Good to the last drop

Just when I thought I couldn't squeeze any more out of my Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse, chopping it in half gave me at least two weeks' worth of product!

Lucky me, I already have a back up of this baby, but I'll definitely be using every last bit of this tube!

Anybody else do this to their favorite products?

Buckling down on my skin care routine for winter!

Anybody else lazy or inconsistent with their skin care routine? I'm guilty of this. But my skin has always looked its best when it is exfoliated and moisturized, so Annick is going to have to make an effort.

Here's my current usual routine.

Morning: 
- Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
- That's it.

Yes, that's right, no moisturizer. It's a sin.

Night: 
- Say Yes to Cucumbers Facial wipe for makeup removal OR Bioderma. I make sure that my eye makeup is FULLY removed. Cleanse with Cetaphil to remove any residue.
- I usually spritz my face with Caudalie Eau de Beauté.
- Sometimes I moisturize with my Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse.

That's it! I really should be ashamed. I don't do much to my skin, and it shows.

I would like my skin care to look like this.

Morning:
- Cleanse with Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser
- Moisturize with Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse

Night:
- Ditch the use of facial wipes, and use Bioderma for makeup removal. It is much less irritating to my skin.
- Cleanse with the Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser + Clarisonic OR cleanse with a non-abrasive exfoliating cleanser. Point is, re-introduce regular exfoliation to my routine. My skin loves being exfoliated.
- Use a non-drying toner such as the Caudalie Eau de Beauté regularly
- Moisturize every night with the Nuxe Crème Prodigieuse, or a heavier moisturizer.

Weekly:
- Do a clay-type face mask once a week, or more.

Goals:
- Introduce some type of exfoliating cleanser when the Clarisonic feels a bit too much.
- Hopefully introduce a night cream as it gets colder.
- Perhaps find a gentler makeup remover than my Bioderma ... like a cleansing balm. They've always intrigued me (I may or may not have an Antipodes cleansing balm on its way to me right now).

I feel like my skin easily goes on oil-production overdrive if I don't keep moisturizer in my routine. And I'm such a lazy bum when it comes to applying it.

Winter always wreaks havoc on my skin. As an oily skinned gal, my skin become oily and flaky by the end of the day, yet tight and dry at other times - it's just terrible. This is why it becomes important for me to crack the whip!

Do you have any skin care goals for winter? Does your routine change dramatically?

Don't forget to enter my 100 follower giveaway here!

July Empties

I thought July wouldn't bring many empties but here I am! I tried to concentrate on finishing up some shower products specifically, to make more room on my shelves.

Redken Color Extend Shampoo - I love this shampoo. Too bad it's so expensive (for my cheap shampoo tastes!). I found it smelled amazing, was great at calming and clearing my scalp at the same time, and helped my red color stick around longer. No complaints about this baby except for the price which is why I think I'll wait to repurchase it.

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner - I bought this conditioner based on Vivannadoesmakeup's suggestion. Her hair seems similar to mine (AKA, very long and thick!) so I thought I'd give it a go. I actually quite liked it! It's very thick, smells great, and detangles beautifully. I didn't find it to be weighing my hair down but then again, my hair weights itself down as it is, so I'm not the best judge for this. I think I'd repurchase this again!

Nuxe Fondant Body Scrub - This is the only Nuxe product that has ever disappointed me. Don't get me wrong, it's not a horrible product, it's just not as good as other body scrubs I've tried. The scrub particles (walnut shells) are a bit too abrasive for my taste and I did not find the product moisturizing at all. It smells great though, as all Nuxe products do. I'm glad this was a sample sized product because I would've been very disappointed having bought the full size version (at $27!!). There are much better Nuxe products than this one on the market - save yer monay for those! :)

The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub - Now body scrub, I can get behind. I've loved using this. It was moisturizing, smelled amazing and did wonders for my legs, specifically. I think of all the scrubs The Body Shop produces, this is my favorite.

Estée Lauder Day Wear BB Cream - We all know how much I love this BB Cream. I pretty much wore it every day since I purchase it in March (review here) with absolute delight. Seriously, this thing rocks. It's why it's empty and already repurchased!

So I don't have very exciting discoveries this month except maybe for the Redken shampoo. But such is the life of a blogger trying to downsize all the products she's hoarded! I'm on vacation for the week but I'll still be updating throughout the week! :)

July favorites!

My July favorites are all over the place. I've been loving being more minimalistic with my makeup, usually leaving the house for work with a light base, brows done, blush, mascara and a balm. What has happened to me? Well, in short, the heat. Minimum effort has been my motto, but I've embraced it!

I've been using my Nuxe 24H Moisturizing Body Lotion a lot on my legs. I love that it sinks in immediately and doesn't leave a greasy residue. I also love that it has an easy to use pump, and it smells amazing. The smell is quite strong though, so I'm not wearing this to work. But this is another Nuxe winner for me!

I've been using MAC's Cremeblend blush in Posey a lot this past month, simply because I find it lasts longer on my skin than powder products, and its peachyness warms up my complexion. It is incredibly easy to use (I use a stippling brush) and doesn't slip off like some of my MAC powder blushes.

