The FaceShop - Arsainte EcoTherapy {review}

This is my second review of products from The Face Shop (you can read my review on the Chia Seed collection here) and the reason...I just love all of the products I've used so far from this brand of skin care  here in South Korea. 

With all my reviews I aim to be as honest as possible with the products I review. I have not been sponsored in anyway, and the views here are entirely my own.

Most skin care lines here in Korea consist of the following types of products:

Cleanser (cream/oil/foam)

Toner

Essence/Serum

Lotion/Emulsion

Cream

This may all seem a little excessive, but Koreans (and I think I can generalise to most Asian people) have the most incredible skin. All the ladies at my school look at least 10 years younger than their actual age. They must be doing something right, and I think their skincare (and the fact that they spend NO time in the sun baking like us Westerners do) has a lot to do with it.

-Cleanser is your first line of cleansing the skin to remove all traces of makeup and impurities

-Toner is to get rid of oil & dirt left after cleaning, to moisturise & to neutralise the ph balance of the skin

-Essence/Serum is a light, concentrated treatment to correct skin problems. It is easily absorbed and penetrates deep into your skin. Some beauty experts advise waiting 5-10 minutes AFTER applying your essence before you apply any other moisturizer. Essence or serums are essentially clear, thick, liquid moisturizing products. Some companies tend to label their products as serums, while others label them as essences. Serums tends be slightly more concentrated than essence.

-Emulsion is a much lighter, daytime moisturiser 

-Cream is a much more rich product, usually used if your skin is very dry or in need or more moisture

Arsainte Ecotherapy Multi-Care Cleansing Foam

I've only used this cleanser a few times as I am trying to finish up the vast array of other cleansers I seem to have amassed in my short time here in Korea (I just can't be helped when it comes to products!). But it seems to do a good job of cleaning my skin without stripping it and leaving it feeling dry and leathery. The product description says that it can be used as a mask too, when left on the skin for 5 minutes. I'm looking forward to trying that out in the next few weeks. I'll let you know how it goes on my Facebook Page. 

Arsainte Ecotheraphy Extreme Moisture Tonic with essential

"An essence toner that needs to be shaken before usage to mix the aroma essential oil and golden palm oil, uses bamboo extracts instead of water"

I love the fact that I have to shake this toner to combine all of the essential oils and bamboo extract before using it as I can actually see the different levels of moiuture that will be absorbed into my skin. The fragrance  is light, fresh and very exotic, leaving my skin feeling renewed and glowing after each application. 

Being an 'essence' toner it is a multi-beneficial product, combing essence and toner in one, allowing me to save a little time on my beauty regime (ok, not a lot of time but still, those few extra seconds do count!). It prepares my skin for my moisturiser and aids in retaining moisture.

I then follow with my Olay eye cream (which I have been using and loving for the past 2 years) and finally my Chia Seed Lotion. I had been using the Chia Seed Watery Lotion and although I liked using it, I have used this toner the last time I was in Korea and wanted to try it again. Both the Chia Seed and this Arsainte toner are wonderful products, but I do feel that the Arsainte is more moisturising as it contains essential oils, and so its perfect for me here in Korea as we are heading into winter when my skin is always more dry.

With winter approaching, I am on the lookout for a new moisturiser/serum. If you have any recommendations, please pop me a comment below, I'd love to hear from you.

x

The Face Shop ~ Chia Seed Collection {review}

As with every other thing I have bought here in South Korea, the skin care products are packaged beautifully. Even the biscuits are individually wrapped here (a nightmare for the rubbish dumps ~ although recycling here is top notch). I was really good about not packing too many products for our move here. I 'held' back and only brought the bare minimum (a post on the 'bare minimum' to follow soon) and so was eager to try a new skin care range once we settled in.

My absolute favorite brand of cosmetics/skin care here in Korea is The Faceshop. I buy all my nail polishes there, as well as my concealer. They are currently having a massive sale in all stores (here in Korea...sorry everyone else!). I picked up a toner, moisturizer and 'oil free' setting gel. Mmm, setting gel? I hadn't heard of that before either, but I will explain here.

Chia seeds are becoming one of the biggest so-called super foods on the market. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high in antioxidants, protein and fiber.I was unaware of these seeds seeing these products, and after all the research I've been doing, I'm on the hunt for them to ass to my cereal and smoothies in the morning.

