Even though I do quite a bit of research when it comes to beauty products, I’ve never studied the science behind it, so I really like to go on gut feel as well. I tend to find that some products stay at the front of the shelf and I tend to reach for them on a daily basis, while others slowly migrate to the back of the cupboard, because they lack the Wow! factor in my opinion.

My initial feeling towards the African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Range is very positive. I love that it’s a local brand, that it’s a natural brand, and that it contains rooibos (indigenous to the Western Cape – yay! for us), which I know from drinking it, is a great anti-oxidant.

Starting to read up on it a bit more, I’m even more impressed.

Firstly, it’s endorsed by Beauty without Cruelty, which gets 2 big thumbs up, and then I had to check the alcohol content, and yes! it only contains Cetearyl alcohol, which isn’t drying for the skin, so another thumbs up. Another plus is that they are all Paraben free as well.

I’ve been using the Advantage Range for 2 weeks and my skin is loving it. It’s a really gentle and hydrating range with no nasties to dry out your skin. I’ve even purchased the night cream and the serum, as I’d like to give them a try as well. The Serum is very interesting as it contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides. I’d definitely go out and buy these again

Brand: African Extracts Rooibos Advantage

Products tested:
African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Intensive Day Cream with SPF 15
African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Hydrating Creamy Cleanser
African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Gentle Refining Polish
African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Enriched Hand & Nail Cream SPF 15

African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Intensive Day Cream with SPF 15:
I just turned 38 and tried this product. I had problematic skin as a teenager/young adult and now have no problems, other than trying to avoid the signs of ageing. I think this a product that represents great value, as it's really affordable. I used it every morning under my make up. it has a very mild, pleasant smell, and I like the fact that it not only has sunblock, albeit 15 is quite low for our climate. I love that the range is anti-animal cruelty and is also South African! I found it a little too rich for my skin as it took a little while to soak in. I did enjoy the smooth feel of it this cream. R150 for 50ml

African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Hydrating Creamy Cleanser:
This product has a very pleasant smell which I enjoyed. It was very mild in terms of cleaning my face, and didn't remove all of my make-up. it might be suited to someone who wears less make up, or perhaps used in conjunction with make up remover. It is R60 for 125ml

African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Gentle Refining Polish:
My face felt very smooth after using this. It is not as harsh as some exfoliants that I've used before and I think that is because the exfoliant is a natural ingredient, apricot seeds, not harsh chemicals. I used this ever second day and enjoyed the fresh feeling my skin had afterwards. It is R60 for 75ml

African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Enriched Hand & Nail Cream SPF 15:
This creamed absorbed very easily into hands, with no residue, and that made it perfect for keeping in my car and using while driving. I would definitely buy this product again as I have very dry hands and I loved how it made them feel. It is R60 for 50ml.

I love the packaging of this range, and the red and gold colours, as it looks very expensive. You can buy the whole range at Clicks and Dis-Chem stores and the prices range from R60 to R150.

I'm nearly 38, but have only recently started using anti-aging products. Honestly I was a bit sceptical to try the African Extracts Rooibos Advantage range due to my sensitive skin, but I'm glad I did because my #SkinLovesRooibos :)
I had a few of the Advantage products to test and review, which are the Hydrating Creamy Cleanser, Gentle Refining Polish, Enriched Hand & Nail Cream as well as the Day Cream. The products are all beautifully packaged in red and gold and are found at your local supermarkets, Clicks and Dis-Chem stores ranging from R60-R160. Special offers on gift packs are now also available.

The Advantage range is perfect for me, because it's targeted at matured and maturing skin. In our harsh summer weather, our skin needs all the protection it can get. With all the chemicals and toxins we are exposed to daily, isn't it refreshing to find a range of products that protects your skin against these baddies? If you're still searching for a skincare brand that truly has the South African environmental effects in mind to nourish and pamper your skin, look no further.

Bio-Active Rooibos extract, aloe extract, plant extract, jojoba and grapeseed oil, milk thistle extract, apricot seed, keratin, vitamins A, C and E are just some of the ingredients found in this product range. Each one works in conjunction with the other to bring us the best of nature at our fingertips.

The Hydrating Creamy Cleanser effectively cleans your face. It removed all traces of my makeup just by rubbing it in gently and then rinsing it with lukewarm water. The result is clean, soft, hydrated skin, which lived up to its claim. It is R60 for 125ml

Instead of the (harmful plastic) microbeads you’d normally expect to find in an exfoliator scrub, they’ve used finely milled apricot seed in the Gentle Refining Polish which gives your skin a renewed radiance. It is R60 for 75ml

The Enriched Hand & Nail Cream with SPF15 is absorbs easily into your hands, without leaving it feeling greasy. There is a warning on the tube that it does contain Benzophenone-3 which is a common allergen. It is R60 for 50ml

The Sun Protection Factor in the Day Cream is 15 which is a bit low, but it's better than none at all. I find this cream to be rich and slightly grainy. After two weeks of use, I can really say that my face feels supple and hydrated. My T-zone never got oily and there was no need for applying more of the cream on my chin during the day, which is my dry area normally. It is R160 for 50ml

