Beauty - Inspired Living SA

Beauty, Beauty Favourites, Beauty Products, Slider

My Favourite Soil Organics Baobab Bodycare Products

I am very particular about having the right ambience in my home. One of the ways of achieving this is through scent. Scented candles are a must and I always ensure that I am never without, beautiful smelling handwash and hand lotion. I have my favourites products, which I repurchase all the time but I also love trying something new. Enter the Soil Organics Baobab Bodycare Products, which I recently ordered from the Soil Organics Website.

Soil Organics Baobab Bodycare Products

I ordered the Balancing Baobab Organic Handwash, Hand Lotion, as well as the Soy Wax Candle. It is always a bit risky ordering products, which you have not tried before but the Baobab products did not disappointed!

I decided to put the products in our downstairs guest bathroom, so that everyone could enjoy them. Before a recent dinner party I lit the candle and to my surprise my hubby commented on the scent. He said that it smelt exaclty like a spa – a real win in my books! Who doesn’t love the tranquil scent of a spa???

Soil Organics

Soil Organics is a South African based company, producing certified organic products locally. They created SA’s first range of certified organic aromatherapy products. What makes them unique, is that they farm, process and market their own products.

Read on to find out how you can treat yourself to a few of these amazing Soil Organics Products.

Balancing Baobab Organic Handwash (300ml)

I am vaguely obsessed about hand-washing! You will find handwash strategically placed all over our home{near a tap naturally!}. The only problem is washing your hands often, can be very drying for your skin. With this in mind I always try and buy a handwash which is also moistursing.

The luxurious Balancing Baobab Organic Handwash is cleansing, as well as nourishing. It contains Baobab oil to help improve skin’s elasticity and radiance. As well as Baobab, it also contains essential oils of Rose Geranium and Sandalwood. These oils help balance and restore the senses, and add a delicate scent. RRP R130.00

Balancing Baobab Organic Hand Lotion (300ml)

If I buy a hand wash and there is a matching hand lotion, I naturally have to buy it! The luxurious Balancing Baobab Organic Hand Lotion, is rich in antioxidants. It contains Baobab oil and Shea Butter to nourish and protect the skin. Leaving it wonderfully soft. As with the handwash the essential oils of Rose Geranium and Sandalwood are added, to help balance and restore the senses, as well as adding the delicate scent. RRP R150.00

Balancing Baobab Organic Soy Wax Candle (200g)

Last but not least I decided to treat myself to the Balancing Baobab Organic Soy Wax Candle. My home is never without scented candles – one aspect of load shedding I don’t mind! This purchase was definitely an added treat just for me and I am so glad I bought. As I mentioned before, the heavenly fragrance transports you to a tranquil spa, which definitely where I would love to be. This luxurious candle with its exquisite earthy floral scents of Rose Geranium and Sandalwood, create the perfect environment to balance and restore the senses. The candle has a lead free wick and is long and clean burning. This makes it a better alternative for both you and the environment. Soy wax is also a renewable resource and is biodegradable. RRP R250.00

To win a R300 Soil Organics Voucher {which is valid until 30th September 2015} please follow the simple steps below to complete your entry:

Answer this question in the comment section below: Which Soil Organics Products would you purchase with your voucher? {Hint: click on the link above to take you to the website} This step is mandatory – please choose 1 of the other steps below to complete your entry.
Visit: Soil Organics and/or Inspired Living on Facebook and let us know you have entered. Remember to tag us! or
Tweet: “Win a R300 @Soil_Organics Voucher from @inspired_lifeSA
Please be aware the voucher must be redeemed on the Soil Online Store by the 30th September 2015, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.
Ensure you read the *Terms & Conditions below carefully, to ensure you comply with all the entry criteria.

*Terms & Conditions: By entering this competition you automatically accept all the Terms and Conditions laid out below.

Entries are open from 9th September 2015 until the 16th September 2015.
You must complete all the steps as stipulated above on the Rafflecopter Form: Leave a Comment, Like and/or Share on Facebook or Instagram and/0r Tweet about the competition.
To ensure that your entry is processed correctly (please use a valid email address). Your details will only be used to validate your entry and inform you, if you are selected as a winner.
This competition is only open to South African residents and to readers who have not won a competition on Inspired Living SA in the past 6 months.
Entries will be considered incomplete and thus disqualified if the entrant does not provide all requested information. Entry information will not be shared with any third party without the entrant’s prior knowledge and consent.
The prize will go to the first name selected at random after the closing date. Please be aware the voucher must be redeemed on the Soil Online Store by the 30th September 2015, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.
The prize is not transferable and may not be exchanged for cash.
By “Liking” you enter and agree that this promotion is in no way associated with, administered by, or endorsed by Facebook; and acknowledge a complete release of Facebook by your participation.

