Cath

BEAUTY REVIEW: SKIN CREAMERY THE BALM

January 24, 2022 cathitrevorLeave a comment

I’m focusing on supporting local businesses wherever possible, so I decided to try out the beauty brand Skin Creamery Baobab Helichrysum Prickly Pear The Balm. Could this luxe multifunctional newcomer rival some Internationals cult favourites? My thoughts…

Skin Creamery Baobab Helichrysum Prickly Pear The Balm is a fuss-free product comprising of only five ingredients:

– moisturising baobab

-marula which is rich in protein and absorbs easily

-prickly pear is super hydrating with antioxidant and antibacterial properties; research shows prickly pear oil reduces skin inflammation.

– Helichrysum, also known as Immortelle, is known for collagen production, improving skin repair and reducing signs of wrinkles.

– Spirulina lends the colour blue! Rich in nutrients and fatty acids to fight free radicals, tones skin and encourage cell turnover

The Balm can be used on dry cuticles, cracked heels, rough elbows and knees, dry lips and is even great for sealing split ends on hair!

It is a 100% natural fragrance, is vegan and cruelty-free.

One needs only a pea-size amount warmed between palms of hands before pressing into a face.

I bought it as a face cream but use it daily on cuticles and as a lip balm and love the spa-like smell.. mmmm simply delish!!

R325

available online

https://www.skincreamery.co.za/

REVIEW: INOAR Resistance Lotus Super Ampoule

February 11, 2021 cathitrevorLeave a comment

If you’re wanting a superb treatment for dry dehydrated hair you’ll love INOAR Resistance Lotus Super Ampoules. Known for youthful properties and a symbol of self care, lotus flowers not only smells gorgeous but contain moisturising and revitalizing properties to regenerate hair strands for softer manageable hair. INOAR Resistance Lotus Super Ampoules promise to strengthen, nourish and moisturise hair within three minutes – I put it to the test.

Thank heavens hair guru David Gillson keeps me happy and blonde with colour and highlights every 6 weeks where I get to relax, zone out and catch up on reading blogs and articles, so time well spent, but as I already have dry hair plus highlights means I am always on the look out for nourishing products to use in between salon days, so I was delighted to be sent INOAR Resistance Lotus Super Ampoule.

Benefits of using these potent ampoules are:

Revitalization

Regeneration of hair strands

Anti-inflammatory

Hair growth

Control Hair Loss

Scalp Health

Depending on length of hair, allow for 5-7 washes. I could have been less heavy handed and stretched to five washes, but I have a haystack of hair and loved the lotus flower scent, so dolloped it on and managed four uses out of the ampoule. Talking about scents, the lotus hair oil is an added bottle of loveliness for its nourishing properties and I love the gentle whiff when I swish my hair around (think Willow singing “I whip my hair back and forth, back and forth, back and forth and I forget the rest of the lyrics!)

How to use: After shampooing and conditioner routine, I combed throughout hair strands and waited the three minutes, (amazing how one can run a razor under arms, over legs, scrub heels and back scrub in record time!)

INOAR 3 minutes promise? I’d say yes! My hair didn’t look any shinier but it sure felt amazingly soft from the first wash and noticed a vast improvement in the frizz department. The ampoule is seriously worth restocking for in between salon visits.

Inoar products are all cruelty free, botanical, vegan, paraben and sulfate free

INOAR Resistance Lotus Super Ampoules R500 – online has a Valentine’s special with 21% off INOAR Resistance Range (check out here) and running until midnight 14 February.

Available online here:

REVIEW: Nature Box’s Almond range

September 28, 2020 cathitrevorLeave a comment

German brand Nature Box recently hit our shores and has been receiving rave reviews for their eco-friendly sustainable products that contain no artificial colours and are silicone and paraben-free. They are all vegan certified and available at affordable prices too. I was delighted to be sent their Almond range to see what all the fuss was about.

Nature Box Almond Range includes: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion, Shower Gel & Hair Lift Spray

Cold-Pressed Oils

Nature Box has a number of ranges: avocado, apricot, coconut, passion fruit, pomegranate, olive oil, argan oil and almond. They all contain 100% cold-pressed oils. This is considered the best method to extract, as no external heat is applied meaning antioxidants, vitamins, essential nutrients and fatty acids aren’t affected or damaged. The oils are extracted from the nuts, seed and/or fruit without losing quality and thus retaining their effectiveness.

‘Social responsibly is our top priority supporting smaller farmers for a more sustainable cultivation of raw materials .’

