Review | The Body Shop Fresh Nude Foundation

I know it has been forever since my last post. I've started this amazing new job, but because my clients are based in Australia, I am at the office by 6am because of the time difference. It is crazy, but I am loving it. Unfortunately it has left me pressed for time with the blog, but I am finding a new routine and getting back on it.

My last post ironically enough was also about The Body Shop, and those Shade Adjusting Drops are actually perfect for the foundation I'm chatting to you about today. It is their latest offering since they've beefed up their makeup range (which I am loving right now - I only keep drugstore products in my office/car/handbag after being a victim of a smash and grab a few years back - and their makeup range is as good, if not better than many of my favourite high-end products). The new Fresh Nude Foundation is enriched with English rose water and aloe vera, which hydrates and keeps the skin feeling beautifully fresh and comfortable all day. It also contains SPF 15 for the lazy girls who forego sunscreen in the winter months. Hands up, I know you're guilty. I am too.

There are a whopping16 shades so they have something for everyone. It seems like there are 4 shades with varying undertones for the following skin tones: 

Fair: Chelsea Porcelain, Bora Bora Tiare Kyoto Blossom, Bali Vanilla

Medium: Hawaii macadamia, Fiji Sand, Sahara Light, Yorkshire Rose 

Olive- Tan: Santorini Sunset, Atlas Dunes, Sicily Amber, Yucatan Honey

Deep: Andalusia Almond, Seychelles Cinnamon, Caribbean Mahogany, Tuscany Chestnut 

I generally stick to completely matte foundations because I'm not sure that I like the shiny look I tend to get with dewy foundations. But I am an old hag so a youthful glow is nice.....so I'm not being difficult here at all.

I'm also going through a break-out phase while my skin gets used to office aircon and the change in season. Yay.

Anyway, this is a semi- matte finish and I actually really like the way it looks when it is freshly applied. It gives a really natural glow without being too shiny. Even though I do like the way it looks on it's own I have needed to dab on some finishing powder and reapply some during the day to keep things tidy. It is a light to medium coverage foundation so it covers what I need it to, but it does build very well to get heavier coverage on those blemishes. Overall I am very happy with it. I took a snap of it before blending, after blending, and in sunlight so you can get an idea of the type of glow it gives you.       

It's comfortable and light weight and is probably a better option for regular to dry complexions. That being said, I love the texture and the colour - I am using Sahara Light 030 - and how it melts into my skin. So oilier chicas, don't write this off. Give it a sample and see how it wears it on your skin for an afternoon, because I think you might really like it too. Its worth the odd dab of powder for such a pretty glow.

Go pop into a store and test it out, or just take the plunge and pick it up online at www.thebodyshop.co.za. At R275, it is as well priced as any drugstore brand out there. 

Beauty Review | The Body Shop Shade Adjusting Drops

I don't lose my mind over beauty products. I have my staples and I love trying new products, but not many have made my jaw drop like the ones I have to tell you about today.

Actually they straight up annoyed me. Only because they made me so mad that I didn't think of this idea first!

Everyone needs these Shade Adjusting Drops from The Body Shop.
Seriously. Us girls are forever trying and buying every new wonderful foundation on the market and spending a small fortune on the habit too. Then the seasons change and our favourites end up being a shade too light or too dark after a few sessions at the beach. Money wasted. Down the drain. Because lets be honest, you don't stash it for the following summer-  by then you've bought a ton of new products to play with. We all do it. Its okay ladies, this is a safe space to confess your sins.

The Body Shop invited me to their launch and sent me these drops afterwards to test out and I know I'll never be without them forever more. They work with every single foundation and BB cream I tested them with. A drop changes your current foundation by a half a shade according to the official press release, but I am quite careful and prefer dotting gently and mixing half a drop at a time. Waste not, want not - just like gran says.

The Lightening Drops have a concentration of white and pink pigments which neutralises yellowness while lightening the shade of your foundations/BB creams/tinted moisturisers.
The Darkening Drops have a concentration of black and red pigments which helps with foundation that makes you look too light and ashy. They darken while keeping the natural depth. I've had my fair amount of buyers remorse after buying foundation in the wrong lighting. I don't know about you, but the introvert in me never goes back to a store to return stuff. So now I don't have to.

