Hi Divas
Dr Jart is a fairly new Korean skincare brand that is taking the world by storm. They started online in 2005 and have since expanded their wings across the cosmetic market. I have always wanted to get my hands on their products and am so happy that they are now stocked at Sephora. For those of you who don't know, I am a huge fanatic of Korean skincare, especially their sheet masks. I was very excited to pick up this mask on one of my trips to Sephora in Doha. Sheet masks are a great way to try out new brands without spending a fortune on their ranges. I figured if I like this mask, I would dip my toes deeper into what they have to offer regarding their different skin care lines. The Brightening Solution mask is marketed to those who suffer from a dull complexion and uneven skin tone. The mask promises to provide a more youthful and radiant appearance while visibly brightening pigmentation problems. Since I am a woman of colour, I do have some uneven skin tone on my forehead. This is very common around woman with tan to deep skin, as sometimes our skin tone tends to suffer discolouration due to sun exposure or blemishes. I do want to note that this is not a whitening product but a mask designed to help treat discolouration and dullness in the face.


The sheet mask is made of ultra-fine microfibre that luxuriously softens the skin. Since the mask is made of such a soft fibre it is held together by a mesh netting. The mask contains Niacinamide, Bisabolol as well as, Glutathione which is an anti-oxidant. All these ingredients are very beneficial and effective in treating dark spots, brightening the skin and preventing unwanted pigmentation spots from developing. The ingredients are listed on the back of the packaging and they seem to be very impressive. I love that Niacinamide is so highly listed, which means that there is a high percentage of it in the essence. Niacinamide is one of my absolute favourite skin care ingredients, as it not only brightens skin but aides in preventing premature ageing. With all these vital ingredients the mask does have a medicinal scent when opening and applied on the face but it doesn't last long. The actual essence has a creamy milky and thick texture. It absorbs well into the skin and feels very soothing and nourishing. It hydrates and moisturises the skin too. It doesn't feel sticky or leave an unwanted residue. Instead the leftover serum mixes well with my night cream and my skin is left feeling ultra-moisturised.


The sheet fibre is made of a soft cotton which absorbs the essence well. The mask is drenched in product which I love. The only con I have with the fibre is that it is designed way to small. I could barely fit the holes of the mask over my face without the product dripping into my eyes. I shudder to think what a man might go through if they try to use this. Men are very much into skin care too these days and I'm afraid that this mask might only moisturise half their face. Other than that, the mask fits snug on the face and adheres well. It is very comfortable to wear and I totally forgot it was on and wore it for more than 30 minutes. The fibre feels very soft and nourishing on the face. You really do feel like you are giving yourself a spa treatment at the end of the day.


 Follow me on Instagram and Snapchat at @divadesle ;-)

After removing the mask and adding my face cream, I couldn't believe the radiant glow that this mask gave me. My face looked so healthy and had a natural luminosity to it. Even though this is a brightening mask, I absolutely love how moisturising this product is. I was very surprised by this as most brightening products do not add that extra hydration. Even the next day, my face looked plump and youthful. This mask would be great as an extra step to treat hyper pigmentation. You will not see immediate results in that area, as dark spots take time to fade. It is a great addition to help in evening out your skin tone. This is an excellent mask that would suite all skin types. It is very well made and the ingredient list is top notch. I recommend it to anyone looking to add a little extra treatment and nourishment into their routine. I definitely want to purchase more when I get the chance.



Hope you found this review helpful. 
Thank you so much for reading.
Divalicious Kisses! 
Xxxx

Hi Divas

I will be shining a spotlight on a lovely mask I picked up at Sephora in Doha. Sephora have really been stepping up their game when it comes to skin care lately. They have added a variety of masks and other facial products to their range. This is awesome news as the actual Sephora Collection brand is the cheapest in store among the other high competitor brands they sell. Now a days as consumers, we have to be more careful about our spending habits in this global economy. I love that they are providing cheaper alternatives without lacking on ingredients and quality. The Pineapple Face Mask is marketed as a pore perfecting and smoothing sheet mask. It promises to be a second skin which quenches the face within 15 minutes. The mask says that it tightens pores and smooths skin texture. I don't really have a problem with enlarged pores, nor do I have textured skin. I do have pores in the normal areas on the sides of my nose which become slightly visible under really bad cakey foundation coverage. I did test out this mask on my monthly red robot visits, as that is when my skin tends to throw a temper tantrum leaving me with unsightly zits.


This mask is enriched with pineapple extracts which are very beneficial for the skin. Pineapples are filled with Vitamin C and Beta Carotene which are great antioxidants that help to diminish wrinkles, and treat damaged skin from sun exposure and free radical pollution. It also improves skin texture and promotes collagen for firmer skin. Pineapples are not only great to eat but contain a number of health benefits that aid in youthful and healthy skin, making you look and feel better from the inside out. As I mentioned above, I don't really have problem skin so I was curious to see how this mask would perform on my face. I do believe in prevention is better than cure, therefore any ingredients that prevent skin damage is a yes in my book. When opening the mask, you get a sweet pineapple scent that hits you right in the face. This scent smells so good, that it actually makes me want to eat the mask, instead of putting it on my face. It smells like a refreshing pineapple cocktail. It reminds me of Summer and makes me want to have pineapple juice on the beach. Don't worry though, as this aroma is not pungent and won't last long on your skin. You therefore won't have to worry about unwanted insects sitting on your face being attracted to sweet pineapple sap, LOL.

