Beauty - Inspired Living SA

Clarins Bright Plus Review

I think most women have that one thing that they wish they could change about their appearance, mine is my pigmentation! I only developed pigmentation a while after having children. Although it is completely harmless and I am very good at concealing it, it does bother me!

First off let us look at what pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is:

Pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is a common skin condition, which plagues mostly women. It is usually a harmless condition, where some areas or patches of skin become darker in colour; this is caused by too much pigment i.e. melanin on the surface of the skin.

What causes pigmentation or dark spots?

Exposure to the sun is one of the main causes of the appearance of dark spots or pigmentation.
Hormonal imbalances, which occur during pregnancy and menopause, can also be to blame.
Inflammatory reactions caused by allergies, eczema, acne or post skin burns, can be a factor, particularly in darker skins.

Another factor which can become an issue for women, is a dull or uneven complexion. External factors such as UV exposure, pollution or smoking, can cause the skin to undergo various changes, which reduce its capacity to reflect light and give it a dull look.

I think I can speak for the majority of women when I say, all we want is beautiful radiant skin, which is why good skincare is so important!

Personally I have tried quite a few different treatments for pigmentation but in my opinion prevention is still better than cure! This is vital, especially when it comes to sun exposure. The first step to preventing pigmentation, is to always wear an effective sun screen and where possible avoid sun exposure, particularly at peak times.

Clarins Bright Plus

A product which I am currently testing to help treat my pigmentation is the Clarins Bright Plus Range. The Clarins Bright Plus Range is formulated with the brightening power of, Clarin’s exclusive, Sea Lily Botanical Extract, to help prevent, as well as correct dark spots and uneven skin tone.

I have been using the Clarins Bright Plus Intensive Serum, Brightening Hydrating Day Lotion SPF20 and the Repairing Night Cream.

The Products:

Clarins Bright Plus Intensive Serum

This lightweight serum contains Clarins’ exclusive Sea Lily extract, which helps fade discolourations and dark spots. A high-performing plant-based complex based on Sea Lily, targets all of the factors of hyperpigmentation to brighten the complexion. Apply in the morning and evening after your normal cleansing routine and before you apply your regular day or night cream. I started using a serum regularly a few years ago and I think it is such an important part of skincare, especially for aging skin. RRP R605

Clarins Bright Plus Brightening Hydrating Day Lotion SPF20

The Brightening Hydrating Day Lotion, like the serum, is also a lightweight formula, which helps overcomes dullness by correcting dark spots and uneven skin tone. As well as moisturising, the day lotion contains an SPF20, which helps protect the skin from ageing UV rays and harsh environmental influences. Again Sea Lily extract, targets all of the factors of hyperpigmentation to brighten the complexion. Apply in the morning after the Bright Plus Serum. I find that lightweight formulas are not moisturizing enough for my skin, especially during winter. Therefore I think it is vital to use a hydrating face mask, at least once a week, for extra hydration. RRP R595

Clarins Bright Plus Repairing Night Cream

The nourishing night-time treatment turns around dull, uneven skin while you sleep. Clarins have combined extracts of Raspberry, Alchemilla and Vitamin C, to help counter the effects of daytime stress, and minimize dark spots and discolouration. Apply in the evening after using a cleanser, toner and the Bright Plus Serum. I have been particularly generous when applying the night cream, as I feel my skin really does need extra moisturizing, especially during winter. RRP R600

The Verdict

I have been using the Clarins Bright Plus Range for less than a month, so I cannot really report back on any major changes in my pigmentation yet. I have however noticed the dark borders around the dark patches on my cheeks and forehead, since using the Clarins Bright Plus range, appear to be less defined, which makes the pigmentation less noticeable. I am really hoping that the products will continue to break down and fade my pigmentation, as I continue to use them. I love the fragrance products, as well as the feel on my skin and have had no adverse reactions, of any kind. I have also found the overall tone and feel of my skin has been more refined and less dull – which in my book is a win!

Skincare Tips

Exfoliating and masking regularly, is an important part of any skincare routine and including these steps, makes the other products you use more effective. Also never leave home without sun protection on your face, regardless of the weather!

To locate your nearest stockist you can visit the Clarins Website or Shop online via the website.

