Saturday Girl SA: beauty

I may have gone a little overboard in the LUSH store recently……. as one does. I have been using drips and drags of cream and scrubs and finally after they all finished I decided it was time to invest in new ones! Summer is coming up and I definitely feel like I want to shake off the long winter (and my dry skin) so what better place to sooth the soul and spoil ones self. PS: If you ever want to buy me a gift - you know where to go……

I cannot recommend LUSH products enough. For some reason I always had this perception that they are pricey. Actually they are well made products that really WORK and are reactively inexpensive compared to some of the other products out there that are loaded with all sorts of weird chemicals. I had a little LUSH sabbatical because I no longer have a bath since moving, so we only have shower now and I forgot about all the other great products they have - not just cool fizzy balls for the bath.

So here is a little break down of the three products I am currently in love with.

RUB RUB RUB - Shower Scrub
This is a fine sea salt scrub with a light fragrance of mimosa and orange flower. It isn't too harsh on the skin as a scrub and its perfect because it lathers up and becomes incredibly soft and smooth making it a fantastic shower gel. I suffer with dry skin and if I use a very heavy exfoliator which sometimes aggravates my skin. This is just the perfect combination and you can also apply it to dry skin before you hop into the shower for deeper exfoliation. The best part is, you can still smell it on your skin later in the day and it really does feel very luxurious when you apply it. I haven't tried it yet, but they also recommend you use it in your hair as sea salt creates volume and is great for massaging the scalp. If anyone has tried this let me know! Also fantastic for tired feet!

NEW CHARITY POT - Hand and body lotion
Each Charity Pot aims to create change through funding small grassroots groups working in the areas of environmental, human rights and animal protection and 100% of the proceeds from each sale go to charity.

This particular one "aims to educate the local community in squatter camps in and around Cape Town on the harmonious relationship between humans and animals. " - Lush SLUSH fund.

It contains Fair Trade cocoa butter, fresh aloe and moringa oil, as well as rosewood oil, geranium and ylang ylang. Ummmmm I cannot even become to express my deep love for this lotion. I don't know if I will use another brand for a really long time - because this brand works. You do not need a lot of it and it absorbs into your skin beautifully! I am a big fan of the Dove Shea Butter Body Lotion, by oh my heavens, this stuff simply steals the show. It is another level of luxurious. It smells edible and is incredible and I just want to lie in a bath of it (if I had one and it came in that quantity) because its that good! Yes that good. It leaves my skin feeling so nourished and after a hot shower it soaks in beautifully. It has a slightly oily texture so you need to rub it in well and I usually apply it at night before bed. I also use it in morning on my arms and elbows and it doesn't leave me feeling greasy or sticky. I am punting this product to everyone I know, especially if you suffer from dry skin. I use it as a hand cream at night before I sleep when it will have the most chance of absorbing into my skin and I can already feel my hands are softer and less dry. Please try it and let me know your thoughts!

LIP SERVICE - Lip balm
I am a huge DCT Blistex fan and have always suffered with dry or cracked lips so its my ultimate go to lip balm. I gave my last pot to a friend and since then have been looking for alternatives to DCT, I haven't found one to be honest but this is a close second. Just some of the ingredients include, apricot kernel oil, cocoa butter, beeswax and extra virgin olive oil. It has a granular texture to it so feels a bit weird, but once you apply it its very smooth and soothing and it doesn't dry out easily. It also, obviously smells incredible and edible.

So those are my top three favourite LUSH products at the moment and the one thing I have noticed is that you don't need a lot of each product and they really do last. Quality for sure and I will be stocking up when this lot runs out. I have yet to find a LUSH product that is disappointing and I am going to stay a big fan I think. Don't forget to return your empty lush containers!

For more information on other products and prices check out the LUSH South Africa online store

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Recently I put up a review for the new Schwarzkopf Color Mask. I have been waiting for awhile to do this review so I could really get a feel for the products and because my hair has had a little bit of a beating after a stressful year - introducing the new Schwarzkopf GLISS with Liquid Nutri-silk

The new and improved formula with Liquid Silk aims to increase the gloss factor and provide hair with a silk like feel and look. The range can be used for every day use, but I find since my hair is fine, everyday of ALL the products at the same time, can make it a little oily, especially if I don't use a small amount of conditioner (rookie error). overall I really like this product. This Keratin aims to enrich and nourish your hair while repairing it. This range is designed for brittle, dull hair.

