Category: Beauty

  • How Environ & Beauty Bulletin got me to #FocusOnFlawless Skin!

    How Environ & Beauty Bulletin got me to #FocusOnFlawless Skin!

    As you already know, I have been really giving my skin undivided attention this year and stepping up on my beauty regime to keep my skin looking younger and more vibrant and wrinkle free. So, you can imagine my delight when the Beauty Bulletin Team slid into my DM’s asking me to take part in the Environ campaign!

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    My first job aged 16, I worked in a beauty salon as a receptionsit. This is where I was introduced to the beauty world and to the product that we spolighting on today- Environ. It was my first ever really grown-up skincare product that I had ever purchased. To be honest, skincare was never a ‘thing’ for me back then, but now this ‘thing’ that was in the past is becoming an obsession for my ‘future’ skin, and I’m pretty thankful that I stepped foot through that beauty salon.

    Founded in 1990, Dr Des Fernandes discovered the essential role that Vitamin A plays in skin health and how it visably improves skin. The man is a genius to say the least because the new FocusCare Youth+ Range is everything you need to younger, more radiant looking skin!


    Environ Focus Care™ Youth+ Revival Masque

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    Retails for R1020 per 50ml

    The Environ Focus Care™ Youth+ Revival Masque has been formulated with three powerful ingredients to improve the skin’s overall look and increase future resilience.

    • Lactic Acid,
    • Asiatic Acid and
    • Mandelic Acid

    Lactic Acid increases the look of hydration in the skin and it is known to lighten the appearance of pigmented marks.
    Research has shown that Asiatic Acid helps to increase the look of regenerated skin. Mandelic Acid is useful in rejuvenating the appearance of pigmented areas. These 3 ingredients work together to refine the skin’s texture and tone, leaving it looking healthier and more youthful.

    Environ Focus Care Moisture+ Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules

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    Vita-Antioxidant Hydrating Oil Capsules deliver a concentrated burst of vitamin enriched hydration for the skin. Containing a blend of Retinol and Antioxidants, these capsules may help to protect the skin against the damaging effects of free radicals. By enriching your skin with natural surface oils, it is left looking visibly refreshed and energised. Hydrating Oil Capsules may be added to your daily routine when the skin requires a hydrating boost.


    The Review

    The masque comes in an airless pump dispenser which is fantastic because it allows you to use the correct amount of product which means no wastage! Along with the masque comes a small synthetic brush for a neat application. The masque product has a very light milky colour to it but when applied it dry’s clear and very quickly! It is super gentle on your skin and doesn’t leave that tight feeling when applied to the face and neck. I used two pumps on my face and neck each time I used the masque, once a week at first then twice a week to get my skin used to it as I have very sensitive skin.  On first application there was the slightest tingle but it disappeared quite quickly once the masque dried.  I made sure that I noted all the fine lines on the corner of my eyes and around my mouth to see if I would see a difference in the weeks to follow.

    Well ladies and gents, I’m delighted to say that my fines lines have visibly reduced too almost nothing! My skin feels healthy for the first time in a long time and I’m amazed that I can keep using the masque without fear that my skin will become overly sensitive to the product!

    Along with the masque, I received a small tub of Oil Capsules, 10 to be exact. I was quit nervous about using Oil and applying to my face as other face oils that I have used in the past had my skin break out into the tinest little pimple that took FOREVER to go away! But none-the-less, I put a brave face on and smoothed that oli all over my face.

    There we 2 things that took me by suprise:

    1.How does a tiny capsule of oil cover my entire face AND neck
    2.For a silicone-like textured oil, how quickly it absorbed into the skin and DIDN’T make it oily!

    I was shocked at how beautifully the oil absorbed into the skin and left my skin feeling light and moisturised. It has completely changed my feeling towards oil based skincare formulas! The Hydrating Oil works beautifully with the masque. It truly left my skin feeling moisturised, hydrated and vibrant.

