Liquid foundations review

Hi all!

In the winter months, I think a lot of us girls tend to lean towards using liquid foundation rather than powder foundations due to the drying effects that the cold weather has on our skin. I’ve compiled reviews of my four favourite liquid foundations at the moment – MAC Studio Fix Fluid, Chanel Perfection Lumière Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation and MAC Studio Sculpt. Each foundation has a consistency, coverage and finish of its own, which is why I love mixing and matching these four products during the winter! In order of preference, here’s the scoop on my favourite four.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid
Shade I use: NW20 (when I am not spray tanned) and NW30 (when I am spray tanned)
Coverage: Full, but can still be set using a translucent powder without looking “cakey”
Finish: Slightly matte, but can be made to look more dewy if a drop of liquid illuminator is mixed in
Price: Average, worth every penny in my opinion as you don’t need much for a full and flawless application
Pros: Easy to apply and blend, gives the face a full coverage within minutes, covers all spots and blemishes with ease (no concealer needed), dries quicky, the undertone is flattering to my natural skin tone, gives a flawless “baby doll” look to the skin
Cons: Sometimes oxidises on my skin, can make skin look dark under the eyes if over-applied, not very easy to touch up

Chanel Perfection Lumière Long-Wear Flawless Fluid Makeup
Shade I use: 22 Beige Rose
Coverage: Light to medium, but can be built up gradually or used
with a powder foundation
Finish: Very dewy and illuminating, gives the skin a “natural glow” kind of look
Price: Pricy, but I don’t use it often as I prefer full coverage foundations so I don’t purchase this often
Pros: Lovely “silky” consistency, gives a natural but ever so dewy coverage, very flattering on the skin, smells divine, comes in an easy-to-use pump bottle
Cons: Takes ages to dry, often needs to be set with a translucent powder

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation
Shade I use: #1
Coverage: Light to medium, can’t be built up much
Finish: Slightly matte, but doesn’t look “cakey” whatsoever
Price: Average, perhaps a bit pricy for the amount of product that
you have to use if you want to build up a full coverage
Pros: Dries quickly, very brightening and makes the skin look
“awake”, easy to apply
Cons: Way too perfumed for my liking, turns white in photos taken with a flash, can be drying to my skin, sometimes causes breakouts

MAC Studio Sculpt
Shade I use: NW20 (shades are the same as MAC Studio Fix Fluid)
Coverage: Medium, but can be built up using a powder
Foundation
Price: Average, around the same price as MAC Studio Fix Fluid
Pros: Comes in a tubes which allows you to get to every last drop of product, gives the ultimate dewy look, can be built up to a full coverage, moisturising creamy consistency
Cons: Tends to feel “sticky” at times, can look oily if not applied properly, often needs to be set with a translucent powder, takes a while to dry

Let’s talk hair care!

Hello lovelies!

It’s been a while since I last blogged about hair care and maintenance, so I thought I best give an update on my current hair care routine and products. I look after my long locks using a number of shampoos, conditioners, toners, masks and serums. Please read further for the scoop on what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to looking after your hair!

SHAMPOOS & CONDITIONERS
I have a number of different shampoos and conditioners that I make use of on a regular basis. My shower is cluttered in bottles! Although this may seem unnecessary to some, I find that having three different shampoos and conditioners is essential – one pair for everyday use, one for special use, and then one for “very special use”. For everyday use, I use Alberto Balsam Coconut & Lychee Shampoo and Conditioner. Not only does it smell deliciously fruity, it’s also super inexpensive and leaves my hair feeling fresh and extra clean. Although these products are more on the lower end, they don’t seem to strip my hair of any oils, which is also a huge plus!

For special use, my all-time favourite is L’Oréal Paris Elvive Nutri-Gloss Crystal Sparkling Shampoo and Conditioner (the pink bottles) – such winners! When I use these products, I ensure that’s my hair is never hidden away in a bun or ponytail! If you’re looking for a beautiful shine, look no further. Seriously, these products are the bomb when it comes to enriching hair with moisture and a healthy shine. The conditioner is also super lightweight, which I love. It doesn’t leave my hair feeling weighed down like most conditioners do.

For “extra special use”, I love my Schwarzkopf Professional Gliss Liquid Silk Shampoo paired with the Extra Repair Conditioner. The shampoo gives my hair a boost of radiance and shine and the conditioner, which is a gorgeous-smelling leave-in spray, leaves my hair tangle-free and lusciously soft and silky once blow-dried.

