Empties / January 2014

Bodycare:

Di Palomo Moisturizing Liquid Soap: I have totally fallen for this brand and with this hand wash, in particular. It leaves my hands soft, not dry and beautifully scented. You just need a drop and it cuts through grease (like foundation) easily, so it lasted a decent time too.

Repurchase: yes.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream: the Reve de Miel range is a favourite of mine, since it came out and this hand cream is as lovely as the much-hyped lipbalm. I like how quickly it absorbs and doesn't leave any greasy residue on the skin; it's quite heavily scented so you may want to be aware of that, if this fragrance is not your cup of tea. It does not bother me.

Repurchase: yep!

Clarins Body Lift Cellulite Control: this is another great body cream from Clarins (like this one!). I had a dozen of these samples and I can say that, with regular use, I could definitely see an improvement on the skin on my legs and bum. It's pricey but it delivers and it feels like a real luxury treat.

Repurchase: maybe.

Skincare:

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash: I really didn't care for this cleanser. The glue-ish consistency made it awkward to work into the skin and wasteful; it is also not 'powerful' enough to remove make-up so I have only been using it on make-up free days. I guess it could be a nice cleanser for the morning routine but I'm happy with my cleansing milk, in the mornings.

Repurchase: no.

Alpha H Liquid Gold Smoothing & Perfecting Mask: this is a great purifying mask and gentle, at the same time. It says it contains lavender but doesn't have the scent. It feels very much like a mud mask but doesn't dry the skin as much.

Repurchase: yes.

Lavera Eyegel: unfortunately - although their products are lovely - I just don't agree with the smell of Lavera creams; the handcream was also a fail for me.

The consistency of the eyegel is balmy and silky, it felt really nice on the skin... I just don't see the need of such an overpowering scent in an eyecream!

Repuchase: nope! 

*** Sorry if this post is coming pretty late but I'm having issues with the broadband at home... fingers crossed, it will be sorted by the end of the week! ;) ***

Empties / October 2013

Skincare:

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution: not much to say about this one - everyone loves it, everyone uses it. Although - as I mentioned in my holiday haul post - I'm branching out and started trying different brands, this is still my favourite in the micellar water world.

Repurchase: definitely!

Simple Kind to Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes: I use wipes before the gym to remove most of my face make-up; these were allright but a bit on the dry side and I felt I had to scrub more than when using other ones.

Repurchase: no.

Wei White Lotus Moisture Rich Eye Blend: I received this eye cream in the January Birchbox; It's quite thick in consistency, so I mainly used it at night for this reason. Nevertheless I enjoyed using it and didn't feel heavy on the skin (just takes a while to absorb).

Repurchase: maybe.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm: ohhhh my precious - I love everything about this lip balm - the grittiness, the smell, the performance. The matte finish is also an unusual and welcome quality. You can read more in my original review here.

Repurchase: hell yeah!

Bodycare:

Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Wash: can go wrong with a bit of posh hand wash ;) Lovely fresh scent, lathers nicely and not drying - I actually really liked this wee sample.

Repurchase: yes.

Sprout Cream: Sprout's now become S.W. Basics but same lovely products. This is a very thick cream, nearly pure shea butter. I used it on rough areas as knees, elbows and heels and lasted ages. Love the sweet smell, too.

Repurchase: yes.

L'Occitane Date Bouquet Hand Cream: this was from the shea butter limited edition from last year. L'Occitane hand creams are probably my favourite hand creams ever, the date scent was lovely too. I'm currently using the Passionate Jasmine version and it is just as gorgeous - You can check this post for the Limited Edition 2013 scents :) 

Repurchase: always!

Nivea Firming Body Oil: pretty inexpensive body oil, for after shower use that I highly recommend! Easy to dispense, not greasy and beautiful scent.

Repurchase: yes.

All in all a very positive month! Have you tried any of these products yet?

*** New items added to the Shop :) ***

Empties / April

Hope everyone is enjoying their bank holiday - time for me to do another empties post:

The Body Shop Earth Lovers Apricot & Basil 100% Biodegradable Shower Gel: nothing particularly exciting or pampering about this product - does the job well and I love the scent but the thickness was weird: too thin for a shower gel. Actually, I got this for free when I placed my order online so I can't really complaint but I don't think I would like to pay for it (you end up using too much product).

Repurchase: no

James Brown London Heat Styling Protector: hate it with a vengeance! 

Couldn't wait to finish this off - It makes your hair so sticky and it smells like aftershave. Actually, I didn't even manage to finish it because the spray hole is all clogged up but it's definitely time for the bin.

Repurchase: neverrrrrrr!

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse: One of best body oil - the scent is phenomenal, doesn't leave you greasy and I simply love it... just as much as the gold version, which I have the full size. 

Repurchase: absolutely!

Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser: I have tried a couple of the Clarisonic cleansers and this one is my favourite. The consistency is perfect for the brush action and leaves my skin clean and fresh.

Repurchase: probably yes

L'Occitane Eye Balm: what a lovely eye cream. This cream is part of the Immortelle line but hasn't got the overpowering flowery scent. The consistency is between a balm and a gel - thin enough for the eye area - and great hydrating properties. Also, the jar is made of glass: perfect to keep the product fresh and adding to the cooling action. 

Repurchase: why not

Rodial Glamtox Night: I have mixed feelings about this product: love the scent, the consistency but couldn't help thinking something was missing from my routine, when applying this cream. It's odd because my skin doesn't have particular needs and It does feel great on the skin but, I don't know, I felt it wasn't moisturizing at all!

Repurchase: no.

This week I'm in love with...

Since receiving the Caudalie Divine Oil as my birthday treat few weeks back, I've been rediscovering the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse OR.

I was first introduced to this oil when I received a sample in a GlossyBox - I went quickly through the small bottle because I fell in love with it and I couldn't get enough of it.

The scent is absolutely divine and, because I'm very smell-sensitive, this product doubles as a perfume for me. I picked up the golden shimmer version, last Spring.

The smell is also very similar to the Caudalie' one, although the blend of oils is different; Nuxe's includes borage, st johnswort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut and macadamia.

Between the two, I prefer the Nuxe oil because it feels drier and not sticky at all, whilst the Caudalie leaves a greasy residue on my skin.

The glitter does separate from the oil so you just need to give it a good shake before application and - although it looks pretty glittery in concentration - it just leaves a subtle glow, once blended.

The only thing I'm not too happy about is the packaging: I would prefer a spray bottle (mine is not but I understand there's a spray version available on the market) and the writing on the bottle rubbed off straight away (I literally kept finding wee white letters on my hands!).

This product is great in the summer - perfect to enhance a tan - but it will also looks beautiful in the upcoming festive season - as an extra glamorous touch for your Christmas parties.

Have you tried this oil before?

xxx

Review / Nuxe 24hr Soothing and Rehydrating Fresh Mask

I remember Nuxe making the first appearance in the pharmacy of my hometown, in the early nineties; Italian pharmacies are very much like the French ones - where you can get great brands for really affordable prices - and I have often accompanied my mum in her shopping trips.

At the time tho, I didn't pay much attention as a teenage girl, attracted more to colourful packaging and the latest brands, advertised in my glossy magazines; after this fascination passed, tho... I did realised mums do know best! :)

Nuxe new range for Autumn 2012 - Creme Fraiche de Beaute' - is specifically formulated to give 24hr hydration.

8 Plant Milks and Aloe Vera boost the skin's water reserves and the ability to mantain optimal water levels, whilst Almond and Orange White Flowers sooth the skin and provide relief for discomfort as redness and irritation.

Nuxe Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute'*

What's pretty innovative with this mask is that you can apply it to the eye contour, too!

 You leave it on for 10 minutes and then massage the remaining product into the skin; it, nearly, absorbs completely but as a final step is recommended to remove any excess with some toning lotion.

The mask feels very fresh on the skin and has a very strong flowery, natural scent.

It's very light on application and directed for all skin types - it leaves skin supple and fresh looking, without any sticky residue.
 I have been using it as a last minute, emergency treatment before going out: it doesn't leave any redness plus my eye area looks more relaxed and my concealer lasts very well, afterwards.

Included in this line, there are 3 face creams - specially formulated for sensitive/normal, sensitive/combination and dry/extra dry skin - and a serum for very dry skin.

Everything available from Spacenk.com and FeelUnique.com from the 1st of September and with prices starting from £18.50 for the face mask.

Are you going to pick something up from this range?

Delivery / Super by Dr. Nicholas Perricone

This morning, I received my parcel from Cocosa.

I have few products that I'm trying atm, so I'm not sure when I'll get around to do a proper review; anyway, I thought I'd share this with you now as these products are still available on the website - and you can get a better feel, if you're interested in buying them...

So, what did I get?

- First Blush Brightening Serum

- Night Recharge Retinol Treatment

- Lush Lips Conditioning Balm

green commitment statement

Ok, I admit it: I'm a sucker for a pretty packaging... and I love these - I, also, love the frosted glass of the bottles.

The Night Recharge comes with a separate pump and First Blush comes with a dropper applicator, instead.

Lush Lips comes in a pot... and what can I say, it smells like coconut (obviously) equals perfection! Did I mention that I love EVERYTHING COCONUT??!

It's pretty thick but melts with the heat and reminds me of Nuxe Reve de Miel, minus the grittiness.

 

that is definitely a FULL jar

For what I read around, these products seem to deliver instant results - especially the Night Recharge, where the astaxanthin (from the red algae) is a potent antioxidant that gives shrimps and salmons their pinky colour and should mimic the same on your cheeks: we'll see... but I'm excited to give it a go!

