Max Factor Xperience Mascara

Everyone* talks about their desert island beauty products in terms of those items they absolutely cannot live without, even if the only creatures that will bear witness to their effect are a) hungry sharks b) starfish (who, to the best of my knowledge, don’t actually have eyes) and c) that devastatingly hunky pirate we all just *know* is waiting for us on the sandy beach waiting to help build us a safety Wendy House until the helicopter arrives**.

The most common items that crop up in people’s pick of products they’d take with them is suncream, lipbalm and mascara.  Me?  I’d leave the first two behind in favour of a guilt-free mahogany tan (who’s going to lecture you on skincare if you’ve just gone all Robinson Crusoe for several months?) and take instead three tubes of mascara, just so I can bat my lashes like the best of them at Jack Sparrow when he arrives.  It’s the one thing that makes the most difference to my appearance and one I very rarely forgo.  As such, I’m quite the connoisseur and have sampled so many over the years it’s a wonder (and a disappointment) I’m not 90% wand by now.

My latest discovery is the Max Factor Xperience Volumising Mascara, released last year along with the Xperience foundation and a range of lip products.  I have a long and happy history with Max Factor mascaras (again, I lament the loss of More Lashes) so I had no qualms buying this on a whim last time I needed a new mascara.  It’s currently £10.99 but I got it when there was some sort of offer on in Boots so I paid £7.99.

The brush is a plastic one, which I don’t like as much as the traditional tiny toilet brush wands, but this one isn’t too spindly and finickity to use; I find some of them can feel almost scratchy on application but this one doesn’t.  The formula itself is creamy and quite wet, and it applies so easily it’s phenomenal.  The idea of this, like all the Max Factor Xperience products, is weightlessness and lightness, and I think this mascara adheres to those claims really well. 

One coat gives me black, glossy, defined lashes which look good, but the formula is light enough that you can keep adding coat upon coat to build up a really great lash, which is what I do.  I’m a fan of masses of mascara, day or night, so I apply probably three coats at a time when I wear this.  It doesn’t clump at all and doesn’t look spidery or unnatural.  You just look like you’ve got really good natural lashes (that happen to be ink black against my not ink black other hair).  Oh, and the best thing.  It doesn’t transfer onto my lids.  NOT A LICK.  And that, kids, is a rarity, lemme tell you.

All in all, another total winner from Max Factor for me, and one I’d happily re-purchase when I’ve used up my other mascaras (FYI and reviews to come: Daniel Sandler Babyjet, No7 Exceptional and Jemma Kidd).

*Some people; mainly celebrities in boring interviews in women’s magazines

**This is what happens, right?  RIGHT?

How To Paint Your Nails

There aren't many things in life I'd confidently say I'm good at.  I can't (won't) bake, I don't display any sporting prowess whatsoever, I can't sing (unless you count enthusiastic but ultimately tragic warbling along to the radio whilst doing the washing up) and I am bad, no USELESS, with numbers.  On the other hand, I can play the piano, I possess an, as yet, unrivalled bank of celebrity knowledge that comes in handy in pub quizzes but no other occasions, I remain calm in a crisis and I can paint my nails.  Of these things I am confident.  So, because it would be difficult and lengthy (not to mention slightly weird) to display the other talents I have, today I'm going to show you how to paint your nails.

You will need the following: cuticle remover and orange/hoof stick, nail file, nail buffer, base coat, nail polish, top coat, hand cream.

Start by removing any old polish you have (even if you haven't worn any in a while it's still worth running a remover-soaked cotton pad over them to get rid of any possible residue) and then apply your cuticle remover.  I use the Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover, the best I've found.

You apply a thin layer all around the nails; leave it on for up to five minutes and then take your orange stick and gently push back the skin to leave a neat nail surrounding.

Rinse your hands and dry, and then at this stage you should apply your hand cream (my preferred one is the Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment but any cream will do).  Then take your nail file and shape your nails.  I use a glass file from Ruby & Millie and have done for years.  I find a glass file is less damaging to my nails and as long as you look after it (and by that I literally just mean rinse it after you use it and probably don't stamp on it) it will last forever.

I wear my nails short, for the most part, as I personally think they look neat, chic and clean, but go with whatever you feel comfortable with.  In terms of the shape, they should mirror the shape of the base of your nails.  If you have a look at the first picture of my nails, you can see that the base of mine are quite square with slightly rounded edges, so that's how I file my nails.  Once your nails are filed, take your buffer and get polishing.

