Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 20 with Dermaxyl™ Complex

I received this from Beauty Bulletin in July as part of my second Product Review Club and few things could make me happier.

The Superficial

First impression: you need more than a pea-size for your whole face. Or maybe I just have a big face?

Turns out, a pea-sized amount (not mini-Astro-sized) is really ALL you need per application. But DON'T expect state-of-the-art SPF 20 sun-protection from that amount of product. Y'all know I'm the Sunscreen Drill Sergeant (SDS sounds like a disease), so do I really need to complete this sentence differently? Do I? DO I?

I used this every day for just over a week when I first received it, and (most importantly to me) I had no negative reactions. Two months down the line, still no negative reaction. I only whip it out for special occasions, though. Having a "semi-sensitive, reactive skin type" this is always my first concern.

This primer appears translucent and peachy, and I got excited that it may have a brightening effect (however slight), but it applies diaphanously. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 20 with Dermaxyl™ Complex is a semi-matte primer. It gives a very "soft" finish and is not mattifying to the point of looking dry, but not "glowy" enough to be considered "radiant". It is hydrating, but if you're specifically looking for hydration, perhaps you should try something else. Since Smashbox have a primer for everything (except your walls), you could try their Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer, or you could address your hydration needs with skin care products.

I've used this on it's own and with makeup; there isn't a noticeable difference in the appearance of my skin (in the mirror) after application, but photos say otherwise - pores and fine lines are vaguely blurred and softened. When applying makeup, I only needed about half the amount of BB cream I usually apply, for more or less the same coverage. My makeup definitely lasted longer with less touch-ups needed. It is gentle and effective around the eye area as well as on lips. I applied this before MAC Brave Red lipstick, with no other lip product, and I got at least an hour extra out of it. I'll admit to eating a bit more carefully, but that's not unusual of me - I do it whenever I wear red lipstick. You know, that all-teeth eating style? Where it looks like you're avoiding touching the fork with any part of your mouth, due to the possibility of electrocution... Because forks are evil. Common knowledge, this.

I'm enjoying this product and have added it to my every day "essentials" makeup bag, where it'll happily stay. I look forward to trying the Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Blemish Control Primer - it contains salicylic acid which is one of my favourite ingredient superstars and extremely beneficial for all skin types. Avoid if you're allergic to aspirin, though.

The Deep

WTF is Dermaxyl™ Complex?

**Dermaxyl™ Complex is an anti-aging complex formulated to repair damage related to skin aging. This makes sense since it's a blend of amino acids which help normalize skin cell function by stimulating cell-communication. It may repair skin damage related to aging by stimulation of collagen and hyaluronic acid production. This will also contribute to the strengthening of the skin's natural barrier function. Clinicare.com says, "Daily use of products formulated with Dermaxyl produce results similar to retinoic acid and retinol, and, very importantly, does so without the irritation these products and alpha hydroxy (fruit/glycolic) acid-based formulations often cause." You can read more about the clinical study results here.

Ingredients (as it appears on packaging):
Cyclopentasiloxane,
Homosalate
Polysilicone- 11
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
Tocopherol Acetate
Cola Acuminata (Kola) Seed Extract
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
Polyglycerol-4 Isostearate
Cetyl PEG/PPG- 10/1 Dimethicone
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
Tribehenin
Ceramide 2
PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide**
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Phenyl Trimethicone
Water\Aqua\Eau
Silica
Laureth-12
Hexyl Laurate
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylyl Glycol
Hexylene Glycol
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Phenoxyethanol
Potassium Sorbate
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)

You can also check out my video review for Beauty Bulletin, if you so wish:



Miss B

*prices are correct according to www.redsquare.co.za at the time of publishing

#BeautyTipTuesday: #DabitDontDragit

source: polished.tv

Taking care of our lips may be one of the simplest things in our beauty routines. Applying lip products is habitual for most of us, whether it's in the form of a balm, stain, tint, lipstick or gloss. And it's so quick and easy to do, that it's seldom inconvenient. I do this as I'm locking the door, while I'm putting on my jacket, or sitting in the car waiting for the gate to open/close. Sometimes, I even apply it as I'm walking into wherever I need to be.

Although applying lip products has become second-nature to most, we're all lip-care sinners. The application of lipstick is so glamourous in ads, movies and music videos. I especially love the lipstick slow-mo. It's so seductive and beautiful. Except the part where SHE'S DOING IT WRONG! Okay, that's a tad dramatic.

#DabitDontDragit

Our lips are delicate and we need a little restraint. We should be patting and dabbing on our lip products, instead of dragging lip products carelessly across our beautiful faces. The stratum corneum that covers the lips is super thin, we have no sebaceous glands to lubricate our lips naturally, and water loss on the lips is a whopping 3-10 times higher than the rest of the body The natural colour of your lips is a result of the underlying blood-vessels, and (again) the super thin skin covering it, allowing the red and pink (and blue, in winter) tones to shine through. I think that's pretty cool, but I digress. We need to treat the lips with the same gentle care as we do our eye areas. You don't need much pressure applying good lip products. By dabbing instead of dragging, there's less "stress" and stretching on the very thin skin covering on your lips, and it's less likely to be chapped as a direct result of your application method. I've done this, it ain't cool. And neither was that lipstick.

YES, you can get the same, intense colour without dragging your lippies. Just keep dabbing, and use a lip brush. I do this with red lipstick. I dab it until it's as intense as I like it, and then I dab my lip brush in the same colour and fill the bits and pieces closest to my lip line. I also define the vermillion border with a lip brush or soft lip pencil and VOILA! Same-same. And obvs you can use your lipgloss applicator in the same way. I love the soft brush of Bourjois's Rose Exclusif Lipgloss and the sponge-tip applicator of Essence's XXXL Nudes lipgloss.

So dab-dab-dab, pat-pat-pat, dab-dab-dab. And dab some more.

#DabitDontDragit

Have you mastered applying lip products without dragging? Any tips and tricks?

Miss B

#BeautyTipTuesday: Eye Makeup

Do your eye makeup first.

Yeah, son, I don't waste time.

Prime your face, and then concentrate on your eye makeup only. Apply foundation and concealer to your eye area, and then continue as you would with your eyeshadow, liner, mascara and/or whatever other eye makeup products you use. 

