Vanity + Wearables

My face feels like kittens.

Last month, my lovely friend Ilenia told me about Huile Prodigieuse (literally “prodigious oil”) from the French brand Nuxe, and I figured that since she’s Italian she probably knows what she’s talking about because popular culture tells me European women know everything about skin care. Right? So I took the next step toward what we beauty product-obsessed types like to call “lemming” (yes, used as a verb—I hate myself too, don’t worry) something: Reading all of the 100+ reviews for it on Makeup Alley. 4.2 lippies and a 78% “would buy again” rating is high praise in that community. Commence lemming!

Completely positive that Huile Prodigieuse would, in fact, change my life, I committed myself to shelling out the $46 the large bottle sells for locally at Thompson Alchemists as soon as possible. Upon returning from London last Monday, I knew the time had come. Between the 12 hours spent on airplanes, a week of washing my face with hard water (which, by the way, made my hair look AMAZING…but my skin, not so much) and dropping temperatures, I looked like a floured potato roll. I made plans to have coffee with Ilenia the very next day, and after consuming four lattes between the two us, we headed over to the pharmacy.

Can I pause for a moment to recognize New York City’s small pharmacies? Yes, there may be a Duane Reade on every other corner, but we also have lots of old-school, independent apothecaries here that sell just about every brand imaginable of cosmetics, skin care and toiletries from all over the world. My favorites are Avignone Chemists and Bigelow Apothecary (both Avignone and Bigelow opened in the 1830s—each claims to be the oldest apothecary in the United States), but I also love ogling the goods at New London Pharmacy and Thompson Alchemists. Yes, it usually costs a few dollars more to buy something locally than to order it from Amazon, but I’m OK with that if it means supporting a small business that’s managed to survive for decades (or centuries!) in NYC.

Something happens to me when I walk into one of these pretty little pharmacies that’s kind of trance-like. I realize it’s pure escapism, that glassy-eyed state of being that sets in when there’s a $30 bottle of French makeup remover at arm’s reach. The packaging, the scents, the foreign languages…I fall for all of it. Apart from a bar of eucalyptus soap for Evan and about a million samples (that’s the other benefit of shopping at these little stores—the salespeople love to give out samples), though, I managed to walk out with only a bottle Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse in my bag. Mission accomplished!

I’ve been using Huile Prodigieuse on my face and in my hair night and day for two weeks now, and it is SO GOOD. I have delicate skin that’s prone to dryness and scaliness while also being annoyingly acne-prone. The Nuxe oil is just the right formulation (borage, St. John’s wort, sweet almond, camellia, hazelnut and macadamia oils, plus vitamin E) for me, apparently, because my face feels softer and looks brighter than it has in years right now. I’ve tried using various combinations of oils (jojoba, olive, coconut, argan, etc.) on my face in the past, and I’ve never had results like this. I love that the oil goes on “dry,” leaving absolutely no residue. Any redness in my skin is almost immediately abated, and dry flakes are gone overnight. It’s also lovely to wear under makeup—I haven’t had any issues with it altering the color of my face powder at all, something I’ve experienced with other facial oils. At night I use two spritzes in my palm smoothed over my entire face and neck, and in the morning one spritz is sufficient (I avoid putting it on my forehead in the mornings since bangs + oil = ugh).

I also like to rub a little oil into my hair, mostly at the ends. I usually just use whatever is remaining on my palms after putting it on my face—it’s sufficient to smooth out any dryness or flyaways and to weigh down my hair a bit so it doesn’t look “fluffy.” If I’m wearing my hair wavy/natural, the oil provides a bit of separation and texture that I love. If there’s still any oil left on my hands, I rub it into my cuticles. A little goes a very long way.

Oh, and did I mention the scent of Huile Prodigieuse? It’s my dream fragrance. I don’t even know what it smells like—it’s somewhere between earthy and flowery; very very soft and warm. Every time I put it on I wish it would last all day and double as perfume, but the scent dissipates completely within a half hour or so. I did discover that Nuxe has just released Prodigieux le parfum—perfume based on the scent of the oil—in France, though, and that the fragrance will be available here by January. Wishlisted in advance! And I’m not even one of those people who really thinks about stuff like perfume.

