September Favorites...French Edition!!

Let's just ignore the fact that I skipped August favorites, shall we?  I thought I'd do something a little different for September.  Since I've been on a French product kick, I've amassed a lovely group of products that have proved to be standouts, so I thought I'd share some of my new loves.  And once again, I've got French products on the brain as I eagerly await the delivery of my first month of French Box.  The subscription box gods have answered my pleas with an all-French product subscription box.  Eeeeeep!  It can't come fast enough and I can't wait to see what French goodies I get.  Stay tuned for my thoughts on the French Box when it arrives!

I've posted a few times before about my French pharmacy hauls (and I may have had one or two more since then), so I thought I would devote a whole post to the products I've discovered that have become some of my favorites, dare I say it, holy grail...yikes!!  Lately, my favorite French website has been unable to complete orders.  *tear* However, I've found some other websites that have had comparable prices and shipping - Escentual and Cocoon Center.  I've probably been ordering more than I need and am actually making a super concerted effort to use up the products I have before ordering more.  As a self-declared beauty addict, I am not very good at finishing products...I usually find something else I like and move on.  But, that's changed...partly because I am just running out of space, and I just need to get in the habit of finishing things.  (I actually finished two items today - a Batiste dry shampoo and my Body Shop cleansing butter - woohoo!)

I won't get into the ins and outs of what you can find in the US vs other countries.  Check out my other posts if you want details on prices and shipping, just do your research - read to the end of this post and I'll explain my Effaclar Duo debacle.  So, here's are some of my discoveries that have turned into my favorites!  Allez, allez...keep reading!

Let me start by saying that since I've incorporated a lot of these skincare products into my routine, my face has been smooth, glowy, and almost blemish free. 

Avene Thermal Spring Water (Eau Thermale) - A soothing spray for sensitive skin that contains the rich, thermal mineral water.  I used this to cool my face during the summer heat, to prep my skin after removing makeup.  It just provided a nice, fresh mist and helped keep my skin balanced, like a toner.  This was a repurchase based off of a sample I coincidentally received in my Ipsy bag - it was on my French pharmacy wishlist.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Milk (Lipikar Lait) - I purchased a small tube of this originally because I was intrigued...no real reason.  It was a last minute add-on, but it was the first of all the products I immediately repurchased (an in a bulk package).  I began using this after my shower and it made my skin remarkably smoother - even my husband noticed.  I can tell when I go a couple days without it; it has truly become holy grail for me.

Klorane Mango Butter Conditioner - I wanted something tropical for a trip to the shore and I ended up loving the results.  My hair felt smooth and light and sooo incredibly soft.  It also reduced my frizz.  I have since repurchased and also picked up the shampoo so I could try them together.

Bioderma Hydrabio Micellar Water - Obviously had to try this...it is the one product that everyone lists in the French pharmacy must-haves and so many bloggers, MUAs, models rave out this.  I chose the formula for dehydrated skin and it has become a crucial step in my nighttime skincare routine.  I'm very impressed with how thoroughly it removes my makeup (especially eye makeup).  I put some on a cotton pad and will hold on my eyes for a few seconds to remove my eye makeup.  I've repurchased the original formula to try that out.

Vichy Normaderm 3-in-1 Cleanser, Scrub, Mask - I wanted to try a face cleanser that would help reduce and prevent blemishes.  I liked the versatility of this, it is gentle enough for me to use everyday, but gives me more options like a deeper exfoliating scrub or I've let it sit on my face to use as a mask.  This will be a definite repurchase.

Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Serum - I'm about halfway through this gorgeous, green glass bottle, using it day and night.  I feel like it makes my skin plumper and firmer and really preps my skin for my moisturizer.  I pair it with the Polyphenol Detox oil as part of my nighttime routine.  I truly haven't found a Caudalie product I have not loved, but this one stands out.

Homeoplasmine - A cult product with a texture between Vaseline and Aquafor.  I use this exclusively on my lips before bed when my lips are feeling cracked or dry and I wake up to smooth, plump lips.  There are lots of French lip products I really like - Nuxe Reve de Miel, Caudalie Lip Conditioner, La Roche-Posay Ceralips and I use them all, but this one has really impressed me with how quickly it worked for me.

Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot - This is a blemish spot treatment of salicylic acid and LHA with hyaluronic acid which I found to be interesting.  Since I was a fan of the Normaderm 3-in-1, I wanted to try this spot treatment.  At first I was not impressed at all and even disappointed, but after having a particularly bothersome outbreak on my chin, I gave this another chance despite feeling that it was rather gimmicky.  I applied this before bedtime, and where other products had failed, I woke up to a very noticeable difference without the dry, patchy results I've gotten in the past with other products.  I was blown away and with continued use, my face was back to normal super quickly. 

Now, this is why I say do research - my La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo debacle - when I tried to purchase Effaclar Duo with my first order, it was sold out.  I was beyond ecstatic to see it in my local CVS on sale, I bought it without hesitation...also without reading.  Here's where I made my rookie French skincare mistake - the formula for Effaclar Duo is different here in the US than it is in France.  It is much more abrasive and contains harsher ingredients than the "Made in France" version.  I never stopped to read my package to see that it said "Made in the USA" and slathered it all over my face, like the French version instructed me to do.  Within a day or two, I'm pretty sure I had given myself a chemical burn.  I could not apply other products or makeup without some pretty intense stinging, so I had to give my skin a break.  I also only used my American Effaclar Duo as a spot treatment.  I've finally got the French version sitting a drawer, but waiting until I use up the original before opening it up. 

I'm always on the hunt for new French products to try!  Do you have any favorites or recommendations??

Birthday Haul at The Body Shop!

