Category: Beauty

My Ultimate Christmas Wishlist {Giveaway}

My Ultimate Christmas Wishlist {Giveaway}

Posted on by Rebecca

I’m not that fussy when it comes to gifts, in fact, one of the most memorable gifts my husband has ever given me, I’ll never forget, was the year he gave me a pack of socks for my birthday! Of course, there was another gift attached to it, but he bought me the socks because he knew that all of my socks were “holey”. It honestly was the most thoughtful gift and one that I will remember forever.

So here’s my ultimate Christmas Wish List. Some smaller, some bigger but all are perfect for me, and you of course ! Keep on reading and there may even be another little giveaway involved, something just for you, because we all need a little spoiling!

 

From Top Left to Right:

  1. I have made no secret over my love of Lush Products. This Stardust gift set contains some of my absolute favourites including the Star Light Star Bright Bath Melt and the Snow Angel Shower Gel. R785
  2. This pregnancy has got my legs and feet aching almost daily. A famous “Mama Mio” Pregnancy Massage from Life Day Spa would go down an absolute treat! R710
  3. I am in dire need of a new purse. I think I’ve been using the same guess wallet for the last ten years and I’ve been lusting over this “Cara Wallet” from Poetry South Africa. R650
  4. I almost cried when Urban Decay announced they were discontinuing their original “Naked” Palette, thankfully they have redeemed themselves with this incredible Naked “Cherry” Palette. R875.
  5. A lady can never have too much jewelry. This Pandora Reflexions bracelet offers a
    range of mesh bracelets that are elegant, feminine and timeless. They can be personalized with clip on charms ! R1199.00
  6. I think a scented candle tops my wish-list every year, I could have one burning in every room. A scented candle adds glamour and elegance into any room and this Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede candle tops my list! Available from Woolworths at R565.
  7. Since they launched a few weeks ago I have been obsessed with these Festive Gift Sets from Dermalogica South Africa. My choice would be the “your most radiant skin set” which includes the raved about rapid reveal peel as well as Dynamic Skin Recovery. Available from their new stand alone store in Sandton, online, or any Dermalogica approved retailer. R1295.
  8. Le Creuset has had my heart for years and I cook daily in their cast iron pots. This Pasta/Salad Bowl in Carribean Blue is the perfect accessory to any summer table! R670.
  9. Of course I couldn’t choose just one and the “Sleepy” Shower Gel” from Lush South Africa is possibly one of my favourite scents in the whole world. R315/520g
  10. I think I feature a marble and rose gold cake stand every year from Woolworths South Africa. This year the trend continues and as does my love for this two tier Marble and Copper Cake Stand. R599.
  11. This “White Lily and Peony” glass scented candle from Poetry South Africa would look perfect on my dressing table. R199.

 

GIVEAWAY:

I promised a bit of a treat 🙂

Together with Pandora South Africa, I will be giving away one beautiful Reflexions Bracelet to spoil either yourself, or someone special in your life worth R1 199.00. Pandora wants you to get the perfect reaction this festive season with their range of beautiful jewellery pieces. PANDORA Reflexions offers a range of mesh bracelets that are elegant, feminine and timeless.

To enter:

All you have to do is comment on this article on why you love Pandora Jewellery.

Make sure you are following one of Pandora’s social media accounts; Instagram: @theofficialpandora

or Facebook: @PandoraSouthAfrica as well as “In these Stilettos”.

Share this article to spread the love !

Competition will close on December 16th 2018. Open to Residents of South Africa Only. Winner’s name will be picked at random.