I find that this buffing stage just makes my nails as smooth as possible, so any polish I apply won't appear bumpy or rough (unless I balls it up).  So now your nails are clean, neat and shiny.  But bare.  And bare nails are not fun nails, so let's get to the good stuff. 

First up, a base coat.  I will not COUNTENANCE the application of nail polish without a base coat first.  You wouldn't slap paint on a brick wall without a base coat, would you, or foundation on your face without moisturiser, so don't put paint on your nails without priming them first, okay?  Otherwise your nails will stain and look yuck and that isn't good for anybody, plus you can buy base coats these days with fortifying extras; ridge fillers, strengtheners, moisturisers, rainbows, the lot. At the moment I'm using the Nails Inc Kensington Caviar base coat which I bought in a set in the sale.  I like it.  I don't love it.  Use whatever you've got.

Once the base coat is applied, give it a minute or two before getting to the colour, AKA the reason for living.  The colour I'm using today is my all-time favourite polish, Essie Bordeaux, a beautiful, deep wine colour that always looks good no matter the time of year or occasion.  First things first, when you bring the brush out of the bottle, make sure you wipe some of the excess off on the rim, otherwise you'll end up with far too much polish on the brush and it will pool on the nail making it run into the skin around the nails, which we absolutely do not want to happen.

I suppose it depends on the polish you're using, but I would always suggest applying two thin coats of polish (or three, or four if you need it) rather than attempting just one thick coat.  It's hard to get it looking perfect this way.  The other thing I always do, and really suggest you do as well, is not painting right down to the base of the nail.  I like to leave a thin gap for two reasons: firstly it means you won't get polish on the cuticle, which looks messy and probably isn't that great for the skin, and secondly it creates the illusion of longer, more elegant nails, as does leaving a thin gap along the sides as well.

When you do your first coat, with the polish almost used up from the brush, dot it along the edges of the nail.  This acts as a sort of sealant and helps prevent chipping and gives a more finished, er...finish.  Once this is done on all the nails, go over with the second coat.

Check out my really nice extra dry thumb cuticle.  Thanks winter!  You can see in the photo above the thin gap around the edge I was talking about.  Once the second/third/more coat is on and you're happy with the finish, give it another minute or two and then apply your top coat.  Your quick-dry top coat, because frankly, WHO has the time to sit around flapping and blowing and picking stuff up with your elbows these days?   Since discovering Seche Vite about four years ago I estimate I've saved approximately 8,000 man hours (and achieved precious little, but still) and so I suggest you all do the same.  As I said, I'm using the Nails Inc Kensington Top Coat at the moment which is quick dry but I don't find it prevents chipping as well as Seche Vite.  It is nice and glossy, though.

And that's it, manicure done!  Round of applause for you all.  I also use Essie Cuticle Oil every day, but it's at work so I can't photograph it, cleverly.  Clean up any mishaps with some nail polish remover on a cotton bud, and your nails are ready for their close up.

And because this is Essie Bordeaux, I thought it needed a fitting prop to show it off a little bit more.

The chicken?  Who knows.  This is what happens when you call upon the services of your parents to take photographs for you.  So thank you to Chief Photographer Mummy Pixie for her services today (and the tin foil hats for the bottles), and to Daddy Pixie for the wine and the irreverance.

 

Seven Deadly Beauty Sins

This is a nice little tag that's currently doing the rounds on YouTube but seeing as I'm yet to hop aboard the Video Express, I'll have to write it instead.

Greed

Most Inexpensive and Expensive Product? 

My most inexpensive product is this eyeshadow from MUA, which is absolutely amazing for the price (£1).

My most expensive product is probably this Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude eye palette, bought years ago on a plane for £33.*

Wrath

What Products Do You Have A Love/Hate Relationship With?

Mac Paint Pots.  I love the concept, I love the colours that I have and I love the finish they give, but I find they dry up really quickly - and then become annoyingly difficult and draggy to apply - and they don't stop my eyeshadow from creasing.  Not one bit.  As such, my love affair is at an abrupt end and once I'm done with the ones I've got, I won't be buying any more.  Strong words, I know.

What Has Been Hardest To Find?

(This doesn't come under a sin on its own so I'm assuming it's part of Wrath).  Hmmm....I'm not a collector so I don't spend time tracking things down and snapping up Limited Edition items so I'll go for a red tinted lip balm my sister bought me from New York a few years ago by a brand called Herbal Organics (or something very similar).  I absolutely adored it and have looked online as I want to buy replacements but I can't find anything.  So any US/Canada readers, HELP!!