To sum up everything I love about the African Extracts Rooibos Advantage range: packaging, price, availability, smell, the results of continued use, being paraben-free and endorsed by Beauty without Cruelty. Best of all, it's proudly South African, being produced locally in Cape Town. It truly is "skin care inspired by nature"

Brand: African Extracts
Range: Advantage Skin Care
Products Tested: Hydrating Creamy Cleanser, Enriched Hand & Nail Cream SPF 15, Gentle Refining Polish, Intensive Day Cream with SPF 15
Prices and Sizes:Hydrating Creamy Cleanser R60 -125ml, Enriched Hand & Nail Cream SPF 15 R60-50ml, Gentle Refining Polish R60-75ml, Intensive Day Cream with SPF 15 R160-50ml
Availability: Most supermarkets, Clicks, and some pharmacies nationwide.

More About the African Extracts Advantage Skincare Range:
The Range Claims to Protect one's skin against environmental stresses, reduce visible signs of ageing. African Extracts Advantage range, is rich in powerful antioxidants and is also ideal for dry, stressed and mature skins. So why not TAKE ADVANTAGE if you catch my drift! ;-)

Bio-Active Rooibos, which is the key ingredient in this range, together with plant based advanced anti-ageing complexes and vitamins, boosts one's skin`s natural defences, protecting it against all kinds of harmful elements. Bio-Active Rooibos leaves is harvested in the Cederberg and the extract thereof contains high levels of antioxidants which combats the harmful action of free radicals. Free Radicals are the primary cause of anti-ageing.

First Impression of African Extracts Advantage Skincare Range
When I first received my package I was so obsessed with the beautiful looking boxes of each product. In a lavishly red coloured box with finer details of gold like finishes is what each product looks like. The products somehow reminds one of quality, the packaging is lovely and really is on par when it comes to the products inside each box.

My Experience with Each Product

Hydrating Creamy Cleanser - R60-125ml
This Creamy Cleanser was the first product I started testing and reviewing of the range. I absolutely loved the feel of the creamy cleanser (white in colour) on my skin. It's a non-foaming cleanser, and it basically needs to be applied on a damp face. Rub the cleanser in circular motions to gently cleanse one's skin and remove all impurities. The cleanser works well, and it actually left my skin feeling softer and more moisturised than any other cleanser I have ever used before. This cleanser is rich in Bio-Active Rooibos extract, aloe leaf extracts and Vitamins C and E, and is gentle enough to be used at least twice a day without causing the skin to dry out or feel damaged.

Enriched Hand and Nail Cream SPF 15 -R60-50 ml
This Hand and Nail cream turned out to be my favorite product of the four products I had received. It's a must have product under the African sun this summer. With the harsh African sun, I feel it is imperative for us females to look after our hands, and with an SPF of 15 contained in this hand and nail cream we really couldn't ask for any better. The hand cream comes in a compact size 50ml which makes it easy to carry around, as its not too big. Again one doesn't need to apply to much of the hand cream, as its very moisturising and almost feels like a glove once you have applied it onto your hands. Vitamin A and E is contained in this hand and nail cream, along with milk thistle extracts, Bio-Active Rooibos and UV Protection which will all help against the signs of ageing hands. The Keratin and Vitamin C in this hand and nail cream will promote strong, healthy nails. One can immediately see this hand and nail cream working once its been applied to the hands. Texture: Smooth white creamy lotion like hand cream, very moisturising and easily absorbs into the nails. This product smells amazing, as does all of the other products and has that unique rooibos cent to it.

Gentle Refining Polish - R60-R75ml
Now for me who suffers from sensitive skin, I was very sceptical when it came to trying out this product as I don't do facial scrubs or face washes that contain rough bits and bobs in them. My skin tends to breakout whenever friction is caused by small particles in any facial washes that my face comes into contact with, and I will suffer from small rashes and pimples. But I had to try out this refining polish just to experience it for myself. So off I went and gave it a try. And I must add this refining polish was so gentle, and actually exfoliated my skin removing all makeup buildup facial impurities like blackheads and whiteheads and left my skin smooth and clean. My face looked radiating after I used this product. I suggest using it at least once a week, since the Creamy Cleanser is very gentle and does not fulfill the need of exfoliating the facial skin. The Refining Polish also contains the Bio-Active Rooibos extract, jojoba, grape and apricot seed oil, as well as aloe leaf which is perfect for dry and mature skin. The generous 75ml size will last you quite some time, as you don't need much of the product for each application/use. Texture: A smooth peach like coloured polish which contains micro particles for exfoliating purposes.

Intensive Day Cream SPF 15-R160 -50ml
Confession time: I must admit I am not big on using day creams, so I haven't been using this day cream as often as I should shhhhh. Only a dot or two are required here and there on the skin, for optimal coverage. With SPF 15 protection is provided against UV rays, pollution and stress, also puffiness, loss of firmness and fine lines and wrinkles. Advanced anti-ageing complexes, Pronalen EAP, green tea to mention a few ingredients will help with and fight damaging free radicals in the skin and reduce puffiness. I should definitely make a point of using this day cream more often, and I hope to do so during the upcoming December holidays. For the two weeks I have been using it, its been good to me, and I must admit I made it form part of my night-time routine. ;-) In the morning my skin was left feeling softer and smoother, and smelling absolutely lovely. I honestly cannot get enough of the familiar rooibos tea kinda scent which all of the Advantage range products contain.

