Reviews and Features - Inspired Living SA

Beauty, Beauty Products, Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

{Review} Regen Ceutic by Dermaceutic

As you may already know I have been waging a war on pigmentation over the past few years! It is a battle which I feel I have been less than successful at winning but along this journey, I have discovered a handful of amazing skin care products! One of these products which I recently started using is Regen Ceutic by Dermaceutic.

Dermaceutic is a range of cosmeceuticals created by Dermatologists and surgeons specialising in facial rejuvenation. The Dermaceutic range offers technologically advanced skin care products for their patients, to accompany general medical and cosmetic procedures. The range helps to prepare skin, optimize and maintain the results of all medical and cosmetic procedures.

Apart from my issues with pigmentation, I have extremely sensitive skin, so I cannot just slap on any old cream. Although it is important to me to try and reverse the pigmentation, I am also determined to maintain good skin tone and protect my skin against the elements. I am always hesitant when trying new skin care and will always do a bit of research on the product before I start using it.

Regen Ceutic, which I have been using is part of the Dermaceutic Homecare Range. It is a Skin Recovery Cream, which accelerates epidermal restoration post aesthetic treatments: nourishes and firms the skin. Regen Ceutic contains, 3% Peptides Complex ~ a synergy of 2 of the most efficient peptides, which stimulates collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin production to induce an anti-wrinkle effect from within, 3% Hyaluronic Acid ~ Moisturizes skin and improves firmness, Stabilized vitamin C & E ~ a combination of vitamins which combats and limits the signs of photo-aging and has an anti-inflammatory action, as well as Shea butter ~ which hydrates and nourishes the skin. It is recommended for sensitive, dehydrated and aging skin.

The Dermaceutic homecare range focuses on the three essential areas of skin rejuvenation: stimulation, protection and repair. It was created to address most skin types’ needs- from pigmentation, to fine lines, to acne. The products are packaged in airless bottles to ensure optimum hygiene, ease of use and a minimal concentration of preservatives.

I have found Regen Ceutic amazing! The formulation although light-weight, once applied, instantly hydrates my skin, while calming any redness or sensitivity. This is definitely a product I will continue using as a part of my everyday skin care routine! I also think as far as more high-end skin care products go, the RRP of R 550.00 for R30ml, it is quite affordable.

For details on these and other products please visit the Dermaceutic SA Website.

Disclosure Ranking: 2

Product Reviews, Reviews and Features, Taste

Lindt Hello Chocolate Launches in South Africa

Working with great brands, means testing great products! I particularly LOVE testing new Lindt products! Tough job I know but someone has to do it! I would not call myself a chocolate lover but I love good quality chocolate and Lindt is just that.

I was really excited when this very interesting box was delivered last week, containing the new lifestyle HELLO chocolate range by Lindt. What always amazes me, is how well Lindt markets their brand – not that they really need to but they still find unique and interesting ways to engage the consumer.

The Lindt Master Chocolatiers recently introduced the new HELLO range overseas and now it is SA’s turn. HELLO is a brand new young and vibrant collection of deliciously tasty chocolates, with modern and colourful packaging and the most innovative chocolate recipes, you’re ever likely to meet!

The HELLO range is made up of four exciting new flavours, using the best quality ingredients with a modern twist, designed to make your tummy yummy.

What are the four awesome new flavours you ask – well, meet your new friends…
HELLO my name is Strawberry Cheesecake – Is it me you’re looking for? An irresistible combination of melt-in-your-mouth LINDT milk chocolate, sinfully delicious strawberry pieces and a light fluffy cream filling.
HELLO my name is Cookies and Cream – Smooth LINDT milk chocolate with a tantalising cream filling and crunchy cookie pieces – I’ll make your tummy yummy!
HELLO my name is Caramel Brownie – A delicate liquid caramel with crunchy biscuit pieces wrapped in smooth LINDT milk chocolate – Pleased to sweet you.
HELLO my name is Crunchy Nougat – Velvety LINDT milk chocolate with delicious hazelnut nougat and crunchy brittle pieces – Every bite is crunchilicious!

