I love discovering amazing new local products. I think South Africans can be a little pessimistic about home-grown consumables, especially where beauty products are concerned. I stumbled upon Oh-Lief recently and my experience has been wonderful. If you follow me on twitter you’ll know I’m a stickler for service, so the knock on my door with my delivery less than 24 hours post me e-mailing my order through scored major  brownie-points.  This is what I ordered… 

My order:

1. Grapefruit Lip Balm
2. Grapefruit Olive Body Wax
3. Grapefruit and Lime Hand Lotion
4. Grapefruit and Sweet Orange Body Wash

I’m a big fan of grapefruit, okay.

Oh-Lief was started in 2010 by sisters Christine and Louiza who were dissatisfied with the range of chemical-free, organic body products on offer in South Africa. When Christine fell pregnant the sisters decided to experiment using locally sourced organic products, old family recipes and ‘love’, which is an ingredient in all of their natural baby and body products.

“Our name references olive oil, which is the main ingredient found in all our products, as well as our love for all things natural. Our products do not contain any harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, petroleum, parabens, artificial colours or nut oils. We use a base of organic olive oil and beeswax, which is combined with the natural properties of a number of other organic ingredients to form a complete range of products that is ideal for all skin types”.

I’ve been using my Oh-Lief products for a few weeks now and no, they haven’t changed my life or reduced my cellulite, but they feel and smell great and I like knowing that I’m using something natural, organic and good for my body. I can’t vouch for this, but apparently the range of products for babies is also fantastic, so go check it out if you have ankle-bikers or one on the way.

Check out Oh-Lief online here and simply e-mail orders@ohlief.com to place an order.

brandslut xoxo

I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I guess it’s the media, or the trend Gods, or subliminal advertising, but all I know is I want stuff with animals on it. Yes, I know cats are the new black, but I’ve always loved animals and I’m totally keen to rock out with animal inspired things this winter. I recently bought a bear/mouse (not entirely sure what it is) woolen hat from Mr. Price and it inspired me to write this post.  Here are some of the things I’d love to get my paws on. See what I did there?

Have a happy Easter filled with things with bunnies on them!

brandslut xoxo

Last week I was invited to what can only be described as any girl’s dream event: an intimate evening with Shimansky. Diamonds, bubbles, sushi, pampering, you get the picture. What was the occasion? Well, you see Shimansky operates from breath-taking premises in the Clock Town at the V&A Waterfont, and given the nature of jewellery stores and workshops like this one, Mr. Shimansky and his team wanted to share with us the business’ accessibility, hospitality and offering. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t (under normal circumstances) step foot into a super-premium jewellery or diamond franchise for fear of the dirty looks I’d receive from the saleswomen who raise their evil eyebrows at anyone who looks ‘too young to be in this store’. I experienced precisely that at the iconic Tiffany store in New York last year. Pity, because I walked in with intentions to treat myself.

From the first encounter with the hostess at the entrance to the store, to the final wave goodbye, we were met with nothing but genuine generosity and hospitality. “Try on every ring in the shop!” and “Let me get you a necklace and some earrings to complement that rock. And then wear them for the rest of the evening and enjoy them. They’re nature’s gifts and deserve to be enjoyed and appreciated”, were some of the remarks made to me by the lovely Shimansky ladies. For the first time ever I felt zero judgement when asking to try on a R500 000 cushion cut diamond ring.

The workshop and showroom are hidden from the reception area which is mall-facing, for security reasons, and I’d imagine this to be a barrier to entry to most. But I’d like to encourage you to pay Shimansky a visit next time you’re at the Waterfront. The experience starts with a visual tour of the history of diamonds. I’m a geek for history and facts and absolutely loved this part. The world’s most famous and valuable diamonds’ replicas are on display and the sheer size and brilliance of these bad-boys can scarcely be comprehended. I was astounded by the black and white photographs of Kimberly when *that* diamond was discovered on the farm of the De Beers, and the mayhem that ensued thereafter. Here’s a picture of what Kimberley looked like during the diamond rush, and some others taken along the tour.

And did you know that a diamond was first gifted as an engagement rings by Archduke Maximillion of Austria (top right) in 1477? He aptly chose the stone for its enduring qualities which represented his love for this lady, Mary of Burgundy. We owe this guy, big time.

The tour leads to a walk down the workshop corridor where all Shimansky diamonds are cut and crafted on site.  I loved being able to peer into the workspaces of the master-jewellers who so effortlessly create the magnificent jewellery we buy and wear. We too often forget about this part of the process. It’s rough, real, hot, sweaty and dangerous, a complete contradiction to the flawless showroom we enter next.

This is where [some] women’s dreams become a reality, and where the rest are afforded the opportunity to dream, like we were. Hair, make-up and nails done, Pongracz in hand, we pounced. My victim was said cushion cut, micro-set and surrounded by tiny diamonds. It was love at first sight and I didn’t take her off all night. I also had an affinity to the yellow diamonds, perhaps because I’m blond and love mangoes, I don’t know. What I do know is I had to wipe the drool from my chin.

The evening culminated in a toast by Mr. Shimansky himself, a session in the photo-booth and a prize draw which saw Emma walking away with a bottle of Shimansky My Girl with a diamond in it. Bitch Swoon. And in the end we pretty much had to be kicked out, which, in my opinion is the marque of a truly successful event. Thank you Mr. Shimansky for spoiling us and for inviting us into your home with such open arms. I’ll be sure to pop in regularly from now on, even if only for a cup of tea with your incredible staff.

