Category: PRODUCT REVIEWS

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Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment Review

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment

I need no persuasion to try out Elizabeth Arden products, as I’ve always found them to be reliable, packed with ingredients that actually work and value for money. I’m also a sucker for anti-ageing treatments. After all, I am heading for 50 in a few months. So it was a no-brainer when the PR kindly sent me Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment to review.

Prevage is the American beauty brand’s more upmarket anti-ageing range. A skin peel is a great way to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover, but can cause irritations. Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment takes the skin peel to a new level of efficiency with a four-week programme of increasingly stronger formulas. There’s a week’s supply of product in each of the four ampules that come in a slick-looking box. The brand promises that you will see results with every week of usage.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment

So what’s in these ampules? Each contains a dose of powerful skin-resurfacing ingredients. These include: polyhydroxy and alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate the skin; phosphate salts to help maintain low skin pH; and the antioxidant Idebenone, which protects against ageing environmental aggressors.

As instructed, I’ve been using this product every night after cleansing and am impressed with the results so far. I’m currently on my last ampule. The tone of my skin has improved significantly and there’s a freshness to it. I don’t like finicky regimes and at first, I thought would find the mixing process a hassle, but no such worries.

This treatment is certainly on the pricey side. But for the expense, you’re getting a highly effective anti-ageing treatment that delivers on its promises. Compared to some other premium anti-ageing ranges, it’s competitively priced.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment, R2 100 for 4 x 10ml ampules. For more information, read here. 

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Sothys Reviews: Purifying Foaming Gel, Multi Action Eye Contour, Unifying Youth Serum

I was introduced to Sothys at the beginning of this year when I was asked to be a judge for a South African women’s magazine’s beauty awards. One of the products I got to assess was Sothys No2ctuelle Detox Resurfacing Night Cream. The PR for this highly regarded French spa brand saw my recommendation of the product and sent me some other products to try.

First, though, a bit of background on the company. Founded in 1946 in Paris by medical biologist Dr Hotz, Sothys started out as a beauty institute. When it was acquired by the Mas family in 1966, distribution of its products and services expanded to upmarket beauty salons and spas around the world. The Sothys range now includes face, body, sun-care, prestige and make-up products. There’s also a male Sothys range, which is not available in South Africa.

Regular readers of my blog will know that I am not fussy about such gender things. The main thing is that a product works for my skin concerns. I tried the following Sothys products for six weeks and these are my impressions:

SOTHYS PURIFYING FOAMING GEL

Skin maintenance all starts with a good cleanse and Sothys Purifying Foaming Gel did just that. Suitable for all skin types, it contains purifying and refreshing iris extract and soothing meadowsweet extract. My skin felt and looked gently cleansed after using this product. R490 for 125ml.

SOTHYS MULTI-ACTION EYE CONTOUR

As the area around the eyes is more delicate than the rest of the face, it’s often the first to show the signs of ageing. So I’ve always paid special attention to it. Wrinkles and dark circles are my thing, so any product that tackles these issues gets my vote. I applied this product for all skin types to the eye contour area morning and night, and enjoyed its absorbability. More importantly, I noticed how its high protection eye complex kept the ageing around my eyes in check. R895 for 15ml.

SOTHYS UNIFYING YOUTH SERUM

Serums are one of the most effective anti-ageing weapons around, as they are packed with higher concentrations of active ingredients. Best applied in small doses, morning and night, Sothys Unifying Youth Serum contains resveratrol molecules (a vine root derivative to reduce the appearance of dark spots) and vectorised peptide, marine exopolysaccharides and a pore refiner system to improve dermal functioning. It had a visible impact on my wrinkles and the overall condition of my skin, plus it was easily absorbed and didn’t create a greasy effect. R1 345 for 30ml.

VERDICT

As you can tell, I got great results from these products. What’s more, I used them at a time when things were very stressful at work, which always shows on my skin. So I am doubly impressed.

For more info on Sothys, read here.

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Grooming Reviews: Cetaphil Sun High Protection Spray SPF30, Super Dry Sport Revive Men’s Body Spray, BioNike Defence Man Global Anti-Ageing Serum, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, American Crew All-In-One Face Balm Serum Broad Spectrum SPF15

Cetaphil Sun SPF30 High Protection Spray

It always takes me time to put together a grooming post, as I give myself at least a month to determine whether a product is any good or not. These are some of the products I have been using.