    It is unheard of to use a product and see results so quickly but with the Environ Focus Care Youth + Range, I truly did. I am so happy I got to participate in the Environ trial with Beauty Bulletin. Environ has been around for years and with products like this, it gives you peace of mind to know that it’s a high quality brand that is worth every penny!

    Have you tried any Environ products and are you keen to try the Focus Care Youth+ Range?

    You won’t regret it!

  • Battle of The Cleansing Balms!

    Battle of The Cleansing Balms!

    Back in the day, I was the girl that used make-up remover wipes to take off my eye make-up until one day it felt like I was actually removing my eyelids with every wipe! My eyes became so very sensitive to wipes which forced me to use baby oil for a long period of time which eventually caused me to get the tiniest pimples under my eyes!
    It. Was. Awful.

    Long gone are the days where our only option to remove make up is makeup wipes. Don’t get me wrong, I still use them every now and again when I’m just too tired wash my face. The beauty industry is forever bringing innovative ways to remove make-up from our faces from Micellar Water (Love it), Cleansing Oils and Cleansing Balms! I have absolutely fallen in love with the Cleansing Balms- It’s a lot gentler on the skin and sensitive eyes and cleans up all traces of make up from the skin.

    According to experts, a quick once over with micellar water simply won’t cut a good skincare routine. Double cleansing involves using preferably a cleansing oil or balm to break down makeup, SPF and sebum on the surface of your skin first, then follow it with a deeper water-based cleanse. This removes sweat, bacteria and old skin cell and will clean much deeper into the pores to remove any impurities.

    So today I’ll be talking about 3 cleansing balms and which one I found more effective for me!

    Clinique- Take the Day off Balm. (Retails now for R325)

    I had seen and read so many reviews on this product for so long until I finally bought it and tried it out for myself!
    The Take the Day Off Balm is exactly what it’s titled. It basically melts the make-up straight off your face in no time! Only a tiny bit is needed for the whole face which means that this tub of heaven is going to last you a long time. The balm melts into an oil while massaging it into your face and really cleanses all traces of make up! The Balm is so great because it works on those really tinted lipsticks and even on waterproof mascaras! It smooth’s over the skin beautifully, dissolves every last trace of makeup, doesn’t irritate my eyes, non-greasy and rinses away clean with water. Practical, pleasant and pocket-friendly (back then). Definitely a favourite!

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    Pink Cosmetics Cleansing Balm (Retails now for R165)

    I had purchased a Sensitive Skin Sample Set from Pink Cosmetics probably in the beginning of the year and have been using it sparingly just to make them last a bit longer. Included in the pack was a cleansing balm that I was super keen to try as I was so obsessed and impressed with the Clinique one and I was quite keen to see how the Pink Cosmetics one matched up.
    Their 100% natural gentle cleansing balm turns into a creamy lotion when you add a little water, is not greasy or waxy and washes away without leaving oil on your skin. It leaves skin glowing and quite nourished. It removed most of my makeup but not quite all of it. What I do love about the balm though is that it has a beautiful refreshing orange/lime scent and almost seems like it has zesty bits in the balm in it giving the skin a subtle exfoliation… It’s lovely! The balm is really great and super budget friendly! Definite win in my books!

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    Banila Co. Clean It Zero Classic (Retails now for R345)

    Ok so if you’re an avid reader you will know that I have become obsessed with Korean Beauty Products! I had received this little balm as a sample from my K-beauty haul (you can read more here & here) and was completely blown away by how fabulously it works!
    Formulated with rich-in-vitamin C papaya and acerola extracts, it works to brighten skin while gently exfoliating. Can also be used as a face massage balm, to do away with all tension from the day and get rid of any puffiness or water retention- amazing right? It has a beautiful fragrance and removes all traces of make-up! K-Beauty for the win!

