Recycling lipstick

Did you know that about a third of your lipstick sits in the bottom of the tube and cannot be used?  Think about this, if you paid R200 for a lipstick, that means that you are left with R66 inside the tube.  You can either throw it away or you can try to reuse it. 

Image:  http://avrotor.blogspot.com/2012_07_01_archive.html

 

I often scrape it out of the tube with a lipbrush, but do not like this, because it is too messy to throw in your handbag.  It works great at home, but not for touching up during the day.

 

And then I found out that you can easily melt lipstick.  A short (short, seconds) blitz in the microwave melts it. 

Image:  http://friendshiplifeandstyle.blogspot.com/2013_02_10_archive.html

 

Simply dig all the lipstick out of the tube. The idea is to melt several lipsticks together, mix well and pour back into the empty lipstick container.  Leave this overnight in the fridge to cool properly and you have a lipstick as good as new.  The only problem with this is that you need the leftovers of two to three lipsticks to create one new lipstick.  If they are different colours, you will end up with a completely new colour.  So either use similar colours or play around with a little bit till you get the colour you like. 

Another option is to buy a cheap lipstick.  You then remove the lipstick and leave only the bottom 1/2 of the 1/3 that is left in the tube.  You then pour your favourite lipstick on top of this. 

 

Also beware when you mix colours:  It goes to the lowest denominator.  If you do not like the smell or taste of one of the lipsticks it will smell and taste like that one.  

 

Tips.  Use a small container, you will not end up with a lot of melted lipstick.  It is a fairly messy process, and it is surprisingly difficult to get lipstick out of things, so be careful. 

 

I was very happy with the new colour combination I got.

Rubybox Scentsational box

Note:  I am still here, still blogging.  I just had an insanely busy time.  Internet at home was slow and would not upload pictures and work was too busy to write blogs at work.  Between all of that I never managed to post anything.  This post is long overdue, but I think still interesting enough to put out there.

I was driving down from Johannesburg and checking facebook (yes, you have fairly good internet reception on the N3 these days).  I was a passenger in the car if you were worried.  And then I saw a notice for the SCENTsational  box from Rubybox.  It promised one 5 ml fragrance or 75ml body lotion and 10 fragrance sample vials.  All of this for just R100. I ordered it immediately.  Imagine, buying something while stuck in a car driving down the highway for hours.

 

I have written a blog post previously about my inability to choose a perfume in a shop and how much I enjoy the sampler boxes you get at some shops around Christmas time.  This box is therefore precisely what I needed.

 

It arrived a few days later and this is what was inside:

Small vials (1.2 to 1.5 ml) of Acqua di Gioia, Armani code, Euphoria and Latin Sensation from Avon.   Two sachets each of Madly Kenzo and Kenzo flower tag.  A larger vial of Elie saab (4 ml) and Arpege as the 5 ml sample.  It also included two men’s fragrances; Armani code men and David beckham men in small vials.

The box is good value for money.  If my sums are correct I received about 22 ml of fragrance.  If we assume that fragrance cost R689 for 50 ml (the sale price for Forbidden Euphoria on the Rubybox site) then the box was worth R303.  Even if I threw the two male fragrances away it is still worth R262.  (Roughly, plus minus:  I was too lazy to find the prices for each of the perfumes, and I used a sale price.)

My complaints: 

I received a duplicate of Armani code, therefore I only got 10 different perfumes and not 11 as I thought I would get.  Since Armani code smells really nice and might actually be my favourite from the box I am not complaining too much. 

I received sachets for the two Kenzo samples.  The little spray samples are so nice to use and carry everywhere and sachets are just a  pain.  The sachets are also smaller, but they made up for this by giving me two sachets of each, so in the end it is about as much as a vial would have been.

My main complaint.  The men’s fragrances.  I do not want men’s fragrances.  I am married, but my husband dislikes all men’s perfumes and would never wear it.  I sometimes wear the male samples I get.  In this unisex universe of ours you can get away with it, but I do not really like it.  There was absolutely no indication when I bought the box that there would be men’s fragrances in it.  (They also did not state that it would be female fragrances only.  I just kind of assumed it would be.)  And judging from some complaints online I was lucky.  Some other Rubies got half men’s fragrances.  Rubybox, please, if you do this again leave out the men’s fragrances or tell us up front how many of the fragrances would be men’s fragrances.

Three of the fragrances I received were fragrances I have had samples from in the past, mostly from Rubybox.  I was less excited to get these.  I guess it is not their fault and it would be really difficult for them to figure out who have had what in the past and only send me ‘new’ samples.  But, in a perfect world it would have been nice to have received a box with 11 fragrances I have never tried before.  Heaven!