Gliss Liquid Silk Shampoo

Smells amazing and lathers up beautifully and rinses out easily. This is also great if you have long hair that's in need of some TLC

Gliss Liquid Silk Conditioner

For me personally, I find with all the Keratin products, you don't need a lot of product to get the job done. You really need a small amount of conditioner and it works into your hair with a silky texture and amazing smell. Also easy to rinse out.

Gliss Hair Repair Mask

This mask is a total must. It is very nourishing and aims to leave your hair supple with a nice glossy look. I love this mask because you only need to leave it in for 1 minute. The texture and feel of the mask is very luxurious and provides intensive care.

Gliss Express Repair Condition

My favourite! Simple to use - towel dry your hair a bit and spray the express repair conditioner in. This for me is the winning product of the range. my hair felt like it was more supple and had a nice healthy glossy shine to it without it looking flat and oily. Also works well if your looking for something to detangle your hair before blow drying it.

I would say what works personally for me - the shampoo and conditioner are great for daily use, mask 2-3 times a week, depending on how brittle your hair may be, the leave in conditioner is perfect for after every wash. not the greatest picture (was on my way out one evening) but this is what my hair looked like after using all the products above. I find the conditioner and mask really help boost volume as apposed to weighing down my hair with product.

If you have any thoughts or have tried the product yourself, I would love to hear about it!

xxx

Saturday Girl SA

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I got the opportunity to try out these amazing new permanent hair dyes from Shwarzkopf. For me personally, I don't dye my hair simply based on the fact that I am rather happy with my hair colour and I am also not ready to take a leap into the world of hair dye, yet! So my lovely friend Emma tested out the light brown shade 665 for me. (Another friend will be trying out the blonde next week).

I love Schwarzkopf products because they are a sure bet for top quality and I find their hair care range (which I am currently trying out - see review soon) provides a lot of moisture and a shine. My mom and my friends dye their hair and often the feedback is the same - hair that is dry and weak after home dye application. It is always lovely to go to a salon and have a professional do your hair, but cost wise, it can become expensive and I really think what the colour mask offers is salon quality that you can do at home. It comes in a variety of gorgeous natural looking shades as well.

What it promises:

Color Mask has a unique and luxurious hair mask texture. The hair mask contains amino-active-protein and vitamin-oil-complex resulting in incredibly soft to touch and deeply cared for hair with a healthy, glossy shine.

Emma's review

I was really excited to try the Schwarzkopf Color Mask as I had read up on it on other blogs and had only read great reviews about it. The shade I tried was “Light Golden Brown”. As you can see in the pic, my hair was previously a golden blonde colour that had a faint reddish tinge to it (natural colour).

I opened the box to find a small tub of Developer Cream, a tube of Colour Cream, a sachet of Hair Mask and an instruction leaflet with gloves.

I squeezed the tube of Colour Cream into the jar with the Developer Cream, and as per the leaflet, and shook it for about 40 shakes, or until the two creams looked like they were combined. I must say that I absolutely loved this aspect of the dye, as there is no mess and no fuss. I put on the gloves and worked the product through my hair as much as I could with my fingertips and then clipped it up with an oversized hair clip. The leaflet suggests leaving it on for 30 minutes but I left it on for 40, as I had dyed my hair previously and the colour didn’t take to my hair properly.

After 40 minutes I rinsed the dye out. The nice thing about this dye is that it doesn’t take long for the water to run clear.

I had some dye on my ears and neck but it came off easily with warm water and a cloth. Next I applied the Hair Mask to my hair (I only used about half the sachet) and again clipped my hair up and waited 2 minutes for the mask to soak in. I rinsed it out completely and then combed my hair and let it dry naturally. The mask made my hair feel, look and smell amazing!

I then inspected it to see how much of a difference there was. The new colour was apparent in my roots and the front part of my hair, but I didn’t get enough coverage all over. I was a bit disappointed by this but I knew I should have used 2 boxes as the leaflet said that 2 boxes should be adequate for hair that is longer than shoulder length (and mine definitely is!)

The only thing I didn’t like was how strong smelling the dye was. It is a pungent ammonia smell that made my eyes water slightly, but the smell was gone once I had applied the hair mask, and actually smelled amazing afterwards. Natalie so kindly bought me another box of the dye and I dyed it again, this time focusing on the back and the ends.

The result was fabulous! It is more of a coppery-brown colour but I really love it. This was only my second time dying my hair ever, but I will definitely go back to buy the Schwarzkopf Color Mask as it is the easiest at-home hair dye I have seen advertised, and is at an affordable price-point for its quality.

