I am all for products which intend to simplify my life. That's why when, a few months ago, drugstores were flooded with Palmolive's new line of foaming hand washer, I was very excited.
I was very intrigued by the name "Magic Softness",and i was wondering if this was a marketing test-run to see if they could sell it for Christmas. I don't know what you guys think but, to me Magic Softness sounds more dreamy, holidays, ...etc.
Since then, they changed the name and are selling them as a permanent edition.
MagicSoftnessVedetteTo Palmolive, this foam is revolutionary. I get that there isn't a great deal of products with the same technology, but Palmolive won't be the first, nor the last to use it. Brands like Bath & Body Works, Salt City or Attirance were already selling similar products centuries ago.
Last year I bought online from the Latvian brand Attirance a few products. The cherry blossom hand foam was one of them.
So when Palmolive dropped this foam on the market, I had few reasons to be excited. The first one being that I don't have to buy this kind of products online anymore, the second one was that the foam guarantees magic moments. 

Packaging and texture
First of all, the bottle comes with a pump. That alone makes my life easier since you just need one hand to use it. You just need to push the top to have a cloud of foam.  As you can see both products use the same technique.

MagicAttiranceDemoIn fact, the liquid moves up and comes in contact with the air contained in the receptacle (the air within the receptacle is from when the pump relaxes itself otherwise it cannot move). This mixture also has surfactants agents that help the foaming process.
The foam is dense and lightweight. A pump delivers the amount of product necessary to wash hands.

MagicMousseDemo
Ingredients
Aqua•Sodium Laureth Sulfate•Glycerin•Cocamidopropyl Betaine•Sodium Benzoate•Castoryl Maleate•Sodium Salicylate•Parfum•PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate•PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate•Citric Acid•Tetrasodium EDTA•Benzophenone-4•Hexyl Cinnamal•Limonene•Linalool•CI 14700•CI 42090•CI 17200
Ingredients are expected for this type of product. The composition (SLS, dye, etc...) is very far from clean. However, this formula is less aggressive than others.

My experience
I was expecting the smell to be yummy and addictive; that wasn't the case at all. The smell is very light, not so fruity and not long-lasting. I was so disappointing and I felt lied to. I also would have appreciate if the formula was anti-bacterial.
I like the fact that it is easy to use. You just have to push and be served. No need to hold the bottle.
The technology behind is innovative and efficient but the formula itself has to be improved otherwise those magic moments would be anything but.

At first, they launched two scents: raspberry and mandarin. Since then, they added one more scent: jasmine.
I have no preference between those three since they are very lightly scented.
This foaming soap is suppose to be gentle on the hands, to leave them incredibly soft  and hydrated. The creamy cloud of foam is dense and cleans properly. But, I find them drying, even if the formula contains hydrating compounds.
The brand says that 250mL last 200 washes. I didn't count how many times I used it but it did last me about a month.  They costs around 2€40. The price is high for what it is. Maybe they justify it by the fact it is a foam.

Even if this foam is not it for me, I kept the bottle and I fill it with a mixture of water and a soap suitable to my sensitive skin. That makes it even cheaper.
? A few interrogations ?:I haven't detected which ingredient was responsible for that raspberry/mandarin scent. This whole thing made me doubtful of Palmolive's ways(maybe this secret ingredient is stuck within what they labelled as perfume).The product is made in Thaïland. I didn''t understand why. I am use to those kind of product being made in Europe. Apparently, the group Colgate-Palmolive manufactures some of its products like toothpaste, this foam soap, in China, Thaïland, ...etc. Anyway, it doesn't affect in any way, shape or form the quality of the product and i don't mind at all but i was just curious.
That’s all folks…Cheers!!!
After using very drying clay masks for a while, I decided to go around the block and see if the grass was greener elsewhere. 
In my second home a.k.a the pharmacy, after wondering around for a few hours, i finally stumbled upon the Matidiane oxygen facial mask for adults with oily skin from Noreva lab'. Here is the monster:

IMGP2873

Noreva-LED lab' present us this product as a dermatological and galenic (more efficiency with less amount of product) world patented (i hear coins!) innovation (another one!), which deeply detoxifies, ensures an intense double flux oxygenation (oxygen within the outside air heat itself when it comes in contact with the skin and allows the skin to be oxygenated) of the skin, hydrates and brings glow.
It is also made with Chrono Regul HD complex which helps rebalance the sebum flux, and enriched with:
  • exfoliating enzyme for micro-peeling
  • kaolin doped with oligo-elements and minerals to absorb the excess of sebum and with trapped oxygen molecules which when in contact with the skin diffuse to ensure a glowy and deeply oxygenated skin.

Its high tolerant formula is non-comedogenic and non-acneigenic. In the downside, it contains a few alcohol derivatives. Even if it has no paraben, it contains other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol.

