VIDEO: January Favourites 2015

My 5 Top Picks for January 2015

 



Hi beauties!

 

Yesterday I uploaded my first video of 2015! I really hope to film more often for you guys! I spoke about my top five products for January, here are some links to the ones I've already reviewed:

 

- Balm Balm Frankincense Light Facial Oil
- Africa Organics Marula Shampoo
- NYX Stay Matte Not Flat Foundation
- The Victorian Garden Seaweed & Cypress Shower Gel
- Juice Beauty Conditioning Lip Color

 

Hope you enjoy!

 

 

Love Always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

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Currently Testing: The Victorian Garden

Christmas Spoils from The Victorian Garden

 



Hi beauties!

 

I received such an exciting package from The Victorian Garden for Christmas filled with goodies I haven't tried yet. As I mentioned in this video, The Victorian Garden are one of my favourite brands as they are natural; organic; cruelty free; South African and totally affordable!

 

I'm so looking forward to testing out this products this festive season and I love the message about the Peppermint Pig (see photos below)

 

 



 Love Always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

 



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VIDEO: My Top 3 Face Masks

Face Mask Review - Youtube

 



Hi friends!

 

I finally have a new YouTube video up! I promise I'll get to filming more often ;)

If you head to my Facebook Page you'll see there's an exciting giveaway happening!

 

 

 

 

Love Always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

 



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Winter 2014 Skin Care

A Few Of My Picks for Winter Skincare 2014

Hi everyone!

Since about May, every now and again I keep getting really dry skin and the cold fronts that have been hitting Pretoria haven't been helping much! These are a few of the products that have become a staple in my winter skincare routine (from left to right). I usually use oils to cleanse and moisturise my skin, but I'm extra fond of oils during the dry winter months. Many of these products I've re-bought and some only have a few drops left. I'm currently testing a few new products that I've been loving but those will be featured soon in separate reviews but for now here's what I use day to day. I've reviewed most of them so you can click on the links to find out more!

♡ The Victorian Garden Hydrating Face Masque

♡ Oh Lief Natural Lip Balm

♡ Balm Balm Rose Geranium Face Balm

♡ Balm Balm Rose Water Hydrosol

♡ Balm Balm Super Light Coconut Cleanser

♡ Philosophia Botanica Anti-Aging Serum

♡ The Victorian Garden Day Moisturising Serum

♡ Esse Body Oil

What products are you using this winter?

Love always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

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Travel Essentials

My Top Travel Essentials

"Wanderlust" - a very strong desire or impulse to travel. 

I am utterly consumed by wanderlust, each day a new city; a new country; a new island is added to my bucket list. I am extremely blessed with the fact that I get to travel to Zambia quite a few times a year. Seeing as though I travel so often, I must say I've become a little bit of a pro when it comings to packing. However, sometimes my blondness gets to me and I might forget something and  when I'm in Zambia there aren't many shops by the Zambezi River oops!

These are a few of my traveling essentials. Since I'm a sun loving summer baby, I usually travel somewhere that involves a river; beach or pool so my traveling essentials are all summer based.

1. Rayban Aviators (Polarized) from Sunglass Hut
2. Basil & Lemongrass Mosquito Repellent Body Lotion from The Victorian Garden
3. Fake Out Mascara from Physicians Formula
4. Tinted Mineral Moisturiser from Juice Beauty
5. Lemon Drop Lip Balm from EOS
6. Rose Water Hydrosol from Balm Balm
7. Sport SPF 40 Sunscreen from SunUmbra
8. Earphones from Forever New
9. Bikini from Roxstar

I've already reviewed the Basil & Lemongrass Mosquito Repellent Body Lotion; the Fake Out Mascara and the Sport SPF40 Sunscreen so here's a bit more information on the other products I've mentioned as my travel essentials:

Polarized Rayban Aviators from Sunglass Hut

For Christmas 2012, I got my first pair of Raybans and was immediately hooked. I knew I couldn't go back to my cheap sunnies after being spoilt by the amazing Rayban lenses. Unfortunately in December 2013 while I was in Kariba, a wave pretty much stole them off my face haha! I got money for Christmas 2013 and decided to wait for the Sunglass Hut sale. I managed to get these babies for a really great price, they are polarized and they can fold up into half of the shape so they are perfect for traveling! Also, the aviator shape is so classic so I know these will never go out of style. I love my Rayban Aviators! 