What fancy European skin care products should I try next? Bioderma Crealine/Sensibio H2O and Caudalíe Beauty Elixer are on my short list…!

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66 Comments

  • Reply Ashley October 20, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    This is somewhat unrelated but your nails look amazing. Love the gradient!

  • Reply Louise October 21, 2012 at 12:18 am

    That sounds amazing 😀 I have irritatingly acne prone skin (awkward teenage years) and I’m hoping to get rid of my acne by grad ^^

  • Reply cs October 21, 2012 at 12:38 am

    i spent six months living in france and i have seen this brand. (unfortunately it was over my budget). the french do have very good hair and skin products as is evident in the flawless skin of the women i saw walking around.

    for a good body lotion, (though not a french brand) i recommend nivea’s soft moisturizing creme. it comes in a small, white pot and is available in drugstores. this creme makes my skin super soft without leaving it feeling wet or sticky like other cremes and lotions do. especially with winter approaching, it’s a great product to prevent/cure dry skin.

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 12:52 am

      I’ve been using regular Nivea cream since I was small. I remember my mother putting it on my face before I’d go out in the cold. 🙂 These days I only use it on dry elbows/knees/etc., but I’ve never tried the “soft” version. Thanks for the recommendation!

  • Reply stylencritics October 21, 2012 at 12:49 am

    This oil by Nuxe its perfect, especially for complicated and dry skin. You can try Dr. Hauschka skin care, amazing products!

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 12:54 am

      Everyone says that about Dr. Hauschka products, but I’ve had nothing but terrible results! Bad breakouts, allergic reactions, etc. My skin is so difficult…

  • Reply Julie October 21, 2012 at 1:50 am

    Wow, do dry flakes really dissapear overnight with this oil? I have the most annoyingly persistent scaly patches with very oily, acne prone ones elsewhere. So it’s tough finding something that soothes one without agrivating the other. And compared to the prices of some other remedies and treatment systems I’ve been recommended, the price isn’t bad at all!

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 11:04 am

      Julie, I’m not sure if the flakiness went away immediately overnight the first time I used the oil, but it was definitely within a few days of use—and no flakes have returned. This time of year is usually disastrous for my skin in terms of redness and scaliness, and I have none of that. My face just feels soft and balanced. So happy.

  • Reply Jo in NZ October 21, 2012 at 3:07 am

    Be careful with the Bioderma one, Anna: ingredients such as propylene glycol, which has been associated with depression of the central nervous system – more commonly found in antifreeze, in brake and hydraulic fluids and used as a solvent.. (hope I’m not raining on anyone’s parade!)

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 11:14 am

      No, that’s OK! I’m really not concerned about propylene glycol in this form, though. Toxicity only occurs when ingested, and even then only in extremely high quantities. I’m not worried about the Bioderma posing any kind of actual risk.

  • Reply Julie October 21, 2012 at 3:09 am

    Awesome! I’ve been using a facial oil since moving to SF from the East Coast 6 years ago with great results.
    (My skin freaked out from the whole sun/wind/fog thing we have going on here)
    I recommend luxaskin to anyone looking for good skin stuff in SF.

    I’d love to try Nuxe as well as the La Roche-Posay line.

    Also, Anna this is *best* blog post title ever. Hysterical!

  • Reply Carin October 21, 2012 at 6:42 am

    Try the Neroli Cleansing Gel from Estelle & Thild, swedish brand, great results. Smell´s kinda nice to.

  • Reply Melissa October 21, 2012 at 7:02 am

    I absolutely love the Bioderma cleanser! I had to stop using it because it was so spendy and I went through it fast, but it was heaven sent when my skin was raw from acne treatments and regular cleansers were too harsh.

    Since you’re loving this offering from Nuxe, I urge you to try their famous Rive de Miel lip balm. Nothing works for my lips except for this and pure lanolin from Medela. It’s expensive, but just using it twice a day takes my lips from so dry that they split open and bleed when I talk, to soft and hydrated. Like the dry oil, a little goes a long way. Using it twice a day, a .5 oz jar has lasted me since January, and I still have a bit left.

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 11:25 am

      Oooh, thank you! I am forever looking for a great lip balm. I’ll keep an eye out!