Composition :
Water •Kaolin • Glycerin • Tridecyl Salicylate • Cetearyl Alcohol • Pentaerythrityl Distearate • Octyldodecanol •Butylene Glycol • C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate • C20-22 Alcohols • Sorbitol • Magnesium Aluminium Silicate • Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract • Glycosphingolipids • Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Extract •Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract • PEG-75 Shea Butter Glycerides • Perfluorodecalin • Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil • Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil • Fragrance • Propylene Glycol • Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate •Lactic Acid • Xantham Gum • Sodium Hydroxide • Disodium EDTA • Phenoxyethanol • Dehydroacetic Acid •Benzoic Acid • Ethylhexylglycerin • Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

Packaging:
I like the fact that the bottle has a pump with a piston. With this system, when we push the pump, the product comes out but at the same time, the inner plastic reservoir is also pushed up (without ever going back down) to avoid the air to ease its way into the bottle.
Since this system is air-proofed, the product has less chances to rapidly deteriorate. 
Not only this system is more hygienic, it also makes sure that no drop of product is lost in distribution. 
Still with me? Wonderful! Now, let's have some more fun with the more interesting and exciting part. Let's get cracking guys!

Personal experience:
This mask has a gel-cream like texture, easy to apply.
MatidAppli

Went the mask is on my face, it feels like a cold wind just blew in my face. It is a very nice sensation since the mask tickles. That tickling sensation is due to the fact that the mask goes deeply under the skin to track impurities, the more you have impurities, the more this will be uncomfortable for you at first. If you have sensitive skin like me, it will be intense but nothing too dramatic that can keep you from using this mask.

I leave the mask on up to 10 minutes, that is 5 minutes more than the max indicated by the brand, just to enjoy the pleasant experience.Then, i remove the excess of the product before rinsing thoroughly with cold water. I end my routine by cleaning my face with a toner and spraying Bioderma water. That's it, I'm done!

My face feels amazingly deeply cleaned and freed afterwards. My skin breathes, is softer, smoother, and hydrated.
After applying a mask (this goes more for clay masks), it is imperative to really hydrate the skin. However, with this one, no need to go overboard.

I really like this mask and i enjoyed using it. It is easy to use, doesn't dry the skin, has a nice fresh and delicate scent. 
The only thing that I can see being a problem is the price (the price of innovation maybe?!); it is between 15,5 and 21€ the 30mL. It worked so well on me that i don't regret buying it.

Insert:
This mask is exactly what I need for the winter. I used it twice a week and it lasted me 6 weeks. It gave a good boost to my skin. 
I am still looking for happiness mask-wise so i won't be sticking to this one even if it is a really nice mask.

                                                                                    Be smart, act stupid!
Nature has provided us generously with everything we need to remain in good health
This motto has been the root of Sebastian Kneipp's philosophy. This german priest founded the label Kneipp in 1891.
I came across Kneipp (which sounds more like knife with a p) in Germany more than five years ago. It is a well-known brand in Germany which has contributed to build that german approach to life, health and well-being. Its good reputation comes from not only the quality of their products, but also the fact that they are eco-friendly  and are protecting environmental resources. 
From haircare to skincare, I tried almost everything. This lemongrass and olive body lotion is one of the products that I'd tested.
laitkneippmain
On paper, I almost feel like I won the jackpot with this one. Am I mistaken? 

Packaging and texture
This lotion lives in an soft semi-opaque plastic tube. The tube is certified skincare products friendly.
Since Kneipp's philosophy is to preserve natural resources, it is not a shocker that they use recyclable packaging.

I like the texture. Not only, it goes really smoothly on the skin, it doesn't feel greasy at all. It is both very refreshing but not too refreshing, and a pleasure to apply. However, keep in mind that it takes a lil'bit of time to soak in. I just put a small drop in my hand and massage a few seconds into my skin.
laitkneippdemo
Ingrédients
Aqua (Water)♥Glycerin♥Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)♥Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil♥Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil♥Cetearyl Alcohol♥Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides♥Glyceryl Stearate♥Microcrystalline Cellulose♥Potassium Palmitoyl Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein♥Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil♥Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil♥Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil♥Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil♥Canarium Luzonicum Gum Non-volatiles♥Limonene♥Citral♥Linalool♥Geraniol♥Citronellol♥Parfum (Fragrance)♥Glyceryl Caprylate♥Dehydroxanthan Gum♥Calcium Alginate♥Tocopherol

Lemongrass essential oil is known to re-energize and refresh. It also stimulates mind and body to benefit concentration and motivation.
Olive oil hydrates and protects from dehydratation. Shea butter and sweet almond oil hydrate and soften the skin.
This body lotion, like other products from the brand, has no preservatives, mineral oils, paraffines, silicones, harsh ingredients, and is not tested on animals.

