The Little Guru

Tag: beauty

Avène Hydrance Boost Serum

Avène Hydrance
Boost Serum

Introducing Avène Hydrance Boost Serum & Range. Created 13 years ago, the Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance range has become the essential reference in terms of hydration. Leader in pharmacies* , it has conquered the dehydrated skin segment and has been able to evolve over time, to satisfy women’s desires still further. With over 10,000 hashtags on Instagram, it’s a very popular line women can’t get enough of. Hydrance care gorges skin with hydrating active ingredients, leaving it both fresh and more radiant.

So what’s the secret of its success? Rich in Avène Thermal Spring Water, Hydrance is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Its wide range of sensory textures appeal to all skin types. Gel-cream, cream, emulsion, serum… for every need and desire, there’s an appropriate Hydrance solution.

EFFICACY & SENSORY APPEAL WITH NO COMPROMISES

Why we love it

Avène Hydrance Boost Serum has become a staple in my skincare routine, and for good reason. This serum delivers a surge of hydration that transforms my skin from dull to radiant. The inclusion of Avène Thermal Spring Water adds a soothing touch, making it perfect for my sensitive skin.

What sets this serum apart is its lightweight consistency. It effortlessly glides onto the skin, absorbing quickly without any greasy residue. I appreciate that it doesn’t clog pores, making it an ideal choice for those with combination or oily skin.

The Avène Hydrance Boost Serum has become my go-to solution for combating dryness, leaving my skin feeling plump, supple, and revitalized.

Avène Hydrance Boost Serum has earned its spot as a reliable hydrating powerhouse in my collection. It’s a game-changer for anyone seeking an effective, non-greasy, and soothing solution to achieve that coveted healthy glow.

I think other than it’s hydration benefits of the Avène Hdrance Boost Serum (and it’s super to use on very sensitive skin), it noticeably smooths fine lines, which thanks to dehydration aren’t that pretty to look that.

While it does contain fragrance in the formulation (many products for sensitive skins don’t), it’s paraben free and I find it to be very gentle and non-reactive on my skin..

all the good stuff

Avène Hydrance Boost Serum is an intense hydrating serum enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Vitamin B3. A real hydration boost for the face, this serum hydrates the skin up to 48 hours and restores balance to dehydrated, sensitive skin, leaving is brighter, whilst strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. Its gentle formula is made of 96% natural origin ingredients, for a fresh, non-greasy, non-sticky, ultra-light translucent gel-water texture. Its delicate, silky featherweight texture, inspired by Asian beauty rituals, provides deep hydration without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. This ultra-sensory care product comes in a glass dropper bottle with a pipette that delivers just the right amount of product to rehydrate and strengthen the skin instantly and over time. Hydrance Boost, 30 ml, R399.00

Does a long- lasting hydrator sound good to you? If yes, then Avène is a great start to getting your skin feeling hydrated and plump.

January 9, 2024
Beauty Review | Down To Earth

Beauty Review | Down to earth

Another beauty review is here! Beauty Review | Down to Earth and we are particularly excited about this one.

Down To Earth is a smart, simple skincare and wellness solution that harnesses the healing goodness of plant extracts. The Down To Earth range of products is designed to enhance skin health, and physical well-being, and alleviate the symptoms of a range of common ailments. When you look great, you feel great – and Down To Earth’s goal is to help you and your family experience both, enhancing the quality of your life.

Down To Earth started out in 1997, originally founded by Anthony Rees (of The Traditional and Natural Health Alliance), a trained herbalist and environmental activist, who wanted the company to reflect environmentally conscious ingredients and choices.

The company’s flagship product featured African potato extract – a powerful plant extract rich in phytosterols, with potent anti-inflammatory properties and packed with antimicrobial and antioxidant-rich compounds. We can vouch for this. The product it pretty amazing!

Practical and user friendly beauty

PRACTICAL AND USER-FRIENDLY – Down To Earth specialises in natural daily skincare and skin ailment solutions that harness the healing goodness of plant extracts. Fuss-free, and multi-purpose products to help simplify your daily life and to give you peace of mind.

If you’re seeking relief from pain, inflammation, skin conditions, or abrasions – or simply want a healthy, natural skincare range to maintain the health of your skin as part of your daily routine – then this range is for you.

The naturally active plant-based skincare range, inspired and assisted by nature, is designed to provide you with a planet-friendly choice that is healthy, safe, and incredibly effective.

The Good Stuff

Bodycare

Incorporating the Down to Earth products into my daily routine has been a breeze! Like the All Over Wash and Body Lotion has completely replaced my night time moisturisers for my body and body wash.

Formulated to nurture while it cleans with the help of aloe ferox, honeybush, grape seed and palmarosa oils, it works to prevent moisture-loss, and protects sensitive skin and scalp. If there is one thing that this body lotion does, is that it leaves skin soft and plump, nurturing those with sensitive skin.

Keeping it Down to Earth

Okay, I’m going to keep it real with you guys. A lot of beauty products have come my way and I would like to think I have a decent amount of knowledge when it comes to skincare. So when Down to Earth landed on my beauty desk, I was sceptical.