Chai Seed Watery Toner 
"A moisturising toner for hydrating inside the skin with organically grown chai seed"
I just love that description, for inside the skin as opposed to outside the skin :) Anyway, I use this after cleansing my skin, and either apply it with cotton wool, or using my hands straight onto the skin. Its light, removes makeup and oil from my skin, and leaves a light, summery fragrance that I can't quite put my finger on. Either way, its lovely and refreshing.
The back of the box describes this product as "a natural moisture drop absorbing moisture 10 times its own weight" how cute :)

Chai Seed Watery Lotion 
A light, easily absorbed moisturizing lotion, perfect for hot summer days (and the 100% humidity here in Korea. Easy to  blend into the skin, my oily/combination skin, and interestingly enough, I have been told that oily/combination skin still needs constant hydration. This lotion is light, doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky afterwards, and does a good job with maintaining a mate appearance for the first few hours of the day. It has been doing a much better job of reducing shine, while still moisturizing my skin, than my IQ Clear Start Oil Free Clearing moisturizer which really battled in the Korean humidity. I was left looking like an oily mess by 10 o'clock. I don' think this lotion will be enough when winter comes around though, but by then I'm sure I'll be on the lookout for something new anyway.

Chai Seed Sebum Control Moisture Control 

"A moisture cream that replenishes skin with moisture while preventing excess sebum
Uses good seeds and good technology that make the extracts fresh and is also good for the environment
A clear, mild cream
Real oil-zero
Uses 100% chia seed extract instead of water"

Well that just sounds amazing right?! This clear gel is refreshing, and when worn alone leaves my skin shine free for just about the whole day. When worn with my foundation, my skin tends to shine up on my T-zone area. I usually carry my MAC Studio Fix powder to zap the shine in its tracks. But when worn without any foundation, my skin stays shine free all day...wonderful! Again, I love the product description on the packaging. Applying a gel is quite a different experince, and in the heat here, a very welcome one. My face feels refreshed, radiant and supple. And in true Korean style, you cant possible only 1 lotion type product. The trick (and they do have incredible skin and NEVER look their age) is to use all 8 steps in the range of products. I starting with 4.

Overall I have been thrilled with my purchases, all coming to W43 000 (R380) on sale at the FaceShop. 
I'm after the Essence & Eye cream next. Have you ever tried any Asian/Korean skin brands before?
{South Korea & Japan were the home to BB creams before the trend hit South African soil..these Koreans know their stuff when it comes to skincare and makeup!}

Cetaphil {face care review}

I recently had a short stint on a generic form of Ruaccutane for my problem skin. I had been on Ruaccutane when I was in High School and it had done wonders for my skin, but for who knows what reasons, my skin decided to act up again. I tried all sorts of lotions and potions, anti-biotics and finally had had enough, so I chatted to my Doctor about another course of these pills. I can't even begin to explain what a difference I've seen in my skin. It is crystal clear now, and I barely ever wear any foundation anymore.

But, although seeming to be a wonder product, there are lots of side effects to this drug, and anyone considering it should have a thorough chat to their doctor before making a decision. For me the worst side effect was dryness. My skin, nose, lips and hair became incredibly dry (this was great as my hair just never got greasy) but not so great as nothing I tried could take away the dryness. Finally, I thought I would give Cetaphil a try. I had always heard dermatologists recommended Cetaphil to their patients  before or after any treatments, but the packaging always looked so unappealing. And considering that I am a self confessed package junkie (often buying products just because they look pretty on the shelf...how silly I know!) I was reluctant at first.

But, these plain little bottles and tubes were a life saver. They were the only products that calmed my skin, restored moisture, and left my face feeling supple, fresh, and clean all day. The UVA/UVB defense is excellent for sun protection, and although it does leave the skin a little greasy, wrinkles aren't a good look either, and you can feel the protection on your skin from the get go. All products in the range are fragrance free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making them perfect for any number of sensitive skins.

I found these to be much cheaper at Dischem than Clicks, with savings of more than R50 per product at the time of purchase. The Cleansing Lotion 125ml was around the R65 (if i can remember correctly) and the Moisturizing Cream & UVA/UVB Defense were both around the R80 mark. All in all these products were fantastic for my very dry skin, and I would definitely recommend them.

Simple *Face Wash* {review}

Wandering the aisles of Clicks I found myself doing a double take when I came across the Simple range of products. The Simple range of skin care products have been voted the number 1 skincare range in the UK. All their products are free from dye, artificial pefume & harsh irritants and are perfect for even the most sensitive of skin.

