All the lovely things I’ve been using or indulging in this month

October 31, 2019

From quinoa cereal and beetroot juice to bamboo toothbrushes and “detox” facial cleansers, it’s been a month of trying new and exciting products.

I’m featuring some of my favourites this month – let me know what you’re interested in trying.

For girls who want curls: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Créme

I often mess up with hair products. I either put on too much product and I’m left with sticky or “crunchy” hair, or I don’t distribute the product, or I don’t put on enough.

I realise there are harder things in life than perfecting product application, but I’m yet to nail it. But….. I seemed to get it right with the John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Créme.

I have a natural wave, and this product gives me some more curl without the crunchiness, and keeps the frizz away, even in the heat (even without humidity, I frizz up).

I’ve been a John Frieda fan for a while – I’ve bought their hairspray and mousse, and will do repeat purchases.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Defining Créme is available for around R115,99.

For vegetarians and gluten-intolerant: Bio XXI

After this Bolivian brand was launched here recently, I saw lots of rave reviews, and I’m echoing those sentiments.

Sometimes health products don’t really deliver on taste, even though they might tick all the right boxes (eg gluten-free, vegan). Bio XXI however are great tasting too (my kids lapped up the quinoa pancakes).

The products (pasta, cereals, premixes, easy meals, cookies and more) contain the superfood quinoa, and are gluten-free.

They’re only stocked in Gauteng for now, but here’s hoping they reach other areas soon. For stockist and other info, click here.

For those who love their greens in juice form: Rugani

Rugani Juice has launched two new variants – 100% Zobo Infused Beetroot Juice and 100% Turmeric Infused Carrot Juice.

What is Zobo, you might ask? It’s hibiscus, which apparently is good for treating high blood pressure and cholesterol. The turmeric in the carrot juice has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

While you’re probably better off eating your greens and oranges, drinking it is a great second best, and your kids might be persuaded to try out the juices if they’re not fans of eating their veg.

I found the new carrot variety pretty good, while the beetroot was tolerable – I’m simply not a beetroot fan. These juices aren’t sweetened, which is good if that matters to you, but not if you’re expecting a super-sweet treat juice.

There are seven other juices in the range – they’re available in 330ml and 750ml packs, from Food Lover’s Market, DisChem and selected Pick ‘n Pay, Checkers and Spar outlets.

For eco-carers: WooBamboo! toothbrushes

Apparently when you throw out a toothbrush, it will live in a landfill because it’s virtually indestructible, or land up in the ocean.

If you’re looking for kinder dental products, then you’ll want to know about
WooBamboo!, a range of eco-friendly dental care products that include bamboo toothbrushes, natural toothpaste and sustainably-made dental floss.

This US brand of toothbrushes is made from panda-friendly and natural and biodegradable bamboo, packaged used recycled and recyclable materials, and there are sizes for adults, kids and pets (how cute?!).

The toothpaste is free of fluoride, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and packaged in a plant-based plastic tube with a natural bamboo cap. It’s available in four flavours – Sweet Cinnamon and Vanilla Mint for the family, and Bubble Berry and Marshmallow for kids.

The floss is made from organic silk, coated with natural minty-tasting wax and packaged in renewable plant-based plastic.

They’ll be in selected Clicks and Dis-Chem stores, and independent pharmacies and health shops nationwide. Prices start at R139 for a two-pack of toothbrushes, R229 for two packs of floss, and R139.95 for toothpaste.

For more information, head to www.woobamboo.co.za

For sugar-free eaters who want something delish: NuMe Cake in a Cup

Quick, delish and sugar-free – Nutriseed’s NuMe Chocolate and Coconut Cake in a Cup is so good that there’s now always a box in my pantry. It’s hard to believe that this “make it in two minutes” treat is low carb, high in protein, diabetic-friendly and GMO free, and even though I don’t pertain to any of these, and I still buy this product by choice.

I make it and eat it as is, but NuMe also suggests that you add nuts, berries or nut butters to the mix, or serve with cream or ice cream. To be honest, I’ve never gotten that far…

The product is available from Dischem, Pick n Pay, Clicks stores and other independent retailers from R50.

For those with sensitive teeth: Elgydium Sensitive Toothpaste

I had a lot of dental work done at the beginning of this year, owing to teeth-grinding while I sleep, and while the most pain was felt on my bank account, my teeth have been left quite sensitive.

Better late than never, I recently started using Elgydium (pronounced El-Giddy-Uhm) Sensitive Toothpaste and I’m definitely not wincing anymore when I drink hot coffee or ice-cold G&T (I mean, it’s all about the G&T!)

There are big words and explanations I can give you (via the makers of Elgydium, Pierre Fabre) about how it works, but suffice to say, it did for me, and they did studies that show that after one month of use, Elgydium Sensitive toothpaste reduces tooth sensitivity by 69%.

The toothpaste is available from R69.95 from Clicks, Dis-Chem and other leading pharmacies.

Good to know: if you have sensitive teeth, Elgydium recommends you use a soft toothbrush and do not apply pressure while brushing. For best results, gently brush for 2-3 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Wait 1 hour before brushing after eating sugary or acidic foods.

For those wanting a quick and effective face treatment: Neutrogena masks

Sheet masks suit me so well – they take about 15 minutes of application, and are easy to put on and take off. Neutrogena has added some to their range, and you can get their Hydrogel Recovery Masks in four formulas: Hydro Boost, Radiance Boost, Purifying Boost and Ageless Boost.

I’m going to be honest and say I couldn’t really tell them apart – I was well moisturised and glowing after each one. The Purifying Boost was perhaps the only one that felt a bit different – it contains seaweed extract to detoxify the skin.

The masks are available from select Dis-Chem and Clicks stores for about R60 a mask.

For those who want a skin “detox” – Neutrogena Skin Detox range

Do you ever wash your face, and then you take cotton wool, do a quick wipe, and there’s still makeup there, and you wonder “what on earth do I have to do to get it clean the first time round?”

I ask that question almost nightly, and I think I have the answer now – Neutrogena Skin Detox Clarifying Wash Mask, part of their new-to-SA Skin Detox line (there’s also Triple Micellar Water and Cooling Scrub in the range).

The clarifying clay formula is enriched with glycolic acid to gently help draw out trapped dirt while keeping the skin’s moisture balance. It was odd at first to cleanse with a mask, but after a minute of application, you wash it off, and you say hello to clean and bright skin

Available from around R120.