  • Reply MK October 21, 2012 at 7:04 am

    Love this post and I love Makeup Alley! I think it’s time I tried a facial oil. Do you use a moisturizer on top (or am I confusing facial oils with serums)?

    I just moved to the UK this month, and since I’ve had soft water all my life, my skin was NOT OK. What I’ve found helps are those fancy but seemingly useless spray cans of thermal water (I like the brand Avene, which is less expensive but works just as well as La Roche Posay). After washing/cleansing, I spray some on my face, wipe off the hard water residue and moisturize. You can buy them in little travel sizes, too.

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 11:30 am

      I don’t use a moisturizer on top—it’s not necessary (at least for me). I do use a separate eye cream at night, though.

      Thank you for the tip about the thermal waters! I’ve never really understood the point, but it makes sense that they would work for rinsing off residue while traveling. I’ll have to remember that next time…my skin did NOT like the hard water!

  • Reply Rosa, Copenhagen October 21, 2012 at 7:31 am

    This sounds like an amazing product, suitable for both skin and hair. Not available here though but can be bought in Malmø, Sweden, so its just a hop across the canal:-)

    Oh – happy B-day, Anna!
    I remember because we share this day;-))

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 11:30 am

      Oh, happy birthday!! xx

  • Reply Jaimie October 21, 2012 at 8:50 am

    Oh man, your skin sounds like mine. I’m dry, acne-prone, and super sensitive to boot. Most things I can’t use on my face for more than a week or two without irritating my skin, and I feel like I’ve been battling constant break outs since I spent the summer in South Carolina for basic training. Have you done a post about your skin care regimen? I’d really like to know what all you do, I’ve never met anyone with the same issues I have which makes it really hard to find products. I hate spending $50-100 on something then having to toss it because it’s too harsh on my face.

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 11:36 am

      Jaimie, I completely understand. I often hesitate to talk about skin care products only because I know from experience that what works for one person can be a total disaster for another—it’s just so personal. This past year I really committed myself to getting my skin in shape, though, and large part of that has meant seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis and figuring out what works for me and what doesn’t.

      I’ll try to write a post about it, though, and talk about what IS working for me. Skin is such an emotional topic, isn’t it? I can’t promise to have the answers, but I can share my own experiences.

  • Reply Chris October 21, 2012 at 9:04 am

    Dear Anna,

    Happy Birthday!!!!!! (We also share the same birthday). I really love the Bioderma and use it every time I wear makeup. I’m already on my second 500ml bottle. Like the poster above, I know there are some questionable ingredients in it, but I checked it on the cosdna website and all the ingredients rate in the green/yellow category which is usually my standard for safe. I also can’t find anything that works nearly as well. That would be my choice for you to try next. I have skin that is similar to what you describe and my current favorite splurge is ReVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream at night (even though the name sounds French, I’m pretty sure it is made here). It gets rid of all my bums and flakes. I never would have tried it, but I was given two weeks worth of samples and the change in my skin is amazing.

    Have a great day!

    Chris

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 11:41 am

      Happy birthday, Chris! You, me and Rosa should all share a toast. 😉

      I feel the same way about the ingredients in the Bioderma—and thank you for the endorsement.

  • Reply Hanna October 21, 2012 at 10:15 am

    My skin has been very difficult lately, so after reading this I klicked my way to the main Swedish online beauty retailer and bought a 250 ml bottle. Just like that. With flaky season upon us, I have to try it 😉

  • Reply Hanna October 21, 2012 at 10:27 am

    I mean 50 ml, duh.

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 11:41 am

      Haha! I was thinking 250 ml sounded pretty indulgent. 😉

  • Reply Kelly October 21, 2012 at 11:34 am

    I love this stuff too, though I wish it was unscented or a bit less scented. The Nuxe lip balm in the little pot is miraculous. Wonderful stuff. Also a big fan of small pharmacies – if you are ever in Chicago, be sure to visit Merz. The original, old school location is in my neighborhood (Lincoln Square). Fabulous place and very easy to discover a million amazing things and spend tons of cash, but I love supporting something small and local.

    I also have the Caudalie spray and Bioderma on my list. I have my sister-in-law smuggling in the latter for me from Canada! Thanks to youtube I have also discovered Avene and Embryolisse skincare and I am loving both.

