13 MARCH 2010
MAKE-UP
BLUSHERS
This blusher was easy to apply and perfectly complimented my skin tone, leaving my cheeks with a natural flush. I liked the fact that it was sheer and natural and had no shimmer. There are also a wide variety of colours to choose from. On the downside, the product is not that long-lasting, and I found quite a lot of blusher comes off on the brush, so quite a bit of product is wasted. Price: R120.
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MAKE-UP
BLUSHERS
The feather-light consistency of this powder blush makes for great buildable colour. It never looked heavy or streaky and gave my cheeks a soft, healthy glow. The colour lasted all day and there was no need for a touch-up. The brush was a little disappointing, and I used my own blusher brush to apply the product – to get effect. I also found the packaging very sophisticated and elegant. Price: R365.
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MAKE-UP
BLUSHERS
I’m a big fan of cream blusher, and this is a favourite. The formula is easy to apply and the colour totally natural. The great thing is that even if you apply too much product, you simply work it into cheeks until you have your desired colour. This product can also be used on lips, making it a great multi-tasking product. I did need to re-apply it twice during the day. Price: R275.
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MAKE-UP
BLUSHERS
I really like the fact that this blush is small and compact. It gave my cheeks a rosy, healthy flush that lasted hours. I have dry skin and find many powder blushes have a drying effect – not this one, though. It also didn’t cake, even after a second application later in the day.
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MAKE-UP
BLUSHERS
This cream blush formula glides on easily and blends evenly. I found it nourished my skin and gave my cheeks long-lasting colour. It has an exclusive Ceramide Triple Complex and Vitamins A, C and E to create the ideal colour while providing the skin with anti-aging benefits. Price: R175.
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SKIN
CARE
blackUp LipCare Kit (R155) has two formulas specially designed to keep lips soft. The gentle exfoliator is enriched with fossilised microscopic shellfish that delicately remove dead skin cells. The balm contains soothing, softening liquorice extract and beeswax to nourish and moisturise.
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BODY
CELLULITE CREAM
This cost-effective option smelt great and the gel texture was not at all sticky. The product contains the ingredient L-carnitine, which is thought to help reduce the appearance of cellulite in two weeks. Unfortunately, after two weeks I only saw a very slight reduction in cellulite, which could be attributed to the fact that I was massaging the offending area daily. I would recommend this for those with mild to moderate cellulite. Price: R100 for 200ml.
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BODY
CELLULITE CREAMS
This body-contouring product contains the Vichy patented Adrenalyse™ complex that helps stimulate the elimination of fatty deposits. Other than the offensive smell, this product did an excellent job of reducing my cellulite in just three weeks. You need to apply it twice a day for optimal results. I would recommend this product for those with moderate cellulite. Price: R269.
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BODY
CELLULITE CREAMS
This product is a favourite and because I rarely see any visible results with slimming / cellulite formulas, you can imagine my excitement when, after just one month, I noticed that my thighs looked a lot more smooth and dimple-free. This supplement can be mixed into any body cream (except another cellulite formula) so it’s easy to remember to apply it along with your daily body lotion. The two vials, each containing 25ml of product, lasted me six months (I only used it on the thigh area), as you only need 6-8 drops per area. Price: R540 for two vials.
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BODY
CELLULITE CREAMS
This formula has a really nice fragrance and good texture, although it takes about a minute to dry. It’s reasonably priced and goes a long way. I would say its best for those with minor cellulite. This product contains retinol, caffeine and seaweed, all effective cellulite busters. I saw a slight reduction in my cellulite after about a month. Price: R90.
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SKIN
CLEANSERS
This foaming gel effectively removed all traces of make-up, including waterproof mascara. It did leave my skin feeling slightly tight afterwards. The formula combines anti-oxidant green mint and protective Vitamin E, which helps remove the impurities that accumulate daily on the surface of the skin. It has a pleasant, fresh smell and I think it’s good value for money. Price: R65.
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SKIN
CLEANSERS
This super-gentle foaming cleanser effectively removed all my make-up, including waterproof mascara. It left my skin soft and silky and not at all dry. Best of all, it did not burn my super-sensitive eyes. It has a pleasurable texture and divine smell. This is undoubtedly one of the best foaming cleansers I have ever used. Price: R240.
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SKIN
CLEANSERS
I thoroughly enjoyed using this foaming mousse cleanser that is formulated to balance normal to combination skins. It also contains tulip tree extract that protects against pollution (a godsend if you live in a city like Johannesburg!) After using this, my skin felt purified but never dry. The smell is fantastic and the formula removed my make-up effectively. It did burn my eyes a little, so I would recommend avoiding the eye area when using this product. Price: R450.