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    So who wins the battle? How do I pick a favourite?
    I can’t, but if I had to pick my top 2, it would be the Clinique and the Banilo.co Cleansing Balms as they worked more efficiently for me but they are ALL pretty great and do the job! I would reccommend ALL of them as they really are great products!

    Have you tried any cleansing balms lately?

  • We Still on the K-Beauty Train…

    We Still on the K-Beauty Train…

    So it seems I wasn’t wrong about the K-Beauty world and the fact that everyone is pretty keen to try it out for themselves! If you missed my initial K-beauty haul and introduction into Korean beauty, you can read about it here. I have been getting a few requests asking about where we can purchase such products. Well never fear when the Guru is near, I got you covered ladies!

    I have listed below a few South African online stores to get your hands on some K-Beauty products. I have personally only shopped at one, but rest assured that I have stalked and sussed out each and every website and Instagram page of all of them so that you can have a breezy and hassle free shopping experience without the stress of getting scammed!

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    So here it is beauties your 5 online stores to K-Beauty Heaven!

    Luxe Loft -I got my first K-beauty haul from Luxe Loft and it was lovely! The online store is easy to navigate, prices are fabulous (you may find it cheaper here than other places) delivery time is quick and the stock most k-beauty brands! oh and an added bonus- You get a free sample with every purchase!

    K-Beauty Africa– They stock limited K-beauty brands, that being JOneLindsay, Caolin, Leegeehaam, Klairs, Suntique and Laneige, but it is definately the top brands of the K-Beauty world. Delivery time is nice and quick, 3-4 days, that’s definitely a win for me!

    Glow Theory– Well lets just start by saying that if you sign up to the Glow Club you receive R100 your first order- Score! What I love about this store is that they offer little starter kits, so if you are keen to try but not really wanting to commit to purchasing a full sized product, you can purchase a starter kit to get a nice little introduction into the k-beauty world. They have a great selection of brands to browse through too!

    Koreanbeauty.co.za– Ooo, another sweet deal! If you sign up, you get a 5% discount code for 1st time purchases- always a win! This online store definately has a lot more ‘gimmicky’ stuff than the others. Search for The Blackhead Silk Finger Ball thing, which by the way, I’m super keen to try- then you will understand what I mean.

    Samika Store This online store is definitely a higher end one but  apart from stocking K-Beauty products they too stock make-up brands like Morphe, Kylie Cosmetics, Huda Beauty and many more! What I absolutely love about this online store is they sell K-Beauty sets too! For instance they have the Laneige Water Bank Cream set or the Missha Mini Set (That will probably be my next k-beauty haul) and sometimes even limited edition sets. I can totally see myself spending an obnoxious amount of money at this store, but like it said before- No Ragrets! (Yes, I purposely spelt it wrong because… just read why here)

    Have you purchased from any of these store before?

    How was your experience and what did you splurge on?

    Would love to hear from you!
    Till next time!

    xxx

  • Mini K-Beauty Haul!

    Mini K-Beauty Haul!

    Let me just start by saying I’m  a sucker for all things cute and gimicy.
    Cute packaging? “Sold!” If it has the word ‘Mini’ in it-  “Put ’em in my basket please!”

    Yip, Im that person!

    So did my need for all things cutesey cloud my judgment on my recent beauty haul? Maybe a little.. But I dont care because I have been itching to get my hands on some K-Beauty products and that I did!

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    Korean Beauty is slowly becoming the ultimate regime for soft, glowing skin. K- beauty routines focus on perfecting the appearance of your skin, to have you looking healthy and glowy, therefore, makeup application is kept light and minimal.

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    K-Beauty Mini Haul

    Korean skincare and makeup products are well beyond most western technology and the quality and innovation of Korean products supersedes many popular western brands we use today. A proper K-beauty routine takes time and commitment but rest assured your skin will see the results.