    Do you watch any youtube beauty bloggers? If not, I highly recommend the uk folks – like Cami Loves Kiwi, Essiebutton (Canadian, who is uk-based), Lisa Eldridge (the professional!) and MeganIsobel. Somehow they seem more thorough that the other folks out there and they come at beauty with a strong focus on skincare, which I think is so important.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2012 at 10:04 am

      Kelly, I don’t have any beauty bloggers whose YT channels I really follow consciously. I tend to find a review when I’m Googling and then never remember the person’s name again! Thanks for the suggestions—I should probably figure out how to subscribe to channels at some point 😉

    • Katie October 22, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      Anna and Kelly,

      Check out Caroline Hiron’s blog. She’s a skincare expert out of the UK and really knows her stuff!
      http://www.beautymouth.com/

  • Reply Monica October 21, 2012 at 11:46 am

    Spritz the Caudalie Elixer in-store it smells quite odd and can also be very drying. Bought the tiny size and never use it.
    Bioderma Is great, most all French brands will make a micellar water, but the Bioderma is a great one, I use it mainly to take off my eye makeup and for touch ups, as it is very pricey, and clean my face with something else.
    As for the propelyne glycol, there are tons of beauty myths that circulate creating panic, and are simply innacurate.

  • Reply Clara Anne October 21, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    If you’re looking for another great French staple to try, Embryolisse Lait creme concentrate would definitely be my top recommendation. It’s a moisturiser that’s gentle and hydrating but not too heavy. I have dry and sensitive skin and it works really well.

    The Caudalie elixir is good only if you don’t mind extra strong Mint!
    It’s slightly too much for me and I’ve found that a nice alternative is Caudalie’s Grape Water hydrating spray. It’s refreshing as a pick-me-up and I sometimes spritz it as a finishing touch after doing my makeup in the mornings.

  • Reply Maria October 21, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    I’ve been using the Bioderma cleanser for a couple of weeks now and I’m very happy with it. My only concern is that I’m going through it quite fast. I’m not sure if it’s because I wait to the last waking minute to take my makeup off and I’m not careful with how much product I’m using or if that’s “norm”. Nevertheless, I’ll keep on using it. The results outweigh the cost for me personally.
    With cold rainy Portland days coming this way, Huile Prodigieuse sounds like something that may be good for me. Thanks for the recommendation!

  • Reply jja October 21, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    I love this product too! And my oil parfumes last much much longer then the non-oil one…

  • Reply Lorie October 21, 2012 at 4:37 pm

    Sounds amazing!! Do you wear any type of sunscreen on your face during the day? After working for a plastic surgeon back in my late twenties and doing treatments on the women that DIDN’T wear sunscreen, I am a believer. However, it seems a lot of products don’t automatically put it in… Then again, I have read mixed reviews on the safety of the sunscreens used in products (not to mention needing a bit o’ the sun for Vit D). What say you???

    • Anna @ D16 October 21, 2012 at 5:05 pm

      I am devout user of sunscreen, yes, at least on my face. I’ve been using a lightweight spray formula from Paula’s Choice for a few years that I love, but unfortunately it was just discontinued. Once I run out, I don’t know what I’m going to do! I’m a little traumatized, haha.

      As far as vitamin D and sun exposure goes, I figure that since so many parts of my body (scalp, hands, etc.) are not typically protected on a day-to-day basis, that I am still absorbing some rays so my body can do what it needs to. I have some health problems that are possibly related to vitamin D deficiencies, so I have my own issues to contend with in that area. I try not to worry, honestly. If I spent a lot of time outdoors in the direct sun then I’d have to do more evaluating, but (as always) my attitude is really just to do the best I can without making myself crazy.

  • Reply Shoshana October 21, 2012 at 7:26 pm

    Hi Anna, I was wondering if the oil has helped your ache specifically? My skin is a crazy mix of dry, oily, flaky, and ache prone. I think the winning factor to get me take out my wallet to buy this stuff is if it targets to prevent ache as well. Even though all skin is different, can you shed some light?

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2012 at 10:02 am

      Shoshana, do you mean acne? Or by “ache” do you mean soreness…?