I was very keen to try the Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash, since it is 100% soap free, contains pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and bisabolol. The texture is creamy and goes on smoothly, I'm not too crackers about the smell (it sort of doesn't really smell like anything, and compared to the delicious scent of StayClear (click here) it sort of doesn't really smell like anything...but I guess thats the whole idea behind it having no artificial perfumes!

It does the job well enough, doesn't leave my skin too dry after use, and definitely feels 'kind', but I won't be making this purchase again. The prices are very reasonable though, and if you are on the look our for a product that you can actually decipher the ingredient list on the back then give this one a try :)

Find it at your nearest Clicks & Dischem for +-R47

Winter Beauty Fav's

I nearly thought I was too late to post this, with Pietermaritzburg hitting the 30 degree mark...but then this happened and I realised we still have at least a few weeks of winter to go!

A few of my favourite beauty goodies for winter:

1. Epi-Max All Purpose Moisturiser {Clicks & Dischem +-R40}

As I have quite sensitive skin, I have to be really careful what I use on my body. This has been a very hard thing for me to accept as I love products (one glance at my bathroom cabinet and you will have mistaken it for a shelf at Dischem!) but alas, too many petrochemicals and added scents leaves me looking like I have escaped from a leoprasy village...not a good look for me. So I stick to the bare minimum, and have found this body moisturiser to be nourishing and creamy on my skin. I wouldn't use it in Summer though, with the heat it would leave your skin feeling clammy and heavy. But for winter its perfect!

2. L'oreal Mythic Oil {Selected Hair Salons +-R180}

I actually got this full sized product in one of my Ruby Boxes at the end of last year. I hadn't used it very much, and got such a nice surprise when I tried it again a few weeks ago. My hair has been feeling a little neglected this winter, with my ends looking a bit frazzled. A few pumps of this hair oil, a little massaging tlc and my hair is left feeling shiny, soft and smelling amazing!

3. Clarins Pure & Radiant Mask {Dischem & selected salons +-R320}

A little while ago I really treated myself to a Clarins Facial At Hotel Izulu in Ballito, and while there I decided to be a devil and purchase the mask used. It's one of nicest face masks I have ever used, leaving my skin feeling soft and refreshed. It claims to leave the skin looking radiant and refined, I haven't really noticed that much radiance going on, but I love the texture and the softness of my skin afterwards. But it is rather pricey , and as much as I love it, when it's finished I'm not sure I will top up my stash.

4. Essence Studio Nails Cuticle Cream {Clicks & Dischem +-R29}

A while ago I wrote a post on Essence make up, which at that time was only available at selected Clicks stores, but since then is now available and in a much wider range at most Dischems. Essence has found a rather large spot in my makeup bag, with all their products being such good value for money, and being really good quality too! This cuticle cream is no excpetion. Cuticle oil and creams are an inexpensive way of nourish your nails, and in turn helping you grow strong, healthy nails. My nails always take a bit of a beating in winter, and this cuticle cream not only smells fantastic but leaves my nails looking well cared for.

5. Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum {Body Shop +R120}

Now that this serum is nearly finished...sniff sniff.. I most certainly need to re-stock. This serum is absolutely perfect for any skin looking for a bit of moisture surge. I use it under my daily moisturiser. It makes the perfect make-up base, and doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky or looking shiny. I wound't use this if you have very oily skin though, and I wont be using it in Summer, and the humidity would probably lead to shiny looking skin, but for now it's perfect for those days when your day cream is just not cutting it.

6. ESSE Deep Moisturiser {Selected Stockist Full Size R290}

**full review of this magical product to follow soon!** In the mean time, just know that I have been searching high and low for a product that I can actually read the back label and not feel like I have been thrown head first into a science experiement. All ESSE products are 100% organic, produced right here in Kwazulu Natal. I got this sample when I went for the most incredible ESSE Facial at Spruce Salon in Morningside Durban and have just purchased the full size product and I am loving it!

7. Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream {Clicks R170} 

*full review click here* 8 months down the line and I am still using this wonder product. It is probably the only product I have bought 3 times in a row! It also lasts for ages, and leaves a very slight shimmer effect, which is just so pretty. 

8. Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment {Dischem +-R50}

I have been using DCT ever since I first went onto Roaccutane for my skin 8 years ago. It's a staple in my handbag, make up bag, pencil case and pocket! Cocoa Butter, Aloe and Vitamins A & E all help to maintain healthy, moist, kissable lips. DCT leaves my lips with a very soft sheen, meaning I don't have to wear any lipgloss over. With my long nails it's a little but of a pain to get out the tub, but whats left over after using on my lips I use on my cuticles! Miracle product for sure!  

Do you have any beauty favourites for winter??

{Win} with Spruce Salon

A little time ago I reviewed a lovely salon in Morningside Durban, which offers a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of our always busy lives. Katy, owner and therapist of Spruce is offering my readers the chance to win a luxury hydrating Esse Facial. Katy uses an array of techniques to create a very relaxing and pampering treatment.  Esse products are 100% organic, using wild sourced African plants that offer excellent free-radical protection. In addition the unique natural preservative system ensures the products are biodegradable and free of parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrance and synthetic colourants.

To Win:

To stand a chance of winning, simply leave a comment below this post, do make sure that you are a follower of CityGirlSearching (click here). 

For an extra entry, 'like' Spruce Salon on Facebook, or tweet about this competition *make sure to tag me (@RoxyPearce) in it your tweet so I know that you have done so*. Winners will have 3 months to claim their voucher.

Good luck!

Competion closes Sunday 29th July

Address: 15 Hazel Road, Morningside, Durban

Phone: 031 - 316 5020

E-mail: katy@sprucebeauty.co.za

StayClear Purifying Cleanser {Review}

I came across this delightful cleanser while in Clicks the other day.  I hadn't really paid much attention to the Good Things brand as it is tucked away in the 'teenage' aisle of the store. But in my hurry from Joburg a few weekends back I left my face wash (along with all my other products) in the shower. So i was looking for something reasonable to tide me over until I get my products back from Joburg. Well, I'm so glad that I did leave them there, because this cleanser was such a gem of a find! It removes all traces of makeup from my skin without over drying, is free from parabens, sodium laureth sulphate and mineral oils, {& it is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans} and the gel like texture ensures that a little really does go a long way!

The best part, has most definitely got to be, the smell. Its delightfully fruity and leaves me feeling fresh and clean all day! It sounds a bit strange, but for the whole morning I could smell {what must be the *mango & blueberry*} the extracts that are in this cleanser! 

The only *slight* let down in this product is the prettyness of it, but all things considered, for only R54 at Clicks, you can overlook the packing in my mind.

I most definitely give this cleanser a 5/5!

Click here to join Good Things on Facebook...

Natur Vital *Rose Water Toner*

Scouting around Dischem in search of skin care products is never an easy task. I get distracted by all the packaging, the promises of "clearer looking skin in just 10 days" etc etc etc. Farmboy calls Dischem the 'trap door of all trap doors" which lures unsuspecting girl friends, fiance's and wives, only to spit them out hours later, penny less, but armed with every kind of eyeliner, lipgloss and conditioner under the sun. Sounds like my kinda place :)

Well, it was on one of those missions, to find the perfect toner, that my eyes happened to look upon the 'no name brand' aisles when I spotted this Rose Water Toner. For only R20 I thought I couldn't really go wrong, and, well I sure didn't. 

NaturVital is a range of "products that provide natural solutions to all your beauty, hygiene and personal care needs. We have a very clear work ethic and the products we prepare for you are always of the highest quality, made using natural extracts, oils and plant essences, in exactly the right balance and proportions to provide the maximum effect in a natural, non-aggressive way"...sounds a little airy fairy to me. But I did need a new toner while I wait for my cleanser and day cream to finish, and for R20 you can't really go wrong. I would liken this toner to Vichy's Thermale 3 in 1 Cleansing Solution (click here) but without the R198 price tag.

To be honest, I think I can officially say this has got to be one of the gentlest, effective cleansers I have ever used. It's kind to my skin, whilst still removing all traces of makeup and dirt, leaving my skin feeling soft and clean. It's all use before bed, with a dab of night cream. It has a rather pleasant smell and of course, I just love the colour :). There are lots of known benefits to using rose water (click here) and up until now I didn't really see what all the fuss is about But after using this toner for a little over a month I can really see a difference in my skin's moisture levels (it's no longer dry in patches) and it feels soft as a baby's bum. I can't say for sure whether it's helped my recent outbreak of dreaded pimples, as I am on a course of Antibiotics which has worked wonders, but never the less I love this product!

If your looking for something that's easy on your pocket, looks very pretty and works pretty darn well as a cleanser, toner and make up remover, head on over to Dischem pronto!

