Dove Deep Repair Treatment Mask {review}

Winter always leaves me feeling like I've been left out in a desert for days, and it's not just my skin that takes a beating. My hair feels (and looks!) dry and ill cared for, and I'm often to be found patrolling the aisles of Dischem looking for the latest hair care offering.  I picked up this little beauty in Pick n Pay (I know, most people would never admit that publicly!) and thought I'd share my thoughts...

I have really been loving this treatment hair mask from Dove's Nourishing Oil Care range of hair products. Not only does it smell heavenly, but it leaves my tresses silky soft, and without the tell tale oiliness of most hair masks. 

The packing looks great, but is a bit of a pain to travel with, as it doesn't really 'fit' well with the other goodies in my toiletry bag. Nonetheless, a small price to pay really for such a great product.  Once applied, the creamy textures glided on smoothly and easily right through to the ends of my hair. My hair is really long, and tends to get very knotty at the ends. Once applied, my hair felt velvety soft, and my comb slid right through without a pull or a tug in sight.

After a quick rinse, my hair was left feeling clean and fresh (I am currently using L'oreal Elvive Re-Nutrition Shampoo) and silky soft. The fragrance is light and lasts even after blow drying. I use it 3 times a week, in place of my regular L'oreal Elvive Re-Nutrition conditioner. All in all, I am very happy with this new addition to my beauty regime. Get your hands it at most Clicks/Dischems/Checkers/Pick n Pay's from -+R53.

African Organics {Hair Care}

A little while ago, a friend of mine was aksing me what shampoo I used (as she said my hair looked, "healthy & bouncy"). I listed the usual suspects, and she then went on to ask me if I had ever looked at the ingredients list of a shampoo bottle. When I got home, i went straight to the bathroom to have a look. Now, I had read somewhere online that shampoo has many of the same ingredients found in regular household cleaners, and I was schocked to see it for myself! Well, all those nasty things don't seem to be doing my hair too much damage, but you just never know, and the same friend recommended that  I try African Organics, a locally produced hair care range available at Dischem.

Their packaging isn't as flashy as most of the products on the market, but the fact that it is produced right here in KZN definitely made me eager to give it a bash. And for only R39.99 a pop, you can't really go wrong.

The 2-1 Shampoo contains Aloe Ferox {fondly called the 'miracle plant' for its numerous health benefits}.

 The Conditioner for normal hair contains Marula oil {well known as an excellent tissue oil, but it also helps to reduce dryness and breakages in hair. It is sourced from the fallen fruit of the Marula tree.Much beloved by fun-seeking elephants}.

The blurb from the African Organics website:

"African Organics is a holistic hair and body care range designed to bring Africa's most powerful plant ingredients to you, while at the same time contributing to the well-being of Africa's rural communities and its natural heritage.

Our products are good for you and good for the planet. All our products are rapidly biodegradable; by using them you will be contributing to the health of Africa's water courses. We are also endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty.

Our products are 100% African and draw every possible benefit from their source plants, while causing no harm to either man or nature. Using African Organics, you will experience the effectiveness of natural ingredients without added preservatives, and the awareness that what heals you can also help heal Africa".

So far I have loved both of these hair products, and I look forward to trying out more from the range!

Some pretties from Mr Price

Pocahontas necklace - R39.99

Delicate chain - R39.99

Holmes Brothers Delight...

Farmboy surprised me with this pretty hoodie a few weeks back, but it's been toooo hot here in Pietermaritzburg to take her out the cupboard. But with the weird weather thats been happening over the last few days, I thought it time to show her off.

I love the slightly edgy pattern, but being a CityGirl, it still incorporates my love the colour pink, but in a very different way :)

Farmboy found my prezzie at the awesome Pure in Maritzburg. She is part of the South African brand, Holmes Brothers, which was started by two brothers from the sunny shores of Durban, Kwazulu Natal. They had originally been  designing surfboards and then made the *obvious* leap into fashion. Click here to find out more about them and where you can get your paws on some of their other nice things,

 Now bring on those clouds and wind, I will be warm and toasty!

