Nuxe

Oui Please – Vol.2.3 Summer Escapade

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Yet another special curation, presentation, and execution by the people behind Oui Please subscription box. This edition is Vol.2.3 Summer Escapade. All essentials needed for summer artfully captured in one box.

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When this box landed on my desk, I knew it was going to be a joy ride for me to open and explore each product. I sat at my coffee table, sipping wine and going through each product in depth. Thirty minutes past and I’m still at the coffee table exploring…..The detail and care taken in packaging and presentation is unlike any subscription box on the market.

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As I opened the box, I discover this huge paper saying Rêve which means Dream. It certainly was like a beautiful dream, opening, and exploring the box.

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Number of skincare items surfaced from the box, brands like Pomone Paris and Saison D’Eden which were unknown to me have now entered my life and skincare stash.

POMONE PARIS created by a chemical engineer, Florence Selling. Pomone integrates the most recent discoveries of science and cosmetology in sensual formulas. Having met various visions of beauty, from France to South America, the founder is convinced that beauty is all encompassing. The conservatory of biodiversity, offered by the closed gardens of the Castle of Canon, inspires the choice of Pomone’s active ingredients. The Pomone formulas exclude parabens, phenoxyethanol, silicones and mineral oils.

Floral, fresh and green fragrance of Pomone skincare products evokes the gardens of the Castle and gives a feeling of bucolic escape. It has been conceived by a perfumer of the city of Grasse, with Ecocert and natural raw materials.

I received the Cream Mask, a smooth texture rich in efficient active ingredients. A mask intended to target the signs of age, firmness of the skin and provides immediate relaxation and visible benefit. The face recovers its serenity.

Inci list: apple polyphenols, powerful anti-oxidants – apple quercetin, activates sirtuins and fights against glication of proteins – malic acid extracted from the apple, firming and smoothing properties – apple seeds oil, nutritive and revitalizing – apple vegetal water or original extract, energizing and source of essential oils, oligo-elements and mineral salts.

(Source: Pomone Paris webite)

SAISONS D’EDEN is the story of a woman fascinated by plants and convinced that our bodies change with the different seasons. Our skin, which is the first organ to be confronted with these climatic changes, needs to be adequately prepared.

Johanna Fayolle decides to abandon her PowerPoint presentations and dry consultant files and to dedicate herself to the research of what nature can offer our skin, with the objective of reconciling Nature and Progress, Health and Refinement.

She creates her skin care line in collaboration with a state-of-the-art laboratory. Her priority being to recognize and integrate the influence of the changing seasons with the need for an ethical high performance. These standards are at the heart of Saisons D’Eden’s philosophy, along with respect for skin type and the use of organic ingredients, without compromise.

I received the Eye Contour Gel which claims to be highly concentrated, perfume-free, with a gel-cream texture, with eye lifting properties (Ginseng extract). An anti-fatigue  smoothened aimed to reduce bags and swollen eyes. Also claims to be hydrating to provide the indispensable ingredients for cell structure around eyes.

I also received the Spring Summer moisturizer strong on antioxidants and essential fatty acids (Raspberry and Sesame seed oils) intended to plump and hydrate skin while controlling sebum production. Smells very indulgent with discreet raspberry and white grapefruit fragrance.

(Source: Saison D’Eden website)

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Delphine Parent makes unique pieces of jewelry made from precious antiques, each patiently crafted like a canvas. Similarly jewelry is also made from gold-plated or 9 carat gold, developed in small series using personalized inscriptions, or on her favourite subjects like luck and a star filled sky on a summer’s night.

I received a necklace with an inscription of avec toi. I love its simplistic, delicate design. There is a lot more on her website, not sure if its shipped overseas, but hey….that’s why we have Oui Please boxes 😉

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Les Interchangeables has a wonderful story about a girl (founder) Audrey. As a girl, Audrey was always designing and creating on her sewing machine, with a deep-seated passion for the decorative arts. She launched her first endeavor in 2007 – an ingenious concept of interchangeable, decorative bra straps. Designed to be shown, rather than hidden, the idea was a huge success as it addressed an issue that all women could relate to.

Eventually, she approached Swarovski to partner with her to develop a new concept – the creation of a line of stretchable, adjustable bracelets decorated with crystals. Imaginative, playful and luxe, the line developed quickly and acquired “must have” status in the accessories category in France and throughout Europe.

By 2014, Les Interchangeables had become a juggernaut, with a full accessories collection and an international presence with over 2,000 points of sale all over the world, including Italy, Spain, Korea, Japan, China, Australia, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Today, Audrey continues to innovate in the accessory space – she always has a new approach, a unique twist on accessible, luxurious and functional fashion.

I received a Swarovski crusted bracelet, excited to make it my arm candy.