Socially Responsible

Nature Box use sustainably produced palm oil from Nigeria. Palm oil production is notoriously bad for the planet, however Nature Box has joined forces with Solidaridad to ensure their palm oil is sustainably harvested. Solidaridad is an international development organisation that supports small farmers in the sustainable cultivation of palm oil in several regions around the world. For their project in Nigeria small farmers are trained and supported in sustainability cultivating palm oil. This enables farmers to increase their productivity and reduce the negative impact on environment. In addition, the farmers receive a certification for their harvest. You can check out more on Nature Box Sustainability projects here

The Almond range includes their Almond Shampoo R119.99, Almond Conditioner, R119.99, Almond Shower Gel R69.99, Almond Body Lotion R93 and Root Lift Spray R99. Almonds are rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids and magnesium which is necessary to promote hair growth and also helps with shine, frizz, to nourish hair strands, and to prevent inflammation, dandruff and damage from hair styling tools.

Nature Box Almond Range includes: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion, Shower Gel & Hair Lift Spray

Nature Box Shampoo and Conditioner

I’ve been using these for a couple of months now and I am impressed. I love that the shampoo bottle is the same size as the conditioner so my husband and I can share the bottle. His scalp is sensitive and prone to flakiness and using this on a daily basis has been gentle and left his hair shiny. I have dry hair so only shampoo once a week with lashings of conditioner. They work well on my hair to add moisture and nourishment.

Nature Box Almond Range includes: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion, Shower Gel & Hair Lift Spray

Nature Box Root Lift Spray

I wouldn’t have necessarily gravitated towards the Root Lift Spray as it is aimed at giving volume and, hells teeth, I have enough of that! However, I’ve found that it works remarkably well on restoring my waves. Because I regularly colour and highlight my hair, I have all but lost my curl pattern (except in summertime where the salt water gives my waves back, ha!). I spray this on wet hair and use my hands to scrunch it in, and it dries into natural-looking waves.

Nature Box Shower Gel

I am a huge fan of shower gels as they are just so easy to use. If they lather up nicely and smell good then it’s a big yay from me. Another big bonus is the clear print on the bottles. There have been occasions where I’ve had to climb out of the shower to fetch my glasses, but Nature Box’s bottles are easy-to-read, so there’s no chance of washing myself with conditioner or adding shower gel to my hair..!

Nature Box Body Lotion

I’m always pressed for time my two priorities for a body lotion are it needs to sink in quickly and it needs to smell good. This one ticks both of those boxes.

Would I buy these again?

I love when a range works well, mainly because it looks pretty on my bathroom shelf to have everything matching! I’m impressed by the prices too, especially for the size of the bottles. I’ll definitely be repurchasing, this time the coconut range, suitable for dry hair and skin. And with travel plans still on hold for me I’ll take all the tropical scents I can get!

Happy day

Cath

GIVEAWAY: Skin Creamery Wildflower Water-Cream

March 19, 2020 cathitrevor

What do the words toothache, Pará cress, Buzz Buttons and Electric Daisy all have in common? They’re all alternative names for the Acmella flower, a key ingredient in Skin Creamery‘s Wildflower Water-Cream. And, since we could all use a bit of good news right now, I have a bottle to giveaway today!

Their Wildflower Water-Cream contains the Spilanthes Acmella, a powerful plant botanical that is known for its medicinal properties. Because of how it stimulates your skin’s fibroblasts, your skin feels immediately tighter and smoother. The hydrating elixir enhances collagen and elastin production while relaxing facial tension and is suitable for all skin types. Skin Creamery ethos is ‘Be kind to the earth, and kind to your skin’, meaning no synthetic fragrances, parabens or preservatives are used and their products are suitable for strict vegetarians and vegans.

Did you know that Skin Creamery aims to replace single-use packaging with packaging that is functional, reusable or recyclable? Plus all their ingredients are naturally sourced, certified organic and cruelty-free. I’m not shy to admit that packaging is a huge factor for me when buying products (I mean, they’re going to sit on my bathroom shelf so I want them to look good while making me look good, right?) and I absolutely love their botanical-themed packaging and (recyclable!) frosted bottles. If you’d like to get your hands on some Skin Creamery Wildflower Water-Cream here’s how:

Leave a comment on my Instagram and/or Facebook post about this amazing product, telling me why you’d like to win and/or tagging a friend to enter them too. Share the post on your Instastory (don’t forget to tag me, @cathi_trevor!) for an extra entry, and you can email me directly to enter too. I look forward to reading your entries! Winner will be announced on Monday 23rd of March. Entrants must live in South Africa.

Happy day, keep safe, and socialise responsibly!