My hair felt considerably soft to touch and didn't feel brittle at all. This is a great product for women who are wary of purchasing dye because of the damaging effects it sometimes has. It definitely deliver what it promises.

Thanks to Natalie and Schwarzkopf for the opportunity to try this product.

Thanks Emma :)

xxx

Saturday Girl SA

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I was inspired to write this post because I have been reading a lot of posts lately on the DOVE real beauty stories. I have to say, some are truly amazing and honest, wow ladies! Very inspiring! I decided to write my own personal post on real beauty and what it means to me.

I was a dancer for most of my life and was studying full-time dance, drama and musical theatre when a back/spinal injury put a stop to it all. I could not exercise for over a year and felt like it was the WORST thing in the world to happen. Naturally, I picked up weight and become so aware of it and worried. When I started to exercise again things improved and yoga obviously made me realise that your body is an amazing thing, that does so much and can do so much! To be strong and healthy is a major part of my life now.

I am 25 years old and this year, well, the last 6 months have really and truly woken me up. My dad died very suddenly and then I landed up with viral meningitis ( bad skin, breaking hair, chipping nails - you name it. All results of illness and stress this year). Again, no exercise. my first thought was 'Oh no, no summer beach body'. My second was, 'Get was a grip Nat, focus on your health, not your thighs'. Of course I moan with my friends and complain about jeans being too tight or feeling flabby, but I try do it a whole lot less and I am now more aware than ever how your overall health is way more important.

Genetically I will never be stick thin and I really don't intend to try achieve that. (naturally skinny girls are stunning too and I think they get a lot of flack for it.) What I have been through has made me reassess the way that I feel about myself and start realising, no one is perfect and we need to stop trying to achieve that. Yesterday afternoon I went to the beach for the first time in a very long time. I wore a bikini, I saw my marks, lumps and bumps, noticed a bit more flabbiness and and extra bits… ( I did complain to my friend about my wobbly bum briefly)but for some reason, it really didn't matter that much. I was so grateful to be out of the house (I have been housebound for so long) and to finally see nature, the beauty of the beach and feel the fresh air and sun on my skin, that it honestly did not matter. The only thing that really bothers me is the alarming number of young girls on the beach who were trying desperately to hide their bodies or keep at least one layer of clothing on. I know for sure young girls struggle with body changes, but I so desperately wanted to run up to them and say; 'You're are so young! So beautiful and your bodies are wonderful! Don't hide them and don't feel so self conscious. You will look back in 20 years time and wish you lay on the beach in a tiny bikini'.

Life is too short, it really is. It is also so precious. I won't say I have an amazing relationship with my body, but I have tried my best to stop worrying so much about it. I was teased my whole life because my one ear sticks out. School was torture - having to wear my hair up was the bain of my existence. My skin was also really bad and I spent years caking on the base.( I was also the tallest, first to get boobs and spent most of primary school hiding in a jersey my gran knitted - such a waste when I look back). When I met my boyfriend, I was so anxious to tell him about my sticking out ear, like it was some weird deal breaker or something. When I told him and showed him, his reply was ' I love your ear Nat, it's beautiful'. He is the person that when I have no make-up on, have been sitting around in shloomfy clothes studying, or when I was sick with unwashed hair and horrible skin, or when I have been crying and have mascara running down my face - will STILL tell me that I am beautiful. He also doesn't tolerate it when I put myself down, which is good. We need to pick each other up ladies, not encourage bringing each other down.

Another thing, we live in a society where we so often judge other women, I don't deny it for a second. Its something I have made a huge effort to stop doing. People are beautiful because they are imperfect, because they have true kindness, true hearts, smiles that light up and eyes that crinkle. I look at the women in my life and I think, WOW what beauties! I meet people and think, gosh this person is intelligent, funny and radiates such beauty - from within.

Be kind to yourself, sure a good moan with friends is great from time to time, but lets try build each other up, lets say nice things, lets not be so quick to judge a friend for weight gain or weight loss, lets dig deeper, find out what's really going on in peoples lives, how they really are and if they need a friend or support. You never know what is going with people deep down inside. So stop and find out. I believe real beauty is truly something that can shine from the depths of your soul and that is something only you can achieve on your own. I think make-up and other great products are amazing! But don't use these things to hide your beauty, use them to enhance your beauty. I have a long way to go, sure I love that the instagram filter takes away some scars on my face and blurs out some of my pimples :) and I SHOULD stop wearing my hair down and start wearing it up more, show my little ear off,(I still get self-conscious if it is up and people look at it) and yes, I should wear shorts this summer and dresses - not always jeans. I do love certain things about myself to be honest - I have a birth mark/ mole on my chest, it makes me unique. I love that I have big eyes and I love that people say I look like my mom - who is 55 years old and a true beauty :)

Loving/accepting yourself is a process, a hard one, but you have to start somewhere?.