There were some complaints about the box online.  Some people complained about the men’s fragrances, which I think is a very valid complaint.  Some people complained about getting duplicates, which I also think is a valid complaint.  And then some people complained about getting bad smelling perfumes.  This is just a ridiculous complaint.  Perfumes are so subjective.  Just because you do not like it does not mean it is not a good perfume and it would be impossible to pack 11 random samples in a box and have everybody like all the samples they receive.  The whole idea of the box is to receive new scents and see whether you like them or nor. 

This box was really nice, I like it and I hope Rubybox does it again soon.  I would definitely buy it again (and hope that I do not get the same fragrances I got this time!)  Please leave a comment telling me what was inside your scent box.

 

Kiehl's series Nr 20: Rosa Arctica - youth regenerating cream

I was wondering whether I should write this review.  I promised myself I would be honest on the blog, but I also do not want to write a negative review.  I did however hate this product. 

It is a moisturiser and you can read the  marketing about it here.

It is an incredibly thick, lumpy butter.  I read now that you are supposed to warm it in your hands to make it more spreadable.  This is probably not a bad idea, since this butter is so thick.  It is thick, does not penetrate your skin and forms a thick, yucky layer on top.  In addition to that, it tingled when applied.  Quick, and not really badly, but I would prefer not to have this stinging.  It is very thick and would probably moisturise well if you had very dry skin, which I do not have.  And to be honest, my skin did feel quite soft in the morning after using it the night before.  But I hated it and would not keep using it. 
 
You can read the review from Paula's choice here.

Just Plain Shampoo - Sunsilk

I have recently tried to review some really nice, special, expensive shampoos.  I found it hard to review a shampoo, mostly because I think the feel of your hair is largely determined by the conditioner you use and not so much the shampoo. 

And then I thought I should compare the shampoo to my simple good enough shampoo.
This is my favourite supermarket/Dischem/buy anywhere kind of shampoo.

I use Sunsilk and use the one for coloured hair.  I really like it much more than other shampoos in the same price range.  It is cheap and lasts a long time.  I sometimes use the accompanying conditioner, but also use the conditioner that comes with my hair colour products.  I think a good conditioner is so much more important than a good shampoo.

I have decided that expensive shampoos I review has to make my hair feel better than Sunsilk before I will get excited.

You can read all from the manufacturer here.

My attempt at nail art

I am a conservative dresser.  Nail art is a bit outside of my comfort level, on various fronts.  For one it takes too long and is too difficult for me to manage.  And I am also not sure I am keen on conveying quite such a bold statement.

I saw this tutorial and gave it a try.


Source:  Tip Top Nails on Facebook

Here is my attempt.  It does not look so great, the nail polish was a bit thick and the application was difficult.  The technique was easy enough that I am willing to try again.   

Here are some images for inspiration.
A lot of these inspired me to get some white nail polish.

Images from:

http://aubreyhannah1.blogspot.com/2012/08/purple-ombre-nails-tutorial.html

http://www.beautylish.com/f/gmvmrv/nanu-nanu-ombre-nails

http://www.nailartpretties.com/glitter-ombre-nails-on-white/

http://kimkardashian.celebuzz.com/2013/03/27/midweek-makeup-glitter-ombre-nails/kim-kardashian-midweek-manicure-glitter-ombre-nails-11/

http://glambistro.com/beauty/nails/nail-design-ideas/

http://thebestnewtrends.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-do-ombre-nails.html

http://5pinkave.com/2013/03/18/manicure-mondays-ombre-nails/

http://weheartit.com/entry/23279497

http://jalibaba.com/diy-ombre-nails-2013-collection.html/diy-ombre-nails-2013-collection-studs-pearls

http://weheartit.com/entry/65203621

http://lockerz.com/u/21850793/decalz/18669307/ocean_ombre_nails

http://shoplovestitch.com/blog/summer-nail-art-go-all-out/

Plus some really lovely pictures here.

Sally Hansen Dorian Grey

I have never used a Sally Hanson nail polish before and was really impressed with this nail polish.  The brush is big and flat and applies easily and smoothly,  The finish is glossy, smooth and very professional. I have never used a polish at home that had such a professional looking finish.  It also lasted quite well on my nails and gave me quite a few days without chips.  It lasted a lot better than many others. 

Image from: http://www.alllacqueredup.com/

The colour was Dorian Grey, an almost blue gray.  The colour is a bit dull and weird, not much to recommend there. 

