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Ooh la la!

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Leigh van den berg
Leigh van den berg
Hi girls

I've got some pretty exciting news for you!

Are any of you familiar with fab French beauty brand Bourjois? If so, you'll know they're one of the oldest French cosmetics companies in the world, best known for their cutesy rose-scented baked blush compacts. They're also always just one step ahead when it comes to colour trends and have some of the most gorgeous packaging around. (If you like Benefit, you'll love Bourjois...)

Got no clue as to what I'm rambling on about? Go take a peek at their UK website, www.bourjois.co.uk.

Now, how's this for les informations magnifique? The brand is set to crop up in selected Edgars and Red Square stores towards the end of October! And, despite being ridiculously chic, you can except cheerful, Revlon-ish price tags – think R99,95 for a lip gloss, R99,95 for blush and between R89,99 and R109,99 for a mascara. Weee! (Or shall I say, Oui!?)  

Another new brand hitting up the shelves next month is John Frieda Root Awakening, exclusive to Clicks. Now, if you've used John Frieda shampoos or conditioners in the past, you'll know they're really quite delish and that those big-ass 250ml bottles just seem to last forever. (I'm a big fan of their Straight Ahead line...)

Root Awakening, a new extension to the range, is specifically formulated with eucalyptus and vitamins derived from fruit and vegetables to help purify, stimulate and feed the roots of your hair. While fresh peppermint oil invigorates and stimulates your scalp (their peeps say you'll feel it tingling!), a natural exfoliant derived from willow tree bark assists in the removal of build-up left behind from other, heavier hair care products. The result? Well-nourished, happy, healthier-looking hair – from root to tip! As far as prices go, a Root Awakening shampoo or conditioner as well as the line's one treatment product, John Frieda Root Awakening Health Boosting Detangling Spray, all cost R94,99 each.

In other news, the team and I got to play with two new sweet-smelling body sprays this week – Shield 24-hr Anti-perspirant in Happy and Sexy, R18,99, each. According to the press release, Happy is made up of "delicate notes of spicy cognac, saffron and vanilla." However, after we tossed it around the office for a round of 'spritz n' sniff', we decided it had a more a "yummy black jelly bean" accord. As for Sexy, the "vanilla, rose and sparkling blackcurrant" scent, that was unanimously christened "musky candy floss". So, if you're into gourmand body sprays that offer 24-hour protection, Shield's certainly got a little something for you. (Just be warned, you might be tempted to lick your pits...)

Another product we put to the test was ghd Shining Serum for Dry, Frizzy Hair, R195. Ideal for thick, coarse hair, it claims to help seal split ends for a smoother, shinier-looking finish and contains a filter to protect against UVB rays. It's ideal to use a 'finisher' to help tame the odd patch of fly away frizz or add a touch of gloss after you've styled things up with your flat-iron.

Tamsin, our resident flat-iron freak, claims to have 'very dry, damaged hair' as a result of manic heat styling. She took the serum home, gave it a bash and found it helped make the most frazzled part of her hair – her fringe – feel "soft and light once more". Still, it's recommended that you use this product in moderation, just enough and your hair will shimmer and shine like the sun – too much and it could end up looking greasy and lank.

Another member of the 24.com team that got to rate n' review was our soon-to-be baby mama, Claudette. As it turns out, Mamma Mio, the mummy, omega-enriched skin care range now offer a selection of pampering spa treatments. Each treatment is geared towards expectant moms in that they're super safe for both you and baby. However, they're so indulgent that whether you're knocked up or not, everyone's eligible to indulge.

Claudette was lucky enough to experience a Mello Mama treatment, a relaxing full body massage using effective, yet safe, techniques to relax the lower back muscles that are carrying her little boo. According to her, it was one of the most relaxing experiences of her life. "I just closed my eyes and dreamed away," she said. "The techniques used made me feel like my body was so light. It was so relaxing I still feel like I'm floating."

Should you want a Mama Mio Spa day too or know someone who deserves a little pampering, simply locate your nearest spa offering the treatments by visiting www.maternalbliss.com or call 082 459 8536. Prices range from R220 to R500.

Til next time,
Love and Bourjois 3D Effet lip gloss in Beige Elastic (that's Jessica Simpson's fave – just so you know...),
Leigh
xx

P.S. Switching from wallet-crushing eau de parfum to inexpensive fragranced body sprays like Shield Sexy or Happy is just one way to stay gorgeous without breaking the bank.

If you've got any other recession-friendly beauty tips, please share them with us in the comments section below. Just dying to hear...  

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