CETAPHIL SUN SPF30 HIGH PROTECTION SPRAY

Whether it’s summer or winter, the sun is always harsh here in Johannesburg, so I always do my best to apply sun protection daily. The problem with sun protection products is that they are often greasy and can cause breakouts. I’m happy to report that Cetaphil Sun High Protection Spray SPF30 is not one of those products. It offers protection against UVA and AVB rays in a format that’s easy to apply and easily absorbed. It’s also water and sweat resistant, and suitable for sensitive skin. Need even higher sun protection? Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Very High Protection Lotion is well worth checking out, too. R265 for 150ml.

Cetaphil Sun SPF30 High Protection Spray

SUPER DRY SPORT REVIVE MEN’S BODY SPRAY

I haven’t worn a body spray for decades (we’re talking since my 20s), so I was keen to try this one for the hell of it. If I’m honest, the eye-catching lumo packaging had a lot to do with it. And the scent? A youthful freshie that features notes of cardamom and lemon. It’s not bad at all, but I’m way too old to wear it with any conviction. I would recommend this for a young 20-something doing the pre- or post-gym thing. R69.99 for 200ml.

Super Dry Sport Revive Men's Body Spray

AMERICAN CREW 24-HOUR DEODORANT BODY WASH

There are three things I look for when considering a body wash. 1) Do I feel clean after using it? 2) Does it lather up easily? 3) Does it smell good? American Crew 24-Hour Deodorant Body Wash delivers on all three of these basics with its fresh formula, although it is a little on the pricey side. I wear a fragrance throughout the day, so I can’t really vouch for its 24-hour claims. R375 for R450ml.

American Crew 24-Hour Deodorant Body Wash

BIONIKE DEFENCE MAN GLOBAL ANTI-AGEING SERUM

As the big 5-0 approaches (please tell my skin, age is nothing but a number), I am always on the lookout for effective anti-ageing serums that won’t give me more wrinkles due to their high price. BioNike Defence Man Global Anti-Ageing Serum is just that product. It combats the signs of ageing on the face and in the eye area (so no need for a separate eye product) through a variety of active ingredients. These include skin-firming baobab extract (very useful in the fight against wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles in the eye area) and hyaluronic acid, which boosts much-needed moisture. R195 for 50ml.

BioNike Defence Man Global Anti-Ageing Serum

CETAPHIL GENTLE SKIN CLEANSER

I’ve seen Cetaphil products on the shelves of my local chemist for years, but it’s only recently that I’ve started using this brand’s products. I now understand why Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has a bit of a cult following. Suitable for all skin types, it cleans the face (and the body) without stripping it. Plus it’s a gentle cleanser too. If excess sebum is your skin issue, I would recommend Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser. R123 for 125ml, R205 for 250ml and R267 for R400ml.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

AMERICAN CREW ALL-IN-ONE FACE BALM SERUM BROAD SPECTRUM SPF15

Double-duty products always get my interest. After all, why use two products when one will do. This one soothes the skin after shaving and acts as an anti-ageing moisturiser (two biggies for me). The SPF is an added bonus, although I would need stronger protection. It’s a very efficient product. R415 for 170ml.

American Crew All-In-One Face Balm SPF15

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Grooming Goodies: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50, Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum, Mincer Pharma VitaC Infusion Hand Cream, Dentyl Dual Action, Below The Belt Instant Clean Balls, Redken Brews Shave Cream

Grooming Goodies - Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

There’s a reason why I haven’t posted that much about grooming goodies over the last few months. Partly, because I’ve been a slacker, but mostly because I was giving myself the time to properly use the following selection of grooming goodies. I’ve also included one product in this grooming goodies line-up for a laugh, but more about that further on in this post.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 

I was first exposed to this product last year when I went to my local Dermalogica store for one of their express facials. It’s packed with anti-ageing active ingredients to hydrate ageing skin. These range from a polypeptide, glucosamine and soy combo to stimulate collagen synthesis to skin-firming tripeptides, yeast extract and phytoestrogens. In addition, this star product provides UVA and UVB rays protection with an SPF50. As with all the Dermalogica products I’ve used in the past, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 delivers on its promises. It also earns extra points for its absorbability and for being artificial fragrance- and colourant-free. R1 199 for 150ml.