I loved the overall performance of this mask. It visibly made my skin look so much smoother. It even feels soft and smooth to the touch. The mask did a wonderful job in improving the surface texture of my skin. This sheet mask would be great to use before makeup as it provides a smooth and soft canvas for foundation to glide on. As far as pores are concerned, I didn't see any visible results in diminishing the look of them. They still looked the same to me. I guess you would have to continuously use pineapple extracts to see improved results. Nothing is cured overnight. This mask is not overly moisturising or hydrating though. If you have very dry skin, you might not like this product or you would need to apply a heavier moisturiser on top. I like the performance of this one on my skin and would like to buy more in the future. By the way have you seen the cute bright packaging of this sheet mask? It is absolutely adorable and fun. I love it so much and it makes me want to purchase more, just to display on my desk.

Hope you found this review helpful.
Thank you for reading.
Divalicious Kisses.
Xxxx

Hi Divas

Welcome back to another Pamper Sunday edition. This time, I am taking it all the way back to Korean Beauty. As you may know this is where sheet masks all began and they make the best masks on the market. Goodal is a fairly new Korean brand and they focus on skincare. Their brand name consisting of 'Good' and 'All', incorporates good and natural remedies for the skin. They say their products 'contain all that is good and be good for all'. They focus on harvesting natural ingredients in a safe way that benefits the environment and our skin. Their emphasis is to provide products which create clear and a bright skin tone using modern technology and infusing the skin with vitality and energy of nature. I have used quite a few products from the brand and am therefore very familiar with their style and ingredients. I enjoy almost all their products as they are effective, gentle and easy on the wallet. The only con is that they are not easily available outside Korea. You would have to use international Kbeauty websites, Amazon and Ebay to purchase them. The mask I am featuring comes from the Water Full line. There are 4 variants in the range and I have used the brightening one.


The Brightening mask consists of Vitamins B2, C and E which aids in hyper pigmentation and clears the skin from scars and blemishes. It contains orange water, kiwi extract and sea mineral water for optimum nourishment and moisture. Sea water is very beneficial to our bodies as it contains minerals which naturally heal and soothe irritated and dry skin. The term 'water full' suggest that this mask is filled with maximum hydration. The line is created to deeply moisturize the face while adding brightening benefits as well. I love the bright aqua packaging of the mask. It really highlights the ocean aesthetic and gives a calming effect to the mask visually. It comes in a pack of 5 which is excellent value for money. The actual packaging is very sturdy and is great for travel as the sheet won't get damaged.


The sheet mask has a soft cotton fibre which fits very snug on the face. It feels slightly smaller when compared to other masks. If you have a bigger circumference to work with, you may find the mask a little too small to manipulate on your facial features. The sheet is drenched in essence and feels so moisturizing on the face. This is honestly one of the most hydrating masks I have ever used. I love that the sheet adheres to the skin and does not slide down at all. I could easily go for 45 minutes wearing it without it drying out or slipping off.  The material is really good quality in holding moisture. It feels so comfortable and soft on the skin. The essence itself has a slight creamy texture but it is not milky. There is no stickiness either and the essence absorbs easily into the pores. It does not leave any unwanted residue and it mixes well with any cream you will apply on top. There is a lot of serum left over in the packet and can be used the next day if stored in the fridge.


I absolutely adore the results from this sheet mask. The essence feels so nourishing and hydrating. The next day my skin always looks well moisturized and plump after use. I can really see the benefits when I use the Goodal masks. I just came out of a cold and rainy Winter in Cape Town. We are currently in spring now, thank goodness. My combination skin went through some trials during the cold 3 months. This mask truly helped me to not have a parched and dull complexion. I highly recommend this line and the brand as a whole. They make excellent products for a fraction of the cost. I will keep repurchasing the Water Full line as well as other products. If you are looking for something deeply nourishing and effective give Goodal a try. You won't be disappointed.


Thank you so much for reading
Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx

Hi Divas

I purchased these Coconut Ceramide masks at a Sephora in Qatar. I love that Sephora has been stocking more Kbeauty products lately. Their sheet mask range as improved greatly within the store. Too Cool For School is a well-known Korean beauty brand. I have only tried their Pumpkin 24K Gold Sheet Mask. You can read that review here. The brand has some cult products which Kbeauty fanatics rave about. I love trying new sheet masks and the packaging of the coconut ceramide mask looked too cute to resist. When I came across these coconut masks, I immediately wanted to try it. Firstly, I love the scent of coconut. It always seems so refreshing and calming to me. Secondly coconut is known to have many great benefits to our bodies inside and out. These masks were one of the most affordable available in the skin care range. I love finding new products that are budget friendly too.

The mask is filled with freshly squeezed coconut water and ceramides, and is described as having brightening and anti-wrinkle properties too. Coconut water has wonderful benefits to hydrate and soothe dry, dull and irritated skin. You can use it as an everyday moisturiser because it replenishes and hydrates the flakiest skin. It contains anti-bacterial properties which help relieve and prevent acne as well. Coconut water is well known for creating a natural glowing complexion. It helps fade sun tan marks as well as blemishes and pigmentation problems. Ceramides are naturally found in our skin and they serve as protecting building blocks to keep in moisture, retain elasticity and acts as protective walls against pollution and other outside harmful elements. Ceramides are responsible for keeping our skin firm and supple. As we age these ceramides breakdown therefore using skin care which contain ceramides help the skin stay moisturised, firm and healthy.

The mask is made out of a thin cotton fibre and is packaged securely with two plastic protective sheets around it. The actual sheet is very delicate and you should handle it with care when applying it to your face as it might tear. The sheet is drenched in essence and there is a lot of product left over in the outside packaging. I would suggest you keep the rest of the essence in the fridge to use the next day. The sheet mask fits really comfortable on the face and feels very cooling and hydrating. The actual essence has a light consistency but it is not too runny. I absolutely love the fresh coconut scent of this mask as it is not artificial or too overbearing. This is honestly one of my favourite masks I have ever used. It feels so moisturizing and soothing on the face. I could wear this mask for a full hour as it does not dry out easily and sits snug on the face. My skin feels so refreshed, hydrated and calm after using it. It does not leave an unwanted sticky residue as some sheet masks tend to do. The remaining essence on my face blends wonderfully into my moisturiser.