Disclosure Ranking:3

Beauty, Beauty Products, Home, Nail Polish

Essie Double Breasted Jacket {Mani-Monday}

Last week I posted about the Essie Winter Collection on our Beauty What’s Hot feature. I promised I would share one of my favourite shades from the collection, so read on!

Essie Double Breasted Jacket

The Colour ~

I definitely have a bit of a soft spot when it comes to red nail polish shades and this Essie polish, is no exception! Essie Double Breasted Jacket is, in the poetic words of the Essie creatives, a “passionate tourmaline ruby”. Instead of it being a blood red, which is more common for winter, it has a gorgeous deep pink tinge to it. It is one of those shades, which is hard not to love!

As with most of the shades from the Essie Winter Collection it is bright and sexy, rather than being dark and sultry, which is a bit more unusual for winter. It does make for a nice change and will brighten up any cold grey winters day!

The Application ~

As you may know by now, I am and always have been an Essie fan. I have loved most of the colours I have tried, with only a few exceptions and the quality of the polish is always of a high standard. Essie Double Breasted Jacket applies well and it is one of those awesome polishes, which is opaque in one coat. It dries with a glossy finish, which is great, especially if you are in a hurry and don’t have time for a top coat. However for a more professional finish, I would recommend two coats, plus a top coat.

The Verdict ~

I absolutely love Essie Double Breasted Jacket! The colour is one that I will definitely wear throughout winter and it will look as great in summer as well, which is a bonus. The polish lasted about a week, without chipping or peeling.

Have you tried Essie Double Breasted Jacket? I would love to know your thoughts if you have or if you have any other nail polish shades you are loving for winter. Please leave a comment below.

The Essie Winter Collection is available at selected Dis-Chem, Clicks and Foschini Stores, as well as selected Beauty Salons.

Follow Essie on Facebook to keep up to date with new collections and product launches.

Disclosure Ranking: 2

Beauty, Beauty Products, Nail Polish

Essie Winter Collection 2015

Essie Winter Collection

The Essie Winter Collection has six gorgeous shades: Jump in my jumpsuit – jubilant juicy red, Tuck in my tux – silken ivory créme, Double breasted jacket – passionate tourmaline ruby, Back in the limo – sheer ripe melon, Bump up the pumps{not shown above} – raucous coral mauve and Jiggle hi, jiggle low – molten gold.

Create this fun patterned look – Rare Tweed, with a few shades from the Essie Winter Collection:
step 1: hydrate with apricot cuticle oil.
step 2: clean then prep nails with an essie base coat.
step 3: layer 2 coats of back in the limo. let dry.
step 4: dip a striping brush in double breasted jacket. apply thin lines of different lengths both vertically and horizontally across the nail. let dry.
step 5: repeat step 4 with bump up the pumps. your lines should begin to overlap.
step 6. repeat step 4 with jiggle hi, jiggle low.
step 7. shine + seal with an essie top coat.

Keep a look out week, to see one of the new awesome Essie Winter Collection shades featured on Mani-Monday!

The Essie Winter Collection is available at selected Dis-Chem, Clicks and Foschini Stores, as well as selected Beauty Salons.

Follow Essie on Facebook to keep up to date with new collections and product launches.

Beauty, Nail Polish

Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish {Mani-Monday}

Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish

I cannot believe it is the beginning of a new week and time for Mani-Monday again! We are now well entrenched in the chilly grip of winter, in the Cape, so I thought a sexy and sultry look would be perfect for today’s feature!

You may remember a recent Mani-Monday feature I did using two of the latest Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish shades – Park Avenue Pink and Wine Shimmer. Well today’s look also features two shades from the Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish Collection.

The Colours

The first shade I used is Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish Manhattan Midnight. It is an ultra sexy midnight blue, which depending on the light looks almost black. This is a great alternative for someone who is afraid to try black nail polish but is still wanting to achieve a dark sultry look.

The second polish I used from the Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish Collection is Black Magic. Black Magic is a textured clear polish, with reflective gun metal grey glitter, which is perfect as a top coat! I used this colour as an accent on one of my nails but you could use it on all your nails, if you are after a bit more sparkle.

The Application

I really do like the application of the Maybelline Color Show polishes and they really do dry super fast. Generally two coats of polish give you great colour pay off and the polish tends to last about a week, providing you apply a top coat.

