Because your skin can change day to day, masks are the targeted treatment you need. This is your mask arsenal to cover all of your bases, no matter what comes your way.
Set Includes: 
Hydrating Floral Mask (1 fl. oz., 30ml) 
Resurfacing Mask (1 fl. oz., 30ml)
Purifying Mask (1 fl. oz., 30ml)
Clarifying Mask (1 fl. oz., 30ml)
RPR $245

Feeling Dry?
Hydrating Floral Mask
This is your hyper-hydrating, multi-hyaluronic treatment to recharge dry skin and deliver thirst-quenching hydration.

Looking Dull?
Resurfacing Mask
This is your natural glow-giving treatment that instantly restores radiance with BHA from white willow bark and pomegranate enzymes. 

Feeling Congested?
Purifying Mask
This is your natural detox treatment that purges impurities to help decongest pores & fight the visible effects of pollution and free radicals to give you renewed, fresh looking skin.

Having Breakouts?
Clarifying Mask
This is your at-home peel & microdermabrasion treatment in one - this mask has both physical exfoliation with quartz sand micro-crystals and chemical exfoliation with AHAs and BHAs.

SCULPTED, STYLED, SHAPED BROWS
in CLEAR $18
A translucent brow butter for the healthiest looking brows. This oil-based liquid pomade has a buttery texture for super-chic, feathery, covetable brows. You can say goodbye to your collection of brow tools and hello to our addictive mini spoolie brush who does all the work to tame and groom.

REVIEW:
The Brow Butter is subtle. I purchased the clear colour as I don't always want to define my brows. I feel like it is nourishing and unlike most brow setting gels, doesn't harden and feel rough. It brushes the hair beautifully with the perfect fine little brush, that is designed really well. Some people complain that it smudges, perhaps the coloured one does, this doesn't. It holds hairs into place fairly well, so long as you don't rub or touch your brows. 

The Glow Super Gel is divine to the touch. Feels so fresh on your skin. I think this will be a winner during the summer months. Creates a bold shimmer that will make you glow and require nothing further if you already have colour and/or a good tan. 

The Dew Balm... first off, the tube is minute. I thought they'd sent me a sample instead of a full size, but no, that was it! Then, I applied it on my face and it was very discreet shall we say, at first, five mins later it was practically non-existent. I wanted to love this, but unfortunately it isn't worth the bother of applying it to the face. A real shame!

by Alexandra Black

 Forticea Energizing Shampoo by RENE FURTERER
$32.00 for 6.7 fl. oz. (at the time of print).

I Purchased this Rene Furterer Forticea Energizing Shampoo, during a severe bout of hair loss which lasted for over a year, it was due to major Hormonal imbalances whilst I was off the pill and on Chinese Traditional Medicine to try and conceive, then I was on High levels of hormones due to IVF treatments, so my poor body went through the mill.
This Shampoo was not only useless, but it smelled horrible, I tried many times to smell it and try and put what it was into words, but I have been at a loss. I know it was somewhat chemical, plastic perhaps, simply unpleasant and felt like it was expired. I bought this on two separate occasions to ensure I hadn't just bought a "bad lot" bottle. Both were the same. The most annoying part of all though, were the little balls in the formula, that seemed to just sit on the top of my head and not dissolve completely. Despite rinsing thoroughly and applying conditioner after and then rinsing that off too. 

I will not be purchasing this again!

Purpose: Resurfacing treatment that erases dead skin while respecting the delicate skin surface. 
Results: Pro results in 10 minutes from the comfort of your own home. 
Skin Type: Fabulous for All Skin Types  
WHAT IS GOMMAGE
Gommage [erase in French] is a professional-type exfoliation method - a French spa favorite for it’s remarkable ability to erase dead skinwhile respecting the delicate skin surface. 
This enzyme-rich gel is uber-effective at resurfacing the skin, and super satisfying to use.  See APPLICATION for how-to.
INGREDIENT POWERS
Like little Pac-Mans, Pineapple and Papaya Enzymes thoroughly work at eating up dead skin, without hurting new skin. The appearance of skin texture is instantly improved and dull and tired complexions are refreshed.
Hyaluronic Acid acts like a mini hydrating mask and helps loosen hardened impurity build up to make removal more effective.
Konjac Root brings purifying and hydrating properties, helping to keep complexion fresh and clear.
Rose Water envelopes both skin and mind in a divine soothing and relaxing state.
Fabulous for all skin types, this divinely Rose-scented BIOACTIVE ROSE GOMMAGE is the ultimate resurfacing multitasker that can be used as a GOMMAGE or MASQUE.
100% NATURAL • GMO FREE • VEGAN • GLUTEN FREE

