Saturday, 8 September 2012

Garnier BB cream now on Pre-order! (UPDATED)

I am very excited to share the great news. Garnier's new BB cream is on pre-order for a very pretty price of only R79! Click this link to pre order yours now!! 
(I have ordered mine already)
Exclusive to selected Clicks stores nationwide

UPDATE

Click here for my video review!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Friday, 7 September 2012

In my sample basket - Yardley

This week I will be reviewing my Yardley So...? What EDT sample, that I picked up at Dis-Chem.


I'm not one that wears perfume a lot, usually only on special occasions, so I wouldn't say I'm a perfume expert or have a lot of knowledge on the subject. This will soon change as I have been doing tons of research and find it quite interesting.

Yardley So…? What can be described as an addictive girly fragrance introduced by fruity notes, slightly edible, intertwined with a rich floral bouquet and rounded by a powerful woody background illuminated by vanilla.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Mandarin, Leafy Green, Apple, Coconut, Raspberry 
Middle Notes: Rose, Jasmine, Ylang-Ylang, Freesia, Lily of the Valley 
Base Notes: Cedarwood, Patchouli, Musk, Vanilla

What I loved

This is a very sweet scent that reminds me of eating fruit lollipops on the beach as a kid. It can be layered, which is always good to have in a perfume.

My Dislikes

It can be a bit too 'sweet'. I wouldn't suggest spraying tons on your body, just a light spritz on your neck will be enough to make you smell really good but not too overwhelming. 

Yardley So…? What is available in 50ml Eau de Parfum (R99.95) and 90ml Perfume Body Spray at selected Foschini, Edgars, Red Square, Clicks and Dis-Chem stores, leading pharmacies and The Hub.
Seeing as this little EDT is so affordable I will definitely be purchasing it!

keep an eye out for next week's sample!

*Little Whispers*

My boyfriend (who I currently live with) emailed me this picture earlier in the week:

I just giggled and told him he's being a typical guy, complaining about girl's stuff. Then I had a look around the room and realised...ITS TOTALLY TRUE! *OOPS*

10 Day 'you' challenge - 7 Wants

7 Wants


My first car - I have had my license for a while now but don't have my own car. I'd really love to get one soon.
To be fit and in shape - I don't do nearly as much healthy eating and exercise as I should so I don't carry my ideal weight. I just keep telling myself "Get that shit under control", and it actually works in motivating me :)
To finally find a career and be really successful in it - I have done my first year in a Bcom Economics degree but find that it isn't really what I want to do as a career. Hopefully I will find a suitable career path soon and be amazing at it.
A Cat - Most people know that I'm cat crazy but I don't actually have any :( The complex we stay in does not allow us to keep pets but I really want to sneak one in ;)
No more animal cruelty - 'Nuff said!
To travel the world - Travelling has always been one of my dreams. I'd like to travel a lot, while I'm still young.
Have a white Christmas - I experienced a white Christmas when I was ten years old. We were in Denmark for the holidays and it was such an amazing experience for me. It's exactly like in the movies. I would love to have many more!

Look our for my 6 places, on Monday :)

xoxo

Thursday, 6 September 2012

Sh'zen helps you get healthy skin {Review}

Sh'Zen with PhytoExquisites Skin Tone Corrector
RSP R369 for 30ml
I recently had the pleasure of trying out another great product from Sh'zen. Their PhytoExquisites Skin Tone Corrector has been specially formulated to address the problems of the dark spots and blemishes that appear as we age.
(View Sh'zen's entire PhytoExquisites collection here)

I have been applying this to my face for about 6 to 8 weeks and have been impressed with it's effectiveness. Unfortunately I did not see much change in the tone of my skin. It didn't help with pigmentation or dark spots. However I am really impressed at how it made my skin glow, not in an oily or sweaty kind of way. It kept my skin firm and helped with dry patches on my face. I also had a few red blotches on my forehead which have completely gone. (I forgot to take before and after pics :( *Bad blogger moment*)

So how does it actually work? Sh'zen uses a natural derivative of black tea that decreases skin roughness and increases its brightness and colour; and Sophora Root and Kiwi Fruit extracts that has been clinically proven to specifically target dark spots and uneven skin tone. These active ingredients are combined with Rose, Jasmine and Neroli essential oils. - Source

The serum is a tad 'runny' so be careful not to squirt too much out the pump, otherwise it ends up running down your arm (Yes I made that mistake *blush*). It also has a strange scent. With all the combined teas and plant extracts, it wont smell like perfume or fields of flowers. I don't mind though.

