Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick...

 I absolutely love Stila Liquid Lipsticks...A highly pigmented lipstick that is weightless on the lips and lasts all day. (I promise...It really does!)...The formula does not bleed or transfer. It is also enriched with Vitamin E and Avocado Oil so lips stay soft all day long...The colours are super vibrant and totally opaque, so expect a lot of compliments on your lip colour! The use of a lipliner is not strictly neccessary, so it is quick and easy to apply (this is probably my favourite part!). 

P.S: The featured shades are 'Fiery' and 'Fiore'.

Stockists:

stilacosmetics.com

sephora.com

woolworths.co.za

6 Reasons to Love Real Techniques...

When Real Techniques came to South Africa, I was super excited! I could not wait to get my hands on some of these raved about brushes. Designed by Youtuber's, Sam and Nic Chapman, these brushes are awesome! I've been using them for a few months. I currently own the 'Core Collection' and the 'Starter Set', and I have every intention to add to my collection.  

Here are six reasons why I love Real Technique brushes:

1. They are easy to clean. 

2. The brushes are made of a synthetic material (Teklon).

3. The range includes every type of brush imaginable.

4. The soft bristles are ultra plush and always produce flawless results.

5, Each brush head is hand cut to perfection, allowing for easy application and a range of different looks.

6. The names of each brush are on the handles making it easy to pick the correct brush.  

The 'Starter Set' is perfect to ensure your eye makeup is flawless. It includes the following:

A crease brush

A base shadow brush

An accent brush

A fine liner brush

A brow brush

The 'Core Collection' is ideal to create a flawless canvas and it  includes the following brushes:

A contour brush

A Foundation brush

A detail brush for concealer or lipstick

A buffing brush

The brushes are available at:

woolworths.co.za

clicks.co.za

foschini.co.za

takealot.com

 For more information about these brushes visit the Real Techniques website (realtechniques.com).

The Gilded Lifestyle Loves...Sonja Rykiel for Lancôme...

Just how gorgeous are these makeup products? This limited edition collection designed by Sonja Rykiel is stunning! Hoping to get my hands on these! 

This range is currently available from lancome.com. Unfortunately, they do not ship to South Africa. Awaiting a response from redsquare.co.za regarding whether they'll be getting it in...Will keep you updated! 

C

 Maxi Eye shadow Palettes

 Parisian Lip Crayons...

Blush Subtle Cushions...

Huda Beauty Lip Contour...

The last few days have been filled with such a lot of excitement! My sister, Mommy B, who now lives in Dubai, made a surprise trip to South Africa. Seeing her and her little ones after almost 5 months is amazing. Since they've moved, we've missed them so much...

Anyway, this post is all about my new fave lip colour...It all started when I saw the most gorgeous shade of red on Mommy B's lips...Huda Beauty Lip Contour in Cheerleader, a lovely muted red. Obviously, I delved into her makeup bag and pulled it out, along with a whole lot of other products. I haven't looked back since then, nor have I returned it (to be quite honest, I don't plan on returning it, either, but shh, don't tell her!).

The Huda Beauty Lip Contour range has nine colours including pinks, nudes and reds. It looks like a lip pencil but when applied, it is a lot creamier. The colours are highly pigmented and they glide on smoothly, making it easy to use. The only downside to this product is that the colour tends to flake off after a few hours, so it is not as long lasting as they claim...

www.shophudabeauty.com/

Blending things up a little...

Whilst browsing at Sephora a few days ago, I saw the Beauty Blender...again! A product that I have seen countless times and has been reviewed many times on the web. A product that I had previously ignored, because, I've always used a foundation brush and got great results! (Or so I thought) And, besides, it really can't be that impressive, can it? On an impulse, I picked it up and added it to my purchases. Well, I finally got around to trying it out yesterday and I totally understand what the hype is about! I was really impressed with it! For those of you who have not heard about the Beauty Blender yet, it is an egg shaped, makeup sponge, unlike any other!

To use it, you need to soak it in water until its completely saturated.

Then squeeze dry.

