Video Reviews - Inspired Living SA

Beauty, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup

My most recent beauty review for the Beauty Bulletin, is of the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup. You may recall my review of the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Radiance Blush, which was the first Elizabeth Arden product that I had used. I have been most impressed with the blush and was really excited to try this foundation.

I am quite fussy when it comes to choosing a foundation for myself, not only is my skin quite oily in parts but I also have pigmentaion. A foundation has to fulfill a fair amount of requirements for me – it has to give good coverage with out being too thick and pasty and while I like it to be moisturising, it cannot be overly so and make me look like an oil-slick.

I have tried quite a few mineral foundations, with not much success and liquid foundations can be a bit light on the coverage front, which is why I really like a compact foundation. Not only are they neat, easy to store and carry in your makeup bag but I find the application is much more even.

The Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Sponge-On Makeup, which I have been using is the perfect mix of moisturising and great coverage. The colour that I have tried is Cognac, no.56. I was a bit worried at first that the colour was a bit dark for my skin but I have been happy with the colour and the overall appearance of my skin after application. The end result definitely lives up to the promise of a flawless finish 🙂

The makeup comes in a neat gold compact, with a sponge applicator and a handy compartment to store it. Perfect for makeup touch-ups on the run!

Makeup application is very much personal preference. Some people prefer to apply foundation with a sponge for applicator but you can also use a foundation brush or your finger tips, to apply it to your skin. I have used the sponge applicator with this makeup, as well as my finger tips to apply it and would recommend either of these, over brush application. The main thing is to ensure that your hands are clean and that you either wash or replace the sponge regularly, to avoid a build up of bacteria!

My general routine is to apply serum, moisturiser and a bit of concealer or primer. I usually wait for approximately 10 minutes before I apply my foundation and the rest of my makeup. I have also made a video review for you so that you can see the makeup application in the “flesh” – I hope you enjoy it and would love you to subscribe to my YouTube Channel, so that you do not miss out on future reviews and tutorials!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roTq4RJGS08&feature=share&list=UUW-Ptg2fpKFHowi0_J6Po_w[/youtube]

This product is available from all major retail outlets with beauty counters, as well as certain pharmacies and Edgars Red Square Stores.

Family, Parenting, Pregnancy, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

Petitebox Gift Box

Last month I posted about the launch of PetiteBox South Africa. PetiteBox is a monthly subscription box aimed at moms – moms-to-be or new moms, and is also perfect as a gift for friends and family. This month I am reviewing one of their gift boxes, the Hospital Gift Box. A wonderful change from the although beautiful, not so useful flower arrangements you receive in hospital after the birth!

The gift box contains a wonderful array of goodies perfect for a mom’s hospital stay after the birth, which includes products such as a dry shampoo, Bennetts Nipple Cream and a wonderfully fragrant shower gel from Molton Brown {one of my favourites}, to name but a few. To find out more detail about what is in the Hospital Gift Box you can watch my video review below:

[youtube]http://youtu.be/O6FX4lJ9PoU[/youtube]

You can order the Baby Shower, Hospital or Pregnancy Gift Boxes online at a cost R345 each.To order you PetiteBox Gift Box or find out more about PetiteBox ,click over to their website here.

*Disclaimer: The Hospital Gift Box was provided to Super Mom Blog for review purposes.

Be Inspired, Children, Family, Parenting, Pregnancy, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

PetiteBox

Last week I went to the launch of PetiteBox South Africa. PetiteBox is along the same lines as Glossybox (a subscription based beauty box) and has actually been launched by the same ladies who started Glossybox SA. The fundamental difference is that PetiteBox is aimed at moms – moms-to-be or new moms, and is also perfect as a gift for friends and family.

We created PetiteBox to offer a service that supports new parents as well as their babies. We provide you with only the best mom and baby products and latest advice throughout pregnancy and new motherhood. ~ PetiteBox

[youtube]http://youtu.be/VsgUc7QvLV0[/youtube]

Watch my Youtube video review to find out more detail about what is in the PetiteBox.