Cath

Let there be light:Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30

August 14, 2019 cathitrevor

The reality of living a modern lifestyle is juggling a plethora of ‘to do’ lists, so I’m on the constant lookout for multi-tasking products with active ingredients to help with cell turnover, luminosity, protection from free radicals, UV rays and pollution – in other words, the ultimate beauty cream with a broad spectrum protection SPF30; enter Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30 which covers all of the above and more. Here’s why I’ll be using it this summer:

Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30 uses a light- activated formula called ‘Intelligent Drone Technology’ to correct visible light into increasing skin luminosity for a natural healthy glow. so imagine, while slathering on your suncream to protect against the sun’s damaging rays, it’s also working at a deeper level to brighten your skin and promote radiance. The encapsulated active ingredients corrects your skin cells to optimise potency as well as increasing collagen production resulting in a healthy plump looking skin. Not too shabby hey!

Here’s a quick load down on some more ingredients, a habit I got into from magazine days where I’d scrutinise each ingredient, at times a daunting and scary task when one reads what we put on to our skin sometimes, but knowing Dermalogica products are gluten-free, paraben-free, vegan, fragrance-free and cruelty free it’s more of an indulged ‘need to know’ scrutiny, so here goes:

Saccharide Isomerate is a 100% natural and plant-based compound which locks in moisturise for way longer than any other humectants do.

Camellia Sinesis Leaf Extract, commonly known as green tea (and is the most researched natural ingredient,) is an anti-oxidant, UV protective and a great choice for rosacea, acne and atopic dermatitis.

Geraniol a common fragrance ingredient found in rose oil, geranium, lemon and other essential oils, so subtle as in barely there.

Propanediol is a natural alternative for the often used propylene glycol; it improves skin moisture and boosts preservation efficacy.

An oil-based soluble chemical sunscreen called Homosalate, protects against UVB rays.

Dimethicane, a silicone used for a silky smooth feeling, works at filling in fine lines and wrinkles and works as a protective barrier.

Glycerin is also found in our own skin and is a natural moisturiser.

Scalerilide or commonly known as sage, maintains an even pigmentation free skin tone.

Dermalogica comes with a unique attitude to their products where they are keen to optimise skin health and fitness; no wonder they have a cult following! I’m excited to try out Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF30, how about you – have you tried it yet?

Available at Dermalogica spas and online here

ZAR1099

That’s it for this wintery Wednesday –

Happy day!

Cath

GIVEAWAY: Dermalogica Protection Sport SPF50

October 15, 2018 cathitrevor

I was delighted to try out Dermalogica Protection Sport SPF50 again as it’s a suncream I highly recommend for its high SPF factor, is paraben and gluten-free, vegan friendly and protects against damaging UVA/UVB rays and free radicals that can cause premature ageing and yay, I am giving one away worth R599, so read on to find out how…

When I was young I ignored my mother’s incessant nagging about applying a suncream as I wanted to tan and thought a cream would slow down the process, (I am a FitzPatrick skin type 2 so already it took forever to tan!)Thank heavens nowadays I’m more sun savvy and with no shortage of sun creams means there’s little excuse not to wear one on a daily basis!

Here’s a quick synopsis on what makes Dermalogica Protection Sport SPF50 a worthwhile buy:

The key factor in Dermalogica Protection Sport SPF50 is the Oleasome Technology which in short, derives from oil-bearing plants like almonds, sunflowers and safflower seeds. Oleosomes are the next generation encapsulation system, capable of delivering emollient oil and Vitamin E to the skin over time for long-lasting moisturising benefits.

In addition, Oleosomes are capable of absorbing and protecting fragrances, essential oils and other unstable actives. Dermalogica Protection Sport SPF50 is suitable for all skin types and is a Chemical or organic protector, absorbing harmful UV rays as it contains avobenzone and octinoxate which help defend against prolonged exposure and contains no artificial colours or fragrances.

The lightweight formula of Dermalogica Protective Sport SPF50 that neutralises damage and binds moisture to skin, absorbs easily, is non-greasy and water resistant. I’m always on the look out for a product that offers good protection and doesn’t irritate eyes, especially if spending time in the sun. My hubby is a social tennis player so is my perfect guinea pig for suncreams and can vouch for this one for not leaving his eyes sensitive and watery after a game. By applying at least twenty minutes before exposure and re-applying forty minutes later is the best bet when out in the elements (my only drawback is reminding him to re-apply).

So yay, this one is a goodie! Want to win a 156ml tube of Dermalogica Protection SPF50 worthR599? Answer the question below:

QUESTION: True or False: Dermalogica Protection Sport SPF50 contains no artificial colourants or fragrances?

Write your answer in the comments below or you can email me directly cathietrevor@gmail.com

For an extra chance you can follow me on Instagram here (if you don’t follow me already) and tag a friend

The Winner will be announced in the comment section below and on Instagram account next week Monday 22 OCTOBER at noon.

*Winner must live in South Africa

Best of luck and happy day!!