#PerfectGift #PerfectReaction #PandoraStyle #ArtofGifting

 

Review: The Laser Beautique

Review: The Laser Beautique

Posted on by Rebecca

Lets talk about ageing….. or actually, lets not. Lets talk about PREVENTING any signs of ageing. I have this problem, even though I am comfortably into my 30’s now, I still think of myself as an early 20’s university student. Every now and again someone refers to me as “mam” and I nearly trip over my heels. MAM? When did that happen? I also avoid wearing my glasses whenever possible, stupid I know, but thanks to my difference to wearing them I have developed a spectacular frown line from squinting. I’m a little scared of the thought of Botox, but I also know I don’t want to end up with wrinkles like my mum (sorry mama, at least I’m not a smoker). Laser is something I have always been curious about, a little nervous, but curious and may just be my “in between” solution. It typically has me thinking of hair removal, not beauty, turns out there’s a whole world out there I didn’t know about.  The Laser Beautique is a chain of salons specialising in laser beauty therapies like pain-free hair removal, laser lipolysis and more. I was invited to experience their Cinderella Effect facial, using NIR technology, and left very, very impressed. But before I jump into telling you all about it, let me first explain what it is.

The “Cinderella” Effect

The Laser Beautique offers a Cinderella Facial which is a combination of magical lotions and potions using RegimA or Nimue skincare ranges, and Near Infrared (NIR) technology. This combination ensures your skin glows instantly, revealing it revitalized and refueled while being supplied with active ingredients that will leave you feeling and looking fit for a ball. This is a facial designed for royalty, and boy did the Morningside branch make me feel like a princess.

The Laser Beautique makes use of Near Infrared technology to heat the tissue under the skin’s surface, stimulating the infiltration of fibroblasts and the formation of new collagen, this enhances the tightening effect and helps to bolster the skin against future aging. Treatments provide safe, effective skin tightening, body contouring and improves skin laxity and skin architecture.

NIR or Near Infra Red is a type of light that can penetrate deep into your skin to heat up the tissue, causing the collagen fibres to contract, essentially tightening up your skin. The effect is instant but continues over a period of weeks after your facial. This procedure results in the tightening of the skin utilising safe, infrared light that triggers a biological response. NIR is useful in any facial or body area, where there is loose or lax skin. (Why not even use it for post pregnancy loose skin?) It is also useful for improving thin skin or any areas where there is distinct collagen loss.

I was greeted by Ronel, the owner of Laser Beautique Morningside, who walked me through the business and gave me a breakdown on exactly what they could offer. Together we decided the Cinderella facial would probably be best for me. I’m interested in Microneedling as well but baby steps…. Ronel introduced Sarah, my therapist to me, who was professional and friendly but what really impressed me was her knowledge of therapy itself.

A layer of Grape Seed Oil was applied as the base and the laser initially starts on a low energy setting and gradually gets higher and higher until it reaches a warm, manageable level which is when your collagen starts to tighten up. They recommend you have 3 to 4 of these treatments for maximum effect, but Sarah did half of my face first, to show me the difference between the two sides and it was an instant, obvious difference. The half that had received the treatment, was glowing, plumped and flushed, kind of like I had a really good work out ;).  For this reason, many celebrities opt for this kind of facial just before a big red carpet event as well as brides before the big day.

When it comes to laser hair removal this has been something on my bucket list for the past 3 years. I wanted it so badly I even asked for it as a birthday present one year as I always thought it was a bit “expensive”. Sarah gave me a quick underarm hair removal treatment as in insight into the level of “pain”. Well, there was none. If you get your eye brows threaded its a similar feeling, with less pain. A slight pull and “tug” feeling every now and again but nothing at all to make me reconsider. I am so excited to finally get my legs done. It turns out you don’t actually have to pay that big “lump sum” for 8 treatments. Though it does work out cheaper, if you want to start you can pay per session.

So, would I recommend the treatment? Would I go back to the salon? Absolutely! I really do believe that if you want to seriously invest in your ski, then “technology” facials are the way forward. Sure you could go to a “spa” and spend your money on a pampering surface facial, but lets me honest, we can also do a lot of that at home. The theory behind NIR treatments is tried and tested and if we want to invest into good skin going into our 40’s I would recommend this.

I’m already booking my follow-up treatments on my own accord. Thank you Ronel and Sarah for educating this beauty “sissy” and for helping this mama to get a little of her glow back!