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Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse does not need an introduction at all! A lush dry oil, that absorbs instantly and can be versatile in use over face, body, hair. This is beautiful travel friendly bottle.

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Nailmatic polishes have pleasantly surprised me. The opaque finish, rounded brush, smooth application and gorgeous shade selection. I’m still testing its lasting power without any chips or smudges. The brand offers a shade selection of 84 colors, and claims to be free of toluene, phthalate, formaldehyde, and camphor. I’ve been an OPI and Essie fan all my life, thanks to this box I get introduced to a new brand!!

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Atelier Cologne needs no introduction at all. I received the Vanille Intensee spray which is perfect for travel. The top notes are coriander, lime and citron; middle notes are vetiver, jasmine and oak moss; base notes are vanille, oak and amber (Source: Fragrantica).

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July of St. Barth founded in 1989 by Juliette Espinasse, the brand specializes in the creation of hats, bags, perfumes and beauty products, combining lifestyle and luxury in the French. For 20 years Juliet sews on her hats the shellfish found on Shell Beach, her favorite beach in St. Barts where she lived for several years.

As a part of this box, I received the Shell Beach body soap, which is made according to the traditional method of Marseille, with a base of coconut oil and olive oil. The formula is free of EDTA and parabens.

The most wonderful thing about this box is the discovery of new brands, innovative geniuses behind the brands. The box is wonderfully curated and presentation is impeccable. Oui Please also offer A’La Carte boxes if you don’t want to be strung by subscription box. Definitely worth exploring into however only downside is they ship only within USA and Canada. Hopefully one day they expand their realms and let people world over explore and experience these curations.

HHW.com

xx

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Oui Please – France in a Box

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A subscription box with a regional French Edge curated by Parisian-born Jessica Barouche, would tickle any Francophile’s soul with joy. Oui Please releases 6 limited edition boxes per year and the contents (full size products) of each subscription box is a secret until it ships! The contents of the box include French apparel, beauty products, jewelry, home and epicure. They offer curated (from Online Shop) and à la Carte boxes. The boxes have a theme per region of France:

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Each box will include a copy of French lifestyle publication, OuiPlease Magazine. Oui Please kindly gifted me a special box with a variety of products from many of their previous boxes. I’d like to think as a special curation for me 😉

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Now onto exploring each item included in the box – each item is originated from France and has a lovely local artisan and story behind it. 

P1030428L’Attelier Guérande & Les Ladures

L’Attelier is a Brittany based bakery crafts all of their foods in an artisanal manner and uses only regional, organic ingredients. They work with traditional recipes approved by the French pastry and confectionary industry.

Les Ladures is in the heart of salt marshes of Guérande. They design and manufacture to the delight of gourmets exceptional products from organic agriculture.

P1030430Lebon toothpaste Cinnamon/Mint 

The luxury toothpaste is made in France. Lebon toothpastes have 100% natural fragrance, no parabens, no triclosan, no fluorine, no colorings and no saccharin. Not tested on animals. 

P1030432Sothy’s Deep Cleanser Desquacrem

In 1946, Sothys was a beauty institute in Paris, where a list of exclusive customers enjoyed fine French products created by Dr. Hotz, a medical biologist. Sothys is renowned for bringing advanced skin care and expertise to consumers worldwide. This deep cleanser helps to remove stubborn impurities from the skin. 

P1030433Nuxe Gentle Exfoliating Gel with Rose Petals

Most of us are very familiar with Nuxe, founded on the passion for the power of plants and everything they have to offer, Aliza Jabès poured her knowledge as a research pharmacist into a natural line of skin care products. 

P1030439Doux Me Rose Blossom Mist

Created in 2002, and based on the belief that we must take good care of our skin the way we pay attention to our diet by choosing the simplest, most natural and most gentle ingredients possible, in line with a global concept of a healthy and harmonious philosophy of life. The first Ecocert certified organic cosmetics brand, Doux me is responsible for breathing new life into the world of beauty with commonsense organic skin care certified products that are both sensory and feminine. 

P1030438Oliv’ La Claree Radiance Elixir

The olive leaves are harvested in Provence. In Manosque, Les Mees and the Valensole growers prune branches from March to May and form bundles in their driveway olive trees. All of the formulations and packaging take place in the golden heart of “locavore”. All in less than 160 km; Les Mees, Forcalquier, Digne-les-Bains, Prayer, Les Pennes-Mirabeau, La Fare les Oliviers. This anti-ageing dry oil with a delicious perfume of olive leaves, helps smoothing and revitalizing the skin.

P1030437oOlution Glow up Skin Care 

oOlution believes in the need to urgently leave behind the old ways of the XXth century, with its standardization, homogenization and mass phenomena. This brand loves to the question the accepted ways and improvise to make it better.