When you do your eye makeup first, it's easier to clean up any fallen shadow, smudged lines and mistakes you've made. Er, mistake you've made with makeup, obvs. Sure, you could pat powder under your eyes, but I find that often the powder sticks and I end up with more powder than I wanted. I don't wear powder under my eyes, usually, so even a little is too much for me. I'm still on a mission to find the perfect powder that doesn't crease and cake and make my skin look drier and more tired than it is. Urgh. 

When I apply mascara to the lower lashes, especially when I'm in a rush, I often touch the skin beneath the lashes. If I had patted some powder onto that area, after foundation and concealer to the entire face, I'd most likely smudge the mascara when dusting the excess powder away. If this happens before I apply foundation and concealer to the rest of my face, it's much simpler to just swoop in with my foundation brush. The same applies if you're using eyeshadow to line the lower lids. You may have applied more to one eye than the other and when it looks uneven, it's harder to correct once all your other makeup is applied. You'll have to go in with your foundation, and then it may not match the rest of the already-concealed and set area, and then you'll have to re-do that. 

Another reason I find this method great is that I spend the most time on my eyes, and I need a steady hand and lots of light. Once that's done, and I've run out of time, I can do everything else in the car. You don't need a super steady hand or perfect precision to spread/blend/apply foundation, powder, bronzer, blush and even highligher. Even if you don't have time for all that, your eyes will be perfect and all you'll need is some lip colour, if that. 

Eyes on the prize.

Miss B

#BeautyTipTuesday: Contouring/Shading

Source: kimkardashian.celebuzz.com

Contouring is very popular, and a daily must for some, and I see it often. I don't want to SEE it, though. I wish I didn't, but alas. The point of contouring is to give parts of the face more depth, "fake cheekbones" (we all have cheekbones, just to be clear) and make the face, or part thereof, appear slimmer. It's all well and good until someone uses the wrong shade and doesn't blend enough.



The most popular product used to contour is, no doubt, bronzer. Bronzers are nice, and often it makes the world of difference to clients when I use it on them. The thing with bronzer, though, is that most of them contain golden, orange, yellow and bronze (duh) tones; when layered incorrectly this looks all kinds of wrong, most notably muddy and dirty. "Vuil" is more accurate.

It's always better to start of lightly, and then layer. I know many people advise on using a shade that's about 2 shades darker than your complexion, but I've used shades way darker than my complexion (and the complexions of clients), I'm just very light-handed. Good tools help, too.

The image of Kim K, above, is a great guide in where to contour. But you should also check out Maskcara's guides to highlighting and contouring specifically for your face shape. She's super awesome!

Another GREAT tip I've come to learn, is to use a grey-toned powder for contouring. Think about it: you're trying to create "shadows" on your face, especially for the cheek contour. Have you ever seen a shadow that's orange-y? I haven't. For those who prefer contouring with liquid products, it's harder to find grey-toned liquid products, because not many people (if any) have grey toned skin (or maybe I just haven't come across many people with natural grey tones in their skin), but you can use your regular liquid contouring products, and go lightly over it with a grey-toned powder product for added definition and staying power.

And where do you find these grey-toned products?

I love NYX Powder Blush in Taupe (matte). Available in Clicks stores.

source: makeupgeek.com

Truth is, you don't HAVE TO use bronzing powder to contour, you could use any matte or semi-matte powder product whether it be a blush, eyeshadow, powder foundation or a finishing powder. Always remember to be light-handed and layer. And then blend x100. And then blend once more.

And maybe once more before you leave the house. ;-)

Do you have any tips when it comes to contouring? Share in the comments. :-)

  Miss B



P.s. I am not saying you should use grey eyeshadow to contour your face, but if you can find a grey-toned product, like the NYX blush, it would make a difference to the overall effect and result. Think "dull brown" shade. There's also a Yardley blush with grey-tones I've seen in Clicks a couple of times, but I don't know the exact name. I'll check it out and update this post. :-)

#BeautyTipTuesday: Makeup Removal

I have to apologize about Beauty Tip Tuesday being on Wednesday. Whatthefructose. I had never scheduled a post before, and I scheduled this one and then....nothing. Urgh. Whaddupwiddat.

Today's (Yesterday's) Beauty Tip is about makeup removal.

A good, water-soluble cleanser should remove basic makeup, so why not try cleansing your face first, and if you need to, use a makeup remover on cotton pads afterwards. Obviously, if you wear lots of makeup, and waterproof products at that, you'll need a little help from a fragrance- and colourant-free makeup remover.

I haven't used makeup remover in a long time. I usually just cleanse, and if needs be I do a double cleanse, and then gently "dry" my face with a damp face cloth. I use a white, or very light cloth, for this so that I can see if there are any traces of makeup left, and then make sure it's garwn before slamming into my bed like a dead weight.

Your makeup remover shouldn't have fragrance and colouring agents, as these may likely irritate your skin, and may require additional cleansing to remove. Sounds like too much work for me, y'all. So dampen your face and then gently, but thoroughly, cleanse your skin in quick massage-like movements. Remember to get into that hairline, go right up until your ears, and up your neck (not down your neck, you guys, you work UP your neck). Yes, over your eyes, too. Your cleanser should be gentle enough to use over your eyes. I just heard one of my lecturers tell us "Do you know how many microorganisms live in your brows and lashes?" in my head. Obvs. 

By using your cleanser first (if you even need to use anything after) you minimize that horrible pulling and tugging and dragging motion you do with cotton pads and makeup removal wipes. You need to be far more gentle with your skin, kids. And guess what pulling and dragging and tugging on your skin does? It weakens the elastin fibres, and we know what that means... an increased risk of premature sagging. So be gentle when you cleanse, and be gentle when you remove any remnants of makeup with cotton pads and/or wipes. Don't use your strong hand for this one. ;-)


Miss B

Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss

Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss, R99,95 on rubybox

This. Is. My. FAVOURITE! Lip product at the moment. Lip balm is the only other thing I've been wearing on my lips since receiving this from rubybox in November, along with the Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Rose Vintage and the Bourjois Khol & Contour Eyepencil in Brun Design. It's just right. Every time.