      This oil is really meant to provide hydration and make the skin for soft—it’s not an acne treatment. It is very soothing, so in that regard it could help with inflammation, though.

    • Shoshana October 25, 2012 at 8:05 pm

      Oops! Yes! Acne. Thank you for answering + reading my mind.

  • Reply Alex October 21, 2012 at 7:30 pm

    First of all, happiest of birthdays! I hope your special day was indeed special and filled with good food and many hugs.

    My skin in combination (normal, dry and oily) with some sensitive areas. It’s crazy. I’ve been using Korres Quercetin and Oak anti-aging day and night creams for the last two years or so and I really like them — but yesterday I purchased their Wild Moisturising & Brightening Cream and oh, man. After one use, my skin is glowing! I don’t remember the last time my skin looked this supple, hydrated and healthy.

    I purchased this combo pack: https://www.korresusa.com/product/4340/brightening-skincare/skincare/collections/wild-rose and am very happy with the results. I can’t wait to see what my skin looks like in a month.

  • Reply Danielle P. October 21, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    This sounds like it could be a great help for my poor reactive skin…

    Nuxe’s website mentions that they don’t test on animals (yay!), but does the label on the bottle mention anything about animal ingredients? The site only lists “active ingredients”.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2012 at 1:41 am

      You can see the full ingredients list on Amazon. As far as I can tell, it doesn’t contain any animal ingredients.

  • Reply Amy October 21, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Ah! Your skin sounds like mine… and now I think I know why my previously under control skin has gone haywire this year–I moved to a house with hard (softened) water. I have the weird scaly dry yet acne prone skin. I even tried Acutane and it changed my life (both in getting rid of the awful, painful acne but also in how terrible it was dealing with how unbelievably dry it made my skin) for a time, and I have been so upset that the breakouts are back–was that whole ordeal for naught? So, first, no more dairy and processed sugar, next comes looking for some new products, and now I am intrigued by this oil… will you keep us in the loop as you continue to use it?

    • Fahm October 21, 2012 at 11:54 pm

      Amy, I have dry/oily/combo skin too and battled with acne for a long time after getting off the BCP. If you’re ever in the Bay Area, I would highly recommend getting a consultation at Face Reality. I don’t work for them, I’m just a client and huge fan. They make recommendations for products and routines to suit different skin. I’ve been a long-distance client for a year and a half now, and I no longer battle acne, or avoid sugar, alcohol, sushi, etc.! It’s been a big life-changer.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2012 at 1:33 am

      Amy, I haven’t had any breakouts in the two weeks that I’ve been using the oil, but I don’t think it’s because of the oil that I haven’t broken out—it’s really just that the oil hasn’t caused any breakouts.

      For me, the thing that made the biggest difference in my skin’s clarity was going back to using a topical retinol for the first time in years. I’ve been using one called Ziana for about 4 months now, and it’s been very effective. I also have a wonderful dermatologist!

      I don’t eat any dairy for ethical reasons, but I’ve found that processed sugar does terrible things to my skin. Stress and lack of sleep are also huge contributors to breakouts!

  • Reply Jaimie (a different one) October 22, 2012 at 10:33 am

    I think the whole ‘oil-free’ craze for a while there made me deeply suspicious about having oil on my face. As it turns out, as an adult, I have dry skin that responds very well to facial oils. I’ve been using Weleda’s Soothing Facial Oil at night (as a layer under my moisturizer). It was a revelation to me! I’m also using an oil cleanser on my face (MAC) with similar good results. I didn’t know that you could use the Huile Prodigieuse on your face and hair, I thought it was just a body moisturizer — good to know. I agree that it smells wonderful.

  • Reply donna October 22, 2012 at 10:49 am

    I like Sunday Riley’s Juno oil for all the same reasons. It has a very earthy/thyme-y smell when you first apply it but it dissipates upon contact. It’s very expensive but you only need a drop for your whole face.

    • Anna @ D16 October 22, 2012 at 11:46 am

      I’ve been wanting to try Sunday Riley products! Do you use anything else?