Harem Des Sens Fabulous Silk Milk

A designer at heart, enriched by her Franco-Algerian double culture and with a passion for Beauty, Nabila Boutrif decided to create what she could not find on the market: modern and upscale cosmetics with an Oriental inspiration, natural, sophisticated and effective all at once. 

P1030435Graine de Pastel Baume de Cocagne Face and Body Butter

Born in 2003, this skincare re-explored the pastel, this tinctorial plant whose leaves contain a precious blue pigment that marked the history of South West France region, Toulouse and the “Pays de Cocagne”. But above all, the ancestral medicinal plant, whose dermatological properties were forgotten!! With a rich and dense texture, this face and body balm intensely nourishes and regenerates the skin. SO far my fave product.

P1030436Pier Auge Body Balm Caresse Agrumes Essential oil of Grapefruit

Founded in 1961 in Monaco, and then settled in Chateauroux in 1967. Jules Pierre Augé gave a unique concept of care which is exists, even today. The Pier Auge products select best local ingredients and artisans to create the products.

P1030442Historiae Perfume Hameau de la Reine Spray 

With its unique fragrance with scents that are simultaneously green, fresh and floral, Hameau de la Reine will take you to the heart of the Queen Marie-Antoinette’s Hameau to live again these great moments of emotion. 

P1030470.jpgMirgiole Sorbonne Gold Plated Earrings

Mirgiole was conceived by designer Raphaëlle Mourey after her travels abroad in Belgium and Latin America. The bohemian collection, named after the designer’s mother, is known for its colorful and playful aesthetic. The designer hand makes her creations, weaving together materials including gold, enamel.

Its wonderful to read, learn and experience all these products of regional France which I would have never discovered from the comforts of my home in Chicago.

HHW.com

xx

Repurchases & Back Ups

As a part of blogging and micro blogging, I’m fortunate to try new products, however there are some products I’ve continually repurchased and restored the “stash” for an apocalypse. This post may come as no surprise to regulars as they would have seen the products time and again.

The post intends to round up most of the repurchases, backups, trusted products in compromised dire situations (dramatic much!).

THE JOY OF MY LIFE: CLEANSERS

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Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm – Simple, effective and now synonymous with Must-Have. Gorgeous smelling buttery balm, that melts in an oil and dissolves all war paint. Take it off with steaming cloth and you’re officially at gateway Heaven.

The Body Shop Nutriganics Softening Cleansing Gel – annoyingly discontinued by The Body Shop, so I’ve stocked well considering TBS website is clearing at $7.25! Just as fabulous as Emma Hardie balm at a fraction of a price.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm – perfect second cleanse or morning cleanse or aromatherapy-esque massage. Slightly waxier in texture but on contact with skin its Lush.

Rodial Glamtox Cleansing Balm – my beloved travel companion. Only brand (until Sarah Chapman) who did cleansing balm in a pump bottle and ticks all the  requisites of good cleansing balm. Detailed review on Rodial balms….click here.

MY REASON TO LIVE – ACIDS

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Alpha H Liquid Gold – my first ever Acid product, loaded with Glycolic acid, operates at pH level of 2.5 and super effective.

Peter Thomas Roth Unwrinkle Peel Pads – claims to be at 20% but operates at higher pH of 5, very gentle on skin and all round worker (not limited to exfoliation) for days when skin needs a pick me up.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel – Two words. Travel BFF. I’m willing to leave the Man at home on a holiday, but not these acid pads. Conveniently packaged with a punch of acids and genuinely gives you holiday glow!.

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Bravura London Lactic Acid 10% & Salicylic Acid 2% Peel – peel, serum, spot treatment, acid tone, or part of Triple Mask routine (explained here). This is as Versatile as you’d like it to be. Solid, basic, effective acid – must have in an acid arsenal.

My detailed review on these peels….click here.

ESSENCE OF LIFE – TONERS

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La Roche Posay Serozinc – so simple yet so effective. My review on Serozinc can be found here.

Kama Ayurveda Toning Mists (Rose and Mogra) – I wish I had come across this brand sooner.

The steam distilled face toning mists, not only smell divine but also soothe irritated skin. Always keep least one as a back up and one specifically for travel.

SOUL SEARCHERS – SERUMS

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Sunday Riley Good Genes – Unneutralized Lactic Acid at 40% that gives major light bulb glow the following morning. The key with this product is Use Wisely, not abuse it. This will always remain in my stash when I need glow before an event or need to slap my skin to some form of radiance.

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic+Retinol Brightening Solution – may it be ‘breakout’ville, or post breakout ‘scar’ville, this serum is plain fabulous for addressing scaring, uneven skintone, irritated or inflamed skin. Also used as a spot treatment on that bastard that left a scar.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair – all round, good skin in a bottle. Hydrates, plumps, calms, soothes…..literally Good Skin in a Bottle.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron – essential dose of hydration, my skin just binges on this stuff. Instantly see the difference in skin.