    My mini K-beauty haul consisted of the TonyMoly and the too cool for school brands. The packaging is just adorable and as for the products, pretty damn impressed to say the least! So here is what I bought:

    TonyMoly Pocket Bunny Mist

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    Bunny Gloss Bar – ( Retails for R100 ) Pocket Bunny Mist (Retails for R180)  from Luxe Loft

    This packaging is just!! (Insert heart-eyed emoji) How could you not want to own these adorable little bunnies, especially the sad faced one!? The Pocket Bunny Hydrating Mist is amazing. It is infused with raspberry, strawberry, peach, and baobab tree extracts for long lasting hydration. Created with the celtic waters from the French park Vosges du Nord, your skin will receive ample nutrition though the included minerals.

    It’s beautiful fragrance adds to the delicate mist when sprayed on your face. I like to apply it after I’ve cleansed my face in the morning and sometimes in the evening for a little extra hydration. My skin is feeling so dry lately and this is the perfect little added hydration that it needs. It’s also great to use throughtout the day just to give your skin a little wake me up leaving it dewy and fresh!

    The Petite Bunny Gloss Bar

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    Look at that Shimmer!

    The Petite Bunny Gloss Bar is the cutest little gloss you could possibly own!  It leaves a delicate gloss on your lips. It’s not an overpowering gloss at all which is suitable to use on a daily basis and it leaves your lips feeling super soft too!

    Too Cool For School Jelly Blusher:

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    too cool for school Jelly Blusher- Cherry Squeeze (Retails for R150) from Luxe Loft

    Another brand that caught my eye was the too cool for school k- beauty brand. I added to my cart, this cute little blusher tin because I was intrigued on seeing what a jelly blusher looked and felt like. Upon recieving it, my first reaction was, “OMG I paid R150 bucks for this little itsy bitsy tin!” No guys, it’s small…

    The images on the website make it look bigger then what it actually is, but I quickly got over my little panic attack when I slid opened the tin to find the softest most squishiest cream like blusher I had ever seen and felt! The texture is incredible, the pigment is glorious and the colour on the skin is perfection! Well worth the ka-ching!

    Kiss Kiss Lovely Lip Patch

    I had seen these lip patches all over Hollywood A-listers lips and I knew I needed to try it for myself.  The oversized gummy looking patch is a once-only gel lip mask and promises to make lips smooth, soft and kissable.

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    Kiss Kiss Lip Patch (Retails for R50)

    Once out of the pack it was a little hard to manoeuvre into place as it’s quite a slippery little sucker. As indicated, the lip patch should be left on for 20 minures before removing, leaving your lips soft and moisturised.

    Well, it hydarted my lips in the slightest but that was pretty much it.. No plumpiness or softness what-so-ever. My lips are super dry, so maybe it’s not ideal for the super dry lips, but it was fun to take photos with!

    Apart from the lip patch, I have been loving the products so far!

    Have you tried any K-Beauty products?

    If you want to get your hands on some cutness and good quality products, check out Luxe Loft for amazing K-Beauty products!

  • Strut Your Stuff With Shoes From Superbalist!

    Strut Your Stuff With Shoes From Superbalist!

    I am a shoe girl, to the point where I will sit for hours surfing online stores like Superbalist.com for shoes. Not because I need MORE shoes or anything but because thier range of shoes are out of this world amazing! You can always count of them for fashion forward kicks! So in light of my shoe obssession/addiction, I decided to share my top 5 faves shoes from Superbalist.com

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    Chuck Taylor Converse All Stars:
    There is nothing cooler then owning a pair of Converse All Star kicks and these are screaming my name! Weather you wanna keep it super casual by pairing them with skinny jeans and a hoody or go for a trendy/chic vibe by keeping your outfit all one colour, add a a neautral coat to complete the chicness..

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    This would be my go to winter outfit- Comfy and Cool

    Madison Platform Slip Ons:
    Initially I was never really a fan of platform shoes in general and now I am totally obsessed with them! These sleek black babies caught my eye with the cute floral embrodery giving the shoe a cutsey touch.. Slip on platforms are pretty versitile shoes, you can pair them with leather skinnies and layered swaeters and coats or you could rock them with a skort, over sized jersey and beanie for a chilled vibe, either way they will look fab!