Gluttony

What Are Your Most Delicious Beauty Products?

Without a doubt, my Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butters and my Antipodes Avocado Night Cream.  My thighs are grateful I can't eat them, though.

Sloth

What Beauty Product Do You Neglect Due To Laziness?

I don't neglect anything if I feel my skin or complexion needs it but I suppose I'd have to say bronzer.  I'm sure with the right shade and the right hand I could look healthier and more glowing but I just cannot be arsed to add another step to my routine and spend the time hunting down the perfect, non-orange shade for me.  Just.  Cannot.  Be.  Arsed.

Pride

What Beauty Product Gives You Most Confidence?

I don't think one particular product, because it's a carefully honed regime of various tools and products but basically I feel confident when my skin is looking good, so I'll say, for ease, my Clarisonic and Alpha-H Liquid Gold.  But never at the same time.  We've talked about this.

Lust

What Attributes Do You Find Most Attractive In The Opposite Sex?

Funny.  Good teeth.  Tall (as in over six foot because I'm about 5'11 in heels).  Someone who notices and remembers the little things.  Someone who's always, always on your side.  Acqua di Parma.

Envy

What Item Would You Most Like To Receive As A Gift?

A cat.  Bobbi Brown Cosmic Raspberry lipstick and Apricot blush.  A car. 

If you do this tag, via video or blog, link below please!  I like it a lot.

*Obviously I have a Clarisonic but for reasons known only to me**, I'm choosing to omit this from the quiz.
**Just being difficult, really.
***Pictures of no relation whatsover but they were on my desktop waiting to be filed and asked politely if they might come and play on the blog today.

Why Do You Smell So Bad?

Last week I saw a tweet exchange between two people that firstly really made me laugh and secondly really made me think.  It went something like this (I am paraphrasing because I now can’t find the tweets in question but basically this is it, although I have in no way captured the funny parts of the exchange so I’m sorry about that):

“Sitting next to a guy in class who REALLY stinks.  Ever heard of deodorant!?”

“Ew, that’s gross.  It’s 2012: how do people still smell?!”

I didn’t really think much about it at the time but over the last week or so it’s kept coming back to me, this idea that it’s 2012, HOW do we all still have beauty-related problems?  You all know as well as I do that the market, in pretty much every country I can think of, it’s absolutely saturated with cosmetics and toiletries.  Saturated.  You can barely turn a corner without seeing an advert for a mascara that lengthens short lashes, a shampoo that banishes dandruff, a moisturiser that improves your skin and a deodorant that stops you smelling.

Now, of course we all also know that advertising lies.  Well, not so much lies, as elevates the truth* but nevertheless, there are elements of truth in all advertising, and thus of all of the products on the market, there is something that will work for everybody.  There just has to be.  So, applying very basic arithmetic/puzzle logic here, if there’s a product that works for everybody, why doesn’t everybody smell nice, look reasonably shiny and have good eyelashes?

I totally appreciate that not everyone is interested in matters of the make-up bag.  I get it.  But I would have thought that everybody (and I’m aware I’m generalising a little) would be aware of the concept of cleanliness, especially younger generations.  We’re not talking bathroom shelves groaning with oils and lotions and balms and potions, we’re talking about your absolute basics: a shower gel or soap, a shampoo, maybe a conditioner, a deodorant. 

That is the absolute bare minimum I would have thought we could all get by with.  Oh, and toothpaste and a toothbrush.  But essentially, those four or five items are all that’s required to get through life clean and sweet smelling.  Not too much trouble to go to, I’d say.

Also, I do appreciate that there are people (and I am one of them so don’t go thinking I’m being judgemental and finger-pointy) that, when talking about deodorant, require more than any old offering from Dove or Sure.  I personally use quite a strong anti-perspirant as I can get quite sweaty.  Not glamorous, but it’s a fact.  I’m not going to pretend I smell like fairies’ and sunshine all the time, because I don’t.  None of us do.  So I get that some people need more attention in that area than others.

There are products and shelves and baskets and websites and CITIES full of products.  Full to bloody bursting.  And you don’t have to buy the expensive ones.  You don’t have to buy all the different scents and variations of them.  You just need to buy one.  BUT.  And this is the big, ol’ nasty BUT of my argument.  You do have to buy the RIGHT one.   