I can truly tell the difference in the hydration levels and suppleness of my skin after using this mask. I would wear it at night and wake up to soft, glowing and healthy looking skin in the morning. I used these during the cold Winter months too and they made such a difference to my skin care routine. I definitely recommend these masks and cannot wait to purchase more. They are available on Ebay too if you cannot get to a Sephora. By the way, follow me on Snapchat @divadesle, to see more crazy sheet mask selfies. ;-)

Thank you so much for reading.
Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx

Pamper Sunday:

 Hiddencos Americano and Latte Mask 

Review

Hi Divas

What is better than coffee? Nothing, because coffee is EVERYTHING!! I am not ashamed to admit that I am a serious coffee addict. I swear there is nothing that warms my soul more like that first cup of dark liquid goodness in the morning. It is the first thing I do when I wake up. Ask any of my family members. They will gladly tell you that I switch on the kettle to make me a cup of java before I even open my eyes, LOL. It's not just the high that coffee gives me when I drink it. It's the smell and taste that sends me into nirvana. What would life be like without coffee? I shudder to think. Besides coffee being a wonderful and magical drink, it gets a really bad rap in mainstream media. Coffee is a natural God given substance, which when used in moderation, gives beneficial benefits to your body including your skin. Who knew that coffee could have amazing skin benefits like anti oxidants, improving circulation, being anti-inflammatory, protecting against UV rays as well as making skin smooth and bright. What better way to have these benefits than in a sheet mask. Hiddencos is a Korean skin care brand which came out with these mind blowing coffee masks. Sadly there is not much information on the brand on the interwebs so I cannot give you any more info than this. What I can say is their coffee masks are the BOMB.COM, LOL.

Americano Mask

This is the first mask I used from the range. It is packaged in the cutest coffee cup design. I just love the aesthetic detail that the brand invested in the packaging. It's honestly the cutest thing ever. This mask is described as a revitalizing ampoule mask with real Arabica coffee extract straight from Colombia. It is marketed as highly moisturizing as well as anti-bacterial and has anti-oxidants too. The main ingredients consist of Coffee extract which prevents inflammatory skin, prevents bacteria growth and helps prevention of psoriasis. Phyto Oligo is a plant extract that is anti-inflammatory and aids in keeping the skin moisturised. Fructan, a natural plant ingredient which helps retain and hold water. Portulaca extract prevents sensitivity to skin and soothes it. Witch hazel extract prevents sun damage and heals inflammation. While Chamomile water treats acne and dermatitis issues.  

This mask has a super strong filter coffee scent. It smells like a real americano coffee freshly brewed. This scent is heaven to me but may be over whelming to some who cannot stand strong scents. The essence is very thin in texture and has a tendency to drip down your neck. Be careful when using this mask as the essence is brown in colour and may drip down and stain clothes. The actual sheet is made of thin cotton and is drenched in essence. It is soft and comfortable to wear on the face. It feels very moisturising and soothing on the skin. I would wear it for 30 minutes and pat the rest of the essence into my skin. My face definitely feels revitalized and awake after I use it. Even the next day, my skin looks and feels refreshed and alive. There is quite a bit of essence left in the pack and I like to put that in the fridge to be used the next day. This mask would be great to use in the morning as it gives an energized feeling to the skin.

Latte Mask

This mask is packaged in a cute orange coffee takeaway design. It is marketed as a brightening and whitening mask. By whitening they do not mean skin lightening, rather treating pigmentation problems to get your skin back to its original skin tone. Along with the Columbian Arabica coffee extract the mask contains Adenosine and Niacinamide which aides in wrinkle prevention and helps brighten skin. Hyrulonic Acid is the magical ingredient that is natural found in our skin to retain and hold moisture. Aloe extract is excellent in treating irritated skin. Cetella extract reduces inflammation and Betaine contains amino acids that moisturise and give a healthy glow to the skin.

The mask lives up to its name as it has a complete milky texture. It smells exactly like a creamy coffee which is kind of crazy because it totally confuses the mind. My brain keeps sending signals to my mouth to take a sip because the scent is making my brain associate it with a latte. I keep opening my mouth wanting to take a gulp while wearing this mask, hehehe. Again, if you are sensitive to scents this may be a real trigger for you. The essence has a thicker texture than the Americano mask. It therefore does not drip down the neck. It is white in colour so you won't have to worry about it staining your clothes. The mask fibre feels very soft and comforting on the face. It is soothing, moisturizing and calming on the skin. I love the way this mask makes my skin feel. My face feels so nourished and soft after I use it.

Do you like my sexy selfie? Follow me on Snapchat @DIVADESLE for more craziness. I absolutely enjoyed using these face masks and all the wonderful benefits each one has. The masks made such a difference to the way my skin looks and feels. I personally love the Latte mask the most and will definitely purchase that one again. It truly gave such great results. The Americano mask was good but the formula was a little too runny for me. Have you tried any skin care products containing coffee extracts? Do let me know below. Also tell me if you love coffee as much as I do, LOL.

Thank you for reading

Divalicious Kisses!

Xxxx

Pamper Sunday: The Faceshop Real Nature Sheet Masks Review

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Lotus, Peony, Calendula, Red Ginseng

Hi Divas!

