Skincare Routine - AM

Bonjour!

It's been a while since I 'did' my skincare routine so without further ado here's the morning bunch I've been using over the last few months  ...

The products go from right to left ... because I didn't think and just photographed them that way ...!

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - reviewed here. An old favourite that I've been using on and off for a few years now. Described as being suitable for normal/combination skin - I tend to turn to it in Summer as it's so refreshing and is ideal for a morning wash but doesn't dry my skin out.  I took a travel size on holiday this year and it was perfect for both myself and my daughter!

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser - another one I've used before and I've alternated it with the Balance Me Face Wash over the last few months.  This supersize came with a TSV from QVC so was excellent value for money - it gives a good cleanse and can be used am or pm but I've mainly been using it in the morning.   This particular tube is coming to an end now but it's one I'd definitely go for again as it's not thick or heavy but is more like a lotion in texture, it just slips over the skin as you massage in - I love the fact that it contains aloe vera and we all know how good for skin that is!

Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex - I reviewed this a good couple of years ago and always try to get hold of it in a kit or when it's on offer. I don't use it every morning but alternate with the Idealia Eyes below - it's great for pepping up extra-tired eyes as it feels so cooling and revitalising.  It contains ingredients to temporarily lift and tighten, detoxify and gently resurface and you can apply all over the eye area, top and bottom lid right up to the lash line.

Vichy Idealia Eyes - this was reviewed fairly recently here. Great product for helping with dark circles and dullness and certainly brightens up the eye area on a morning. I especially reach for it when I have my contacts in and my eyes are exposed in all their 'non-glory' to the whole world! We don't want to scare anyone do we!

Liz Earle Instant Boots Skin Tonic- needs no introduction or explanation even! One of my all time favourite toners for refreshing and moisturising that's actually nearly finished.  I do dip into other brands but I'm sure this will be a constant repurchase on and off for years to come!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - I received this sample in a beauty box ages ago. I only use it every few days (as I use other types of exfoliants at different stages in the week) but I love it as it's so gentle and just gives a little bit of a polish without scratching or irritating the skin.

Nuxe Nuxellence Jeunesse Youth and Radiance Revealing Fluid - this was included in a Nuxe travel kit a while ago and I didn't really know what to expect - after all I'm slightly addicted to my Vichy Aqualia Thermal below!  It can be used am and/or pm but I stick to the morning as I'm addicted to facial oils of a night-time! It has a light but velvety texture, glides on and sinks in easily and does seem to deliver as my skin seems smoothed and brightened - I'm impressed. I tend to save it for when my skin is feeling a bit lacklustre and dull and then use for a few days on the go. It's a bit expensive at £47/50ml so I'll wait until there is a decent offer on to repurchase the full size. I'd be interested to see how it compares to the Vichy Idealia Life Serum which I've yet to try - so that could be a little experiment in the making!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - I really don't feel the need to harp on about this one - I've done so many times before and reviewed it what seems like a lifetime ago - it's such a great product for a hit of cooling hydration over the summer months!  I've repurchased many times and already have another put away for a rainy day or should I say rainy summertime!

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF30 Day Lotion - this was an impulse buy a few months ago - I don't always use a separate SPF (as I can't stand too many 'layers of stuff' on my face at times) so  this seemed like a good all rounder.  Have to say I'm really surprised - it's a good consistency, goes on and absorbs easily and keeps my skin feeling comfortable all day and doesn't break me out - of course I am using a couple of good serum based products up above and that obviously makes a difference!   I'm really not into spending a fortune on face cream and this does the job perfectly and was a complete bargain as it was something like under a fiver on offer. I have a feeling it may no longer be available now as I can't find it online but I have another stashed away for now!

So that's been my morning skincare routine over the Summer months. Have you used any of these products ...which is your favourite? 

Jen x

Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse DD Creme - Review

Bonjour!

After a fair amount of dithering around on my part (what's new) I eventually got hold of the Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse DD  Creme from M&S back in April ... there was an offer on ... it was an excellent deal ... a no brainer ... you can read about it here if you feel the need! Nuxe is not a brand I would normally look to for this type of product but I'm so glad I did! Think it was SPF30 that first attracted my attention, it's meant to moisturise for up to 8 hours, beautifies (good grief I need some of that!) and protect the skin " from daily assaults such as oxidative stress, pollution, UVA/UVB".  So all in all a pretty good dose of 'Daily Defense' for the old hide wouldn't you say?