Self-adjusting products are popular, and it's totally understandable why; with different undertones, complexions, "correction" requirements and the need for minimal guesswork when purchasing makeup. While walking around in a department store one day, running out of testing space on my arms (I'm sure you're familiar with this) looking for the perfect shade of blush, I came across a self-adjusting gel formula and was blown away, as I didn't expect to find it in SA, at the time. We have access to many SUPER brands (not enough, though) but we don't often get the WHOLE collection of products. Within the next month or two, there were self-adjusting products errrwhere. I like the idea, but very few of them work to my satisfaction. I've tried a few on my hands and arms in stores that just didn't adjust to suit MY skin colour or a natural-looking shade of pink. I'm still like a kid about it, though, I get all excited when clear gels and white creams start turning into shades of a good cup of tea with milk, or into strawberry Fizzer shades. Omg, you guys, I have a serious Fizzer addiction. I'm totally going off sugar once I finish this bag of Fizzers, I swear. My body has spoken! But it tastes SO GOOD!

Jeez, can you, like, get back to the product at hand, here, Crazy.

2 3 4 7 Fizzers later.

Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss contains pigments that adjust to the pH of your lips, delivering a somewhat exclusive rose-pink shade. We could all use this and have different shades of rose-pink lips. I tried it on my cheeks, too, thinking it would be all matchy-matchy with my lips. It wasn't. Clearly differing pH levels, then.

Bourjois Rose Exclusif Lipgloss. Love the brush. It's like a nail polish brush. I want nail polish with a brush like that. 

It goes on as a clear, slightly sticky gloss, that is also self-leveling, I may add. The colour develops within seconds... and sometimes keeps developing. It doesn't say that the colour intensity is layer-dependent, but I've noticed that the more I apply, the darker/brighter it seems. I don't mind dark/bright pinks, but if you're looking for a natural, hint of pink, you either need to use very little and spread it with a clean lip brush or your finger tips, or you need to move on to something else.

I thought I could outsmart this product by "lining" my lips with it a few minutes before filling in it to create a two-tone effect. It looked like those really old-school sitcoms and music videos where they lined their lips and then added clear gloss. Just no.  Minutes later, I applied it again, going over the entire area of my lips. It was SO COOL. Two-toned lips with minimal thought or effort. Until minutes later, it all developed into a uniform colour. Short-lived genius. I guess you could also look at that as foolproof. Right?

It has vitamins C and E, which I love, but it certainly doesn't provide 8 hour moisture as it says it does. It's not a drying gloss at all, as I've come to expect of sticky glosses, but I didn't find it particularly moisturizing. Also, the glossiness will wear off, especially if you're going to eat, drink, talk a lot or kiss someone. The colour, however, outlives the gloss. So even hours after your pout is no longer bouncing the light into the eyes of a cute person, it will still look like you just ate a  pink bompie. still look nicely tinted/stained, and more natural. Two thumbs up for colour longevity.

I've only tried this over a lipstick once, and I didn't particularly love the result, so I'll keep using this clean, or over lip balm. You really don't need anything else with this lip product, and I'll be more than happy to purchase this with my own paper cash money once I finish this one. It's now a staple. Also, pretty convenient if you're going out and want to use a clutch or a small bag with minimal space. You know, the ones that can only carry your phone, money and a couple of tissues. Just halve the amount of tissues, and add your Bourjois Rose Exclusif. :-D


Miss B

Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Rose Vintage

I was fortunate to receive the Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in Rose Vintage 05 from rubybox for my last task as a RUBYROYAL, where I demonstrated one of the ways in which you can take your look from day to night.

Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in 05 Rose Vintage*

The Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio uses "baked technology", is enriched with mineral powders, and is fragrance free. It's cutely packaged in a "compact case" that includes a double-tipped applicator. I've dropped the compact onto tiled floors at least twice in the past month and it has only 1 scratch on it and the shadows haven't broken or cracked, which is pretty impressive. Had I dropped my professional palette (again), I would've mourned the death of at least one (more) shade.

My first impression was that it would make a great blush. At least, that was my intention for the medium shade as it looked like the perfect shimmery pink for my complexion (I've noticed that I tend to think this about many products colour-coded as "rose"), but after trying it I've decided that it is much better as a cheek highlighter, as shown in this video. I don't usually stray far from neutrals when it comes to eye shadow, so I was a bit hesitant when trying this out. 

It says "silky, easy-to-blend texture, 8-hour wear" and I find this to be accurate. Mostly. It's super silky and soft and easy to blend, but I found the lightest shade to be "harder" than the others: it didn't pick up onto my brush as easily as the other 2 shades, and I had to do that horrible swiping motion with my brush to get the pigment onto the brush. You know, like some impatient cashiers do with your Smart Shopper/Vitality/Clicks card? Or like you did when you were about 6 years old, playing shop-shop with your plastic till? I'm all for product economy, and all that friction created "dust" and I had to wipe away most of it. I find that a finger works slightly better.

Left: no flash. Right: flash. Yes, I'll get better at taking pics with one hand.

The lightest shade looks like a pale rose mist-/seashell-/lavender blush-/antique white-meets-pearl or, more simply, a shimmery champagne pink. Although, it didn't pick up easily with the brush, it was soft and easy to blend once on the skin. You can also use this shade not only as a highlighter on your brow bone and inner corners of your eye, but also on the bridge of your nose and cupid's bow. Use it sparingly, though, as it is very shimmery. Great glam for night, but I'd spend more time blending for day wear.

The medium shade is my favourite. It's a light piggy-pink shade. It's great over the entire lid as an everyday application. It's my lazy-girl shade at the moment, meaning if I have to leave the house, I swipe it on, apply mascara and that's my eyes done. Nothing else needed, as it's so pretty and brightening enough on it's own. As mentioned above, it works nicely as a cheek highlighter. It may be slightly too pink (and shimmery) to use as a highlighter anywhere else on your face. Depending on your complexion, you could use this as a shimmer blush, or as a shimmery veil over your matte blush. Remember to start off with a light-hand and blend well. It's easier to layer to get the desired effect, than to try to correct too much shimmer at a later stage. This shade is also great to dab over a lifeless matte, pink lipstick/tint/gloss, and you could do this over the entire lip or just at the centre for some dimension.

"Plummy" was the first thought I had when testing the darkest/sculpt shade. Actually, it's the colour of dried-red-roses before they turn brown and crumble. Duh, "Rose Vintage". It's intense. You won't need to dampen your brush to intensify this shade, simply pat it on and BOOM! It doesn't become much darker the more you layer it. It's pigment-rich and what you see is what you get. I did a single application (one layer) in the swatch above. What DOES happen when you layer it, though, is that the lighter accents of the shade become more apparent, giving it a more pinky, pearlized effect.

The Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio in 05 Rose Vintage can be versatile in terms of function and the colours are great for any eye and complexion colour. Although I was a little concerned at first about the "pinks", it complements my brown eyes, and I've worn even the darkest shade more than I thought I would. I don't often expect eyeshadows to last for 8 hours, even if it clearly states that it will, but this one did. In fact, it lasted just over 10 hours. I applied it in the morning, cleaned the house**, walked the dogs on the beach**, made dinner and then showered, and it was still intact before I showered. I had rubbed my eye once that day, forgetting I had applied a full face makeup, and it smudged a little, but didn't come off completely. I hadn't used a primer or applied powder that day, I simply applied it over my tinted moisturizer, which seemed to be enough. There was slight creasing, though, but not enough to make me want to remove it or reapply it. Nothing a primer or some powder pre-application couldn't fix, in my opinion. 

I've put the Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio 05 Rose Vintage in my personal makeup collection, and there it will stay. Not only because of all the above reasons, but also because the man had noticed it and said I looked pretty and asked if I was going out when I applied it that morning before cleaning (even though I was wearing trackpants and an over-sized t-shirt). That coming from a guy who asks, "Did you wash your hair?" or says, "your hair looks nice" when he thinks something's different but can't figure out what...like when I tweeze my eyebrows or paint my nails. Really.

Miss B

*prices vary depending on where you purchase it. I've checked a few online stores, but the price varies by as much as R70.

**This is how I test the "longevity" of makeup: I apply it in the morning after cleaning my face, I clean the house (properly, not just pack dishes away) and then walk the dogs. Sometimes I'll throw a workout into the mix, but this rarely happens.

Day-to-Night Makeup

My latest video for rubybox is up, and it shows you a simple way you can take your makeup from day to night at your desk. Of course, there's not just ONE way to do this, so I'll be doing a post about other ways you can adjust your makeup from day to night.



I thought it appropriate for this time of the year, as there are many end-of-year functions, after work meet-ups and cocktails happening and not everyone has the time to rush home and change outfits/hairstyles/makeup completely.  

Of course, this is useful for any time of the year. Many people have places to be after work and want a little more from their makeup.

I used Bourjois Smokey Eyes Trio in Rose Vintage, Bourjois Khol and Contour in Brun Design and Bourjois Rose Exclusif lipgloss in the video, which were sent to me by rubybox. Thanks, Rubies. I'll be doing full reviews on all the products soon, so keep an eye out for it. I am thoroughly impressed with Bourjois products, and am especially obsessed with their Rose Exclusif lipgloss, and haven't worn another lip product, other than lip balm, since receiving it. I'm wearing it right now.



Miss B

Smashbox Photo Finish Bronzing Foundation Primer

I bought this on Rubybox as a gift to myself. They had a Christmas in July Sale. AAAAAAAHHHHHH.

I've always wanted to try the Smashbox primers as they walk away with most of the beauty awards in their category. I've tried a few of their primers before, in the store, on the back of my hand, just to feel the texture and see the finish. And I could never close the deal because I've justified to myself that hand cream and socks and underwear were more important at the time. As if my face doesn't need underwear, too.

So why now? Because I'm a big girl that doesn't like powder (or even wear proper foundation), so I need a different approach in longer-lasting makeup. According to it's description, it's meant to warm the skin tone, reduce visible pores and fine lines, and even skin tone, making for a smooth application of foundation.

Well, it arrived and I went NUTS! Jumped up and down, did a little booty dance, NUTS!

Until I put it on my face.

Eh. Hmm. Urgh. Meh.

It was like this one time when I was a kid and there were grapes on the table and I was all "YAY! I love grapes" and took a handful, then I bit into one and it was an olive. Or at my matric farewell, when I was so happy there was potato salad and dished a whole BIG spoonful, and saved it for last, and it was a feta salad thing. Who does that?! Seriously.

It has a nice smooth texture and feels velvety. It's also pretty mattifying and has a nice, light scent. I love the black and clear bottle. And that is all that is good for me, friends. Although it comes out a dark, bronze colour, it "melts into" your skin. I wouldn't call this product "bronzing" because it didn't "warm" my skin tone. Also, in case you thought it was luminizing or even slightly shimmery, it isn't. It's very matte. It didn't even appear tinted. I specifically applied it to only half of my face, first, to see the difference. There was no difference. It neither softened fine lines nor reduced the appearance of pores. Nada. If anything, this is a mattifying primer. It feels nothing like any of the Smashbox primers I've tried in the store before.

Have you tried any of the Smashbox primers? Which are your favourites?

Miss B

Rubybox Tools: Eyeshadow Brush

Can one ever have too many eyeshadow brushes?

Well, I guess you can, but I never get tired of it. I'm not sure how many I have, but I'm going to guess about 20+. And I really feel it when I decide to wash all of them in one session. *head in hands* And yes, I use almost all of them. As a makeup artist, they all have a place, but in a personal capacity, I think I'm just weird with my eyeshadow brushes. I tend to designate them to certain products. For example, I won some Dr Hauschka products on One Stiletto At A Time a while ago (which I LOVE) that included eyeshadow brushes, and I only use those eyeshadow brushes for the eyeshadow compact that came with it. Also, I have this angled eyeshadow brush that I only seem to use to apply/blend a specific grey eyeshadow. Whaddup widdat?

rubybox.co.za

Rubybox Tools Eyeshadow Brush is flat with a rounded, tapered edge. It has silky nylon fibres, and is not very dense. It seems a bit "thin". It doesn't seem to affect the quality of application, though. It also depends on what you like, I suppose. When I looked at it and felt the bristles, my first thoughts were that it'll be best for cream/liquid shadows or for when you want to apply eyeshadow powders with a damp brush for intensity. The texture looks like that of one my professional concealer brushes.