Grooming Goodies - Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum 

A mouthful of a product name that perfectly describes my main skin concern. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is renowned as a highly effective anti-ageing ingredient due to its all-important collagen-building properties. Retinol can have a drying effect on the skin, so the inclusion of ceramide, with its moisture-boosting benefits, makes this product a powerful tool to combat wrinkles and lines, and boost skin texture and tone. I’ve already started seeing results. But what about the capsule format? Well, retinol is a highly unstable ingredient and exposure to sunlight and air can affect its performance. The mono-dose capsule counters these effects and means that you don’t use too much or too little of this highly recommended product among my grooming goodies. R565 for 30 capsules and R965 for 60 capsules.

Grooming Goodies - Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum

Mincer Pharma VitaC Infusion Moisturizing Hand Cream

I recently reviewed two products from this Polish brand: Mincer Neo Hyaluron Strongly Firming Day Cream SPF10 and Mincer Neo Hyaluron Intensive Reconstructing Night Cream. I was impressed with them, so I decided to give this moisturising product a go, even though I don’t normally bother with hand creams. Too greasy. Too sticky. I just haven’t felt the need to use them. I’m glad I approached this product that “protects against harmful urban environments and damage caused by detergents” with an open mind, as the condition of my hands has improved since I started using it. That would come down to the active ingredients: sea buckthorn oil, camu-camu extract and shea butter. I also like the light citrus scent of this product. R85 for 100ml.

Grooming Goodies - Mincer Pharma VitaC Infusion Moisturizing Hand Cream

Dentyl Dual Action Alcohol-Free Mouth Wash

I have dental issues, so any product that claims to gently, but effectively improve oral well-being should be given a chance to prove itself. Dentyl Dual Action uses a dual-action process to fight plaque (the aqua-based phase one removes bacteria and plaque) and freshen breath (this phase contains natural essential oils for oral moisturising). The good news is that this product is alcohol-free, so goodbye to stinging and drying out of the mouth. It also contains fluoride. I’ve been using it for over a month as part of my daily oral-hygiene routine and am hoping my oral hygienist will notice the difference when I next see her. It’s available in the following flavours: Fresh Clove; Smooth Mint; Icy Cherry and Icy Mint. R82,95 for 500ml.

Grooming Goodies - Dentyl Dual Action Alcohol-Free Mouth Wash

Below The Belt GROOMING Instant Clean Balls

Well, here’s a product I never knew I needed! But for a laugh, I decided to see what it’s about. The market is awash with female hygiene products and this product is classified as a male hygiene product for when a man’s balls need a bit of freshening up. It’s recommended for use on the groin area when a shower isn’t available to combat chafing and perspiration. I used it on those days when I was having a pyjamas-and-no-need-to-bath kind of day. Mostly, I felt a warm, tingling experience when using it, but couldn’t really detect much of a difference. Perhaps I need to use it when I am next camping at a three-day music event and bathing facilities are negligible. R149.99 for 75ml.

Grooming Goodies - Below The Belt Grooming Instant Clean Balls

FILE UNDER GROOMING GOODIES I NEVER KNEW I NEEDED…

Redken Brews Shave Cream

The American brand launched its Redken Brews range for men fairly recently. It includes a full range of hairstyling, grooming, beard and face products. As I have been balding for a long time, I decided to focus on this shaving cream. As you know, I’m always on the lookout for shaving products that make this ritual that much easier. I’m enjoying using Redken Brews Shave Cream because it’s sensitive skin-friendly and it moisturises my skin while I use it. My only gripe is the price, but then it is imported from the USA. R580 for 150ml.

Grooming Goodies - Redken Brews Shave Cream

 

 

 

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Mincer Pharma Reviews: Neo Hyaluron Strongly Firming Day Cream SPF10 and Neo Hyaluron Intensive Reconstructing Night Cream

Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron

I’d never heard of Mincer Pharma until recently when I started spotting it on Instagram. I’m vain enough to take care of my skin as I approach 50, so I was keen to try this Polish pharmacy skincare brand.