The world of pregnancy and being a new mom can be somewhat daunting, merely because it is something unknown, never mind knowing what vitamins to take or what products will suit you or your baby. There is just so much to take in and so many decisions to make, as well as so many well-meaning people dishing out unsolicited advice! It can all be overwhelming. This is where PetiteBox comes in, to take the stress and pain out of the decision-making! They provide you with all the goodies you may need at whatever stage you are of your pregnancy or they can tailor your PetiteBox according to your baby’s age, if you are already a mom. It could not be more perfect and it simply takes the hassle out of deciding what products are right for you, as you can try out the samples and test the products in your box and then make informed decisions before you buy them yourself.

A Monthly Subscription PetiteBox

So how can you order your PetiteBox? Easy, simply register to receive a beautiful monthly box with 3-5 premium mom and baby products. The other option if you are looking for a gift for a friend or family member is to send them one of the gift boxes PetiteBox offer. They also offer a free courier delivery service to your home or office. The subscription box can be bought on a monthly, 3-month or 6-month basis, as well as the various once-off gift options, such as a Baby Shower, Hospital or Pregnancy Gift Box. A monthly subscription will cost you R130.00 per month and a gift box costs R345.00 once off.

A PetiteBox Gift Box

To find out more about PetiteBox and register for your monthly box, or to find out more about the gift boxes, click over to their website here.

Thank you to the ladies from PetiteBox for giving me the opportunity of reviewing these boxes and sharing them with you.

Beauty, Beauty Products, Fashion, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

Sisley Limited Edition August Glossybox

On Friday I received my Sisley Limited Edition Glossybox to review, perfect timing for a bit of weekend pampering! I was rather excited about trying out these products as Sisley is a brand that I have not used before.

My Sisley Limited Edition August Glossybox contained the following products:

Cleansing Milk with White Lily – A creamy cleansing emulsion that dissolves the toughest make-up products, whilst preserving the balance of dry, delicate skin. I am loving this cleansing milk, it is very gentle and nourishing on your skin and it removes all traces of make-up, without drying out your skin.
Floral Toning Lotion Alcohol Free – Toner designed to perfectly remove make-up and keep skin looking clear and fresh. The toning lotion leaves your skin feeling wonderfully refreshed and silky smooth, ready to apply your day or night cream.
Facial Mask with Linden Blossom – A very refreshing cream mask, sheer bliss for dehydrated skin. Relaxes and smooths the skin, recommended for sensitive skins. This is definitely something I need as I have exceptionally sensitive skin, I have not tried it yet but will be sure to let you know what it is like.
Eye and Lip Contour Balm – A balm specifically formulated to effectively address the appearance of fine lines, dry skin and under-eye puffiness. Yay this is perfect for me, all the late nights and early mornings are resulting in very puffy eyes! The balm is wonderfully calming on the delicate skin under your eyes.
Restorative Facial Cream – recommended for repairing the damage caused by continued exposure to the elements, such as sun and wind, helping the skin to recover resilience. I am hoping that this cream will restore the moisture to my skin, as it has become very dehydrated during the cold winter months.
Anti-ageing Lift Foundation – A 2-in-1 formula which instantly smooths the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The skin is left refined, blemish free with a luminous even complexion. This was an added extra to the box, a bonus product if you like. It sounds amazing but was only provided by Sisley in ‘soft rose’, which is probably a bit light for my skin tone, so I will be passing this on to a friend.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/d5ZNAlGRgYk[/youtube]

To find out more about Glossybox or to order your own Glossybox click here to visit their website.

Be Inspired, Beauty, Beauty Pick of the Week, Beauty Products, Fashion, Reviews and Features, Video Reviews

Beauty Pick of the Week

My beauty pick of the week this week is Fiber Lash Brush On Lashes by Model co. Fiber Lashes are brush on lash extensions in a bottle! I have never been one for falsies but this sounded like a great idea, so I thought I had to give it a try. It will not be replacing my daliy mascara but it is great for the evening, especially if you are wanting to create a bit more of a dramatic eye.

There are two bottles in the box, one which contains the Extension Mascara and the other contains the Fiber Lashes. It is very easy to apply, firstly you apply the Extension Mascara, you then apply the Fiber Lashes over the mascara, followed by a second coat of mascara. It gives you a great effect without the hassle of false eyelashes. Below you can see my how to video:

[youtube]http://youtu.be/NbW9QapfHNk[/youtube]

It is also very easy to remove afterwards, just use your normal eye make remover on a cotton pad – it is as simple as that.

The recommended retail price is R340.00 – For local stockists click over to Luxury Cosmetics Website.