Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel
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Find out which Optiphi product beat the sun and sightseeing test

Trying out a product is always a bit scary – you never know…

I packed a brand new tube of Optiphi Classic Hydration Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 20 that would be my sunscreen for my days out exploring Cape Town – and of course a whole bag of make-up.

The first morning while getting ready for my trip up Table Mountain and first day out in the Cape sun, I was contemplating if I should wear an untested product that could make my photos look bad. Fortunately for you, I thought I could trust Optiphi enough with providing a tinted sunscreen for my face…

The product had to pass 3 tests

  1. Prevent my face from burning. This would be easy to measure as I am very fair and the sun and I, we just don’t get along that well.
  2. Not be oily and be able to be used as a base for a full face of make-up.
  3. Don’t crack or melt during a full day of sightseeing as I don’t carry make-up to do touch-ups.

Day 1 – 4 I went light on makeup but used the Optiphi Classic Hydration Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 20 as my liquid base – with only a light powder to set it (as if it is a normal liquid base. I used mascara and a little bit of eye shadow and some days I even wore blush and highlighter.

Optiphi Classic Hydration Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 20

I am very happy to report back and say that the Optiphi Classic Hydration Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 20 passed all 3 tests.

  • I did not burn. There was no ink or red tinge on my face at the end of my days in Cape Town – and I only wore a cap.
  • I applied the Optiphi Classic Hydration Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 20 over my normal moisturisers and it took a minute to just settle on my skin, but after applying my normal makeup (and even using it to cover up a zit) you would not be able to tell that I wasn’t wearing a “real” liquid foundation.
  • As good as my face looked in the morning, that good it looked by 8pm after a full day out.

The Optiphi Classic Hydration Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 20 truly is an amazing little tube of magic. I am simply blown away that a sunscreen product could last the whole day and be used as a liquid foundation base without melting or becoming oily and gross.

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Optiphi’s DNA analysis reveals skin’s future (dark) secrets

The advances Optiphi have made with the delivery systems of nourishment for skin is one of the most interesting developments to follow. It didn’t surprise me when I learnt that with the help of a DNA analysis they can predict what problems your skin will have in future – based on genetic markers.

The DNA test identifies unique genetic markers which indicates your genetic disposition to certain skin characteristics.

There are six skin categories that are investigated;

  • Wrinkles, volume loss and glycation
  • Dermal sensitivity and detoxification
  • Inflammation of the skin
  • Oxidative stress
  • DNA protection and repair
  • Pigmentation and sun sensitivity

My Optiphi recommendation is for the Active Range but with suggestions of adding additional products from other ranges. The report is quite comprehensive at 15 pages – so I’m just sharing the diagram.

These recommendations I received is based on my personal DNA results and are uniquely designed around my medium and high priority areas. You need to have your own analysis done in order to get the right products for your skin. This can be done at any beauty clinic or salon that stocks Optiphi.

  • Must have: Eyesigns Active Gel
    Priority Area: Collagen formation; sun damage; detoxification
  • Must have: Rejuvenating Revitalizer
    Priority Area: Collagen formation; sun sensitivity and pigmentation; sun damage; anti-oxidant enzymes
  • Must have: Moisture Control Ultra
    Priority Area: Collagen formation; pigmentation; sun damage; anti-oxidant enzymes; detoxification
  • Recommended additional product: Dermintense Active Gel
    Priority Area: Collagen formation; anti-oxidant enzymes

I was given a free DNA Analysis and products to test, however the opinions expressed are my own.

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Johannesburg Perfume Sale September 2019

Now that you’ve had your fun at the first perfume sale of the year in Edenvale, I have some more great news… The Johannesburg Fragrance sale in Marlboro is coming!

  • Wednesday 25 September 2019 from 8:30 to 18:00
  • Thursday 26 September 2019 – Friday 27 September 2019 from 8:00 to 18:00
  • Saturday 28 September 2019 from 8:00 to 17:00
  • Sunday 29 September 2019 from 8:00 to 13:00

I will be updating this post if anything changes or more info becomes available.

