2015-11-11



It’s that special time of the month again!  It’s time for me to tell you all about the new product launches in the beauty world for the month of November – Christmas gifts sets are making their way to stores and I can’t be more excited!

…that reminds me, I need to start doing some Christmas shopping!  Yikes!

I’ve had quite a few people ask me whether I’ll be doing my annual ‘Christmas Gift Guide’ blog posts again this year and the answer is: YES!  I’m sure you already know I love discovering new & unique products and by doing my gift guide series, I get to introduce you to them too.  I’ve already started gathering a few ideas, and will hopefully have the first blog post up towards the end of November (or would you like me to start a bit earlier?).

I have a ton of goodies to show you this month, so make sure you have an ice cold beverage handy.  I have a feeling it’s going to be a long one!



Essence Merry Berry (starting at R38,95) - The festive season is around the corner and Essence is offering just the right products for a fashionable Christmas.  Red and violet shades meet shimmering gold and copper, which harmonize perfectly.  The collection features 3 lipsticks (R 44,50 each), 2 eyeshadows (R 38,50 each), a highlighter powder (R 63,50), scented gold dust powder (R 67,50), 5 stunning nail polishes (R 38,50 each) and a hair fragrance (R 67,50).  The limited edition Merry Berry collection will be available in Dis-Chem stores from November until December.

The Essence Merry Berry collection is probably my favourite collection to date, it is absolutely breathtaking!  If you glance to the right of my blog, you will see a photo I posted of the collection items I was sent about a week ago.  I have decided to purchase the rest of the collection products once they are in-store and will do a full review blog post for you.  Expect a rave review, ladies!



CATRICE Lumination (starting at R 61,95) - This summer, pastel rosé and bright pink shades are elegantly combined with shimmering metallics. The implementation of modern rosé gold during the Spring/Summer fashion shows already demonstrated the ubiquitous strength of this extravagant trend. The designers presented futuristic cuts, reflecting surfaces and flowing fabrics.  The collection features the new Pure Chrome eyehadows (R 69,95 each), the matte rose gold powder blush (R 69,95), a baked bronzer (R 89,95), a luminizing highlighter (R 89,95), 2 lipsticks (R 69,95 each) and 4 nail polishes (R 61,95 each).  The limited edition Lumination collection will be available in Dis-Chem stores from November until end of December.

I saw this collection at Dis-Chem last week and the rose gold packaging is something truly special.

Real Techniques Deluxe Gift Set (R 599,95) – This collector’s edition full face set and sleek clutch will glam up your makeup routine.  The set contains a Multi Task brush, exclusive Tapered Foundation brush, exclusive Angled Highlighter brush, a Base Shadow brush, a Fine Liner brush and an exclusive glam-to-go clutch to store your brushes in.  Available at selected Foschini stores during November and December.

COLAB Dry Shampoo (starting at R49,95) – COLAB has launched in South Africa, ladies!  This range of dry shampoos have been developed by a dynamic collective of beauty experts (Ruth Crilly of ‘A Model Recommends blog, and the Pixiwoo sisters) who combine the best of their backstage knowledge.   The result is inspiring breakthrough formulas that fuse the art of hairdressing with the science of formulation. The show stopping range is designed to revive & refresh style anytime, anywhere.  Clean hair for longer, no fear of white residue and a veil of fabulous fragrance.  The fragrances that will be available in South Africa are:

♥  Rio – a carnival of tropical notes with papaya, pineapple & a heart of cassis.

♥  New York – a fresh & fruity scent of apple & melon with a light amber finish.

♥  London – a classic yet contemporary fragrance of bergamot, musk & magnolia.

♥  Paris – an enchanting floral bouquet of jasmine & rose with a touch of patchouli.

♥  Monaco – a fresh sophisticated blend of Neroli & Amber with a hint of lemon.

♥  Tokyo – with oriental accents of orchid & mandarin with an aromatic base of sandalwood.

COLAB  Sheer & Invisible dry shampoo will be available at selected Clicks stores in 6 different fragrances in 200ml R 89,95 and 2 different fragrances in travel size 50ml R 49,95.  COLAB  Extreme Volume dry shampoo will be available in 4 different fragrances in 200ml R 99,95 and 1 fragrance in 50ml R 49,95.  For more information, you can check out the COLAB South Africa Facebook page.

