Brand Spotlight: Essence

I have decided to once a month/ twice a month if inspired, spotlight on brands which are in my beauty boxes:) To start off I will spotlight Essence. I was introduced to it by the ladies of the www.beautybulletin.com  community. A lot of them had spoke about this brand and tempted me into trying its many sparkly and affordable products.

I first tried the 2in1 kajal eyeliner , in grey and baby pink. The quality of these products is what stands out for me. I love the selection of colours and fantastic pricing! I also have the kajal in plain black and purple.

Then the nail polishes... dream polishes! The colours are fun and funky without being juvenile.  I adore the top matte coat which creates this filed down finish to nails as well as their very cool multi-dimension polishes which are completely addictive but unfortunately being discontinued. I do look forward to seeing their new range of polishes though!

Here are a few I bought: Found my love, Sundancer, Fall for me, and top matte coat.. See also the gorgeous lipliner in a natural pink colour that matches my lipcolour.

I also bought one of their very cool brushes and mascaras.. The mascara is called ' All eyes on me' and I got it in brown.. It is truly a very good quality mascara, compared to the other brands such as Rimmel and Maybelline; this one is in a cool packacging, lengthened my lashes and added beautiful natural volume to them!

I think that Essence is an amazing brand with a very wide fan base. They cater for the tweens, teens, university and working woman. They are on trend and not too 'crazy' but they allow many options in their ranges for those that want to experiment. I love that they are cruelty free and that Clicks is the stockist here in South Africa so that I can use my Clicks money back vouchers to buy more stuff!!

Essence has truly enhanced my makeup boxes!

Rubybox VS Glambox

So everyone has written one of these and here is my addition...Note that Rubybox ran a competition for the ladies who signed up early and they got a free box.. I won and chose to get two of the September boxes :))

Glambox September: It was delivered in the middle of September and promised a great many things.. They also make a habit of not revealing their products before boxes are sent out- Which I can appreciate but if you are discerning enough to check the website you can figure it out.. So there is not much point in hiding it. Some people like surprises, others dont.. There shall be no way to satisfy everyone and so... Their September box had the Revlon topspeed - full size- in a variety of colours-- teal, red, yellow etc.. Some ladies were not happy with the choice sent to them, but hey it costs R90 !I liked the colour they sent me- Ocean They also sent Smashbox Hyperlash- trial size,  Elizabeth Arden Protectant cream - travel size, Skin Elixer cream for decolletage and twinnings tea (?)
I like the EA product and the Smashbox mascara.. The boobie cream was ok, kinda weird smelling but it seemed to firm up my neck a little.
So it gets 3/5 for approval from moi

Rubybox September : Elizabeth Arden 3in1 exfoliator/cleanser/primer, Bvalgari 3x 1.5ml perfume testers, Philip Kingsley Elasticiser ( 1 treatment size) and Decleor Nerole Aromessence ( 3x 1ml) . I loved all the products and still have some as I got double boxes in Sept! The Decleor oils were stunning on my skin and the exfoliator is still being used! I like the perfumes, mainly because they were not thrown in cardboard samples, but in a beautiful box which I really appreciated! PK Elasticiser is a fave since Beauty Bulletin sent it to me! So Rubybox gets 4/4 from moi.

Glambox October: A very nice box, consisting of Catrice Eyepencil ,Skin Science Enzyme exfoliator, Rimmel Day2nite mascara , Soylite candles (?), hugo boss orange sample, and Elizabeth Arden Cermaide capsules. I liked the candle but could not understand why we were getting it! I loved loved loved the mascara! huge money worth as it was the full size and worked amazingly! I have not used the exfoliator yet. The eyepencil was nice as well as it had a smudger too. The perfume sample was nice but in the cardboard sample envelope that was ok . I did love and am still loving those capsules! Serious luxury treatment!... I give this box 5/6 because I have not tested the Skin Science exfoliator but I am sure it is great. I really liked this box.. as it had another fullsize product!