Well, I've tried it a few ways and it works well. For dry, compacted shadows (most common form eyeshadow packaging, think standard MAC eyeshadow singles and eyeshadow palettes, generally. They're compacted.), it picks up just enough so that you don't have to tap off any "excess". By "just enough" I mean I press the brush onto the compacted shadow once and it's enough to see the colour/product on your lids in a single application, but there is room for layering. Everyone's intensity preference is different, but I prefer to have the option to layer. I don't do that whole swirling and swiping motion with the eyeshadow brush in compacted eyeshadows: it's untidy and it wastes product as you end up dusting the excess "loose" powder off or blowing it...which is super unhygienic, btw. Don't be gross. Eeuw.

Obviously, for loose eyeshadows (such as Black Up's Glitter and Pearl Powders. Also called "pigment pots" or something similar at some other brands) it depends on your dispensing method. If you're going to "dip" the brush into the pot until you feel the bottom of the container like you're mixing batter, tapping will be necessary, but Rubybox Tools Eyeshadow Brush provides for a smooth application if you just "touch" the little that you're going to use, or if you're like me and prefer the subtle, take the bit on the sides of the pot. Same goes for using it dampened: decant eyeshadow and press onto lids for colour depth and intensity. Do not drag on your eyelid.

My favourite way to use this eyeshadow brush, as I initially thought, is for cream shadows. It's got the perfect shape and texture for this purpose. I've used it for creams shadows about thrice so far and it provides smooth application and blends really well. So if you get it for any reason, get it for your cream shadows. Or for all the liquid/gel eye cosmetics now available. It works much better than those sponge-tip applicators and is much easier to clean. Not keen on cream shadows? That's fine. Luckily, this brush has a "multi-medium" appeal and you can use it with your current eye-shadow products.

Rubybox Tools Eyeshadow Brush is R99.95 on rubybox.co.za


Remember to vote for me in the Rubybox Ruby Royal Competition here or here.
Thank you.
xxx


Miss B

Rubybox Tools: Foundation Brush

If you didn't know, I really love Rubybox. So, it makes me happy that they have their own brand of beauty products in the form of Rubybox Tools. Tools make me happy. I can hardly imagine what our made up faces would look like without tools. Well, I can, but it's not as pretty as with tools.

Out of the few that I have, we should probably start at the beginning (of our routines) with their Foundation Brush.

It's a flat, medium-sized foundation brush, with tapered bristles that are soft yet firm. Because I'm such a hygiene-enthusiast I clean foundation brushes after every use (unless I'm rushing in which case I do a quick clean on a makeup removing wipe and wash it later), and it's kept it's shape after 6 months of use. I also don't recall seeing one of these bristles on my face or décolleté after makeup application: a problem I've had before with other professional brushes. I've never loved a flat foundation brush as much as I have this one, and I love that it's tapered. I've used flat-edged ones before that don't blend very well. Different strokes for different folks.

In terms of application method, it's great for product economy as you use less product than you would if you just smeared it on your face with your hands. It works well to apply your daily moisturizer if you like all that faffing on your face. The blending ability is good...for most foundation products. I don't necessarily think that the fault is in the brush, but rather with the texture/medium of certain products. I love applying my tinted moisturizer with this brush and it works perfectly for that, but as mentioned in one of my BB Cream reviews, I looked like I was coated with butter, ready to go into the oven, when I used it with that specific product and needed to blend with my fingers afterwards.

This brush is so gentle that although it probably works best in linear strokes, you could use it in circular motions if you so wished without "pulling" on the skin. The size is also perfect to apply product to the eye area. You can apply your foundation or the like under your eye and get right up to the lower lash line and blend it without getting product on your lashes or in your eye. Same goes for the upper lid. I can easily control the brush to get product right up to my eyebrow without letting it touch my brows.

I also use this brush to apply cream blush. Say whaaat?! Yes, that's right. I have really cold hands and this makes it hard to apply cream blush evenly, most of the time. The product doesn't melt into my skin nicely and look very natural when my hands are super cold and it feels like I'm trying to colour in my cheeks with new pastels, all while PULLING my skin. I hate skin pulling so much. Also, the product seems to be "softer" in it's compact than on my icy fingers. And when I don't have all the time in the world and sometimes have to apply my makeup in the car after touching the keys to unlock the front door, the security gate, then lock the front door and security gate, open the front gate that needs some extra loving via a push, close the front gate that now needs to be pulled, open the car door, close the car door and then put on my seatbelt...my hands are no longer hygienic and sanitary enough for me to be touching my face. So why not use a brush instead? Saves me a whole lot of potential problems and anxiety. I have a reactive skin, okay, stop judging. I do NOT have OCD. And the results are great.

If you've been thinking of getting a foundation brush but haven't yet decided on one, this one is definitely worth a try. Plus, that matt black handle looks so smart and classy.

Rubybox Tools Foundation Brush retails at R149.95 at rubybox.co.za.


Rubybox is currently running a competition, in search of a brand ambassador, called RubyRoyal. I've entered and would appreciate your vote. Go team! *shakes pom poms*

To hit me up with votes click http://bit.ly/10Qdu4S and "vote" if you're on a PC or Laptop. Unfortunately, that link doesn't work from mobile devices. I have no idea why, I'm technically tehnologically challenged. If you're on a mobile device click HERE, then "View entries" and click on my video "Elana, Cape Town" and vote. All your support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. :-)


Miss B

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

amazon.co.uk

I tried this for the first time last year, but couldn't judge it fairly as there were many variables at the time. I've revisited it, and am kind of impressed.

I'm not Garnier's biggest fan, generally, as I've had a bad experience or two using their skin care range(s), so I was a bit hesitant, but it was one of the first BB creams available in SA, and cost-effective (about R89) at that, so my curiosity got the better of me.

It's a 5-in-one and is meant to even tone, hydrate, smooth fine lines, blur imperfections and provide an SPF of 15. I used the "medium" shade, and although it looked a bit muddy (with hints of pink) on me at first, it blended really well. Depending on your skin type, you can use this on clean skin sans a moisturizer. It makes for really smooth application with your fingertips as you would apply your moisturizer. If you have normal/combination skin, you probably won't need to moisturize at all, just apply your eye product if you use one, and then Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfector BB. I can't really advise application methods for drier skins, as I find this BB quite oily for myself, and won't be able to tell if it's enough for you, or if you need added moisture. After about 2 hours, I'm whipping out the blotting sheets, and I always need more than one. Bear in mind that I don't use powder.