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon Review – Tips For A Better Nights Sleep

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon Review – Tips For A Better Nights Sleep

Posted on by Rebecca

I used to pride myself on getting a full nights sleep. 10 pm on the dot was my bed time and not a minute over. That was “BC” before children, and way before working hours saw me doing admin way past the midnight hours. Safe to say over the past 4 years, between 2 kids, broken sleep and vampire working hours, my skin was taken a beating.

I think Dermalogica noticed, because I was invited to the launch of the incredible “Sound Sleep Cocoon” and I’m pretty sure the sleep therapist was talking directly to me. How on earth could they tell? Turns out I’m not the only one.

When it comes to skin care, sleep is a crucial component for the skin’s recovery. Just missing a few nights of good sleep results in a decline in health and leads to dull skin prone to dehydration. A huge number of individuals around the world suffer from chronic sleep deprivation.  Hence the development of Sound Sleep Cocoon.

This gel-cream transforms your skin through the midnight hours, optimizing skin-recovery. Formulated to work at night, Sound Sleep Cocoon works with your body’s natural circadian rhythm. Better quality sleep means your skin can effectively regenerate and restore itself from the harmful pollutants of the day.

Infused with motion-activated essential fragrances of French lavender, sandalwood and patchouli, this trio works together with tamarind seed extract, helping to send you into a deep, restful sleep while caressing your skin in a cocoon of soft and hydrating nourishment.

Can we just pause for a moment to look at the glorious list of ingredients?

-Persian Silk Tree Extract reduces signs of skin fatigue and restores vitality.
-Whu-Zhu-Yu Extract provides visibly radiant skin by morning and promotes a more refined skin texture.
-Kakadu Plum Extract, rich in antioxidant Vitamin C, is clinically shown to improve and brighten skin tone.
-Tamarind Seed Extract cushions the skin, creating a nourishing cocoon of comfort for softer, more hydrated skin.
-Encapsulated essential oil with motion-activated technology encapsulated, motion-activated French Lavender oil, along with calming Sandalwood and Patchouli, soothe the senses with aromatherapy to help promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin.

 

Even the packaging has been thought over with the finest detail. The top of the bottle shows the phases of the lunar cycle. It has a twist to unlock function, perfect for keeping in your overnight bag if travelling. Apply 1-2 pumps (I use 1 pump). Massage into your skin and then cup your hands over your nose and take 3 DEEP BREATHS….

Because Dermalogica always goes one step above and beyond they have also created an app that you can download. It plays sleep sounds, taking you into a place of relaxation and meditation, the which lasts 20 minutes to help you fall asleep. Between this and the addictive smell of the lavender you should be immediately transported to a place of serenity. You can have a listen here. 

Sound Sleep Cocoon currently retails at R1295 for a 50ml, which I know is a pretty pricey product, but one bottle of this miracle worker should last you 3 months.  Its absolutely worth it.

I leave you with Dermalogica’s 6 tips for a better nights sleep:

  1. Turn off electronics and dim the lights 30 minutes before bedtime
  2. Make your room as dark as possible and slightly cool
  3. Avoid alcohol, sugar and caffeine before bed
  4. Breathe deeply – it helps calm and relax your body
  5. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day
  6. In the morning, seek out bright light to help regulate your body clock.

My Top Winter Skin Essentials For The Family

My Top Winter Skin Essentials For The Family

Posted on by Rebecca

I think over the last week we can officially say we have welcomed the winter season. In case the weather outside didn’t give you a clue, your skin certainly would have! Cold, drier weather brings out its own set of challenges and suddenly we have to up our game in the hydration department. I’ve put together a few of the winter essentials that we have recently been using as a family.

Body Care

I’ve mentioned it numerous times before but all the men in my family suffer from eczema. Add in the Highveld winters as a factor and it doubles the problem. I have really found the product that works best on their body is Aveeno. As a family we use the entire range. Hubster uses the Dermexa range which helps to relieve the effects of psoriasis, I use the daily moisturizing lotion and the boys the baby range of course. Up until trying the Aveeno Baby range I had not found an effective moisturizer for them, I found that lotions sat on the top of their skin and after a day their body still felt dry, this has been a game changer. I only ever buy this now.