Rubybox October:Black|up mattifying base (3x sample sachets), Decleor hydra floral moisturizing mask, L'oreal Mythic oil ( full size!) Lancome VIssionairre ( 7 sample sachets which last about a week each). I loved every product in this box!! The oil for my hair was spectacular, the mask was great. the mattifying base was really great and the Lancome was like wow!! 4/4 for Rubybox!! and an extra star for getting the Lancome product to us before anyone else

Glambox November:Innoxa firming cream for bust/neck, Dermologica micor foliant , Decleor hydra floral moisturisizing mask, sample sachet skincode daily defence and recovery cream and 1 eyeslice ( apparently how they are meant to be bought?). I like the box but am not cuckoo-crazy. The dermologica I have not used yet as I want to use it tonight after intense hot yoga! Have heard wonderful things so good on them for sending us a proper sized bottle! The decleor I have used already via rubybox.. so yay for another tube , but boo for not being able to snag something else! the skincode stuff, I have not heard of them before. And the eyeslice I will use probably on the week.. watching tv like a pirate!! The Innoxa cream is nice, I have not seen a massive improvement but yes it seems to smoothen and 'unage' the skin of my decolletage!  so 3/5 seems to be my rating..

Rubybox November: Ahava mud mask( sample sized sachet- which I shall make last at least 2 treatments!) Carita  Progressif Anti-Wrinkle Intense Smooth Out Cream for Eye ( small tube, which I over squirted :( but it does smooth out my under eye skin), Elizabeth Arden Intervene Radiance Boosting Moisture Cream SPF15 which I have yet to use but if the exfoliator is an indication then I am sure I will love it , and L'occitane shea butter hand cream ( travel size) , Guerlain perfume samples and the October issue of Glamour.I like the hand cream quite a lot and the rest of the products, though small are intense enough to last a couple of times enough to determine if you like it and want to buy the full size. 4/5 because I have not tried the mud mask as yet, an extra smile for the mag!!

Conclusion: I adore both boxes so much. Glambox is super efficient and quite conscious of packaging the boxes so that they are reusable. Rubybox is environmentally conscious and changed their boxes to recycled cardboard and their inside packaging as well!! Very glad that box of them take feedback so well:) Rubybox had issues with delivery this month which I hope will not be repeated in December!

If you are trying to decide which box is better, I would say check out their websites :
www.rubybox.co.za and www.glambox.co.za for details about the different brands. Rubybox has been expanding the number of brands here, but Glambox has given 3 full size products in a row.. I like the variety of products per box in the rubybox and I like the glambox's attention to detail in choice of products. Have a look at each of their facebook pages as well.

Be noted that glossybox is coming here as well .... I shall post when I know more! As far as I can see so far they started up this month and have started recruiting web developers and other marketing peeps!

Both of them add cards to explain each product's purpose.. Which I have been keeping in a Rubybox!!  I have been using the Glambox in my makeup drawer to hold my nail clippers, hand cream, lip balm etc. Very useful! I like that the boxes of both are totally perfect for nailpolish,  jewellery, sample sachets, perfume bottles, stationary, scrapbook stuff, recipes, spice packets, highlighters, makeup brushes and sweets :)I refuse to pick sides as I love them both!!! Well done to both teams for producing great boxes and spoiling all of us SA ladies!

Reinterpret winter trends for summer

I keep track of the overseas fashion sites.. and they are all togging up, booties polished and cute wooly-headwearingly ready for winter!! So how can we use their winter trends in our glorious summer?? I shall elaborate:)This is one of my fave things to do!


1. Androgeny:Meaning  women who dress is traditionally 'male' wear and vice versa.. it is really simple to translate this for a summer look. Ditch the boyfriend blazer's structure and stiffness for a cool flowing.  Also a great way to work this look is to look for cargo pants which are nicely tailored and wear them with a comfy wedge and a cool funky t-shirt :)




2. Fetish- Ok so if lady Gaga were to live in the SA heat, how would she get her leather/studded/structured fetish looks on?? Accessories!! chains which are chunky and funky. Bracelets which embrace the fetish nature of some people and also you can summer-ise the fetish look by adding small accents of leather to your clothes.. cuffs. necklaces and handbags






3. Maxi skirts- Great for summer in my opinion.. worn with flats for a lovely day shopping or chilling at a park.. Think  along the lines of Greek godesses and less housewife! Get a print which you love and feel good in or a beautiful colour skirt- for summer I would go for a neutral shade with coloured accents and reinterpret another trend of patterns!