My Recommendation
I would definitely recommend the African Extracts Advantage Skincare Range not only to those with matured skin, but also those ladies with maturing skins. To me, the earlier you start to invest in a good quality skincare range, the better your skin will look and feel and to me skincare is very important. No amount of makeup or blush is going to cover up and conceal bad skin without anyone noticing anything, so great healthy skin should be on the top of every woman's list of priorities. The range is affordable, and product sizes is generous enough that the products will last you for some good amount of time. Also ingredients like Bio-Active Rooibos, Vitamins A,E, Keratin and aloe extracts to mention a few will help with all skincare needs whether it be anti-aging, firmness, puffiness, redness etc. The African Extracts Advantage skincare range has that fresh rooibos scent to it, and makes one immediately feel to have a good cup of tea while your skin is being treated to the best products containing plant extracts, is non allergenic and antioxidant rich. Products also fights against free radicals, is paraben free and endorsed by beauty without cruelty which means no animals were harmed in the making and testing of the products which is very important to me. These products get an overall 4.8/5 for me. #SkinLovesRooibos

#SkinLovesRooibos African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Range

So I did an individual review for the cleanser as I really loved that product and think it is my favorite piece in the puzzle.

Now to give an overview of the entire African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Range.
I am in my 30's and am always looking for affordable, effective and anti ageing products and that's exactly what this range offered me. I love that it also has the add on products like serums and eye cream which are definitely going in my basket next week :)

I really adored the packaging as it is simple but also elegant and sophisticated and to me looks quite upmarket. It is also practical in a tube format and the jar for the African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Intensive Day Cream is also nice and practical in my opinion. It has a built in SPF which means less layering etc. I loved that the cream was also light and not too oily as I have a combination skin. It definitely changed the texture of my skin and I feel that the skin is much more hydrated and I can already see a slight difference in the dehydration lines across my forehead.
The scrub....well I love a great, grainy scrub and that is what this is, the African Extracts Rooibos Advantage Facial Scrub is quite gritty but in a nice creme-gel base so it gets the job done but without stripping the skin too much.

The African Extracts Rooibos Vitamin Enriched hand and nail cream is lovely, I use it day and night and have also being massaging it on my cuticles. Already they are more hydrated and my nails are looking healthier by the day. I like that it is not too rich or sticky.

All in all I love this range, I love the packaging, the fragrance of the Rooibos enriched ingredients, the feel of the products on my skin and best of all I can see a difference and that to me is what makes me want to buy it again....as well as the great price tag attached.
Thank you for letting me try these amazing products.

#SkinLovesRooibos African Extracts Rooibos Advantage range

Wow! I love me a good cleanser, especially one that leaves my skin feeling nice and clean but without that tight uncomfortable feeling.....that is what I have found with the African Extracts Hydrating Creamy cleanser, a light gel-creme like textured cleanser which left my skin feeling clean but soft, hydrated and supple afterwards.
I also attempted to remove mascara using the cleanser and was pleasantly surprised as it removed all traces of make up without burning my eyes.
I use a very small amount in the palm of my hand, spread out on wet skin on my face and then gently massage, I did not experience any lather which for me is the best as that means no drying or harsh ingredients.
I love the smell of the African Extracts Rooibos products, love that all the products, not just the cleanser, are natural and really good for your skin. Bonus - affordable and accessible almost anywhere.
Love the product and definitely would buy again and recommend it.

I have been trialing the African Extracts Rooibos AdvantAGE range for the past couple of weeks, specifically, I've been using the following products:
The Creamy Cleanser
The Refining Polish
The Day Cream
The Hand Cream

The products are very well priced, conveniently packaged, packed with natural ingredients and not tested on animals, so an all round win for me.
I've been using the Creamy Cleanser morning and night, it gently cleanses my face without leaving my skin feeling tight and stripped.
For a bit of deep cleansing, after a day of make up, I use the Refining Polish after the Creamy Wash at night, to ensure I've removed all traces of my day and my make up from my face before going to bed. I liked that the Refining Polish has a lovely creamy consistency but with enough granuals to feel like it was polishing my face at the same time.
My favorite product, out of the four I've been trialing is the Day Cream. It's quite a rich cream so I was concerned it would make my oily t-zone oilier during the course of the day, which it didn't, at all and bonus, it has a built in SPF.
I used the hand cream at night too because I found it quite rich and it does leave a residue.
All the products smelled lovely, I really enjoy their fresh, clean, natural scent and none of them had any negative effects on my skin.
My skin has felt smooth, supple and nourished while using these products.
I'd really love to try the night and eye creams next and hope to add these to my collection soon.
I highly rated these products and would definitely recommend them to my friends.