Nuxe say the DD can be used either instead of or after moisturiser.  I apply over moisturiser as it has a tendency to sit in the pores on my chops if not ... and believe me I do not want an additional emphasis on my chops at my time of life!  The texture is surprisingly creamy and thicker than I expected and because of this I find it's much easier to buff in with my flat kabuki brush rather than fingers. The coverage can be built up and to my mind has more of a 'light foundation' rather than 'tinted moisturiser' look, although it doesn't have a heavy feel to it once on. It evens out skintone and lightly masks imperfections (of which I have many!) but with a natural, dewy finish rather than flat matte vibe.  It does seem to keep the moisture levels up - I haven't noticed any tightness or dryness as the day goes on and fades away evenly without any patchiness.  I should point out that T Zones will want to shine through but it's nothing that a bit of powder (or mineral veil in my case) can't fix but I do tend to save the Nuxe DD for non work days as I'm lazy/can't be nipping to the loo or sitting at my desk sorting out my shiny bits once I'm at work!  

The Nuxe DD is available in three shades - light, medium and dark.  I have the medium, it's quite rich in colour when swatched but once blended in it marries in well with my own light olive skintone and although you can't tell from the pics below (it was a dull grey day and I don't think my camera white balance settings were correct) it does warm up and give the complexion a bit of a 'glow' once on ... do not ask me why I look happier in the 'before' pic rather than the 'after' ... should be the other way around! 

So ... all in all I think this is a winner and a product I'd definitely like to repurchase - it's like skincare and make-up rolled into one. I think it's ideal for a bit of cover in summer when you want more than a tinted moisturiser and will be great in winter to protect, hydrate and give skin a bit of oomph once the winter pallor sets it (yep that won't be long will it!).  It doesn't break the bank at £21/30ml but I've noticed Nuxe have 30% off selected products on their own website here - which brings it down to a very tidy £14.70. I'm having to restrain myself as you can imagine! 

Have you tried the Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse DD Creme? Are you tempted by a bit of 'Daily Defense'? 

Jen x

May Empties ...

Bonjour!

I'm cheating a little with the title as these are really April and May empties! I didn't get round to last month's empties post so thought I'd lump them all together.  There are therefore quite a few here - there would have been even more but the hubby ended up throwing some - despite several reminders that I wanted them for this post ... men!

Superdrug Cocoa Brownie Dry Shampoo for Brunettes - I've gotten through quite a few of these cans in my time. You can read about it here as Part of my Dry Shampooing post. I'll definitely repurchase.

Dermalogica Microfoliant - needs no introduction does it? I'm sure it's loved by many as a super gentle but effective facial exfoliator.  This travel size has lasted ages and luckily I have one more from an old beauty box to use. Even though I'm a fan I'm not sure I could repurchase at the full price of £41.75/75ml.  Any dupes out there please feel free to share!

Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water and Reve de Miel Handcream - I've recently started to use a micellar every evening to remove my make-up before going onto a deeper cleanse.  The Nuxe micellar is really gentle and non-drying so I've used these two up (in the interest of shopping my stash and all!) and I'm now the proud owner of a full size and another mini for holiday. The handcream is lovely with a gentle honey scent, nourishing, non stingy and absorbs in no time on my hands. I have another travel size to use ready for holiday!

Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream - I didn't want to like this as I already have  a tonne of BBs and CCs and a DD to use up! Unfortunately, it has a dewy finish with light to medium cover and quite a rich tone to it (considering it's the shade Medium) so gives a bit of a 'summer bronzed' look - which all adds up to the fact that it would be great for this time of year and I want a full size but will resist for the moment.  Maybe next summer! (Patting myself on the back here!).

Soap & Glory Endless Glove 2 in 1 Moisture Mask and Hand Cream - I love this -it feels like a real treat for your hands with a non-greasy, silky texture, leaves them feeling conditioned and smelling like tropical holidays - what's not to love! Slather a decent amount on before bedtime and wake up with soft hands - I've already repurchased!