If you're struggling to find whatever new and wonderful foundation has launched this month, in the perfect shade for you, you can simply create it using these drops. I am utterly obsessed at the genius of this idea.

I've also been using it for highlighting and contouring. A few dots of the lightening drops up the nose and across the forehead and under the eyes do wonders for a tired complexion. And then you add some dots of the darkening drops along your jaw line and you've got supermodel cheekbones in a flash. They blend so easily and the finish is flawless.

Here is a rare image of me getting my face in front of the camera for you all - but this is how badly I wanted to give you a demo of how well these work. They are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin - which is important for me as I turn red and blotchy if you look at me too hard. My camera is having a timeout for whatever reason so I attempted these on my cell camera. I apologise for the average quality, but you get the idea.

 Grab them in store or online quickly - on my last trip to pick up some of my Body Shop basics, stocks were selling out!. They are R300 each and will save you hundreds in the long run.

BEAUTY REVIEW | CLINIQUE BASICS

As I've said before, this is my year of focus and drilling down on what I want and what I don't. It means whittling down my wardrobe to quality basics and doing the same with my skincare. I am tired of bouncing between products and trying every single new "miracle" product that launches. I am always happy to play with makeup, but now that I am in my thirties, my skincare regime is precious.

This is why Clinique is the perfect fit for me for 2016. I signed on as an ambassador without needing to think twice. I'd used their products for years and they'd always worked in my twenties. Then we parted ways for a while. Even their cult classic, the City Block tinted moisturiser gave way to BB creams in my life and looking back, I should have stuck to what I knew worked.

So here I am, back together with Clinique and I've changed up my 3-step system to suit my old-lady skin - riddled with adult breakouts and pigmentation - and I am delighted to report that my skin is in love. My pesky and painful breakouts on my chin have cleared and I've noticed a massive improvement in hydration. I also have dry skin that gets nice and oily by 2pm and since using their Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion for dry/combination skin, I haven't reached for my blotting powder in weeks. Between this moisturiser and their Even Better foundation (more on this later), I have found my routine. My balance. My focus. And clear skin - at last!

For those who've never given Clinique's 3-step system a bash, I'd recommend popping in to one of their skincare counters in Edgars, Foschini, Truworths and Stuttafords stores. Get a skin analysis done and get some trial products to suit your skin type. Their face wash is the perfect mild foaming wash (they also have a non-foaming options if you hate foam washes. I personally love it. I don't really have a reason why). It is gentle and non-drying which is ideal if you're struggling with dryer skin like I am.

The next step is toning. I know many beauty bloggers advise that you can skip this step, and maybe you can. But I've always been a fan of some extra cleaning. The big kicker with Clinique is that their toner is actually a mild exfoliator. The one I am using, Clarifying Lotion 1 was developed for dry and flaky skin, so the ingredients working away at your skin are good 'ol Salicylic Acid and Butylene Glycol. However, the Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1 also includes Witch Hazel, to tone the skin; and Acetyl Glucosamine, for skin healing.

Now for some makeup. My friends in the beauty blogging industry have been raving about Clinique's makeup for ages and yet I'd never tried any other than my staple tinted moisturiser. The consultant in-store had one look at my pigmentation and recommended their Even Better foundation which evens out and corrects. It works like a bomb I am pleased to report. It provides a medium coverage, which is easily buildable if you need to. I found that with my stippling brush, it blended seamlessly into my skin and I didn't need more than one good layer. The finish is more on the matt side, which I prefer. 

The lovely team at Clinique also treated me to one of their brand new Clinique Pop™ Lacquer Lip Colour + Primer. I was given Cocoa Pop to try out and it has turned out to be the perfect pinky/nude combo. A little darker than the "your own lips but better" kind of nude, which I think is ideal going into winter where I go darker and richer with just about everything. The formula is lightweight, and because of the built in primer, it really does stay put for at least 6 hours. So it perfect for everyday workwear.

I hope you found this review helpful. If you have any questions on Clinique products you'd like me to research for you, or do a review on, please let me know in the comments section. I've linked to the Clinique online store for each product so you can shop from the comfort of your desk. But I would always preach that you try some out in-store first. 

Beauty | Best of 2015

Hi, remember me? I'm not dead, I promise. I took a blog hiatus and am now back with a vengeance. I took a break for some holiday time, but also some reflection and focus on what I want to do with the blog in 2016.

