Trend Alert: Zipper Everything

Posted on Apr 25, 2013 | 0 comments

These looks combine a few of the key trends for Autumn/Winter: Zipper leggings, leather, studs, burgundy and breaking the neutral black with one/two colour pops.

She Means Business by rockreborn featuring biking jackets

Leggings #2 by angkclaxton featuring a long sleeved t shirt

Sheinside 2 by christinavakidou featuring black pull on boots

BEBE LEGGINGS~#2 by happygirljlc featuring rhinestone jewelry

Instant Eye Lift Tutorial

Posted on Apr 24, 2013 | 0 comments

Whoa. Try this, it absolutely works. Your eyes look more awake, instantly. For more info click here.

Facial Magic – The Experience from cynthia rowland on Vimeo.

Embellishing of clothing and shoes first made a come back in 2009, then again in 2012 and it seems like the trend is just growing in popularity. Studs and spikes were seen all over Europe on everything from bags to jacket lapels to Converse All Star Sneakers (anoter fashion staple that just won’t die.) You can do it yourself by buying a stud gun at a crafts store or super glue spikes onto old pairs of sneakers, the tips of your boots or the backs of your shoes.

Erborian BB Cream Review

Posted on Apr 4, 2013 | 0 comments

BB Creams have been around since 2011 inspired by the Asian market who have been swearing by this Beauty Balm for ages. The first one I tried was Garnier’s and although it does what it says on the bottle (i.e. Moisturizes, primes, conceals, protects etc etc) it can be a little greasy if you wear an anti-ageing moisturizer. It is however one of the best BB creams I’ve tried (and I’ve tried a few). In my quest to find the perfect BB cream, I’ve been going through various brands and will post a review of each separately. Today, I’ll focus on Erborian, which is a Korean slash French brand. I purchased it in Sephora but I’m told its available in select South African stores.

Erborian Au Ginseng is supposed to give you a “baby skin effect”. Verbatim:

“a totally new generation of skincare formula to create “perfect skin”, naturally. Transparent foundation + skincare + “peachskin” effect, GINSENG BB CRÈME 3-in-1 unifies your skin tone, energizes and brings moisture, for a perfect “baby skin” all day long.”

I mean seriously, who wouldn’t want all of that youthful yumness, so I tried it. The product comes in a white tube and about two gentle squeezes is enough to cover your face. It has a pleasing slightly soapy yet spicy smell. The color I chose was Golden which is slightly darker than the Medium shade of Garnier. The application is definitely not as silky as Garnier and it takes a lot more rubbing in to blend into the skin. It is however not as greasy and would probably work better with a moisturizer underneath.

The pros

> Very good coverage

> Covers pigmentation
> Makes pores smaller
> Gives skin a glow even with a soft matte finish
> Not greasy at all
> Skin feels velvety smooth and soft

Once it dries, the effect is a mixture of moisturizer, foundation and powder on your face. The product is very much in place and doesn’t slide off your face. Although it’s a decent product, I think I’d only wear this for a night time function as the coverage is on the heavier side from what I’m used to. In a nutshell, Erborian BB Cream is something I’d buy again.

Fire & Ice Facial Peel Review

Posted on Mar 26, 2013 | 0 comments

Two weeks ago I went for the apparently celebrity (Halle and Demi are fans) favoured ‘iS Fire and Ice’ facial (and a full body massage) at the Melrose Spa located in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The spa’s official description of the facial is as follows:

iS Fire and Ice (Peel and Go)
A highly effective resurfacing treatment that works on an intra-cellular level. Designed for those seeking maximum results in a short amount of time, with no down time. 25min – R550

The actual description is:

The Fire and Ice Facial is also known as the Innovative facial and Red Carpet Facial. This intensive facial bridges the gap between mild spa facials and chemical peels, providing immediate results without down-time. It is no surprise this clinical facial has become popular among Hollywood A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Halley Berry.

Awakening your senses, this phenomenal treatment incorparates both active and soothing formulas, which display aromas of warm cinnamon and spice as well as cool peppermint. The centerpiece of this remarkable treatment system is a combination of two therapeutic masques. The Resurfacing and Rejuvenating masques are followed by a unique combinations of serums and cremes.

FIRE
The rich warming Intensive Resurfacing Masque is designed to rapidly and safely exfoliate the skin, thereby reducing fine lines, smoothing, softening, promoting circulation and encouraging skin cell turnover. This professional treatment mask contains several powerful ingredients including: Glycolic Acid (15.5%), Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Retinol, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and potent antioxidants including Green Tea Extracts. This resurfacing treatment works to combat acne and aging skin, as it provides gentle exfoliation when you can’t afford the time of a chemical peel.

ICE
The briskly cooling Rejuvenating Masque is a soothing, hydrating treatment formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Green Tea Extracts, Licorice, Grape Seed Extract and Rosemary Extract. This is an excellent treatment for compromised skin.

And that is exactly what I got, the first bit felt hot and slightly tingly, not painful at all. The second bit was cool and refreshing. The consultant was very friendly and explained each step of the process. After a thorough cleanse of my face, she applied the hot part of the treatment which is effectively a mild peel. After five minutes, she applied a neutralizing cream and cleansed again. This was followed by an extraction of whiteheads, blackheads and other pimples (painful) before a final toner and moisturizer was applied.

The treatment takes about thirty minutes though their website and brochures state twenty five. Afterwards, my skin was brighter, baby soft and smooth. Pigmentation on my cheek was diminished and lines were less prominent around my mouth. There were some darker spots on my skin that were still there, but were considerably lighter.

The treatment is a bit pricy, but for marks, fine wrinkles and weather roughened skin, it is highly recommended at least once a month. An SPF and avoiding the sun is a must after this treatment to avoid flaking of the skin. Avoiding the sun in general is a must to slow down the aging process.

Overall I was very happy with the results and would do it again.

Wedge Sneakers: It’s a thing

Posted on Mar 26, 2013 | 2 comments

I spotted these a few months ago while scouring the web, but alas, it was too warm in South Africa to consider it a must-have. With the chill upon us (at least in Jozi) finally it’s the right time. Although black and gold is the perfect combo combining two major trend alerts for winter, they look amazing in many other colours. I spotted a woman wearing a white and gold pair in Galleries Lafayette (in Paris nogal) and it looked fabulous. It’s definitely on my list. Soon.