Pay attention to your body, to your skin, to your hair, to your armpits.  Figure out what you think you are and what your problem, if any, is.  Then go to the shop.  Or go online.  Or go to a mate’s house and poke around their bathroom.  Read the labels.  Pay attention and think hard about what it is you’re trying to achieve/solve.  And then buy that product.  That one shampoo.  That one shower gel.  That one toothpaste.  That one deodorant. 

You will find it.  Why?  Because it’s 2012.  There’s just no need to smell bad anymore.

*And by “elevates” I mean “stretches it so far sometimes as to render it utterly untrue and therefore an actual, blatant lie”

P.S. I realise the photo is of no relation whatsoever to this post,  but I like it.  I do good thinking there.  Thinking about this post, for example.

Make Up For Redheads

As you know (or maybe you don't if you're new round these parts) I recently dyed my hair red.  Very red.  It was a bit of a rash decision, and one that, whilst I don't regret at all, has presented a problem in terms of what make up to wear.  My hair was previously a messy hybrid of auburn and blonde, thanks to me getting very spritz-happy with the John Frieda spray (which I quite like) for most of last year.  My natural hair colour tones were quite cool, so I stuck to a tried and tested palette of ashy browns, greys and purples on the eyes and am array of bright lips depending on my mood (and my hangovers).

Now that I've got red hair, I've had to re-think my make up choices so they are warmer and slightly richer, so as not to wash out my complexion at all.  I have, I think, medium skin, if we're talking really rudimentary shades.  Although I've never used Mac foundations, and so have never been colour-matched, I'd hazard that I'd be NW25 going up to 35 with a tan.  I haven't bought any new make up since dying my hair (I'm doing this new thing called Using Shit Up Before Buying More Shit) so I've had to just use shades in a different way, layering where needs be to get the right look.

For my base, I've been using Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid (shade Nude) mixed with Bourjois Healthy Mix (shade 54) for a while now.   Previously I was using two thirds of the Maybelline with one third Bourjois, but I've just switched those ratios around now to make the shade slightly darker.  Easy peasy and no need for a new purchase.  I also keep all the sachets of foundations that come in magazines and dip into those every now and then.  Often the shades are a little dark for me so I lighten them with the Maybelline and I'm good to go.

My main concern with my new hair has been my eyebrows.  I've spent years searching for the perfect ashy brown shade, and had found the Mac Taupe pencil a good option, as was Mac Copperplate eyeshadow mixed with a brown, but that had to change.  I've been using the Gosh Long Lasting Brown Pen in Venetian Brown which is extremely warm, almost red, in fact.  On it's own it's too warm as it clashes with my natural brows so I apply it as a base and then lightly go over the top with Mac Charcoal Brown and that seems to look right.

(Yes, my sister has similar hair.  What can I say, I take most of my style inspiration from her...)

For eyeshadows I've been going darker than I normally would; a lot of chocolate brown (I love Revlon Rich Sable and Natural Collection Crushed Walnut), black liner (particularly the No7 Smoky Liner) and lashings of mascara.  I've temporarily retired my beloved Mac Earthline Technakohl as I feel it's just slightly too cool, but I'll work out a way of using it soon; I miss it.  Up until now I've steered away from using colour on my eyes; I'm just not sure I won't look a bit 'kooky emo' with the red hair.  I have green eyes so I could try an olive shade but I traditionally hate red and green together unless it's the 25th December, so I'm still figuring that one out. 

For blush, I've been reaching mainly for Mac (God, considering I barely own any Mac it's all I can talk about today) Blushbaby as it's a great neutral.  I contour as usual (with 17 Plum Puff - CHECK) and then give my cheeks a healthy dose of Blushbaby.  Sometimes I use Mac Instant Chic, my all-time favourite blush, and a beautiful coral shade.  I like the orange tones with the red hair, but I'm careful not to overdo it for fear of looking like an amber traffic light.

Lastly, lips.  This has been my most difficult area to work out.  All my beautiful lipsticks have been somewhat neglected these last few weeks in favour of lashings of lipbalm and my three favourite lipglosses that I wrote about here.  It's the Soap & Glory that's been used the most (probably because the other two have run out) and the colour seems to work really well with my hair.  It just injects a good wash of colour to my face but doesn't interfere with the hair or my eyes or anything.  Other than that I haven't worn much else.  I have done a really bright red lip a couple of times and I like it, I'm just not sure I've got the right tone of red - pretty much all my reds are cool, blue-toned reds and I think I need more orange-based shades.  However, I'm on a very necessary ban so I won't be buying any lipsticks.  I'm sure I can live with what I've got and what I don't have, I'll go without.

