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