It provides a light coverage, with a radiant finish. My skin looks dewy after I apply it. This doesn't settle, and become matte. In fact, as I mentioned above, it becomes quite shiny and oily looking. Not just on the "oily T-zone" but everywhere. I actually look super gross after about 2 hours. Like, seborrheic. Or like I just cracked open an oil capsule and lightly brushed it on my face, with a basting brush. I tried using powder once with this BB cream and it certainly does make a difference, but not for long. I needed to use blotting sheets anyway, just not as soon as without the powder. 

I probably won't use this all over my face as a BB cream again, but I have to note that while using this, my skin did improve. Yes, the condition of my skin became better: clearer and more even. I don't have uneven skin tone, as such, but the difference was noticeable. Also, I "breakout" regularly (thanks, PMS) which doesn't always look bad, sometimes it's not at all noticeable. It is, however, a nice test for me with regards to products.  I like to try it out during that time so that I can observe how my skin reacts. Because of the light coverage, it doesn't cover spots really well. Not on it's own anyway, but it makes for a nice primer/spot-treatment under foundation.

For me, the best way to use this, is as a highlighter. I've tried it both under my foundation and over, and it works, both ways. It's got some concentrated mineral pigments which makes for a very nice glow that doesn't make you look like a disco ball. More like a Chrismas ball/bauble. You know, a little more subtle. I apply it to my cheekbones and brow bones, and on really lazy days, I use it over the entire eye lid with a coat of mascara. If you use a matte or mattifying foundation and have those days where you want t little more radiance without the effort of bronzing powders, highlighters and and and,  I think it would work really well if you add a tiny little blob of this to your foundation.

When I bought it, there weren't testers available, but I've noticed that there are now. So make sure to test it ON YOUR FACE before buying it, to make sure you get the right shade, unless you're getting it for highlighting/priming purposes.

Miss B

Lip Colour Essentials

zuiiorganic.com

I believe you should have at least 3 lip colours in your makeup collection. I can't give you specifics as our complexions, natural lip colours and tastes differ. However, if you have the 3 following lip colours, you won't NEED anything else. Sure, you may WANT a black/blue/purple/orange/white/pastel yellow lipstick, but you don't NEED it. This can also save you money. Well, that depends on your taste, I guess. YSL ain't gon' save you money, honey.

1. You need a colour that's a shade or two lighter than your natural lip colour. The nudey colour your lips are when you wake up, before you brush your teeth or lick them or kiss someone or walk into the door, you know, when they're still kind of pale? That's the colour you want but with a hint of pink. A HINT, not a bucket. This colour is great for when you're playing up your eyes (e.g. dark, smokey eyes). It's also great for day-time and natural looks. For me, that colour is MAC Jubilee.

shopping.com

2. You also need a colour that is a shade or two darker than your natural lip colour. Think about how your lips look after you've brushed your teeth, and the toothpaste has tingled it and buzzed up the circulation. They look bright. That's what you want. This can be the only thing you apply with a coat of mascara. You know how so many makeup artists say if you wear only one thing on your face, make it mascara? This shade of lipstick is MY mascara. I can look like I've seen a ghost or like I'm ill, and one coat of MAC Sophisto on my lips brings my face back to life. And seemingly a punch of health.

allcosmeticswholesale.com

When you mix shade 1. and shade 2., you should get your natural lip colour,  approximately. Yes, I've tried this, yes it works. Also, you can use this to even out your lips if you so wish. For example, if your top lip is thinner than your bottom lip and you want them to look more even, you could apply the lighter shade to the top, and the darker shade to the bottom. Press (not rub, and do that dumb thing they do in movies, which also "stretches" your skin, BTW) lips together once, blend with a lip brush and dab a little more light shade on your top lip. See third shade in pic below.

This is one "coat" of each colour. The MAC Jubilee looks more pink on my lips and not as "tan" as it looks on my wrist.  See when 1+2 are mixed? Again, one coat of each colour, mixed. And don't you just LOVE how intense ONE coat of YSL Rose Stiletto is? I took a pic with flash (right) - I swear those colours don't look so damn shimmery on my face.

The third lip colour essential is a bright colour. I think red (the right shade of red for YOU) should be a staple, but I'm much more of a pink girl. A bright pink. I like blue-toned reds and they don't look terrible on me, but bright pink (it's close enough to red, y'all) suits me better. My perfect bright pink is YSL's Rouge Pur Couture in Rose Stiletto. It's meant to be the pink that suits everyone, and after turning up the lipstick for the first time I thought it looked like an "old lady pink" (sorry) but when I put it on my lips, I was SOLD! And I haven't tried another pink since. And I'm not really looking. There are days when I'm just too lazy to apply "full" makeup (or when the man gives me 15 minutes notice that we're going somewhere and I still need to shower AND moisturize my whole body), and a bright lipstick is perfect for those days. You don't have to wear anything else, except mascara. If you're not that into mascara, skip it. (Cue attack from makeup artists, everywhere) A statement lip is all you need, day or night.

ebay.com

You don't need a nude lipstick, especially if you really can't afford to be purchasing yet another lipstick. Use your foundation. When you apply your foundation to your face, include your lips. Depending on the consistency/coverage of your foundation and the desired effect on your lips, you may need to add a second layer of foundation to your lips. Once the rest of your face is done, just add a gloss. Nude lip complete.

And if you're a total lip product junkie, and want one more colour, make it a berry. Berries suit everyone, and is a great autumn/winter addition. But if it suits you, and you love it, I say wear it all year round. Lucky for me, my #2 darker shade doubles up as a berry, when layered.

Hey, you need not spend half of your beauty budget on lip products. It's one of those things where you can get away with "cheaper" brands. And, actually, many "cheap" brands have great quality lip products.  Try Yardley, Essence, Rimmel, NYX. I love MAC lipsticks, but if I can't afford to buy another one by the time my current favourites run out, and I don't get gift cards as gifts (duh, why else would you get a GIFT card. Facepalm.) and my mom doesn't feel sorry for me, and my boyfriend doesn't get the hint and no-one asks me if I want anything, I'd definitely match my colours with a cheaper brand.

Shop smart, and remember to add a smile to your lip colour. :-) (Would you like some crackers for all that cheese?)

Have any must-have/can't-live-without lip colours? Share below.