4. Patterns- Love patterns and in summer you can kind of go a little overboard if you are over-inspired! The key is if you are wearing a beautiful bold pattern, everything else should be muted and simple.. i.e  taupe cropped shorts, floral print top and gold sandals.. it works! The ones below are from D&G .




5. Texture.. in winter it is easy to say.... leather, fur , metal.. and not feel claustrophobic! But for summer, once again it is those accessories! Bags with chains and faux fur are great.. and do not make you feel hot! Also headbands with feathers are very on point and flattering for summer




6.Colour- pretty easy for summer, a lot of yellows in a more muted shade i.e. not the crazy yellow but the gold/mustard yellows. If yellow does not suit your skin tone, consider investing in a cool yellow nailpolish:) Essence Sundancer is adorable!I am also obsessing over coral and turquoise but beware not to mix them all together at the same time!! Go for one colour plus neutrals!




7. Sheer- I dont know why this is a winter trend but yea.. It will obviously work for summer but it should be kept non-jerry-springer!! Meaning wear a cami underneath any sheer items, even if they have a lining.. You never know with camera flashes, pool parties and other random summer breezes which might blow your top up! If you want to do the skirt, get a cool pair of hotpants or even printed tights to wear under a white sheer maxiskirt and rock out 3 trends from this list!!




xoxox Shimmers for you ladies! Enjoy!

p.s. will be posting more often these days!!

Hot pants style

No this is not a post about hotpants, but rather about looking hot in your pants; and well everything else as well!

I have recently, as most of you might know, taken up hot yoga and it has made a world of difference to me. It is similar to Bikram yoga but different in that it is 50 poses in a heated room of 38 degress, Bikram is 42 degrees! It is completely addictive and quite intense. I enjoy it mostly as the results I have seen have been gradual and positive. I have lost some cms on my waist line and my bottom! Which is great coming in to summer... Other than that it has also prompted a decline in the consumption of meat.. I know , I love my steaks and mutton curry, but to have it once a month is cool, just not every week!
I am so glad to have found a form of exercise which has made me sleep better, have increased levels of energy, made me wake up at 5am for a class!! and get glowing radiant skin! It is truly a holistic exercise experience...

Yes thats my yoga buddies and I at an event :)
Now about those pants... I see the trends for high waisted pants and I always think.. it makes my bum look 'long' or 'high'.. Which is weird, because everyone wants a tight tushie..
So I experimented with a few things.. Having a high waisted pair of shorts, paired with a fitted top will elongate your legs and torse.. Flowy and floral - as long as the shorts are crisp and in a neutral shade. I like the black and white looks for parties at the park or even a lunch party:) tres chic

Other ways to wear shorts without baring your Brazilian.. or lack thereof... include:
These lovely Taupe mid thigh numbers which I think are perfectly cute and gorgeous... I mean seriously!! Do we need to go shorter?

These cargo shorts are my fave and great to get in a variety of colours :)

I like wearing shorts in summer, but I always have to remind myself to ensure that I use lots of sunblock and bronzer those legs up!! Yardley bronzer baby has a great tub of bronzer that works wonders!!

Toodles poodles! xx shimmer always

Me loves

This is going to be a total drool fest post about products which are out currently and are .. to die for:) I looked at the list from elle.com,
First off  is the Benefit creaseless cream shadow.... hmmmm I dont know what else to say! I await Glambox to bring us some benefit products asap! Perhaps in the xmas box?? :)

Secondly I adore Terry Rouge- terrybly age defence lisptick that is supposed to boost collagen production- It looks like a great shade of red that will work for evenings out and even glammed up with some shimmery lipgloss!