My experience
Like I said, this body lotion is refreshing. The feeling is similar to other energizing body lotions or shower gels with ginseng, guarana or ginger, but softer.
I usually take time in the evening to enjoy its natural and delicate lemongrass scent. I literally have to restrain myself from layering and layering,...and layering.
It leaves my skin hydrated, smooth, and nicely scented. I find this to be perfect for summer and fall, but not so much for winter simply beacause in winter my normal skin needs a little more hydratation.
Since its composition is uber-clean, the products are due only 3 months after the first use.
I really like this body lotion! But, like all natural cosmetics, they have a certain price. This body lotion costs between 8 and 14€ the 200 mL.
This brand not only is eco-friendly, but it also does tremendous efforts to inform without confusing their customers on the ingredients they use. They've even gone further and manage to add some products specifically dedicated for those who, like me, have sensitive skin. Recently, they did add some young blood to the family, they have a new anti-aging range and foaming bodywashes that i am longing to try.
Be smart, act stupid!

We all have, at least once, heard about l'huile prodigieuse from Nuxe Paris but have you ever heard about l'huile voluptueuse from Roger et Gallet?
Humm... I know I know you are thinking cabaret, Dita Von Teese and tu-tus.You almost have it right,...almost!
A few years ago, I discovered the brand Roger et Gallet. My first purchase was their Blue Lotus fresh fragrant water which is, until this day, one of the scents that I do enjoy wearing in winter.
That meeting was so stimulating and beautiful, that I wanted to dig a little bit more in this renowned parisian brand. I tested several products from the brand and l'huile voluptueuse à l'amande persane a.k.a perfumed dry oil with persian almond is the latest addition in my collection. 
rogergallethuilemainFirst of all, they won me over with that sexy name, I mean "voluptuous oil", who resist? It sounds like wearing it would give me an amazing sensual body and even sexier aura. I can even see myself walking those streets like my s*** don't stink...literally. Just kidding!!!...kinda.
So hit or miss? 
Packaging and texture
The oil comes in a clear glas bottle with a spray very much like a perfume. Nothing that exciting nor revolutionary. However, the bottle has a story, the goldy detailed decorations have a subtle inspiration of the middle eastern/persian architecture. C'est dans une bouteille en verre dotée d'un atomiseur que se présente cette insolence olfactive.
Since it is a dry oil, the texture is very much liquid, with a nice feel to it, quite easy to apply and not greasy.
rogeretgallethuiledemo
Ingredients
Isopropyl palmitate♦paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil)♦isododecane♦parfum (fragrance)♦ sesamum indicum oil♦ linalool♦ prunus amygdalus dulcis oil (sweet almond oil)♦ cetearyl ethylhexanoate♦ isopropyl myristate♦ macadamia ternifolia seed oil♦ tocopheryl acetate♦ argania spinosa oil (argania spinosa kernel oil)♦ isononyl isononanoate♦ oenothera biennis oil (evening primerose oil)♦ camellia oleifera seed oil♦ ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate♦ butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane♦ coumarin♦ hexyl cinnamal♦ limonene♦ citral
It contains both mineral (paraffinum liquidum), and vegetable (sesam, sweet almond, macadamia, argan, primerose and camellia) oils which hydrate, soften, nourish and protect the skin.
For those who have sensitive skin and are allergic to cinnamon (like I am), be aware that this perfumed dry oil has some cinnamon derivatives.
However, since i have never, until this day, encountered any allergic reactions, it seems like the proportions of those derivatives are really small.
It has no preservatives, no paraben, or silicone.
My experience
This oil is both for body and hair. However, the place where I can't get enough of it is without a doubt my hair. It softens, brings shine onto my hair without feeling heavy.
I just spray it in a circular motion onto my hair and I can wipe my hair back and forth just to enjoy the scent for up to 36 hours.
I am not really fan of almond or its scent but I am totally addicted to this dry oil's odor. It took me back when I use to fantasize about that great Persia era where men weren't afraid to wear makeup and women with tons of bold gold jewelry and their statuesque figure were living art.
Since, I chose not to use this on my hair everyday, my body is very pleased to take the hit. 
Not only it gives luminescence to my skin, it also leaves my skin nourished and smelling very nicely all day long,  
It costs between 16 et 25€ the 100 mL.
I am very pleased with this oil, the scent is divine and If you are always in a hurry, if you don't like oils or the smell of almond, I don't think this is for you but if those things don't bother you, you may just fall in love with this "huile voluptueuse" like I did. 

Feeling romantic? here is the french version
I am OXTON, but call me Yan!

I started blogging back in February in french (I am french native) at http://oxtonyan.wordpress.com/. 
Powered by Blogger.

I am Oxton, call me Yan

This platform is where I share my beauty and lifestyle journey.
This blog is a translated echo to my french blog where I post more regularly.
So, to read more from me, just step over here.

Social


Facebook

Gallery

Translate