Where in Johannesburg is the fragrance sale happening?

Urban Tree, 8 Commerce Crescent, Eastgate Business Park, East Block, Kramerville, Sandton

It’s funny, the Johannesburg perfume sale is the most read about blog post on both my blogs – plus I get the most emails about this particular sale. You guys sure love a good bargain! Feel free to wave at me if you spot me there.

The rules at this sale:

Visa and Mastercard accepted. No cheques, AMEX or Diners Club. No handbags allowed. Right of admission reserved.

Brands you may expect at the the Johannesburg perfume sale:

  • 4711
  • Antonio Banderas
  • Baldessarini
  • Blackup Paris
  • Calvin Klein
  • Carolina Herrera
  • Cartier
  • Chloe
  • Ciate London
  • Davidoff
  • Dior
  • Escada
  • Givenchy
  • Gucci
  • Hugo Boss
  • James Bond
  • Jean Paul Gaultier
  • Joop!
  • Kenzo
  • Lacoste
  • Lottie Londo
  • Marc Jacobs
  • Missoni
  • Moschino
  • Olay
  • Paco Rabanne
  • Prada
  • Quorum
  • Roberto Cavalli
  • Salvatore Ferragamo
  • Stella McCarthy
  • Tabac
  • Uriage
  • Valentino
  • Versace
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Relax – because Revive Wellness Spa wants to spoil you!

Did you know that one of my favourite spas in Johannesburg, Revive Wellness Spa, just opened a spa party venue for kids? That’s right, now you can add a little extra sparkle to any birthday party!

REVIVE KIDS PARTY

Taking ordinary and turning it into extraordinary. Revive Kids Spa & Party Venue will ensure your kids party is unforgettable. The magical two story party venue provides for an interactive awesome experience that you and your friends will not forget. 

To celebrate their new Kids Spa & Party venue they are offering one goddess the opportunity to spend the day with them to have the chance to relax and scope it all out.

WINNER
CONGRATULATIONS ILSE, you are going to the spa!

One lucky follower can win a day at Revive Wellness Spa in Johannesburg to the value of R1750!

  • Gel Manicure + Parrafin dip R500
  • Gel Pedicure + Parrafin Dip R500
  • 30min Floatation Session R300
  • 15Min Foot Ritual
  • 60min Soy Candle Massage R750
  • AND a wash and blow wave 

You will also get complimentary use of the spa facilities such as heated hydro pool, outdoor day beds, relaxation lounges and much more. 

You can also read about my previous visits to Revive Wellness Spa in Johannesburg here:

Just to remind you of just how amazing the spa is, follow Lexa…

So, what do you need to do to get your hands on this amazing prize from Revive Wellness Spa in Johannesburg?

  • Answer the 2 questions as a comment on this blog post
    • What is Revive Wellness Spa’s address?
    • How many stories is the Kids Party Venue?
  • Like Revive Wellness Spa on Facebook and Instagram
  • Like Goddess on Facebook and Instagram
  • Tag a friend on this Facebook post, click here
  • Tag a friend on this Instagram post, click here
  • Record all your actions on the Rafflecopter widget
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions

  • Prize sponsored by Revive Wellness Spa.
  • Competition starts on 11 August 2019 and ends midnight 22 August 2019.
  • Only completed entries will count.
  • The competition is open to all fans of Goddess, who are Residents of South Africa and over the age of 18.
  • The spa is in Johannesburg and you will need to arrange your own transport to and from the spa.
  • By entering the competition, you are deemed to have read and accepted these terms and conditions. All entry instructions form part of these terms and conditions.
  • If the winner is chosen and there are noted irregularities (i.e. the email address or person does not exist, is not delivered to a person, or is forwarded to a person with a different identity etc.) the winner will be disqualified and a new winner will be drawn.
  • Any entries received after the closing date will be invalid. Goddess accepts no responsibility for any errors of any other kind which may restrict or delay the sending or receipt of an entry, or for delayed or lost entries.
  • If we are unable to contact a prize winner, we reserve the right to pick another.
  • All entries will be examined and the prize shall be awarded to the winner selected at random by Goddess from all eligible participants who have correctly entered the prize draw in accordance with entry instructions. No correspondence will be entered into.
  • The winners will be notified via Facebook and/or Instagram, and the prizes will be issued as soon as possible.
  • The winner has until 26 August 2019 at 9am to respond after the winner announcement.
  • Prizes are not redeemable for cash.
  • Goddess reserve the right to cancel or change the promotion at any time and will endeavour to give you advance notice of any such change or withdrawal. However, in some cases, advance notice may not be possible.
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Hey girl, what’s on your lips?