Overall I really love this natural product. I am glad that natural products have made a very strong stand in the competitive beauty industry. 

Visit Sh'zen's website for their promotional brochures (monthly specials) and like their Facebook page for update on specials and all beauty news.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Like my Facebook page as well.

Miss Claira-Bella,

Xoxo

*All photo's from shzen.co.za

10 Day 'you' challenge - 8 Fears

Here are my 8 fears in order and I have ranked them on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being "I'm scared but could live with it", 10 being "I want to crawl into a little ball and cry")

Ship's Hulls (bottom of a ship/boat) - 10
The paranormal - 9
Tornado's - 7
Getting Cancer - 7
Car accidents - 6

Becoming a beggar - 3
The end of the world/dying - 3
Having no Internet - 3

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

Colour my life Tiffany blue and Turquoise!



All images from Pinterest. See all my pins by clicking this link.

10 Day 'you' challenge - 10 Secrets

If you're an avid beauty blog reader you might have seen a few posts on a "10 day 'you' challenge". It's a fun way for us bloggers to let you know who we are as people *Shocked voices* (Yes we are people too), and let our walls down to show that we're pretty cool people if you get to know us. Visit Whimsy is forever, Gee whiskers and Lipgloss kisses to check out their 10 day 'you' challenge.

Ten Secrets


I wouldn't really call these secrets but rather 'things you probably didn't know about me'.

1) I love needles! Not in a freaky "I have the potential to be a drug addict" kinda way, most people just freak out when they donate blood or even see a needle in close range, me, not so much.

2) Because I like needles, I have gotten a few piercing's along the past few years. I have 8 piercings in total. I'll leave you wondering where though ;) I'd love to get a tattoo one day, once I find the right design (It's difficult choosing something that will be with you for the rest of your life).

3) I love babies and kids. Being the 2nd youngest of my siblings, I love being around little ones.

4) The feeling of dry lips or hands makes me want to cry/scream – occasionally, depending on how bad, I might do both at the same time. It gives me the same feeling that you get when you scratch your nails down a chalk board. *Shrieks in agony* *10 million goosebumps*

5) I had really bad hormonal acne and was on roaccutane for 4 months this year. I had really tried everything to get rid of it. Eventually my face was scarring so badly, drastic measures had to be taken. I know many ladies do not agree with my decision and often tell me "There are more natural ways to cure hormonal acne", I just couldn't wait to test out all these ailments because it was permanently damaging my face. I still  have scarring and pigmentation but it is 90% better than it was. (I will do a full post on this topic soon)

6) I am an internet addict, specifically social networks. I have virtual accounts on soo many networks it's crazy. It's not so much being part of them because I guess that’s just a given these days, it's that I don't really use them.....ever. I'll sign up just for the sake of signing up!! An then I constantly receive spam and newsletters (and never unsubscribe)....I think I have a problem......

7) I am crazy self-conscious about my ears. They stick out quite a lot and I was constantly teased at primary school and even High school, so I grew a major complex. Over my later teen years, I started accepting the fact that there’s nothing I can do, its just genetics :)

8) I didn't own a pair of sunglasses till about 3 weeks ago when my boyfriend's aunt gave me hers. *Shocker*

9) I wanted to be a vet when I was in high school but my marks were never good enough. I'm thankful though because I really don't think my heart would have been able to take the pain and loss of hurt animals :(

10) I hate, hate, hate cooked fruit. Apple pie = the worst, Hawaiian pizza = bleh, fried tomato to finish off your bacon and egg breakfast = gross!

Look out for tomorrow's FYI's :)

Monday, 3 September 2012

Beauty Bulletin Polish Up Challenge

Here are the last batch of photo's for Beauty Bulletin's Polish Up Challenge. If you haven't read my first post then click here.