TONERS
Because I have almost platinum blonde hair, I make use of “purple” toners to rid my hair of any unwanted yellow and copper tones that may come up a few weeks after having my hair highlighted in the salon. My favourite toner to use is undoubtedly L’Oréal Professionnel Serié Expert Silver Shampoo. Although a bit on the pricy side, this shampoo does just the right job of taking all brassiness out of my blonde locks! I use this toner weekly and it lasts me 5-6 months. Definitely worth the splurge!

If I’m on a budget, I mix half a bottle of gentian violet with a three-quarter full bottle of any relatively cheap shampoo. Although this method has proven to be quite drying to my hair, it does just about the same trick as any purple shampoo that you’ll find in the salon. I would still, however, suggest investing in a salon quality purple toner if you’re also a blonde.

MASKS
In my opinion, it’s essential to use a hair mask at least once every two weeks to keep your hair in tiptop condition and to restore any oils that your hair has been stripped of by means of over-washing or heat styling. I love my tub of Schwarzkopf Professional Gliss Ultimate Repair Anti-Damage Mask. It leaves my hair unbelievably silky and shiny! Once every two months or so, I also make use of a rather strange hair repair mask that I came across in the states; my Organic Root Simulator Hair Mayonnaise. This baby is the bomb when it comes to moisturising and deeply penetrating dry or damaged hair. It rejuvenates and renews my hair instantly, although the application process is a tad lengthy.

SERUMS
Oh, hair silicone… how I love thee. To keep hair from looking dry or tacky after heat styling, I also use just a drop of my all-time favourite hair serum, my Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum. I purchased this baby just over a year and a half ago and it’s still half-full! It only takes a drop of this serum to complete any style. It can also be blow-dried into towel-dried hair.

xo

Boozy breakfasts at The Alphen Boutique Hotel

The Alphen Boutique Hotel, situated on Alphen Drive in the affluent suburb of Constantia, is the perfect spot for an early Sunday morning boozy breakfast. La Belle Cafe & Bakery, the hotel’s very own cafe, boasts a traditional breakfast menu as well as a fine selection of hand-picked wines and champagnes.

For starters, a selection of fresh summer fruit is always a winner. Summer berries, kiwi, mango and granadillas are served neatly on a long platter. The second best option would definitely be blueberry crumpets or miniature bran muffins served with hand-picked strawberries.

For mains, the eggs benedict is a favourite among many. Served with melt-in-your-mouth parma ham or fresh smoked salmon and creamy hollandaise sauce topped with chives, this dish is definitely my all-time favourite! La Belle also serves a simple English-style breakfast, known as The Alphen Breakfast, for those in the mood for something a little more simplistic.

Freshly-squeezed orange juice with a splash of champagne (I’d recommend the Moët & Chandon Rose Imperial) pairs perfectly with any breakfast dish. For the wine lovers, a glass or two of Buitenverwachting red, rosé or white is recommended. And, for those for prefer something non-alcoholic, make sure to check out the wide selection of teas and smoothies available at the cafe.

Liquorice & Lime – a gem of a corner cafe!

Liquorice & Lime is a small, vibey cafe situated on Cape Town’s beloved Kloof Street. Never noticed it? That’s probably because it’s all the way up at the top, number 162, situated next to the well-known Bombay Bicycle Club. This hidden gem has been a personal favourite of mine for years. Serving excellent breakfasts and lunches and a selection of delicious hot and cold drinks, this corner cafe is the perfect spot for an intimate or casual meal.

The cafe is well-known for serving the biggest, tastiest gourmet burgers which are all served with a simple salad, seasoned fries or pesto and parmesan crushed potato. Their sandwiches and tramezzinis are also to-die-for! Just popping in for a quick bite at breakfast? No problem – make sure you to try their decadent eggs benedict served with ham, bacon or salmon.

If you’re only looking to stop by for a morning cuppa, I’d suggest trying the iced red latte. A simple chilled red latte topped with frothed milk and served with fresh orange blossom honey – a must-try!

My favourite! Iced red latte served with fresh orange blossom honey

Mozzarella, bacon, mushroom and avocado tramezzini

Liquorice & Lime also provides a wide selection of breads, jams (the sour fig jam is amazing), biscuits and juices. From freshly-baked croissants to wheat-free crunchies, there’s a mouth-watering treat for anyone to take home!

A selection of my favourite treats sold at Liquorice & Lime! Raw cacao vegan superfood bar, wheat-free yoghurt crunches and macadamia and white chocolate cookies