November *Ruby Box*

My second RubyBox arrived in the post a little while ago...it's so exciting getting something by mail, never mind the fact that this particular package was a box crammed full of beauty goodies *she says as she does throws an air punch and does a little jiggle*. Here is what November had in store for me:

L'Occitane Dry Skin Hand Cream & a selection of Guerlain Perfumes (Aqua Allegoria Flora Nymphea, Shalimar Parfum Initial, Idylle).

The hand cream is incredible, left my hands feeling super soft and lush...I just wasn't crackers about the smell.

When I first tried these fragrances I was put off by hints of  'granny' I could smell, but after a while, I can honestly say that i like them all!

Elizabeth Arden Intervene Radiance Boosting Moisture Cream & Carita Pearl of Youth for Lips

I havent tried the Intervene yet, but will be doing so soon. The lip essence, although a little gritty, left my lips feeling smooth and I love the slight shimmer in it.

Would I buy any of these products myself?? I thing if I had a spare R400 lying around I would *definitely* invest in some L'Occitane hand cream!

To get a RubyBox delivered to your door every month, just pop along to their website where you set yourself up with a profile. Then it's R100 a month (they also have a few other specials if you sign up for 6/12 month subscriptions) and there you go :) 

Eyebrow **Threading**

According to the Brow Bar in Clear Water Mall (Joburg) threading is an "ideal brow shaping technique from Asia...no heat, no chemicals, no redness, no pain". I'm not sure about the 'no redness, no pain' part as I my eyebrows were pretty red straight after, and it was a little sore (this could have been due to the thick bush of eye brows I had hiding under my fringe). The 'procedure' was not unbearable though,  and I definitely think waxing hurts more. But the results really do speak for themselves. 

*now that I look at these pic's a bit closer, my brows don't seem to look so overgrown, but trust me when I say that it was nearly time to for some heavy duty hair removal*

For R70 a very friendly lady preens your brows to your face shape...giving a lovely even finish :) I was in and out of there in 7 minutes flat!

The Brow Bar is situated at Clear Water Mall, Entrance 3.

*Movember* is nearly upon us

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces around the world. The aim of which is to raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men.

On Movember 1st, guys register at Movember.com with a clean-shaven face and then for the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.

Mo Bros effectively become walking, talking billboards for the 30 days of November and through their actions and words raise awareness by prompting private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health. 

At the end of the month, Mo Bros and Mo Sistas celebrate their gallantry and valor by either throwing their own Movember party or attending one of the infamous Gala Partés held around the world by Movember, for Movember. 

Movember - a global movement

Since its humble beginnings in Melbourne Australia, Movember has grown to become a truly global movement inspiring more than 1.1 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas to participate, with formal campaigns in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, Finland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and the Czech Republic. In addition, Movember is aware of Mo Bros and Mo Sistas supporting the campaign and men’s health cause right across the globe, from Russia to Dubai, Hong Kong to Antarctica, Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, and everywhere in between.

No matter the country or city, Movember will continue to work to change established habits and attitudes men have about their health, to educate men about the health risks they face, getting them to act on that knowledge thereby increasing the chances of early detection, diagnosis and effective treatment.

Click here to register your boyfriend/brother/friends cat and to find out more info about this worthy cause.

Here's Farmboy's entry picture from last year, it was part of the Lomography websites fundraising campagin, and was chosen to be sold in an auction to raise money for mens health...I took the pic while on holiday in Cambodia

If you would like to get involved, you can do so with (or without) donning some unruly facial hair. Just click here to vote/rate/donate/encourage Farmboy as he tackles the task of "letting it all grow out and be nasty"

Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby!

