Nuxe Merveillance Correcting Cream

Nuxe Merveillance Expert Range is aimed at women over the age of 40. The skin care range targets and corrects ageing concerns such as wrinkles. One way it claims to do this is through the ingredient Daylily flower. Daylily is said to act on a protein in the skin altering the effects of ageing. Sounds all very lovely, but does it work?

First, here's a brief overview of my skin type first so you can compare with your own: I'm 38 with signs of ageing. I have "laughter lines" around my eyes but they're not deep. I have slight discolouration due to pregnancy. My skin is sensitive /combination and slightly dehydrated due to medication but Anne Semonin Tissue Serum (link) is helping hugely with that. I think that about covers it.

I've been using Nuxe Merveillance Correcting Cream for normal skin* for almost 2 weeks now and so far I really like it. My skin feels plumper, smoother and softer. The cream is white in appearance and is quite rich. It does have a scent, a flowery one but thankfully it disappears on the skin. Despite its richness it sinks in completely, leaving no oily residue which is perfect for makeup application. In some ways it reminds me of Clarins Flash Balm in that it perks the skin up instantly but the effects are longer lasting. 

I had several sachets of this to try but I will be purchasing the full size. It really suits my skin type and it actually seems to make a difference to the fine lines I have. They don't seem to be as noticeable. I think this cream would suit most skin types particularly older ones but younger ones should still find this a lovely moisturiser. There's also a version for dry skin types. As well as these day moisturisers there's a night cream and serum.

Have you tried this? Are you a fan of Nuxe?

*PR Sample but all thoughts my own.

Current Favourites for Smooth Hair Featuring A Wet Brush

I have very thick hair and lots of it. While I understand many would love thick hair it can be a pain to keep in check. One of the ways I do this is by keeping it short. I just don’t have the patience for the upkeep of long hair. I salute those who do. I use several different products to help keep my hair sleek and manageable. My current favourites/ on rotation are Tresemme 7-Day Keratin Smooth Heat Activated Treatment, John Frieda Full Repair Oil Elixir*, John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength 6 Effects+ Serum, and Wet Brush- Pro Detangle*. 

Wet Brush- Pro Detangle* is a new product for me but has become a mainstay in my hair routine. The Wet Brush easily glides through wet (and dry) hair to gently ease out any tangles. Or if you don’t have tangles it helps protect your hair from breakage and split ends. It really feels very gentle and it’s also perfect for using on my son’s hair. He actually loves it. People with long, unruly hair would particularly benefit from this but it really is suitable for all hair types. 

I’ve been using John Frieda Full Repair Oil Elixir* for ages. It smooths and softens my hair without being greasy. It always leaves it in great condition and shiny. The product lasts for absolute ages. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a reasonably priced but great oil for your hair.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength 6 Effects+ Serum helps smooth hair, fight frizz and protect against heat and humidity. You only need a small amount of this otherwise your hair feels heavy and just yuck. I don’t get very frizzy hair but it does have a bit of a kink in it, this serum helps control my hair and just leaves it more manageable.

I think I prefer TRESemmé 7-Day Keratin Smooth Heat Activated Treatment over John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength 6 Effects+ Serum. As the name suggests the Tresemme product is heat activated, especially with straightening irons.I use a hot hairdryer and a straightening brush and I think it works really well. Not only does it help to straighten hair it also helps to keep it straight. An excellent product for smooth, sleek hair. 

What are your favourites for smooth hair?

Wet Brush 

TRESemmé 7-Day Keratin Smooth Heat Activated Treatment 

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength 6 Effects+ Serum 

John Frieda Full Repair Oil Elixir 

*PR sample but all thoughts my own.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation

I've mentioned Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place foundation several times on here but I haven't actually done a full review of it. So to set that straight here's my review! Let's go.

Estee Lauder Double Wear (ELDW from here on in) is a medium to full coverage foundation. When I first tried this several years ago now I really wasn't that impressed. I found it hard to work with. But I persevered, at almost £30 a bottle I certainly wasn't giving up on it. I'm so glad I did because this is without doubt one of the best long wearing foundations I've tried.

ELDW is tricky initially. It sets quite fast and I find building it up can end up making the finish look cakey . So getting the right amount for the coverage you want takes a wee bit of practice. But once you get the application right this foundation works hard, it'll stay in place all day, making it perfect for my combination /sensitive skin. There's no oil slick on my t-zone yet I don't find it heavy to wear.

For this foundation to look good you need to prepare your skin, nothing elaborate but if you have dry skin you'll need your moisturiser on for ELDW to move easily on application. Fingers are good as it keeps the thickish liquid warm making it malleable and easily blended. Brushes and sponges also give a great finish.