As part of the Love Your Body rewards program from the Body Shop, you receive a $10 coupon to use during the month of your birth!  I was feeling like treating myself and needed to replenish an item or two, so I checked out The Body Shop website.  I don't think I've ever paid full price for anything from TBS; they always have amazing deals on their website and combined with the 10% discount for having the Love Your Body rewards card, it is hard to stop clicking that Add to Cart button...anyone else have that problem or just me?

So, armed with the knowledge of discounts upon discounts and mix and match deals, I set upon a haulin' quest and did a bit of damage.  To successfully shop online, you must follow these steps.  First, stretch out your mouse clicking finger a few times, we don't need any cramping.  Second, decide if you want to ignore or obey the voice of reason in your head.  Third, having told the voice of reason to hit the road, prepare to shop.  And finally, pay attention to the product combinations that get you the best deals.  (To be honest, I initially tried to do this haul at my local store, but they couldn't find me in their system, and damn it, I wanted my discounts.  Turns out, the online deals were better.  Yay, I win!)

Without further ado, happy birthday to me from The Body Shop!

Wild Argan Oil Body Butter - travel and full size containers.  This is the newest line from TBS and since argan oil is all the rage, I wanted to try it.  Lately, I cannot moisturize my skin enough and this thick body butter does the trick.  It is verrrrry thick, thicker than the other body butters I've tried and has a pleasant smell.  I've noticed that it leaves a subtle sheen on the skin, too, which is nice.

Wild Argan Oil Solid Oil for Lips - I can't say no to a lip balm.  This has a very smooth texture, not overly greasy for being called solid oil.  I like wearing this alone (again, a nice sheen) and layering this under some of my more drying lip products.

Honeymania Body Butter - This was half off and I just wanted it.  A little lighter in texture than the Wild Argan Oil, it still feels great on the skin and smells pleasant.  I was worried that the honey smell would be too ovepowering, but nope, it's nice, perhaps more honeysuckle than "honey".  Seems to absorb a little faster on me than the Wild Argan Oil.  

Honeymania Body Scrub -  I'm just about finished my Coconut Body Scrub and needed a new one.  I guess I became a bit of a Honeymaniac and sprung for this scrub instead of sticking with coconut.  Haven't used this yet, but it seems to have a much thicker, more pasty/pastier consistency than the coconut scrub which seems more creamy to me.  Interested to see how it compares.

Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter - down to the last dollop of this.  I didn't bring this on my recent vacation, and boy, did I notice a change in my skin.   Definitely won't make that mistake again.  And they do offer travel size bottles of the Camomile Cleansing Oil. *makes mental note*

I am trying two new masks - the Warming Mineral Mask and the Blue Corn 3-in-1 Deep Cleansing Mask.  Also on a mask kick, so looking forward to trying these out soon!

And finally, I'm remembering that I left two items out of the pictures...I also got the Honey Bronzer (obviously...what sort of beauty blogger would I be without it) and the Seaweed Pore Perfector which has been helping with my clogged pores (which I'm blaming on not using my Camomile Cleansing Butter for a week). 

So overall, I did pretty well...I got all that, $163 of product for around $80.  After 50% off deals, free shipping, $10 off, 10% off and buy 3 get 2 free mix and match, I got 10 products for about $8 each.  I love the quality of The Body Shop's products, so I definitely got my money's worth and I'm really excited about using all of these!

What are your favorite products from The Body Shop??

Philosophy Fresh Cream Review

When I saw this as a new item on the Sephora website, I was very eager to smell it, especially since the reviews seemed to be very mixed...people either loved it or hated it.  I don't normally go for food scents in anything other than candles, so it is pretty uncharacteristic of me to be interested in a fragrance like this one.  So, I sought this out a few Sephora visits ago and  when I smelled this, it instantly evoked images of fluffy mounds of freshly whipped cream sitting in a vintage Pyrex bowl or melted vanilla ice cream.  Pure and innocent and nostalgic and delicious.  And I put it in my basket.

It was only in the last few months that I've been branching out in the fragrance world.  I was a diehard Chanel Chance wearer.  Chance and only Chance, but why exclude myself from this whole other part of the beauty world.  And as I discovered, it was ok to deviate from Chance and pair a scent with my mood for the day.  So, where does Fresh Cream fit in?  It is my relaxing fragrance, but not in a I'm-sleepy-let-me-smell-some-lavender kind of way.  When I need to loosen up and calm down and feel happy, I use Fresh Cream, and instantly I'm floating in that Pyrex bowl of whipped cream.  It is like a sweet hug.  On Fresh Cream days, I spray myself with it whenever I walk by the bottle.

As an eau de toilette, it doesn't have exceptionally long staying power, only lasting a few hours.  I've layered it with my limited edition Lush Comforter lotion.  The lotion smells just like the bubble bar - blackcurrant.  Blackcurrant and cream...I was a walking dessert!!  On my most recent Sephora visit, I picked up the accompanying Fresh Cream body lotion.  This morning (a rough Monday morning), I was definitely needing some help making it to work today, so Fresh Cream it was.  I paired the fragrance with the body lotion and wow, I found the answer to staying power.  13 hours later and I can still smell it on my skin.  Yuuummmm. 

I don't find it overpowering or sickly sweet, but if you tend to steer away from sweet or foodie scents, this might not be for you, especially if you aren't a vanilla fan.  I at least think it is worth a sniff or two next time you see it on the shelves.  Perhaps it has some aromatherapy benefits, at least to me, but I'm loving it and I made it through the day just fine thanks to Fresh Cream.  You can find Fresh Cream at Sephora. 

July Favorites!!

I completely skipped June's favorites...not sure what happened there, but I've got a nice grouping of items that I have been loooooving all through July.  I guess this month's theme is pairs...I've got a pair of nail polishes, a pair of mascaras, and a pair of items I scored at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.