Miss B

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

everythingbobbi.com

I'm still on a mission to find the perfect BB Cream for myself. I've never really owned (a full coverage) foundation. The first and last time I had foundation on my face was for my matric dance when I had my makeup done. I don't like it. Or I don't like the idea of the "masking" effect, rather. Yes, I know we've come a long way and there are super stuff on the market that "melts" into your face and becomes a "second skin". Maybe I'm just hesitant because I have a post-acne reactive skin. Either way, I prefer tinted moisturizers, and now BB creams. Plus, I'm a sucker for multi-purpose products.

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35 is said to cover imperfections and, therefore, even skin tone; moisturize and control oil; brighten skin instantly and over time; help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and help protect against UVA/UVB radiation.

I haven't worn this on it's own (without sunscreen underneath) during the day so I can't really comment on the protection element, but it definitely provides some cover, moisturizes and brightens. I'm not entirely convinced on the oil control factor, as my forehead can get oily over time, and I've noticed this while wearing this BB cream. However, I don't think it's anything a little powder can't fix, and I'm hardly ever without blotting sheets. I'm not big on powder.

It comes in 5 shades: Extra Light, Light, Fair, Medium, and Medium to Dark. At first glance, I assumed I'd be the Fair, but after testing it (and the Medium) on my skin, with much appreciated help from one of the assistants at Bobbi Brown, I'm the "Medium to Dark" shade. There wasn't anything darker, but it works for me.

I swatched it next to a little blemish, see?

Made sure I spread it over the blemish.

Completely blended. A bit pink on my hand, I know. But, blemish covered.

It has a light-to-medium texture, with no obvious scent, and would probably be best applied with warm fingers. I often use a foundation brush to apply this, but I find I look a bit like a pastry that has just been brushed with melted butter or egg yolk: a bit wet and slightly yellow. So, I always end up using my fingers to blend it into my hairline and all along the "perimeter" of my face, right down to my jawline. I also do this above my brows and on the sides of my nose. It just looks better once I've gone over it gently with my fingers and once I do it, it really looks like it just "melts" into my skin.

On first application, before blending completely, it looks like it has yellow undertones (hence the butter/egg yolk brushing), which is great, because I have yellow undertones, so matchy-matchy, right?. But on my hand it looks pinkish. The pink is not obvious on my face, though, and I suppose it contributes to brightening up my face. Also, the yellow undertones help cover any under-eye blueness, and some slightly green veins showing through the delicate skin around the eyes. Mine are quite obvious, and I didn't need to use concealer with this Bobbi Brown BB cream. I just dabbed a little more (a second layer, as such) BB cream over the visible veins, and they were gone. Gone gone. Looked completely covered, but still natural, like I never had it to begin with.

It provides a smooth, medium coverage. My face looks matte but not dry, and usually by the time I've applied the rest of my makeup, it looks more natural and glowy, but not shiny. If you want a more matte look, you could apply powder, but as mentioned above, I don't love powder. I know it sets your makeup, etc, but I'm a minimalist, and I don't like looking too matte. I like the radiant, glowy, I-just-moisturized look.

Overall, I like it, and it looks natural on photos, with minimal flashback, despite the high SPF. Unfortunately, I can't use this everyday. I've been using it for almost 4 months and noticed that I start breaking out when I use this on consecutive days for longer than 2-3 days. It may be a little too rich for my combination skin, so I save it for "special occasions." Having said that, I think this would be great for someone with a normal-to-dry skin.

Have you tried this one? How does it work for you? What are your favourite BB Creams?

Miss B

Essence Goodies

Got a few Essence goodies in the November Rubybox, so I've had quite a while to try it...

Essence Colour and Go nail polish in Nude It

image from nihrida.com

Nice colour, crap brush.
I never really LOVED the nude nail trend. I think it suits many people, but I don't love the earthy tones on myself. Essence's Nude It was pretty, though. And after the first coat I thought, "Hey, this could work." It doesn't have that orange or yellow tone that some nudes tend to have, and it also doesn't have the pink undertone. It's a proper, earthy, light-brown type nude. And that's all that was good about it. And the fact that it dries quickly.
I got frustrated painting my nails with this one. I did it over thrice thinking I was the problem, but turns out I wasn't. It didn't come out even at all. Not once. At first it was streaky, and I was expecting a bit of self-levelling, but it just dried that way, and looked terrible, hence not my own picture above. When I tried it the second time with less pressure (thinking maybe I put too much pressure on the brush) it still did that and when I tried to correct it, it just ridged and bubbled. Annoying. I don't think that the formulation was the problem, but rather the brush. It seemed uneven and very hard. I've got one other Essence nail polish, and it's not as bad as the Nude It one, so maybe it was just that one I got. Still, nothing about it made me want to go out and get it. Not even the fact that it didn't look weird with my complexion.

Essence XXXL Nudes Lipgloss in Pure Beauty

image from ebay.co.uk

I love this. It is surprisingly moisturizing. Whenever my lips are looking a bit dry, I apply this first before my lipstick, just to smooth it out a little. Of course, it is better to continually moisturize your lips and never let it get to that point of dryness, but sometimes one can't help it. Code for 'I have more important things to do than apply lip balm every 10 minutes.' Either way, this is nice. It doesn't dry your lips with continual use. I used it every day for a week with no other moisturizing lip balms and I had no issues. It doesn't affect other lip colours too much, but I would recommend applying this before your lipstick, unless you want your lipstick to look a shade or two lighter or if your lipstick is the same colour or a very similar nude. It blends very well, and isn't sticky. If you press your lips together, they're not going to stick together or feel uncomfortable when you separate them. It's also not disco ball shimmery.  It's has a very subtle shimmer and gives more of a great translucent sheen. The scent is great. It smells like vanilla icing meets toffee and white chocolate, and tastes like that, too. I know, but it happens. I'd like to try the Glamour to Go, Bubble Babe and Nude Kiss. Maybe even Nude Candy, although it seems a bit light for me.


Essence Metallic eye pencil in White Divine

Top: Essence Kajal Pencil no.19 All I Want. Read more about it here

Bottom: Essence Metallic Eye Liner in White Divine.