#ShimanskyRocks

brandslut xoxo 

The New Wrangler Denim Spa Range

Elizabeth Jagger is the face of Wrangler’s new cellulite reducing, moisturising Denim Spa range which launched this month. The collection infused with moisturising and slimming ingredients promises to protect skin from the “dehydrating effects” of wearing denim. Retailing for GBP85 and in a range of styles, these Denim Spa jeans are available in Aloe Vera, Olive Extract and Smooth Legs options.  It is the Smooth Legs version which makes the boldest claim – to reduce cellulite. Infused with algae extracts, retinol and caffeine, the style was clinically tested by the Institut Adriant in France, where after four weeks of wearing the jeans for eight hours a day, five days a week over six weeks, 69% of the panel claimed that the appearance of their thighs had improved. 

The Smooth Legs style reportedly lasts for 15 days’ wear (or four to six washes), after which a reload spray can be applied after each wash to continue to reap the jeans’ beauty benefits. In total the jeans can retain their cosmetic effects for around 67-95 wears, according to Wrangler.

Not having to moisturise prior to donning a pair of tight jeans is a win, I’m sure you’ll agree, but I’m not convinced. In the end, after enough washes, don’t these jeans simply revert to being plain ol’ Wranglers? I’m fine with that, by the way, but I don’t think I’ll be lured in by the promise of orange-peel free pins. 

Disagree? They’re now available in South Africa online via ASOS. 

brandslut

Happy 2013, y’all. I took a 2 week break with limited access to civilisation and technology and I must say, I feel rested and re-energised for the first time in a very long time. 2012 was a crazy year for me. I put on my big-girl panties and did things like buy a home, move to a new city and start an exciting new job. All good things, but I’m looking forward to less change in 2013. Here’s to stability, health, happiness and good gin.

brandslut xoxo

 

See you there!

brandslut xoxo

I was privileged to attend the launch of FHI Heat hair styling products in South Africa at Beluga last week. The FHI Heat team transformed the terrace into an outdoor salon, the tables were decorated with hair goodies and macarons and we got to nibble on sushi and cocktails in between getting our hair did. Any woman’s dream, really. In 2003 FHI Heat partnered with a global expert in ceramic flat-irons to create an affordable bespoke range of FHI Heat stylers using a revolutionary Integrated Ceramic Heating System™ (I.C.H.S) as well as FHI Heat’s proprietary Nano-Fuzeion™ technology. FHI Heat have partnered with Foschini where the range is available countrywide. The range is incredibly well priced, starting at R225 for the GO Mini, and offers a variety of models including the Elite Professional Series and Platform which retail at R2350 and R1750 respectively. 

I’ve been using a ceramic styler for about 10 years and it’s a game changer. That said, be sure you use a heat protector like Hot Sauce to keep your locks in prime condition. If you want to know how to curl your hair with a straightening iron, check out the tutorial below. When you get the hang of it it’s super easy – I can curl my full head in around 10 minutes. And I’ve got a lot of hair. 

FHI Heat have been super generous and are giving brandslut readers the opportunity to win a GO Mini like the one I got at the launch (see pic below, awesome for travelling and top-ups) and this is what you need to do. Like FHI Heat on facebook by clicking here and then comment on this blog post telling me you’ve liked them on facebook. Also, just so you know, FHI Heat are running a competition in conjunction with mine whereby liking their facebook page you’re automatically in the running to win a top of the range styler and some other epic prizes, so ultimately you’re doubling your chance of winning. I’ll announce the winner on Monday December 17th. Easy peasy lemon squeezy. 

Fingers crossed!

brandslut xoxo

Sorbet has recently added the DryBar concept to its offering. No, not a place for teetotallers to congregate and shoot the breeze over a couple rounds of Bavaria, dry bars are wash and blow-dry only salons. I was first introduced to this concept through Hershesons in London. You walk in, choose from a menu of 12 hair-do’s and 30 minutes later you’re rocking a banging new do, ready for a night out, interview, whatevz. These are the 12 looks Hershesons offer, along with extensions if you need a little boost to get the full effect…

Swoon.

Sorbet offer 8 styles for R140, full menu here. I think they could improve their range somewhat to include a few styles that are slightly more on-trend and less Matric Farewell. For example, looks one and ten above. For me dry bars are more about the ‘do’s’ than straight blow-dries. I can blow-dry and GHD my hair at home. What dry bars are great for are those difficult styles that traditional salons charge a fortune for and are typically saved for weddings and formal events. I hope that as Sorbet expand their DryBar footprint their range will grow too, right now they’re located in Dunkeld, Johannesburg only.

What’s your take on dry bars, ladies?

brandslut xoxo

I was introduced to Gelish about 6 months ago, I can’t remember how, but this stuff’s a life, time and money saver. I have the knack of chipping regular nail polish in a day and it drives me crazy. You spend R200 on a manicure and the next day it’s ruined, very frustrating. I’m a hands-on person and I’m on the computer a lot so I need something, well, indestructible. Enter Gelish by Nail Harmony.

The product sets within 30 seconds under a UV light, and soaks off in 15 minutes. My Gelish manicure lasts for about 3 weeks with no chipping or peeling, and when it starts to grow out I fill in the gaps with a regular polish in a similar or darker shade to extend it for another week. I’m not sure how or why, but my nails underneath are stronger than they’ve ever been. I’ve got those nails that bend and break and are generally pathetic. I asked Annie, my nail-technician at Sorbet Parktown North about this, and she said she’s had a lot of customers with similar results. It’s a win-win situation really, at least in my experience. A Gelish manicure at Sorbet costs from R185 upwards, depending on the fanciness of the treatment you’re after. 

The Gelish colour range is growing too which is great, check out these Candy Land lovelies for the summertime…

Swoon.

brandslut xoxo

DDB Berlin recently teamed up with make-up artist Nikkie of Nikkie Tutorials to create this awareness video on behalf of VW.

Clever. Very clever. What do you think?

brandslut xoxo