A guide to All Serums….Click Here.

FACIAL OILS THAT GIVE ME BLISSFUL FEELS

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The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil – Must Have. Calms my angry spotty skin, hydrates, fakes my sleeping pattern. Light texture, immediately absorbs. My detailed review here.

Aesop Fabulous Face Oil – Smells amazing, absorbs instantly, excellent for combo skin. My detailed review here.

Goodness Chia Seed Oil – Cold Pressed Chia Seed Oil (excellent source of fatty acids and omegas), fabulous on its own or mixed with any other oil, mask or cleanser (read, majorly versatile here). Does a fab job with just 2 ingredients : Chia Seed & Meadowfoam Oil.

Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Facial Elixir – Decadent oil with incredible ingredients where I only need  a drop or two, can be mixed with Chia Seed Oil and massage in the skin to glory. My detailed review here.

For a snapshot on ALL facial oils used….Click Here.

CANNOT FUNCTION WITHOUT A LIP BALM

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Nuxe-Rêve de Miel this should come as no surprise, I’m almost married to this balm.

Lucas Papaw Ointment – this is my childhood in a tub and tube and it aint going anywhere at all.

Follow my Lip Balm Trail …..Click Here.

DISASTER RECOVERY PRODUCTS – BREAKOUT HELPERS

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Effaclar Duo, K and AI – with the slightest indication that my skin is going to rise in a battle, I will bring the ‘A’ team out to settle matters.

Duo on spots – always with me (travel, purse, home, side table….every where).

K is for overall calmness and Salicylic acid helps sort the situation.

AI is again for spots specifically when I know that bastard will leave me a scar.

LUSH TREATS – MASK

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Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask – honey is such a fabulous ingredient, although I feel its very underrated for what it offers. This mask is such a stellar product, calms, purifies, hydrates, plumps….this time I will call it Good Skin in a Tube.

Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Mask – in my opinion, the stand out product of Aesop. Used as spot treatment or an overall cleanse, fabulous. The only clay mask where I don’t need a chisel to break through.

I’d love to know what are your backups and repurchased products? What do you rely on in a major situation or an emergency? Who are your fall backs and trusted souls?

HHW.com

xx

 

 

 

The Backups …..Continue

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Pixi Glow Tonic – simple, effective, affordable, gentle, good ol Pixi Glow Tonic! Always have one bottle on stand by…just in case.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Hands & Nail Cream – Instantly absorbed and wonderfully moisturizing. Part of my life.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm – this one is an obsession. period.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Moisturizing Stick – clearly the obsession continues! Same scent, same properties as the lip balm above but in a portable handbag friendly avatar. What’s not to like!

L’occitane 20% Shea Butter Rose Hand Cream – Oh Lord, this smells insanely good! Moisturizes even better. Generous quantity which means it lasts forever.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color – Blush Pink – I have been addicted to this lip color for the longest time. This lip color has witnessed me go through many breakups, but BB stuck by me hence I have one on stand by.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil – This product has been featured multiple times before, and its my solution for any skin problem. Any. period.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen – I do NOT use any other sunscreen but this. It has saved my ass in New Orleans, Vegas, Houston and Miami summer like no other. Cheap and Cheery. Always have multiple tubes on the go, one in car, one in travel toiletries bag, one in my husband’s toiletries bag…I guess you get the drift.

xx

HHW.com

Night Stand – Beauty Essentials

P1010122My nightly bedtime routine isn’t as elaborate as one would expect. In saying so, I almost never miss these steps. I absolutely despise the feeling of dry hands, feet and lips. These are my “absolute essentials” before crashing:

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm – this product has featured on this blog multiple times. Nothing protects my lips like this balm. Nothing!

Nuxe Reve De Miel Hand & Nail Cream – Non sticky, instantly absorbing, pleasantly scented not overpowering, hydration for lizard hands. Its said that skin on your hands is a true indicator of your age, therefore I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to use a good hand cream and spf to protect your hard working hands.

Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme – Dare I say this product is an overnight miracle for awful cuticles. It’s a complete life saver for dry, peeling cuticles. A lemon scented balm texture to be rubbed in thoroughly and next morning the skin around cuticles appears moisturized and healthy!

L’occitane Shea Butter Foot Cream – Love this product, the concentration of shea butter helps repair dry or cracked heels. Massage this cream, wear socks and your feet next morning are much better. Not an overnight miracle but with consistent application, it does work.

Bath & Body Works Sleep Pillow Mist (Lavender & Chamomile) – I guess this is more of a psychological thing, I use primarily to freshen my pillow and sheets. Lavender and Chamomile are known for their calming and soothing properties.

xx

HHW.com