As you all know, I am crazy about sheet masks and love trying new varieties. I have discovered some lovely sheet masks on Ebay that won't break the bank. They are all from a well known Korean skincare brand called The Face Shop. These sheet masks are in the Real Nature flower range and come in a pack of three for only $4 (R50). Yes, that is right, $4 (R50)! Three excellent face masks for R50 is such a bargain. One face mask at Clicks or Dischem comes in that price already. Jackpot!!! As you can see I struggle to contain my excitement. I just love finding new skin care products that won't make my wallet cry. Below are my reviews.  Hope you find them helpful.

Red Ginseng: This was my first time using red ginseng and I was pretty taken aback by the strong scent. I had no idea what red ginseng smells like. It takes some time getting used to. I find it quite herbal and medicinal. Red Ginseng has been used in Asia for centuries! Benefits for the skin include anti ageing properties, giving energy and vitality to the skin, anti inflammatory components and more. Out of all the masks I used, I would have to say this one gave the most results. It truly impressed me. Not only did it give moisture to my skin, but my face looked healthy and smooth after two days using this mask. It truly is remarkable. The consistency of the essence is quite runny. You have to be careful when applying it to your face that it does not drip all over the place. The colour of the essence is brown and might stain your clothes. Do wear and old shirt while using the mask. I highly recommend this mask. It gives lovely results.

Lotus: This sheet mask is all about Hydration and keeping your skin fully moisturised. Lotus extract contains Vitamin C and B which boosts radiance and a brighter complexion. It also contains alpha hydroxy acids which exfoliates and purifies the skin. I find this mask to be very calming and hydrating. It has a milky texture which comforts dry rough skin. I love that the essence has a creamy texture and does not drip down the face and neck. I definitely recommend these if you want a comforting moisturising mask.

Peony: Peony extract has been used in ancient China for medicinal purposes. It is known to have anti inflammatory properties which relieves irritations and treats wounds. This sheet mask is specifically designed for skin radiance. Peony extract brightens the complexion because of the tannin components. After using this face mask my skin is left with a natural and healthy glow. I love the way this mask makes my face feel. I look well rested and radiant. The texture of the essence is gel like and absorbs quickly into the skin. This sheet mask has a lovely floral scent too. 

Calendula: Calendula extract helps soothe dry rough skin. It removes dead skin cells from the surface and treats inflammation. This sheet mask has a floral scent but not overpowering. Definitely smoothes the skin. The mask feels soft and comforting on the face. It is truly great for irritated dry skin. The essence is creamy and nourishing and gives excellent moisture. Since the essence has a thicker consistency it does not drip down the neck as most sheet masks do.

This is me in all my sheet mask glory! Follow me on Snapchat (DIVADESLE) to see more crazy snaps. I am super impressed by the quality of the masks. The actual cotton sheets are sturdy and soft. They fit well on the face and do not break easily or slide off.  All the masks are drenched in essence, so the brand is not holding back on product. I love them and will be buying more. Let me know if you have tried any of the masks and you can recommend some of your favourites to me too.


Lots of love.
Divalicious Kisses!

Xxxxx

Pamper Sunday:

What is a HydroGel Mask?

Koelf Gold Royal Jelly Review

Hi Divas!

I am aware that you guys are just getting over the sheet mask craze but have you heard of Hydrogel masks? I know, I can't keep up either! Well hydrogel masks are the new skin care craze to hit the cosmetic industry by storm. It all started in Korea (because that is where great skin care exist) and is at this very moment slowly seeping into a store near you. For those of you who know me, I am a sheet mask diva! I use one every Sunday and I got my mom hooked too. I swear I can never go back to a two step skin care regime after trying Korean products. Those days are gone and moved on. You can read my sheet mask review here, where I explain what they are and their benefits if you are interested.

Koelf Gold Royal Jelly HydroGel Mask Review:
 My skincare stash consists mainly of cotton sheet masks. I was very excited to try this mask because it was my first experience with a hydrogel and I have never used the brand Koelf. Koelf falls under the Korean skincare brand Petitfee who are famous for their face masks and hydrating eye patches. I chose the Gold Royal Jelly mask because it claimed to provide moisture as well as improve elasticity to the skin, aka decrease wrinkles and prevent ageing. ;-)  Some ingredients consist of green tea and mugwort extract. All beneficial in hydrating and soothing the skin. The mask has beautiful gold packaging but unfortunately has no English instructions. Also the tagline, ''The mask of Elves'' is hilarious to me and I have no idea why that tag line is there. What do elves have to do with hydrogels? Do elves have beautiful skin? Hahaha, I have not got a clue. Any way all my information I got online and not on the packaging.

The mask comes with plastic covers on both sides to protect it. The texture is soft and jelly-like, so do be careful to not tear or break it when you apply it on your face. The hydrogel is gold in colour and is made up of two parts. One is for the top half of the face, the other for the bottom and there are extra pieces for your eyes and nose. I like to use these extra pieces on my neck. The actual mask fits very well on the face but it does feel kind of heavy. It does not stick as well as it claims. So I end up laying on the couch any way and not doing other activities. The mask can definitely be worn for 45 minutes or more. It is very moisturising and feels so soft on the skin. When you are done you can pull it off and pat the extra serum left in the gold packet onto your skin. The mask feels very luxurious and super hydrating. My face is left soft and looks radiant after use.  I cannot comment on the anti ageing claims as I have not used it long enough to see any visible effects. It will revive tired and dull skin, thus making you look more youthful and vibrant.