Not too sure why but I've been really enjoying my face brushes! Those include the Quo Bronzing Powder Brush, the Real Techniques Powder brush, and the MAC 129 blush brush. They are all incredibly soft, easy to clean, and do not shed. Well, let's be fair, the 129 does shed a bit, but I can live with it since it applies blush beautifully!

I've also been using my Clarins Instant Light Brush-On Perfector pretty much every day this month. Because my dark circles aren't extremely pronounced, this has been great at illuminating my under eye area, especially when I'm only wearing mascara. I've also been using my Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 4E as a quick base under a lighter eye shadow, and my Maybelline Eye-Studio Master Precise Pen Eyeliner for a quick cat eye flick. I'm especially impressed with the Maybelline Eyeliner Pen for its durability on the eye during hot and humid weather and how easy it is to use. I'm definitely not buying the MAC version again - I prefer the Maybelline version by far.

For a refresher and as a toner, I've been using the Caudalie Eau de Beauté pretty much every day. I don't want to give away too much because I will be posting a review on this shortly, but it has been very good to my skin!

And lastly, for lips, I've been using L'Oreal's Color Riche Balm in Pink Satin. While this isn't pigmented at all, it was quite moisturizing and gave a hint of shimmer on the lips, perfect for home/beach uses. Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Spicy Honey has been an often used quick option for when I'm stepping out the door and need a quick wash of color on my lips.

Ouuffff... that's a lot more favorites than I thought I had! What's been on heavy rotation for you this month?

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm review and Movie of the week!

This balm has made a few blogging rounds on my Blogger feed, and being the curious person that I am, and the fact that it was available at my local Shoppers Drug Mart, I had to give it a go. I was particularily interested because I've always had problem with dry lips. My lips are often so chapped that the corners of my mouth are sore, and I'll sometimes get cracks in the middle of my bottom lip. Not fun. Enter Nuxe's Rêve de Miel balm. It has been my little "treat" in the past few months. While it does have a surprising almost solid texture, the heat of my finger and lips lets the product sink in and leaves a sort of matte finish to my lips. This makes it a great base as it doesn't interfere with the finish of the lipstick you are using. But, that's the not the best thing about this balm - it is truly the best balm for chapped lips I have every tried.

You can see the matte texture of the balm in this picture.

This balm is truly moisturizing. I found it was best used before bed and gave me healthy, plump lips when I woke up. I like that because it has a matte finish, it doesn't slip around and migrate around your lips, or face, when you're sleeping. The texture takes a bit of getting used to, but the result are absolutely worth it. It does not have an abrasive smell - it smells lightly of oranges and honey. You also do not need a lot of product. When you use too much of it, it leaves a grainy finish on your lips. The best way to apply this balm is to apply a small amount and make sure that it is well rubbed into your lips.

While this product is not cheap ($17!) it is worth its while in my opinion, especially if you have chronically dry lips and have problems with your average Blistex or Vaseline. I absolutely see myself repurchasing this product again, although it might take a while given that you only need a tiny amount per usage.

Have you tried this lip balm? Do you swear by one balm and one balm only?

Movie of the week: First off, my apologies for skipping last week's movie of the week. I am not the most organized person and it totally slipped my mind. Instead, I shall suggest the weirdest, saddest, most true to life movie I can think of, Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia. This movie made me cry - I never ever cry. This movie made me re-think of people I know, people I knew and how this world is a big blog of weird people. Bascially, the movie follows various characters, who are loosely connected to each other, go through difficult events in their lives. NOT à la Crash if that's what you're thinking, because that movie sucked. It's hard to explain without giving anything away, but what I like best of this movie is that it doesn't explain much, but lets the viewer interpret how they feel of the events happening in front of them. Nothing is spelled out (I'm lookin' at you Chris Nolan). Plus, Tom Cruise is AMAZING, and the soundtrack is full of Aimee Mann music. Win. I think that after In Bruges, this is probably my favorite film. So if you're looking for something different and challenging, this is a great start!

Hope you're having a great week so far! Mine is the busiest of the summer but will soon pay of with vacation!

A (mini) Nuxe review

Not too long ago, I saw a Nuxe travel bag, with various sample sized Nuxe goodies in it at my local Shoppers Drug Mart. It was only $15 and was going to give me the chance to try out some of this coveted brand's products so I thought I should get it, just for fun. It turned out to be way more awesome that I had bargained for.

First off, Nuxe products have quite a strong scent, so before you purchase some of their items, I strongly suggest you take a sniff at them first, especially if you're sensitive to scents in general. I like it, but it did take me a few tries to get used to it.

The travel bag consisted of the following: 
- Crème Prodigieuse Normal Skin to Combination face moisturizer
- Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream
- Huile Prodigieuse
- Rêve de Miel Face and Body Cleansing Gel
- Eau Démaquillante Micellaire

As you can see from the pictures, the Rêve de Miel Face and Body Wash has been completely used up. You can't tell from the picture but my hand cream and face cream are almost empty. This post is a long-winded way to say that I absolutely love each of these products. So much in fact, that the Crème Prodigieuse has been repurchased in its full size glory.