EOS Lemon Drop Lip Balm 

A friend of mine went to Au Pair in America and when she returned and was unpacking her bag I totally freaked out because I saw she had some EOS lip balms with her. She very kindly gave me the Lemon Drop one and I am completely obsessed with it! I use it all day, before I go to gym, when I wake up, before I go to bed, it's pretty much with me all the time. What's so great about this one is that it has SPF 15 in it so it's perfect for being outdoors. I will be doing a full review on the EOS lip balms soon!

Earphones from Forever New

Can we just take a minute and admire how beautiful these earphones are? My brother's girlfriend bought these beauties for me for Christmas and I still to this day can't get over how fabulous they are! I love listening to music on long journey's so these are perfect for keeping me glam while I travel!

Rose Water Hydrosol from Balm Balm

This product is pretty much the holy grail of travel products for me! Yes, I am that serious! I decant this product into a travel approved sized bottle and carry it in my hand luggage. I always feel like my skin gets so dry on the plane so I spritz this during and after my flight and it keeps my skin hydrated and fresh. I also like to spray it after a long day in the sun as it is invigorating and helps lock the nutrients in my skin. It's also a dual purpose product as it can be used to remove those last traces of make up and as a toner!

USA flag bikini from Roxstar

As I mentioned, I'm 99% of the time near water so a bikini is a staple in my travel wardrobe. I got this at the end of last year and I love love love this bikini! I'm pretty much obsessed with bikini's so I buy them quite often and therefore get to  pack quite a few each time I travel. I have a few 'safe' bikinis that I always pack and then often a few of my new ones. But seriously, how cute is this bikini?

A travel tip that I've recently learn't from my mom is, always carry a face cloth in your hand bag or hand luggage when you travel. Often when you stop at restrooms, there aren't paper towels etc so its great to keep one in your bag in a plastic bag for clean dry hands!

What are some of your travel essentials? Any that I mentioned?

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REVIEW: The Victorian Garden Face Masque

Bulgarian Rose & Apricot Hydrating Cream Face Masque from The Victorian Garden

When it comes to taking care of my skin, I'm so rigid in my routines. No matter how much of a long night it was I will NEVER go to bed with my make up on! But when it comes to face masques, I always think to myself "oh I'll do it tomorrow" etc. Anybody else do the same? Or am I on my own here? Nevertheless, this year I have decided that I will dedicate one day a week to my new friend, the face masque. I usually do it on a Sunday night as I like to think of it as a way to start my week off with 'fresh' skin.  

A while ago The Victorian Garden team sent me this face masque to try out. It's the Bulgarian Rose and Apricot one and is suitable for normal/combination skin. They have masques for all skin types, you can have a look at their website to see which one would suit your skin type best.

The Apricot and Bulgarian Rose Oil helps to rejuvenate skin cells and stimulate blood circulation. It's a very creamy texture and I like to apply a generous amount to my face and neck. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and the wipe it off with a damp cloth and then rinse with warm water. It has a sweet, lovely scent and this is thanks to the Bulgarian Rose Oil. As the name says, it really is hydrating. After I've used my face masque I don't feel the need to apply any more skincare products, I enjoy this as I like to give my skin 'a break' sometimes from overloading with too many products. 

So from now on, Sundays will be my day that I use my face masques and apply as little skincare products as needed. Who's with me?

This little beauty retails for R83 for 50ml and can be bought via The Victorian Garden website 

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REVIEW: The Victorian Garden Mosquito Repellent Lotion

Basil & Lemongrass Mosquito Repellent Lotion by The Victorian Garden

I honestly don't know if there is a more annoying sound than a mosquito buzzing around your head while you are trying to sleep! I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that is driven insane by it! So what do you do? Spray yourself with toxic repellent hoping it will 'bug' off? I have the solution for you - The Basil & Lemongrass Mosquito Repellent Lotion from The Victorian Garden!

As most of you know, I'm a frequent traveler to Zambia and most recently to Zimbabwe (where the above photo was taken), so I need to have protection from mosquitos because they are both malaria affected countries. I was so grateful when the wonderful Jessica from The Victorian Garden sent me this lotion and I was so eager to test it out while on the house boat on Kariba in Zimbabwe. 

