Hey Stunners
I’m sure so many of us have gone through numerous products to try and find what works for us. Be it makeup, skincare, haircare etc. Unfortunately, during these times we don’t always come across products that are a hit. Every so now and then we come across a few misses.
Please note that we all have different skin/hair concerns and what works for me might not work for the next person. I’ve read some reviews where people rave about products that I found rather “Meh”!
Below I’ll list the good, the Bad and everything in between.

The Good

Lush – Mask Of Magnaminty

 

This was my very first Lush product and it was recommended by a friend who knows this brand very well. I’ve known about Lush for some time and what really got my attention about this brand is the fact that they create all their products by hand using only natural organic ingredients that they source from companies who don’t test on animals. All this makes one feel good about using products from a brand that goes the extra mile.
This product comes in two sizes. I picked up the smaller one which is 125g and costs R160, you can also buy a bigger one which is 315g for R245. All their pots are made from 100% recycled plastic and you can also take back 5 clean pots or tubes with the recycle logo on to receive one fresh mask for free!
The first thing you notice when you open this little pot is the freshness of the peppermint. Peppermint has many benefits for this skin including but not limited to

• Controlling acne – helps balance natural oils meaning fewer clogged up pores.
• Stimulating – promotes blood flow, therefore, helps liven up the feeling of your skin
• Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory – helps in reducing acne, blackheads, redness of the skin and the rashes on the skin

It also includes Bentonite Gel, Kaolin and African marigold oil.

• Bentonite gel is a type of clay derived from volcanic ash deposits. Lush uses this clay gel as a base for face masks. It’s supposed to give a wonderful slip and feel to the product, which makes it easy to apply. Bentonite gel absorbs grease and dirt from the skin, therefore, giving it a deep clean, while tightening at the same time and smoothing out fine lines.
• Kaolin clay has been traditionally used in caring, nourishing, and soothing different skin types and is one of the major active ingredient found in most skincare products. It is known for its absorbency properties, soaking up all excess oils and clearing clogged up pores.
• The African Marigold oil contains antifungal, antibacterial and antioxidant properties and is said to reduce skin blemishes and inflammations.

All the ingredients listed in this mask are great for acne-prone skin. I have mentioned before that I have an extremely oily t-zone and if not kept at bay then I do tend to break out. I used this mask twice a week and once applied you feel that cooling tingling feeling that comes with peppermint oil. I noticed straight after removing it that my skin looked and felt instantly refreshed. It tightened up my pores considerably and left my skin looking radiant.

Makeup setting/finishing sprays

Keeping my makeup tip-top throughout the day always felt like a mission because it meant checking if everything is still in place which takes time out of the day and if you don’t then you run the risk of looking like a melting mess.
Setting/Finishing sprays have become an important step in my makeup routine, just to seal the deal, lol, if you know what I mean? I honestly don’t know how I’ve gone all these years without it.

Beautyfix radiant makeup finish spray (R200-R250 for 100ml)

I won this baby in a competition and was so excited to try it out as I read so many great reviews. It’s locally produced, cruelty-free and contains all natural products. It consists of rosewater, cucumber extracts and aloe vera extracts which are all amazing ingredients that give that soothing refreshed and hydrating feeling. This finishing spray definitely blends the makeup while still giving it that natural glow.
 
 
 
 

Avon makeup setting spray ( R80-R100 for 125ml)\

I was an Avon Rep for almost six years, so I’m quite familiar with their products. I bought this baby when it launched just to try it out and to see if it really does what it claims. To be completely honest with you I didn’t think this product would be that great, especially if you consider the price in comparison to other setting sprays. But I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. This setting spray dries pretty fast, locking the makeup in place and you can actually feel it working while it dries. I notice a sleek appearance and a stunning dewy look without the oily look and feel. This product definitely gives the higher end brands a run for their money.