Remember to click on the link below each picture, to view the full gallery.
I hope you enjoyed these designs and let me know if I should do more in the future.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Memories for Monday - Playing with Leopard Cubs

Ocelot Kitten
Leopard Cubs (Warning: They do play rough)
This was in February 2012 when my boyfriend and I went to play with baby Leopards and endangered Ocelot kittens at Lory Park in Midrand, Gauteng. AMAZING Experience for a Cat lover like myself!!
Visit their website.

Saturday, 1 September 2012

Glambox and Rubybox join powerful beauty forces! (UPDATED)

"What do you get when three talented businesswomen meet? The most exciting collaboration of the year - rubybox and GlamBox are sharing the love and teaming up to bring you a bigger, better beauty offering!"

This might not be new news to some ladies but I thought I'd share it with you in case you missed any details. Glambox and Rubybox are merging in to one "super-awesome-kick-ass sample box"

Here is what will happen:
  • As of today(1 September'12) Glambox will be a thing of the past. The ladies already signed up to Rubybox, nothing will change for you. For the Glambox girls, you need to note the following:
  • You will continue to receive your monthly beauty box. The monthly cost stays the same (R100) and all payments will be handled by Rubybox.
  • Your existing user information (email, delivery details & any instructions, subscription information and Points) has been transferred. However, you will need to update your password.
  • All accumulated GlamPoints will be carried across and will reflect in your personal account in the next week.
  • Unfortunately they could not transfer your beauty profile. In order for them to customise your boxes to suit your beauty needs, please update this as soon as possible.
  • Visit this webpage for any details I may have left out

Time for some tough love!

Anyone that has either purchased sample boxes or have compared the different boxes online, will know that Rubybox was the weakest of the 3 sample box companies in South Africa (Glossybox, Glambox and Rubybox). I was only ever subscribed to Rubybox and after my 3 month subscription, honestly, I really regretted not signing up for Glambox instead. I received a Glambox earlier in the year and found they seemed to have better service, better samples and overall, a better box, so please don't call me a horrid bitch person for what I'm about to say. I am sad that there will be more Rubybox than Glambox in this merger.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still stoked that they are joining forces and do not doubt that the new sample boxes have the potential to be on the same level as Glossybox, I just cant help but wonder why they didn't stay more Glam and less Ruby. There are obviously many business related issues when going into a merger like this (which I have no clue about).You have so many established "clients" already and with a big change like this, there is always a big chance of losing them.

I, as the "public", think it would have been better to start off with a new name, brand, logo and the whole shenanigans that go with mergers. This would eliminate the chance of people choosing sides, just like I am right now.

I'm glad they have merged and I can't wait to see what the new box will be like. I think this is a really good move on Rubybox's part and wish the "new Rubybox" all the best of success. I will be keeping an eye out, on the boxes, over the next few months and do an update for you gals.

The Glambox website is no more but if you would like to contact them you can do so on 076 886 2636 or email support@glambox.co.za.
The new revamped Rubybox website is where you can place your order and find the necessary info on the sample boxes. Any questiond directed at the "new Rubybox" can be done so via hi@rubybox.co.za.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

UPDATE

So as promised, I am back for an update on the "New Rubybox". Seeing as I don't subscribe to the sample boxes myself, I have relied on my fellow beauty bloggers to tell you how they fell about the new colab.

"I must admit I was expecting a "WOW" box, you know the two is better then one type thing. But I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed. This might have been cause I was expecting too much, but either way I was left wanting just a little bit more." - Lipgloss Kisses

This is one of the combination of products that you might have received if you ordered the September Rubybox
View more by clicking this link.

View Gee Whiskers' post on Glossybox, so you have something to compare it to.

Will update this post again when more reviews are available :)

Happy Spring day!


For those who have happy sunshine kind of weather, I hope you are outside having a braai and walking around barefoot. For those who don't....just stare at the picture above...I hope it makes you feel better.