One of the first things I noted about this body lotion, was the scent. The invigorating presence of lemongrass in the mixture definitely makes it's mark in the fragrance of this lotion, even my brother was really impressed with how good it smelt. Another positive about this body lotion is that it really is mositurising. I could apply it straight after my shower and had hydrated, plus protected, skin for the rest of the night.

I'm so anti the usual toxic mosquito repellents especially after my mom once sprayed it and it melted her nail polish! If it can melt nail polish, imagine what it does when it's absorbed by your bloodstream! 

The best element of this mosquito repellent that I was most impressed with was the fact that it really did keep those pesky mozzies away! High five to you The Victorian Garden!

There really wasn't anything that I didn't like about this Basil & Lemongrass Mosquito Repellent Body Lotion and I can definitely tell you that I will be stocking up on more when my bottle is finished!

It's R72 for 100 ml which is an amazing deal and you can find on The Victorian Garden website

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December Products

The Perfect Products for Summer

Hi my lovies,

As most of you know, I'm a real summer baby! Hello sun, hello holidays, hello parties! I've put a few products together that are perfect for traveling, holidays, pool parties and summer.

1. The Victorian Garden Basil and Lemongrass Mosquito Repellent Body Lotion
I just got back from Kariba and I used this every night while on the houseboat, it works like a bomb! It smells great, moisturizes your body and keeps those damm mozzies away (look out for a full review soon)
R72

2. Esse Body Oil
This body oil is great as a pre-sun treatment as its loaded with lots of anti-oxidants. Its also great for helping soothe sunburns; dry skin; too much chlorine in the pool and can even be used as a hair treatment
R320

3. The Victorian Garden Pomegranate and Argan Lip Conditioner
This lip balm is perfect to pop into your beach bag or your handbag to keep your lips smooth and conditioned throughout the day/night.
R30

4. Earthbound Wines
What is summer without Sunday afternoon braai's; sitting by the pool; picnics; beach days and time with family and friends? And what is time like that without a glass of vino in your hands? Why not make it an organic glass of wine? Yes thats right, organic wine! And it's delicious!
R45 (white) & R54 (red)

5. Nourish Radiance Mini Skincare Kit
I love mini skincare kits because I think they are so perfect for traveling! I really enjoyed using the toner and the night cream from this kit.
R380

6. Zoya Snow White
Those that follow me on Instagram will see how I love white nails for summer - so trendy! I love this nail polish from Zoya
R140

7. Balm Balm Rose Water Hydrosol
Wow, my skin is so grateful for this hydrosol after flights! It is so hydrating and it smells divine! It's also so great to use after a long hot day in the sun as it nourishes your skin (full review coming soon)
R273

8. Sunumbra Sport SPF40 Sunscreen
A chemical free sunscreen that contains plant extracts? Sounds perfect for this sun loving Glam Green Girl! 
R262

9. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturiser
Summer days equals being hot and sweating in most cases, so why would you want to wear a heavy foundation? This tinted moisturiser is perfect to take your from day to night while keeping a natural summer glow (full review coming soon)
R350

10. The Victorian Garden Chamomile & Orange Blossom Toning Refresher
Freshen and hydrate your skin with this alcohol free spritzer which can be used through out the day. This toner acts as a pre-moisturiser and helps balance the skins pH levels.
R59

Hope you enjoyed my recommendations! Let me know your thoughts on these products.

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BIRTHDAY WISHLIST: Part 2

Part 2 of My Birthday Wishlist

It's officially 2 weeks till my birthday so here is Part 2 of my Birthday Wishlist!

PS: Here is the link to Part 1 {make up}

1. Zoya Nail Polish in Minka

2. Hey Gorgeous Lip Scrub in Candy Floss

3. Sprout Watch (from overseas, a girl can dream though)

4. Woolworths White Lace Shorts

5. The Victorian Garden Exfoliating Scrub in Double Rose

6. Zoya Nail Polish in Neely

7. David Green Sunglasses

8. Africa Organics Baobab Hair Treatment

9. Zoya Nail Polish in Megan

10. Forever New Pencil Case (I would use it as a make up bag, obsessed with the colour)

11. Sprout Watch (another one I love)

12. Hey Gorgeous Salt Body Scrub in French Roast and Vanilla Bean

13. Woolworths White Crochet Shorts

What do you think of my choices?