 Do I recommend HydroGel Masks?
Yes, I do recommend these masks. They feel very moisturising and rich on the skin. Do I think they are better than ordinary sheet masks? No I don't. While hydro gels feel super luxurious, I think that cotton sheet masks give me the same hydration and skin benefits. It would all depend on what mask you personally prefer. I enjoy using both but would probably stick to sheet masks because of the price difference. Hydrogel masks can cost twice as much as a regular sheet masks. If I see a hydro gel mask I really like I would definitely buy it but I don't think it is a necessity. Have you tried any hydro gel masks? Let me know below! Hope you found this review helpful.




Thank you so much for reading.
Divalicious Kisses!
Xxxx

Hi Divas

Firstly I want to apologise for my complete absence on the blog. I have been travelling the Middle East again and doing shows. Unfortunately during that time I suffered severe insomnia and my brain just wasn't functioning properly at all. When I came back from my trip I really needed to sleep and rest. I wanted my body to get back to its normal sleeping patterns. I don't know if I will ever recover from the sleep I lost but I definitely feel much better and more energized. If you follow me on Instagram you can see some photos I posted from my trip. I won't be doing a blog post on it as it was a short trip and I didn't do anything exciting besides work. Now onto the blog post....

When I wake up in the morning the very first thing I do is go to the kitchen to make me a strong cup of coffee, with no sugar. I swear I can't do life without that first cup to kick me in my soul. I am not a morning person at all. So don't even think of trying to have a conversation with me when I just woke up. It's never going to happen, ever! LOL. About two months ago I shared my night time skin care routine with you. You can read that post here. This time I want to share my morning skin care routine too. It is not as extensive as my night routine though. I do most of my deep cleansing and moisturising in the evenings. I love to leave serums and creams on my face overnight to really soak in and do its magic. Since mornings are usually such a rush and a complete blur for me, I keep my skin care steps very simple.


My 4 Morning Skin Products:

1. Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner: As most of you know this is my holy grail toner of all time. It cleanses and wipes away oil and grime while controlling sebum and balancing the PH levels of my skin. I do not wash my face with a foam cleanser in the morning as I don't feel the need for a deep cleanse. This toner is sufficient for me to purify my face. Read my review on the toner here. (Available on Amazon and Ebay)

2. Goodal Waterest First Essence: Korean skin care consists of essences which are lighter than a serum but is packed with ingredients that are beneficial to the face. I like to use an essence that contain niacinamide as it is proven to brighten the skin tone and help prevent ageing. The Goodal essence contains brightening and moisturising ingredients that penetrate deep into my pores which gives me a healthy and youthful glow. It is such a pick me up for tired and dull skin. (Available on Amazon and Ebay)

3. Neutrogena Visibly Even Daily Moisturizer SPF30: I have tried many different moisturises with SPF but none work as well as this product. I always come back to this cream no matter the season. It blends wonderfully into the skin without leaving the face greasy or with a white residue as some SPF creams do. I like that it is light on the skin but moisturises really well. It works great with all types of foundations. It does not separate my makeup, make it oily or cakey. This is truly a holy grail day moisturiser for me.

4. Tony Moly Pocket Bunny Sleek Mist: When my face is feeling dry or tight I like to spritz this mist all over my face. It revives the skin and adds extra glow and hydration. The great thing about this mist is that you can spray it anywhere and anytime during your skin care routine. Sometimes I use it before I apply moisturiser and sometimes I apply it after my makeup to revive the skin. Plus the packaging is super duper cute. How could you not resist this?! Tony Moly is available at Sephora, Amazon and Ebay.


Hope you enjoyed my mini reviews on these products. What are some of your holy grail morning products that you love to use. Let me know below!



Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx

My Night Time SkinCare Routine Summer 2017

Hello gorgeous Divas!

This will be my first beauty products post review for 2017. As you all know I am a serious makeup junkie. I adore cosmetics and the process of applying it every morning relaxes me. As I am getting older I have really been investing in my skincare routine. I find I am becoming a skin care addict too and the ritual of cleansing and moisturising my face everyday gives me the same euphoria that applying my makeup does. Korean Skin Care has been on my radar for a while now and I have truly been investing in their products. Compared to Western skincare, Korean products usually have the most natural and beneficial ingredients for the skin. Most brands are cruelty free, do not use parabens and have ingredients that target problems areas high on their manufacturing list. Korean skin care is also much cheaper than a lot of Western brands. Now don't get me wrong, there are a lot of high end Korean products that can really make your wallet cry. There are also great Western products that have amazing ingredients and are kind to your wallet. It all depends on the individual product and brand. By trial and error I feel I am leaning to Korean skin care more often now. I have seen amazing results on my skin. I have not given up Western products completely though. I love combining the two for optimal results. Below is my current Summer routine as I may change some products in Winter.

1. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter: This product is amazing. I am not even joking. When I first used it I didn't expect to fall in love with it like I did. I have a full review on it here. This butter is super gentle on the skin and gets rid of all makeup including waterproof mascara. It cleanses the face well too. I double cleanse my face because I wear makeup everyday. I use this butter as the first step to removing all my makeup thoroughly. I rub a small amount all over my face and wash it off with water.

2. Clarins Daily Energizer Cleansing Gel: Once I removed all my makeup I like to double cleanse and use my favourite face wash of life which is this gorgeous gel cleanser. It contains Moringa extracts which is well known to rejuvenate skin and remove impurities. The cleanser smells amazing and is very gentle on the skin. It has a gel consistency at first and turns into a foam as you wash your face. I use it to thoroughly remove dirt and grime from my pores. It leaves my face squeaky clean but not dry or sensitive. Read my full review on it here.

