The Face Shop ~ Chia Seed Collection {revi

As with every other thing I have bought here in South Korea, the skin care products are packaged beautifully. Even the biscuits are individually wrapped here (a nightmare for the rubbish dumps ~ although recycling here is top notch). I was really good about not packing too many products for our move here. I 'held' back and only brought the bare minimum (a post on the 'bare minimum' to follow soon) and so was eager to try a new skin care range once we settled in.

My absolute favorite brand of cosmetics/skin care here in Korea is The Faceshop. I buy all my nail polishes there, as well as my concealer. They are currently having a massive sale in all stores (here in Korea...sorry everyone else!). I picked up a toner, moisturizer and 'oil free' setting gel. Mmm, setting gel? I hadn't heard of that before either, but I will explain here.

Chia seeds are becoming one of the biggest so-called super foods on the market. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high in antioxidants, protein and fiber.I was unaware of these seeds seeing these products, and after all the research I've been doing, I'm on the hunt for them to ass to my cereal and smoothies in the morning.

Chai Seed Watery Toner

"A moisturising toner for hydrating inside the skin with organically grown chai seed"

I just love that description, for

inside the skin

as opposed to outside the skin :) Anyway, I use this after cleansing my skin, and either apply it with cotton wool, or using my hands straight onto the skin. Its light, removes makeup and oil from my skin, and leaves a light, summery fragrance that I can't quite put my finger on. Either way, its lovely and refreshing.

The back of the box describes this product as "a natural moisture drop absorbing moisture 10 times its own weight" how cute :)

Chai Seed Watery Lotion

A light, easily absorbed moisturizing lotion, perfect for hot summer days (and the 100% humidity here in Korea. Easy to  blend into the skin, my oily/combination skin, and interestingly enough, I have been told that oily/combination skin still needs constant hydration. This lotion is light, doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky afterwards, and does a good job with maintaining a mate appearance for the first few hours of the day. It has been doing a much better job of reducing shine, while still moisturizing my skin, than my IQ Clear Start Oil Free Clearing moisturizer which really battled in the Korean humidity. I was left looking like an oily mess by 10 o'clock. I don' think this lotion will be enough when winter comes around though, but by then I'm sure I'll be on the lookout for something new anyway.

Chai Seed Sebum Control Moisture Control

"A moisture cream that replenishes skin with moisture while preventing excess sebum

Uses good seeds and good technology that make the extracts fresh and is also good for the environment

A clear, mild cream

Real oil-zero

Uses 100% chia seed extract instead of water"

Well that just sounds amazing right?! This clear gel is refreshing, and when worn alone leaves my skin shine free for just about the whole day. When worn with my foundation, my skin tends to shine up on my T-zone area. I usually carry my MAC Studio Fix powder to zap the shine in its tracks. But when worn without any foundation, my skin stays shine free all day...wonderful! Again, I love the product description on the packaging. Applying a gel is quite a different experince, and in the heat here, a very welcome one. My face feels refreshed, radiant and supple. And in true Korean style, you cant possible only 1 lotion type product. The trick (and they do have incredible skin and NEVER look their age) is to use all 8 steps in the range of products. I starting with 4.

Overall I have been thrilled with my purchases, all coming to W43 000 (R380) on sale at the FaceShop. 

I'm after the Essence & Eye cream next.

Have you ever tried any Asian/Korean skin brands before?

{South Korea & Japan were the home to BB creams before the trend hit South African soil..these Koreans know their stuff when it comes to skincare and makeup!}

Simple *Face Wash* {review}

Wandering the aisles of Clicks I found myself doing a double take when I came across the Simple range of products. The Simple range of skin care products have been voted the number 1 skincare range in the UK. All their products are free from dye, artificial pefume & harsh irritants and are perfect for even the most sensitive of skin.

I was very keen to try the Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Facial Wash, since it is 100% soap free, contains pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E and bisabolol. The texture is creamy and goes on smoothly, I'm not too crackers about the smell (it sort of doesn't really smell like anything, and compared to the delicious scent of StayClear (click here) it sort of doesn't really smell like anything...but I guess thats the whole idea behind it having no artificial perfumes!