I know some people find ELDW too matte, I feel like that sometimes too. To give it a different dimension adding a bit of highlighter to it really gives it a nice glow. My favourite for this is Rouge Bunny Rouge Seas of Tranquillity, it's a stunning highlighter.

ELDW also has a great colour selection. I wear the lightest shade Shell, which is cool leaning but not overly pink like Lancome's foundations. It gives great coverage, is incredibly long wearing and evens the skin out. People complain that this gives a mask like finish but once you get used to it you'll get a more natural finish.

If you're looking for a high performing, long-lasting, semi-matte foundation I don't think you'll get better than Estee Lauder Double Wear. Especially if you have oily/combination skin. Dry skins will need a good bit of moisturiser beforehand.

Have you tried this? Or do you prefer a different long-wearing foundation?


Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Foundation link

Anne Semonin Tissue Serum

Anne Semonin, described as "Parisian Haute Couture for the skin" isn’t a brand I was familiar with but they're 25 years in the business. A quick google shows that they're in Caroline Hiron’s Hall of Fame (link); their facial sounds absolutely amazing. I've been using Anne Semonin Tissue Serum* and oh it is so good, and actually works!

The claims are:

“Remineralising, stimulating, ultra light, Tissue Serum addresses hydration levels, and tissue strength on delicate areas of the face. 

An excellent localised treatment to help ease out fine lines for tired, lips and neck.

KEY INGREDIENTS:

• Concentrated Seawater: containing all the active principles of the marine universe, including more than 20 trace elements, maintains hydration balance.
• Ginkgo Biloba: (named gold apricot tree) acts on blood circulation and oxygenation.
• Rose water: soothing, hydrating.
• Hydrolized Collagen: tones the skin”  

I’ve been using this both day and night, and occasionally through the day when my eyes have been feeling tired. It’s incredibly soothing on the skin so it feels really nice on tired eyes. There’s a gentle tightening effect too. I love the texture of this, it feels slightly thicker than water but doesn’t run all over the place so it’s easy to drop the recommended 5 drops on the back of your hands then apply them onto the face and neck. These 5 drops go a long way.

It smells gorgeous, a delicate smell of roses which suits it perfectly. I have very sensitive skin but I’ve had no aggravation whatsoever with this. It sinks in easily and leaves no residue on the skin making it perfect for applying moisturiser over or you can just use the Tissue Serum by itself.

I have been using this for just over a week now and I’m already noticing a difference in my skin, my husband’s also commented about how nice my skin looks.  It looks plumper and less tired, and much softer. I can’t believe the results in only a week, and I can’t believe it actually works. I’m very cynical about these things. It's a great serum for dehydrated skin, skin in need of soothing and some TLC. Perfect for first signs of ageing or older skin too. This is a range I’ll definitely be looking into more.

Anne Semonin Tissue Serum isn’t cheap, it retails at £96 but it’s a brilliant treat and would make an excellent Mother’s Day present. 

Anne Semonin Tissue Serum link

*PR sample but all thoughts my own.

February Beauty Favourites

It’s been ages since I’ve done a monthly favourites post and this month’s are especially good. I’ve loved using everyone of them. I think I’ll start with the product almost every beauty blogger has mentioned recently and that’s the new Benefit Roller Lash . I didn’t really have any expectations for this as I’m not too keen on their They’re Real mascara but I am so impressed with Roller Lash. I always use eyelash curlers before applying mascara but I don’t need any with Roller Lash. It’s curling and lengthening, and it doesn’t smudge. I’ll be buying a full size when my sample (from Elle) runs out. 

Next is a repurchase for me. Illamasqua Katie (previous review here) is the prettiest pink matte blush, it’s perfect for pale complexions and it lasts all day too. Pricey but definitely worth it.

L’Oreal Collection Exclusive by Blake  is a perfect cool toned raspberry-red matte. I absolutely love this. It’s quite similar to MAC Ruby Woo at the fraction of the price. I reviewed it previously here.

Oh I adore Revlon’s Matte Balm in Sultry . It’s a mid-toned brown-pink, almost vintage looking and definitely sophisticated. It’s fully pigmented, matte yet moisturising. I love this product. This is without doubt a repurchase for me.

And finally is Nip and Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial Pads. I’ve seen these mentioned lots on blogs and my curiosity got the better of me. I’m so glad it did because I love these. They can be a bit stingy on my sensitive skin but mostly they feel refreshing and they leave my skin incredibly soft. I swear my skin is looking better because of these.A definite staple in my skin routine, although I might try different brands out. I’ll do a proper review when I’ve used them a bit longer. 

So that’s my February favourites, what have yours been?