3. Etude House Wonder Pore Freshner Toner: This is a kind of a cult beauty product in the Korean  market. Everyone including their grandma uses this toner. I too have written a review on it which you can read here. This is marketed as a 10 in 1 toner which cleanses pores, removes dead skin, refines skin tone and balances ph level of the skin while controlling sebum. I personally love this toner because it thoroughly removes makeup and dirt without making my skin dry. It is very gentle to use even though it does contain a small amount of alcohol. This 250ml bottle is a holy grail product for me. I have gone through more than four of these bottles in the past few years. I will definitely keep repurchasing it.

4. Goodal Moisture Barrier Fresh Liquid: This is a fairly new brand on the Korean skin care market. I discovered the brand while searching for affordable essences. Even though I have combination skin I felt like my skin was feeling a little dry lately. I decided to invest in a moisturising essence that would penetrate deep into my skin and provide extra hydration. Korean essences are different to western serums in that it is slightly lighter and applied after toner and before a serum. It has a viscous texture which is packed with nutrients that benefit the skin. I chose the Goodal Moisture Barrier Liquid not only for the price but for the awesome ingredient list. The 150ml bottle contains a good amount of Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) which is proven to prevent hyper pigmentation, brighten skin tone and prevent ageing. I splash a few drops on my hand and pat it into my face. It truly moisturises and brightens my skin. I use it twice a day before I apply my day or night cream. The scent is quite floral and strong. If that is not your thing then you may want to skip this one and find another essence.
 

5. Nature Republic Argan 20 Real Cream: Nature Republic is a very famous and well established cosmetic brand in Korea. They have an array of skin care products catered to different needs. My western creams were starting to become too expensive on my wallet. I decided to try a cheaper cream that is packed with the same wonderful ingredients of a high end brand. As you know, just because a product is expensive does not mean it has good ingredients that are beneficial to the skin. Sometimes you pay more for the brand name and packaging than the actual product itself. When buying skin care always look at your ingredient list and not just the packaging and brand name alone. The cream that I use is formulated with fermented argan oil. Argan oil is known as liquid gold for your hair and skin. It contains high amounts of Vitamin E which provides nutrition and moisture for the skin. Argan oil is known for it's anti ageing properties too. While this cream is not number one in the anti ageing department, I feel for my skin right now it provides enough nutrients and hydration. As I get older I will definitely buy another cream with more anti ageing punch. This cream comes in a 50ml tub and smells sweet and fresh. It's quite thick in consistency and a little goes a long way. I love to use this at night and wake up to plump skin in the morning.

*****

Thank you for coming on this skin care journey with me. I know this post was a tad long but I had so much vital information to share. I really hope you found it interesting and helpful. The cosmetic and skin care realm is a huge market. There are so many amazing products and brands from all around the world. I love expanding my horizons and trying new things. I would love to explore the Middle Eastern and some other European brands out there one day. All the products I reviewed are available on EBay and Amazon if you are interested in purchasing them and you do not find them in your local stores ;-)


Divalicious kisses!
Xxxx

Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder Review

Hi Divas

This week we will be flying all the way to Korea again for another K-Beauty product review. Innisfree as I mentioned before is a very popular Korean cosmetic brand that offers skincare and makeup. I love this brand too bits as they mainly use natural ingredients, are paraben free, do not test on animals and they use recycled packaging for their products. The Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder is known among K-Beauty fanatics as their holy grail setting powder of life! I wanted to know what the fuss was all about too and decided to purchase one. I am now on my second tub of this and I love it so much. It definitely deserves holy grail status. Here is why....

Firstly, the product is made up of Jeju natural minerals which control sebum production and absorbs any excess oils. Since this is a mineral based makeup product the powder does not absorb into the skin or creep into your pores. Instead it protects the skin from free radicals and acts as a barrier locking in your makeup from outside environment factors. Mineral powders do not smother your face either. It allows the skin to breath, thus giving it a natural non cakey look while eliminating sebum from the skin. The texture of the product is a soft white loose powder. It is very finely milled and if you shake the tub a little too hard the particles can float off into the air. This is strictly a finishing powder and not a foundation powder. It is translucent on your skin and does not interfere with your foundation or blush shades.

 So how does this perform throughout the day you may ask? Well excellently, let me tell you! I have combination skin and can get quite oily in my t-zone during the Summer months. When I use this powder, I first apply all my makeup products then lightly sweep this all over my face with my larger powder brush. The powder gives a smooth finish on your skin almost like a porcelain doll. It blends all your blush, highlight and cream contours effortlessly together. Your skin looks matte but not flat. During the day your makeup stays locked on your face. Usually my blush and foundation around my nose would wear off because of oils, but this product keeps your makeup from fading and melting off your face. Sometimes if it is a very hot day I have to do touch ups but this rarely happens to me. If you set your makeup with a setting spray then you definitely won't have this problem.

The product comes packaged in a 5g mint green tub with a screw on lid. It has a built in sifter and an application puff. I prefer to use my powder brush to apply the product but if you are travelling and limited to makeup brushes, you could totally use the soft fluffy puff to tap on the powder. I love travelling with this when I am overseas because it is so small and fits into the tiniest makeup bag. You can even keep it in your clutch bag for touch ups later on in the day. The best thing about this product is that it only costs $6/R70. How amazing is that? Usually makeup powders are expensive and don't even do what you want it to do. This is so affordable and easy on the pocket. You can purchase it on Ebay and Amazon. You surely won't be disappointed.


Hope you found this review helpful.
Divalicious kisses.
Xxxx

 Hi Divas!

Recently everybody and their dog was doing the Ride or Die makeup tag on YouTube and I decided to be annoying and do it too, Hahaha. ;-D It was created by the very famous beauty Youtuber Jaclyn Hill. The tag is all about your holy grail products. Cosmetics that have never let you down and makeup that has been with you through thick and thin and will always be your number one. I have included Korean brands as well as Western brands because you know I am about that ''Cosmetics around the World'' Life! This is quite a long tag so hope you enjoy reading it and find some mini reviews helpful.