It does the job well enough, doesn't leave my skin too dry after use, and definitely feels 'kind', but I won't be making this purchase again. The prices are very reasonable though, and if you are on the look our for a product that you can actually decipher the ingredient list on the back then give this one a try :)

Find it at your nearest Clicks & Dischem for +-R47

Winter Beauty Fav's

I nearly thought I was too late to post this, with Pietermaritzburg hitting the 30 degree mark...but then this happened and I realised we still have at least a few weeks of winter to go!

A few of my favourite beauty goodies for winter:

1. Epi-Max All Purpose Moisturiser {Clicks & Dischem +-R40}

As I have quite sensitive skin, I have to be really careful what I use on my body. This has been a very hard thing for me to accept as I love products (one glance at my bathroom cabinet and you will have mistaken it for a shelf at Dischem!) but alas, too many petrochemicals and added scents leaves me looking like I have escaped from a leoprasy village...not a good look for me. So I stick to the bare minimum, and have found this body moisturiser to be nourishing and creamy on my skin. I wouldn't use it in Summer though, with the heat it would leave your skin feeling clammy and heavy. But for winter its perfect!

2. L'oreal Mythic Oil {Selected Hair Salons +-R180}

I actually got this full sized product in one of my Ruby Boxes at the end of last year. I hadn't used it very much, and got such a nice surprise when I tried it again a few weeks ago. My hair has been feeling a little neglected this winter, with my ends looking a bit frazzled. A few pumps of this hair oil, a little massaging tlc and my hair is left feeling shiny, soft and smelling amazing!

3. Clarins Pure & Radiant Mask {Dischem & selected salons +-R320}

A little while ago I really treated myself to a Clarins Facial At Hotel Izulu in Ballito, and while there I decided to be a devil and purchase the mask used. It's one of nicest face masks I have ever used, leaving my skin feeling soft and refreshed. It claims to leave the skin looking radiant and refined, I haven't really noticed that much radiance going on, but I love the texture and the softness of my skin afterwards. But it is rather pricey , and as much as I love it, when it's finished I'm not sure I will top up my stash.

4. Essence Studio Nails Cuticle Cream {Clicks & Dischem +-R29}

A while ago I wrote a post on Essence make up, which at that time was only available at selected Clicks stores, but since then is now available and in a much wider range at most Dischems. Essence has found a rather large spot in my makeup bag, with all their products being such good value for money, and being really good quality too! This cuticle cream is no excpetion. Cuticle oil and creams are an inexpensive way of nourish your nails, and in turn helping you grow strong, healthy nails. My nails always take a bit of a beating in winter, and this cuticle cream not only smells fantastic but leaves my nails looking well cared for.

5. Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum {Body Shop +R120}

Now that this serum is nearly finished...sniff sniff.. I most certainly need to re-stock. This serum is absolutely perfect for any skin looking for a bit of moisture surge. I use it under my daily moisturiser. It makes the perfect make-up base, and doesn't leave my skin feeling sticky or looking shiny. I wound't use this if you have very oily skin though, and I wont be using it in Summer, and the humidity would probably lead to shiny looking skin, but for now it's perfect for those days when your day cream is just not cutting it.

6. ESSE Deep Moisturiser {Selected Stockist Full Size R290}

**full review of this magical product to follow soon!** In the mean time, just know that I have been searching high and low for a product that I can actually read the back label and not feel like I have been thrown head first into a science experiement. All ESSE products are 100% organic, produced right here in Kwazulu Natal. I got this sample when I went for the most incredible ESSE Facial at Spruce Salon in Morningside Durban and have just purchased the full size product and I am loving it!

7. Olay Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream {Clicks R170} 

*full review click here* 8 months down the line and I am still using this wonder product. It is probably the only product I have bought 3 times in a row! It also lasts for ages, and leaves a very slight shimmer effect, which is just so pretty. 