“I’m vain enough to take care of my skin as I approach 50, so I was keen to try this Polish pharmacy skincare brand.”

Mincer Pharma has an impressive selection of product ranges. These include Oxygen Detox, Vitamins Philosophy, Vita C Infusion, Antiallergenic, Antitiredness, Daily Care, Hyaluron, Folic Acid and Argan Life.

Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron

I was sent two products from the Neo Hyaluron line for dehydrated, mature skin: Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Strongly Firming Day Cream SPF10 and Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Intensive Reconstructing Night Cream. Both are packed with anti-ageing hyaluronic acid goodies.

Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Strongly Firming Day Cream SPF10

WHY HYALURONIC ACID IS SO IMPORTANT

The Mincer Pharma website gives a good explanation why this active ingredient is so important in the fight against ageing:

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in all living organisms. In humans it is responsible, among others, for proper hydration and firming the skin. Spectacular effects of hyaluronic acid result from the fact that it has very strong properties of bonding collagen fibres and of binding water molecules, thus enhancing firmness and nourishment of the skin. Hyaluronic acid is not only acting deep in the skin, but it also forms a protective coating that prevents loss of moisture. Unfortunately, with age it decreases in our tissues. 

Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Intensive Reconstructing Night Cream

Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Strongly Firming Day Cream SPF10 and Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Intensive Reconstructing Night Cream contain a quartet of hyaluronic acid active ingredients for deep hydration and rejuvenation: cross-linked hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid microspheres, pillar hyaluronic acid and molecular hyaluronic acid.

Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Intensive Reconstructing Night Cream

I have used these products for more than a month and have already starting seeing results. My skin looks fresher and firmer, definitely more hydrated and (I like to think) the wrinkles are looking a tad less noticeable. These results are all the more impressive when I consider that we’ve been having a relentless heatwave here in Johannesburg for quite some time.

Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Strongly Firming Day Cream SPF10, R260 for 50ml, and Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Intensive Reconstructing Night Cream, R260 for 50ml.

Mincer Pharma Neo Hyaluron Strongly Firming Day Cream SPF10 2

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3 Best Face Masks For Men: L’Oréal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask, Freeman Pore Clearing Peel-Off Mask With Volcanic Ash For Men, Mineraline Purify Dead Sea Mud Peel-Off Mask

Face Masks For Men - Mineraline Purify Dead Sea Mud Peel-Off Mask

The last time I blogged about face masks for men (read here), I mentioned the numerous benefits of using a face mask. I also wrote about how for every skin concern you might have, there’s a mask just waiting to be applied to your face.

Fortunately, men don’t need to be beaten with a stick any more to use a face mask. Thanks to Instagram, if anything, they now have to be reminded to wash the thing off. Show time over!

“Thanks to Instagram, men now have to be reminded to wash the thing off. Show time over!”

Face Masks For Men - L’Oréal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask

I’ve been using the following three face masks for men with good results.

L’Oréal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask

Even in my late 40s, I still have to deal with pesky blemishes. That is, the odd pimple and lots of blackheads caused by clogged pores. So this recent addition to the L’Oréal Pure Clay Masks line-up had my name written all over it. All the masks feature a trio of pure clays (kaolin, montmorillonite and ghassoul). These absorb excess sebum, eliminate imperfections and clarify the complexion, respectively. Although officially for women, I reckon they are great face masks for men.

Face Masks For Men - L’Oréal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask

MEN TOO: Although officially for women, L’Oréal Pure Clay Masks are great masks for men.

Featuring blemish-fighting marine algae, L’Oréal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask gets the big thumbs up from me for being easy to remove/apply and how it gently clears the skin. I enjoyed the fact that I had less problems with black heads after using this product. And the blue cream looks great on the face, if Instagram is your thing.

R127 for 50ml.

Face Masks For Men - L’Oréal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Mask

Freeman Pore Clearing Peel-Off Mask With Volcanic Ash For Men

If you prefer to clear your pores with a peel-off mask, this gel product is for you. Volcanic ash and activated charcoal have become very trendy in recent years (this product contains both).

“Adsorption acts like a magnet for dirt, oil and other impurities.”