1. Ride or Die Primer: Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. This is a skincare and makeup product in one. I love that it brightens and lifts my face while creating a smooth and even canvas to apply my foundation.

2. Ride or Die Foundation: Peripera BB cream. This Korean product comes in the cutest packaging you will ever see. I am already on my second bottle. The BB cream gives me the coverage that I need while still looking natural on my face.

3.  Ride or Die Concealer: Rimmel Stay Matte Stick Concealer. This concealer is so creamy and blends like a dream! Unfortunately I have not seen it in stores for a while. Someone please tell me that this is not discontinued. *Crying face*.

4.  Ride or Die Powder: Innisfree No Sebum Powder. Another holy grail Korean product is this very famous Innisfree powder. It's similar to an HD powder which smooths the face and eliminates all traces of oil. It blends makeup well and has a super fine texture.

5.  Ride or Die Contour: NYX Contour Stick. I am not much of a contour girl, but I do enjoy a light application of it on special occasions. I use the nifty NYX contour stick as it is easy to travel with and to apply on the face. You can read my review on it here.

6.  Ride or Die Bronzer: Sephora Collection Shimmering Bronzer on Seychelles Cruise. I love that it contains three shades of colour and can be used as a bronzer or dark blush as well as an eyeshadow. Yay! ;-)

7.  Ride or Die Blush: Too Faced Sweethearts blush in Peach Beach. I feel like my cheeks were kissed by unicorns when I use this blush. Not only is the packaging gorgeous but the blush can be used as a eyeshadow and highlighter too. Read my full review here.

8.  Ride or Die Highlighter: The Balm Mary LouManizer. This is a great universal highlighter and perfect for travel. Read my review on it here.

9. Ride or Die Eyeshadow Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion. I have used many eyeshadow primers but nothing has ever come close to Urban Decay. It is seriously holy grail material.

10.  Ride or Die Eyeshadow Palette: Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette. This palette has a lot of sentimental value to me as it is the first Sephora product and Too Faced product I ever bought. I love it so much and we will never ever part! Review here.

11. Ride or Die Single Eyeshadow: Essence Single Eyeshadows. I am not much of a single eyeshadow person, but I do enjoy the Essence single eyeshadows. They are super affordable and some of the shades can double up as a highlighter and bronzer.

12.  Ride or Die Eye Liner: Essence Super Fine Liner. No product can create a wing that can cut my worst enemies like this liner. Plus it  retails for under R50/ $5. Hello!!! Review here!

13.  Ride or Die Mascara: Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara. I love this mascara as it gives bold dramatic lashes which stays put all day. I will buy this mascara over and over again.

14.  Ride or Die Lip Liner: NYX Lip Liner in Pinky. I only use on lip liner and this one by NYX is my holy grail product. It remains in my cosmetics purse and compliments all my lipsticks.

15.  Ride or Die Lipstick: Wet n' Wild Bare It All and Mauve Outta Here Lipsticks. I cheated and chose two lipsticks. These are my favourite as they are light on the wallet and give a beautiful semi matte finish on my lips. They also work with any makeup look. LOVE!!! Review on them here.

16. Ride or Die Lipgloss: NYX Butter Gloss in Peaches And Cream. I am not much of a lip gloss wearer but these glosses smell so good and give a beautiful sheen on my lips.



Thank you for reading!
Divalicious Kisses
Xxxx

All About Sheet Masks:

Etude House, Innisfree, Beyond and Tony Moly

Hello Divas!

This week on the blog we will learn and explore all about Sheet Masks. Sheet Masks have been all the rage lately. Koreans were the first to pioneer it and the masks have been one of their skincare essentials for years. The Western World has only recently caught on the sheet mask craze. I first found out about sheet masks when I started exploring the world of Korean cosmetics. The first time I saw and used a sheet mask, 2 years ago, I was super scared. I did not know how to apply it and if it will be too harsh for my skin or not. Plus the instructions were in Korean so I didn't know what the heck was going on. I decided to cross my fingers and my toes and give it a go! To my surprise, sheet masks was the best thing that happened to my skincare routine. I am now 100% hooked! In the Asian markets there are hundreds of different types of sheet masks all catering to an array of skin types and needs. Today I will introduce and share some of my favourites with you.

What is a Sheet Mask?

Sheet masks are cotton fibre sheets that are soaked in essences or serums. These serums or essences are usually liquid in texture and contain active ingredients which hydrate, soothe and treat problem skin. Think of it as a facial in a packet! Most sheet masks contain natural ingredients, that once opened you cannot use it again. Each sheet mask is meant to be used once and thrown away as it may expire or allow bacteria to grow on it. Choose a sheet mask that is most suited to your skin type or skin concern. If you are suffering from dry skin, try a shea butter or hyaluronic acid sheet mask to provide extra moisture to your skin. If you have tired and dark spots, then try a lemon or pearl mask for brightening.

How to use a Sheet Mask?
 The application is very easy. All you have to do is tear the mask packet, carefully take out and unfold the sheet mask. Depending on the brand, some sheet masks can be thin and break easily. Other sheet masks are quite runny and can drip on your clothes or down your neck. Make sure you are not wearing your Sunday best when doing your mask. Place the sheet mask on your clean and washed face. You will see holes for your eyes, nose and mouth. Most sheet masks don't fit perfectly as each face shape is different. You can adjust the sheet mask to fit your profile the way you want it too. Once it is on your face, you can leave it on for 20 minutes and have some tea, read a book or just relax. I like to leave mine on for 30 minutes. When the time has passed, remove the mask sheet and throw it away. You can squeeze the excess serum into your hand and gently pat it on your face. Do not wash the serum off. Leave it to soak into your skin for the rest of the day or night. You can go about doing your normal skincare routine such as applying creams and makeup if you want to.