    Platform Slip Ons
    Love the leather and layer vibe for winter!

    Swoon Over The Knee Boot
    OMG!!! How amazingly gorgeous are these Over the Knee boots!!! As soon as I spotted them I immediately thought of Kylie Jenner and how she rocked hers! I know there are many peeps that aren’t a fan but c’mon, she slayed these boots! I would pair these with a sexy shirt dress just like Jenner! Love these! Along with all the other ones on the Superbalist.com site!

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    Slay Kylie Slay!

    Call It Spring Pump Heels
    Nothing like a classic minimilistic pump heel, especially if you pair it with fishnet socks! Im loving this trend at the moment, adding a little bit of edge to your look! Pair with your boyfriend jeans, folded slightly at the bottom with a tight fitting polo neck or body suit- Hello sexy thang!

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    Fishnet Socks + Pump Heels= Match made in Heaven

    Peeptoe Sock Ankle Boot
    I absolutely love the sports luxe look of this peeptoe heel! The Sock Ankle boots look incredibly comfortable and super stylish! Super cute look to do would pair them with Denim shorts, body suite/or blouse with a peaked cap! Or keep it chic by adding a trench coat to complete the look.

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    Peeptoe for the Win

    Wanna get your hands on some amazing fashion?

    Superbalist.com is running a promo on the Superbalist.com app to get R250 (minimum spend or R600) off for first time buyers!

    Download for Android Users.
    Download for iOS Users.

    Happy Shopping!!

  • Beauty Brand To Know- Kita Fragrance!

    Beauty Brand To Know- Kita Fragrance!

    There is nothing better then finding something and completely falling in love with it! I love discovering local beauty brands and showcasing them to my follows. I am so excited to share this discovery with you guys, introducing Kita Fragrances!

    Kita Fragrances is inspiration fragrances that are reverse engineered to smell similar to top selling brand perfumes.  Hold up, before you go on thinking that this is like any other inspired fragrance “knock-offs” your wrong! Kita Fragrances really hold their own and the perfumes are like bursts of beauty in a bottle!

    There are also original designs which are KITA designs too:  KITA Femme, KITA Addiction, KITA Presence, and KITA Mystique) for ladies. These are the edible range, as they all have some gourmand properties in their base notes; either one or a combination of vanilla, liquorice or cream soda.

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    a spritz of perfume can uplift someone’s spirit almost immediately to help them feel new, fresh and beautiful- Tanya (Kita Fragrances)

    I was gifted by the lovely boss lady Tanya from Kita Fragrances with the most divine bottle of perfume called Black Kif- designed to smell like Black Opium by YSL. It smells so gorgeous and the packaging is just oozing sass!

    Boss Lady Tanya took a bit of time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions I had for her about her brand. Here is what she had to share:

    When was Kita Fragrances Born?

    I have worked in the fragrance industry since 2006, and in 2010 I decided to start KITA Fragrances as a bit of a hobby. I finally took the plunge in August last year to focus all my attention on my passion. KITA Fragrances was registered as a private company in November.

    What inspired the name of your brand?

    The word “Kita” has many beautiful meanings that I believe relate so perfectly to how a perfume can make a person feel:

    Urban dictionary:

    • The most beautiful person on this earth (or any other).
    • The one you can never help but come back to.

    I find these definitions the most relevant because a spritz of perfume can uplift someone’s spirit almost immediately to help them feel new, fresh and beautiful. And then it has been proven that sense of smell is more memorable than any of the other senses, so any time someone who knows your scent, smells that scent again, they will be reminded of you…

    What is your favourite Scent?

    My favourite scent is KITA Femme. This fragrance exudes an air of playfulness with sweet notes of caramel, vanilla and almond – and what is work without play? 😉 It was my first original design and I will never outgrow it.