So I hope you're ready for a bigger, better and cheekier Pretty Mint!

To kick off, I want to share all of my favourite products from the last year. Some were gifted to me by PR's which I'll mark with an (*). That being said, none are on the list because I am kissing ass. I genuinely love all of these, have repurchased most or I intend to once they run out. So here is my 'can't-live-without' beauty products from 2015.

BODY

Sorbet Nailpolish remover: The salon pump has changed my life. I can never go back to regular bottles now. This just makes sense for a klutz like me. No spills, and no more using more than you need.

Essie nail lacquer in 'Bride to Be': I have found the perfect nude nail polish. This is it. If they ever stop making this colour I'll be writing them a strongly worded letter like a grumpy old granny. I am not big into fussing over my nails and I just want nude nails on my hands and red or coral on my toes. Thats me for life. Done.

The Body Shop Dead Sea Salt Scrub*: I love the smell. I love the texture. I love how soft my skin feels after using it. I was initially concerned that it dissolved too quickly in the shower and then I saw a post from the clever girls at All Dolled Up who suggested using it before you hop in the shower to get a really good scrubbing and that changed the game. When I scrub, I like to feel like Ive worked my skin so hard, I could breathe through it. So this is the stuff.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream All Over Mineral Oil*: They love a long winded name at Elizabeth Arden. I think it is to entertain the girls at the makeup counter when I try and fail dismally to ask for the product I'm looking for. "Um, hi. Can I please have a bottle of the All day mineral eight hour magical oil for face but also body please". Giggles and chortles for days. Anyway, I'll deal with the name because it is THE best body oil ever. It is lightweight, absorbs quickly and keeps my skin soft and glowing. Normally when I put a body oil on in the morning, my husband won't come near me for hours because he hates the feeling of oil sitting on skin. With this stuff he doesn't even notice.

FACE

Sorbet Under Eye Mask: I NEVER travel without these. I see long haul flights as an opportune time to do a mini facial. Yes, the people next to you are going to be horrified, but who cares? You'll likely never see them again. So on my thick layer of cream goes, followed by these babies. Then I pop a sleeping tablet and wake up looking refreshed and my eyes aren't a dry, puffy mess. Then you just slap on some BB cream and lipgloss and people will think you must have teleported halfway across the world because you certainly don't look like the other vampires that just stepped off the same flight.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel: I bought this at Urban Outfitters in NYC earlier this year, along with the famous Aloe facial spray. Both are lovely, but this has become a firm favourite and is always in my gym bag. I like something that feels like its getting any sweat and dirt out without scrubbing. Being in my 30's, I can't afford to rip my skin to shreds with a daily scrub anymore. But this stuff lifts dirt and fizzles down dead skin gently.

Lush Ocean Salt: When I do actually do a scrub once a week, I only use this one. Since they launched in the country years ago, I have bought this over and over. I like that it is all natural, does a hell of a job sloughing away dead skin and I feel so squeaky clean and refreshed, brightened and so soft. Salt, fresh lime and vodka - it really is a cocktail for your face.

 HAIR

Lush Big Shampoo: I use this stuff twice a week to really give my scalp and hair a good clean. I have very fine hair, and also, I don't have a lot of it. When I use this shampoo, I get the best volume out of any shampoo I've tried. I also find that because of my minimal hair, it gets dirty and oily quickly - and after a serious session at gym it is decidedly gross. This shampoo is the only thing that makes me feel clean and crisp again.

Philip Kingsley Weatherproof Hairspray*: This was sent over in about mid-2015. I have not used another hairspray since. It is pricey, but I'll definitely repurchase because as much as it holds my hair in place, it doesn't weigh it down - which is something I haven't seemed to find until now. Again, the amount of hair on my head is laughable so I am incredibly picky when it comes to products because 99% of them weigh my hair down and I look like an old man with a comb-over.

Tangle Angel*: My peeps at RetailBox sent me this toward the end of last year and I am so incredibly grateful. Tangle Teezer doesn't have a handle and finally some genius decided to make women around the world lives' easier by sticking one on, and making it into an actual brush. I love how soft the bristles are and I can use it on wet or dry hair and not cause any damage. Bonus points for the fact that I feel like a Barbie doll every time I use it. They also sent me the one for dogs to try on my gorgeous boy Rocco and he loves it too. It is even in the shape of a paw! He is a golden doodle so he needs a brush every day, and I worry about hurting him - but not anymore. Its a perfect little doggie brush.