Why Sheet Masks? What's the hype?
Sheet masks are by no means a miracle worker. If you have serious problem skin it is best to visit your dermatologist and get proper treatment. I see sheet masks as a convenient way to give yourself an at home spa treatment. It is a great pick me up for tired and dehydrated skin. Your face will look radiant and feel so good after a sheet mask. It is a temporary solution to your skin problem. I love to wear my sheet mask at night and leave the essence to soak into my skin. In the morning my face feels super hydrated, brightened and perky. If you don't go for regular facials at a spa then this is a great way to give your skin an extra boost or some extra love and care. Plus sheet masking is so much fun! There are many types to choose from and I love trying new things. A lot of Korean sheet masks have cute and interesting packaging which makes the experience even more enjoyable.

My favourite Korean Sheet Masks:

Tony Moly I'm Real Lemon Mask Sheet Brightening: The cotton fibre of this mask is very thin in texture and can break easily. It is also very juicy and has a tendency to drip down the neck if you are not careful. What I love about this mask is the affordable price and the packaging. Everything about Tony Moly is always so cute. This mask is great for dull and tired skin. It contains lemon extracts which brighten and refreshes the face. This is a great and fun pick me up mask! It does not contain parabens and it is not tested on animals. Tony Moly masks are available at Sephora.

Innisfree It's Real Squeeze Mask Black Berry: Innisfree is my absolute favourite Korean skincare brand. All their products are amazing. The Blackberry sheet mask contains jeju complex which is green tea, cactus, tangerine, camellia leaves and orchids all rolled into one. This mask promises to give clear and bright skin while adding extra moisture. It does not contain parabens or test on animals too.

Etude House I Need You Vita Complex: This is another affordable brand with cute packaging. It does not contain parabens or test on animals as well. This mask contains vitamins to brighten and create skin vitality. The most important ingredient is niacinamide also known as vitamin B3 which is known to clear acne prone skin, facial blemishes and discolouration.

Beyond The Real Pomegranate: Pomegranates are known for their anti ageing benefits on the skin. This mask contains pomegranate extract, B1 and B2 vitamin complex for a firmer and more energized skin tone. The cotton fibre is thicker than other masks and it fits quite snug on the face. It has a great smell and the serum absorbs quickly into the skin. It does not contain parabens nor test on animals.

I scared my grandma!!!! 
Yes indeed! I literally scared my grandma. I crept up on her while she was sitting at the kitchen table and gave her the biggest fright of her life! Lol ;-D I love sheet masks and will buy them over and over and over again. There are many great western sheet masks available at Clicks and Dischem stores in South Africa now. I haven't tried them yet but will soon. I purchase all my Korean sheet masks from Ebay and they are available on Amazon too. Maybe I will do a follow up post and compare a western brand one to an Asian one. I think that would be a great idea.



Let me know if you tried any sheet masks below
Hope you found this LONG review helpful ;-)
Xxxx

Hi Divas!

This week I have another one of my holy grail Korean products to share with you. Like I said before these products are not easy to get your hands on but I am doing reviews on them any way. It is fun to share and learn about skincare and makeup products around the world. The Innisfree brand is well known among Korean skincare fanatics. They are famous for their eco friendly products, using natural ingredients and recycling their packaging. All their products are free of parabens and mineral oils, and are suitable for sensitive skin. I love their environmental and natural approach to skincare. From this brand my favourite face cleanser is the Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam. It is made up of tiny pieces of scoria, which come from Jeju Volcanic stone. These stones are native to the island of Jeju and are recognised for their skincare benefits such as being anti bacterial, removing dead skin cells and having moisturising properties. They are known to create clean and smooth skin.

I am sorry for the blurry photos. They were taken on my old phone and I had already thrown the tube away. So I couldn't take new pictures. My Bad! Xxx

The foam cleanser comes in a whopping 150 ml squeeze tube. My favourite face cleanser from Clarins only comes in a 75 ml so I love the fact that you are getting more product for your money from the Innisfree cleanser. Most of the writing and instructions are in Korean of cause, but there a few English instructions. Plus there is always Google if you need to find out more about the product. On the tube it says that this is a purifying pore cleanser, that removes dull skin and excessive sebum thanks to the Jeju volcanic clusters. The actual formula of the product has a creamy milky texture with small specks of the volcanic clusters. The cleanser has a strange smell. It has a slight sweet smell with a hint of a milky scent. It is rather weird. It is not at all bad or repulsive. I have never smelt anything like it.


This is a everyday cleansing foam which I use at night to cleanse my face and take off all my makeup. I usually wet face and then apply a peanut size amount on my hands and start washing my face. The cleanser starts out milky but once it hits water and you scrub your face it starts foaming up. The little cluster beads exfoliate the face by removing dead skin cells and cleansing the pores. The cleanser does an excellent job in removing all dirt and makeup from my face. Even the toughest gel liner and waterproof mascara gets removed in one wash. I love that it deep cleanses my face without it being harsh. I do use this everyday but if you are someone with sensitive or dry skin the deep cleanser might be a bit too harsh for you to use every day. I would recommend using it twice a week as an exfoliator.


I love this product and will definitely purchase it again. I think it does a great job in cleaning my pores without stripping my skin of moisture. The little clusters do burn the eyes though. So be careful in your eye area when washing your face. For those who have combination skin like me and wear makeup everyday you will enjoy this cleansing foam.


Thank you for reading, Beauties.
Much love!
Xxxx