8. Blistex Daily Conditioning Treatment {Dischem +-R50}

I have been using DCT ever since I first went onto Roaccutane for my skin 8 years ago. It's a staple in my handbag, make up bag, pencil case and pocket! Cocoa Butter, Aloe and Vitamins A & E all help to maintain healthy, moist, kissable lips. DCT leaves my lips with a very soft sheen, meaning I don't have to wear any lipgloss over. With my long nails it's a little but of a pain to get out the tub, but whats left over after using on my lips I use on my cuticles! Miracle product for sure!  

Do you have any beauty favourites for winter??

{Win} with Spruce Salon

A little time ago I reviewed a lovely salon in Morningside Durban, which offers a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of our always busy lives. Katy, owner and therapist of Spruce is offering my readers the chance to win a luxury hydrating Esse Facial. Katy uses an array of techniques to create a very relaxing and pampering treatment.  Esse products are 100% organic, using wild sourced African plants that offer excellent free-radical protection. In addition the unique natural preservative system ensures the products are biodegradable and free of parabens, petrochemicals, synthetic fragrance and synthetic colourants.

To Win:

To stand a chance of winning, simply leave a comment below this post, do make sure that you are a follower of CityGirlSearching (click here). 

For an extra entry, 'like' Spruce Salon on Facebook, or tweet about this competition *make sure to tag me (@RoxyPearce) in it your tweet so I know that you have done so*. Winners will have 3 months to claim their voucher.

Good luck!

Competion closes Sunday 29th July

Address: 15 Hazel Road, Morningside, Durban

Phone: 031 - 316 5020

E-mail: katy@sprucebeauty.co.za

StayClear Purifying Cleanser {Review}

I came across this delightful cleanser while in Clicks the other day.  I hadn't really paid much attention to the Good Things brand as it is tucked away in the 'teenage' aisle of the store. But in my hurry from Joburg a few weekends back I left my face wash (along with all my other products) in the shower. So i was looking for something reasonable to tide me over until I get my products back from Joburg. Well, I'm so glad that I did leave them there, because this cleanser was such a gem of a find! It removes all traces of makeup from my skin without over drying, is free from parabens, sodium laureth sulphate and mineral oils, {& it is also suitable for vegetarians and vegans} and the gel like texture ensures that a little really does go a long way!

The best part, has most definitely got to be, the smell. Its delightfully fruity and leaves me feeling fresh and clean all day! It sounds a bit strange, but for the whole morning I could smell {what must be the *mango & blueberry*} the extracts that are in this cleanser! 

The only *slight* let down in this product is the prettyness of it, but all things considered, for only R54 at Clicks, you can overlook the packing in my mind.

I most definitely give this cleanser a 5/5!

Click here to join Good Things on Facebook...

Natur Vital *Rose Water Toner*

Scouting around Dischem in search of skin care products is never an easy task. I get distracted by all the packaging, the promises of "clearer looking skin in just 10 days" etc etc etc. Farmboy calls Dischem the 'trap door of all trap doors" which lures unsuspecting girl friends, fiance's and wives, only to spit them out hours later, penny less, but armed with every kind of eyeliner, lipgloss and conditioner under the sun. Sounds like my kinda place :)

Well, it was on one of those missions, to find the perfect toner, that my eyes happened to look upon the 'no name brand' aisles when I spotted this Rose Water Toner. For only R20 I thought I couldn't really go wrong, and, well I sure didn't. 

NaturVital is a range of "products that provide natural solutions to all your beauty, hygiene and personal care needs. We have a very clear work ethic and the products we prepare for you are always of the highest quality, made using natural extracts, oils and plant essences, in exactly the right balance and proportions to provide the maximum effect in a natural, non-aggressive way"...sounds a little airy fairy to me. But I did need a new toner while I wait for my cleanser and day cream to finish, and for R20 you can't really go wrong. I would liken this toner to Vichy's Thermale 3 in 1 Cleansing Solution (click here) but without the R198 price tag.