Put on some red lipstick and live a little…

Red lipstick, red shoes, red dress… I love the power of the colour red. I have been on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick and have everything from MAC to Revlon and Essence but I wanted to find balance in price, coverage, colour and wow factor. This hunt is what uncovered Maria Cosmetics.

Red lipstick to me is the holy grail of beauty products any pale girl should have. I’m not talking about fire engine or cheap reds, I’m talking about the darker and deeper reds. Those reds with with a little blue, black or purple undertone…

I spoilt myself with Jukebox Joan and My Madonna from Maria Cosmetics

What I really love about my Maria Cosmetics lipstick is the velvety texture and that it stays for quite a big part of the day. It also helps that I know it was made just around the corner in the Cape 🙂

You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye. And I got that red lip, classic thing that you like.

Taylor Swift’s “Style”
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Ag please take me to the spa again!

Do I even dare say that I needed a day at the spa so badly that I considered not taking my eldest daughter – but did because, I’m a good person? Plus Revive Wellness Spa extended the invitation to both of us – as they now have a kiddies spa area too.

I love seeing Lexa experience new things – even if it is just to get her nails done or relax while I get a hot stone massage (and she takes photos with my phone). When she spots anything that resembles a nail file, I get my nails filed by the way…

Lexa and I at Revive Wellness Spa in Johannesburg

This time I went for a skin analysis, Razul steam room treatment, hot stone massage and quick manicure/paint. I’m going to be honest, few places can hold up candle to Revive Wellness’ hot stone massages… they are simply the best thing since the invention of sliced bread.

The skin analysis confirmed my DNA test that I did with Optiphi (will still write about that next week). I did however buy a Nimue Vitamin C Moisture Mist as I’ve tried it before and with winter my skin has to stay healthy and hydrated.
Razul… this was my first time going into a steam room. It was a great room and I loved the warm steam – but I realised that smallish spaces which reminds me of a cave in a tropical location is not for me.

Plus then I spotted the colour, treatment and blow dry special for R650. Megan, the stylist have blowdried my hair twice and I thought I’d take the chance in the new salon – which is HUGE by the way! I phoned to make an appointment for the following week and this I actually paid out of my own pocket.

They always have a special popping up on their Facebook page, so like it and find a special that will take you to one of Jozi’s best spas.

You can also read about my previous visits to Revive Wellness Spa in Johannesburg here:

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Local MUA launches own makeup palette – Freak Unique, Makeup by Ryno Mulder

In what feels like forever ago I met a professional Make-up Artist for a photoshoot with Your Family magazine end of 2017. I kept on checking on his Facebook and Instagram on what he was up to and then one day I see that he has launched his very own make-up palette.

The Freak Unique palette has the most beautiful colours that I’ve seen him use on his clients – and it is the first independently created and launched palette by Makeup by Ryno Mulder. I’m excited to see what is next…

I want to celebrate well known and not-so-well-known trailblazers of individuality. People who inspire me and others. Makeup has always been a way for them and for me to express individuality. The message is that expressing your creativity is necessary for more love, more acceptance and for the evolution of mankind. We should all discover our uniqueness and let our freak flags fly.

Ryno Mulder

All you need to know about the Freak Unique Eyeshadow Palette from Makeup by Ryno Mulder

The Freak Unique eyeshadow palette contains sixteen velvety eyeshadow shades in ultra pigmented, super blendable colours. The palette includes ten matte powders, four glitter crème shadows and two powder shimmer shadows allowing endless looks from natural to classic, on-trend to smokey.