With the help of my tasters {otherwise known as my family} we munched our way through, all this heavenly goodness – as I said tough job! The group consensus was that Crunchy Nougat was tops, followed closely by Caramel Brownie! Don’t get me wrong there is absolutely nothing wrong with the other two flavours and you will probably be hard pressed to choose a favourite yourself. As always with Lindt, the chocolate is smooth and the flavours are divinely decadent

All the flavours come in a new on-the-go size stick bar and a larger 100g slab. The on-the-go bar is the perfect size to enjoy with a cup of coffee in the evening – not too much, not too little but just enough

There is also a box of HELLO chocolates with a selection of different pralines and a tiny heart shaped tin with delicious milk chocolate hearts in cute pink foil wrappings – perfect for saying Hello to someone special. I would be so happy if someone surprised me with such a cute box of chocies!

The Lindt Hello Chocolate Launches in South Africa from June 2014 and will be available exclusively at Woolworths.
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RRP: HELLO On-the-go size bars 39 g R14.95, HELLO Slabs 100 g R29.95, HELLO Heart shaped tin 45 g R49.95, HELLO Chocolate Bits box 100 g R64.95

Disclosure Ranking:2

Beauty, Beauty Products, Reviews and Features

Maybelline Master Kajal Khol Liner

I love eyeliner! As a teenager I think my first “proper” makeup purchase {lip gloss does not count} was a blue – yes blue eyeliner. Who knew that coloured eyeliner would be all the rage again!

Now days my go-to eyeliner is usually a black liquid liner, in fact my all time favourite liquid liner is the Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner.

At a recent Maybelline Event we received a range of the Maybelline Master Kajal Kohl Liners. I must admit I was immediately intrigued by the rather unusual shape of the liners!

The unique cone-shaped Kajal liner is infused with oriental oils and highly concentrated colour pigments. For those of you who do not know, kajal is actually a black powder used in South Asia as a cosmetic, either around the eyes or as a mark on the forehead.

The Master Kajal liners are available in three colours: Pitch Black, Lapis Blue and Oriental Gold. The idea with the Kajal liners are to use them sideways, using the cone-shaped tip to define the eye. You do do not have to sharpen the liner but would need to use it sideways to keep the tip sharp. It can also be used to line your waterline. I have never really been big on using liner in my waterline, as I have such sensitive eyes and end up looking like I have been crying for days or gone ten rounds in a boxing ring.

So my thoughts on these liners! I have only tried the Pitch Black and Oriental Gold liner. Pitch Black applies smoothly but I did find it smudges quite easily and does not give me as much definition, as a liquid liner does. I have probably used Oriental Gold the most out of the two and even used it in my waterline, it is quite glittery, so perhaps better suited for evening. I did find Oriental Gold a bit harder to apply on my upper lid and not quite as smooth as Pitch Black.

Overall I think these liners do what they say they will do, which is to create a more seductive intense look. They are not waterproof and tend to smudge but this makes them much easier to blend and create a smokey eye.
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RRP R109.95 available from Clicks and Dischem.

Disclosure Ranking: 2

Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

The New Inissia by Nespresso

As you may already know I am a bit of a coffee junkie, as well as a bit of a coffee snob! I have been known haul our coffee machine on holiday with us or call ahead to ensure that there is either a machine or at the very least, a french press available at our destination! Crazy I know but my day is not complete without at least one cup of “proper” coffee

I was super excited when I was offered the New Inissia by Nespresso to review! The timing could not have been more perfect, as we were off on our road trip to Knysna and compact Insissia machine, is the perfect travel companion.