Beauty, Beauty Products

Announcing The Amazing Kiehl’s BB Cream

BB Cream has always been a struggle for me, particularly finding the right one. Most of them do not provide enough coverage or they make me breakout! Needless to say, I was very excited when the Amazing new Kiehls BB Cream arrived for me to review.

The Amazing Kiehl’s BB Cream

The Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream, was under development for two years. This included numerous formula revisions and more than 4,000 applications of the product.This remains true to Kiehl’s philosophy – to take the time to develop the right formula, with skincare in mind above all else.

Kiehl’s Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream is a beauty industry advancement. At Kiehl’s, being first in a category is not our focus. We choose to deliver real benefits in formulas that take innovation to the next level. Our customers appreciate that we don’t launch and discontinue products as trends change. This BB is proof of our continued commitment to high formulation, safety and performance standards. We take the time and make the right product for our customers. ~ Cammie Cannella, Vice President of Global Education.

The Product

The first BB (the abbreviation for “blemish balm”) was developed by renowned German dermatologist Christine Schrammek in the 1950s. It was prescribed to patients to help conceal post-surgery imperfections, while nurturing and healing the skin. With today’s advanced skincare science, Kiehl’s chemists focused on this same essential functionality, concealing imperfections but not only for instant coverage but also long-term correction.

With 71% of customers expressing concern with uneven skin tone and lack of clarity, as well as nearly 29% citing dark spots as a concern, Kiehl’s chemists saw this as an opportunity. They have created a product, which effectively treats the skin, by offering skin tone correction using high potency Vitamin C.

The Kiehl’s BB Cream, has been developed with amino acid-coated natural mineral pigments, which conceals imperfections, while working to correct skin discolorations. Additional benefits include reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines, while providing all-day hydration and broad-spectrum SPF 50/ PA+++ protection.

The product is available in 5 shades – light, natural, medium, medium/deep and deep.

The Application

The formula is lightweight, yet still moisturising and gives you build-able coverage. I usually apply my serum first, one which I have been enjoying is the Kiehl’s Hydro Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate and then my Kiehl’s BB Cream. I find a little product goes a long way, so use it sparingly. Unless I am off to an event or meeting this will be enough of a base before I apply my makeup. If I am going out I will apply a bit of foundation or concealer to cover my pigmentation or any blemishes.

The Verdict

I think if it were a perfect world and I was still in my twenties, I would only wear a BB cream but there are definitely those days, when my skin needs a bit more coverage! That said I do really love the silky smooth application, as well as the fact that it has a SPF factor 50+++! So if it is BB Cream I am wearing, it will definitely be the Kiehl’s BB Cream.

I have tried two of the five shades, being Natural and Medium. I think Natural is more suited to my skin for winter but I think Medium will be better for the summer months.

This is definitely not a drugstore product in terms of price – at R525 it is certainly not cheap but spending a bit of money on good skincare is worth it!

Kiehl’s products are available from Edgars stores, as well as the standalone Kiehl’s stores.

Disclosure Ranking:2

Beauty, Competitions, Hair

Garnier Born to be Blonde Transformation & Win

Garnier Born to be Blonde

Hello lovelies! You may remember me mentioning a trip I took up to Jozi recently, for the Garnier Nutrisse Pearly Blonde launch or seen a few the pics I posted on social media. Today I am sharing my transformation to 50’s retro icon, with you – you can see my finished look below. I will take you behind the scenes on the day and there is also chance to win something, so read on!

I arrived in Jozi, after a very early start, accompanied by three beauty and fashion bloggers – Abby from One Stilletto At A Time, Carlinn from Superfical Girls and Eloise from Eloise Dreyer Beauty. We had a quick breakfast and were then driven, in our retro rides for the day, to the stunning Veaudry Hair Salon. At the salon we were given a presentation on the new Garnier Pearly Blonde range and a bit of history behind being “blonde”. After the formalities our Garnier Born to be Blonde adventure truly began.

We each had an indepth consultation with our stylist, we discussed our colour choice, as well our vision for our retro 50’s alter ego!

I must admit I was a bit nervous at first when we were chatting about what colour to choose. I was not really keen on going very light blonde! Don’t get me wrong, I love being blonde and I have probably had every blonde hair colour under the sun, including strawberry, which was not a plan! I have however been trying to grow out the very light ash, which I had done a while back. This has resulted in a more ombre look which I love. So when Leandi, my stylist, decided on keeping my more ombre look and adding a few highlights and a darker blonde colour, to accentuate my natural blonde, I was over the moon!

So the process transformation began…

After hair and makeup we were dressed and styled to best reflect our retro 50’s Garnier Born to be Blonde persona. Once the full transformation was complete we were whisked off to Montecasino for our “retro 50’s” photoshoot.