MAKEUP

This wasn't easy. I was fortunate enough to hit up Sephora three times this year on my travels. I found that even though I own a ton of makeup, when I travel or need to get out of the door in 15 minutes, this is what I use most.

Maybelline Blushed Nudes Eyeshadow Palette: This was picked up in Target in Chicago. I wish I'd bought another one as it is fast running out. It is such an incredible budget buy and I am so sad it wasn't brought out locally. Actually we miss out on a lot of amazing Maybelline products to be honest and I don't know why. If you've got a friend heading to the USA anytime soon, beg them to be a good little mule and grab you one of these. The pigment is so great and the colours are perfect for blending. They've actually designed the colours to be used as pairs or quads and they have little 'how-to" underneath the box.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Gel: This was my first Sephora repurchase and has replaced BB creams for me entirely. The coverage is sheer but it does a great job of evening out the skin and blurring any redness or blemishes. I use this and concealer most days. It has a dewy finish which I love for daily use and not going anywhere that requires a full makeup look.

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR Makeup*: This is perfect for summer because it promises to last through heat, humidity and moisture. I tested it out recently in Dubai and it is indeed a winner. Actually Ive been using it since about April last year and it keeps making its way to the front of my makeup drawer. Not many people like a matte finish but when I want full coverage and a face of makeup to last for a day of meetings/an event/a wedding, I want it matte and I want it to stay put. I can add my own dewy finish thank you very much. They also have a huge range of shades so finding the perfect match is great - they even have this space-age stick at the makeup counter that they place against your face and it'll recommend a shade for you. Brilliant.

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal: For R50 bucks, this is one amazing little product. I am pretty sure its just pigmented super glue but I don't even care. It blends and it sticks. If I want a pimple covered, don't give me a concealer that shifts at the first hint of aircon. It sells out every time it is restocked so once you find your shade, I'd suggest stocking up 2 or 3 at a time.

Beauty Fix Makeup Setting Spray: Finally some local flavour! Overseas readers, if you've got a friend living it up in the Cape Town summer, I'd suggest you beg them to bring you a bottle of this stuff. It beats MAC and Urban Decay's makeup setting sprays in my opinion. The rosewater and cucumber extract soothe and refresh and Ive ploughed through two bottles already as I use it for makeup setting and to refresh my face during the day/ on flights/ on road trips. It is free of the nasty stuff like alcohol, parabens and silicones and the brand is cruelty free. It dries quickly and sets your makeup and adds a lovely glow.

Elizabeth Arden Perfect Colour Eyebrow Pencil*: I'll never leave the house without using this pencil. The Brownette shade is perfect for darker brows and it blends and stays in my brows perfectly, all day. The pencil is super fine so you can create a natural look by lightly drawing in hairs or you can just fill in where you need and you almost can't tell its not real. The handy brush on the other end is used to brush your brows before and after applying so you get a natural texture and don't end up with a horrible drawn-on look. There are a ton of brow shaping and perfecting products out at the moment and this remains my favourite by far.

The 'Manizer Sisters Palette: All three legends in one pallete. I've been using Mary-LouManizer and Cindy Lou-Manizer for ages so when they launched the trio in one palette it just made sense to own all of them. These are the best highlighters in the entire world. Ask any beauty blogger and she'll tell you that her dewy glow or that shimmer on her cheek and under her brow bone is one of these lovely ladies.

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Stain*: Stains are the way forward. I use this both on my lips and cheeks. I don't wear lipstick much. For day to day, I prefer a nude lip, or a just-bitten red tint. Even though this product is aimed at your cheeks, it is a great multipurpose product. A little dot goes a long way so it lasts for ages too. I am glad Benefit came back into the country and it seems they're back with a bang. Do yourself a favour and go play with some of their products. The "They're Real" mascara and eye pencil range is pretty impressive too.

Beauty Blitz

This week I have sort of a turquoise themed Beauty Blitz for you. I've had all of these products for about 2 months now so I've really given them a good trial and I am so excited to share them with you. Again, some products are new to market and others are new to me or have been recommended by one of the girls. So I hope you find something useful out of these reviews!