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SKIN
CLEANSERS
This product is suitable for younger skins (13-19 years) that suffer from breakouts. The clever wash has a triple action: cleansing, exfoliating and providing skin with a treatment mask. The wash removes all make-up and impurities, while the scrub works to unclog pores, preventing outbreaks. Lastly, the mask absorbs excess oil thanks to the addition of clay and zinc, mattifying the skin without drying it out. Price: R73.
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SKIN
CLEANSERS
This is a great option for those with combination or oily skins. The gentle gel removes all impurities and make-up without leaving skin tight or dry. It also contains anti-inflammatory balm mint and lavender extract to soothe the skin, making it a good option for those with acne. My husband ran out of face wash recently and started using this (much to my irritation!) and has proclaimed he will never use another face wash after trying this. Price: R370 for 250ml.
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SKIN
COLOUR
Clarins Instant Gloss (R165) is a totally transparent gloss with sensitive pigments that react to the skin’s pH level. The minute it comes into contact with the lips, it changes into a subtle shade of pink, which instantly enhances the natural colour of your lips. The result is a colour unique to every wearer. Pomegranate extract leaves slips moisturised, smooth and volumised. This product is my new favourite gloss.
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SKIN
CREAM CLEANSERS
I really like Nivea products and feel they are great value for money. This cleanser and toner combination is great for normal and combination skins. The fragrance is fresh, but I felt it was a little overpowering. The cream is applied to the face (not the eye area) using cotton wool and is really gentle, yet thoroughly effective. It removed all my make-up and left my skin feeling soft and moisturised. Good value for money. Price: R64.99.
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SKIN
CREAM CLEANSERS
This is a great product for dry or sensitive skin as not only does it cleanses, but also soothes and calms the skin. It left my skin feeling smooth and silky and there was no heavy residue afterwards. It has a moisture-enriched cleansing system that nourishes skin and removes rough, dry skin. You massage the cleanser over the face and throat area every morning and evening (avoiding the eyes) and tissue or rinse off. My skin looked a lot more radiant after about a week of use. Price: R230.
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SKIN
CREAM CLEANSERS
The lovely packaging of this product caught my eye immediately and I couldn’t wait to try it out. It’s a little different from other cleansers I’ve tried in that you are supposed to massage the cream onto a dry face and wipe any excess product off with tissue. You don’t wash your face or tone after cleansing with this. The cream smells great, a bit like roses, and has a soft, melting texture. Best of all, it removed every single trace of make-up and left my dry skin feeling moisturised. This is a good option for women with dry skin. Price: R295.
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SKIN
CREAM CLEANSERS
This cleanser is for normal and combination skins and uses the refining properties of almond to rebalance the skin. It smelt terrific and I found it quickly dissolved all my make-up. It’s interesting to use in that you apply the cleanser (morning and evening – avoiding the eye area) onto dry skin, massage the formula in then emulsify it with water and remove. You also don’t need that much product as a little goes a long way. Price: R250.
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SKIN
CREAM CLEANSERS
I have combination to oily skin and rarely use a cream cleanser, preferring a foaming wash. This one is for all skin types. The first thing I took note of was the wonderful smell – fresh and clean with a hint of herbs. The texture is great and it effectively removed all my make-up. I also noticed my skin felt a lot softer after about three days of use. I would recommend this cleanser and can honestly say it’s one of the best I’ve used. Price: R230.
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SKIN
EYE CREAMS AND SERUMS
Given that the eye area is so delicate and thin, you should always protect it. The only problem is that many products containing an SPF irritate my eyes. Not so with this one! The texture is non-greasy and easily absorbed. It also smells vaguely of custard, which I found rather comforting. The ingredients work to stimulate microcirculation, which worked wonders on my puffy eyes. Although it’s rather pricey, I think it’s well worth the investment. Price: R808.
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SKIN
EYE CREAMS AND SERUMS
This eye-repair treatment system incorporates both a day and night treatment. The day treatment – an amazing cooling green gel – really did seem to tighten and lift the skin around my eyes. The night balm combats dark circles, firms and moisturises. This is one of the few eye treatments that actually made a difference with regards to dark circles and after just three days of use I noticed a big improvement. Although I don’t have many lines around my eyes, I noticed an improvement in the few that I can see. I would definitely buy this product again. Price: R395.
