L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream

Morning All!

I've been wanting to venture into the big wide world of BBs for a while and only just got round to it!

"What is “BB cream”? “BB” stands for blemish balm or beauty balm; the cream was originally used to speed healing after laser treatments. The craze really took off in Asia when celebrities in Korea attributed their flawless skin to the product. BB cream, which is thick and tinted, is a moisturizer/sunscreen/foundation/concealer in one product — basically, it's like a tinted moisturizer with SPF." 

So for my first foray I chose the L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream.  I was slightly concerned that it wouldn't be dark enough for me but it felt so lovely and looked ok on the back of my hand (not the way to test I know) that I just took the plunge!

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According to L'Oreal -

"Our first self adjusting BB cream. Moisturising skincare transforms to lightweight foundation. Skin looks flawless and even with a dewy glow."

So for summertime skin this sounds ideal, 'flawless and glow' is just what I'm after, although it would have been nice if the SPF was higher!

So here's my bare hand...

The formula is very thin and 'milky' as (I think) you can see. Once applied the 'smart pigment capsules' are supposed to release their 'smart stuff' and 'job done'!

And here's my 'BB'd' hand...

I don't know if you can make out the difference in the pics but the 'BB'd' hand has less shine and a slightly more even look to it?


So I suppose I'm a normal/combination skin type, open pores in all the usual areas, oily T-zone and often de-hydrated cheeks.

The coverage is like a lightweight foundation so ok on that front, it has a matt quality to it which I don't usually go for, although it did hide my shiny T-zone and pores to a degree.  Unfortunately, the colour is not quite right on my face.  Being olivey in skintone (and I'm not deep olive),  I like my products to 'warm me up' a little and this made me look a tad washed out.  No dewiness or glow for me, which is what I want my summertime products, in particular, to provide. I also found it a little drying on my cheeks (and I did moisturise first!).  Colour wise, this would be better for me to use in winter or as a primer with a bit of something over the top.


However ... my friend has used this BB Cream in the same 'medium tone', she has lighter skin than me but with a really warm skintone and lots of lovely freckles (she also tans easily!). One night out (which doesn't happen very often!) I commented on how well she looked and low and behold it was this she was wearing... just goes to show!

Anyway not to worry, there are plenty more BBs waiting out there, hopefully more suited to darker skin!

How did you find L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Cream - I'd be interested to know!

Over and out!

Jen x

Favourite Friday Track!

Happy (soggy) Friday!

As the rain is still pouring down good style, I thought this week's track should be something that reminds me of sizzling summer days. A hot one by Jamaican Reggae band, Third World.


Dancing on the Floor (Hooked on Love)...

This was released in 1981 (a long time ago I know) but it still reminds me of what summer should be all about - blue skies, soaring temperatures and dancing on beaches!!  It's also really groovy as well...!



This particular video was shown on Top of the Pops, who remembers TOTP from 'back in the day' then?



Have a listen ....I bet you have a 'little shuffle' to this one!

Which track evokes your 'summer memories' - I'd love to know?




Jen x

Nivea Offer!

Happy 4th of July!

As you may know by now I'm always on the lookout for bargains! Food, clothes, skincare - if it's a worthwhile offer you can be sure I'm there!

So whilst in my local Sainsbury's the other day I happened to notice that selected Nivea products (from skin and bodycare) are on offer at half price. I love half price offers!  

Honestly there were so many to choose from but finally I ended up buying the following two - Nivea Rescue and Care SOS Body Lotion (250ml) reduced from £3.49 to £1.74 and Nivea Skin Creme (200ml) reduced from £3.35 to £1.67.

I'll use the 'Rescue and Care' lotion primarily as a hand cream because it's really moisturising and easily and quickly absorbed.  I go through so many tubes of hand cream that it's good to have a 'large bottle of moisture' that I can use liberally.   My hands are eczema prone and if they get too dried out the skin cracks and itches and can become infected - not nice - so anything that puts the moisture back into them and helps it stay there is worth a shot.  I understand that the 'Dexpanthenol' is a good source of moisture and aids hydration (hence the 'rescue and care') so hopefully will be beneficial.

The pot of  'Creme' just takes me on a 'trip down memory lane', I seem to remember it being on my mum's dressing table years ago so it's obviously stood the 'test of time!'  It's a good all rounder and is suitable 'wherever skin needs care'.  This will be a good night-time hand (and elbow) cream.  Big pot next to the bed, slap it on and 'bob's your uncle'! It's really thick and creamy (as you can see in the pics) and just smells clean  and comforting (and familiar!). 

  

Nice blob!

I understand this offer is on at Sainsbury's until next Monday (9 July) so if you fancy any half-price Nivea you know where to go! (I'm actually going to pop back now and buy a large pot of 'Creme' for my mum!).

Can anybody recommend anything else from the Nivea range while the offers on?

Over and out girls!

Jen x

June Favourites!

Bonjour!

My first favourites post - just a selection of products I've enjoyed using throughout the ridiculously wet month that has been June! And a couple of randoms at the end!


Here they are...

Bath Body and Hair Stuff  

Garnier Intensive 7 Days Soothing Handcream - great on my parched hands, leaves them soft and smooth. I'd definitely re-purchase this.

Sanctuary Spa Body Wash and Body Lotion - got these as part of a christmas set.   Both are lovely and moisturising, the body lotion sinks in really easily and I love the fragrance!

Tresemme 24 Hour Body Sky High Plumping Powder - the more plumping my hair gets, the better. It's so fine and flat these days that this has been a very welcome addition to my multitude of hair products!

A Few Make-Up Bits

Bare Minerals Natural Lipgloss 'Cupcake' - a soft glossy pink, ideal for a natural/summery look.

Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Curl & Lengthen Mascara - great shaped brush, lengthens and curls, also a good size brush for lower lashes.

Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner - this is the only eyelash conditioner I've tried so far and it's really helped my short sparse lashes (try saying that after a few drinks!) which were damaged last year after the removal of eyelash extensions.  They'll never reach the dizzy lengths some of you beauties have, but I can really tell the difference and I've not had to use my eyelash curlers since using this!

You know I love my music and I love my T-shirts. Such a jeans and T-shirt (old) girl, I don't think I'll ever grow out of it!  Both of these were from H&M.

H & M 'Muso' T-Shirts

You Can't Beat A Bit Of Jimi!

Baby I Love You!

And last but not least, my favourite spice this month, the superbly versatile Cumin seed.  Been cooking a lot with this lately (not in my new T-shirts I hasten to add!), the aroma is fantastic! 

Makes a change from holding a Nail Polish Bottle!

Hope you've enjoyed my favourites! I have!

Jen x

Favourite Friday Track!

Happy Friday!


Elvis Costello (and the Attractions) - Oliver's Army


Can you believe this was released in 1979 - seems so long ago (and it is!). Great, great track!

'Don't start me talking - I could talk all night .....!'

For some reason I always sing the harmony to this tune - just can't help it! Love it!

Do you sing lead or harmony?


Jen x