  In case you haven't realised so far, I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with all things makeup and beauty. With this in mind, I was super duper sad to come across the UK based company, GlossyBox. I say sad, because I found out they don't deliver to South Africa. I *WAS* sad until I found out we have our very own box of delights recently launched right here on SA soil...ladies, it is with the utmost pleasure that I introduce to you...RubyBox:

My October RubyBox contained the following:

Lancôme Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector 

A rubybox exclusive – after twelve years in development this serum combines breakthrough technology to visibly transform the appearance of wrinkles, enlarged pores and uneven skin tone – and you’re trying it first in South Africa. For best results, apply twice daily after cleansing and before moisturising.

L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil 

Another rubybox exclusive – hair oils are making waves so add lustre to yours with this nourishing blend of avocado oil and grape seed oil. Apply to damp hair before blow drying for added shine or afterwards for frizz-free polish. Fine hair? Rub one pump in your hands and over your lengths and ends. Thick or coarse hair? Use two pumps instead.

Decléor Hydra Floral Moisturising Mask 

Give your skin a hydrating boost with this fragrant cream mask. Suitable for all skin types, it’s packed with comforting neroli oil and leaves skin soothed, quenched and protected against environmental pollutants. Apply a thick layer to your cleansed face and neck once (or twice a week if your skin is dry). Leave for five to 10 minutes and tissue off.

 black│Up Matifying Base

The ultimate shine-buster; this 2-in-1 primer instantly soaks up excess oil and reduces the signs of visible pores. Plus it makes an excellent makeup base as it preps skin for makeup application and ensures it stays put until you decide to take it off. Apply the silky, non-oily gel after moisturising and before your chosen foundation or wear it alone to combat that mid-morning sheen.

For a monthly fee of R100, the postman delivers a box of goodies (valued at between R300 and R400) right to your door. A post to follow soon on the how/when/who of the whole process.

MAC Fix+

I've had this 'fix' spray for a while (ok, a little more than a while, like maybe a few years of a while) and have only recently hauled it out of my cupboard for a closer look. I bought it when I had my makeup done at a MAC counter, along with all the other bits and pieces that those very sneaky makeup artists get you to purchase only after you get your makeup done. And well, I sort of had no idea what it was for. The lady who helped me told me it was a "refreshing facial mist"....um?? Ok, so now after using it over my makeup I've found it actually does prolongs the life of my face paint (face paint being Farmboy's own term for the numerous products I 'slap' on).

When it comes to prolonging the wear of your makeup, there are a lot of factors to consider; the humidity, the type of face cream you use, whether or not you've used a primer, loose powder to set the foundation...the list goes on. So here's the truth. When using this spray over my makeup (without using a primer) it does make it last longer than without using the spray. How much longer, well that would be a guess on my part. Anyway, I love the smell and the feel of the mist on my skin and would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for something a little different in terms of makeup. I give this a 4/5.
Find it at your nearest MAC counter for +-R190.

Body Shop *Beauty Haul*

I first came across the term Beauty "Haul" on ViviannaDoesMakeup. Vivianne is a gorgeous, UK based beauty junkie who does super informative videos and photo posts on all things makeup. The term isn't new, I see it all over the place on international blogs, but I have yet to spy it on the South African field...

Here is my latest haul:

My skin has been especially dry, with winter drawing to a close, and I was on the hunt for a new night cream. The Vitamin E range of products is mild and gentle, whilst still doing what it says on the tub. The face wash gets rid of all traces of makeup and impurities, without drying out my skin, leaving it feeling soft and clean. The night cream does leave my skin feeling a little oily when I wake up. Before using it, my skin was incredibly dry, so a little bit of extra oil has been good for. 

For as long as I can remember, the skin on my nose has always been dry and flaky, no matter what I do. I've tried exfoliating, masks, suncream (as my mom insists it's because I keep getting sunburnt), moisturisers, you name it I've bought it. But the one thing I hadn't tried, was a serum. After cleansing and toning, you massage the serum into your skin, before applying your moisturiser...and voila! My nose has been flake free since I started using this moisture serum. And the best part, it doesn't make my skin oily at all! 

