Brass be gone!

If you have blonde hair and want to stop it from turning copper, brassy, yellow then this post is for you!

About 8 months ago I went from being an au-naturel brunette to complete blonde. This came with a few hurdles especially in maintaining my colour. Today, I’m going to share with you a tip my beautiful hairstylist taught me to keep away the brassiness in your blonde hair.

Use Gentian Violet!

 

 

Gentian (pronounced “gen-shen”) or Crystal Violet is a topical antiseptic. It’s similar to the red “Monkey Blood” our parents used to put on our cuts and bruises when we were little, except this is a deep purple liquid.

Basically, the purple counteracts the yellow (because they’re at opposite ends of the colour spectrum) and lightens your hair.

It really works in removing coppery tones and giving you that beautiful platinum look. You can buy gentian violet at any pharmacy. A tiny bottle will last you ages and is very cheap (less than R20*)! It’s usually in the same aisle as bandages or natural remedies.

You have to be careful when using it though, it stains anything it touches: your hands, your nails, your face, your neck, your nose, your bathtub, your shower curtain!! This has never happened to me but if you’re clumsy, use gloves and a bucket instead of your bathroom sink.   

 

This is my two methods of applying it to my hair:

1.

·         Mix a few drops in a bucket of water. The water should be a light violet colour, not dark purple. Don't add too much, or you may end up with purple hair!

·         Dip all of your hair in the bucket. Leave your hair underwater for 30–60 seconds.

·         After this, dry and style your hair as usual. Keep in mind that your towel may be stained purple (again, it’s never happened to me).

·         Repeat the process as often as you need but not more than twice a week.

2.

·         An easier method is to add a few drops of Gentian directly to your bottle of shampoo (2 or 3 drops should be more than enough). It won’t affect the quality of the shampoo and you just have to wash your hair with it as normal.

Remember to use gloves and be cautious with the gentian or you’ll end up looking like Barney the Dinosaur.

There are many Silver shampoos out there that already have this violet formula in them, but I find this works much better and faster especially if you need quick fix…

My advice is to use the bucket method in addition to your Silver shampoo.

You can also add Gentian to a good brand conditioner and use it as a toner by applying it to your hair and then rinsing out.  I haven’t tried this technique but have read a lot of reviews about it working well. The amount of time you leave it in depends on how brassy your hair is (brassier=longer) but don’t go over an hour.

A final tip. If you accidently tinge your hair purple, just pop back into the shower and wash your hair with bicarbonate soda and a non-purple shampoo. It should even out.

Happy hair days!

♡, Sana xx

*All prices and details are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

Garnier Micellar

When I came across Garnier Micellar water (pronounced my-seller) months ago at Dischem, I was in search of a good eye makeup remover. My first thought was “this is just fancy shmancy water in a bottle” and opted for another product.

Then a few weeks ago when I was in UK, I saw a Micellar display at Boots. The accompanying poster explained a bit more about the product and suddenly I was interested. Micellar water is made up of micelles (tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules) suspended in soft water. The idea is that micelles are attracted to dirt and oil, so they are able to draw out impurities without drying out the skin. Therefore, Micellar water can be used as a facial wash, makeup remover and moisturizer all in one. 

Removing eye makeup is something I struggle with as most products burn my eyes and after all that I still wake up with panda circles in the morning. The best I’ve used so far is Vaseline and a gentle face cloth but sometimes even that leaves my eyes uncomfortable and irritated. So I’m always on the hunt for a different product that cleanses well and hopefully doesn’t sting.

My mistake when I first saw Micellar months ago was thinking it’s a gimmick. I didn’t know that it was a makeup remover, I honestly thought they wanted you to replace normal tap water with Micellar when washing your face in your regular skin regime. I mean, who has money to waste like that, right?
 

Wrong. Turns out, Micellar water has been around for decades. It was made in France back when the plumbing was old-fashioned and water was too harsh on their skin. It claims to remove an entire face of makeup without leaving behind oil residue like most makeup cleansers do.