So, there we have it.  For me it's really been about using what I've got in a different way, particularly with the base.  I highly recommend doing the same if you switch hair colours; it's important to get your skin tone right and your eyebrows and the rest will be easier to sort out.

Just so I can make a mental wishlist, do leave me your recommendations of orange-y red lipsticks.  My birthday's only 11 months away....

Clarisonic review

For my birthday last year (on Christmas Eve, should any of you wish to shower me with gifts and love this year), I was given a Clarisonic by my parents.  I’d asked for one having read/watched multiple rave reviews on this, essentially, giant electric toothbrush for your face.  I loved the idea of giving my pores a really deep clean, obsessed as I am with the size of them and my ongoing quest to banish them to invisibility.  I got the Clarisonic Mia (in lilac), and put it to use for the first time on Boxing Day (I was sorely tempted to Clarisonic my entire body in the hope of repairing cheese and meat-related damage but thought it best not to and continued eating anyway).

First things first, the feel of it.  The ergonomic design feels weighty and sturdy in your hand and is easy to wield around your face.  I think it might benefit from a slightly longer handle, just for additional gripping purposes, but basically it’s very fine.  Also it would be great if it came with some sort of stand.  As the brush head needs to dry after each use (well, doesn’t NEED to per se but I want it to) it would be good to have somewhere to prop it so it doesn’t fall over.  At the moment mine just drapes forlornly over my sink but often rolls around.  You charge it for 24 hours before the first use (using the nifty magnetic charger) and then you should be set for around a month without needing to charge it again – amazing, no?

You can squirt the cleanser either onto the brush head or apply it to your skin first; I take the latter route.  At the moment I’m using my Emma Hardie cleansing balm* with this.  I scoop out a little of the cleanser and spread it across my face with some warm water so it emulsifies slightly, and then I get to work.  You press the (only) button to turn the Clarisonic on and follow, roughly, these timings: 20 seconds on the forehead, 10 seconds on each cheek, and 20 seconds on the chin.  

After that 1 minute, it automatically turns off.  There’s a reason for this.  The brush head is, although totally comfortable to use, quite abrasive, as it’s getting right down into your pores to remove as much crap as possible (supposedly it’s six times more effective than a regular cleansing method).  As such, it’s important not to do what I did the first couple of times I used it and, through sheer excitement, turn it back on and use it two or three times in a go.

Hello sore and flaky skin.  Not ideal.  Once you’ve used it (ONCE), rinse off any excess cleanser and then complete your cleansing routine as normal.  It’s important to point out at this stage that if you use the Clarisonic, be careful about what other topical or physical exfoliants you use; the chances are your skin won’t need it and you shouldn’t really use them.  It’s just far too much ‘scrubbing’ for your skin to handle.  If you’re a dedicated fan of exfoliants then consider whether or not you really need a Clarisonic (before investing £120).  If you do, because your skin is clogged and dull, then look into your skincare as well; you might just need to change products. 

You know I’m a devotee of the Alpha-H Liquid Gold*, an extremely potent topical exfoliant, and since getting the Clarisonic I’ve had to find a way to continue using it as part of my skincare routine without sending my skin into overdrive.  I use the Clarisonic probably 10 out of every 14 days, and I have a 2 day break at a time.  On the first night of not using the Clarisonic I apply the Liquid Gold, and that seems to be absolutely fine for my skin.  The combination is keeping it in great, clear condition and I haven’t suffered any adverse reactions.  Also, and I think this goes without saying, always ALWAYS use a moisturiser with a good SPF in it if you’re actively exfoliating on a regular basis, or even if you’re not.  Just…do it, mmm’kay?

So, what are the effects of the Clarisonic?  Well, for me, the biggest difference has been with my pores (above is a before and after).  They used to be visible from outer space, no matter what products I used.  The only thing that used to make a difference was the Alpha-H Vitamin E clay mask*, which I used once a week.  The day after using that my pores were considerably smaller but the day after again, they were back to normal.  Since using the Clarisonic I have seen a marked difference; my pores are clear and small and whilst still noticeable, you have to be practically within kissing distance of me to see them, so I am absolutely delighted with that.  You read a lot about the ‘purging’ phase with the Clarisonic, whereby the skin can erupt in breakouts within the first few days of use, due to the level of extra cleansing it’s getting.  I did get a couple of spots but nothing like the amount I was expecting, and in the month since I started using it, I have had spots but no more or less than usual.  I think the difference is that any spots I do get are gone within 48 hours, whereas previously they’d take weeks to fully disappear.