Let's start with the eyes, shall we?
Dior Addict It Lash $26 Sephora - First up is the Dior Addict It Lash mascara in It-Purple.  I don't what made me pick up the purple one...my 17 year old self who loved colored mascara momentarily took over my judgement.  But after wearing, I seriously love the colored mascara...love.  The formula is awesome and reminiscent of Benefit's They're Real mascara which I enjoy, but I think the Dior is better.  I was really surprised; not sure why, I've NEVER been disappointed with a Dior mascara.  I was expecting to completely regret the purple mascara purchase, but that's definitely not the case.  I think it is a fun option on days when I'm feeling a bit feisty, and I'm kinda liking the blue one...

 

Dolce & Gabbana Passion Eyes Mascara $32 Sephora - OMG.  This has been sitting in my makeup drawer for a little while now.  I tried to vow to use up all the samples and crap I had before buying new items (that plan didn't work out well), and I've been using a deluxe sample of this mascara.  First, the brush is curved, not as severe as the Dior Overcurl mascara, and it is rubber.  I was SUPER impressed with this.  No flaking, awesome curl, awesome volume, and awesome staying power.  Wow, just wow, overall it is just plain awesome.  I'm going to break my no-new-products rule just so I can get the full size of this guy.  And, oh look, it comes in a navy blue shade.

Moving on to some fingers faves...
Essie Naughty Nautical $8.50 CVS - I'm not gonna lie, when I bought this, I bought it for the name more than the color.  Don't get me wrong, I was drawn to the blue-green color, but the name got me.  I'm obsessed with all things nautical.  This is a blue-green with micro-glitter shimmer.  It's gorgeous and so flattering on me.  And the formula wears longer than any Essie polish I have.  Super fun for summer though I could see myself wearing this in the dead of winter as a pick me up.

Essie Madison Ave-hue $8.50 CVS - This is the other color I've been wearing most this month.  I can't stop looking at my fingers when I wear it!  It beautiful bright, fun pink that's super wearable and also flattering.  This one also has the micro-glitter shimmer to it which I think is more noticeable than Naughty Nautical.  I adore this, and again, this will probably be a regular go-to in my collection when I want something more fun.

And finally, the items I picked up the Nordstrom sale...my most favorite things!
Kiehl's 'Creme de Corps' Lavender Whipped Body Butter $38 Nordstrom - I don't know about you, but I love to pamper myself before bed.  And that includes slathering my body with rich body butter so I wake up feeling beautifully moisturized.  And this gorgeous tub of what looks like pale yellow buttercream icing has the most delicate Lavender fragrance.  I find a lot of lavender scented lotions and creams to be too overpowering, and lavender is one of my favorite fragrances.  When I smelled this, I had to have it.  It is the perfect treatment before bed as the lavender calms me down and the texture is so dreamy.  Amazing, but I'm kinda sad it seems to be limited edition.  I may have to splurge on the original when this runs out.

Chanel Dentelle Precieuse Illuminating Face Powder $80 Nordstrom - Have  you ever had a makeup item that you were so in love with, you didn't even want to use it?  That's where I am with this gem.  Having a bad day?  Whip out this compact and stare at the stunning design and you'll be instantly cheered up.  Or at least I am...until I have that fleeting moment of guilt when I think about the price...eeeeeek.....ok, I'm over it.  This compact was inspired by Gabrielle Chanel's love of lace. It reminds me of the lace pattern on my wedding gown.  It is probably one of the most gorgeous powders I have ever seen, and I don't just mean the intricate design.  It swatches beautifully (I've only worn it once and I barely applied any of it) but it gives the most perfect subtle sheen, a gorgeous hint of rosy golden bronze - is that even a real color?  It is just plain incredible. I'm running out of words to describe it.  It is my prized makeup possession at the moment.  Perhaps I should've considered buying a back-up...

So, I'm feeling emotional and very attached to this month's favorites...I took a trip down memory lane with my colored Dior mascara, found my perfect nail polish shades, and fell madly in love with a powder.  Oh, it's been a good month.

What did you love in July???

In Search Of...Moisturizer - The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet

Here's the deal with me...I am forever on the search for my holy grail products.  When I find one I like, I just can't let myself be satisfied, I still always wonder if this is the end all, be all or if my perfect product is out there waiting for me to discover it.  It is this unfortunate way of thinking that has led me to many half used bottles and jars of crap littering my bathroom counter and drawers (and, sadly enough, I don’t just have this issue with skincare, it definitely extends to makeup, bath products, hair products, etc…gaaaaaaaah).  

I was walking around the mall one day and passed the Body Shop.  I had a Groupon for the Body Shop that I stupidly let expire (for shame).  It was still worth the $15 I paid for it, so I thought this was the perfect day to use it.  And sitting in the window was a very interesting display...gorgeous, frosty glass jars of pink, velvety gel stuff.  I was sucked right in to check out the new Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet.  I have a few other products from the Vitamin E line which I enjoy – the face mist and the serum, so I was curious and needed to check it out, especially to determine if sorbet was the perfect moisturizer texture to slather all over my face.

I couldn't pass up the magical jar of pink goo (and after the coupon it was $7!!), and what if this was my holy grail moisturizer, I had to have it.  After playing with the tester in the store, I discovered that it had the most interesting texture…not a cream, not quite a gel, velvety is probably the best word to describe it.  It absorbed quickly and left the skin on my hand feeling smooth and refreshed, not oily or greasy at all.  The Body Shop boasts that the Aqua Boost Sorbet has “2 million aquaspheres” in each package which are supposed to hold hundreds of times their weight in water to keep your skin beautifully hydrated and plump.  I definitely need aquaspheres in my life! 