And thereafter towel dry.

Then dip it into your makeup of choice and start applying to your face by using a bouncing motion.

It can be used for foundations, powders, cream blush, bronzers or basically any complexion product. The lower part, which is bigger, can be used on the cheeks, forehead and neck areas. While the pointy tip makes it easy to blend into those hard to reach areas around the eyes, nose and mouth. 

After usage don't forget to clean your blender with the cleansing solution (that is purchased separately) and leave it atop the container that it came in, to dry out completely. 

And for the end result? Yes! Definitely worth buying! It worked great! I used a lot less product and I achieved a smooth, very even coverage, but still very natural looking.

Actually I loved it so much I bought these cute little twin beauty blenders last night! I can't wait to try them out! 

The Gilded Lifestyle Loves...

What I'm coveting this week...

Daily Beauty Routine...

I hate waking up in the mornings. Like most people, I hit the snooze button countless times. This leaves me with very little time to get ready for my day. So, obviously I need a beauty regime that is fuss free. here is a quick post on my everyday routine and the products that I have been using...

Step 1: Cleanse. I have been using Cetaphil for years as it was recommended to me by my dermatologist. . It is gentle but effectively removes product and makeup buildup. Cetaphil is suitable for almost all skin types.

Step 2: Tone. I've recently started using the Vichy Thermal Spa Water as a toner. This product is awesome! It is  infused with several different minerals and antioxidants. It also helps to protect skin from environmental damage. I also keep a little bottle in my handbag, to keep my skin looking fresh throughout the day.

Step 3: Moisturise: I've been using the Vichy Normaderm 24 Hour Hydrating Treatment during the day the Normaderm Night Detox at night. Both of these are hydrating without making my skin feel heavy. I've been using these products for a few months and so far, I've been happy with them.

Step 4: Protect! Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face is my go-to product to protect from the harsh sun. It has an SPF of 50 and I adore the 8 Hour Cream scent!

Step 5: Before I apply my makeup, I use a BB cream. Currently, I have  been using the Garnier one. There have been mixed reviews about the Garnier BB creams, but I've been using this one for a while now and love it!

Step 6: Finally, a flick of mascara and a slick of lipstick and I'm ready to go!

From left to right: Vichy Normaderm Beautifying Anti-Blemish Care (vichy.co.za), Vichy Normaderm Night Detox (vichy.co.za), Vichy Thermal Spa Water (vichy.co.za) (Please click the links for more info on these products) To find your nearest stockist, click here.

From left to right: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Lotion (dischem.co.za), Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Total Sun Protection (redsquare.co.za), Garnier Skin Naturals BB Cream (clicks.co.za), Sephora Outrageous Curl Mascara (sephora.com), Elizabeth Arden Lipstick (redsquare.co.za).

A Spa Soirée...

A few weeks ago, I hosted a spa soiree for a few of my friends. Spa soiree's are the perfect way to celebrate with girlfriends, whether it's a birthday party,baby shower, bridal shower or just because! It's so easy to do and your girlfriends are sure to love it. After all, who doesn't like to be pampered? My tip is to keep the party intimate with just about 4-6 of  your closest friends.
Now, lets start planning...

First of all, create a haven. Dim the lights and place loads of scented candles all over. Most spas are scattered with cushions for comfortable lounging - an easy effect to imitate. Keep a stack of towels and some luxurious products at hand. You could even ask your friends to bring their favourite pamper products with them. I love the idea of creating your own beauty products so I've included some recipes below.

Keep the food light with some cucumber sandwiches, fruit and perhaps some indulgent petits fours (not so light, but who can resist a pretty petit four?). For drinks, fill some carafes with water and put some lemon grass stalks and lemon slices into it. So simple, yet spa-like. Green tea, peppermint tea and any other herbal tea is ideal for a spa party. I also served Cucumber Margarita Popsicles. I referred to them as Spa Popsicles, though...

The most important thing to remember is to relax. Yes, hosting can be stressful, but in this instance, take it easy and stay calm because, what's the use of a spa party if you are all tense? Try to have everything prepared beforehand for stress-free hosting. Ultimately, the aim is to have some fun with you favourite people!