 

Finally, I'm very pleased with the service from this website: it's similar to BrandAlley and I have ordered only once from both but the Cocosa' order arrived in 2 days, whilst the BrandAlley took over a month - so kudos for that!

Have you tried anything from Super yourself?

xxx

Nuxe - Reve de Miel range

The Reve de Miel range from Nuxe is based around honey and enriched with sunflower and precious plant oils.

 The Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm, is the first, original product which started this line in 1994 and I've been using it for the past couple of weeks: it's the perfect ally for this cold winter. This balm is very rich and comes in a pot - but the thick paste melts in contact with the heat from my skin and my lips are left with a glossy and moisturizing finish. I'm really getting addicted to this product and love the 'typical' nuxe writing on the pot.

I'm also loving that all the instructions are in the inside of the packaging, instead of on a separate leaflet - showing the green commitment of this brand.

Just at the beginning of this year, this range has been expandend and you can also pick up a lip stick, if you're not too keen on the pot.

New addictions, also, include Face & Body Ultra-Rich Cleansing Gel, Ultra Comfortable Day and Night Cream.

Another star item for me is the Hand & Nail Cream. I always have really dry cuticles and hands but this cream does a great job in nourishing and softneing my skin without being greasy.

The texture is kinda of whipped and absorbes instantly leaving an amazing scent and a silky feeling.

it's the signature perfume of Nuxe - if you got the dry oil, you kow what I'm talking about - and its a scent I love.

Finally, worth mentioning, is the partnership with 'Un Toit Pour Les Abeilles' - an organization dedicated to the preservation of bees; Nuxe, in fact, sponsors 6 beehives in the north-east of France to help protect and develop a new colony in the Vosges region.

*pr samples*

GlossyBox September Edition

Hello lovelies!

Apologies for this late post but I swapped 1 of the items and I wanted to wait to have the complete box, before posting my review.

So, theme of the box was 5 Future Classics - basically, the newest formulas that are bound to become big.

HD Brows Eye & Brow Palette in Foxy: this is the item I swapped. Initially, I was sent the Bombshell version but I'm clearly not blonde (you see, this is what I'm not too happy about Glossybox: I think they should customise the boxes better or send everybody the same stuff). Anyway, I read around that many people were excited about this one - me personally, not so much.

Mainly because I have a fringe and I never do my brows: yes, it's a nice kit, I will probably use it as eye shadows and It may come in handy in the future but I could have lived without it.
 I gave it a go - It came out a bit thick but I have never done this before; it seems pretty easy to master with a bit of practise and once it's on you need make up remover to take it off.

Full size, retail price £19.95

I reckon it's an ok match for my hair colour

L'Oreal Professionnel Mysthic Oil: this is the star item for me! I'm usually very fussy with hair products but I love this and I can't stop using it. 

It's a blend of avocado and grape seed oil that nourishes the hair and smells d-i-v-i-n-e. You can use it both on wet and dry hair but I usually only put on 2 pumps after my shampoo; on top of that, it doesn't leave my hair feel heavy. This bottle will last for a long time but I will repurchase when I run out. 

Full size, retail price £ 14.95 (but you can get it cheaper here).

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse: another product I love! I wanted to try this for some time and I'm glad I got it in this box. It feels good on the skin and I love the smell - in fact when I wear this I don't feel the need to wear a perfume too. I will definitely take advantage of the discount code and get the or version here.
This is a generous sample; full bottles come in 50ml and 100ml and cost between £16.50 - £37.00

Plum by Mary Greenwell Eau de Parfum: I don't really care of this one, to be honest; it's ok but not my cup of tea. Plus, as many other bloggers pointed out... ENOUGH WITH PERFUME SAMPLES!!
Full bottle costs £60

StriVectin-SD Eye Concentrate: I'm a bit of a sucker for eye creams; especially after turning 30 so I tried this straight away. At first, I was surprised by the smell: it's quite subtly fruity and unexpectedly so because of the high-tech packaging I was expecting a more chemical smell, if it makes sense. It was a nice surprise anyway.
During the first few applications I felt a tingling and warming sensation - nothing too uncomfortable but definitely noticeable. Also, I could see that after just 2 days my dark circles were positively lighter.
Now,  about reducing fine lines I haven't seen any improvement but the sample is for 2 weeks only and the product promises smoother wrinkles after 8 weeks.
All in all, I'm very pleased with this product and would totally recommend.
Price - well that's the sore note: £49 for 30ml.

What were your impressions on this box?

GlossyBox - September

I'm veeeery pleased with my selection.

I'm just not sure about brow palette in Bombshell (which apparently is for blondes) - anybody wanna swap?

Are you a subscriber? What did you get this month? :)