Phillip Kingsley Waterproof Hairspray: R515

This stuff was put to the test in Bali and Singapore recently. I would never have previously been tempted to spend this amount on hairspray, and for the sake of disclosure I must mention that this was a PR drop - but I am definitely repurchasing. I wore my hair in a top knot most of our trip because of humidity - but my hair is just too short to stay up. This stuff kept my bun in place and my stray shorter hairs styled up just fine. All damn day. It was never sticky and it never failed to wash out nicely at the end of each day. I'll have a good rant in a travel post about the weather in Singapore but for now all I'll say is that anything that worked in Singapore, will work anywhere, and is worth every penny!

Coola UV Makeup Setting Spray

Why has no one thought of this before? Or why didn't I? I suffer from pigmentation quite badly so I am holy about wearing sunscreen. Any product that has a decent SPF rating get tossed into my shopping cart without a second thought. I use a makeup setting spray every single day, so one that doubles up as extra protection from the sun is a must-have in my books. I really made this baby work when I spent the day cycling in the boiling NYC sun two months ago - and my makeup stayed put all day, and I didn't even get the slightest colour on my face. Normally I'll get a little red on the snorkel if I don't reapply sunblock on a long day in the sun. So I am impressed. Very impressed. It isn't available here in SA, so beg a friend who is anywhere near a Sephora to bring some home for you.

Kate Spade Walk on Air fragrance: $75 - $95

This was an impulse purchase after being swept up by all the pretty things in their flagship store on Madison Avenue. I went in to buy a handbag and came out with this as well. I normally love sweeter scents like Narcisco/Tom Ford Black Orchid - but this fun and fresh scent felt just like a spring day near the seaside and I just had to have it. Its clean, light and feminine with notes of lily of the valley, magnolia, linden blossom and jasmine.
I promised myself I'd save it for spring/summer but I've probably worn it at least twice a week since I bought it because I love the freshness.

The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Essence Lotion: R195

This, along with the revitalising cream, was sent over a few weeks ago. I've been testing both - however this one has been easier to add to my routine as I am pretty set in my ways with my moisturiser. The oil is light enough to add before my moisturiser even for daytime. Just a drop warmed between my hands and patted on to my skin after cleansing and toning is more than enough. I am enjoying it especially for this transitional weather. Cape Town takes until December to decide if its summer or not, so this is handy for hydration and keeping skin plump all day long.

 Cafe de Bain - about R60? I wish I'd bought more!

I regularly panic and go on bubble bath binges. Instead of stocking up routinely, I buy a ton of bubble bath products and then use them all, and ultimately go for almost a month without my beloved bubble baths. Then I get to a mall and buy one form almost every store I go in to. This was a sweet surprise find at Pick 'n Pay of all places and I only picked it up because I grabbed the matching bubble bath first. After smelling it I was hooked and grabbed the body wash too. I only wish I'd stocked up because I've been back since and haven't found these again! If you see these anywhere in Cape Town, please let me know. The smell takes me right back to Laduree in Paris.

Makeup how-to video with Wink South Africa

If you follow me on either Twitter or Instagram, you'll know I've been working with a brand new girly liquor called Wink. Its an utterly indulgent custard flavoured liquor that goes down well as a cheeky shooter, as well as it does over ice or ice cream for a delicious sundowner or dessert. It officially launches in-store very soon so you can finally get a bottle for your next girls night.

The team behind the brand asked a few bloggers and personalities to get involved in a makeup "how-to" video, with makeup genius Nicole Raab. The video was shot last month at StyleBar HQ (how very chic indeed).

Each of us were located a section of the video, and my fifteen minutes of fame was all about the "bold lip". I was completely out of my comfort zone on so many levels - being in front of the camera, ON VIDEO! I also almost never venture away from nude and pink lipstick - so this was an exercise in burning some boundaries. I learned a thing or two and I'll definitely be wearing some more vampy hippies in future!

I took a few 'behind the scenes' shots to document my day in the limelight and I am so excited to share a few of these plus the video itself. I have to admit I loved every second of being a model for the day. Thank you Wink for an experience I'll never forget - I only wish we'd had a few bottles of the good stuff on set to calm my nerves....

New in | Talking about summer Fragrances

With this year flying by at a rate of knots, I'm plotting my Christmas shopping already. No I am not joking. My goal is to have everything wrapped and ready by the end of October.