Review TBD

​by Alexandra Black

1. Boar Bristle & Nylon brush in Dark Ruby for normal to thick hair by Mason Pearson.
2. Organic Elastic Bands by KOOSHOO.
3. Pro Dryer 2000 (3 piece) dual ION by Harry Josh.
4. Argan U Oil by UNITE.  
5. Dry Shampoo with Oatmeal for Normal to Oily hair by Klorane.​

I really don't use a lot of products on my hair, for multiple reasons, but I also believe hair should feel soft, like hair - not straw. I don't over colour my hair, one because I have a blonde base to start with, so I do not require a lot of additional colour and two because I don't want it to look stiff or straw-like. I love my hair to shine, to move, to feel alive!  So in order to keep it that way, I tend not to use the dryer too often, and the one listed here is perfect for my needs. One thing to note is until recently I had a lot of hair, it has always been baby soft fine, but the quantity made up for the texture. Now, however, since doing years of IVF and messing severely with my hormones, I have had a great amount of hair loss, so drying my hair is much quicker than it used to be. Either way the hair dryer is strong enough without damaging my hair. 

Mason Pearson's Hair Brush is a British Classic. I have had so many iterations of this brush. When I was little I remember having a baby pink one as well as a cream one, smaller handles and easier to use for a child. As I got older I switched to one like my Mother's which was the classic Ruby Red colour (which is almost Black). I currently have both the "Popular" and the "Junior" which are mixed bristles and two different sizes. Don't ask why... I think I had left one in Spain at my childhood home, so I bought another one for my home in the US. I love them both equally. I'm hoping my hair will re-grow eventually and I'll find more use for the "Popular" size.  I suggest going to their website to see all the different options and choose one that is perfect for your hair type as well as lifestyle.

Organic Hair Elastics by KOOHOO. I hate using elastic bands that rip my hair out and there are far too many out there that do just that, so I love these soft ones that are both cute and practical. It's a bonus that they are Organic too.

Pro 2000 Hair Dryer by HARRY JOSH®. The Pro Tools' Pro Dryer 2000 utilises advanced, dual ION functionality to allow for a customised sleek or voluminous styling with maximum shine. The most powerful dryer in its class, it features a long-life 2000-hour AC motor, 1875 watts and 125 volts that will blow air at 80+ mph to cut drying time in half. Its equipped with multiple heat and speed settings, a dual filtration system that reduces energy consumption by up to 70% and a true cold shot button to set your style and minimize frizz. Its lightweight, patented ergonomic design perfectly conforms to your hand for maximum comfort and control. I haven't noticed any damage occurring because of the use of this device, and it is particularly strong and quick in drying my hair, which is great as I have absolutely no patience for it. 

​Argan U Oil  by UNITE. Get weightless moisture and instant shine without build-up. Made with Argan oil, it repairs, seals, and protects hair from blow drying, flat ironing and/or curling. It’s even light enough to use on fine hair. Use on wet or dry hair. Great for everyday use. I have tried plenty of Natural Argan oils for my hair, and all the others leave it feeling great and lacklustre. This is the only Argan Oil I am able to use. It's a shame it's not all natural. It helps detangle my hair super quickly and leaves it feel soft and manageable without it looking or feeling like I lathered it in oil. A Pea size amount goes a long way.

The KLORANE Dry Shampoo with Oat is a winner! Full Stop.All Klorane dry shampoos are hypoallergenic and vegan. This Award winning, ultra-gentle dry shampoo, with plant-based ingredients, eliminates oil, dirt and odours. Hair is clean with added volume and texture and it doesn't leave a strong, headache-inducing smell, like some of the others I have tried... eheeemmm... Detox Dry Shampoo by DryBar. No other dry shampoo suits my needs quite the same. Highly recommended!