I absolutely LOVE this eye pencil. It is very soft, so no need to add pressure and drag on the skin of the very delicate eyelid. There's also lots of room to play with the intensity. That is one "coat" in the picture and I used the pencil at an angle, hence it looks like quite a broad line. I love using this on my upper eyelids and then smudging it, so it looks like there's a bit of shimmer, but it's not as intense and obvious as above. It looks great smudged, with nothing else but black liquid/gel liner. This is also great to lightly line your lower waterline. I don't like lining the waterline with white at all, but if you use this baby very lightly it may make your eyes look bigger and brighter without the chalk-looking effect. Another way you could use this is to line your upper lid finely. Make sure to sharpen the pencil, k? Also, if you often get highlighting powder in your eye when you try to dab a bit onto the inner corners of your eyes (especially if you're using a brush), or just want something really bright, try this. I actually prefer it to powder. And if you apply too much, just smudge it. And lastly (I think), make your pout pop by lightly lining your cupids bow with this li'l wonder. And gently smudge it. :-)

What are your favourite Essence goodies? Tried any of the above? Tell me below in the comments section.

Miss B

BB Creams

For those who are still in search of great, affordable BB creams, Revlon and Rimmel's versions are now available in SA.

Revlon Photo Ready BB Cream Skin Perfector

Rimmel BB Cream 9-in-1 Skin Perfecting Super Makeup

You can read Leigh's review at Lipgloss Is My Life. Love her!!!

What BB creams do you use and love?

I can't wait for L'oreal and Maybelline's BB Creams to get here.

Miss B

Sensitive? How to handle it...

Women's Health (US) have given advice to readers suffering with sensitive skin, in an article titled "Winterize your skin. Sensitive Skin: What you can do". I am not sure I entirely agree with everything, but below I have summarized the article and added in some other important points that were not mentioned or properly explained.

There is much debate about sensitive skin being a skin TYPE or a skin CONDITION. Women's Health quoted  Marianna Blyumin- Karasik, a dermatologist in Miami as saying,  "Women with sensitive skin have hyperactive immune systems that read certain products or weather conditions as enemies and fight them off as foreign objects.  This reaction often leads to skin redness, itching, stinging, burning, and peeling." By this characterization, sensitive skin is a skin TYPE. Sometimes, with the correct care, one may "grow out of" the sensitivity, or the skin will balance, heal and regulate itself. In that case, sensitive skin would be a skin condition, as it is not forever, it is just temporary. Note that "temporary" may be 3 months, 3 years or 13 years.

Experiencing skin redness, peeling, burning, stinging and/or itching does not necessarily mean that you have sensitive skin. It means you have symptoms of sensitive skin. This may be due to trying/using a new product that contains an ingredient that you are sensitive to. Consulting with a dermatologist or medical professional can't do harm, but if you know what you're sensitive to, or sometimes allergic to, simply avoid products that contain it.

Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Choose fragrance-free products. This may extended into you body care routine as well as household cleaning. Read product labels and select products that say "hypoallergenic", "formaldehyde-free", "dermatologically APPROVED". "dermatologically tested" is no longer good enough, it needs to be dermatologically approved.

2. Many cleansers contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate which is a foaming agent, detergent and surfactant, meaning it breaks down the glue that keeps/binds skin cells together. This glue is mostly necessary, and it prevents dryness and damage. Cleansers may also contain Tetrasodium EDTA and Triclosan which is drying. This isn't necessarily all bad, but most sensitive skins are already dry, and these worsen the condition. Use cleansers only if they are prescribed/recommended by your dermatologist or if they are specifically for sensitive skin. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is milder than Sodium LAURYL Sulfate so you may find that some "sensitive skin" cleansers may contain S.Laureth.Sulfate, but try to use one that contains neither. Note: these ingredients will be second or third from the top of the ingredients list.

3. Makeup irritants:

• Ultramarine blue - common in eyeshadow (especially blue hues)
• Mica - light-reflector, common in mineral makeup and bronzers,  known to cause itching.
• bismuth oxychloride - sheen/shimmer enhancer,  known to cause stinging.

There is probably many more and these ingredients are very commonly used, so it is hard to avoid, but Dr Zoe Draelos, a consulting professor of dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine, suggests using neutral shades such as beige and brown as they contain less irritating chemical pigments. She also said, "Choosing liquid blushes, bronzers, and foundations (which aren't brushed on) will keep your skin placated," in Women's Health's USA March 2012 issue. Brushing on eyeshadow, blush, etc may irritate your skin, especially if you aren't gentle, and if your makeup accessories and brushes are on the hard side.

4. Environmental Factors. I always emphasize the importance of wearing sunscreen all year round. "Ultraviolet light mutates proteins in the skin, which damages skin cells and causes a red, stinging reaction known as photosensitivity." Annet King, director of global education for Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute, recommends wearing a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as opposed to irritating chemical UV absorbers such as PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), benzophenones, and cinnamates. If the climate where you live is very dry, it's best to use a moisture-rich humectant moisturizer that contains glycerin, and apply it immediately after cleansing/showering/bathing, and apply throughout the day if necessary.

5. Stop touching your face! Many people, sensitive skin or not, are guilty of this. Stop it. Just go cold turkey and stop it! You type, you text (think of all the surfaces your phone has touched), you touch the elevator buttons, then the office door, then you take someone's hand (who knows where they've been, what they've touched, when last they've washed their hands). No no no no NO! Don't put all that onto your skin.

6. Some makeup removers are not gentle enough for sensitive skin...even if they say they are. The only way to know if something is mild enough for you is to try it, so ask for samples, or buy it. I don't have sensitive skin, but I am still looking for an eye makeup remover that does not sting the skin around my eyes and sometimes burns my eyes. In this case, it is totally okay to use facial wipes instead. Many brands have a sensitive skin option. I love Good Things Total Wipe Out Cleansing Wipes, available at Clicks if you live in SA. It is biodegradable, and contains NO mineral oils, petrochemicals, parabens, sodium laureth (and lauryl) sulfate, and nothing has been derived from or tested on animals.

After removing your makeup with facial wipes, rinse your face and pat dry, before continuing with your skin care routine.

7. Slow down. Yes, you want to prevent/slow down signs of ageing being apparent on YOUR face, but be smart. Many anti-ageing products have skin-sensitizing ingredients in it, and many anti-ageing products are only meant to be used from a certain age. If you are not that age yet, leave it alone. Find something more appropriate for your age, skin type, skin condition, lifestyle. Rather concentrate on skin health as early as possible. Have a look at Environ and what they're about, and when in doubt consult a dermatologist.

Miss B