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SKIN
EYE CREAMS AND SERUMS
This lightweight, non-greasy eye serum is a great everyday product. I have sensitive eyes and found this to be non-irritating (a big plus!) After about a week of use, I noticed a huge improvement in the fine lines around my eyes. The only thing I was not mad about was the shimmer particles, which are supposed to cover dark circles, but I found that it actually emphasised them. On the whole, this is a great product and I would purchase it again. Price: R245.
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SKIN
EYE CREAMS AND SERUMS
This light, velvety cream was absorbed instantly and the skin around my eyes felt smoother and softer day after day. I did not find that my lines or puffiness were reduced in any way. Price: R170.
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SKIN
EYE CREAMS AND SERUMS
I loved this cooling, soothing gel that not only gave my eye area an immediate lift, but also improved the dark circles that I’ve grown so used to. In fact, after about three days of use a friend commented on how rested I looked! The roll-on applicator made for precise and easy application – a bonus! The best thing about this product is that you can actually see an immediate lift around the eye area after one application. This is the best eye product I’ve ever used. Price: R250.
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MAKE-UP
EYELINERS
I have super sensitive eyes and liked the fact that I had no reaction to this one whatsoever. It comes with a sharpener and blending tip. The tip is great for softening the line and creating a smoky eye. I also noticed that this pencil seems to stay sharp for a long time. It is easy to apply, soft, does not drag at all and was easy to remove with my regular eye make-up remover. Pricey, but worth it. Price: R215.
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MAKE-UP
EYELINERS
I’m a fan of Clarins products in general, but found this eyeliner disappointing. Even though it went on smoothly, it smudged easily because the formula is quite oily. Also, I found the pencil didn’t last that long. Most annoying of all was that it is not easy to sharpen, as the wood tends to split, making it difficult, once sharpened, not to get small splints of wood in the eye. I will not buy this again. Price: R170.
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MAKE-UP
EYELINERS
I really liked this super slim eyeliner that requires no sharpening. The slim packaging allows for precise application and took up hardly any space in my make-up bag. The pencil was soft and did not pull my skin at all. It is long-lasting and stayed on until the end of the day when I removed it with eye make-up remover. This is my new favourite product and I highly recommend it. Price: R140.
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MAKE-UP
EYELINERS
This pencil was soft, easy to smudge and draws a good solid line. It also has great staying power (up to eight hours) and is easy to remove (with an eye make-up remover). I liked the metal cap as I find the plastic versions tend to crack and break. I do wish it came with a sharpener, though. A good product that I will certainly buy again. Price: R215.
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MAKE-UP
EYELINERS
I always battle to draw the perfect line with liquid eyeliners, but not with this one! It has a superfine felt tip (almost like that of a khoki pen) that makes it really easy to perfect the line every time. It’s also very long-lasting (up to 15 hours), but you need to use a heavy-duty, oil-based eye make-up remover to take it off. A great product that I would highly recommend. Price: R275.
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MAKE-UP
FOUNDATION
This is a great option for those on a budget. The claim is that it gives you a 100% poreless look and I found it did minimise my pores, but not 100%. The coverage is very lightweight, but it did even my skin tone. You would, however, need to use a separate concealer to cover imperfections. My skin felt moisturised with this formula – never tight or uncomfortable. Price: R145.
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MAKE-UP
FOUNDATION
I’ve fallen head over heels in love with this foundation. At first I was shocked at the runny consistency, but it went on easily and smoothly, evening out my skin tone and leaving it with a dewy look. I find a little goes a long way and I like the fact that the coverage is sheer to medium. This is a good choice for women who like the “natural” look. I would not recommend it to those looking for a heavier, more made-up look. Price: R365.
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MAKE-UP
FOUNDATION
Even though this foundation looks quite thick when it comes out the tube, the coverage is sheer and totally natural. I would recommend that you apply this formula with a foundation brush as a little product goes a long way. The colour range is fantastic and I must admit I would buy this foundation again. Price: R345.
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MAKE-UP
FOUNDATION
This foundation has medium, buildable coverage and lasts all day. It evens out skin tone beautifully and the formula contains technology that literally “wicks” away sweat and excess oil, making it great for those with combination to oily skin. There is also a great range of shades to choose from. Price: R250.
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MAKE-UP
FOUNDATION
The price tag may be steep, but this groundbreaking formula has state-of-the-art technology to recreate the illusion of naturally beautiful and radiant bare skin. Because it contains 40% water, it’s great for those with a drier skin and immediately imparts hydration and a feeling of comfort to the skin. The coverage is light, but it did even out my complexion, making it look more radiant. There is also a good selection of colours for all skin tones. Price: R495.
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HAIR
HAIR TREATMENT MASKS