Is it worth £120?  If it lasts a few years like it’s supposed to, then yes, definitely.  My skin is brighter, clearer and less oily than it ever has been and whilst I attribute some of that to my skincare products at the moment, I know that the Clarisonic is giving my skin a deeper clean that any product or my hands could manage on their own.  I love mine. 

Have you got a Clarisonic?  I’d like to know your experiences and also what cleansers you use it with.

Items marked with a * are PR samples.

Antipodes Skincare

I wrote earlier this week about the Murad skincare that I'm using for my daytime routine at the moment, and today I turn the spotlight onto Antipodes, a range I've been using for a few months now and one that makes up part of my evening routine.  I was first introduced to Antipodes at an event for Nutribeauty last year, a website specialising in natural and organic skincare.  I hadn't heard of the line before so it was a treat to be introduced to it personally by their (hilarious) PR.  Since that day, where I was given one product to try, I've added three more to my arsenal and they've become some of my most favourite products to use.

The first item is the Saviour Skin Balm*, packaged in a beautiful embossed tin.  The tin holds an enormous 75g of the product, a multi-purpose balm that can be used on lips, dry skin, sunburnt skin, as an ointment for babies, cuticles, a face moisturiser if your skin is super dry...just a real all-rounder.  It's yellow in colour and applies really nicely to the skin; not greasy or oily but feels so nourishing and soothing.  It smells divine; herbal and floral and very natural. 

The tin is quite large and heavy though, so it might not be suitable to carry around in your handbag (unless, like me, you tend to carry essentially a Santa sack of stuff with you) but this is a fantastically useful product that I use on an almost daily basis.

The next product was bought almost immediately after the press event, having played with it there and then dreamt obsessively about it ever since.  It's the Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream and I've been using this as my day eye cream.  Again, I love the packaging; a cute, sturdy little glass jar with a tightly fitting lid.  The cream is lightweight, almost like a gel, and absorbs immediately leaving soft, hydrated skin around the eye.

The cream is packed with natural ingredients - kiwi (obviously), avocado oil, Vitamin C, carrot seed oil and aloe vera gel - to make up a powerful, soothing cream that won't interfere with sensitive skin and it leaves my eye area hydrated, smooth and de-puffed.  Love.

Next up is the Aura Manuka Honey Mask.  I bought this almost entirely because I love anything made with honey; it smells good enough to eat.  It's a thick, cream consistency and the instructions recommend using it twice a day, for 15 minutes at a time, and then removing with warm water and a cloth.  I don't use it every day, not really even once a week.  I just like to use this every now and then when my skin is feeling a little sore and weather-beaten, and I leave it on for about 20 minutes.  

Despite being a creamy, hydrating mask, I don't find it works against my oily skin.  I just find it incredibly soothing and calming for my skin, and leaves it feeling softer than a freshly washed kitten dressed in a cashmere onesie**.  Again, as with the other items, you get a lot of product for your money although perhaps if you used this twice a day as recommended it would run out in about 6 weeks (which still isn't bad, I think).

I've saved my favourite until last.  This I am utterly OBSESSED with.  So obsessed that my new favourite time of day is when I've removed my make up and I can get into bed and go through my little ritual of applying this cream (lightly), then my eye cream (Alpha-H Eye & Lip Treatment Cream btw), my hand cream (Clarins) and my cuticle oil (Essie) and then tucking myself in for a (preferred) 10 hour snooze.  I know.  How rock and roll of me.  Anyway, the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream is just heaven in a jar.  It smells like avocadoes mixed with herbs and flowers in a meadow tended to by the servants of angels, drenched in evening sunlight and watered by the rivers of Babylon.  Too much?  It's not enough, let me tell you.

It's very thick in consistency, and looks almost waxy.  As such, I use the teeniest amount (the above light swatch is plenty for my whole face and neck) and it just feels so good on the skin.  It sinks in nicely and when I wake up my skin is soft, glowing and thoroughly nourished.  It banished a small patch of dry skin around my nose in just one night, and hasn't congested my skin in anyway.  I just can't get enough of this, the first night cream I've ever used, having previously been scared off them in fear of them sending my oily skin into Nightmare City on a one-way ticket.

I cannot recommend the Antipodes line enough, particularly if you have sensitive skin or really enjoy natural skincare products.  Next on my list are the Deliverance Hand Cream, the Hallelujah Cleanser and the Hosanna Serum. 

*PR sample.  Other three items bought with my own money.

** Don't pretend you wouldn't die of cuteness if such a thing existed.