I am keen to try this brand of nail polish again, in a prettier colour.

This nail polish is not exactly cheap.  It was more than R100, around R129 if I remember correctly.

Sisley Floral Toning Lotion

Confession time!  I do not routinely use a toner.  I sometimes buy a toner and cleanser together, use the cleanser and not the toner and eventually end with mismatched cleanser and toner.  So it was a treat for me to receive fairly decent sized cleanser and toner samples in the Sisley Glossybox.  And I made a point of using the cleanser and toner together.

According to Sisley:  The Sisley Floral Toning Lotion is Alcohol-Free and provides for softer, fresher and more comfortable skin.  This Toner is designed for perfect make-up removal and to keep skin looking clear and fresh.  Formulated with soothing and softening extracts of Rose, Cornflower and Witch Hazel, Floral Toning Lotion is particularly suitable for sensitive skin and skin prone to dryness.

Daily use, it helps to tone the skin, provide instant freshness and comfort, illuminate the complexion, prepare skin for the benefits of subsequent skin care products.  Wipe a cotton pad soaked in Floral Toning Lotion over the face, throat - and even the eye contour – morning and night, after removing your make-up (wipe-off or rinse-off), or after a mask. Leave on to penetrate for a moment before applying your usual skin care cream.

The toner smells divine, soft and rosy.  It was very mild and really nice to use.  I am not entirely sure what it did for my skin, but it was pleasant to use.  (And since I am never sure what toners do, it was no worse than any other toner, in my opinion.)  Most of the reviews linked below mentioned how gentle it was.  I completely agree, but other than being a gentle, cooling, nice smelling thing you apply to your face, I am not sure it did much more than that.  If you are used to toners with alcohol, I am sure you would find this toner great for sensitive skin. 

Did I say, it does not contain alcohol.  And, oh yes, it is really expensive.  Sisley is available exclusively at the following Edgars Stores:Sandton, Melrose Arch, Clearwater, Woodlands, Gateway and V&A.

There were quite a few reviews at Beauty Bulletin.  Here is a review of the entire Sisley box.
 

Kiehl's series Nr 19: Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler

I have neglected the Kiehl's series.  It takes a bit longer to really try the products long enough to have an opinion than I thought it would.  So here is the next one in the series.

I have some serious, new, deep lines on my forehead.  I am therefore really interested in any cream or potion that can remove these.  I have tried a few and have been disappointed with them all. (Specifically this one)

It was therefore with great interest that I tried Kiehl’s Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler.  I have been using it now for about two months, almost on a daily basis.  (Or as close as I can get.  I find it difficult to remember, but have used it more days than not).  In that time I used it on some lines and not on others.  I cannot see any difference between the lines where I used it and the ones where I did not.  Nothing!  Sadly this is not the lotion that will take 10 years off my looks. 

 

 

The lotion is fairly thin and smells almost medicinal.  This is what Kiehl's claim it will do:

 

This is what Paula from Paula’s choice has to say:

This thin-textured wrinkle filler is a problem for all skin types and is not recommended. The alcohol it contains causes dryness, irritation, and free-radical damage, which hurts your skin’s ability to heal and limits its ability to produce healthy collagen. This isn’t the way to strengthen aging skin or improve the appearance of wrinkles.

The rest of the unimpressive formula consists mostly of thickeners and film-forming agents (think hairspray). The blend of alcohol and film-forming agents may make your skin feel tighter, but that’s not the same as actually making it tighter, and it certainly doesn’t stimulate collagen production for firmer skin.

The two types of hyaluronic acid Kiehl’s mentions in their claims as being important to the formula are barely present, so don’t expect them to help your skin; neither is capable of acting like the hyaluronic acid used in dermal fillers. In fact, this product’s performance pales in comparison with that of most serums and other so-called wrinkle fillers, the kind that serve as a soft spackle to achieve a minor, temporary reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

(That last sentence has me interested.  I think I should start looking for that product.)

Maybelline : Great lash lots of lashes mascara

Please read the review at this website where I also got this image.

 

I love this funky, colourful mascara.  I was impressed from the first use.  I have to confess that it was not hard to improve on what I had.  I was still using two old, dry, clumpy mascaras I have had way too long.  (Well, one was dry, the other was clumpy.)  This mascara has an enormous wand.  It is curved and larger at the end.  It grabs my lashed and coats them well.  It lasts well with very little Panda eyes (everything gives me slight Panda eyes if I am not careful).  No clumps or sticky lashes.  

This mascara is fairly cheap and definitely worth the cost.  It cost R100 last year. 

