Eucerin is a brand that I know quite well and I adore their cleansers and one of my favourite toners is by this brand. And let’s not forget about the Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm. I think I have 3 tubes floating around at the moment. Moms, this balm is a must have!

I was recently sent a press pack containing 4 products that I was very excited to try. I was especially keen on the sunscreen as I followed the launch on Twitter and Instagram and it sounded perfect for my sensitive, oily skin.

Eucerin Sensitive Skin Saviours

The Eucerin Sun Gel-Creme Oil Control Dry Touch Face SPF50+ (holy crap that’s a mouthful) claims to offer superior photoprotection and an anti-shine effect for oily and acne-prone skin. Now we all know why we should wear sunscreen, so I don’t have to go on about that. This product also contains loads of difficult to pronounce ingredients that offers cellular and DNA protection and oil regulation. That sounds awesome, but I’m sure you are here to hear if it works or not.

YES! We went to a braai on the most recent public holiday and it was a beautifully warm and sunny day. I knew we were going to sit outside and savour every warm ray, so it was the perfect day to test it out. After about 10 minutes in the sun, I asked the hostess for some sunscreen as I could feel my shoulders were going to go lobster if I didn’t do something. My face was obviously still feeling great. That night I saw feint tan lines on my shoulders and the skin felt a bit tight (it hasn’t seen the sun in months), but my face still looked and felt 100%. Well done Eucerin. Not only was my face protected, it did not once feel greasy or uncomfortable. Because my skin is so sensitive, there are sunscreens that cause irritation when my skin gets hot and sweaty. This product does not fall into that category. The gel-creme is light, it is absorbed immediately and it doesn’t leave a white sheen on your skin. After the braai my skin also still looked quite matte. I am really impressed with this product and highly recommend it. It is one of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin I have used. 5 stars. It retails for R180 for 50ml (a great price for a superior product by the way).

Next up is the Eucerin AntiREDNESS Concealing Day Care moisturiser for hyper sensitive skin. ‘Hyper sensitive’ got me all excited to try it. The green colour of the cream, not so much. But it actually works quite well. It does help to conceal some of the redness (which is a sensitive skin symptom I experience often) and it works very well under my foundation. I love that my eczema-prone skin immediately feels calm and comfortable after application. This cream is also for suitable for rosacea-prone skin. If you suffer from sensitive skin and/or rosacea and eczema, I highly recommend that you give it a try. More browny points to the brand for the fact that it contains a SPF of 25, it comes in a airless dispenser and the cream is free from perfumes, preservatives, parabens, paraffins and alcohol. R230 for 50ml.

Eucerin AQUAporin Active has a new formulation and new packaging. Both of these moisturisers are perfect for sensitive skin and enhances the skin’s own hydration system. This means my skin is left feeling nourished, calm, smooth and radiant. The Eucerin AQUAporin Active Moisturising Cream SPF15 is for normal to combination skin and it has been doing a fine job as a day cream. This is definitely a great option for winter. AUQAporin Active Rich Moisturing Cream is for dry skin and I have been using it as a night cream on nights that my skin was feeling particularly tight and sensitive and it has done a stellar job. Both retail for R190 for 50ml.

Eucerin is available at Clicks, Dischem and pharmacies nationwide. (*Eucerin AntiREDNESS Concealing Day Care is available from September).

Do yourself a favour and visit Eucerin’s website HERE for very useful information on various skin concerns and all the products they have available. This brand truly has some of the best sensitive skin products out there.

xoxo

Disclosure Ranking: 2

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel and Spa Review

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel Stellenbosch Review Pretty Please Charlie

Coopmanhuijs is a boutique hotel and spa situated on Church Street in Stellenbosch. Coopmanhuijs was one of the first grand residences in Stellenbosch and was built in 1713. Three years of painstaking renovations turned it into the 5 star establishment it is today. We were not surprised that Coopmanhuijs is ranked as the number one hotel in Stellenbosch on TripAdvisor for the last couple of years since it launched in 2010.

The location of is perfect. Church Street in Stellenbosch is filled with beautiful shops and eateries and was quite busy when we arrived. Don’t be fooled in thinking that a stay at Coopmanhuijs would not be relaxing though. The moment we stepped in the foyer, we realised it is a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle. The staff was absolute amazing and immediately made us feel at home.

Coopmanhuijs hotel and spa Stellenbosch Classic Manor Room Pretty Please Charlie

Coopmanhuijs Stellenbosch Classic Manor Room Bathroom Pretty Please Charlie

We stayed in a lovely Classic Manor room with the most gorgeous bathroom (and lovely Charlotte Rhys lotions and potions). The room décor is warm and it truly is “where the comfortable becomes the remarkable”. And the bed… oh my. A king size extra length bed. Needless to say an afternoon nap was imminent. But first lunch.

Coopmanhuijs Helena's mezza platter Pretty Please Charlie

We knew that we were in for a treat come supper time, so we opted for something small. We enjoyed a scrumptious mezze platter and a glass of wine by the pool. The aubergine sticks were just perfect. I highly recommend a mezze platter at Helena’s. With one of the gorgeous wines on their menu of course.

That evening we were treated to a 3 course candle lit supper at Helena’s Restaurant. Helena’s is located in two adjoining dining areas within Coopmanhuijs. The restaurant is something to experience. The food was superb. Every dish was beautifully presented and made from only the freshest ingredients. We highly recommend Helena’s. I had the Exotic Mushrooms Gnocchi as a main course and it was delicious. The homemade granadilla ice cream needs an extra special mention though. It may just be the best thing I have ever tasted. Really.

Luckily we were in no rush the next morning and we could sleep in for a bit before heading down for breakfast. And honestly, I really did not want to move from that incredibly comfortable bed. But we knew what was waiting for us in the breakfast area…

Coopmanhuijs Helena's Stellenbosch breakfast buffet Pretty Please Charlie

Breakfast was amazing. The cold buffet was a spread of croissants, scones, freshly baked bread, quiche, various cheeses, fresh fruit, muesli, yoghurt and much more. Obviously we couldn’t resist something from the hot menu. I highly recommend the Eggs Royale.

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel and Spa made us feel at home and very special throughout our stay and we wish we could have stayed longer. Thank you for the friendly service and treats. We could not have asked for more.

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel and Spa – where old world charm meets 5 star service and modern comfort.

To make your booking, visit their website HERE or contact them on +27 (21) 883 8207 or info@coopmanhuijs.co.za.

xoxo

Disclosure Ranking: 2. Helena’s Restaurant and breakfast images belong to Coopmanhuijs and Helena’s. All other images are the property of Pretty Please Charlie.