Recently I attended a launch that made my life a whole lot easier, because after seeing the newly redesigned fragrance bottles at The Body Shop, I'd decided that that s what every woman in my life is getting in her Christmas stocking (there goes the surprise girls).

I received a bottle of the Indian Jasmine at the launch and have been wearing it daily ever since. I've also gone to pick up a bottle of the Japanese Cherry Blossom as well. And in the interest of full disclosure, I intend to eventually have one of each, purely to make up a pretty display on my vanity. I am THAT obsessed with the bottles. No really. Obsessed.

They've already launched, so you can join me in the pretty dresser department (or whatever excuse you'll tell yourself) and start collecting them. Send me photos! Lets just take the first step and admit we have a problem, and enable each other. 

New in | The Body Shop's Virgin Mojito Collection

I am a sucker for the new stuff that The Body Shop brings out each year. Especially for summer, and even more so for Christmas. I just lap that "limited edition" story right up. Throw in some pretty packaging and I'll buy the whole range. Hopeless, I know.

So to share with you, and therefore enable your own addiction, have a peek at the new range hitting shelves next month - 5 October to be exact.

I got to play with someone the products at the launch - and oh my. Zesty lime and cooling mint make for such an invigorating combo. The scrub and body butter is sure to be a favourite. I generally don't like body products that smell like cocktails - because you just end up smelling like you spilled one on yourself, but The Body Shop managed to get the "virgin" part of the mix right, and there is no musty alcohol smell - just the good stuff, mint and lime.

BEHIND THE SCENES

I am so excited to share some "behind the scenes" shots from yesterday's shoot. I pulled up at StyleBat HQ with no makeup and un-styled hair as instructed (so sorry for those who I might have scarred for life with my post-gym/ no makeup face). I was nervous as hell to be quite honest. And oh-so curious as to what we were going to do and why.

Even though sometimes blogging requires it, I am still not really used to being in front of the camera, and pouting and posing was waaaay out of my comfort zone. But with the girls from StyleBar at the helm, I couldn't have been in better hands. Once I was slammed up and changed, we started rolling. Unlucky for the poor folks in post-production who'll be editing for hours thanks to my constant squinting, face pulling and general being a goof. But after it was all done, I think we got some great stuff and I'm really excited to be a part of this launch.

I can't tell you what it is all for just yet - but trust me when I say its going to make summer a whole lot sexier. I just couldn't wait to show you a sneak peak....shhhh, wink-wink ;)

photo credit: Marco Russollilo, TWO AM Agency

Budget BB Creams

There are so many BB creams out there at the moment it is ridiculous. Even the luxury brands have  a couple to choose from and it is all a bit daunting.
For me, a BB cream is for days when you're in a hurry. They are glorified tinted moisturisers and spending a fortune on them is daft. By all means splurge on a good foundation, but for something you're slapping on when you have 5 minutes to get out the door, no man.
I've got 5 that I keep in rotation between my travel bag, makeup drawer, desk drawer and handbag. Yes, I realise that is a lot of el cheapo BB creams to own, but they're there for emergencies and on-the-go life. None of them are new to market - these are my tried and tested favourites from the past two years.

Here is my little dream team and why I love 'em.

Bodyshop All-In-One BB Cream - R199 at  The Body Shop: I love the dewy look this product gives me. It doesn't have any built in sun protection so you'll need to put on sunscreen first (I do that anyway - anything under UPF50 is not helping the cause in my opinion). It matches up to my skin tone perfectly. My only gripe is it is a small tube and it is the most expensive on this list.

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream -R169,95 at Clicks: Technically not a BB cream, but I call bullshit on the CC, DD etc movement. They're all bloody BB creams/tinted moisturisers. Moving on....this has consistently been the one that gets the most compliments. I get the perfect natural semi-matt look, yet my skin looks so healthy. It manages to last all day and I took it along to Thailand last year and it survived pretty well in the heat. So yet again, it'll be a summer staple for me.

Sorbet BB Cream - R100 at Sorbet salons and Clicks: This has been one of my favourites since it launched a few years ago. It gives a flawless finish and really good medium coverage. I'll never not have this in my kit. I often use this instead of foundation, even when I have the time to apply foundation.

