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Beauty booty: Schwarzkopf Gliss Shea Cashmere shampoo and conditioner for dry or lifeless hair, R49,95 each Reviewer: Leigh van den Berg, Beauty Editor, Women24
I often buy Schwarzkopf's Total Repair shampoo and conditioner for dry, damaged hair (the one that comes in the cream and orange packaging). Ninety-percent of my hair is in good nick, but I have a baby-fine hairs around my crown that tend to take a beating from regular highlighting sessions and they benefit from this line's nice amount of protein. This is why I was keen to try their Shea Cashmere offering – it contains very similar ingredients, but includes a touch of Shea butter for shine. Having used it, I can tell you it left my hair well-conditioned, soft and, yes, shiny. I still had to use a little extra spray-on conditioner to get a comb through the crown, but this is something I'm used to. (The in-shower conditioners that eliminate this problem end up weighing down the rest of my hair, so this is how I roll…) Results-wise, I found it to be no different to the Total Repair range, which, like I said, is something I like, so I would recommend this whole heartedly with two thumbs up.
Beauty booty: Beckham Intimately Yours Women, R330 for 30mlReviewer: Tammy February, Book Club and Community Editor, Women24
Much as I always adored Victoria Beckham's sense of fashion, I was rather expecting her latest perfume's scent to be reminiscent of the aloof exterior she often seems to project when in the public limelight. I couldn't have been more wrong. This is a surprisingly warm, floral and exotically oriental fragrance which is sweet, (but without being cloying) and incredibly luscious. It contains a delicate blend of bergamot, freesia and pear that form the top notes. These quickly give way to a sunburst of exotic florals that include White Casablanca lilies, African orange blossom and frangipani; the combination swirling together to make for a heady, but warmly scented experience on your skin. Finally, as if that combination weren't delicious enough already, the base notes of sandalwood, iris and vetiver arrive, giving the perfume an added sensuality that will have anyone wearing it sighing with delight. I'm definitely glad I have this gorgeous, clean-cut bottle on my beauty shelf. It's great for nights out on the town, although you do have to top up every few hours or so.
Beauty booty: Clarins Vital Light Day Illuminating anti-aging comfort cream R850 and Clarins Vital Light Night Revitalising anti-aging comfort cream, R890 Reviewer: Ursula February, 56, teacher
As someone with a very dry skin, I've always battled to find a face cream that could keep my skin feeling revitalised, rejuvenated and moisturised for an entire day. Promising to deliver in terms of skin firming and restoring luminosity in order to produce youthful-looking skin, I found these thick, rich, anti-ageing creams very cool and soothing on my skin. The day cream kept my face hydrated for the whole day. (I've used other creams in the past where I've had to reapply them throught the day). My skin felt luminous, refreshed and soft to the touch. I also used the night cream and liked waking to skin that felt as soft as silk and as smooth as a baby's bottom. After two and a half months of use, my daughter noticed that my overall complexion is now a little lighter. I would definitely recommend both to anyone with very dry or very sensitive skin. Both creams were gentle on my hyper-sensitive skin type, leaving me with no irritable rashes or allergic reactions.
Beauty booty: Nailene So Natural glue on nail kit, R119Reviewer: Lauren McComb, Content Producer, Food24
These are easy-on-the-eye and easy-to-use, making them the ideal solution for women who want to have that perfectly polished and professional looking set of nails. Being someone who works on computers all day long, I was initially worried that they would break off, but I was pleasantly surprised at how stead fast and manageable they are. They claim to have three times longer wear, three times more comfort and to look three times more natural. I can vouch that they delivered on all three promises, making me feel feminine from the tips of my fingers. This is definitely a product that I will use again.
Beauty booty: Divaderme LASHExtender, R400 Reviewer: Catherine Shone, Editor, Food24
These are 'lashes in a bottle' – hundreds of tiny natural lash fibres enriched with panthenol and vitamin E that you're to brush on between coats of your favourite mascara. It really does what it says on the box and gives you curvy "party" eyelashes. I would not use it for everyday I think because it really does make them stand out, but I suppose some people would like that. These fibres really do bulk up your lashes, elongating them and adding lots of volume. You need to read the instructions as at first it is a little confusing. How it works is that you need to apply normal mascara first. While that is still wet, you brush on the fibres using the spiral applicator brush. Another coat of mascara seals the fibres to your lashes for the rest of the day. The product really does work and the difference it makes to your eyelashes is huge. I also liked that the fibres stayed put the whole day and didn't fall into my eyes or irritate them at all.
For more information on Divaderme products or to shop online visit www.divaderme.co.za. To locate your nearest stockist, call 082 938 9429.
Beauty booty: Rimmel London Vinyl lipgloss, R69,95 Reviewer: Kele Scheppers, Entertainment & Fashion Editor, Women24
I'm addicted to shiny lips and Rimmel promises "more pout, more shine, and more kiss" with this gloss. I haven't had a kiss in a while, so can't tell you about that. But the shine is definitely there. The colours didn't pop much on my darker skin tone but our intern Carmen was happy to discover that the bright pink shade, "No Regrets", added subtle shading. Each lippie also has a different scent and they do smell attractive, ranging from sweet to chocolately. I also like that the packaging is eye-catching yet understated, with a definite glam factor. Application-wise, you'll probably need two or three flicks of the wand to get the full effect. It's very smooth (no hint of grain here), and leaves your lips feeling moisturised. As I have a hefty pout already, I asked Tammy (our book ed) to give me her take on this promise, and… well… her lips didn't seem more sculpted. I also wish that is lasted longer than an hour or so. If you're a Rimmel fan, and you're looking for lip gloss to suit a natural "summer's day" type of look, this is it.
Beauty booty: Dermaphuzion Serum lip moisturiser, R125 Reviewer: Carmen Williams, Intern, Women24
This definitely delivers on its promises. The website says: "Say goodbye to dry, cracked lips!" and I definitely have! A handy little lip wand that fits into the smallest of bags, it hydrates, moisturizes and helps gives your lips a a lovely glow. You can also use it above and around your lips if they're excessively dry or you have a few pesky wrinkles. It contains no petroleum jelly or mineral oils, so it's safe to use, even on sensitive skin. It also has a great smell and a little goes a long way. I would recommend it to anyone!
For more information on Dermaphuzion products, visit www.prophuzion.com. To locate your nearest stockist, call (011) 314 4337.
Beauty booty: The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver, R145 Reviewer: Lili Radloff, Deputy Editor, Women24
This serum is enriched with Amazonion camu camu berry, one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C. I can best describe it as a more reasonably priced version of Estee Lauder's Idealist. It smells fresh and citrusy and you only need the tiniest pearl to cover your entire face. It provides the perfect quick fix in that it helps illuminate your skin as soon as you apply it and instantly transforms it into something velvety and poreless. (Mind you, only temporarily, though) This makes it perfect primer for foundation, but I must say I liked to use it as is. Beware, you won't be able to stop touching your face. It makes it that smooth!
Tried any new beauty goodies that you love or hate? Share your opinion in the box below.