I’ve been using this in the morning as my daytime moisturizer and made a concerted effort to use the other products from the Vitamin E line as part of my skincare routine.  My first impression was WOW!  I really am loving the velvety texture!  I’ve never used a moisturizer like this…creams, lotions and gels – yes, but this is different.  And a huge plus in the summer, it is immediately cooling when applied to the face.  I didn’t notice this much when I used it in the store on my hand.  But it is so refreshing on the face, just a gentle cooling feeling…not a tingly, York Peppermint Patty on your face sensation, just nice and refreshing.  I really look forward to putting this one on everyday.  It has a nice, almost matte finish and is a perfect base for makeup application. 

I’ve only been using it about a week but I’m very impressed so far and my skin seems to be loving it, no funky reactions.  We’ll see what happens with prolonged use.  Not sure how much I will enjoy this in the winter though…the cooling feeling might not be so welcome when there’s snow on the ground.  I think I found my go-to summer moisturizer, for now…

Do you have a holy grail moisturizer??

Ooh La La - French Beauty Finds Part 3

I’m on a blogging roll, so I’m reporting all about order #3 from www.leguidesante.com (LGS).  I had to take another blogging hiatus because I was working offsite a lot this past month and getting home much later than usual, but one of these days I'll have a real schedule for my posts.  

 After being handsomely rewarded from LGS in my last order, I was expecting an award or a trophy or something.  The order processing people are probably like this crazy American keeps paying loads for shipping for our products, hahaha, sucker!  So, like I mentioned in my last post, this order is the product of a sleepless night and perhaps a little random.  I am back on a normal sleep schedule now, so no more weird late night French hauls, hopefully...or is that a sad thing?

You may think that I went to the French version of Costco since I bought a few "bulk size" items - a truly wonderful value though.  However, no fabulous prizes for placing another large order.  Sad face.  In my head, I was a VIP, their star American customer...but I didn't even get a random conditioner sample.  But I will stop complaining and being delusional, and I will continue to be a loyal LGS customer.  I thought I went overboard on the last order, but I didn't even know what overboard was until this night.  So, here's my insomnia-driven order #3:

Caudalie Lip Conditioner $4.55 vs $12 - I received this as part of the Caudalie Favorites Kit I ordered from Sephora and immediately fell in love.  It is the most perfect lip balm, excuse me, lip conditioner.  It is soft and glidely without being greasy or waxy and it does last long on the lips doing its conditioning action.  I was such a fan, I wanted another one to have on hand in case I run out, or worse, lose it. 

Caudalie The Des Vignes Shower Gel - $5.38 vs $12 on Caudalie's US website - My skin has been SUPER sensitive lately so I wanted to try some more natural, gentle body washes without harsh cleansers.  I've pretty much loved every Caudalie product I tried, so I wanted to try a shower gel.  I've only used this twice so far, but loving the scent and I was impressed with the lather considering there are no sulfates. 

Bioderma Hydrabio Riche Moisturizing Cream for Very Dehydrated Skin $17.04 - As we all know and weep for, Bioderma is not readily available here.  You can find it on Amazon and eBay and random websites, but who knows how fresh the products are.  Even though I had just purchased a rich Vichy moisturizing cream, I had read good things about this one and hey, you can never have too many moisutrizers, right?  Liking it so far, pretty neck in neck with Vichy.  This perhaps has a lighter texture.

La Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Cream in Light $17.32 - Not sure where the idea to buy this came from, definitely an impulse buy.  I'm not blown away, but I will most certainly finish it.  Good to use on those light makeup days. 

Klorane Nourishing and Untangling Conditioning Balm with Mango $9.24 vs $16 on drugstore.com - I had heard good things about this and I love the smell of mango.  It doesn't have a super strong scent, but after 1 use, I was very impressed.  My hair felt very soft and light.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lipid Replenishing Milk $31.76 - That might seem like a steep hike in price since my order #2 post, but this begins the bulk portion of the evening.  The price was for 2...count 'em...2 400mL bottles of the lotion that has changed my life. 800mL total.  You can buy one of these 400mL bottles on the La Roche-Posay USA website for nearly $40...for just 1.  First, that is more expensive ounce for ounce.  Second, this stuff is amazing and the pump bottle will be so much nicer than the tube.  So basically $80 worth of product for just over $30.  I'd call that a major win! 

Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel for Dry, Sensitive Skin $9.92 - Back to my skin woes.  I wanted to try a shower gel for sensitive skin with gentle cleansers.  And with this guy, you get a whole litre for about $10...that's a bargain!  Waiting to finish up a few things before starting this one.

Bioderma Crealine H20 Micellar Solution $22.51 - Wait a minute, you might be thinking.  You got a 250mL for about $12, what's with the price.  Well, buying in bulk is fun and cost-effective.  You got a set of 2 500mL bottles for a little over $20.  This is a fantastic deal considering you're getting so much more product for your money. 

That's it!  The practicality of this order is not lost on me, I'll be using these products for a quite a while and shouldn't, shouldn't being the operative word there, need anymore for the future. 

Super bad news...I couldn't stay away from LGS...more late night online browsing, but the website is reporting they are having technical difficulties and unable to fulfill orders...NOOOO! And of course, I have about 353 items in my cart I'm dying to own...I obviously don't need them, but not having the website available to me is just plain unsettling!! 

Ooh La La - French Beauty Finds Part 2

I couldn't get enough of my French pharmacy order the first time around, and I quickly filled my shopping cart on www.leguidesante.com (LGS) with more goodies, just biding my time til I hit the checkout button.  Had to let some time pass before ordering again so as not to worry the hubs...he is concerned with the rapidly diminishing storage space in the bathroom and how products just keep magically appearing like Strega Nonna's magic pasta pot.  Anyone...Strega Nonna? 