To be honest, I think I can officially say this has got to be one of the gentlest, effective cleansers I have ever used. It's kind to my skin, whilst still removing all traces of makeup and dirt, leaving my skin feeling soft and clean. It's all use before bed, with a dab of night cream. It has a rather pleasant smell and of course, I just love the colour :). There are lots of known benefits to using rose water (click here) and up until now I didn't really see what all the fuss is about But after using this toner for a little over a month I can really see a difference in my skin's moisture levels (it's no longer dry in patches) and it feels soft as a baby's bum. I can't say for sure whether it's helped my recent outbreak of dreaded pimples, as I am on a course of Antibiotics which has worked wonders, but never the less I love this product!

If your looking for something that's easy on your pocket, looks very pretty and works pretty darn well as a cleanser, toner and make up remover, head on over to Dischem pronto!

IQ *Clear Start* Starter and Travel Kit

My skin has really been giving me uphill for the past few months (since going off the Pill) and I have tried all sorts of lotions and potions but to no avail. While browsing through one of my favourite stores yesterday (Dischem of course!) I spied the IQ Clear Start Travel Kit. I have often seen this range of skin care products but to be honest I have always been a little wary of pricey 'South African' brands. For some reason it seems justified that an international brand like Vichy, Clarins or Roc charge R190 for a cleanser but I am hesitant of spending that same amount on South African products. This handy kit only set me back R69.99 and comes with all 4 products in the Clear Start range to try out.

I have been using these products for 2 days now and I can't quite believe my eyes. I have noticed an improvement already, especially with my main skin concern of congestion. Don't just take my word for it though, give it a go yourself...you can't go wrong for R69 :) 

Eucerin *DermatoCLEAN* {Review}

I have been wanting to try Eucerine's new line for some time. There was a time when I thought of Eucerin as only making body lotions for dry/eczema prone skin but it seems they have taken the leap along with other brands to expand their product range. I had been using Vichy's Purette Thermal Cleaning Solution and was on the lookout for something similar when it finished and I didn't have R198 to spend on a toner. I must say that I have been very impressed with this one. It cleanses all traces of makeup and dirt without drying out my skin while still leaving it feeling soft and clean. The whole idea behind the Dermato-Clean range is that they are mild and suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types. It also claims to have Nature-identical actives Gluco-Glycerol and Hyaluronic Acid, which are known for their ability to effectively maintain the ideal moisture levels in the skin...I'm not going to argue with those long words!

The only thing I'm not so keen on is the fragrance (or rather the lack of). But all I can say is that fragrances are smells put into products to make them more appealing, and anything that has less chemicals can only be better for your right? :)

At R110 it's cheaper than Vichy's Cleansing Water, and effectively does the same thing. I would definitely purchase it again.

Just a little note on my product reviews...all of the makeup and other products have been bought with my own (mostly *hard earned*) money, and I have not been approached to review them by companies. However, if, by some miraculous chance I am asked to review a product (*hint hint*) I will always let you know so that you get a 100% honest review out of me :)

Olay *Day UV Fluid* {Review}

As you can see from the amount of reviews (or rather the lack of reviews compared to the fullness of my toiletry cupboard!) I do, I tend to hop, skip and jump through products like other ladies do with clothing. But for the last few months I have at least been trying to finish *most* of the product before I get distracted by the packaging and promises of unicorn skin on the label. The latest line I have been delving into is Olay. I have been loving the Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream for the past few weeks, and thought it time I introduce the Day UV Fluid (-+ R170).

My skin has been a bit under the weather for the past few months (having recently come off the Pill) and so I have been looking for a day cream that doesn't make me look like an oil slick by midday. This 'fluid' is light and almost fluffy, with a very pleasant yet subtle fragrance leaving my skin feeling refreshed and moisturised. I am supposed to be using it under my Vichy Capital Soleil Protective Fluid Sun Cream but I have yet to try it for fear of looking white washed. Even though this 'cream' has an SPF of 15 in it, it is advised to STILL wear a sun cream especially if you live in a sunny climate such as ours here in South Africa. What I also love about the bottle is that is just goes on and on, a little really does go a long way.

