Recent Loves

Welcome to Recent Loves 2.0! It's been awhile since I've done these posts because I was thinking about how to to revamp the format and change it up. I will now be including a mini review of each product.

Skinfix Hand Repair Cream

This product intrigued me since it is described as a specially formulated medicinal hand cream with 1% colloidal oatmeal blended with healing botanicals, rich natural butters and emollient oils. It is also free of steroids, fragrance, soy, parabens and phthalates. This is all very appealing but more important is how it works. The cream is packaged in and dispensed via a tube with a flip top cap which is pretty standard for most hand creams. It has thick, rich texture that's almost salve-like and a little goes a long way. After working it through my hands, they would feel soft and soothed almost immediately and moisturized for hours after. This cream delivers on it's claims to relieve redness, itchiness and extreme dryness as it's the only one I've used that has helped the eczema patches I sometimes get on the tops of my hands. Skinfix is definitely a winner for extreme dryness and I can see it being especially great during the winter. A 2 oz. tube retails for $17.99. Having used hand creams that are more expensive and also cost less, I'd say this one is worth it since you don't have to use much to see results and for all the extra benefits. The brand also offers a body balm which I'm putting on my try list.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

This French pharmacy favorite is one those cult products which I finally got around to trying. It's billed as a multi-purpose dry oil which is suitable for use on the face, body or hair. It is housed in an elegant glass splash bottle which is lovely and precarious at the same time as I have a dreadful vision of shattering it all over my bathroom floor. The product consists of a blend of six essential oils, including sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut, macadamia, borage and St. John's Wort enriched with vitamin E. I would describe the scent as that of a delicious summer day and it's absolutely divine. The smell does linger and then fades to just a subtle hint. Dry oil is an accurate description because the formula is non-greasy and lightweight and sinks into the skin. I've used it mainly as a body oil and it leaves my skin feeling really soft and nourished. It even got rid of a dry patch I had on one of my knees. I've tried on my hair to tame flyaways and it works fine but I love it most as a body moisturizer. I bought my bottle at 20% off and I was also gifted with a Nuxe candle which smells just as incredible. At $29 for 50 ml./1 fl. oz., the price is almost as luxurious as the product but I wouldn't say it's prohibitive and I'd repurchase this oil again especially if I can get it on sale and I'd buy the 100 ml/3.3 fl. oz.  size for $45 that comes in a spray bottle. There is also a shimmer version that I wouldn't mind trying.

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub Crème Brûlée

This is another product that I'd been curious to try and I picked it up at J. Crew of all places on sale for a mere $6. This lip scrub feels like a treat especially in this crème brûlée flavor which smells really delicious and sweet. It's packaged in a clear plastic tub from which you can scoop out the product as needed. I actually employ a tiny spatula when using it to avoid touching the scrub with my fingers and they should really consider including one. It's just more hygienic. The brown sugar exfoliates nicely without feeling rough and after wiping it off, my lips feel so smooth, soft and renewed. It's really effective for alleviating chapped lips and for prepping your lips for lip color. I noticed my lip products do apply better and last longer after using a lip scrub. While I do like and will continue using it, I'm not completely sure I would buy this at full price since it does feel a little expensive at $24 for 30g. /1 oz. of product and I think I can probably DIY my own based on the ingredients in this lip scrub with Aquaphor, granulated brown sugar, olive oil and honey. The one thing that would be a little tempting are some of cool flavors it is also available in like Peony and Sparkling Pink Grapefruit.

Have you tried any of these products? What have you been loving recently?