I was working from home the day order #2 was due to arrive, so I was obsessively...yes, obsessively checking the front door for the UPS man to bring me my French magical box of fun.   I went a little overboard...ok, a lot overboard...like no hope of being rescued, I've floated too far away overboard.  And it is a good thing I did because I was generously rewarded by LGS with a lovely Caudalie tote bag for purchasing 2+ Caudalie products and...AND...the piece de resistance...a deluxe, and I mean DELUXE, sample of the Caudalie Vinexpert Night Infusion Cream.  Let's talk about this product for a hot minute.  This retails on Sephora for $75 for 1.3oz/40mL.  My DELUXE (capital letters deluxe) sample was .67oz/20mL - half of the regular sized, uber expensive product.  So that's about $37 worth of product for free!  I get it, I see what they are doing, they are giving me lots of this to try it so I fall in love with it and need to buy it.  Nice try, I know what you're doing, but I was still insanely excited, and it was a good thing I was still alone in the house at that point because I was like a 5 year old on Christmas morning.  But good news for those that do love this product and I'm very much enjoying my free 20mL...you can get it on LGS for about $38 dollars, so half the price of Sephora.  Maybe I will buy it after all......just kidding...maybe.  Anyway, here's the lineup for order #2:

(I'm going to include the prices I paid on LGS compared to Sephora and other websites, but remember to factor in shipping which was about $50...[rationalization alert] still worth it to me considering the number of products I got and my amazing free gifts, and maybe this is why I'm crazy.) 

Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Defense Serum $33.97 vs $62 - This is part of the new Polyphenol C15 line.  I first heard about this through a Birchbox sneak peaks video and was super disappointed when I didn't get any C15 products in my box.  Unfortunately, I'm staring down 30, my birthday is in about a month, and it is time to consider anti-aging products.  This is meant to protect skin from harsh environment factors and prevent future wrinkles.

Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Overnight Detox Oil $29.66 vs $52 - I got this to accompany the oil and liked the idea of wearing an oil to bed.  I've tried a couple; the Fresh Seaberry oil and I really hit it off but I never repurchased when I finished my tiny bottle.  I liked the idea of using products from the same line, so I wanted to give this a whirl.  It is meant to renew and protect skin - sounds fun!

Caudalie Vinosource SOS Morning Eye Rescue $16.47 vs. $34 - This is part of my regular skincare arsenal and mine current tube is feeling a little light, so I thought I'd replace it while I was placing an order.  Love this...very light but effective in keeping my undereye hydrated and keeping me looking awake.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 30 Extreme Fluid Mat Oily Skin $13.81 - I can't find the equivalent of this product on the US La Roche-Posay website but their other face Anthelios is about $30.  I tried this immediately when I opened the box and I was slightly disappointed...it felt kinda tacky on my skin, so I haven't worn it outside yet, but I'm heading to the shore in a few days, so I'm going to give it a try.  My face usually gets oily when I wear sunscreen so let's see if this helps.
[Sidenote: Drugstore.com was having a huge sale on sunscreen products and I had a few dollars credit from ordering my contacts, so I ordered 2 things from the La-Roche-Posay line - the Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid.  I missed the part on the website where it says this is tinted, but it is tinted.  It works for me and I've already used it.  I'm pleased, it goes on like a moisturizer.  I also got the Anthelios SPF 60 Melt-in Sunscreen Lotion.  I've used this also and I love how it feels.  I really melts into your skin like a body lotion.  Also, loving this.  I got both of these products for around $22ish each and I got a free Ceralips lip balm for buying to La Roche-Posay products, a $17 value, so, not as cheap as LGS, but still a good buy!]

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Lipid Replenishing Milk $13.81 - Can't find this exact size on the US website, my bottle was 200mL.  You can get 400mL for $39.99, so let's say this is probably about $20ish.  Loving this.  You'll hear more about this in an upcoming favorites for sure, so don't want to start gushing here.

Whew...are we done yet?  Nope, not quite.

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Eyes gel $14.71 vs $33.99 - I was intrigued by the intense part...it promises intense rehydration of your eye area and supposedly contains hyaluronic acid.  I've used this a bit, but not regularly...the Caudalie one is just so lovely, but I am determined to use this after I finish my current Caudalie SOS.

Last but not least...Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream $15 vs $31 on Vichy USA - The packaging of the US version is different (tube vs. pot), but I'm guessing these are the same.  My skin is dehydrated so I wanted to try something super hydrating and rich, and I'm still on the search for my holy grail moisturizer.  I liked this because it is very moisturizing, but isn't super heavy considering it is a "rich cream" and not a lotion, and it also absorbs nicely. 

Welp, that's all...I do think that is enough though, don't you?  For now...I've already made order #3, much too soon after this one, but I couldn't sleep one night and well, perhaps I should not be trusted in the middle of the night with money.  So, that's coming soon...

What do you think of the price comparisons?  Pretty exciting, right??

May Favorites!!

Ahh, May...the weather warmed up, we did a lot of gardening, our kitchen renovation progressed.  I'm actually sitting at our new kitchen table writing this post...if you had seen our previous kitchen design, you might realize this is a huge deal for us!  The previous owners of our house were ambitious DIY-ers with no skills and no tape measure, apparently....everything was just slightly off.  So, obviously I'm excited about the granite countertop...not necessarily because it is a lovely granite specimen but moreso, I'm excited to have a counter that is actually touching the wall...no 1/2 inch gap.  Our kitchen is probably my most favoritest thing about this month and it isn't even finished yet!  But you will see our granite as my photo backdrop.  But without further ado...the other May favorites!!