Dr Sejal Shah, founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology in New York City, explained to Reader’s Digest how it works: “It works through a mechanism called adsorption, similar to bentonite clay and charcoal. Adsorption is basically an electrical attraction that causes substances to stick together. So it acts like a magnet for dirt, oil and other impurities. It also exfoliates the skin.”

Face Masks For Men - Freeman Pore Clearing Peel-Off Mask With Volcanic Ash For Men

As with all peel-off masks, there’s a lot of fun to be had peeling this gentle, but deep-cleansing mask from your face. Call yourself a five-star pro if you can do it all in one piece. And no, I could not establish which volcano specifically the ash used in this product comes from.

R29.95 for 15ml and R99.95 for 175ml, Dis-Chem stores nationwide.

Face Masks For Men - Freeman Pore Clearing Peel-Off Mask With Volcanic Ash For Men

Mineraline Purify Dead Sea Mud Peel-Off Mask

Want cleaner, firmer, more radiant skin? Yes, yes, yes please. Dead Sea mud is renowned for purifying pores, hydrating and exfoliating skin, and reducing fine lines, among others, due to its rich mineral content. All Mineraline (an Israeli brand) products are made from this mud.

Face Masks For Men - Mineraline Purify Dead Sea Mud Peel-Off Mask

I’ve tried Mineraline products before. You can read my reviews of their Purify Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser, Hydrate Super Hydrating Day Cream and Time It! Serum here. So I was looking forward to trying this product. I’m glad I did, because it gave my skin voomah each time I used it. The aloe vera and allantoin also helped soothe my skin. It’s easy to apply/remove, but like all peel-off masks works best on a clean-shaven face. It’s also very reasonably priced.

R95.00 for 100ml, Dis-Chem stores nationwide.

Face Masks For Men - Mineraline Purify Dead Sea Mud Peel-Off Mask

 

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Essential Skincare Products For A Healthy-Looking Glow: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex, Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum, Dr Gobac Cosmeceuticals Cleanser, L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask, Freeman Bare Foot Repairing Cracked Heel Foot Treatment

Essential Skincare - Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex

I haven’t blogged about essential skincare products for a while. However, I have a good excuse. I’ve been testing some very worthwhile products, which I will tell you about below.

Essential Skincare - L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask

Dr Gobac Cosmeceuticals Cleanser

I generally prefer washes or gels when it comes to cleaning le visage every morning and night, mainly for textural reasons. But I decided to give this cream cleanser a go, because I’ve heard good things about this South African brand. I’m glad I did, as it does a handsome job at cleaning the face, without stripping the life from it. Featuring anti-oxidant witch hazel and moisture-binding golden seaweed, it’s suitable for all skin types. R325 for 100ml, www.drgobac.com.

Essential Skincare - Dr Gobac Cosmeceuticals Cleanser

L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask

I was introduced to this range last year (read here), so was very keen to try the latest additions to the L’Oréal Pure Clay Masks line-up. All the masks feature a trio of pure clays (kaolin, montmorillonite and ghassoul). These absorb excess sebum, eliminate imperfections and clarify the complexion, respectively. Featuring skin-evening yuzu lemon extract and natural exfoliators, L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask is recommended for facial skin that needs a bit of lightening (yes, please!). It earns essential skincare points for being easy-peasy to apply/remove and the pretty noticeable results it produces. R127 for 50ml.

Essential Skincare - L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex

My skin often needs intensive moisturising. So it was more than happy to be treated recently to a twice-daily dose of this gel product. It’s loaded with powerful ingredients, such as deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-softening vitamin E and astringent tree mushroom extract. A big thumbs up to this essential skincare product for the way it’s easily absorbed and the cooling effect it has when applied to the skin. The refreshing smell is not too shabby either. R299 for 75ml.

