Hi Divas

This past Winter has wreaked absolute havoc on my combination skin. The cold air has caused significant dryness along my forehead and mouth area causing my face to feel tight and look dull. I too am prone to flaking around my nose when my skin is particularly quenched. This is a pure sign of skin dehydration. Dehydrated skin can occur in all skin types as the epidermis lacks significant moisture. The golden element H20 is needed to replenish skin and restore it to its healthy state. Therefore I was so grateful when Clarins South Africa sent me their Hydra Essentiel range to review. I am no stranger to Clarins products as I was addicted to their Daily Energizer range along with their Bright Plus Line in the past. Clarins has always been a prestigious brand that not only offers luxury skincare but effective products with high quality ingredients. What sets the new Clarins Hydra Essential products apart is their significant attention to increasing and locking in moisture. Our faces are constantly exposed to outside elements daily causing dehydration, therefore these products can be used on all skin types to replenish our skin.

This powerful serum is a super hydrating formula consisting of Acetylated Hyaluronic Acid for intense hydration. It is a low molecular weight hyaluronic acid which provides a longer hydration life span. The serum contains Organic Leaf of Life extract, Organic Strawberry Tree extract and Crocus (Saffron Polyphenols). These all aid in balancing the skin's sebum production, tightening pores and radiating skin. The watery formula has a duo aspect and must be shaken to combine and activate ingredients. One and a half pumps are enough to quench my face for ultimate moisture. My skin loves this serum and soaks it up immediately after each use. It has a silky texture that absorbs wonderfully onto my face. The serum can be applied day and night to increase effectiveness. I highly recommend it, to add to your daily routine. Serums are truly miracle concoctions in a bottle.

 

Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Cream Mask 75ml

The overnight cream mask contains Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Leaf of Life extract and Ceramides to plump and nourish skin. The concentrated ingredients strengthen the skin's barrier by providing long-lasting hydration. The mask goes a long way as it has a thick velvety texture. I apply a small coin-sized amount specifically concentrating on my problem areas such as my forehead, around my nose and mouth. This mask has a creamy formula and any white excess left on the surface will be absorbed into the skin after some time. I love to use it as a sleeping mask before bed twice a week. I wake up in the morning with beautiful plump and moisturized skin. This mask is an absolute treat on super chilly days! It is a great investment as it will last a really long time with a whopping 75ml of product.

The new hydrating mist added to the range is my favourite product. It is extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways. The mist gives an instant boost of hydration. This is a lightweight and refreshing formula to use on the go when your face is feeling particularly parched. Not only does it add intense moisture but, a burst of radiance too. I love to use this throughout the day when my skin feels tight. It is a great addition to spritz over makeup application to keep the complexion from cracking due to dry weather. My foundation looks so much smoother and well-blended after a quick spray of the mist. The ingredients contain White Hound extract, Organic Leaf of Life, Nipplewort and Furcellaria to protect the skin against outside pollution and provide a fresh dewy face.

Usually, skincare brands provide all the necessary steps for glowing skin but forget one of the most important elements on our face, the lips! Thankfully Clarins did not neglect to spare us the embarrassment of a dry and cracked pout. This nifty little balm is perfect to throw in your handbag and use on the go. The tube packaging makes for a quick and mess-free application too. The Hyaluronic Lip Technology not only moisturizes the lips but significantly plumps and adds a natural shine as well. This non-sticky formula instantly hydrates and protects lips all day. I prefer to use the lip balm at night as an overnight lip mask. I have seen a significant improvement in the softness of my lips.

Did you know Clarins is committed to responsible sourcing and eco-designs to protect our environment? Yet another reason to purchase this incredible range and support a brand that is conscious about sustainability and making a positive impact on communities around them. Their motto is to reduce, reuse and recycle. They have therefore implemented actions to purchase their raw materials in sustainable ways, along with sourcing plant ingredients while preserving biodiversity. Their eco-friendly packaging encourages recycling to reduce overconsumption and limit waste. It is great knowing that you are purchasing and using products responsibly. What a wonderful initiative Clarins has taken.

These products are an absolute delight and I fully recommend them. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok @divadesle to see me use the range in action. Have you tried any of the Clarins line? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Hello beautiful Divas!

I am back for another beauty product review. Before jetting off to the Middle East I was looking every where for an affordable makeup setting spray. When I saw on social media that the L'oreal Infallible Fixing Mist has hit stores in South Africa I immediately went on the hunt for it. Everywhere I went it was either sold out or not in the local stores yet. On one of my last shopping trips before flying, I finally found it at Clicks. I grabbed one and ran to the till. I had no idea if this was going to work or not but I really needed something to take with my overseas. I am so happy I found this product because I would have bought the Mac Fix Plus spray and I really did not want to purchase that one. I have used the Mac Fix Plus spray before and it is good for setting and refreshing makeup but it does not extend the wear of your makeup. I needed something strong and durable. I was even contemplating using hairspray if I didn't find the L'oreal mist. Thankfully I did!

The mist is packaged in a 100ml white plastic bottle with a pump and cap. The bottle is not completely opaque so you can totally see the consistency of the product and how much liquid is in the bottle. Since I popped it into my suitcase I was very worried that it would leak on the plane. I wrapped it in zip lock bags and prayed that it would be okay. I am so pleased to report that the bottle held up on both my flights and was in perfect condition. It did not leak at all. Yay! The actual liquid has a milky colour. There are some white powdery bits and two balls that settle at the bottom of the bottle. When you shake the spray the two balls help mix the white powdery bits into the rest of the liquid. You then spray this all over your face two to three times after applying your makeup. The mist promises to set and extend the wear of your makeup with its micro fine liquid texture. It also states that it is anti-fade, anti-melt and anti-crack.


I really needed all these anti claims to work in my life! I was doing five shows a day in Doha with the average temperature reaching 40 degrees. By 14:00 some days the temperature would reach a high of 45 degrees. I was doing shows at various schools with air con but a lot of my time was spent on the road in cars travelling to schools in scorching temperatures. The struggle was real! I needed my makeup to last all day in sweltering weather. Let me tell you something. It sure did! My makeup lasted all day, no fading, no cracking and no melting! I was so super impressed. I did my makeup in the morning before heading out and sprayed this bad boy on my face and it lasted all day long. I did not need any touch ups. Whoop! This spray kept me matte and none of my eyeshadow or blush flaked off. I went out dancing one night at a jazz club in Doha. When I came back to the hotel my hair was an absolute mess, but my makeup was flawless!


I am so surprised at how well it works. I wasn't expecting such great results. If you are looking for an affordable makeup setting spray then do consider this one. It works amazingly well. I do have to stress that this is a makeup setting spray and should only be used after applying all your makeup and not as a primer or refreshing spray. This keeps your face super matte. If you have very dry skin or you spray way to much of the product your face can feel tight. I definitely recommend it to those who are combination to oily skin. For those who want a spray to use occasionally when you go out and you want your makeup to last at a party or wedding then this is a great option.



Hope you found this review helpful.
Lots of love.
Xxxx