Hey girls!
Do you remember how back in '94, Gwyneth Paltrow gave the ancient art of fire cupping the most amazing modern day PR? She rocked up at a film premier with her back covered in odd-looking, round-shaped bruises - a direct result of the practice.
Anyhoo, just the other day I got to experience an amazing massage using Bellabaci Cups. They work much the same as fire cups in that they create a little vacuum that sucks up your skin (for lack of a 'prettier' explanation) to help get your circulation pumping. However, as Bellabaci's cups are made from medical grade silicone instead of glass and there isn't any fire involved, you don't wind up looking like someone moered you in the back!
The benefits you ask? An incredibly deep tissue massage that, among other things, helps to improve the appearance of cellulite and spider veins while draining lymph fluids and toxins. What's not to love?! I was also impressed by how leaving a cup on my shoulder for just two minutes helped to clear a knot of tension in my back and I felt a hideous sense of glee to actually see black ick ('toxins') draw into another cup that was placed at the side of my neck.
Jo-Anne, (my lovely therapist): "Shame, I can see you're on lots of medication... all those toxins. Poor thing..."
Moi: "Er yes... it's definitely the meds. They put a lot of strain on my kidneys..." (Inwardly, however, I was cringing, thinking about my 'toxin' riddled lifestyle. Think 1 x family-sized bag of wine gums for brekkie followed by a Coke Lite chaser...)
Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and you can too. To locate your closest spa offering a Bellabaci massage or to buy Bellabaci Cups to use at home, call their inventor, Cape Town local Keren Trabelsi on 083 459 9357. At her spa, Yemaya in Mouille Point, Cape Town, a 75 minutes Bellabaci massage costs R490. The cups, which are available for both your body and face, have a recommend retail price of R370 per set.
Now let's talk product!
Woolies have launched a new range of pampering hand and foot care products called 'Homespa'. I was sent a few of their 'hand goodies' and most liked their vitamin E enriched Homespa Everyday Hand Cream, R49,95. It had a light, 'clean' smell, sunk into my hands in a flash, yet left them feeling well-hydrated and ready to hit the keyboard.
I also got to road test Revlon's new (wait for it...) scented nail polish! Revlon Fruitful Temptations Nail Polish, R89,95, are available in eight fun summer colours (think Not So Blue-berry – a shimmery mid-tone blue and Sublime Strawberry – a flirty flamingo pink), each shade has its own nummy-smelling scent when dry! My fave was Pretty in Papaya, a zexy coral with a sweet papaya scent that lasted a good two days. Want to see a few piccies? Take a peek in Steph's Closet. Like me, she's a fellow net writer with a passion for fashion and all things beauty.
In other news, if you're a Lip Ice aficionado, you'll be thrilled to hear the brand has heard your angry gnashing of teeth. Apparently, in 2006, Lip Ice changed its formula and updated its packaging to a 'fat stick'. However, the company got so many complaints including a threat from one Mr Koos du Rand who threatened them with his 'sjambok' (yes, really), that they've now reverted to the original ingredients and tube. Yay!
I got to try a new variant, Lip Ice Cocoa Butter, R8,99, and must say, aside from smelling delish and keeping my lips feeling lush, it really did take me back to my childhood – those carefree days when a two rand coin bought you a sack full o' Chappies. And really, what was more fab-tastic than that?
Love love,
Leigh
X x
P.S. Have you gals been good this year? The Body Shop's three new Christmas lines should arrive in store this week – Merry Cranberry, Nutmeg & Vanilla and Black Velvet Apricot! Each yummalicious variant will be available in pretty much everything – think body butters, shower gels, lip balms and home fragrance oils.
Also, if you're a fan of their mineral eye shadows, you'll be glad to know they've just added three new shades: Deep Jade, Vivid Amethyst and Nude Gypsum (a pale, shimmery beige). So get your ass in store and start making that Christmas wish list, chop chop!
Yes, yes... I know it's early... But tell me, beauty-wise, what would you like for Christmas?