Olay *Total Effects Eye Transforming Cream* {Review}

This is what is promised on the box:

Total Effects fights 7 signs of aging (fine lines and wrinkles, rough texture, uneven skin tone, dullness, prominent pores, age spots, and dryness) by:

• Minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

• Reducing the appearance of dark circles

• Fighting dullness and replacing it with a healthy-looking radiance

• Reducing the appearance of puffiness

• Moisturizing to nourish dry skin and to help firm and lift its appearance

• Smoothing skin’s texture with gentle exfoliation

• Balancing colour and tone

I have really enjoyed using this eye cream over Nivea's Aqua Sensation Anti-Shadow Eye Cream and Clinique's All About Eyes. The delicate skin around my eyes is always left feeling soft and supply, and I love the slight radiance enhancing shimmer that leaves my eyes looking brighter. I have only been using it for 2 weeks now, and although I haven't noticed anything dramatic, I think it's because im focusing on the saying "prevention is better than cure". At R170 a pop it's cheaper than the Clinique, but in this day and age, R170 is still R170. 

Would I buy it again? For sure. And I use such a little every time that my pot is going to last me ages.

Get yours at your local Clicks and Dischem for +-R170

Clinique *All About Eyes* {Review}

I first started using eye creams when I got this little guy in a free gift from Clinique. I am 23 years old, and from what I have gathered about eye creams and the why's and who's, it seems to be recommended that one uses it from about the age of 25. At first it just sat on my shelf until I stumbled upon a forum somewhere that spoke about the different eye creams being for different skin types/ages/ethnic backgrounds and it all just got a bit complicated. 

I came across Nivea's Aqua Sensation Anti-Shadow eye cream, and having not ever noticed shadows before, I suddenly started seeing them. On the back of the box it says for those in their early twenties who need more 'shadow control than lift' so I thought I'd give it a bash. I didn't notice any changes after about 1 month of use, apart from my eyes always feeling very refreshed and 'clean'. Feeling snobbish I took out the clinique sample and got creaming. I must say, as much as I want to rave about this product, it didn't really do anything. I'd like to think this is because I dont have anything for it to work on, but I'm not sure. I did like the texture (and of course the colour too!). My sample lasted a good 5 months of everyday use. I wouldn't go out and buy it for myself, but if I got another sample I would definitely give it another go.

Get it at your nearest Clinique Stockist (Edgars, Red Square, some Dischems, Foshini) for somewhere around the R220 mark

Vichy...'Health Is Beautiful'

Vichy has got to be one of my absolute favourite skin care brands. Ever since I first tried out their Foaming cleanser a few years ago I have been hooked. However, I am a bit of a sucker for packaging, (Farmboy has often likened me to a crow pursuing shiny things) and so hop and change products like there's no tomorrow. Its also really frustrating that products don't have the same life span. Cleanser always finishes before toner and night cream just never seems to finish :) Well, I recently decided to spoil myself, and Vichy was at the top of my list after visiting AlphaCare Pharmacy in Ballito and finding out about their free facials!! Yes ladies, you heard me, free Vichy facials at selected Pharmacies! Check out their Facebook page for more details...anyway, where was I...ah yes, here are the following products I have added to my face care routine:

Purete Thermale Purifying Water R173.95

Skin Radiance Revealer

With an easy to use pump, water is dispensed as a soft foam which deeply cleanses skin. I love the feel of the foam, and the fact that my skin is never left dry after use. This cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It is allergy tested and soap free, making this the ideal all-rounder cleanser. It even removes all traces of makeup :) My favourite Vichy product!

Purete Thermale 3 in 1 Cleansing Micellar Solution R198.35

This awesome cleanser does everything a girl could want: 1 Cleanses the skin, 2. Removes eye makeup, 3. Soothes the skin. It's a cleanser, makeup remover and toner all rolled into one! even though it does all of the above, I use it after my foaming cleanser, to really make my skin squeaky clean. But sometimes, you just don't feel like getting your face wet, and thats where this cleanser is super cool. It is super gentle on skin, being alcohol, soap and colourant free!