I thought here is another brand that is all organic and natural and will never show results. They proved me wrong. This brand has by far surpassed my wildest expectations because I am actually seeing POSITIVE results! The Lotions and Body wash have been extremely gentle on my skin and actually repairing it the more I use it! It really is such an amazing product and they even have an award to show for it! Woman and Home Bodycare Winner for 2022!

The dynamic team have gone above and beyond to offer us what we need for keeping our skin, simply healthy. Giving us peace of mind in choosing products that are all-natural, safe to use, and free from any harmful additives or chemicals.

Bundle for the Whole Family

I have truly loved everything single product in the pack. The Down to Earth Team has set up Bundles that will make your life a little easier when deciding on what you need, which is something I find so helpful when starting out with a new skincare brand. You can check out the bundles here. I wont doubt you will find one that’s perfect for your family.

If you are looking for simple, no fuss, natural body care products that will offer your skin visible results, then I urge you to give Down To Earth a try. A brand that will be taking residence in my beauty cabinet for the years to come.

September 30, 2022
SKINFRÉSH- Organic Skincare

Do you love organic, cruelty-free skincare products? Let me introduce you to SKINFRÉSH -Organic Skincare

Skinfrésh is a South African face and body care range. Skinfrésh products are organic, cruelty-free, vegan and all products are plant-based and free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and colourants. The range is formulated for all skin types and ages. Skinfrésh believes that it’s all about skin health. And healthy skin = beautiful skin.

All the formulations are carefully put together taking all the properties of each oil, butter, and essential oil into consideration to treat your skin no matter your age or need.

I received some gorgeous products that I simply cannot wait to share with you!

The Goodies

Talk about eye-catching- WOW. Although it’s not like your ordinary basic, neutral skincare packing, the SKINFRÉSH brand is bright and bold and simply beautiful, just like it’s contents.

We trialed the Balancing Facial Mist, Face Cream, Detoxifying Mud Mask, Exfoliationg Clay Cleanser & The Brightening Face Oil.

Organic Love

Starting with the skincare regime-

Exfoliating Clay Cleanser
Detox Mud Mask
Balancing Facial Mist
Morning Face Cream
Brightening Face Oil

There are so many other ways you can use these products!

Organic Ingredients- Highlighting my favorites

Face & Eye Oil is extremely hydrating with brightening properties. Using a good facial oil on acne-prone skin can be life-changing. The reason for this is.. a pimple is basically dead skin cells and oils (sebum) mixed together that clogs pores. I experienced absolutely no breakouts!

Ask yourself this, does oil and water (water-based product) mix? No it does not. Do oil and oil mix? Yes, it does. So, by applying the facial oil will ensure that the oil mixes into the clogged pores withdrawing and cleaning out impurities.

Why we love it

Jojoba oil mimics skin sebum tricking it not to overproduce oil. This balances oil production in the skin.
Treats dryness, skin inflammation, dark spots, and scars.
Anti-Aging, Anti-Bacterial Anti-Wrinkle
Softens and smooths the skin.
Helps inhibit melanin pigmentation.
Evens out skin tone and texture.
Skin Brightening properties thanks to citrus oils.
Anti-Oxidant
Extremely hydrating

Morning Face Cream with Rice Bran Oil A creamy Facial Moisturizer that is packed with Vitamin E to fight signs of aging and fine lines and wrinkles. The main ingredient, Rice Bran Oil.

This oil is known for the use of ancient Japanese and Chinese women. (Korean beauty vibes? – I’m in!) Rich in essential fatty acids, trace elements, vitamin E, and mineral salts, rice bran oil helps moisturize the skin and promotes skin microcirculation. Rice bran oil has healing, restructuring, soothing, cicatrizing, repairing (reduces skin inflammation), and decongesting properties.

Why we love it

It deeply hydrates for soft smooth skin. Enriched with nutrients to protect skin and feed skin cells.

Balancing Facial Mist (Toner). This is high astringent. Soothes tones and hydrates. Balances PH in the skin. Properties of active ingredients:
It balances skin’s natural oils.
Can help reduce the look of temporary redness.
Naturally hydrating.
It has antioxidant properties that nourish and protect the skin.
Helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles and diminish the look of existing ones by keeping the skin hydrated.
Witch hazel has many benefits for the skin, including relieving inflammation, tightening, and minimizing the pores.
Rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that help protect your skin.
Soothes and repairs skin irritations.
Aloe Vera to soothe and treat skin can be used as an after sunburn spray
Use in between workouts, to hydrate and keep skin fresh and fed with nutrients.

Mud Mask with Bentonite & Kaolin Clay

This mask is clay-based (Bentonite and kaolin mixed) which makes a creamy mask. This will absorb all oiliness from the skin and withdraw impurities.
Properties of active Ingredients:
Clays to withdraw impurities from the skin.
Absorbs overproduced sebum (Oils) and regulates sebum production
Cleans pores deeply
Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory properties.
Great for hydrating dry skin due to active oils
Protect your skin from breaking out.
Oxidizes Skin cells

Why we love it

I was quite nervous trying this Clay mask as I had such a bad experience in the past. But I tried it and I loved it! This formula is super gentle on the skin and truly gives it a deep clean. This combined with the exfoliating mud, in the shower is magic!