IQ *Clear Start* Starter and Travel Kit

My skin has really been giving me uphill for the past few months (since going off the Pill) and I have tried all sorts of lotions and potions but to no avail. While browsing through one of my favourite stores yesterday (Dischem of course!) I spied the IQ Clear Start Travel Kit. I have often seen this range of skin care products but to be honest I have always been a little wary of pricey 'South African' brands. For some reason it seems justified that an international brand like Vichy, Clarins or Roc charge R190 for a cleanser but I am hesitant of spending that same amount on South African products. This handy kit only set me back R69.99 and comes with all 4 products in the Clear Start range to try out.

I have been using these products for 2 days now and I can't quite believe my eyes. I have noticed an improvement already, especially with my main skin concern of congestion. Don't just take my word for it though, give it a go yourself...you can't go wrong for R69 :) 

Eucerin *DermatoCLEAN* {Review}

I have been wanting to try Eucerine's new line for some time. There was a time when I thought of Eucerin as only making body lotions for dry/eczema prone skin but it seems they have taken the leap along with other brands to expand their product range. I had been using Vichy's Purette Thermal Cleaning Solution and was on the lookout for something similar when it finished and I didn't have R198 to spend on a toner. I must say that I have been very impressed with this one. It cleanses all traces of makeup and dirt without drying out my skin while still leaving it feeling soft and clean. The whole idea behind the Dermato-Clean range is that they are mild and suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types. It also claims to have Nature-identical actives Gluco-Glycerol and Hyaluronic Acid, which are known for their ability to effectively maintain the ideal moisture levels in the skin...I'm not going to argue with those long words!

The only thing I'm not so keen on is the fragrance (or rather the lack of). But all I can say is that fragrances are smells put into products to make them more appealing, and anything that has less chemicals can only be better for your right? :)

At R110 it's cheaper than Vichy's Cleansing Water, and effectively does the same thing. I would definitely purchase it again.

Just a little note on my product reviews...all of the makeup and other products have been bought with my own (mostly *hard earned*) money, and I have not been approached to review them by companies. However, if, by some miraculous chance I am asked to review a product (*hint hint*) I will always let you know so that you get a 100% honest review out of me :)

Olay *Day UV Fluid* {Review}

As you can see from the amount of reviews (or rather the lack of reviews compared to the fullness of my toiletry cupboard!) I do, I tend to hop, skip and jump through products like other ladies do with clothing. But for the last few months I have at least been trying to finish *most* of the product before I get distracted by the packaging and promises of unicorn skin on the label. The latest line I have been delving into is Olay. I have been loving the Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream for the past few weeks, and thought it time I introduce the Day UV Fluid (-+ R170).

My skin has been a bit under the weather for the past few months (having recently come off the Pill) and so I have been looking for a day cream that doesn't make me look like an oil slick by midday. This 'fluid' is light and almost fluffy, with a very pleasant yet subtle fragrance leaving my skin feeling refreshed and moisturised. I am supposed to be using it under my Vichy Capital Soleil Protective Fluid Sun Cream but I have yet to try it for fear of looking white washed. Even though this 'cream' has an SPF of 15 in it, it is advised to STILL wear a sun cream especially if you live in a sunny climate such as ours here in South Africa. What I also love about the bottle is that is just goes on and on, a little really does go a long way.

Olay *Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream* {Review}

This is what is promised on the box:

Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles, rough texture, uneven skin tone, dullness, prominent pores, age spots, and dryness) by:

• Minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Reducing the appearance of dark circles

• Fighting dullness and replacing it with a healthy-looking radiance

• Reducing the appearance of puffiness

• Moisturizing to nourish dry skin and to help firm and lift its appearance

• Smoothing skin’s texture with gentle exfoliation

• Balancing colour and tone

I have really enjoyed using this eye cream over Nivea's Aqua Sensation Anti-Shadow Eye Cream and Clinique's All About Eyes. The delicate skin around my eyes is always left feeling soft and supply, and I love the slight radiance enhancing shimmer that leaves my eyes looking brighter. I have only been using it for 2 weeks now, and although I haven't noticed anything dramatic, I think it's because im focusing on the saying "prevention is better than cure". At R170 a pop it's cheaper than the Clinique, but in this day and age, R170 is still R170. 

Would I buy it again? For sure. And I use such a little every time that my pot is going to last me ages.

Get yours at your local Clicks and Dischem for +-R170