LA Girl Pro BB cream - R59,95 at Dischem: I discovered this gem after seeing a couple of our local beauty bloggers raving about it. For something so affordable, you'll be amazed at the coverage and how long it lasts. It routinely sells out so if you see it in your shade, I'd pop two or three into your basket. It is a handbag staple!

Maybelline Pure Dream BB cream - R92,95 at Dischem: Nice and sheer - I use a shade darker, especially going into summer. It has a tiny bit of salicylic acid to helps with blemishes. I use this when I am struggling with a breakout and want something light.

Beauty Blitz | Quick reviews

*NEW SERIES*
Because I am constantly sharing different elements of fashion, beauty, travel and my life with you, I don't always get the time to do a full review on everything that I'd like to tell you about. Beauty reviews can take weeks while comparing results and I get quite a lot of product sent my way. I don't review everything - only what I love and what I think you'll love. So what I am going to put together each couple of weeks is a quick "blitz post" summarising some of the amazing products I am enjoying and want to share with you quicker. Some are new launches, and others, while not new to the market, are new to me. Lets get this going, shall we?

Hand Chemistry Dry Hands and Heels Hydration Complex: R300 at Clicks

Its thick but not oily, leaves a light tingle and really works like a charm. I am suffering with horribly dry hands this winter, never mind the forlorn looking feet. I have taken to slathering this on with socks at night and between this and my Schol electronic foot file, I'm keeping the lizard skin at bay. Instead of the traditional focus on peeling/removing tough skin, this brand aims to hydrate and rebalance - and I think it is doing a great job. Would definitely repurchase if the price point wasn't so high. (Product c/o brand PR)

Slim Sonic toothbrush: R299 at www.slimsonic.co.za

Loving this little gadget for travel. Perfect for carry on and the gorgeous case keeps it clean and dry and its also tiny enough to fit in my handbag or cosmetics purse. I wasn't initially sold on the whole "sonic, 22 000 brush strokes per minute" thing, but after using it, I get the hype. My teeth are cleaner than ever, which is great seeing as I'm currently on a 4-cups--of-coffee-a-day phase. Its certainly preserving the last whitening session. I adore the range of colours and prints available - who says the morning ritual needs to be boring?(Product c/o brand PR)

 Darling Jane Sweet Vanilla Scrub: R35 at www.darlingjane.com

Come Christmas time, all my girls are getting a tub of this stuff in their stocking. At R35, it is a steal for a massive tub of sugary sweet lip scrub that will last weeks. I've tried a few other products like the coffee scrub and the peppermint scrub, and both are wonderful too. This is new local brand, so show them some love. I will definitely be buying again. (Product bought at discount offered by brand)

Rapid Lash Eyelash and Eyebrow Renewal Serum: R850 at www.rapidlash.co.za

I am probably the only person on earth who hadn't tried this stuff yet. A bunch of the girls have tried it with roaring success. Lash extensions being the tedious eyeball caterpillars that they are, I am finding I prefer this idea. My lashes are getting ticker by the week and once they've got where I want them to be, I'll be trying out the new Eyelash Lift at Wembley Square. Can't wait to show off the results. (Product c/o brand PR)

Maybelline Blushed Nudes eyeshadow palette: $9,99 at various USA drugstores. No word yet on when or if it will be available in SA.

This was on my American Beauty wishlist that I write about here  and I am a very happy little beauty girl that I managed to snap one up. The pigment is great and all of the colours are perfect for my green eyes and paler colouring. The palette consists of 12 shades, cleverly broken down into quads, trios and duos of shades that play well together and it very handy when putting together a look. While not a 100% dupe for the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, its pretty close at around a fifth of the price.
Holding thumbs and crossing the other fingers and toes that this comes to South Africa soon because I think you'll all love it. (Product bought myself)

Sorbet Salon Skin Daily Skin Polish Powder: R220 at Clicks & Sorbet Salons

I love this product very much. At a smidgeon of the price of the Dermalogica version, it suits my pocket. I've used it with plain water for an intense exfoliation, but prefer it with my cream face wash for something more gentle. (Product bought myself)

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash: R70 at Clicks and The Body Shop

I previously wrote about this products here and even though my skin is clearing up nicely, I am still using this daily to keep the nasties at bay. Love the tingle. I've also been mixing a bot of the Sorbet Skin Polish Powder with it and enjoying a creamy exfoliation once a week. (Product bought myself)