Collage by Alexandra Black

ODACITÉ - DEEP HYDRATION MASQUE​ 1.7oz | 50ml  $50.00 USD

Purpose: 
To bring instant hydration & rejuvenation to your skin
Results:
Youthful, healthy-looking skin after just one application

• Organic Olive and Jojoba oils renew the moisture and elasticity lost due to environmental damage
• Organic Calendula stimulates skin as potent antioxidants of natural Vitamin E and tea extracts fight free radicals
• Lavender extracts soothe and calm the look of redness
• Hyaluronic Acid attracts hydration to visibly "plump" the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
Skin Type: Fabulous for Sensitive, Mature, Dry, Normal, Combination
100% NATURAL • GMO FREE • VEGAN • GLUTEN FREE

My Opinion:
It is rare that I notice immediate results with any product, but this is glorious! I put it on and leave it for about an hour, wash away with a warm, damp face cloth and my skin feels utter relief. No pulling, no dry patches. Just plump, healthy, hydrated skin. This is one of my favourite products out there!
Would recommend to all, even those with fussy skin. It will initially feel like it smells like alcohol, but it should not irritate your skin. Simply divine!

YES, YES and YES!

By Alexandra Black

What They Say:
This luxurious 96% natural origin mascara combines innovative plant-powered technology with creamy conditioning ingredients and a densely packed nylon brush that volumizes, defines, and curls. The result is supercharged lashes that are glossy, pitch black, and healthy from the root.
No silicones, no parabens, no PEGs, no phthalates, no synthetic fragrances. No animal testing.

My Story:
I had been pretty consistent with my use of Yves Saint Laurent's "Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils", after my mother bought me my first one and stuffed it in my Christmas Stocking somewhere circa 1996. It may have been a different version to the one we have today, but it still came in a gorgeous Gold container and delivered lush, long lashes unlike any other mascara on the market. 
As time went on, specifically around 2003 I started delving into Natural Beauty, before it was fashionable, mainly because Cancer had been very prominent in my life and the more I researched the more I realised the amount of toxins our beauty products contain. Makeup has been one of the last divisions of the beauty world to really catch on and make comparable products. 

I purchased Kjaer Weis's mascara because of the rave reviews, but it was utterly useless. I'd be better off curling my lashes and applying vaseline to get the same effect. 

Finally makeup artist Gucci Westman has created Westman Atelier and within that brand created the most amazing, 96% natural mascara that is equally as luscious as the YSL but mostly NATURAL. November 2019 and Goop.com sent me a lovely little sample of the "Eye Love You" and it was love at first try. I went to purchase some online but it had all sold out. Fortunately I found some at Barneys NY (in NY) and I haven't turned back since. I always buy two, so I never run out. This is divine and what for years I had hoped would be created someday. The time is now!

By Alexandra Black 

PRODUCT INTRODUCTION:
Innisfree "My Foundation"

I cannot tell you how hard it has been for me to find a foundation that allows my skin to shine.
Not only shine, but still gives me good coverage, doesn't dry or crack or cake, and fundamentally doesn't break me out.

I used to use (many moons ago) Chanel Vitalumiere in Petale 25, but they discontinued my colour and I could never find two other tones that I could blend to match my tone.

Since then I had been quite content with Koh Gen Do's two offerings, the Aqua Foundation and the Moisturising Foundation. However, I was always on the lookout for a "healthier" more "natural" offering, because what use is it to use "clean" skincare if the makeup which sits on our skin for most of the day is full of Toxic ingredients. It was during my Trip to Japan in July of 2019 that I came across Korean beauty house: Innisfree. I just happened upon the foundation and tried it before I purchased it, I immediately fell in love and I haven't turned back since. I bought extra and stored them in my second fridge in the hope that it will keep for longer!

 Fits just for my skin! A customized foundation with 50 different options 
50 types of diverse formula each with different levels of Moisture-Coverage-Shade provides a perfect makeup that fits just for my skin.