Essential Skincare - Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum

Vitamin c has been shown to strengthen the skin’s natural defence systems against pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. But producing it in a form that can be easily delivered to and absorbed by the skin is another matter entirely. Fortunately, the smart researchers at Dermalogica have come up with a way to remedy this problem. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum contains an ultra-stable form of vitamin C and other powerful ingredients. Together, these combat the above-mentioned problems and help the skin to protect itself. Some of these ingredients include: skin tone-evening ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate, skin-firming palmitoyl tripeptide-5, dirt-removing lactic acid and antioxidant-rich chia seed oil. I used this product religiously twice-daily for over a month and was super-impressed by how healthy my skin looked. R1 495 for 30ml, www.dermalogica.co.za

Essential Skincare - Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum

Freeman Bare Foot Repairing Cracked Heel Foot Treatment

The reason I’ve included this foot-care product among various facial products is simple. While I’m fairly disciplined at taking care of le visage, my heels tend to be much neglected. I have a feeling I’m not the only one who behaves this way. The result? Unsightly and very sandal-unfriendly feet. So for the last few weeks I’ve been slathering on this product after giving my feet much-needed attention (read here for more tips). It contains anti-fungal neem oil and super-moisturising shea butter. The rosemary oil is great for circulation and combating unpleasant smells. R89.95 for 100ml, exclusive to Dis-Chem, www.dischem.co.za

Essential Skincare - Freeman Bare Foot Repairing Cracked Heel Foot Treatment

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Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence Review

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence

With its high altitude (1 753 metres above sea level), Johannesburg is notorious for its ultra-dry winters. As you can imagine, this calls for serious, intensive skincare. So when I received a parcel containing Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence a couple of months ago, I wanted to see if this product could take on the city’s tough winter climate. French beauty vs Johannesburg harshness, if you will.

Chanel’s Hydra Beauty line is all about hydrating, protecting and boosting the skin. Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence taps into the moisturising and energising properties of the camellia, in particular the Alba Plena variety. These are especially cultivated for Chanel. When these flowers blossom, the petals are collected to undergo a process of cold extraction to produce fresh camellia cells. This super-powerful active ingredient, in combination with antioxidant ginger root extract, glycerin and hyaluronic acid, is then stored in thousands of jellified micro-droplets.

POWER PETALS: Camellias were Coco Chanel’s favourite flower. “White Camellia” by Georgia O’Keeffe.

USING CHANEL HYDRA BEAUTY LIQUID ESSENCE

I used Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence for a period of six weeks in Johannesburg’s mid-winter. It’s been a long time since I have enjoyed using a skincare product so much. This has a lot to do with the application process when dabbing the product on the forehead, cheeks and chin. The micro-droplets containing the fresh camellia cells and other powerful active ingredients are broken and distributed over the skin. It’s a very fresh sensation and I could feel my skin lapping up the goodness on each application.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence

So Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence feels wonderful on the skin. How did it perform against the city’s winter? I was sceptical at first, but should have known better, as Chanel invests heavily in the science of beauty. Several people remarked during the time I used this product how “good” my skin was looking. Mirror time confirmed that my skin was looking surprisingly hydrated and invigorated for this time of the year. Sure, this product is pricey, but it delivers on its claims and feels like liquid indulgence.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence, R1 635 for 150ml.

Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Liquid Essence

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Minerals Resources: Mineraline Products Review

Mineraline Time It! Night Cream

I’ve known for a long time about the health and beauty benefits of products enriched with Dead Sea minerals. But, apart from the odd mud face mask, I haven’t properly tried any products that feature them. So when the PR for Mineraline sent me some products to try, I was keen to see if the claims about these minerals are fact or hype.

“These minerals are particularly good at purifying, exfoliating and regenerating the skin.”

Mineraline is an Israeli brand and all of their products feature Dead Sea minerals. The Dead Sea is renowned for its high concentrations of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sulphur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium. These minerals are particularly good at purifying, exfoliating and regenerating the skin.

Mineraline Purify Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser

There are several Mineraline ranges, including Face Care Exfoliate, Purify, Hydrate, Rebalance, Rejuvenate, Aloe Vera, Anti-Aging and Acne Solutions. All their products are paraben-, mineral oil- and cruelty-free. I got to try out the products below, all available exclusively at Dis-Chem pharmacies nationwide. Overall, I was impressed by how well they got on with the job and at a very reasonable price, too.