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REVIEW: Body Lotions

All About Body Lotions

Recently I've been sent a few body lotions to test out and two of the Rain products listed below are products that I won from the lovely Chicara (have a look at her beauty blog called Lipgloss Kisses). 

Here are my thoughts on them:

1. Biologie Hand & Body Lotion from Rain

This hand & body lotion is perfect for these hot days we've been having lately as it's such a light cream, it doesn't feel sticky or too heavy so I'm looking forward to using it this summer. It contains organic Marula oil which is a natural tissue oil! Another great factor about this product is that the scent isn't over powering at all!

Price: unknown as it was a prize

2. Rosehip and Pomegranate Body Lotion from The Victorian Garden

With this body lotion, you are happy that the scent is strong as it is just divine! I love it! Made with Rosehip oil which is great for uneven skin tone and Pomegranate which is known for it's anti-ageing properties, this body lotion is a real treat. It's a Limited Edition body lotion, but the wonderful ladies at The Victorian Garden has assured me it will be available for a while still as it is so popular!

Price: R120

3. Milk & Honey Hand and Body Lotion from Earthsap

Made with Jojoba; Aloe and Olive Oils as well as Shea Butter and Eevening Primrose, this body lotion is sure to keep your skin nourished and moisturised. The scent is subtle so it's great as a everyday lotion.

Price: R45

4. Kalahari Melon Body Lotion from Africa Organics

I received this body lotion in a pack with a large sized body wash, but I think this small size is so great for travelling or to pop in your handbag! I will be honest with you though, I'm not the greatest fan of the scent, it's a bit too overpowering for me but I think it's because I'm not a fan of melon. It is however a light lotion which is great for those hot days where you don't want to feel greasy. Plus, the omega 6 fatty acids from the Kalahari Melon are great for your skin.

Price: Travel size R13

5. Coconut & Shea Intense Hydration from Rain

This was another one of the products that I received in my prize from Lipgloss Kisses. It has a stronger scent than the body lotion as it also contains aloe ferox, tangerine & sesame oil, so the tangerine scent is quite prominent. I did find this body lotion a bit heavy for me and I put it on the one night before I went out and felt a bit sticky, but now I know to keep it for the nights that I stay in and just want to pamper my skin as it is an intense hydration as the name states.

Price: unknown as it was part of a prize.

The great thing about all these products? There are no nasty ingredients in them, making them Glam and Green!

Have you tried any of these body lotions? What are your thoughts? With is almost being summer, it's important to keep your skin nourished and moisturised to keep it looking it's best!

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Winter Beauty Products 2013

My Top 9 Products for Winter 2013

It's 5 weeks till spring but the dry winter air is still looming here in Pretoria - here are a few of the products I've enjoyed using this winter to keep me looking my best:

1. Balm Balm Recovery Bath and Body Oil Spray - since its almost spring, that means its almost bikini time and this spray is so great after a hectic gym session

2. Karma Naturals Body Butter - I won this body butter from Live Green Beauty and it's been such a great product to use when I suffer from dry skin

3. Zoya Nail Polish "Sam" - I love this colour for winter!

4.Beauty Factory Co Hand & Nail Cream (originals) - I keep this on my desk to keep my hands moisturised through out the day 

5. Alima Pure Lip Balm "Sweet Pea" - This lip balm is a great colour to wear during the day, but the reason I love it is because of the peppermint oil!

6. Dr Hauschka Nourishing Rose Body Wash - I love the scent and the beautiful essential oils

7. Balm Balm Rose Geranium Hand Balm - I've been using this hand balm on my face (all their balms are multi-purpose), the rose geranium is great for dry skin

8. Esse Eye Make Up Remover - I've only just started using this product but I love it already, I wear a lot of eye make up so I use it after I've washed my face just to get the last remaining traces of make up off (look out for a full review soon)

9. The Victorian Garden Day Moisturising Serum -  this review says it all!

What products have you been loving this winter? I'd love to hear what your favourites have been!