The Verdict

Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish really is a great product if you are looking for a nail polish which applies easily, lasts relatively well and is affordable! At R49.95 it really is a good value for money and you can safely buy a variety of trendy colours and not break the bank.

All you need to do now is pop on your sexy LBD and you are all set for a night on the town! What do you think of this look? I would love to hear from you, so please a comment below and remember to share this post if you loved it!

Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish is available from selected Clicks Dischem, Foschini and Edgars stores. RRP R49.95

Beauty, Beauty Products

Mascara Lash Off {Review}

Mascara Review

Mascara is definitely one of my makeup must-haves! Even if I am wearing minimal makeup on the rest of my face, I have to wear mascara, otherwise I feel naked! Mascara is the one tool that can take a so-so makeup look to the next level.

A reader recently asked which Mascara I would recommend, so I decided to put a few drugstore Mascara’s through their paces and have a bit of a Mascara Lash Off!

As I mentioned these are all drugstore Mascara Brands, which makes them affordable and easily accessible to everyone. The most important thing about Mascara is to find the one that is right for you. Another important aspect of purchasing mascara, is to decide what type of effect you are after – whether it is a natural everyday look you are trying to achieve or a vavavoom dramatic effect!

The five mascara’s I am featuring are: Maybelline The Colossal Go Extreme! Leather Black, Catrice Glamour Doll, Maybelline The Rock Volum’ Express, Loreal Miss Manga Punky and Essence Princess False Lash Effect Mascara.

Maybelline The Colossal Go Extreme! Leather Black Mascara ~ I have always been a big fan of Maybelline Mascara’s and this one is no exception! The Colossal Go Extreme! Leather Black Mascara is also my favourite-favourite, out of all of the mascara’s I tested. You may recall a feature I did on the original Colossal Go Extreme mascara in a favourites post – well this is its big brother! The Colossal Go Extreme! Black Perfecto has a super-loading wand, which adds an extra shot of volume onto the biggest brush. Blackout pigments give you a bold look, with Leather Black intensity! Apply less product for everyday and build up the volume for more intensity in the evening. RRP R134.95

Catrice Glamour Doll Mascara ~ This is one of those rather unassuming products! When you first look at the wand, you are unsure it will do much but don’t be fooled. While it is certainly not the most volumsing, the Catrice Glamour Doll Mascara gives you great definition and it is definitely build-able. It is my favourite for everyday wear and especially if you are going for a nude makeup look, as it separates the lashes really well, for a clearly defined eye. RRP R69.95

Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Express ~ I have repurchased the Maybelline The Rocket Volum’ Express often! What I love about this product is the brush, which is similar to that of the Catrice Galmour Doll.It has smaller bristles, allowing you to more easily separate the lashes but still create an intense bold eye. I spotted a new version of this product available on the UK Maybelline website, with a patented Supersonic Brush with micro bristles. I am unsure whether it is available in SA yet but it sounds awesome! {this is an estimated price as this product was sent to me} RRP R129

Loreal Miss Manga Punky ~ This one of those products which you whip out when you want to create an all out volumised eye, with a punky edge! Miss Manga Punky is a mega volume texturing mascara, with a konical shaped brush, which grips lashes from root to tip to create an intense spiky effect. I am not daring enough to go all out like the the photo above but even one coat creates a great effect. RRP 149.95

Essence Princess False Lash Effect Mascara ~ The Essence Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is the budget buy out of all the mascara’s I tested and for the price you cannot go wrong! With a a konical shaped brush much like the Miss Manga Punky, it tends to sweep the lashes and give you a great up-turned effect. I would not say that it is overly volumising but you can definitely build volume with a few coats. RRP R63.95

All the mascara’s mentioned above are relatively easy to remove with a dove cotton pad and eye makeup remover.

A reader pointed out I did not mention the longevity of these products, so I thought I need to add it in! All the Mascara’s tested last well but I must make particular mention of the Maybelline Colossal Go Extreme and the Miss Manga Punky, which in my opinion have the best staying power. In saying this they were the most difficult out of the five to remove.

A side note: I have quite sensitive eyes and all the products tested to be quite gentle, with no apparent reaction.

I hope you found this review helpful! I would love to hear from you so please leave a comment below and remember to share this review with your friends and family!

Stockists: Selected Clicks, Dischem, Foschini and Edgars stores.

Disclosure Ranking:2