Reviews from Beauty Bulletin, and more here under another thread.     A good review with many photos.    And one from a great South African blogger. 

 

La Mer the moisturising soft cream

La Mer came out with a new moisturising soft cream.  This product is between the original moisturising cream and the slightly lighter moisturising lotion.  I have not used either the lotion or the original cream, but I love this in between product. 

This cream was great, fairly thick, moisturising and not oily.  My skin felt great while using it.

This is really expensive.  Maybe price should not form part of my evaluation of a product, but I cannot wonder whether it can possibly be so much better than most other products.  If you have unlimited money, I recommend this.  If you need to also pay school fees this year, keep looking.

I like reading Paula's Choice reviews, because they are all so negative.  She really slams this product in a review.

You can find numerous reviews for this, I chose this one for the lovely pictures, it contains, like this one:

Sisley, Skinleya, Anti aging lift foundation

With the Sisley Glossybox I received a small sample of this foundation.  The colour was very light, but I think I got away with it.  What a pleasure to use!

I got several applications out of the very small sample, proving you really do not need much.  It applied easily, provided great cover and looked wonderful.  The best part was that it made my skin feel so good.  My skin actually felt better in the evening when I used this foundation than if I did not.  It was not drying, but rather moisturising. This does not often happen.  This might have been the best find from the Sisley box.  Sisley products are not cheap and this foundation is no exception.  But it might just be worth the money.  A perfect skin care product and foundation. 

From the package:  Instantly the complexion is unified and recovers freshness and radiance.  Day after day anti-aging active ingredients work to smooth features and visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  Skin radiates youthfulness.

 

I found this one really negative review at truth about aging.   I linked this German review for the pretty pictures.

 

Easy hair

For the first time in years, my hair is long enough to try different hair styles. 

I saw this hair tutorial and thought I would try it. 

For once things actually worked as well as promised.  I used an elastic headband and basically just tuck my hair over and under it.  It stayed in place perfectly throughout the day.  My hair was not perfectly clean and a bit curly.  I do not think it will work as well on clean, straight hair.  It might fall out of the elastic much more easily. 

This is what it looked like.  NICE !

 

Cuticle care

My mother gave me a Revlon nail care set years and years ago.  In this set were a few nail care tools, among them one thing I would never have known to use otherwise.  It looks like this: 

I develop tiny hard growths next to my nails.  These things hurt.  You can cut them with a nail clipper, but it works so much better with this handy tool.  Just make sure you cut against the growth and it is easy to remove them.  If you cut in the wrong direction you can sometimes cut into the skin next to your nail, which hurts.  Put it close to your skin and move the sharp end away from you, cutting the cuticle perfectly. 

Amazing little tool.  I wish I knew what it was called.

The photos are not very good.  The first one tries to show the hard growths next to my nails and the second tries to show how you use the tool, except that the tool needed to have the growth in the middle.

 

Definitely recommended.

 

Clinique dramatically different moisturising lotion

I might be fired as a beauty blogger for writing this post, but here it goes.  I would love some comments from people who can educate me.

I lived for a year as a poor student in Manhattan when I was in my early 30's.  This year Clinique really became my go-to beauty brand; mostly because of the price.  Clinique is an American product, made in America, and therefore much cheaper in America than the French products.  In South Africa there is much less of a price difference and Clinique is not so much cheaper than other brands. 

That year I started using dramatically different moisturizing lotion.  I have used it for years since.

I bought a nice big bottle of this last year in order to get the free gift.  I therefore still had a full bottle of Clinique when I became interested in beauty products and started reading up on products.  I soon learnt that this was not a good product.  It is full of mineral oils, which apparently are really bad for you.  I have not used this bottle in more than a year.  I live in Durban, which is humid, and do not struggle with dry skin.  And then winter came around, and things became a lot dryer, and my skin always felt dry.  One day I used this, kind of out of desperation between trying out some other products.  And low and behold, my skin stopped feeling dry. 

My understanding of why mineral oils are bad for you.  These oils sit on top and do not penetrate your skin.  It therefore does not moisturise deep inside where it is needed most.  Combining mineral oils with other products is a bad idea, because the mineral oils cause the other great ingredients to also sit on top.  Mineral oils are used by cosmetic companies because they provide a barrier and therefore make the skin feel moisturised.

Image from: http://www.ponikuta.com/

My take on this:  In winter I need a barrier between me and the harsh world outside.  The mineral oils in Dramatically Different Moisturiser provides this barrier.  It worked brilliantly.  My skin felt soft and plump and moisturised.