L’Oréal Paris La Vie En Rose (R 154,95 each) – After the elegance of beiges and the incandescence of reds L’Oreal Paris sings a new ode to colour and offers to every woman a tailor made powdered pink by introducing the new Collection Exclusive La Vie en Rose.  Modern, sophisticated, stylish – these 7 exquisite shades were inspired by L’Oréal Paris Ambassadors to provide pink perfection with a velvet smooth texture and delicate matte finish.  The collection will be available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Foschini and Edgars stores.

Gillette Venus Snap Razor (R 74,99) – Gillette Venus, the #1 selling female razor brand in the world, has launched their new razor, Venus Snap with Embrace, aimed at women on-the-go, just in time for the summer holidays.  The razor comes complete with five curve-hugging blades and a cute compact case, which will ensure that you’re ready for anything, anytime.  The mini handle is easy to grip and convenient to store, and the water-activated ‘Ribbon of Moisture’ creates a smooth glide.  You can purchase any refill to fit the new short handle Venus Snap razor.  This new release from Gillette Venus will be available at major retailers nationwide.

Good news!  Gillette is celebrating summer with the launch of their #VenusOnTheGo competition where Venus fans stand a chance to win the perfect shopping spree worth R20 000 at Topshop.  Visit the Gillette SA Facebook page for more information.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula (starting at R21,95) – Introducing a new range of luxuriously rich, nourishing, and reparative products that transform hair from roots to tips.  Formulated with natural ingredients including pure coconut oil, coconut milk, keratin protein, Vitamin E and essential oils that strengthen and protect hair whilst adding incredible softness and shine.  Palmer’s products are gentle and free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and dyes.  This product line is available at Clicks.

♥  Conditioning Shampoo (R 66,95) – Rich, creamy shampoo that gently cleanses and removes build-up without stripping hair or interrupting its delicate moisture balance.  Perfect for dry, damaged, weak, over-processed or colour treated hair.  Adds incredible shine and silkiness.

♥  Reparing Conditioner (R 73,95) – Nourishing daily conditioner that continually hydrates leaving hair silky soft, mangeable and frizz-free shine.  Provides body and bounce.

♥  Strong Roots Spray (R 59,95) – Multi-purpose spray strengthens hair from roots to tips, alleviates tightness and itch, stimulates the scalp to promote healthy hair growth and freshens hair between cleansing. Ideal for braids, twists, synthetic and natural hair.  Deeply moisturises and adds incredible shine.  Reduces splitting and breakage.  Stimulates the scalp, encourages circulation and soothes itching.

♥  Replenishing Hair Milk (R 78,95) – Lightweight, non-greasy hair lotion that deeply penetrates hair and and replacing natural essential oils.  Tames frizz and smoothes fly-aways.  Can be used for sleek, straight styles or to define curls.

♥  Shine Serum Hair Polisher (R 98,95) – Shine Boost Hair Polisher serum is a non-greasy, alcohol free formula that combines a moisturising blend of Pure Coconut Oil and Marula Oil to transform dry, frizzy hair into glossy, polished perfection.  Repairs dry, damaged hair and adds brilliance and shine.  Nourishes, detangles, polishes and is ideal for use to smooth fly-aways or as a finishing gloss afer flat-ironing or styling.

♥  Deep Conditioning Protein Pack (R 21,95) – A once a week deep conditioning treatment formulated with Pure Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil and Vitamin E to restore and replenish hair that needs more than a daily conditioner.

Palmer’s sent me a hamper containing the new Coconut Oil Formula range, and I must say:  I’m in love.  Not only because the products smell like tropical coconuts, but also because the range of products are really something special.  My personal favourites are the Strong Roots Spray (it smells so fresh and minty), the Replenishing Hair Milk (I’ve used it as a pre- and post-styling product) and the Shine Serum Hair Polisher (it feels very lightweight on the hair).  I also love that the products don’t all smell exactly the same, some only have a tiny hint of a coconut scent, while others smell like a whole fresh coconut.