On a side note, I was recently interviewed by Live Magazine, be a darling and please check it out :)

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REVIEW: Day Moisturising Serum

The Victorian Garden

Day Moisturising Serum

Last month when my blog celebrated it's second birthday, the lovely ladies at The Victorian Garden sent me a hamper full of spoils. One of the products I received was the Day Moisturising Serum and boy-oh-boy am I a fan of it now!

Made from Jojoba oil, Rosehip oil, Wheatgerm oil, Marula oil, Carrot oil, Elemi oil, Borage oil, Rose scented Geranium oil, Sandalwood oil, Chamomile Flower oil, Grapefruit oil, Bergamot oil and Lavender oil (all natural and organically grown) - this serum is perfect for waking up your skin in the morning. It has a refreshing scent and you only need to use 2-3 drops on your face. 

In the morning, apply it and then let it be absorbed by your skin and then you can apply your make up, your skin feels moisturised for the rest of the day! I've been using it everyday for about a month now and I haven't suffered from dry winter skin during the day. Another great element about this serum? It's only R67.00! Yes that's correct, R67.00! You can order it from The Victorian Garden website.

This serum is definitely going to be added to my list of favourite products!

Have you tried this serum?

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Facial Cleansers

Glam and Green Facial Cleansers

image: pintrest

I am a real stickler when it comes to my skin, no matter how tired I am - I always make sure I've removed all my make-up before bed. This includes late nights where a make-up wipe is my best friend, one way or another I never go to bed with make-up on!

Recently I've been testing out a few face washes and decided to put them all together so you can find something to your liking. Some like a gel cleanser; an oil cleanser; a milky cleanser or a cream cleanser - its all about finding which one works best for you.

~ Esse Gel Cleanser - R150 for 100ml

~ Juice Beauty Cleansing Milk - R280 for 180ml

~ Dr Hauschka Cleansing Milk - R422 for 145ml [read my review]

~ Sanctum Purifying Foam Cleanser - R165 for 150ml

~ Yves Rocher Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser - R95

~ Naturals Beuaty Gel Face Cleanser -  R65 [read my review on the milk cleanser]

~ Balm Balm Superlight Coconut Cleanser - R280 for 100ml [read my review]

~ Just Pure Organic Face Wash - R165 for 100ml

~ The Victorian Garden Cleansing Milk - R60 for 100ml [read my review]

As I was busy getting the last few prices for this post I saw the wonderful Chereen Strydom (almost typed Gibson ;) ) from 'For The Beauty of It' posted about cleaning your face in a wonderful blog post - head over here to read what she suggests!

Do you use any of these cleansers or are they on your list-to-buy?

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REVIEW: Cleansing Milk - The Victorian Garden

The Victorian Garden Jasmine & Chamomile Cleansing Milk

The Jasmine & Chamomile Cleansing Milk has become one of my favourite facial cleansers lately and here are my top reasons why:

1) It smells divine - the jasmine scent is just delightful
2) It is so creamy - you won't want to wash it off your face
3) It easily removes make-up

This creamy cleanser is pH balanced so it doesn't strip your skin of it's natural oils. It's velvety smooth texture is gentle on your skin and cleanses it superbly!

Each skin type has it's own cleanser:

Dry – Rosemary and Lavender

Normal/Combination – Jasmine and Chamomile

Oily/Problem – Lemon and Geranium

Sensitive – Apricot and Lavender

It's R60 for a 100ml bottle or R134 for the 250ml economy size! Great price for such a great product!

To order one of these amazing cleansers - click here

Have you tried some Victorian Garden products?

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REVIEW: Mango and Vanilla Body Scrub

Mango and Vanilla Exfoliating Body Scrub from The Victorian Garden

For my Christmas Gift Guide I featured the Mango and Vanilla Exfoliating Body Scrub from The Victorian Garden as one of my gifts to buy for the ladies. A creamy salt scrub that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, who doesn't want that in summer? 

Made from natural salt and rosehip to create an exfoliating medium and fragranced with vanilla and mango - this scrub works wonders for your skin while smelling so yummy! It has been formulated to remove dead skin cells, stimulate the lymphatic system and help detoxify the tissues.

I'm a huge fan of exfoliating scrubs and try use one at least once a week to help keep my skin soft and smooth so I definitely recommend this one as it smells great and left my skin feeling good!

Check out The Victorian Garden's Website to have a look at their products which are so affordable! 

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