Back in SA, I did a bit of my own research to see which of the two available options would best be suited to my skin. The original Pink Micellar is for sensitive skin and the new Blue, Pure Active Micellar is for combination and sensitive skin. I decided on the Blue one, which also removes waterproof makeup (even though it doesn’t say so on the bottle).

 

To my surprise, when I got to Clicks I saw a third Micellar option! The Gold, Oil-infused water for dry to sensitive skin. This one has a distinct layer of golden oil above the clear water, and specifies that it removes waterproof makeup. The Pink was never an option for me so I pondered over the other 2 before choosing the Blue. I don’t like oily residue on my skin and thought the extra layer in the Gold bottle was too much (even though it claims to be non-greasy).

 

 

Now for the verdict!

So my sister bought the Gold one and she was kind enough to let me use it and compare the two.
 

Firstly, it’s simple to use. Pour a generous amount on a cotton pad and wipe your face. You have to shake the Gold bottle before you do this. Blue can be used as is.

Both products removed my foundation, blush and lipstick just as a face wipe does. Honestly, I don’t see anything extraordinary about it. And even though it states there’s no need to rub to cleanse, you definitely have to (pressing down in a circular motion is best).
 

Secondly, there’s no difference in the way either removes my waterproof makeup. It removes quite easily with no blotching or smudging. They both work exactly the same. Here’s what I love: It doesn’t burn my eyes at all!! That means I can get into the corners of my eye and remove every last bit of makeup with no stinging! No more panda eyes!! Very impressed!
 

Thirdly, it claims it’s a cleanser but I wouldn’t advise sleeping without cleansing. Wiping my face with toner after using the Micellar, revealed a fair amount of makeup still remained on my face. This is why I said it’s like using a face wipe. Please don’t skip your cleanser and toner routine.

Lastly, the Gold didn’t leave an oily residue on my skin. This surprised me and in fact it left my skin feeling smooth and supple, whilst the Blue left me feeling sticky. I prefer the Gold without doubt.

Micellar is worth it, even if you just use it as an eye makeup remover. Quite a lot of product comes in one bottle and can last you up to 200 uses. It’ll be quite handy to take with you when travelling as it can replace quite a few things in your toiletry bag.

Available at Clicks and Dischem for an affordable R79.99-R85.00*.

♡, Sana xx

*All prices and details are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

SPAparazzi

I had the pleasure of visiting Bayete Spa this past weekend. My sister scored an amazing deal with them some time last year and we finally found a day to go! Usually when places like these have specials, I feel wary that the service will be mediocre but our day was perfect.

Tucked away in the Hennops Valley, the location and ambience were both serene and calming and the staff were friendly and welcoming.

 

Our treatment package included a Swedish hot stone massage, a Hand exfoliation & massage, a Foot exfoliation & massage, an Indian head & shoulder massage and a Pressure point facial. All the massages were equally enjoyable and relaxing. The therapists are well trained and I cannot fault them on any of the treatments. You will leave there feeling like you’re floating on a cloud.
 

We were given drinks on arrival, a buffet breakfast, complimentary coffee, tea, juice & water bar, fruit, home baked scones, lunch and finally, cake of the day.

 They gave us our own private cabin to use for the day, as well as access to their pool and Jacuzzi.

 

 I loved the experience but have a few critiques:

· Before and after each massage, everyone meets at the common pool area and waits for their therapist to take them to the location of the next treatment (each treatment is in a different hut or thatch roof chalet). Because you are dressed in nothing but a robe all day, this can be quite discomfiting and awkward for some people, especially around so many strangers.  

· They divide everyone into groups and rotate you between treatments. I was with my mum and sisters and we were split into a group of 2 and a group of 3. We were told that their therapy rooms couldn’t cater for 5 people altogether, but they definitely could have. There were rooms that could have accommodated all of us together and it would have been an even more wonderful experience if they didn’t split us up.

