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Summer Lovin'

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Hi girls!

This month I got to attend a Smashbox make-up 'masterclass' with Daniel Chavez, head make-up artist for the brand. Aside from an interesting make-up demo, the delightful Daniel gave me a preview of super-exciting new product  Smashbox High Definition Dual Finish Micro Powder SPF 15. Essentially, it's a nifty little brush affixed to a tube that feeds it two different powders; one that's translucent and matte to help absorb excess oil and another that's a little more luminous.

Daniel's top application tips are to set the dial to 'Matte' to touch up oil-prone areas like your forehead. Then, if you're wanting to amp up your glow-factor, simply switch to 'Luminous' and aim for your cheekbones. The really fab bit, however, is the 'Mix' setting – this combines both powders to create a line-blurring blend that can be used wherever you feel you need it most!    

This gorgeous little lust-have hits selected Woolworths stores within the next month and a price is yet to be set. Still, he said you can expect to pay around the R300 region. 

Anyhoo, speaking of lust-haves... Those of you familiar with Thalgo will know it's a deliciously luxe marine-inspired brand only available in selected spas. Terre & Mer by Thalgo, however, is their first completely organic facial skincare range. In fact, the line's so 'green' even its packaging is 100-percent recyclable. (Think biodegradable boxes made from sustainably managed forests printed with plant-based inks!)

During the launch, I got to play with the products while witnessing an über-indulgent Terre & Mer facial that begins with a relaxing back massage. Of all the eight products, I was most impressed with the yummy-smelling Terre & Mer by Thalgo Soothing Concentrate, R546. (Its ingredients include sweet almond oil, hazelnut and orange blossom extract! You don't know whether to smooth it into your skin or drizzle it over a waffle...)

If you'd like to find your nearest spa offering Terre & Mer by Thalgo facials, call Thalgo head offices on (011) 880 4929. Prices of the treatment will vary from spa to spa, but you can expect to pay between R615 and R740. 

Now let's talk new, exciting product!

Within the next few days, The Body Shop will launch a gorgeous, new, island-inspired range called Polynesian Spa! (It includes a bath milk, shower gel, self-heating scrub, body balm and oil. Prices range from R90 to R195).

I got to try the Lotus and Frangipani Body Puree, R160, and found it utterly delicious. I loved how it melted into my skin on contact and, aside from smelling like frangipani (which instantly zaps you into 'summer mode'); it also contains a touch of Community Trade honey and coconut oil. 

Then there's the new Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Collection. OMG girls, have you SEEN this range? Their bronzing powders go on golden (never muddy), the self-tanners don't streak or reek and everything (including the sunscreen) has been kissed with the most yummalicious, tropical "I'll take that Pina Colada by the pool, please" kinda scent. 

Just the other day, my sister walked in and spotted the goods lying on my bed. Being a fragrance slut, she made an immediate dash for Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche EDT, (R685 for 100ml). Within seconds of being engulfed in top notes that include bergamot, Tiare petals, coconut and magnolia; she got this crazed look in her eye and the next thing you know, she was attempting to shove it into her handbag, shrieking, "If you love me, you'll let me take this! Nobody will have to know..."

For the record, I love her very much, but it did get prised away so as to make it into the beauty cupboard...

Last, but certainly not least, you should know about the new Clarins Multi-active range. All the old day creams have been replaced with four improved versions of the Clarins Multi-active Day Early Wrinkle Correcting formula – a cream that's suitable for all skin types; an 'SPF 15 lotion', a 'cream gel for normal to combination skin' and a 'cream for dry skin'. All four cost R575 and contain the key ingredients Ambiaty extract (a natural collagen-booster) and Multi-Lamellins – teeny little vessels that release Hesperidin, a super-antioxidant, to your skin all day long. (Clever Clarins...)

Then there's the skin-brightening, silky-textured Clarins Multi-active Skin Renewal Serum, R655. It can be worn both day and night underneath any cream and contains wrinkle-busting Phytosphingosine (try saying that three times real fast!). It also makes use of Nopal flower and Papain extracts, fab natural exfoliants to help ensure you skin feels just as soft when you wash the serum off.    

Anyway, that's all the beauty scoop I have for now, but I'll be back with another nummy serving in two weeks!

Til then,

Love, love

Leigh

X x

So tell us girls, are you more likely to buy a product because it’s organic or do reckon beauty houses are just jumping on the little green bandwagon to make more, well, green... Leave your thoughts in the comments section below. 


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