Bioderma Photoderm M SPF 50+ Tinted Protective Cream (R 209,95) – For the very first time a specific product that filters visible light to prevent melasma relapse.  Hyperpigmentation marks such as pregnancy mask are unsightly as they affect the face. They often take the form of a mask with irregular contours.  They can affect the forehead, cheeks, cheekbones and upper lip. This can affect all women, in particular darker phototypes (III and IV).  A very high UVA/UVB protection formula, reinforced for the visible spectrum via a combination of tinted mineral pigments which minimises the risk of pigmentation and reduces existing marks.  Its golden tint is adapted to all complexions concerned, with a natural coverage which immediately evens out the complexion.  A biological depigmenting active ingredient, highly purified glabridin, inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme which triggers the production of melanin, to reduce the marks.  Cellular Bioprotection preserves the skin’s immunity, cellular integrity and combats the premature ageing of the skin.  Available at Clicks, Dis-Chem and selected pharmacies nationwide.

Smartsun Wristbands (R 99,95 for pack of 5) – This wristband is a UV indicator, which changes colour when it’s time to reapply sun cream or stay out of the sun for the day.  The Smartsun wristband works by measuring the amount of UV radiation you have been exposed to and will change colour accordingly.  The wristbands themselves are waterproof, discreet and reliable and will alert you before you notice any damage to your skin.  Each band is one wear only, and starts out as yellow, changing to beige and then pink to alert you when it is time to top up on sun lotion, or when it is time to avoid the sun for the rest of the day.  Available at selected Clicks stores nationwide.  Product features:

♥  Can be used in water – even chlorinated water and salt water.

♥  Detects both UVA and UVB.

♥  Can be used in combination with sunscreen by applying sunscreen.

♥  The wristband is functional with any type of sunscreen.

♥  You can use the wristband all day, even if you go inside for a while.

♥  Measures the total amount of radiation during the whole day.

♥  If the band has been kept in the packaging the bands can be used up to 2 years after purchase.

LPG Anti-Aging Renewal Serum (R 1500,00) – This renewal serum contains a combination of 22% of active ingredients, each selected for their proven anti-aging power.  The formula includes the new ITD (Intelligence Targeting Device) encapsulation technology, which allows the serum to precisely deliver the active ingredients to the heart of the fibroblast in order to reactivate the production of collagen and elastin.  This pink velvety-textured serum, enriched in micro-pearls clarifies the complexion, refines the skin’s texture and smoothes wrinkles while bringing comfort and hydration to the skin.  Available at selected salons and aesthetic practitioners.  To find an LPG-equipped center near you, visit LPG Systems online.

Vita Liberata (starting at R 695,00) - Vita Liberata South Africa is very excited to announce they will be expanding their products ranges to include the Passionflower & Argan Dry Oil, Neroli & Argan Milk and Tystal Mineral products ranges.  These new ranges are sold at selected salons and spas, as well as the Vita Liberata South Africa online store.

♥  Passionflower & Argan Dry Oil Face Serum SPF 30 (R 695,00) – Highly concentrated, ultra-hydrating, non-greasy broad spectrum SPF 30 Dry Oil Serum for face.  Passionflower to repair dry and damaged skin, Argan Oil repairs skin with anti-oxidants that neutralize free radical damage and fight photoaging.  Argan Oil also delivers essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin E.  Sweet Almond Oil is rich in Vitamin E which firms skin and fights signs of ageing.

♥  Passionflower and Argan Dry Oil SPF25 / SPF50 (R 795,00) – Ultra hydrating, non-greasy broad spectrum SPF Dry Oil for face, body and hair.  Can be used daily as a skin conditioning treatment with the added benefit of sun protection.

♥  Neroli & Argan Milk SPF25 / SPF50 (R 795,00) – Soothing non-greasy broad spectrum SPF Milk.  Lightweight silky smooth formula contains broad spectrum SPF for protection against UVA and UVB rays.  Neroli Oil for anti-age skin regeneration, repair and balancing.

♥  Trystal Minerals (R 895,00) – A world-first self-tanning bronzer that offers bronzing mineral coverage and a lasting tan.  Trystal3 technology combines instant pure mineral bronzing with long lasting tan results. Unique formula interacts with your moisturizer or liquid foundation base to tan the skin.  Crystal technology allows DHA to be activated from a dry crystalline form when it comes in contact with skin.  Micronized crystals reflect light to create a smooth skin finish.  Ecocert Dihydroxyacetone tans the skin for a lasting radiant glow.  This self-tanning infused mineral bronzer gives sheer, lightweight, flawless coverage, and features an oil-free formula.

Dermalogica Gift Sets (starting at R 820,00) - Dermalogica is celebrating the festive season with 4 limited edition gift sets.  These gift sets will be available at Dermalogica Concept Stores, Sorbet salons, selected salons that stock Dermalogica products, as well as the Dermalogica South Africa online store.