Face Care

I’ve been trying out Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Range just to give my skin that extra moisture surge.

I love the fact that it has hyaluronic acid in it. This delivers a hydration reservoir to your skin, acting as a sponge for dry skin, hydrating it continuously throughout the day. No tight or dehydrated feeling at all.

City Shield Hydrating Lotion SPF 25 (RSP R139.95) – It’s a myth that in winter we don’t have to think about SPF, The sun is actually even closer to the earth in the winter months, despite what your heating bill says. Even though it packs a hydration punch, it doesn’t have that “heavy”, sticky feeling at all. I went for a facial recently and the therapist commented that the small bumps on my face could be directly related to pollutants.I love the fact that this lotion helps defend the skin against pollution. Its packed with antioxidants which protect the skin from pollution damage.

Smoothing Exfoliator Gel (RSP R99.95): We still need to exfoliate our skin in winter. To stop the skin from becoming itchy, we need to exfoliate regularly. It’ll trigger a natural repair process to help build collagen. I have quite a sensitive skin and I’ve been using this once a week with no problems. It also contains that hyaluronic acid, proven to increase skin’s hydration level and lock it in.

Eye-Awakening Eye-Cream (RSP R139.95): I have to admit I have never really been a fan of eye cream. I have always found them a bit pointless and just figure its an “extra step” to add onto my daily beauty routine. Ive never really seen a “difference”. This one made me swallow my words. The absorption is fantastic is literally gets sucked in by your skin and doesn’t leave the greasy residue at all. I haven’t really noticed a difference with “dark circles” but i actually don’t think any eye cream would combat them.

For my boys I have use Eucerin’s Aquaphor (RSP:R99). It’s quite a thick skin balm but nothing works better on their dry, chapped cheeks. I have noticed a gap in the market when it comes to children’s facial products, and typically would just use a little coconut oil. The harsh winter air plays havoc with their baby soft cheeks and a little dab of this at bedtime has them all kissable again in the morning.

Hands On

Hands can really take a knock in winter. Skin around your nails in particular takes a beating from stripping soap. I loving Clinique’s Deep Comfort Hand and Nail Cream. I hate “oily” hand creams, the kind that leave a residue so slick that you can’t even open a door. This hand cream absorbs and leaves a decadent, deeply moisturized feeling on your hands. Healthy hands mean healthy nails.

Treat your Feet

Milk Solutions Milk & Honey Hydrating Heel Balm (RSP R158)

Every single person I know suffers from dry heels in winter. I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Beauty Warriors in Johannesburg last month. In our goodie bags was a tub of this life saver. This is deeply nourishing and honestly penetrates the skin. Just one application of this overnight will see a difference in your tootsies. It’s not a cream, it’s a thick, wax like balm to lock moisture in, while the milk and honey promise to heal and hydrate the skin. Maybe now by the time summer comes I wont be ashamed to wear open shoes.

Lip Talk

I’m not a regular user of lip balms, these days most of the lippies and glosses have a moisturizing aspect. In winter at night, I have to use a protectant. My go to’s are normally Labello or good old Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream. Labello does has a slightly better taste on your lips.

There you have it. That’s what we use daily in the winter months as a family. Another life saver that should get a mention is Bio-Oil. Generally I dab a bit on after the shower. What products do you consider to be your winter essentials?

Review: Eucerin’s DermoPURIFYER Range – has it really made a difference?

Review: Eucerin’s DermoPURIFYER Range – has it really made a difference?

Posted on by Rebecca

The DermoPurifyer range has had a bit of a makeover and three new products have joined the range – Micellar Water, The Skin Renewal Treatment and the Mattifying fluid. All the formulas are enriched with exfoliating acids, in sleek modern packaging.