First off, I think I can honestly say that the Rêve de Miel face and body wash is the best face wash I've ever used. Once I'm done with my inferior Spectro-Jel and Cetaphil, this will be purchased, I guarantee you. This cleanser is strikes the perfect balance of a thorough cleanse without stripping my oily skin. It does have a slight foaming action (however, Nuxe claims this does not contain any soaps) and works wonderfully with my Clarisonic. Again, this is quite heavily scented, and in my opinion, it does take a point off this product. However, I did get used to it with time and I didn't necessarily like the smell to start with (I hate the smell of honey in general) but grew to really really like it. It's quite a comforting smell to me now! Even though this can be used on the body, I used it on my face only. I'd be curious to try is as a body wash though!

The Rêve de Miel Hand Cream is delicious - it's moisturizing, sinks in well, and it does not leave your hands feeling oily. However, again, this is quite heavily scented and I cannot use it at the office (my boss is sensitive to smells). I use it at home a lot tough. I don't think I'll repurchase this hand cream because I find the Almond Hand Cream from the Body Shop more moisturizing. Plus, I have about 50 tubes of various hand cream lying around the house - I have to use them! A 75ml tube retails for 17$.

I don't know if anyone has read the great review on Cafe Makeup about the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse? This is what influenced my to try this product but I wasn't sure I wanted the full size version, hence the trial size. Well after having tested it out for a month or so, it is prodigieux, to say the least. This thing is AMAZING, I kid you not. This soothes my freshly waxed or shaved legs, leaves my hair shiny, and soothes any dry skin patches. Amazing. It sinks in almost immediately, and you only need a tiny amount. I've used it at least 10 times and it hasn't made a dent in the bottle. If you have dry and uncomfortable skin, I think you would get a lot of use out of this product. I personally do not have dry skin and was still able to find many uses for it, namely for legs, hands and hair. This has the typical Nuxe smell but I find the Huile Prodigieuse less scented than the other products.Their 50ml retail for 26$ in Canada.

Finding a moisturizer when you have oily skin, as I'm sure some of you know, is a pain. The Crème Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing face cream is honestly the first face cream I've ever though actually works with my skin. It's quite thick and creamy in consistency, but then it sinks in wonderfully on the skin, leaving your skin plump and moisturized, but matte in a natural finish sort of way. I really do kind of believe Nuxe's claim that it helps tired skin - I don't know what it is but my skin always feels fresh and awake when I put this on. I absolutely love it and, as mentioned, have already bought the full size version. Finally, a moisturizer that works! Again, this is quite scented, but it doesn't bother me, and the scent lingers for only a little while. I've tested the Normal to Combination skin Crème Prodigieuse, but they do make one for dry skin. A tube of 40ml is 32$ in Canada.

I haven't tested out the Eau Démaquillante Micellaire very much but so far so good - it takes off my makeup without much rubbing. However, I do like the fact that my Bioderma is unscented and takes off the very heaviest of makeup without much trouble. I'll probably only use this Eau Démaquillante for little to no makeup days where I just need refresher. It's very good - I'm just not as taken by this product as the other Nuxe goodies I've tested. The full size 200ml bottle of this is 22$ in Canada.

Damn Nuxe, you really know your stuff! My apologies for this long winded review, but in my honest blogger opinion, these products are amazing. If you're not sure where to venture with Nuxe, I'd suggest you try out the Huile Prodigieuse first as it has so many great uses.

I hope this was helpful in some way to you! I'm in the process of testing out a few other Nuxe products, including their famous Rêve de Miel balm. I haven't been disappointed yet by this brand... now if only they could lower their prices (significantly!) so that I can purchase all their products, that would be swell.

Wishlist of the moment!

My current wishlist is comprised of things I'll never ever be able to afford, and a couple things I plan on purchasing in the near future.

First on my wishlist is Stila's Kajal Eye Pencil in Topaz, which is perfect for a natural eye look. I've been wanting a nude eyeliner for the waterline forever, and since MAC's NC15/NW20 is always sold out, this was my next choice.

I am loving the look of bright belts with t-shirt type dresses. I think this Gorjana belt would look absolutely fab with a cream or navy casual dress.

I LOVE Pour La Victoire Shoes. I love the shape, the colors and the originality of their designs. These latest coral wedges called the Mai have me smitten. If only! The Cobalt version is also absolutely fabulous!

I'm a massive fan of Rebecca Minkoff, so it seemed only fitting to add one of her latest designs to this wishlist. One that I could never afford at that! The Buckled Clutch is soft, feminine and the most beautiful blush color. I can totally see myself wearing this with my Gap wrap dress!

This Burberry Lip Mist will be my end. I LOVE the samples I've tried out but its price is ridiculous and shipping and duty to Canada makes it not be worth it. So long Lip Mist! Perhaps I will see you at a counter, one of these days!

This Nuxe Rève de Miel balm has been raved about by so many bloggers, it's almost ridiculous. Consequently, it's evident that I will need to purchase it soon. Luckily, it is available at my local Shoppers Drug Mart!

Are you an occasional wishlister like me? What's on your wishlist right now?