L'Occitane Lip Balm, Cherry and Lavender Shower Gels and Sweet Almond Liquid Soap -  a few L'Occitane goodies here - all presents from my mum at some stage! I did like the lip balm - it's more of a waxy crayon type, feels very nourishing, a good one to use under a matte lippie. Unfortunately there wasn't much at all in this tube so I used it up faster than I'd have liked! The shower gels (my daughter mostly used the cherry flavour) and handwash all smell wonderful and are gentle on your skin as you would expect.  If I spy any offers on QVC I'd love to repurchase!

Original Source Lavender and Tea Tree Shower Gel - as you can see I have a thing for lavender! Love the clean scent of this, a little seems to go a long way and the bathroom smells amazing after I've used it! I tend to pick up Original Source products when they're on offer and will definitely repurchase this one!

Mandara Spa Tropical Blooms Bath Milk and Shower Gel  -  I think this is my favourite scent from this range. As the name suggests it smells of flowers, and lots of  them in full bloom! It's a really 'happy' scent and one I'll continue to indulge in - especially when on offer!

Phew! That'll teach me to do two months in one go - felt like a proper marathon! Have you used any of these products?


Jen x

Things That Make Me Go Mmmm! #1

Bonjour!

In other words ... just a few bits that have been 'floating my boat' or 'rocking my world' - some are quite recent buys and some have been on my horizon for a while now! We all have 'those things' that give us a warm, fuzzy feeling inside and we want to hug, stroke, sniff or kiss them ... or is that just me?! 

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid - had to go out and get one of these recently as I've heard it's a great  lip product  for moisture  and  exfoliation.   Suffice to say I'm loving it  -  a full review to follow shortly!

Nuxe  Prodigieux le Parfum - still can't believe this came as a freebie (here). It's one of those scents that wafts around as you move - reminds me of that heady, happy Mediterranean evening fragrance that lingers in the air after a hot summers day when the flowers have had a good long hot bake in the sun - gorgeous!

Alpha H Liquid Gold - the first time I tried this I think my skin was going through an extra sensitive patch, I was rather heavy handed and it burned - so I gave up.  Fast forward a couple of years and I had to have another try when it was on a 'too good to miss' offer on QVC.  I broke myself in gently this time by diluting with water on my cotton pad and gradually increasing the amount of Liquid Gold so that I'm now just feeling the  'tingle'!  I use twice a week and leave it on neat overnight, it's amazing how smooth and bright it leaves my old hide the following morning. Like many before me, I'm now hooked!

No7 Superlight Foundation - this is still a firm favourite - it just glides on whatever the weather! It's one that's perfect for those 'in-between' days when you don't want a full on face but need a bit more than a BB or CC. You can see my full review here.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - yep I had 'a feeling' about this one from the first moment I spotted it! I bit the bullet a few weeks ago and haven't regretted it! Working on a full review very soon!

And a couple of non beauty 'mmmms' ....

My H&M parka was such a bargain at the beginning of the year when it was half price in their sale and it's hardly been off my back since -  I know it looks a bit lived in but that's because it has been!  I don't know what I did without it! It's kept me so warm (and I am so very nesh!) over the last few months.  It's got a removable furry collar and padded lining so it can be adapted for warmer weather, it that ever arrives! One of my best buys ever!

And last but by no means least, my Next furry slouch top aka my fluffy thing! I also bought this at the start of the year when it was freezing - it's so soft and cuddly and keeps me warm and contented!   There's nothing better than slipping into one's fluffy thing at the end of a long day - I'd recommend fluffy therapy to everyone! (You think I'm weird don't you!).

What are your 'Mmmms' of the moment?

Jen x

Birthday Stash!

Bonjour!

I realised I'd not posted about my recent birthday pressies so thought I'd just 'do a quick one'  ...  as you do!

'Something for the Weekend' and 'Greatest Ever 80s Groove' CDs, earrings, Mac Blushbaby and Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue fom the hubby and kids. H&M Gift voucher, Cath Kidson mug and chocolate eggs from a couple of lovely friends (they know me so well!). Bronzo Italia Rose Gold Bracelet from mum and dad. 