My compromise:  I do not use it at night any more, because I also use a serum at night and want that serum to penetrate deeply and do its work down there.  I use it in the morning under my make-up to keep my skin plump and hydrated all day.  That way I feel I get the best of best worlds, my skin is treated at night with something that penetrates and in the day it is nicely moisturised with a skin between me and the outside world.

Pros:  My skin feels soft and hydrated when used.
It is not too expensive.
It provides good moisturising without being oily and greasy.
No smell.
A pump bottle (which keeps the product hygienic).
Easily disappears into the skin.

Cons:
All those mineral oils.
No SPF.

I am not sure whether I will repurchase, but it is a lovely product.

There are so many reviews about this.  I just chose this one because it is very balanced.

Please leave a comment telling me how you feel about mineral oils.  Are they evil?

 

You can read a very critical review from Paula's choice.

The beauty factory: Originals. Hand and Nail cream

 

 

I received a small 10 ml tube of this hand and nail cream in my Rubybox.  I really loved this cream, but am not sure what to say about it.

Does it smell nice?  Yes, a subtle old fashioned smell, reminding me a little bit of the sun lotions from my youth.

Does it feel greasy?  No, not even a little bit.

Does it moisturise?  Yes, my hands feel soft and nourished all day

Is it expensive?  No, R49

Is it made in South Africa?  Yes

 

I think it ticks all the boxes.  A great hand and nail cream to try.

 

Their slogan:  Clean, honest, goodness

 

You can read a review from Kiss, Blush and Tell here.   

There is also a review at Beauty Bulletin. 

And a review from Rubybox.

 

Beauty Factory has a lovely website you should visit.

 

 

The July 2013 Rubybox

I had an annual subscription to Rubybox that has run out this month.  This is the first time in more than a year that I did not receive a surprise box in the mail.  Therefore there will be no review of the Rubybox this month on this site.  I am still curious to know what is in the box, so I searched the web high and low for some Rubybox reviews.  This is what I found.  If you know of any July Rubybox review I missed, please leave a comment.

Beautyqueen8

 

 

Womanonline.co.za

Becoming you seemed to have received the same box

 

This box was also the same as the two previous ones.

 

Not necessarily relevant

 

 

Review by Pink Peonies. 

This box seems to be the same as the previous box. 

 

 

 
Rubybox themselves also posted a video reviewing one of the boxes.
 

And some reviews of the new Rubybox mascara that was in the box.

 

 

Kiehl's series Nr 18: Creamy eye treatment with Avocado

I could write two completely different reviews of this eye cream.  I was first introduced to it, after a long flight, in the middle of the night, at an airport shop.  The sales lady loved it, told me she applies it throughout the day.  She let me apply some, but did not have a sample to give me.  I really liked it, it was a thick, yellowish-green (yes, avocado coloured) cream.  It was very moisturising and I was tempted to buy a pot of the stuff on the spot.  I did not however.  But in the back of my mind I kept thinking about this wonderful eye cream.

And then I bumped into a Kiehl's shop again and got two small sachets of the cream.  I used the first and really liked it.  And then almost to the end of the sachet, it started feeling watery.  I have no way of describing this.  The cream you put on your finger is thick, you start applying it to your eye area and then it feels like it glides on over water.  I did check several times whether I dried my eyes properly.  The same thing happened with the second sachet I opened.  I do not understand where this watery feeling comes from.  Needles to say, the cream does not feel so thick and moisturising any more.

I searched the internet high and low, but could not find anyone else complaining of this.  I accept that I am weird and alone in this, but I will continue my search for a perfect eye cream. 

It does not have a strong smell and is very soothing and not irritating at all.

Kiehl's claims on the packaging:  This creamy preparation with Avocado Oil, gently moisturizes the delicate eye area.  Our unique, concentrated texture does not migrate into your eyes.  Tested under ophthalmologist and dermatologist control. 

I could only find one South African review.  You can read it here. 

I was looking very hard for other people who did not like this cream in an effort to figure out why I thought it felt watery, and found this rather negative, rather short review on Paula's choice.   
She said:  Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado is good for dry skin anywhere on the face, but the amount of antioxidants is tiny and they won’t last long once this jar-packaged product is opened.

UPDATE: 
I spoke to a Kiehl's shop assistant yesterday.  He had me try the eye cream and showed me how it turned watery when you rub it.  It is supposed to turn watery and he told me that it shows how much it moisturises.  It changes my opinion of the product that it is supposed to do that, but I still do not like it.  I would rather have a creamy eye cream than rub water onto my eyes.  I guess that is why we try various things before we find our favourite.