If your skin is on the oily side, this range of products wouldn't be very suitable. I would recommend this range for normal to dry skins, and those in need of a bit of a moisture surge.

Night Cream R110

Moisture Serum R120

Facial Wash R70

Total R230

The Body Shop is having a super awesome sale at the moment, 2 for 3 on selected products. I picked these up for R230...not bad if I do say so myself :)

Batiste Dry Shampoo...

A little while ago I did a post on TRESemme's Dry Shampoo which was at the top of my list with regards to fab new products, untill I gave Batiste a try. It's even *better!*. Yes, effectively it does the same thing, BUT it also smells good enough to eat and comes in a mini size too! So now ladies you have no excuse for greasy hair. All you have to do is give your roots a good spray, and then make sure you comb/brush your hair thoroughly as the spray leaves a white powder residue (thats whats soaking up that grease!). And voila! Picture perfect hair in seconds. I definitely give this a 5/5!!  Find Batiste at Clicks and Dischem for R35.99 for the mini bottle.

Soap&Glory and BarryM **GiveAway!**

I am aiming at *hopefully* having 100 followers on this blog in the next few weeks...I am currently at 74. Pretty please can you help me get there :) 

I have some lovely things to giveaway to celebrate the occasion! Well, 2 lovely sets of lovely things to giveaway to be exact...These goodies are extra special as we you can't get your hands on these wonderful brands here in South Africa. Unless you have a magic carpet to take you to England, in which case, can I come with?? 

The first will go to a random lucky someone...all you have to do is comment on this post so I know who's who in the zoo (please also tell me what you'd like to see more of on my blog) 'follow' this blog and 'like' my page on facebook, easy right?

And the second prezzie will go to my 100th** follower!

**the only condition...winners have to reside in South Africa as shipping laws make it very difficult for me to send liquids overseas...so only South Africans will be eligible for this giveaway, but please don't let that stop you from checking out my blog! Lots more giveaways to be done in the future with non-liquidy prizes...yay!

Lucky Draw Winners will be announced on the 30th September 7th October *more time to enter ladies!!*. 

Good luck xx

Shoes, glorious shoes!

A few weeks ago my mom got married :) yay! What a special day it was! Anyway, with a lovely dress and everything else to match, the last thing I had to find was a pair of shoes. These babies were just too darn pretty to keep locked up in my cupboard, so I thought I'd honour them with their very own blog post...

They did set me back a small fortune, but were worth every cent. Thanks Aldo for having such fabulous shoes!

**Soap & Glory**

"Soap & Glory has been supporting the Clean of England since 2006, when our founder – suds-loving serial entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore – challenged herself to introduce fun, fearless, and fantastically formulated, bath, beauty, and body products to the Brits (now gradually going global)"

Soap & Glory have sky rocketed to the top of my favorite beauty products ever since I first caught sight of their packaging and had my first experience of their magnificent HandFood hand cream. My hands felt silky smooth and smelt incredible the whole day long. Unfortunately, these little babies are only available in the UK and US (*sniff sniff*) but hopefully I can convince them to start selling on SA soil :) The best thing about these products? They actually do what they saw on the label. And what fun labels they have! I'm getting carried away, click here to check out their website, and here to join them on facebook!

In the mean time, check out some of the other goodies in the range...

L-R: Daily Shine Conditioner, HandFood hand cream, Daily Super Shampoo, Fab Pore face scrub, Hair Supply hair mask, Solar Powder bronzer, Daily Smooth body butter

and look at these mini's...

L-R: Clean on Me body wash, Hand Food hand cream, Glad Hair Day Shampoo, Glad Hair Day Conditioner

They have loads and loads of other products in the range. I love them so much and want you to love them too, I might need to do a little giveaway sometime soon!!