♥  Active Moist Gift Set (R 820,00) – Sheer, easy-to-apply Active Moist formula contains Silk Amino Acids and a unique combination of plant extracts that help improve skin texture and combat surface dehydration. Limited-edition set contains one full-size Active Moist and one free travel size of Dermal Clay Cleanser (purifying, invigorating cleanser), plus a limited-edition silicone Facial Cleansing Mitt.

♥  Intensive Moisture Balance Gift Set (R 1100,00) – Smooth away the appearance of dry skin and skin damage with stabilised Vitamin C as extracts help reduce the signs of prematurely-aging skin. Limited-edition set contains one full-size Intensive Moisture Balance and one free travel size of Essential Cleansing Solution (creamy, nourishing cleanser), plus a limited-edition silicone Facial Cleansing Mitt.

♥  Skin Smoothing Cream Gift Set (R 880,00) – Medium-weight moisturizer to balance combination/dry skin. Deep-moisturising Lecithin and Aloe Gel nourish while extracts of Mallow, Cucumber and Arnica soothe and hydrate. Limited-edition set contains one full-size Skin Smoothing Cream and one free travel size of Special Cleansing Gel (gentle, soap-free cleanser), plus a limited-edition silicone Facial Cleansing Mitt.

♥  Super Rich Repair Gift Set (R 1050,00) – Deeply nourishing skin treatment cream combats chronically dry, dehydrated skin. Help insulate skin from extreme environmental assaults and replenish critical moisture levels as powerful peptides help stimulate collagen production. Limited-edition set contains one full-size Super Rich Repair and one free travel size of Skin Resurfacing Cleanser (smoothing exfoliating cleanser), plus a limited-edition silicone Facial Cleansing Mitt.

WhiteGlo Diamond Series (starting at R 49,95) – A new range of advanced whitening products released by Australia’s leading whitening brand White Glo.  The Diamond Series has been produced after years of research and development to produce the most advanced whitening formulations in the market.  The series currently comprises of the Diamond Series whitening kit (R 249,95), whitening pen (R 199,95), and mouthwash (R 49,95).  Available at selected Dis-Chem and Clicks stores nationwide.

Factorie Make Up Make Out (starting at R 49,95) – Youth lifestyle brand Factorie is set to enter the beauty market with the launch of its first cosmetics range, Make Up Make Out.  The new collection features a comprehensive contour kit, 2 eye shadow palettes, chunky lip crayons, super-fun macaroon lip balms and a bronzer to give the perfect summer glow.  It also includes mascara, nail paint, a bronzer brush, an eye shadow brush and a range of body mist fragrances, from coconut crush to moonstruck nights.  Factorie wanted to make quality cosmetics super accessible to younger girls, starting at just R 49,00 per nail polish and ranging up to R 249,00 for the contour kit.  The new Factorie beauty makeup and beauty products are available at Factorie stores nationwide.

The Body Shop Festive Collections (starting at R 45,00) – Whether you’re spoiling someone in your family or lavishing luxury on a fabulous friend, there’s a gift at The Body Shop to suit everybody.  Discover The Body Shop’s new Frosted Plum seasonal body care.  This new seasonal range adds a sophisticated spin to their holiday selection by introducing a unique floral-fruity scent.  The opening notes of plum, grapefruit, and raspberry give this fragrance a fruity punch, while it’s floral heart and musk base adds sophistication.  The Body Shop festive collection products are only available at The Body Shop stores nationwide (not sure if Clicks will sell these new limited edition festive edition products).

With a wide selection of product types, gift giving just became a lot easier.  The holiday collection also features their much-loved ‘Glazed Apple’ range, as well as the ‘Frosted Cranberry’ range.  As with previous years’ festive collection ranges, each range will include a body scrub (R 150,00), body butter (R 160,00), shower gel (R 99,00), hand cream (R55,00), lip balm (R 60,00) and body lotion (R 120,00).  New limited edition products within each of the 3 collections are: Bath Fizzers (R 200,00), Candles (R 200,00) and a Shimmer Mist (price TBC).