I can't get enough of Tiffany and their iconic Tiffany Blue.  Our living room walls are accidentally Tiffany Blue - it did not look quite that dark on the little paint card.  And the ceiling is crisp white; it is like living inside a Tiffany box - a girl's dream, sorry Husband!  Anyway, anytime I can see Tiff Blue, i'm happy, so of course I've been paining my nails like crazy with China Glaze's For Audrey.  It is Tiffany in a bottle and the name...siiiiiiiiiiigh...love it.  I love Audrey and Breakfast at Tiffany's.  I actually own two bottles of it...just in case something goes terribly wrong with one, I have a backup!  Anyway, it is such a fun color for Spring/Summer!  I never took a picture of myself wearing it and I have a different color on now, but it is straight up Tiffany Blue.  Get a bottle (or two) here!

I am a diehard Chanel Chance wearer...it is my signature scent.  The only deviation is really between the original Chance and the Eau Fraiche variation.  Buuuuuuut, I'm been experimenting with scent a little bit.  After smelling and sampling Tom Ford's Black Orchid, I had a revelation...maybe it is ok to use more than just your signature scent.  Or maybe you can have multiple signature scents...like signature mood scents or signature seasonal scents.  Or maybe this is just my subconscious finding a way to buy more beauty products...what a clever subconscious I have!  I haven't splurged on Black Orchid...YET, but I have every intention of doing so.  In the meantime, my seasonal scents have been Bobbi Brown's Beach and my May favorite, is Oceane by Outremer Paris.  I know what you're thinking...it's French, that's why you bought it.  Actually, that's what drew me to the lineup of bottles, it has this vintagey French label, but I picked Oceane and went in for a smell and it was so refreshing.  When you imagine the perfect marine, sea salt air kind of smell, that's what Oceane is like.  It is clean, aquatic, and I'm terrible at describing scents.  And huge bonus, it was only $18 at Anthropologie for a 50mL bottle!  Except I can't find it on their website anymore, but Amazon has everything, and it is available here.

Have I mentioned that I'm obsessed with Moby Dick and when I was little, I wanted to be on a whaling ship with my friends Ishmael and Queequeg?  This feels familiar, maybe I have.  I love anchors, and seashells, and salt air, and the Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT, and perfumes named Oceane...all because they have to do with the sea.  I'm drawn to anything nautical, related to the sea, etc, and I secretly love the movie Aquamarine...yes.  Soooo, when the MAC Alluring Aquatic collection came out, I wanted a lot of it.  Now, I work and go to sleep at an old ladyish hour, so I wasn't awake to be online and order what I wanted or line up outside a MAC store on a Thursday morning to be one of the first to get my hands on it.  And my unfortunate procrastination meant that most of the items I wanted were sold out...most of the eyeshadows and the Submerged nail polish.  In hindsight, that would've been the perfect usage of a vacation day, but c'est la vie.  But I did snag a few pieces and I'm loving the Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell, the Extra Dimension Blush in Seduced at Sea, and a Lustre finish lipstick in Siren Song...the names alone...the names!  Anyway, the packaging...um, gorgeous.  It is a metallic blue with raised bumps to resemble water droplets!  I may just keep the compacts whenever I finish them because they are magical, just stunning.  Aphrodite's Shell is a very light golden bronzer and actually perfect for my skin to give it a nice glow.  The Seduced at Sea Blush is described as a "midtone neutral plum"...gorgeous, the perfect summer flush.  The Extra Dimension products are described as "liquid-powders" and they definitely have a different but beautifully soft texture.  They are both luminous without being over-the-top shimmery.  The Siren Song lipstick is pretty, shimmery nude.  Perfect for barely there lipstick wearers like myself.  I've been wearing them nonstop since I got them.  Try to find whatever Nordstrom, MAC, Macy's or Bloomingdale's might have left, but they are definitely worth the search!

Last up is an item I received in May Birchbox and I'm squeezing the life out of the small sample tube to get every last drop!  It is the Marcelle BB Cream in Golden Glow.  BB Creams are hit and miss with me, I want to love them because I don't always want to wear foundation in the summer (though I just bought Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua for summer) but I haven't found The One yet.  I really like the Physican's Formula Super BB powder, but I'd rather use a cream.  But then this tiny sample arrived in the mail...I squeezed out a small pearl and immediately thought boooo, this is way too dark for me, but we were trying to leave to get to the farmer's market and I don't care what those people think of my color matching skills, so I went with it.  It melted beautifully into my skin and miraculously, the color blended perfectly...not too dark.  It has great coverage for a BB, made my skin look flawless, and I felt very Golden Glow-y.  Just a little concealer and blush and I was ready to head out the door.  I'm about to buy the full size, I'm just so impressed with this!  I think it is pretty reasonable at $27, get it from Birchbox here. 

What did you love in May???

April Favorites!!

Could I be anymore cliché by saying that the month of April just flew by?  You always hear that this is how time will magically work as you get older, and I’m fast approaching the big 3-0, but seriously.  What happened April?  You felt like a blur, there was a lot going on between the mess of our kitchen renovation, Matt’s birthday, Easter, work stress beyond belief, an 80’s themed party with friends, and trying to keep my emotions in check.  (We were in a car accident last May, and are still dealing with the aftermath and frustrations of injuries – pain management specialists, chiropractors, therapies of all kinds.  It was hard to stay grounded and not get lost in the feelings of isolation, anger, bitterness of the whole situation.)  But before this gets too mopey, let’s change gears!  We’ve got three beauty favorites and a couple lifestyle faves…here’s the lineup...

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette $58, Sephora – I’m a big fan of the Ambient Lighting powders and blushes, if you remember from one of my previous favorites.  So, I was crushed when I thought I missed out on this gem last year, but it is back and I bought it without even hesitating or even thinking.  Please Sephora, just take my money.  Let’s ignore the fact that I already own a full size of Dim Light which is also included in this palette, an obvious impulse buy.  Two other shades, Incandescent Light (limited to the palette) and Radiant Light, round out the lineup of shades in this palette.  I think these powders deliver on the claim to “capture, diffuse, and soften the way light reflects on skin”…my skin always looks softened and luminescent.  I’ve actually been swirling the three shades of the palette together – I end up looking glowy with imperfections blurred with a touch of warmth.  Can’t say enough good things about it, it’s the perfect collection of finishing powders! 

Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara $28.50, Sephora – Because I need more mascara like I need a hole in the head, I bought this during the Sephora 15% off sale in April which helped me justify the hefty price tag.  This mascara boasts fancypants polymer technology which holds the curl and boosts volume as well as a lipid complex with strengthens lashes over time.  I was impressed by the reviews and the long term benefits of this mascara, so why not give it a whirl?!  Though I was secretly expecting to end up like the group of reviewers who didn’t notice a difference.  I have to say, I love the curled brush which grabs and separates each lash – minimal clumping here.  You can actually feel your lashes tightening – that sounds creepy.  It’s not creepy though, maybe it’s the magic polymers pulling back on the lashes to create the advertised curl??  Let’s go with that.  I’ve never used an eyelash curler with this mascara and I’m very impressed by the curl, overall look and staying power throughout the day.  No flaking either, it only comes off when I wash my face at the end of the day.  I’m a believer and would definitely purchase again.  

MAC Lipstick – Crème Cup and Honey Love $16, MAC Stores & Counters – When I was cleaning out my old room in my condo to move into Matt’s house, I found a bag full MAC empties I completely forgot I was keeping.  I added a couple of long forgotten Lipglasses that were well beyond their prime and I had 12 empties ready for trading.  Off to MAC I went to participate in the Back to MAC program.  With Back to MAC, you can trade in 6 plastic or glass containers for a lipstick, eyeshadow or Lipglass.  I had my eye on two lipsticks so with my 12 well-loved empties, I was able to get both!  Crème Cup is lovely light pink with blue undertones with the Cremesheen finish.  Honeylove is a Matte finish light rose toned nude color.  Both are equally wearable and perfect shades for a your-lips-but-better lipstick wearer like myself.   I’m still trying to break out of my comfort zone, but for now, these two are perfect. 

Dutch Tulips – During the Amsterdam portion of our honeymoon, we stumbled upon the Flower Market.  Each stall was overflowing with gorgeous flowers, one prettier than the next!  I’m a tulip fan and was hoping to bring home some bulbs to plant in our yard as a souvenir of our honeymoon!  The merchant in one stall pointed out some packages that were approved for travel and entry into the US, so we selected orange bulbs and a beautiful royal blue – I’ve never seen a tulip like it here, so I was really excited about those!  In early November it was time to plant them, I didn’t find a good spot in the yard.  There were lots of roots and other plant debris, so I researched planting them in a container.  I got some potting soil, bone meal, planted them and then crossed my fingers that they would actually grow!  We stuck the pot in the shed over our harsh winter and when we took them out, the tulips had started to sprout!  They are now in full bloom and absolutely gorgeous…I guess I’ll never see a royal blue tulip here since the blue ones ended up being purple (and yes, I definitely bought blue because I kept the packaging).  Purple and orange were our wedding colors, so perhaps it was meant to be.  But now I’m obsessed and since I’m a master tulip grower, I’m looking forward to getting some more pots and bulbs to grow more! 

Books about France – I did a lot of reading in April!  Unfortunately, I was sidelined by my back injury and spent lots of time in bed and on the couch!  So, time to work on the Goodreads Challenge I set for myself this year (30 books) and get reading!  Old news – I’m a Francophile.  New news – I’m trying to read every book about France that I can get my hands on.  Luckily, I figured out how to work the eBooks program at my local library, so I’ve been borrowing tons of books which my bank account (and husband) appreciates.  I didn’t love all of these books and wouldn’t say they are all must-reads, but I love the subject matter so that’s why I’ve included them.

A Year in Provence – Peter Mayle: Think Under the Tuscan Sun but in Provence.   This book just made me wickedly jealous.

French Lessons: Adventures with Knife, Fork and Corkscrew – Peter Mayle:  A tour of food festivals and food oddities in France.  This book just made me hungry.

Priscilla: The Hidden Life of an Englishwoman in Wartime France – Nicholas Shakespeare: Surprisingly interesting, the apparent true story of the author’s aunt’s life including time in an internment camp in Occupied France.

Chasing Mona Lisa – Tricia Goyer: Fluff read about art works (think Monuments Men) and Nazi hijinks in Occupied France.

Last Train to Paris – Michele Zackheim: An American journalist abroad in Paris and Berlin as tensions in Europe are on the brink of exploding with the start of World War II.

The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World’s Most Glorious and Perplexing City – David Lebovitz: David Lebovitz’s trials and tribulations getting to know and understand Paris as a resident and not just a visitor.  Recipes are interspersed throughout.  Probably my favorite of the bunch.  

Another theme emerging here is World War II.  Can’t get enough Monuments Men-esque type books and that led me to find some of these.  Also, I’m really getting fascinating by life in Occupied France, specifically in Paris and the stories of what people did to survive. 

Lastly, I can’t do an April favorites post without mentioning my new favorite website – www.leguidesante.com!  Read my latest post to learn why this website deserved a post of it’s own!

What did you love in April??

Ooh La La - French Beauty Finds Part 1

Move over CVS and Walgreens, I’ve found another pharmacy!!!  The French "pharmacie"…beauty addicts tout the amazing assortment of French skincare brands and products available at pharmacies all over France, and the results?  C’est magnifique!  French women have some pretty amazing, glowing skin and never look too made up, and I wanted to get in on that action!!  

March Favorites

March is over...looking back, it went by pretty quickly, but yet in the midst of it, the days just draaaaaaagged by.  I've been so crazy stressed with some things going on in my life that I was happy to see March end.  Now it's April and Spring is here and I'm hoping to start feeling like myself again.  And it always helps getting a Sephora VIB 15% "Spring's Hottest Ticket" coupon in the mail!  But here they are...the things I loved in March!

