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 | 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.

The 'Zit Kit' : How to clear up a breakout fast

Do you have a set of go-to products when your skin breaks out?
Today I want to share mine. It has taken me a long time to get my skin-clearing strategy right. So after some trial and error, internet research and advice from other bloggers, I've got my perfect "zit kit" (is that a thing? Should I trademark that term quickly?).

In the mornings, I wash my face with The Body Shop's  Tea Tree Cool and Creamy face wash. I love the tingle and feeling so squeaky clean afterwards. I use it with my Clarisonic (you ALL need one of these - now at Stuttafords) and it is gentle and moisturising but still helps treat the blemishes. Feeling so fresh makes for a great start to the day actually.
I follow with my regular moisturiser, and then I use my Smashbox Photo Finish Blemish Control Primer (available at Woolies). This stuff is fantastic for blurring imperfections while still treating the skin and keeping it hydrated - and most importantly, it is oil free hydration so it helps keeping you from looking like a grease ball by 11am.

Then I use an Almay foundation - yep, you didn't see that one coming, I know. It seems to be a brand that is often overlooked, but for this amazing product, they should be winning awards. The foundation in question is their Clear Complexion liquid makeup. After reading about it online, I eventually managed to find it in Foschini. It contains a little bit of salicylic acid which really helps treat the pimples you're covering, and the liquorice and aloe extracts soothe the skin. It gives medium coverage with a matte finish (which I prefer, especially during a breakout). It is around R200, depending on where you shop. I've started seeing it everywhere now. I am so beyond impressed with this product, that I am definitely going to give this amazing budget brand some more attention.

In the evenings, I remove my makeup and then use Dermalogica's Medibac clearing skin wash. It clears oil and bacteria like nothing else and is packed with the skin-clearing hero, salicylic acid. Other ingredients like menthol, camphor and eucalyptus cool inflammation and help prevent bacteria build-up.
My dermatologist said I don't need a night cream for my skin, so I just use an eye cream and a serum every other day - but not during a breakout obviously.

Now to burn the little buggers off my face (just kidding). I treat blemishes by dotting some Burt's Bees Herbal Blemish Stick on the affected areas and hop into bed. I used to have to hoard masses of these home in my suitcase each time we travel, but you can now get this brand in South Africa via Biovea.

I'd love to know if you have any hints, tips and tricks to handle a breakout. Who knew we'd still be fighting the battle of the blemish this late in life?

xx

Show me your Mani with Revlon

I haven't had a giveaway in a while, so what better way to kick off the upcoming season of giving than with a rather practical giveaway with one of my most adored beauty brands?

It is time for mani's and pedi's and getting the bod in ship-shape for summer, and Revlon have kindly provided me with just the kit to get your hands and feet looking pose-perfect.

The prize is a fantastic collection of their nail care products, including their Treat & Grow polish, a French Manicure kit, the miraculous 60 Seconds Quick Dry Spray, Anti-Aging hand cream, Acetone free Nail Enamel Remover, and much more. The prize is worth over R1000. So if this kit doesn't give you perfectly soft and manicured paws, then best you invest in some gloves or an electric sander.

To enter to win the whole lot, either Tweet me and Revlon (@prettymintblog & @RevlonSA), with a picture of your mani.

OR

Tag me and Revlon on Instagram (@prettymintblog & @RevlonSA) with a picture of your mani.

Easy as that. I'll pick my favourite and announce a winner on Friday afternoon.