And last but not least if a girl can't treat herself to a Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm (whilst on offer with a third off from Escentual) and a Kenwood Mini Chopper (also on offer from Sainsburys - I know how to live don't I?) then when can she?

Oh and nearly forgot ... managed to get hold of the bright green shirt from New Look in the sale ...  see my wishlist here) just need a night out to wear it now ...!

And do you know what, that chopper - it's marvellous ... don't know what I did without it! Every girl needs a mini chopper!

Jen x

An Unexpected NUXE Treat ...!

Bonjour!

Ok so I need to set the scene ... indulge me!  You may have been aware that over the Easter weekend Marks & Spencer had an offer of 20% off selected beauty lines. I procrastinated for what seemed like an eternity over the Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse Daily Defence DD Cream which had grabbed my attention for a while and seemed like an ideal product for the Summer. Reading this post over on Really Ree only made me want it more, I was inclined to go for the Medium shade but only having seen swatches online (it wasn't available instore in M&S a couple of weeks ago) it was difficult to make a decision.  I even tweeted Ree about it (what am I like!) and she reckoned it would be best to wait until I could swatch.  So I gave up the goat and ordered a few skincare items instead ... I then headed off to M&S this week to pick said items up!

Pure Super Grape Overnight Treatment Oil, Super Active Moisturiser, and Eye Serum - very reasonably priced (take a look here) and there are some good reviews on each one so looking forward to trying them out!

It must have been 'a sign' then that the Nuxe DD cream was just sitting there (nonchalantly!) as I walked past the beauty department. Well it had to be done ... I swatched the Medium - have to say it came up richer/deeper than expected but after trying a little on my kite I bit the bullet. I then ended up buying a little travel kit as well when I learned from the assistant that there was an offer of a free gift with any two Nuxe purchases (this must be instore only as I can't find it online) - either a choice of skincare items or a full size of the Prodigieux  Le Parfum.  I chose Le Parfum - it smells amazing - of summer - (like the Huile Prodigieuse) and is worth £43! What a fantastic offer? The girls instore told me the offer is on until 14 April so there's still time to check out your local M&S store if you're interested!

Are you a fan of Nuxe products?  Have you tried the Prodigieux  Le Parfum? Will you be popping off to M&S?

Jen x

May Empties ...!

Bonjour!

So now we're into June and the very last school term ... even my son recently commented that this year is passing by really quickly!  Just a few empties from last month then ...

Liz Earle Hand Repair - all finished up. Although I  do like this hand cream it doesn't stretch as far as I'd like for the price so I'd only repurchase in a kit. Full review here.
Emma Hardie Natural Lift and Sculpt Firming Eye Serum - I've been faffing around with this bottle for months to get the product out! Unfortunately I'll not be repurchasing - my full review is here.
Sanctuary Spa Body Butter - this was included in a three part Christmas set which was half price in the Boots sale so an absolute bargain. Love these body butters, they go on easily and smell great! What more can I say?
Bare Minerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Medium Beige - my go-to foundation on work days - love it! Have used it for years (obviously not this particular pot!) and can't believe I've not blogged about it properly yet (having said that there are loads of products that fall into the same category!). Have a couple of spare pots in my stash so no need to panic!
Nuxe Reve de Miel and L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Creams - love the pair of em!  I have a little stash of mini L'Occitane hand creams courtesy of my mum and the Nuxe handbag size was part of a cheeky little Nuxe kit last year. They're both soothing and softening and I'd buy again.
Philosophy Summer Grace Eau de Toilette - this was a January sales bargain from the year before last. It's another one of those that makes me want to constantly sniff my wrist - love it. Smells very clean to me and the scent really lingers. Now ... living with my hubby I have to say I am more than familiar with lingering scents but this is definitely one I would not want to leave the room for!! 

I've always been a bit of a Dairy Milk girl (although I am partial to Terry's Choc Orange!) and am obsessed with Fruit & Nut at the moment (I should point out that I did not devour this all in one sitting - it was consumed gradually over a week and I even let the hubby have a couple of blocks - so generous am I!) - I will most definitely be re-purchasing ... !

What products have you used up this month? Are you in the Dairy Milk field or do you sway towards Galaxy?

Jen x