I never expected this result. I will be completely and utterly honest, I have never noticed such a dramatic difference from using a single product before. I received the Eucerin DermoPurifyer range a little over a week ago, and was fully prepared to write a review after about a month, but here I am 9 days later, that is how great a difference I have seen. This past year I have battled with my skin, whether its age, city living or lack of sleep my face has taken a beating and I started getting small little pimples all around my jaw line. I don’t have “oily” skin as per say, just your typical T-Zone, so I have battled with “normal” acne skincare products as I find they dry out my skin too much, causing it to be tight and uncomfortable.

I certainly have my hero products in the range, and there are a few that I’m not one hundred percent in love with, keep on reading to find out my thoughts.

EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER MICELLAR WATER

I have only recently started using Micellar water in my skincare routine, in fact I never really knew when to use it. My routine this time around has been at night to use Micellar water before I cleanse to remove all excess make up and oil, and then I go in with the toner after I cleanse. This one is quite gentle in comparison to others I have used. It’s also loaded with humectants, like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, that attract water into your skin, keeping it well hydrated. It leaves my skin feeling clean and soft, but I did find it didn’t remove make up as effectively as others (Tracers of mascara still remained).

EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL CLEANSING GEL

I’m obsessed with the pump action of this product. It makes it so incredibly easy to use and the bottle just looks so refined. Its lightweight, not too think and not too foamy. It uses gentle surfactants that strip away only excess oil, not all the oil. Despite the fact its out there fighting wars with the acne causing pollutants on your skin, its gentle enough that I don’t feel my skin has been stripped of its protective barrier.

EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL SCRUB

Eucerin DermoPurifyer Oil Control Scrub has a small amount of lactic acid in it, the beads and pore-refining micro-particles gently exfoliate the skin, unclogging the pores and refining skin texture at the same time.

I have used this twice I think, typically exfoliating once a week. It definitely left my skin smoother and brighter, with the little pulp particles lifting all dead skin. After exfoliating I used my L’Oreal Pure Skin Clay face mask. It would be nice if Eucerin had a mask in this range as well.

EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL TONER

This is possibly my least favorite in the range. I prefer more natural toners and steer away with anything from alcohol it in. I find it dries out my skin and leaves it tight and normally use a toner that is as close to good old rose water as possible. I found this toner to have too much alcohol in it, and could smell it before i even applied it to my skin. That being said, this didnt strip or dry out my skin as much as other alcohol based toners do. My go to before trying to range was the Eucerin DermatoCLEAN Clarifying Toner which i may go back to .

EUCERIN DERMOPURIFYER OIL CONTROL SKIN RENEWAL TREATMENT

This is my hero product. Literally. I know its probably a combination of everything, but I’m giving a large portion of the credit to this bad boy here. The DermoPurifyer Oil Control Skin Renewal Treatment is one of the newest additions to the range.

It has a blend of 10% Hydroxy Complex which is made up of highly effective peeling agents − Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Polyhydroxy Acid , they treat breakouts and prevents them from coming back. This triple action combination removes and exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of your skin so your pores won’t get clogged up again. It boots collagen production to firm up your skin, while the Salicylic Acid gets deep inside the pores and unclogs them from within. I literally noticed a difference with all those pesky white heads around my browline within one week.

It’s a lightweight texture and sinks in quickly into the skin. I’ve been using it at night, straight after cleansing and toning. It doesn’t feel too strong on my skin at all. After application I do get a slightly tingly feeling on the areas where I had breakouts, but this lasts about 20 seconds and is gone. My skin is quite sensitive, It hasn’t been red, or dry once!

All these products have lightweight textures that absorb quickly into the skin. None of them have dried out my skin. My pores are visibly smaller, my skin smoother and the affected areas of my face have reduced and are less inflamed. I haven’t tried any of the moisturizers in the range, I’ve been using the Eucerin Sun Fluid Anti-Age SPF 50 together with my normal retinol day cream.

I would absolutely recommend taking the time to use this range if you have been battling any sort. I feel so much better about my skin and cant wait to see how it continues to improve!

Before

After , see all the little bumps around my eyes and jaw line have almost all dissapered.