Step 1 - MOISTURE: 
3 Levels of Moisture | Matte - Semi Matte - Glow 
A skin-friendly, healthy makeup with Jeju Heritage Ingredients. 
Moisture Level 1 (Matte) : Jeju volcanic scoria powder controls unnecessary sebum and creates a long-lasting makeup.
Moisture Level 2 (Semi Matte) : Jeju green tea water quenches the skin with moisture making a clear and bright skin. 
Moisture Level 3 (Glow) : Jeju green tea seed oil keeps the moisture layer firm for a long time, giving a long-lasting glow to the skin.

Step 2 - COVERAGE:
3 Levels of Coverage l Natural Coverage (2) - High Coverage (2) - Extreme Coverage (1) 

Step 3 - SHADES:
10 Levels of Shade l C13 - C21 - N21 - N22 - N23 - N27 - N31 - W33 - W35 - W37  

A clear, natural makeup with Mineral Cover Complex™ 
The Mineral Cover Complex gives a natural coverage and minimizes oxidizing to make a clear and bright skin tone. * Mineral Cover Complex™ 
A complex of Jeju volcanic scoria powder+Jeju lava seawater mineral powder+White cover mineral powder helps give a perfect coverage.

By Alexandra

​And So My Love Affair Began:
​I've pretty much always stuck with my MAC brushes, because to be fair, they work just fine and the price is pretty fair. However, whilst on my most recent trip to Tokyo in Japan, I was at a lovely department store called "Mitsukoshi" in Ginza. (It would probably somewhat compare to Selfridges in London or Neiman Marcus in the US). I just so happened to be walking around the "Natural Beauty" area of the Beauty floor, when I did a double-take type of look at these wonderful creations - these brushes simply drew me in. They were so sleek looking (trust the Japanese to come with an elegant, streamlined product). And once I felt the smooth, light handle and the actual lush and gentle brush itself, I just fell in love.

The counter lady was unable to explain much as she only spoke Japanese, but she handed over a Shaquda pamphlet with a simple explanation as to what I was seeing. They were pricey, so I decided to just start with two brushes: 

SHAQUDA PRICE: 4,000 JPY | $37 USD (Price as of July 2019)

My Experience:
​When I applied my eyeshadow with this brush, I kid-you-not I was able to do things an amateur such as me, has never been able to do before. It was literally magic. It picked up a lot of product and delineated the smoky eye so perfectly. Even my husband, who rarely notices anything, complimented me on my eyes and the pretty makeup. I was in awe - this was a true winning brush.

What They Say:
Our Smoky eye Brush is best for applying smoky eye color. Sensitive hair creates a deep but natural gradation on the eyelid. Great for eyebrow color blending with a natural look. 

Usage:
•Eyeshadow  •Highlight
Compatible Cosmetics:
•Eye color (powder type, cream type)  •Eyebrow (powder type)
Material:
Hair : Pony | Handle : Walnut
​

SHAQUDA PRICE: 5,000 JPY | $47 USD (Price as of July 2019)

My Experience:
I was blown away by the other brush, so my skeptical mind was ready for this one to fail me, however, again I was pleasantly surprised. I dipped the brush into my concealer and like an airbrush machine, it covered my blemishes and under-eye shadows like no other brush I've tried before.
So worth the hefty price!

​What They Say: With a dense, flat shaped tip that corresponds perfectly to the skin, the Touch up Brush is the perfect blend of pony and synthetic hair. Its elasticity is great for applying concealer. Great for firm application of eye color powder as well. 

Usage:
•Concealer  •Eyeshadow  •Highlight
Compatible Cosmetics:
•Concealer (cream type)  •Eye color (powder type, cream type)  •Face color (powder, liquid type)
Material:
Hair : Goat/ Synthetic  | Handle : Walnut
​
I was now dreaming of buying more brushes and could not stop thinking about them, so on our last day in Tokyo, I dragged my Hubby back to Mitsukoshi to get some more brushes. I had been doing some more research on them and the "Classical Face Brush" seemed like the perfect "general" brush to go for.
​