Eyeshadow shades (left to right, top to bottom): DOLLAR matte cream BURNS matte cinnamon STARR orange glitter crème ZANE matte deep red QUENTIN champagne shimmer MAX matte lavender PARIS pink glitter crème MADONNA matte chocolate MJ gold glitter crème R matte brown red BOWIE matte light brown GIGI matte deep pink WILDE copper glitter crème GRACE matte dark brown IMAN chocolate shimmer DAPHNE matte black
Why did you create your own makeup palette?

In a world of corporate giants, mass production and hype I was looking for a cosmetics line with authenticity, audacity and a unique point of view. Considering my background as beauty editor, makeover specialist and makeup artist I figured “why not do it myself!”

How long did development take and what was the process?

It was trial and error. I had been exploring the possibilities for the past two years. I knocked on many doors in many countries and was introduced to key players by a friend in California who has a successful makeup line. I checked hundreds of samples and travelled to the biggest international East-meets-West cosmetics trade fair to learn about product development first hand. In 2018 I took the leap, used my life savings and invested in a humble quantity of stock. I didn’t know if one person would buy my palette so I was genuinely grateful when my entire stock holding sold out in just over a week. I went through the whole process again (but much faster this time!) to meet demand for more Freak Unique palettes.

How did you decide on the colours?

I have a signature makeup style so my objective was to launch a palette that contain my ‘go to’ eyeshadow shades. This way my followers – especially those who attend my makeup masterclasses – can recreate my eye makeup looks on themselves using just one palette. Colour payoff and pigment quality at an affordable retail price were the other key considerations.

How does this palette stand out amongst competitors?

The Freak Unique eyeshadows are waterproof and sweat-resistant giving you a look that will last all day and night – even in the most humid weather conditions. The high quality mirrored compact is wrapped in eco-friendly rose gold paper packaging and all sixteen eyeshadows are cruelty-free.

Where is it sold?

The Freak Unique eyeshadow palette retails for R390 and is available online from www.burstmakeupbrushes.co.za as well as dollmeupfashion.com as well as at my Makeup Masterclass. For more information contact Makeup by Ryno on 071 688 0242 or email ryno@makeupbyryno.co.za.

Where can you find Ryno?

Johannesburg based makeup artist Ryno Mulder is known for his soft glam, high impact makeup transformations. A former style and beauty editor who created countless magazine covers with South Africa’s A-list celebs, he also wrote bestselling makeover book Maklik Mooi with 10 000 copies sold. Ryno is currently sharing his makeup secrets countrywide on his tour The Makeup Masterclass South Africa.

You can follow Ryno on social media at www.facebook.com/makeupbyryno and www.instagram.com/makeupbyryno.

https://www.facebook.com/MakeupByRyno/videos/1447456718718953/

#notsponsored

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Burt’s Bees is launching in South Africa – and I got a sneak peek!

I didn’t know about Burt’s Bees before attending the media launch. However, after trying out the Lip Shimmer… I am hooked and I can’t wait to try more from this range. I can’t spoil the surprise and tell you exactly what will be available in South Africa because I simply don’t know yet.

When you use a Burt’s Bees product you are supporting a company that believes in sustainability

At Burt’s Bees they have made it their mission to source ingredients responsibly. They are members of several global responsible sourcing organizations, including Sedex, AIM-Progress, Global Shea Alliance, and the Natural Resources Stewardship Circle. When Burt’s Bees chooses a supplier they look at:

Location

They investigate how far away the ingredient is, impacts to supplier community, and the nature of the local political climate.

Quality

They consider the quality of the ingredient and of our relationship with the supplier.

Availabilty

They factor in ingredient scarcity, grower capacity, whether they’re single-sourced, etc.

Environment

They evaluate potential environmental impacts including honeybee health.

Social

They engage with individuals and surrounding communities in the supply chain to understand potential social impacts.