Now for those recipes that I promised...

1. Cucumber Cooler Face Mask
1 small cucumber
1 cup of natural yoghurt

Blend the ingredients until smooth. Apply while still cool, leave for 10 minutes and rinse of with cool water.
NOTE: Make sure that no one takes pictures, because who wants a picture with gunge on their faces posted all over social media?

2. Sugar Scrub
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of olive oil
10 drops of your favourite essential oil (I love lavender)

Mix all the ingredients together. Use as a scrub on your whole body or just on your hands and feet for at home mani's and pedi's.


3. Peppermint Lip Salve
4 tsp of beeswax
4 tsp of almond oil
12-15 drops of peppermint essential oil (or any other that you may fancy)

Gently heat the beeswax and almond oil in a double boiler (or a bowl set upon simmering water) until the wax is melted. Remove from the heat and add the essential oil. Transfer to a small wide-mouthed jar and use as needed.

4. Luxurious Moisturiser
6 tablespoons of olive oil
3 tablespoons of almond oil
3 tablespoons of beeswax
3 tablespoons of orange blossom water (rose water would work as well)

Gently heat the oils and wax in a double boiler until the wax is melted.Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water. Beat until the mixture is soft and creamy. Store in a jar and use as needed.

5. Coffee Scrub
1 cup of coffee granules
1/2 cup of olive oil
15-20 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional)

Mix all the ingredients and use as needed.
This recipe is my favourite. It leaves your skin soft and smooth for days!

These recipes can be doubled or even tripled as needed. The moisturiser and lip salve are perfect to give to your guests as take-home gifts. Just place them in pretty containers and tie a ribbon around them with the name of the product. Pop into gift bags and there you have it! 

I dream of an island...Part 1:How to travel in style.

I cannot believe how the past few months have flown by. It's almost Easter already! I'm sure that many of you will be taking a break, making the most of the last few summery days. I know I could do with a break right now. I'm actually thinking of going away. Dreaming of an island vacation...If I dream hard enough, maybe it will come true!

I've put together a must-have list of goodies that I would love and I know would be super for a vacation or even a staycation. Go on, spoil yourselves. You deserve it!

While travelling, it's so much easier to carry a palette that contains everything. This Clarins one contains eyeshadows, a liner and a highlighter (woolworths.co.za or any Clarins retailer) while this Nyx one has your eyes, lips and cheeks covered (nyxcosmetics.com or click.co.za). 

Keep your skin hydrated and fresh with these essentials. Evian Facial Spray (Sephora, Evian), Creme de LaMer (stuttafords.co.za/ or saksfifthavenue.com), Voyage Travel set (loccitane.com/ or L'occitane stores), M.A.C face wipes (maccosmetics.co.za/ or maccosmetics.com/ or any M.A.C retailer)

Keep your beauty products organised with these fab cosmetic bags: 3.1 Phillip Lim metallic cosmetic pouch from saksfifthavenue.com, Abstract Print Tri Cosmetic Bag from countryroad.com.au/ or woolworths.co.za, Quilted Cosmetic Bag from woolworths.co.za.

My tip on luggage is to buy the best quality that you can afford...
Rimowa luggage is gorgeous and excellent but don't you just love this Ralph Lauren Gold? I told you, I've been dreaming a lot lately...
Available from good luggage stores.

Simple but classy...
Graphic Image at saksfifthavenue.com and the pink is from Ordning&Reda.
(Check out the great luggage tags as well).

These are a must for plane travel.
The headphones are from mimco.com.au and are also available from woolworths.co.za. The cashmere travel set is super, super luxe and I'm dying for it! It's available from sofiacashmere.com. If I find a similar one locally, I'll be sure to keep you posted...

Sneakers allow for comfort while rushing around airports, sight-seeing or even shopping! These stylish ones are by Stella Mccartney for Adidas.

Now where have I put that travel agents number...


Coming soon...Part 2: How to put together a great travel wardrobe.