My ride for the day was the most amazing red Mustang!

As well as our photoshoot and individual video diaries, Expresso were also on location for the day to capture our Born to be Blonde experience – you can pop over to watch the clip here.

What an awesome way to spend the day! I must admit though, being a model is lots of hard work, especially in 34º weather but it was worth all the hard work. We had such fun on our Garnier Born to be Blonde journey – proving that maybe, just maybe blondes do have more fun 😉

I could not, not share this amazing Born to be Blonde experience with you! What better way to do it, than a giveaway! Two lucky readers can win an awesome Garnier Hamper, complete with 4 boxes of Garnier Nutrisse Crème Pearly Blondes, as well as a Nutrisse Mini Hair Straightener! So follow the simple steps below and get your entry in!

To enter use the Rafflecopter form below and do the following:

Leave a comment below the post telling me who your favourite blonde icon is.
Like Garnier and Inspired Living SA on Facebook.
For an extra entry Tweet about the giveaway: Are you #BorntobeBlonde? @GarnierSA and @Inspired_lifeSA think you are! Enter & win! http://goo.gl/7npA1E

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Terms & Conditions:

Entries are open from 11th February 2015 until the 20th February 2015 the winner will be announced on the 23rd February 2015!
You must complete all the steps as stipulated above: Leave a Comment, Like and/or Share on Facebook and/0r Tweet about the competition.
To ensure that your entry is processed correctly (please use a valid email address). Your details will only be used to validate your entry and inform you, if you are selected as a winner.
Prizes may not be exchanged for cash.
This competition is only open to South African residents and to readers who have not won a competition on Inspired Living SA in the past months.
The prize includes: 4 boxes of Garnier Nutrisse Crème Pearly Blondes, as well as a Nutrisse Mini Hair Straightener
By “Liking” you enter and agree that this promotion is in no way associated with, administered by, or endorsed by Facebook; and acknowledge a complete release of Facebook by your participation.

Be Inspired, Beauty

My Dove Beauty Is Journey

So what is the one thing that so many woman the world over struggle with? Believing that they are Beautiful! I know that “Beauty” probably means something different to everyone but I think the main issue with the world today, is we judge to harshly and too quickly. Whether it be about someones looks, the car they drive or how successful they are. Instead of judging others, we should be building them up and affirming them!

I am a mom to two of the most gorgeous creatures on this planet{biased I know} but this means one of my main jobs, is to help them form a healthy and balanced sense of self-worth! I try to teach them that beauty is not only about the physical but more about being yourself and accepting yourself and others warts and all! This is not always easy when the world and media try to dictate to them, what “Beauty” should be.

The problem is, often, we have our own insecurities and issues, which we are dealing with and this can make it difficult, to encourage and affirm others! This is why when I was approached about the Dove Beauty Is campaign, I could not think of a more perfect journey to go on and I am hoping you will join me in the discovery of what Beauty Is.

This is my bare it all, honest account of my journey as a woman and what I think Beauty Is!

Growing up, I was for the most part confident and happy with my looks and my body. I was very athletic and enjoyed being outdoors. I admit that I did prescribe to the stereotype – you have to have a great body and attractive features to be beautiful! Did I have moments of self doubt, definitely but I guess when you are young it does not affect you as much.

My main sense of insecurity definitely came post child birth! Both your body and life are changed dramatically! Yes, there is definitely joy in becoming a mom but I won’t lie, there are moments which are not that great! After the birth of my first daughter, the once confident person, I used to be, vanished! For almost four years, I struggled with feelings of self-doubt and anxiety but with the help and encouragement of others, especially my hubby, I managed to bounce back! I will not deny that this period of my life, left me with a few scars but it is how you overcome the difficulties in life, that really matters.

A few years after the birth of my second daughter I started developing pigmentation, having always had flawless skin, this really affected my self confidence! At first I tried every treatment known to man, only to be told that the pigmentation was in fact hormonal and that there is nothing much that can be done about it. My best bet, would be to simply look after my skin and try and prevent the pigmentation from getting darker.

My options were to allow the fact I have pigmentation to ruin my life or accept it and not allow it to define who I am!

Then came 40!!! This was something I was so unprepared for, it really affected me and not in a positive way. I kept hearing people saying that your 40’s are your best years but all I could see was my body changing and horror of all horrors – fine lines appearing!

It took me the better part of a year to accept the fact, that I was indeed 40 and there was nothing I could do but embrace it! What I have learnt from my journey thus far as a modern, 41 year old woman and a mom, is that I am my own worst critic! I have always judged myself too harshly but call it maturity, I have realised, that I am in fact beautiful and most importantly, I have people around me who love me and think I am beautiful, “scars”, fine lines and all!

So to answer the question – What I think Beauty Is… I think that Beauty Is a state of mind, sure there is the physical manifestation but if you don’t believe it deep down, then it is not real!