At Burt’s Bees they’ve also committed to a policy of sending zero waste to landfill. Each month their employees diligently volunteer to check over 200 recycling, composting and waste to energy bins ensuring everything is sorted properly. They’ve also outfitted their facilities with energy-efficient lighting, resource management software and efficient production equipment.

The product I’ve tried and loved… Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer

I loved my lips after using my (gifted) lip colour. The shea butter mixed with antioxidant-rich fruit oils definitely moisturises, nourishes and softens lips. The lippie is quite soft and I unfortunately have a toddler who smushed it already… but I’m still using it.

The colour lasted for about an hour with drinking coffee and water – and even after that my lips still had a deeper stained colour.

#gift #notsponsored

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Meet the GF Skin Series from Thoclor Labs

It’s not often that you get to hear from a Biotech company – and when they start talking about the wonders of their products, this is when the scepticism in me kicks in. I tried out the THOCLOR GF2 and I think it works else I would not have even mentioned the products on my blog.

I used the GF2 on liquid nitrogen “burns” on my skin (I had growths frozen off). I calmed the skin burning and helped with a faster healing period. I basically went from treatment to scab free within 6 days with some discoloration.

So, what is it?

  1. HOCl is the most powerful disinfectant against disease-forming microorganisms.
  2. HOCl has a highly effective anti-inflammatory effect. Whenever it is applied to a wound, it reduces not only pain but also redness associated with inflammation and swelling.
  3. HOCl is a potent wound healing agent. Wounds exposed to HOCl heal in a fraction of the time they take to heal without it.
  4. HOCl destroys biofilm and therefore quickly kills pathogens that might be protected by the biofilm.
  5. HOCl stops bleeding in an acute wound.
  6. HOCl has powerful skin rejuvenation effects.
  7. Thoclor’s HOCl does not contain any bleach NaOCl.

Your body’s own immune molecule HOCl… Effectively treats burns, wounds & renews damaged skin

Thoclor Labs

THOCLOR GF1 – Aftercare

This is what should be in you first aid kit. It is an antiseptic, will reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

THOCLOR GF2 – Skin Rejuvenation

This one is to help skin rejuvenate and helps to reverse environmental damage. It should improve skin texture, help age spots to fade, boosts collagen and elastin. It will also help to reduce inflammation plus it has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can be used as a disinfectant.

You can read more about Thoclor Labs on their website.

#notsponsored #gift

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Skin Health – the day I froze it off

I live in fear of cancer – skin cancer, blood cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer – because I’ve seen what it does to a family. Every mole or new freckle I have… I watch them all like a hawk. You see, I’m in a race to do everything possible to stay healthy and alive as possible to see my girls grow up.

I recently went to a dermatologist to just have someone else cast an eye over my freckles, moles and “the things on my legs”. He didn’t seem to concerned about any of my multitudes of whatever I have, but I still wanted the things on my leg removed – just in case.

He said the liquid nitrogen would burn and may really be painful. I didn’t feel it, it was more like a mild discomfort. It looked horrendous, angry red, ugly and with a definite need for some serious ointment by the time I left.

The next day it looked even worse. The circles where the liquid nitrogen touched my skin was filled with liquid, the skin a yellowy sickly colour. (scroll to the bottom to see a picture)

I was lucky, the day before I went to a launch for DermaClinical and THOCLOR. They talked about the healing properties and showed before/after photos but you know, I have heard of a million products like that…

Since I got the THOCLOR GF2 to take home I started spraying that onto the leg wounds  – even if GF1 would’ve been the right product. It took 4 days for the brown hard scab to form completely. It was beyond gross – my husband didn’t even want to look at it. By day 4 the scabs were starting to lift, day 6 most of the scabs we off and all that remained were pink circles.

Nearly 1.5 months later and I still have scarring, but will be treating that with a new product from Optiphi.

Read more about THOCLOR here.

#gift #notsponsored

The images below are not for the squeamish…

Day of and day after the dermatologist visit
The during treatment shots. The black writing is how I gross my sister out 🙂
Chest you can see a slight white are; right leg has 3 pink spots; but my freezing treatment didn’t take on the left leg;
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