Normaderm Refine Total Pore Resurfacing Essence R213.35

This product was recommended to me by the Vichy consultant when I told her I was looking for a sort of *gentler* kind of dermabrasian. Parts of my skin, particularly my T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) is uneven and with some scaring from breakouts. I have been using it night and day for 1 week now, and havent really noticed a huge difference, but am waiting to see the results after another week or 2. This product claims to be a pore micro-peel and pore firming, hopefully leading to smaller pores and less breakouts! 

Being an essence, it is very easy to blend in, and absorbs very quickly into my skin, without hindering my moisturiser or makeup application :)

Capital Soleil 50+ Protective Micro-Fluid Face R152.15

Living in sunny South Africa it is of the utmost importance that we wear suncream to protect our skin. Not just because of getting wrinkles and developing that "leather" look, but for health reasons too. Protecting our skin from the harmful rays means less money on skin care products and makeup later in life. We all know this, so then why is it that I had only invested in a good quality face suncream recently!? Well, I have a million reasons I could give you (too expensive, too much of a mission to use, makes my skin oily...bla, bla, bla). After finally coming to y senses, I can safely say this is the best face suncream I have ever used, It is a little on the pricy side, but it never leave my skin greasy and has such a pleasant fragrance, i really don't mind the extra few seconds it takes me to put on.

So there you have it :)

 Just a little note on my product reviews...all of the makeup and other products have been bought with my own (mostly *hard earned*) money, and I have not been approached to review them by companies. However, if, by some miraculous chance I am asked to review a product (*hint hint*) I will always let you know so that you get a 100% honest review out of me :)

MAC Fix+

I've had this 'fix' spray for a while (ok, a little more than a while, like maybe a few years of a while) and have only recently hauled it out of my cupboard for a closer look. I bought it when I had my makeup done at a MAC counter, along with all the other bits and pieces that those very sneaky makeup artists get you to purchase only after you get your makeup done. And well, I sort of had no idea what it was for. The lady who helped me told me it was a "refreshing facial mist"....um?? Ok, so now after using it over my makeup I've found it actually does prolongs the life of my face paint (face paint being Farmboy's own term for the numerous products I 'slap' on).

When it comes to prolonging the wear of your makeup, there are a lot of factors to consider; the humidity, the type of face cream you use, whether or not you've used a primer, loose powder to set the foundation...the list goes on. So here's the truth. When using this spray over my makeup (without using a primer) it does make it last longer than without using the spray. How much longer, well that would be a guess on my part. Anyway, I love the smell and the feel of the mist on my skin and would definitely recommend this to anyone who is looking for something a little different in terms of makeup. I give this a 4/5.
Find it at your nearest MAC counter for +-R190.

Body Shop *Beauty Haul*

I first came across the term Beauty "Haul" on ViviannaDoesMakeup. Vivianne is a gorgeous, UK based beauty junkie who does super informative videos and photo posts on all things makeup. The term isn't new, I see it all over the place on international blogs, but I have yet to spy it on the South African field...

Here is my latest haul:

My skin has been especially dry, with winter drawing to a close, and I was on the hunt for a new night cream. The Vitamin E range of products is mild and gentle, whilst still doing what it says on the tub. The face wash gets rid of all traces of makeup and impurities, without drying out my skin, leaving it feeling soft and clean. The night cream does leave my skin feeling a little oily when I wake up. Before using it, my skin was incredibly dry, so a little bit of extra oil has been good for. 

For as long as I can remember, the skin on my nose has always been dry and flaky, no matter what I do. I've tried exfoliating, masks, suncream (as my mom insists it's because I keep getting sunburnt), moisturisers, you name it I've bought it. But the one thing I hadn't tried, was a serum. After cleansing and toning, you massage the serum into your skin, before applying your moisturiser...and voila! My nose has been flake free since I started using this moisture serum. And the best part, it doesn't make my skin oily at all! 

If your skin is on the oily side, this range of products wouldn't be very suitable. I would recommend this range for normal to dry skins, and those in need of a bit of a moisture surge.

Night Cream R110

Moisture Serum R120

Facial Wash R70

Total R230

The Body Shop is having a super awesome sale at the moment, 2 for 3 on selected products. I picked these up for R230...not bad if I do say so myself :)