Mineraline Hydrate Super Hydrating Day Cream

Mineraline Purify Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser

Featuring a combo of Dead Sea minerals, witch hazel, aloe vera and chamomile, this face cleanser for all skin types purifies, soothes and moisturises. It’s sodium laureth sulphate free, but still lathers up pronto. R185 for 150ml

Mineraline Purify Gentle Foaming Face Cleanser

Mineraline Hydrate Super Hydrating Day Cream

Big points for this day cream, as it’s super easily absorbed. It hydrates and heals skin with a mix of ingredients that includes Dead Dea minerals, shea butter, vitamin E and rosemary leaf extract. R195.00 for 50ml

Mineraline Hydrate Super Hydrating Day Cream

Mineraline Time It! Serum

This serum from Mineraline’s anti-ageing line reduces wrinkle depth and tones, firms and moisturises the skin. Ingredients include Dead Sea minerals and Uniprosyn PS-18 Uniprotect PT-3. Quick translation: The latter are active agents that stimulate the production of specific skin barrier proteins. R245 for 50ml

Mineraline Time It! Serum

Mineraline Time It! Night Cream

Containing Dead Sea minerals and Uniprosyn PS-18 Uniprotect PT-3, it targets lines on the face and the neck. Like all good anti-ageing products to be used at night, it works while you sleep. R245 for 50ml

Mineraline Time It! Night Cream

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Mask And Ye Shall Receive… An Abundance Of Benefits

Face Mask - L’Oréal Pure Clay Purity Mask

We’ve come a long way from the days when only women (and enlightened gay men) used face masks to improve the condition of their skin. There’s been a big change in the last five years, as more men discover the benefits of regularly using a face mask at home. And, hallelujah, no one will question your masculinity. If anything, expect a lot of questions if you’re looking unnecessarily haggard.

Face Mask

THE BENEFITS OF USING A FACE MASK

In case you need a reminder about the benefits of using a face mask, here’s a recap:

It’s your SYS (save your skin) buddy, if your most visible (and biggest organ) needs a quick and urgent rescue. And the good news is that there are numerous choices for every skin concern (oiliness, dryness, blackheads, acne, sensitivity, dullness, ageing).

It’s a holiday for your face, especially if you’re not actually going on a holiday. Regular use of a really good mask can fool people you’ve just come back from somewhere cool and exotic.

It’s the perfect excuse to slow down and relax for essential self-care/self-maintenance.

It’s messy and fun. It is for me, anyway.

Face Mask Fun

GOOD MESSY FUN: Just one of the perks of using a face mask.

It makes for a great Instagram post, if that’s your thing.

“It’s the perfect excuse to slow down and relax for essential self-care/self-maintenance.”

FRAGROOM FACE MASK RECOMMENDATIONS

It’s always best to choose the right face mask for your skin concern (and budget). I have been getting a lot of joy from these three products:

Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask (R850 for 75ml)

If you’ve used the Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Peel & Reveal Mask, you can expect the same top results from this product from its more upmarket Prevage range. This detox mask lifts the impurities (caused by pollution and dirt) from the skin for a brighter, smoother, pore-reduced complexion. It does this through a combo of ingredients that include antioxidants, a polymer blend and tree mushroom extract. The peel-off process (after 20 minutes) never fails to amaze me. What a strange man…

Face Mask - Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask

L’Oréal Pure Clay Purity Mask (r149.95 for 50ml)

I used the L’Oréal Pure Detox Mask a few months ago and was impressed with the results. You can read that post here: https://fragroom.com/2017/09/01/beauty-products-for-men/. L’Oréal Pure Clay Purity Mask is another goodie from the Pure Clay range. Featuring a blend of three pure clays and eucalyptus extract, it cleans and mattifies the skin without sucking the life out of it. It’s highly recommended if you’re prone to excessive sebum production and need a gentle oil-slick mop-up. I also like that its packaging features lots of easy-to-understand information.

Face Mask - L’Oréal Pure Clay Purity Mask

Diego Dalla Palma RVB Skinlab S.O.S Gel Mask (r525 for 75ml)

It’s the first time I have tried a product from this Italian brand and it’s well worth checking out if you need big-time and super-quick hydration. Its 51+3 Hyalu Complex contains a cocktail of amino acids, vitamins, trace elements, minerals, ceramides, hyaluronic acids and, um, cellular osmo-protectors. This means a deeply moisturising treatment. Grande!

Face Mask - Diego Dalla Palma RVB Skinlab S.O.S Gel Mask