Cath

REVIEW: Johnson’s Vita-Rich Body Creams, NeoStrata Smooth Surface Daily Peel & Naturalmente

April 5, 2018 cathitrevorLeave a comment

I always associate the Easter weekend with a change of seasons as autumn quietly steps into winter, so too does my beauty regime change up incorporating more nourishing products for the upcoming colder months. Johnson’s has added three body creams to their Vita-Rich range and they certainly are the answer for super dry skin!

The trio consists of a Revitalising Body Cream with added Grapeseed oil, non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores; Soothing Body Cream containing rose water extract renowned for anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated skin and Smoothing Body Cream with papaya extract, to slough off dead skin cells for a radiant and brighter complexion. They all smell rather delish and won’t compete with your perfume as once absorbed the smell disappears.

Johnson’s uses naturally derived ingredients, are non greasy, contain mineral and glycerin & gives 24-hour hydration. With a price point of R39,95 a tub, that’s not too shabby!

NEOSTRATA SMOOTH DAILY PEEL

If you’re looking for peels but not too sure where to start, consider exfoliating pads which contain the exact amount of product needed with every use. Neostrata Smooth Daily Peel is a Dermatologist approved home-system, with key ingredients Glycolic acid and patented Aminofil. The latter is an acid derivative helping brighten a dull complexion to increase luminosity. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecules which can penetrate skin deeply for better results, and is often associated in treating scarring, skin discoloration and signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Why is it important to look for products containing Glycolic acid? It is one of the best products to help with anti-aging concerns like a dull complexion, uneven skin tone, dark spots; you want to remove the dead skin cells that sit on your skin to help brighten skin and stimulate cell turnover thereby stimulating the production of collagen. As exfoliating pads have safe smaller amounts of glycolic acid in them compared to going for chemical peels, they are safe to use (even on sensitive skin), and used regularly they help smooth skin, texture improves and best of all for me, refines pores and you’ll experience fewer breakouts as they keep your pores clean.

Neostrata Smooth Daily Peel comes in a box of 36 dry pads and a bottle of exfoliant liquid which you pop into the tub so the pads can soak in the liquid. (I gave the tub a gentle shake about).The pads have a textured surface helping to buff dull dead skin, to help brighten skin. Using pads is an easy way of exfoliating, fuss-free and you literally wipe them over your face and then throw the pad away. For sensitive skin it is advised to do a patch test first, and only use the pads once a week; normal skin can use every day or alternate day. I’ve been using them every second day and at first I got a bit of a fright as two sun spots seemed to darken for a few days but then lightened and now my skin definitely looks brighter and more even toned. I am vigilant about using them only at night and popping on an SPF in the morning, something you have to get into the habit of doing every single day, no matter the season. It’s really totally useless using products and not complementing them with an SPF! (Eek I sound like my mother there and I did I listen to her?! Ummm no! So yip , I have sunspots which will never go away, but at least I can try and lighten them! Available online skinmiles here R869

NATURALMENTE BASIC DEEP HYDRATING INTENSIVE TREATMENT FENNEL & GERANIUM FOR HAIR

As I highlight my already dry coarse hair I’m always on the lookout for nourishing and moisturising products, so when my friend gave this to me to try (she knows how I bemoan my locks!) I was keen to give it a bash and try to incorporate organic products into my regime to balance out the other items I use.

The first thing you notice with Naturalmente Basic Deep hydrating Intensive treatment is the strong smell of fennel, something I can’t decide if I love or not (that sounds a bit weird I guess), but as the properties are fantastic for stimulating and healing I can live with it. It also contains geranium which adds a healthy dose of moisture. I comb through the treatment after shampooing and leave in hair while I get on with other things around the house; this is a good opportunity to pop on a mask, paint my nails and have a general me time for an hour or so before washing it out. It’s really helped with my frizz and I’ve grown to like the licorice-y smell, so went online and ordered a Naturalmente Balancing and Strengthening shampoo with aloe and sandalwood in it. The Naturalmente range uses natural and plant-based ingredients from certified organic farms and free from synthetics fragrances, no alcohol (a big plus for me as I find alcohol really dries out my hair), silicone and paraben free and packaging is completely biodegradable and vegan friendly.

R289 but Faithful to Nature products online here

And that is it for the day! Have you tried any of these products and if so what are your thoughts?

Happy Day

Cath

#johnsonsvitarichbodycreams #naturalmentebasicdeephydratingtreatment #vegan #biodegradeable #neostratasmoothdailypeel #exfoliatingpads #glycolicacid #pigmentation

REVIEW: Johnson's Vita-Rich Body Creams, NeoStrata Smooth Surface Daily Peel & Naturalmente Deep Hydrating Hair Treatment

April 5, 2018 cathitrevor

Johnson’s uses naturally derived ingredients, are non greasy, contain mineral and glycerin & gives 24-hour hydration. With a price point of R39,95 a tub, that’s not too shabby!