Ladurée – More than Macarons…

One of the secret reasons I was so excited to go to Paris was so I could eat macarons whenever I wanted – they are not readily available here in Delaware – at least not fresh (that I’ve found anyway – please, I beg a fellow Delawarean to prove me wrong, I beg you!!!).  The closest place to me that sells them gets them shipped from NYC – they are good, don’t get me wrong, but you can tell they aren’t super fresh.  So, I was ready to begin the search for my perfect macaron. No Paris food guide is complete without a mention of Ladurée – the most famous macaron and pastry shop in Paris since 1862.  The pictures made it look like something out of a sugary, pastel dream, and this was high on my list of places to visit in Paris! 

Something happened to me when I entered the shop for the very first time.    I don’t know how to explain it other than compare it to love at first sight.  Row after row of colorful macarons, picture perfect pastries, and then there were souvenirs, Ladurée logo items!!  All sorts of things, very interesting, the shopaholic in me was thinking.  And then I saw the cookbooks.  I collect cookbooks and as impractical as this velvet lined cookbook appeared, I needed it.  And then I saw the keychain priced comparably to the cookbook…then the zipper pouch…then the candle…then the scarf.  There was something about the beautiful pastel colors – their signature green, purple, blue, pink.  It felt so feminine and delicate and luxurious, the care with which the items were packaged.  Hmm, I was going to have to plan my shopping strategy carefully since the hubs had some serious sticker shock.  And this was all while standing in line to purchase our first Ladurée macarons. 

Forget the pastries, I didn’t even try one – I was in full on macaron mode.  Macarons on the brain – all day, every day.  Macarons are tricky little buggers – I couldn’t get enough.  I may be considered a little boring with my flavor choices – I stick to vanilla, caramel and lemon variations.  Occasionally we came across a pumpkin flavor, but otherwise those are my go-to flavors.  Matt branched out a little more, but as we visited more patisseries, I stuck to those flavors so I could compare.  Maybe I’m biased because I was intoxicated with the atmosphere at Ladurée, but they did turn out to be my favorite.   And not thinking that I may write a blog post about this, I didn’t bother to make note of the others we tried.  There wasn’t a bad macaron to be had though – all had the perfect contrast between creamy filling and the shell, and there’s something special about how the shells break when you bite into them – so delicate.  Nothing that beautiful and delicate can be unpleasant, can it??  (This orange I’m currently eating is becoming less and less satisfying as I write this.)   We didn’t dine in any of the restaurants, but we did stop at the bar at the Champs-Elysees location for drinks.  I should’ve expected the gorgeous art deco interior – stained glass covered walls in gorgeous pale blues and greens.  You can order macarons at the bar to accompany your beverage or choose from one of their macaron inspired cocktails (outrageously priced – have you noticed the theme here)!   

 

Aside from being awestruck, there was something I noticed while waiting in a very long line during one of our visits; I observed a jar filled with broken or slightly imperfect macarons sitting on a back counter.  What I can only imagine to be a trash/reject jar.  Hopefully, the shop employees get to eat them afterhours or on their break.  I wanted to save all the “unwanted” macarons because despite their subtle flaws, they would most certainly taste perfect.  I felt sad for these imperfect macarons – they didn’t meet Ladurée’s impossibly high standards.  Perfection in baking, ambiance, aesthetics, merchandising, packaging, etc.      

I had to decide on a few souvenirs because, regrettably, I could not buy one of everything.  I obviously needed a cookbook.  I opted for the Savory version knowing full well I would get the others and complete my collection.  I also picked up a keychain and a small zipper pouch which I’ve designated as my lip balm pouch in my purse.  I carry too many lipglosses to fit in it, so lip balm was perfect.  I would have my little Ladurée trinkets with me at all times!  Yay! 

I do regret not buying a ridiculously overpriced scarf so I could drape silken macarons around my neck, so every now and then I google just to see if their souvenirs are available on their website.  Like the scarf.  Or a tote or any of the items I had to pass up – note cards, cosmetic bags, books, candles, perfume, pens, erasers, etc.  Lo and behold, LO AND BEHOLD…I stumbled upon something that I didn’t know existed…something that pulls at my heartstrings and only deepens my mysterious obsession with the Ladurée brand.  They created A MAKEUP LINE.  That’s right, a makeup line – Les Merveilleuses Ladurée.  Be still my heart.  Ladurée, just take my money.  I’m speechless.   And in true Ladurée fashion, (it’s really pricey and) the packaging is GORGEOUS.  This just reminds me of Marie Antoinette – cosmetics fit for a queen.  And I want it ALL.  Matt was not as excited to hear this news and perhaps a little grateful that I chose to splurge on a new Le Creuset pot recently which is preventing me from buying the ever practical rose petal shaped blush and blush pot (sold separately, of course).  And thus is the appeal of Ladurée …feminine, delicate, and luxurious. 

Just look at these exquisite products: Les Merveilleuses Ladurée

I immediately began to kick myself for missing out on this while in Paris mere months ago, but I began to research and the makeup line was first released in Japan and has only recently made its way to a few of the Paris shops.  So, I'm going to pretend it wasn't there when I was in Paris (even though I think was - boooo).  I think it will eventually be sold in the rest of Europe and then hopefully the United States.  Who knows how long that will take…anyone heading to Paris or Japan anytime soon?!?!  I will give you my lengthy shopping list!!  Curious to see how this product line unfolds…my closest Ladurée is in New York City!  A perfect location to pilot the cosmetics in the US, don’t you think?  They just opened a Ladurée Tea Salon is SoHo and online macaron ordering is on its way, so makeup must be next, right?!?!  Has anyone had the opportunity to try the Ladurée makeup line??