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Friday, 31 August 2012

Hunk of the month - August

This month's Hunk of the month is 29 year old Craig Horner.
My boyfriend has started watching a series called Legend of the Seeker where Craig Horner plays the main role of Richard Cypher (the seeker). I don't think much of the actual series but I do watch it with him every now and then just to check out the eye candy.

Read more about him and his career here.

Mr. Horner is actually quite a small guy and I always love the 'tall dark and handsome' guys. There's just something about him! Anyway....He's my hunk of the month, enjoy the pics ladies ;)




You can search for his Facebook pages (There are a few, not sure which is the real one) by searching "Craig Horner".

Until next month's hunk. TTFN

Miss Claira-Bella

xoxo

In my sample basket - Bee Natural

This week I have been using my Bee Natural's Rehydrating Face Balm sample, which I received in one of my Sample boxes. Here is what I thought about it :)

I haven't been using this on my face because I am testing all kinds of products on my face at the moment and thought it would be too much for my skin, to add another. I have been using this as a lip balm instead and let me tell you, I am impressed!

"Bee Natural's Rich Rehydrating Face Balm is the ultimate natural skin care product to use for nourishing, moisturizing and rejuvinating facial skin. The unique combination of beeswax, raw honey, propolis, pollen, retinol, collagen, elastin, Q10, jojoba and avocado oil rapidly penetrate the skin - expect a visible difference after first application! The balm also contains a plan based SPF 15 thus providing safe and natural protection from UV rays." Source
Full size RSP R89.90 for 30ml

What I loved

-It doesn't smell or taste funny. I have found a lot of natural products don't have a pleasant scent and natural lip balms usually taste bitter. This face balm has a waxy scent but it's not overpowering and with the honey ingredient, it doesn't have a bitter taste (Reminder: I'm not eating the face balm, lol, I'm using it as a lip balm and that's why I tasted it).
-It's so smooth and doesn't have a sticky texture. The wax to honey ratio is perfect. It goes on my skin so easily and it feels amazingly 'soft' and lightweight.
-It helped clear red patches that I had. After this horrid winter dryness (as well as being on roaccutane), my lips had many red patches where my skin had peeled off and bled. After using this balm on my lips, the red patches have completely disappeared. *Life saver*
-It has an SPF 15. It might not be the highest sun protectant factor but if you're looking for a light protection from the harsh UV rays, this is it. (Great to wear under you makeup everyday)

What I disliked

The only problem I found was that it was difficult to get out of my sample pot. The wax was hard from the cold but I quickly came up with a solution. I just held the sample pot in my hand for a 1-2 minutes and it was way easier to get out. It might not be as easy in a full size container.


Overall, I would say I am developing a little crush on this brand.
I have my eye on the Lip balms (Between R7-R13 each) on their website (there are so many) and I also have my eye on their Eczema balm (R55) as my mom suffers from terrible eczema.

Check out this great review that Chicara from Lipgloss Kisses did a few weeks ago.
Visit Bee Natural's website and Online store.

Your thoughts?

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo

Wednesday, 29 August 2012

Spar womans race 2012

This past weekend's adventures: SA's most beautiful road race with Spar 2012

This was my second Spar race (my previous one was last year). I am not a pro runner or do fun runs/walks often but I like taking part in this specific one because it's really fun. Over 25 000 woman and men running for fun and charity is always eventfull.

My boyfriend, a few friends and I took part this year. The atmosphere is always really awesome. Guy's dressing as ladies, shouting things like, "As jy buig, is jy myne" (If you bend, you're mine), made my day. The weather was perfect and I put tons of sunscreen on so didn't get an inch of sunburn. *YAY*

Here is my short gallery of the walk.

Waiting to start (The red arches in front is the start line)
The sea of orange ahead of us and beautiful skies above.
Sea of orange behind us and some interesting costumes.
My 'trying to look cool' pose.
3km mark.
Entering Supersport park
Moi at the finish line. I WIN! *I wish*
Medal and goodie bag, Check!
High five to the organisers of this race as it was another complete success. We appreciate your expertise in controlling 25000 people while still making it super fun and SA's biggest race!
Cant wait for next year's race!

Miss Claira-Bella

Xoxo