Guess what the Beauty Bulletin babes sent me to review - some Balm Balm! Balm Balm Bijou Aromatherapy Bath & Shower Oil Collection (7 X 5ml)

The other products

A better picture

I was so excited to receive my little card from the Post Office because I knew it was something special from the Beauty Bulletin Babes. I ripped open the thick envelop and immediately a burst of amazing scents overwhelmed me and then I saw the packaging - yey! Balm Balm! I was so excited - and I couldn't wait to get started using the products and I have the perfect opportunity next week when the hubby and I spend some much needed time away in Camps Bay. So reviews to follow!

I couldn't wait until the holiday! so I tried it that very day - the first oil I tried was Relax in the shower after gym and before bed. I was out like a light! What an amazing sleep. The next morning I groggily dragged myself to the bathroom and dabbed some Refresh on my pulse points - instant Zing! Wow and I really am the poster child for "not-a-morning-person". Last night I used Recover in the shower after a difficult leg workout and I use Refresh every morning now. It really does make a difference! This morning I tried Detox - I absolutely love lemongrass! My husband was shouting at me and said the oils were invading the house. I was like "whatever" I feel great.They are super potent and the teeny bottle (dynamite does come in small packages) says it should cover 2-3 showers or baths but I'm convinced it could be 4-5. The fabulous frangrance also delicately lingers on your skin afterwards - love it! I'm taking the rest with to soak up the suds in a big tub on holiday. Can't wait!

Glenda Taylor , an aromatherapist, perfumer and natural formulation consultant, founded Balm Balm a 100% organic skincare company in 2005. Balm Balm is the result of Glenda's dream to create an affordable 100% organic skincare range with wide distribution and Soil Association certification. In 2007, Balm Balm won The Soil Association's Organic industry award for Best Organic Beauty and Bodycare product. All paper is used from an approved FSC source (Forest Stewardship Council) and their manufacturer is a Carbon Neutral company.

Everything Balm Balm makes is 100% Organic. Balms are all made from the same five basic ingredients, shea butter, beeswax, sunflower, calendula and jojoba oils. This is a simple oil and wax combination using the most trusted and effective moisturizing ingredients.

The Balm Balm Bijou Aromatherapy Bath & Shower Oil Collection is wonderful little box that slides open to reveal a rainbow of colour and indulgent possibilities. Carefully put together in order to bring you an oil for every mood, these bijou gems should be treasured and savoured. Simply use in your bath or shower to ease your world back on track, or dab onto your pulse points for an instant soothing effect.

This pack contains the following products:

• Balm Balm Bath & Shower Oil – Balance – 7ml
  Focus and inspire the mind with this lavender and peppermint oil.

• Balm Balm Bath & Shower Oil – Calm – 7ml
  This comforting sandalwood, patchouli and cedarwood oil will leave you feeling calm.

• Balm Balm Bath & Shower Oil – Detox – 7ml
  Ginger, lemon and lemon grass work to cleanse the body.

• Balm Balm Bath & Shower Oil – Indulge – 7ml
  With ylang ylang, patchouli and clary sage, this oil is the ultimate in luxury.

• Balm Balm Bath & Shower Oil – Recover – 7ml
  Ease aching muscles with tea tree, juniper, black pepper and winter green.

• Balm Balm Bath & Shower Oil – Refresh – 7ml
  Revive and stimulate your body and mind with mandarin and grapefruit.

• Balm Balm Bath & Shower Oil – Relax – 7ml
  Release tensions and troubles with this blend of rose, geranium, lavender and ylang ylang

Beauty Bulletin Reviews Part 2

Beauty Bulletin Goodie Bag 1 Review
PART TWO

Thanks again to the guys from the Beauty Bulletin for sending me these products and the products from the review:part 1.

Nailene Skinny Tip French Tip Pen

Confession : I suck at doing my own nails. Toes? Okay those are eazy-peazy (yes I know easy is does not have a Z in it). My fingernails are a different story. I usually have them done -from express manis to those luxuriously long manicures I love(luuuurve) getting them done - a great chat with the therapist, a feeling of being pampered and effortlessy,glossy nails at the end of it  -what's not to love?

When I try to do it myself , the nails on my left look great- perfectly and evenly coated with a smooth veneer of nail polish. The nails on my right hand - DISASTER! Haphazard stippling  with mottled blebs of Essie-gooeyness may best describe them.

So you may understand my reluctance at trying the Nailene Kit. I had tried a similar product by Sally Hansen previously and what a dismal disappointment that was. That was like daubing grey,watered-down Tippex.  I was pleasantly surprised with this product and my deft application skills aided by ease of use.

Okay, so the application is demi-perfect.

 The tip color has a pearlescent,silvery sheen to it that looks quite elegant in different lighting - it shimmers but it's not glitzy. There is no over-powering nail polish smell and it dries really quickly. I applied three coats of the clear top coat (I wash my hands a lot -Dentist-ness) that also dried super fast. I was impressed at the opacity of the pearl white tip , it can easily be applied over a colour (blue,fushia, pale pink) for an edgy or different look. Also the tip doesn't get squished when you apply the not-at-all-runny nail-polish. Geez can I say apply one more time? All in all I'd say it's a good product at a good price.

First by Van Cleef & Arpels

 I really tried, I did. I did all the right things - layered the fragrance gently, applied it to all the "pulse-points",running through the mist of the fragrance and tracking its changing scent throughout the day. I just can't like it , I just can't. I even pretended for a short time , while going through a spell of bronchitis, that the fragrance "grew on me" and its "muted-by-my-stuffy-nose" bouquet please me. It hit home when my husband said I smelled "Ouma-rig" - directly translated that should mean I smelled grandma-ish. I know this is a classic frangrance and a grand scent that should epitomize sophistication and romance but perfume is  highly personal . The choice of perfume as well as how the scent morphs once it comes into contact with your unique chemistry.

I'm more of a sensual (*blush,blush*) and/or fresh fragrance kind of girl. I like uplifting scents. I found First a bit heavy and "perfumey" especially for our sweltering Summers. It also smelt a bit like cheap soap and dying Hyacinths. Although I did like how it grew subtly sweeter as it developed during the day with warm,sweet amber and a soft Vanilla. Also I couln't discern the Jasmine in the scent. My parents have many Jasmine plants that burst into bloom and give off that intoxicating,heady scent that I love.

This is the low-down on FIRST. First was the fragrance that marked the inception of Jean –Claude Ellena’s great career. First is focused around jasmine, its rich sunny sweetness accented with the glittering effect of the aldehydes and the emerald green vibrancy of blackcurrant bud. The aldehydes, however, are a light touch merely emphasizing the lustre of the composition and lending an elegant twist to the luxurious blossoms in the heart of First. The rainfall of soft flower petals is set alight by the radiance of Hedione, a material which has a subtle scent on its own, but in combination with flower notes, especially jasmine, its dazzling qualities are brought to life. The flowers kissed by Hedione unfold in translucent layers, with the composition preserving its clarity, while attaining wonderful complexity.

The base of the composition evokes the feeling of being bathed in the sunlight, with its honey drizzled warmth of amber and sandalwood. Contained in the flacon inspired by Van Cleef & Arpels pendant, First is the fragrant jewel of stunning elegance. That is what they say, it's just not for me.