Our Review

If you are looking for an at-home spa-like skin treatment then Skinfrésh is it. Sensitive skin gals need not worry, as the products are super gentle on your skin with no irritation. I was excited to learn that all these products can be used in different ways. Like using your facial oil as a makeup remover. Or by mixing all the above products, you can create an intense hydrating mask. I think that’s what I like most about this brand. Products that are so versatile! It makes you feel like it’s worth every penny spent.

All in all, SUPER impressed by these products and can’t express enough of how spa-like quality the products hold. It’s simply beautiful. xx

Shop the SkinFresh Range here.

February 25, 2022
How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts with Cetaphil

Are you suffering from “Maskne“? The not-so-luxurious term to enter the Covid-19 world. Cetaphil is here to help fight face mask breakouts with these nifty tips & products!

So, you made or bought your face mask and have been diligently wearing it for the past couple of months. Now, out of the blue, you’re experiencing breakouts in strange new spots.

You’re likely dealing with “maskne”, the latest not-so-luxurious term to enter the world of COVID-19. As the name suggests, Maskne, is acne that results from wearing a face mask or dermatologically known as acne mechanica. This type of acne is commonly triggered by sweat, friction, and pressure on the skin. Casing inflammation, red rashes, and tiny cluster pimples!

Luckily, you can make some easy adjustments to your skincare routine to combat mask breakouts and soothe irritation. A leader in gentle skincare products, Cetaphil, shares some tips to help take care of your skin while wearing a mask.

Choose a Soft Breathable Mask

Cloth face masks can now be easily purchased from a variety of places online or home-made. It is recommended to use a mask with three layers, selecting a non-woven (or similar) fabric with strong filtering capability as the middle layer, and the accompanying inner and outer layers for comfort, structure, and some additional protection.

Remember to wash re-usable masks regularly as they are prone to collect dirt, oils, bacteria, and germs, which may exacerbate skin problems. The Department of Health has discouraged the public from using the N-95 masks, as these have been reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

Include a Gentle Skin Cleanser into Your Skincare Routine

Select a skin cleanser like the Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser. A mild, non-irritating, non-drying gentle skin cleanser for even the most sensitive skin. This gentle skin cleanser can be used without water. If you have irritated or sensitive skin, gently swipe a cotton round with the cleanser over your skin.

Create a Skincare Barrier by Using a Moisturiser

After your daily morning exercise and post-cleansing, apply a moisturizer like the Cetaphil® Daily Hydrating Lotion. This lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid ( The type of acids we love) provides instant hydration. Maintaining the skins protective barrier which helps to protect skin from dryness.

Don’t Forget your Sun Protection Factor, Even in the Colder Months!

Although half of our face is covered by our face masks, it is still important to apply an SPF daily as some of the skin is exposed to the harmful sun rays when going for morning walks. Opt for a non-comedogenic and oil-free option as they work to decrease excess oil that can clog pores and lead to acne.

Keep in Contact with your Dermatologist

If you are concerned about the health of your skin or keep experiencing skin breakouts, keep in contact with your dermatologist. Some dermatologists are offering a Telehealth solution because it’s a great way in which they distribute health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies.

Want to know more about Cetaphil products?

Read more here and here.

Find Cetaphil in South Africa
Available from Dischem, Clicks, and leading pharmacies nationwide.

June 25, 2020
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

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..

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!!

May 15, 2018
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.

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!

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
Swatches from left to right: Blush/ Pink Blink / Plum this Show/ Rose & Shine/ Pink Bliss

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!

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
October 30, 2017
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.

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.

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.

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!

Stay up to date with Joburg Style for all the city’s happenings!

August 4, 2016
Rubybox – Jozi Beauty Night Out

A night of beauty and pampering, Rubybox.co.za came to Jozi for an evening full of spoils for the ladies!

We arrived at the incredible Katy’s Palace Bar. The set up is incredible. It has a super rustic feel with a little glam to it overlooking the city of Joburg, simply amazing. On the way in we grabbed our arrival drinks and headed into the beauty affair.

There were 4 Stations that were set up:

Rubybox.co.za for a little gift bag which you could select from an array of beauty goodies

Dermalogica for Face mapping & thier incredible skin care range

Morgan Taylor for Manicure any colour that you desire

Gosh Cosmetics for a complete make over.

Tagged and hashtagging #beautynightout

Katy’s Palace Bar

View of our Beautiful City

Rubybox goodie bag

Myself, Nicci & Clauds

Morgan Taylor Manicure Station

DJ up top

Beauty Hamper

At the end of the evening, online store Rubybox announced that they will be opening up a store!

Now I can shop online and pop into the store for some extra indulgence. If you want to get your hands on some beauty essentials then check them out out here

A night of beauty and pampering indeed!

June 30, 2014