Riv Pillay

Since introducing actives into my skincare routine, I have not turned back. Niacinamide has been a staple in my routine since I started using it last year. While I loved the product I was previously using (review can be read, here), I wanted to try a more budget-friendly option to see if it performs just as well. This brought me to Standard Beauty and their 6% Niacinamide serum. Did it perform whilst being lighter on my purse, keep reading to find out!  

Sunscreen has been a non-negotiable step in my skincare regime since I started my skincare journey. Over the years I have tried various brands and I can finally confirm that I have found my ride-or-die, the La Roche-Posay Invisible Fluid 50+. 

Over the past year, I have been using the Hyaluronic Acid Toner by Isntree. Due to my satisfaction with Isntree's moisturiser, I chose this particular brand. Further, the importance of hyaluronic acid has become increasingly evident over the past year and I couldn't think of a better star ingredient as the base of my skincare routine. Did the brand and acid live up to my expectations? You are going to have to keep reading to find out. 

  Over the past two weeks, I have been testing the new NIVEA Advanced lotion from their Radiant & Beauty Body Lotion Range. The range was formulated with a mixture of five natural oils and five vitamins that are perfectly balanced to address the needs of melanin-rich skin. Besides being filled with moisture-rich ingredients, NIVEA claimed that the Radiant & Beauty range helped reduce the appearance of stretch marks within two weeks! Did it work? Keep reading to find out!

With Spring in full bloom, it is time to switch out our hearty warm bowls of oatmeal for a refreshing smoothie. One of my favourite smoothies is a green smoothie full of nutrition and fiber. After a number of trials and errors, I can safely say that my current recipe is delicious without the strong earthy green taste.  If you are looking for a healthier breakfast option then keen on reading!

What better way to welcome spring than with a look at one of spring's essential skincare products, an SPF. Over the years the importance of applying an SPF has been made abundantly clear regardless of the forecast. Having used the same SPF brand for years, I decided to switch. Was it the right or wrong choice? Well, you are going to have to read to find out.

With winter rapidly approaching, I made the choice a few months ago to switch to a hydrating moisturiser. I had read great reviews about Isntree as a brand which was further endorsed by positive feedback from my sister.  After a bit of research, I came across their Hyaluronic Acid Moist Cream. Having reached the end of my cream, I thought this would be the opportune moment to share my thoughts. . If the phrase, “Plump, healthy, glowing skin,” ticks your boxes then keep on reading!

The Skin Functional 0.5% Retinol, has been a game-changer in my skincare regime, keep reading to find out why! 

Over the past year, I have been spending more time researching the purpose of different products, ingredients, and their use. One of the products that have really assisted in adding hydration to my face is face mists. I tested several brands and have thoroughly enjoyed the Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water. If your skin needs a boost of moisture then keep on reading!

To kickstart the new year I have decided to focus on my gut health by introducing certain foods and drinks that help. Our gut health affects our immune system, digestion, and certain autoimmune diseases. A simple way to improve our gut health is to consume fermented food. Fermented food and drinks are not always palatable but one that I tend to reach for especially with the scorching heat that we are experiencing is kombucha. In this post, I will be sharing a few tips on why I enjoy consuming kombucha as well as a quick step-by-step guide on how I make my own kombucha. 

"I don't know about you, but I'm feeling 22!!"  There is always a sense of positivity and happiness when a significant event is referenced to a song. It makes you feel more optimistic. That is how I feel about the year 2022 - okay maybe Jay Sean's 2012 referenced the end of the world but we definitely danced to the song like it was.  It is common cause that the past two years have been extremely challenging to each and every one of us. The Coronavirus pandemic has shaken us all to the core. We have lost jobs, family and friends dear to us, as well as the ability to connect and socialize with one another in a care-free manner.  Many have started the year with the infamous "New Year's Resolution" but I have decided to merely embrace the fun and joyous spirit of the Taylor Swift song, 22. I might be far from the number in age, but the positive vibe that the song imparts is something that I need. It is time to break free from the rut that the pandemic ha...

It has been a hot minute since I posted on my blog! On my beauty desk today, I have the Bioderma Sensibio Gel Moussant cleanser also known as, the red bottle. It is formulated to assist men and women who have dry and sensitive skin. Considering that I am on my third bottle, I thought a review was overdue.

  Is it worth the HYPE?!  If you are a regular on my account, then you would have seen that I participated in the Bio-Oil Skincare Oil (Natural) trial. My skin concern in question was the overall dryness that I was experiencing, coupled with my dark spots as a result of acne scarring. 

Since the inception of lockdown in April, I have been embracing my natural look. It felt out of the ordinary applying makeup last week, an action that was second nature to me. As I transition into applying makeup, I thought I would share a product that survived my lockdown spring clean and has been a firm favourite for the past two years. This is none other than my Beauty Hyper brow palette .

I remember the days of cereal and milk being the standard go-to breakfast option. Granola has evolved over the years to be not only a meal on its own but an accompaniment to various other meals. This is why I decided to make my own version but in a more healthy and guilt-free form. 

Feminine Hygiene Products has been making headlines over the past month which is why I thought it would be fitting to share my experience with South Africa’s first organic sanitary pad range, ANNA . If you prefer using sanitary pads and are looking for a locally manufactured and eco-friendly product then keep on reading!

It has been a couple of years since I decided to become a vegetarian. If you follow me on Instagram, then you would have seen my posts about my favourite restaurants and cafes. Whilst at lunch with a friend I was questioned as to why I do not have a "Veg series" on my blog. This sparked an idea to create a series on my blog dedicated to my love for vegetarian food which I hope you will enjoy. My first blog post is about my experience at Tiger's Milk Restaurant.

The application of oil has always been associated with numerous health benefits. The Soil Organic jojoba oil is no different. It is multifunctional and has been a staple in my regime for years. If you love essential/carrier oils then keep on reading. 

Before embracing the curly girl method I was always looking for new methods to remove the frizz and tame my hair to enable me to keep my hair natural and reduce the use of heat tools. I was introduced to the mycro keratin treatment by my hairdresser and I decided to try it out. I am not a hairstylist or hair expert. This is merely a recording of my experience with the treatment and life with untamed and unruly hair. 

We are currently in the middle of Spring, and I have found myself slowly gravitating towards colder drinks. I am not a lover of juice and cold-drink; and have always enjoyed sipping on a hot cup of coffee or tea. I decided to experiment with green tea to create a refreshing drink as we approach the warmer months.