· You are each assigned a therapist that stays with you throughout the day. This is great if you’re happy with the lady you’re allocated to. But not sure what happens if you’re not. However, I’m sure Bayete grooms all their therapists to meet its excellent standards so hopefully this will never be a problem.

*N.B.* I’d suggest carrying some extra cash with you to give your therapist a tip at the end of the day.

· They use products that may not agree with your skin. Their products seem to be organically made and chemical free (no-name, label-free containers) but of low quality. Their Chocolate Coffee Oil gave me a slight rash and I didn’t particularly like the smell of it. You have the option of not using any products at all but if I had to go again, I’d ask if I could bring my own oil. 

All in all it was a soothing and tranquil experience in a beautiful location and I absolutely recommend it.  Bayete has ongoing specials on their website (link below) and you have the option of staying over at an additional price. Check it out and treat yourself to a wonderful day away.

♡, Sana xx

Bayete Spa:
http://www.bayeteestate.com/

Eye do!!

I did a post last year on my favourite liquid eye liner but now I’ve come across something even more amazing.

On a recent trip to the UK (the girls are just fab at make up there!), my niece used the Rimmel London Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner on me and I was mesmerized by the deep black colour and at how long it lasted (does not fade).

Unlike the other liners I’ve reviewed, this isn’t a pen. It’s a small pot with an applicator that creates smooth and precise lines. I bought my first one 4 months ago and have used it EVERY DAY since then and it’s still going! It hasn’t dried up or lost its pigment and the felt tip is still perfect.

 

Rimmel London Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner

 

So as you can see, a 2.5ml bottle lasts really long, but to be honest, even if it got me through one month I’d still go back and buy it.

It’s a really good quality product and passed all my tests:

·         Rich in colour, even over tons of eyeshadow.

·         No fading.

·         No smudging.

·         No flaking.

·         No transfer onto eyelids.

·         Once you apply, it dries quickly on your lids, so no smearing.

·         Not bulky to carry around.

·         Easy to use and apply.

·         Product goes a long way and keeps its consistency.

The colour I have is: 001 100% Black. I still like my Urban Decay Liquid Eye Pen but if truth be told I haven’t used it since I bought the Exaggerate. And if I had to pick between the two I’d go for the Rimmel one.

When I got back to South Africa, I did some checking online, and I've discovered it’s not sold here. There is a Rimmel Exaggerate Eyeliner available at Clicks. However, it's the “Waterproof” version.

 

The one available at Clicks.

It’s not the exact product but I think its pretty close and a bargain at R89.95*. Rimmel's site says the Waterproof version lasts 24 hours (vs. 16 hours) and has a glossy finish. I will definitely be trying it out and letting you know. But if you can get your hands on the one from London, don’t hesitate!! And if anyone spots it in any of the stores here please let me know.

**Update** I've just been informed by the beautiful Ranaa that Rimmel London Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner is in fact available at Clicks (not sure why it doesn't show online but yay!!). She says it's the only one she uses and if you have a look at the photos on her blog (link below), you'll see why! She always looks gorgeous!

♡, Sana xx

*All prices and details are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

Ranaa's Blog:
rmfashionary.blogspot.com

I'm back!!

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the extended hiatus. It’s been a bumpy, hectic, but mostly positive year and I’m thrilled to be back.

Those of you who've been following my blog since it began, may have noticed some major changes visually and in terms of content.

Sadly, I have decided not to continue with my recipe columns and have removed them from my page (hence the gaps and missing posts). But don’t worry I have many new exciting things lined up!

Just a reminder that this is something I do in my spare time and I'm in no way paid or sponsored for any of my posts. I love to share information (and have a good banter) and this is my way of doing just that. My assessments are my personal experiences and are 100% honest, so expect both positive and negative reviews (sometimes more of one than the other- I don’t sugarcoat.)

My aim is for you to save time and make informative decisions about your next purchase or outing. Or just have a good laugh while I babble on. Nothing too serious.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I enjoy writing it. Also remember you can click on all images too see them on a clearer and larger scale.

I love your support!

♡, Sana xx