First a bit about the Inissia:

The new Inissia machine from Nespresso is simple, with a chic design and is available in a palette of playful colours. It weighs a mere 2.4kg making it the lightest Nespresso machine yet but there is no compromise on quality, as it features all of Nespresso’s advanced technology! Streamlined for maximum efficiency, this machine lives up to Nespresso’s reputation for high end technology and quality is guaranteed by the Inissia 19 bar pressure extraction system.

As well as all the usual Nespresso functionality, it has a nifty folding drip try, which makes storage and transport very easy. You can buy the Inissia as a stand-alone machine or as a bundle, which includes the new Aeroccino 3, milk frother.

Nespresso has thought of everything, from automatic pre-programmed coffee buttons, which ensure the perfect coffee serving size each time to speed at your service with fast heat up in just 25 seconds. The Inissia might be tiny treasure but it boasts a water tank capacity 0.7L and a large capsule container which can hold up to 11 capsules, what’s more is that it is categorized in the A Energy Efficiency Class thanks to an innovative automatic shut-off after 9 minutes.

The launch of Inissia, includes four permanent colour options including Ruby Red, Vanilla Cream and monochromatic glam in White and Black. For a pop of bright colour you can also look forward to two trendy limited edition colours, which include Summer Sun and Sky Blue (available exclusively from Nespresso Boutiques only).

I absolutely loved traveling with the Inissia, it is small and lightweight but still delivers great coffee in no time at all!

It was great to have the convenience of great tasting coffee, wherever we went, obviously the only necessity for traveling with the Inissia is access to electricity. The machine heats up super fast and as well as great functionality, it looks really good as well.

Nothing beats a great cup of coffee especially in the morning! The cup above was enjoyed on our deck in Kynsna

The Inissia is available from Nespresso boutiques worldwide including the Sandton Nespresso Boutique in Sandton City Shopping Centre and the Cape Town Nespresso Boutique at the V & A Waterfront as well as online at www.nespresso.com for a RRP of R1500.00 (incl. VAT) and R2450.00 for the bundle option including the new Aeroccino 3.

Disclosure Ranking: 2

Beauty, Beauty Products, Product Reviews, Reviews and Features

Maybelline Baby Lips South Africa

I have a rather obsessive love of lip balms, you will find one or two{maybe more} in each of my handbags, so that when I change bags I am never without! You will definitely find a few in my car, hidden in strategic places I will not go off on a run without having some form of lip balm with me! Ok so now that you understand my love of lip balms, we can continue with this review.

My love of or slight obsession with lip balms, was probably born out of the need to constantly keep my lips hydrated. I suffer from quite dry lips and have a tendency to lick my lips, which means I need to constantly reapply, whatever I am wearing on my lips.

There are so many various brands of lip balms on the market, which promise soft hydrated lips but sadly they fail to deliver. Either they are way too sticky, smell like plastic{alarming but true} or leave your lips feeling more parched than they did before. Imagine my delight when I received a selection of the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balms to try! I had heard so much about Baby Lips but had not had the opportunity to get my hands on them yet.

Baby Lips otherwise known as the Champion of Lip Balms, is now available in South Africa in six variants: Hydrate, Intense Care, Mint Fresh, Cherry Me, Pink Punch and Peach Kiss. The balms contain a secret lip renew formula, which stimulates natural collagen production, as well as protecting and moisturising the lips.

Whats not to love? The packaging is super cute and all the fragrances are just right, not over powering at all! I found them all quite hydrating and the slightly tinted ones, give you just that hint of colour on your lips. Then there is the price – R24.95 you certainly cannot go wrong with that!

After trying all the variants I have definite favourites! Although I love the pretty colour and smell of both Pink Punch and Cherry Me – a hands down winner for me, is Mint Fresh! It has a subtle minty smell and a slight tingle, it wakes up your lips and leaves them feeling wonderfully soft.

So all in all these cutie lip balms get a thumbs up from me and are a definite favourite!
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Stockists: Clicks stores throughout South Africa.

Disclosure Ranking: 2