Pureology Smooth Perfection (starting at R 278,00) – Hair care for 72 hours of anti-frizz control and smoothness.  Blow away frizz and heat styling stress with Smooth Perfection anti-frizz hair care products. Made with camellia oil, this lightweight fast-absorbing oil moisturises and conditions to fight frizzy hair. Combines the best of smoothing, colour care and heat protection for a fast new anti-frizz solution. The Smooth Perfection line has versatile styles to prevent frizz for all hair types.  This new collection from Pureology consists of a Shampoo (R 278,00), Conditioner (R 316,00), Smoothing Serum (R 474,00), Style Shaping Gel (R 474,00), Intense Smooth Cream (R 391,00) and Lightweight Smoothing Lotion (R 474,00).  Pureology products are available online at Retail Box and Everything Hair, or at selected hair salons nationwide.

Can you believe I have NEVER used Pureology products?  I’ve heard so many people rave about the brand, so I think it’s time I dabbled a bit…

Sorbet Scent Me Fragrance Set (R 250,00) - Sorbet has launched a beautiful frangrance set just in time for Christmas.  The set contains 5 fragrances (each with a spray nozzle) ranging from sweet & floral, to fresh & uplifting.  You can wear each fragrance alone, or mix and match to create your own unique scent.  Available at Clicks stores nationwide.

Oh So Heavenly Gift Sets (starting at R 49,95) - The other day I was walking around my local Clicks store, and my mouth literally fell open when I saw the HUGE range of Christmas gift sets from Oh So Heavenly.  They have definitely gone to town this year – most of their permanent ranges have various sized gift sets available, plus they now also have a limited edition festive season range of products available (gold packaging).  The festive season scent smells absolutely amazing, I suggest you pop in to your nearest Clicks store to go take a look at these beautiful gift sets.

Hill’s Healthy Festive Treats (starting at R 45,00) - Hill’s has the answer to healthy festive treats, even if your pet is overweight, has food allergies or a sensitive skin.  New Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Treats for dogs are available from vet practices from the end of November.  These delicious treats are completely hypoallergenic, making them the ideal reward for sensitive dogs prone to food allergies, skin or digestive issues.  Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Treats are for cats and dogs on a weight-loss programme. Tasty even though they are low in calories, these treats won’t put the waist-line at risk when used in conjunction with the right weight loss food.  The Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Treats pack retails for R 69,00 (dogs) and R 45,00 (cats) at vets and vet stores nationwide.  The Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Treats pack retails for R 69,00.

Hill’s Ideal Balance treats for dogs combine the finest natural ingredients with perfectly balanced nutrition. The 3 varieties – Oven-Baked Chicken & Apples, Soft-Baked Chicken & Carrots and Soft-Baked Duck & Pumpkin are made without any soy, wheat, corn, artificial colours or flavours.  These yummy, wholesome treats are the perfect stocking filler.  Hill’s Ideal Balance Canine Treats pack retails for R 55,00 and will be available from vet and vet stores nationwide.

I’m definitely buying a few packs of these treats for our fur babies, we have 2 Christmas stockings shaped as bones - 1 for Jezebelle and 1 for Charlie.  I always like to stuff their stockings with treats and prezzies.  I’ve already bought both of them this and this for Christmas (both are on sale – score!).  Blue for Charlie and pink for Jezebelle.  But shhhhhh….don’t tell them!

Don’t forget!  Clicks is running an amazing promotion until the 24th of December – shop 3 of their purple sticker products and get the cheapest one FREE!

So…what are you most excited about?  I’ll tell you what’s going on my Christmas Wish List: CATRICE Lumination collection products (I had a look in-store and the blush, highlighter and the bronze & gold eyeshadows look great!), COLAB dry shampoos, an Oh So Heavenly gift set (or two), Pureology Smooth Perfection products, The Body Shop festive collection items (the Glazed Apple Shimmer Mist looks so good, and smells delicious), and that Real Techniques brush set.

Speaking of Real Techniques:  Make sure you check in on the blog next week, because I’ll be giving away this SUPER exclusive Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection Essentials brush set!  This set will not be available for purchase in South Africa, and I’m very lucky to be able to collaborate with Real Techniques South Africa again to host the giveaway.  The powder brush you see in the middle is a limited edition brush because it is angled, very different to the original Bold Metals Powder Brush.

One last thing: If you see something that might interested your friends or family, please share this blog post with them by clicking on any of the social media icons below.  Or perhaps you would like to add a few of these items to your Christmas Wish List…direct your mom / husband / boyfriend / granny to this post.

The post Products Popping Up – November 2015 appeared first on Pink Peonies.

Show more