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    Kita Frgrances is well on it’s way to becoming a brand you have to own!

    Check out her gorgeous collection of products here.

  • Beauty Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lipstick

    Beauty Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lipstick

    So excited to share my thoughts and views on the new Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lipstick that I received from Rubybox! (Thank you lovely Rubybox peeps!)

    The Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Lipsticks are the newest launch to hit the shelves here in SA. With an impressive 15 shades these certainly are a stand out collection.

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    Upon receiving 5 gorgeous colors to try and test, I can’t gush more than I already am about how gorgeous this liquid lipstick is!  Rimmel London Matte Liquid Lip colour delivers high intensity colour with a velvety matte finish from the very first stroke! Bold colour with just one stroke and a very impressive staying power- kiss proof, touch-proof and water proof wear! (Tested and it really is long lasting!) My favorite thing about the Matte Liquid Lip colour is that it’s super lightweight texture and velvety matte finish!

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    There is no doubt that the Matt lipstick is trending fiercely on the scene and I ain’t complaining because it’s a trend that you can dress up or down, for any occasion!

    Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lip Colour Features:

    • Velvety matte finish
    • Full coverage colour
    • 12 hour staying power
    • Transfer-proof and waterproof
    • Lightweight, comfortable texture
    • Rich lustre pigments deliver high impact colour
    • Select polymers provide perfect adhesion for long wear
    • Vegetable derived lightweight volatile emollients give smooth application & a light texture
    • Doesn’t dry out the lips
    • Matrix technology with lightweight ester and Mineral based gellants provide the lightweight, second skin flexible texture
    • Available in 15 shades
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    Swatches from left to right: Blush/ Pink Blink / Plum this Show/ Rose & Shine/ Pink Bliss

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    Price
    These gorgeous Matte Liquid Lips retail for just R119.95 each- shop for them here!

    Application
    These have a lovely lightweight, mousse-like texture which is very similar to the Avon Mark Matte Lipsticks. The only difference is that The Rimmel Matte Lipstick last longer and don’t dry out my lips! I tested out 5 shades and found them to be incredibly rich and pigmented.

    Longevity
    Super impressed with how long these lippies lasted as they do claim to last up to 12 hours. However, while they are very long-wearing I wouldn’t say they last a good 12 hours… I found them to fade down towards the late afternoon, which is when re-application would be needed, but overall they were pretty good going and I absolutely love them!

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    Overall Review: Absolutely love the Rimmel Matte Liquid Lip Colour!

    If you looking for a long lasting lip wear that doesn’t dry out your lips then Rimmel is the way to go!!

    #LiveTheLondonLook #RimmelLondonsa #Rubybox #StayMatteLips

  • Chanel Event with Joburg Style!

    Chanel Event with Joburg Style!

    So I’m slowly catching up on my blog posts.. thankfully!

    Iv been dying to tell you about the gorgeous Chanel event that I went to a couple of weeks back. I called up bestie and off we went for a night of glitz and glam.

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    The event was held and the  CHANEL Makeup Studio in Rosebank Mall.  We were surrounded by local celebs such as Kevin McLennan, Fashion Duo Alan Foley and Krishen Samuel, Actress Stevie French and the gorgeous Chaino Sky, to name a few and were treated to some bubbly!

    The studio was buzzing with makeup artists working their magic. While we waited for our turn, we took the opportunity to walk around and view all the makeup Chanel had to offer and I happily snapped away.

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    It was my first time that I have ever used Chanel make-up and I must say the make up is quite light. It gave me the coverage that I needed with minimal application while staying light on my skin.  The product really is lovely and we learned a few tips and tricks from our make-up artist.

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    The evening was short and sweet but a whole lot of fun! After our make up was done we were ushered to the Chanel Photo wall were we snapped a gazillion selfies- all in all a glamorous evening indeed.

    Cant wait for the next one!

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