Third on the list if the Vera Wang perfume Preppy princess- it has tangerine, red berries and coconut water .. I mean could you ask for a more lovely palette for summer!!



Last on my lusting list is this Stila eyepenicl in teal.. Felt tip, lovely colour and really how do you go wrong with a well defined eye?

Well just a few of my dreaming categories covered.. there shall be more!!

xx shimmers

Splurge/ Save: December

I love a good bargain but that does not mean I skimp on quality. I like to know what I am buying is worth the money, but if I can wait for a sale to buy it at a reduced price.. I suddenly grow patience!! Its weird...
Anyway: I have a little summer list-have , for you if you have cash to spare or if you are looking to save!
1. Sunblock- In summer, we all know that we have to protect our skin, every day.. etc. So the options are pretty wide, but I have used both of these and the results were the same.. So if you want to use your Clarins sunblock at the pool side to make others jealous:) go ahead.. Otherwise, stock up on Nivea spray on sunblock.. so much more fun as well!!  Both non-greasy, no white residue and full son blocking capabilities!

2. Lipbalm - I love lipbalm.. i have developed a bit of an obsession for it since discovering TBS's Satsuma shimmer balm .. I love it and Woolies has a very reasonably priced R20 one available in different flavours too. But seriously if you can, get your hands on a bottle of Elizabeth Arden skin protectant.. just use it for lips!! Glambox sent this travel size and I love it.. I use it only for my lips before bed and in the morning, my lips are smooth, pretty and not a chap in sight!! But the balms from TBS and Woolies are perfect for the pocket and the price!




3. Eyeshadows- for December it is nice to experiment as there are so many different places to go to! I love the Revlon Custom eyes palette for summer parties and NYE get togethers! Fun bold colours, which can be blended to create a gorge smoky eye or a bold statement eye! Cost is around R140 from Clicks.. Essence does an amazing palette as well- This one is more muted and icy which is great as well if you want to save some dosh and look very cool and calm at parties! They usually retail for R50-ish.




4. Bronzer- I have recently discovered the wonders of a good bronzer!! I bought the TBS Deep bronze matte bronzer and it makes my skin glow and look so great! I know I am going to put a little dent in it over December!! But so worth it - R160 for the compact. Essence to the rescue once more-- does a cool bronzing pearl pack for R70-80 and it is very cool as you swirl and apply :) They also have a fun pink and white brush that retails for R29.


Well that is it for now.. Hope you save / splure appropriately and remember January is around the way.. reinvention times baby!! Try something new over December, it might inspire a whole new 2012 for you~~

xx Shimmers

Hair for 2012

I  have issues with my hair.. What else is new?? :) But I have been learning , with L'oreal Mythic oil ( thanks Rubybox!) and some detailed hair instructions, that thick, full hair need not be a torturous task to maintain.... yay for other Durban girls with identical problems!

First off, I do not straighten my hair with GHD ever time I wash it. I am slightly skeptical about the fact that ironing your hair almost daily is 'ok' and will not result in hair falling out when I am 50.. We just dont know and I am not taking a chance! I straighten it when  we are going somewhere especially formal  or if I am in the mood and sitting in front of the aircon!
So the adaptation of the braids being brought in this year was great. I could plait my side parted hair and give it a cool boho look. The natural curl in my hair added to that slightly hippie look and I like it!

For 2012 it seems that braids are here to stay!
I am also still a fan of pigtails but done properly and not childishly.. I like to put the 2 tails into a knotted bun, very close to each other and add a headband for added effect ( Glambox sends these awesome ribbons and I use them in my hair:)). Alternatively I put the tails low down and twirl the ends till they form a natural curl:)



Then the trend of bangs is carrying onwards with more strength
Personally I prefer clip-in bangs as there is no maintenance!

Short hair seems to be making waves, but it works if you have the right face shape!


Now this one I cannot get behind because it makes me look weird.. might just be me, but I feel like I am back in school if I do a centre parting!!
of course on models it looks fine..

So there you have a little guide as to what to keep in your hair arsenal.. will do a post about hair accessories soon too!! and hair care too!

xx shimmers