After watching the Dove Patches video, it really hit home how powerful the mind can be, both from a positive and negative perspective, especially when it comes to how we perceive ourselves. I think this video is really worth watching:[youtube]http://youtu.be/EGDMXvdwN5c[/youtube]

I would love you to answer the same question, I did, in the comment section below – “I think Beauty Is…” ps.There could be a little surprise for a few readers who answer this question 😉

If you would like to join the coversation on Twitter then Tweet your answer – remember to use the hastag #BeautyIs and tag @inspired_lifeSA and @DoveSouthAfrica when you Tweet.

Beauty, Beauty Products

Coral Make Up Look

As you may have gathered I have a rather obsessive love of coral make up! I am not entirely sure when it started but it seems to have really gained momentum over the past year. I think it may have begun with buying my first coral nail polish a few years back and it has gradually become – all things coral!

Coral or orange shades are such beautiful summery colours, which can give your skin a wonderful sun-kissed glow. A Coral Make Up Look can be soft and pretty, if you incorporate subtle peach shades or vibrant and punchy, by using the deeper more orangey-red shades.

At a Smashbox event I attended last year the make up artist went for a gorgeous coral make up look on me, which initially was a bit of a shock but I must admit I loved it! She made my eyes quite statementy, as well as adding a sweep of bright coral blush but she kept my lips fairly subtle – I think overall the look worked, really well!

The biggest leap for me in my personal make up journey was trying a bright coral lip – I actually bought my first coral lipstick on a whim! I was in MAC Cavendish for something completely other and left with a Vegas Volt lipstick and Lasting Sensation lip pencil. After wearing Vegas Volt once, I was hooked!

Most people I speak to are frightened of bright lipstick, especially coral or orange shades and I think this is because they are uncertain, of how to wear them. I thought I would share a few of my tips for wearing coral make up.

If you are just starting your Make Up journey, into all things coral then my advice is to perhaps start off with a coral or peach toned blush. I must admit I was a bit nervous when I bought my first coral blush, which is MAC’s Sheertone Blush in Peaches – I usually wear pink-toned blush but I have loved wearing Peaches!The blush is quite pigmented, so a little goes a long way. I apply my blush with an angled blush brush and gentle sweep it from the apple of my cheek, along my cheek bone.

Next off you can add a pop of Coral on your eyes but be careful with the shade you go for. Something a bit more subtle and shimmery will look more natural than a bright orange eye shadow {unless you are a ramp model!}. If I am wearing colour on my eyes I tend to keep the rest of my look more natural and opt for a nude lip. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to make up – it just depends on how “out there” you want to be 🙂

My favourite coral eyeshadow is from Smashbox in the colour Flamingo. It is a similar shade to the MAC shadow, used on the model, in the photo above, which is from the MAC Spring Summer Trends from 2013. Flamingo is a gorgeous coral with a lovely golden shimmer – the perfect summer colour for your eyes! This eye shadow is quite pigmented, so you can add a gentle sweep to your lids for a softer look or build up the colour for something a bit more dramatic. If I wear this shadow I usually just wear a bit of black liquid liner on my top lash line and black mascara on my lashes.

Nails are naturally the easiest way to add a pop of colour to your look without it being too in your face. I have quite a collection of coral nail polish shades but one of my all time favourites is this one, Tangerine by Essie. It is a vibrant orangey-red shade, which looks awesome on your hands or feet – I have blogged about it before here and here.

When it comes to a coral lip if you are hesitant about wearing a bright colour, then opt for a sheer coral lip gloss or lip balm. These will give you the pop of colour you are looking for without being OTT.

Above is a new favourite of mine the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Tutti Fruitti, the colour, when applied, reminds me of orange ice lollys 🙂

If it is an out there bold lip you are looking for, then do not hold back! If I am doing a statement lip, I prefer to keep my eyeshadow more natural, with lashings of mascara and a sweep of colour on my cheeks. Above is my favourite coral lipstick Vegas Volt by MAC. A few other MAC coral lipsticks I am dying to try are Morange and Ravishing.

My tip when wearing any bright lipstick is to first go in with a lip pencil, which will help your lipstick last longer and stop the colour from bleeding. The lip pencil I use for my coral lipstick, is the one below Lasting Sensation also by MAC.

I know that trying new and different make up shades can be daunting but make up is meant to be fun and as long as you get the balance right anyone can wear coral! I thought I would share a video tutorial, by one of my favourite make up gurus, Lisa Elderidge. Hopefully this can help you incorporate coral into your everyday make up regime and give you a few hints and tips, as to what can work for you.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/YbKbuhyP__g[/youtube]

Do you wear coral make up? I would love you to share any of your favourite make up items in the comment section below.