The Bad

I, unfortunately, have very sensitive eyes. I don’t know how many eyeliners and makeup removers I’ve gone through on my mission to find the perfect products that work for me.

Nivea Daily Essentials Extra Gentle eye makeup remover (R49.95 for 125ml)

I bought this makeup remover when I ran out of the Avon gentle cream eye remover (this was the only one I used back in the day). I grabbed it because it said it’s for sensitive eyes. But damn, was I disappointed. Not only did it sting my eyes but it was also a mission to remove my makeup, it was no better than tap water. I literally soaked the cotton pad but it just smudged my eye makeup.  This is, unfortunately, one product I won’t repurchase.
 
 
 
 

Essence long-lasting eye pencil (26.95)

I am heartbroken to write this type of review on this eye pencil. I used this eye pencil for months and loved how smooth, pigmented and long-lasting it was. Not only was the actual pencil great quality but you just couldn’t beat the price and this was more than enough reason to keep repurchasing it. While using it I had severe eye irritation. My eyes were red, dry and itchy. I didn’t for one second think that it could be the eye pencil and instead bought eyedrops to treats my eyes but nothing helped. I then saw the Dr and the first thing she asked me was whether I’ve been using the same eye pencil for the past few months and that’s when I realised that that could be the problem. I stopped using it the very next day and the relieve was incredible, I had no irritation at all. I could punch myself for not thinking that it could be the eye pencil because I suffered from eye irritation for months, but at the same time was so bummed because I really loved this eye pencil.

Everything in between 

Yves Rocher Cleansing Water (R100-R150 for 200ml)

Yves Rocher is a French brand that prides themselves on their natural beauty products. I bought this product because a lady on the beauty swap and sale was clearing some of her face products and I figured why not. This makeup remover has a gel-like consistency that is very gentle on the skin. It removes the makeup and leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed. It’s an OK product and nothing to write home about.
 
 
 
 

Dove Advanced Hair series – shampoo and conditioner (R64.95 for 250ml)

I don’t even know where to start when describing the current state of my hair. To keep it simple, my hair is fine, dry and breaks easily. It has been through hell and has been in such a bad state for a long time that I even decided to stay away from hair dryers and hair irons just to give it time to get to a healthier state (this is why my hair is mostly in a ponytail – don’t judge). I’ve tried so many different shampoos and conditioners, as well as treatments and some of these, seem to have worsened the situation rather than fixing it. Talk about money down the drain. 🙁
A few months ago, BeautyBulletin had a project running where they were looking for people to sent these products to, to test out and write a review on. I applied but wasn’t chosen and decided to purchase these to try them for myself. I had high hopes because I’m a huge fan of Dove products and so many ladies loved these and claimed that it changed their hair completely.
What this product claims to do:
“Oxygen & Moisture uses Oxyfusion Technology to breathe life into fine hair. This range made with lightweight oxygen-fused conditioning ingredients, moisturisers flat, limp hair while adding up to 95% more volume.”
I used this combination (shampoo and conditioner) for a few weeks and it definitely left my hair squeaky clean with a nice shine to it after each wash. I haven’t really seen a noticeable difference in my hair especially with the dryness and breakage but there definitely was some bounce to the hair.
These products were just OK for treating my hair! I think if my hair wasn’t in such a bad state that they would’ve worked perfectly fine.

Dove Instant Hydration nourishing lotion (R52.95 for 400ml)

This body lotion isn’t too thick nor too runny. It’s lightweight, applies quickly, smells divine and absorbs really fast. It’s great for those who don’t have dry skin and particularly great for summer days because it doesn’t leave a sticky feeling behind. I don’t have dry skin but my skin does need more moisture during the winter season. So this is my go to during summer but not so much during winter.
 
 
 
 
 
These are a few products I’ve been using and not all have worked as well as I had hoped it would. I’m sure some of you have had different experiences with the same products. If so, kindly share your thoughts. I would love to hear from you guys!
Toodles Stunners! Xx