WEEK IN REVIEW // 13

I'm alive! Sorry it's been dead this week - I got sick again, believe it or not. (I know - I can scarcely believe it myself. I haven't a clue why my immune system has been so pathetic of late!). I blame the freezing gale-force winds (and my own stupidity for spending so much time outside, despite the weather). So this was a week of runny nose, sore-ish throat, and little comforts, though thankfully I'm feeling much better now:

Clockwise from top:
Ecoya Sweet Apricot and Orange Blossom Candle - Yes, I've had it a little while now, and this week I finally burnt it instead of merely sniffing it! I have to say that its scent is prominent enough when unlit, and lighting it was somewhat disappointing for me, as it wasn't distinctly more potent. I've found it a nice accompaniment to reading, as a way to wind down after work.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ - I've also had this for nearly a year now - it had previously been sitting on the shelf during the warmer months as it is quite emollient. Now that the weather calls for something more moisturising, I find this fits the bill perfectly. It's lightweight, easily absorbed, kind to my sensitive skin and rather hydrating. You can expect to see this one again soon.

Pretty Powerful by Bobbi Brown - I've been taking it easy this week, to give myself the best chance to recover (after learning the hard way from past experiences). I headed to the library with the intention of getting lost in the pages of all kinds of books, when I came across this. I've been meaning to read it for a long time now, and I'm glad I finally got the chance to. I love Bobbi's books for their detail and photographs - and her writing style, which is frank in clarifying the essentials and the 'nice-to-haves'. More to come on this one.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - I concede that I may be slightly obsessed. I'd thought Reese's were not available here, and tried Whittaker's Peanut Butter block, which I thought was the next best thing, but I came across these the other day. I must say that I have newfound respect for Aldi! Trust me, they're goooood.

Nuxe Rêve de Miel - I know I've waxed lyrical about this already, but I thought it was worth a mention again. With consistent use, I've found that its texture has changed a bit. I don't know if it's just mine, but at first it was hardened at the top, and creamier underneath. It went through a 'melty' stage, and a 'lemon curd' stage, and now it's kind of in between the hardened top and creamier middle. Strange. But consistency aside, I haven't any issues with it.

Soothers Refresh medicated throat lozenges, Forest Berry flavour - These are quite nice - I saw that they'd released a new flavour and thought I'd try it. These have been 'soothing' for my throat while at work - talking to people for 5+ hours really wears me out!

Confidence Aloe Vera tissues - You know the drill! Though I think I prefer Kleenex...


Hope your week was better than mine! x

THE STANDOUT // ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR CREAM INTENSIVE DAILY MOISTURIZER

As mentioned in my previous post, Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer for Face SPF 15 PA++ (phew, what a name!) was the major standout for me, and a wonderful in-flight companion. It was included in a pack I'd bought from Priceline, along with the cult-favourite Eight Hour Cream and a lip balm, but I was less than keen to try it after excitedly testing out the Eight Hour Cream and being put off entirely by its strong scent and sticky texture. I figured that the Intensive Daily Moisturizer would be equally thick and difficult to spread, but with the added bonus of SPF. On a whim I thought I'd bring it with me overseas, as it was a travel-friendly size - just in case I needed an SPF during the flight. I put it to the test mid-flight when I noticed my skin becoming drier, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that despite having the same off-putting medicinal scent as the Eight Hour Cream, it was light - of an almost whipped consistency - quickly absorbed, and resulted in instantly smooth and hydrated skin. Plus, a little goes a long way - the blob shown below is enough to cover half my face (though I suppose my face is on the small side...) Indeed, it was love at first swipe. I'm still not sure if my adulation for it is simply due to my previous extraordinarily low expectations, but at any rate, this little prod has certainly earned its keep.

What are your can't-live-without products that you were previously wrong about?

MIRACLE IN A TUBE? // LA ROCHE-POSAY CICAPLAST BAUME B5

Almost.

I first heard about this 'miracle balm' from Lisa Eldridge, who praised its rich, hydrating properties and, Essie Button, who confirmed its potential as a remedy for eczema.

Having suffered eczema from a young age, you can imagine I was 'itching' to give this one a go (heheh, see what I did there?). I've tried a plethora of 'lotions and potions' in an attempt to remedy it: disgusting oral liquids from naturopaths, countless ointments and oils, vitamin/omega 3 tablets, and a few dietary tweaks. While my skin is much better than it used to be, it is not yet 'eczema-free'. Lately I'd developed a nasty, angry patch of eczema just over my hip bones that refused to budge, so I thought I'd give this 'Soothing Repairing Balm' a try.

It's free of parabens, lanolin and fragrance, and suitable for sensitive skin, which is the first thing I look for. Product claims include: "Optimal skin recovery; soothing of dry, irritated areas; skin protection." I also liked its no-fuss packaging and flip-lid design. The 40ml size is small enough to be handbag-friendly, as well.

At first it really did seem like a miracle: I applied it once after showering and my skin was immediately smoother, and hydrated. I reapplied before going to bed three hours later and woke up with smooth, hydrated, non-cracked skin. It was mind-blowing, to be honest. The only thing about this product, is that I found it was only a temporary remedy. It cleared up most of the eczema on my left hip, but wasn't so successful on my right side. However, it did provide relief from itchiness and dryness, and was overall very soothing. I found it was most effective when used in conjunction with a 'steroid' cream, such as Elocon.

A common gripe with this product is that it's very thick and difficult to spread, though I didn't have too much issue with it. It is of a thick, creamy consistency - not as oily as an ointment, but more like a heavy hydrating masque.

This product held quite well to its claims of providing relief to dry, irritated areas, and I think it'll definitely come in handy when Winter hits.