I promise people are not looking at you the same way YOU look at you! I think we all need to find the beauty in ourselves and others. Stand in front of your mirror, take a good, hard long look at yourself. That body is beautiful, it is strong, it has war scars, it will or has produced a baby, it is safe, it is whole, it is what keeps you alive.

xxx

Saturday Girl SA

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One of my favourite lip moisturisers is Blistex. Famed for their little soft pink tub of super awesome DCT lip balm, that moisturises and adds a little bit of shine. I love Blistex because it brings out a natural colour in the lip and lasts. Many of their lip balms have an SPF in them which is truly great all year round for ultimate lip protection. My only issue is that often I find the little tub can be tricky to use. Using your finger in a little pot of lip balm can be tricky, messy and sometimes wasteful (well that's in my case). I love the Blistex lip balm sticks - they are way easier to use and like the pot, you don't need much and they really last.

The new Blistex Simple and Sensitive is a new hypo-allergenic lip balm specially designed to moisturise even the most tender lips safely without any risk of irritation. Completely free of sensitive agents, such as flavourants, fragrances or colourants, this straight forward, no-fuss lip balm contains just six carefully selected pure ingredients.

Rigorously tested and clinically proven to be gentle on the lips while leaving them hydrated and healthy. Key ingredients include: Cocoa Butter - A lush extract which lends to serious moisturising properties. Sunflower Seed Oil and Jojoba extracts help smooth, soften and comfort lips and Vitamin E, a highly beneficial anti-oxidant that helps to give lips daily protection. New hypo-allergenic Blistex Simple and Sensitive Lip Balm is highly affective and really does make my lips feel nourished and moisturised without all the fuss of fragrances and colourants. It also lasts without feeling sticky and 'coated' on my lips. It is great for the whole family to use if you are looking for something light and not too fancy. You can find it at selected pharmacies and leading stores selling at around R45.

Let me know your thoughts on Blistex and if you have tried the new Blistex Simple and Sensitive Lip Moisturiser and how it works for you :)

xxx

By: Saturday Girl SA

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The holidays may be over but summer is here to stay! So while the gorgeous dresses and colourful bikini's help celebrate your joy for the glorious sunshine season, it’s important not to forget about your gorgeous hair!

As you know I have a slight obsession with my hair and I am always looking for new ways to get creative with it! often I forget about the actual condition of my hair until its too late and it has become dry and dull, especially when I am out and about on the beach. We often forget that UV rays and fluctuating weather conditions tend to wreak havoc on our lovely locks.

Don’t let the summer sun get your hair down, VO5’s lead stylist, Luna, has some useful hints and tips how to keep your hair in luscious condition all summer––without losing out on valuable chill time at the pool or beach.

Tips

1. Always make sure to protect your hair from UV rays as the sun dries hair quickly. Wearing a hat is an option, but if you want to go hatless, use VO5’s Miracle Mist to tame your flyaways. VO5’s Give Me Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner is also a great alternative to replenish and moisturise your hair

2. Don’t skimp on your intake of water, drinking lots of water helps replenish lost fluids from the hot days, and helps keep you and your hair hydrated.

3. Be sure to use VO5’s range of heat styling products such as Heat Defence styling spray, on your hair when heat styling and heading out and about in the sun.

4. Make sure you have got an intense moisturising mask to use once a week. Alternatively make use of hot oils such as VO5’s Give me moisture and Miracle Concentrate Elixir with Argan Oil to give your hair the boost it needs for summer.

5. Summer style 2012 is all about having loose “free-spirited” hair, so why not pull it back into a loose pony, or braid loosely? Remember that tight styles can cause damage and breakage to your hair.

6. To achieve beach kinks, braid strands of hair and pin it to the top of your head before going to bed, after a good night’s rest simply remove the pins and viola! You've got stunning beach kinks

For even more, ongoing hints and styling tips from Luna. Visit www.facebook.com/vo5sa and welcome summer with your best attitude and hair.

xxx

PS: keep an eye out for a fantastic VO5 Summer give-away coming soon on my blog

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