    • donna October 23, 2012 at 10:07 am

      Yes I’ve tried a bunch of SR products including both cleansers, Ceramic Slip and Charisma Creme (I use this primarily in the morning because you would need to use a lot to dissolve makeup at the end of the day). I would use it all up in a week if I relied on CC to take off makeup! The former is better for oilier types or summer. I have also uses their Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer and I like it quite a bit but since I’ve discovered Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Skin Perfector I’m been using that more often. I love it. You must try it. No breakouts and it lets your skin breathe. It feels like an oil because it is – tinted oil, basically. Won’t cover spots though on its own. My skin loves it and it is very particular about what I put on it. Seriously, go to GA and try some. (This is the first GA product I”ve purchased btw.)

      But getting back to SR, my fave products thus far are Juno oil and Cashmere SPF 30 sunscreen (non chemical). My skin likes both a lot. The sunscreen is very light and easily absorbed without greasiness even in humidity. It doesn’t feel like you’re wearing any sun product. On my last trip to NY I bought Good Genes but have yet to use it. (Supposedly you can mix it w the Charisma Creme to form a mask too.)

      As for their makeup, I purchased one eye shadow and while I like the color, it doesn’t spread easily, at least not on top of primer, and has a lot of fall out which was disappointing. I had a facial and makeover at their counter on my last trip and spent a lot of $ or I would have bought Stimulant 1 booster too. I have lines on my forehead and it temporarily fills them in but I don’t know how long the effects last. It’s a very expensive line but I like what I have tried so far. I held off buying it because I’m probably better off seeing a derm for laser treatments for those.

  • Reply Molly October 22, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    Thanks for this Anna!
    I’ve been hunting for something new recently and this seems like a good one to try out.

  • Reply shashi October 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm

    two things:
    One, i do exactly what you do and read through all the comments before committing to buying something. that’s why it takes me ages to make purchase.
    Two, I was so convinced by your description that I went out and bought some Nuxe today!

  • Reply Shannon October 22, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    Thanks so much, Anna! I love reading your recommendations for beauty products. My skin seems to be getting more and more sensitive as I age, and I live in a very dry climate, so I’m constantly fighting the flakies. I’m going to give this a shot!

  • Reply Agata October 22, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    Thanks for the recommendation! I am purchasing this right now! With winter in Chicago almost here I’ve been looking for something as such.

  • Reply Katie October 22, 2012 at 5:22 pm

    I can vouche for the bioderma! I try to stock up when im in France. It’s the best makeup remover ever!

  • Reply Liz October 23, 2012 at 12:23 pm

    homeoplasmine balm (from new london) is incredible. its like french aquaphor but totally matte and not greasy–it’s been saving my lips and cuticles, and the tube lasts forever. i’ts also been great for healing any new scars.

  • Reply Melissa October 24, 2012 at 11:54 am

    I’ve been using this stuff for YEARS! It’s sooooo good. Even if it wasn’t good I would probably use it for the smell alone. New London is my favorite little pharmacy, though Bigelow is fantastic too – it just gets a little too touristy & crowded for me sometimes.

    (Nuxe AND New Order postings back to back? Um, were we separated at birth lady?)

    • Anna @ D16 October 24, 2012 at 1:23 pm

      …AND a jewelry shop named for a Bauhaus song? Checking out your Etsy shop pronto. 😉

    • Melissa October 24, 2012 at 3:13 pm

      I KNEW you would get that reference! thank you 🙂
      can you believe some people don’t? sad but true, lady. kids today…sheesh.

      ps – the shop is hurtin’ right now. it’s sad & empty. bigger & better pieces in the works as we speak! I’ve been slacking a bit…

  • Reply georgia October 24, 2012 at 4:18 pm

    I second the pure lanolin from Medela. Naturally I tried it first for breastfeeding and I ended up using it as a lip balm. It is also excellent on cracked/blistered hands during winter. Pure, cheap and effective!!!

    Also, by the sounds of it my skin is very similar to yours. If you find any good exfoliation/cleansing regime, do share plz 🙂

  • Reply Béa October 26, 2012 at 3:41 am

    My mom started using it many years ago, when suffering alopecia due to a chemo.
    Back then it really helped her achy skull skin.

  • Reply rochelle November 13, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    I bought this the night I read your post and I’m in love. My half oily/half dry skin is now balanced and amazing. Thank you! Thank you! xoxo

    • Anna @ D16 November 14, 2012 at 12:06 am

      Oh, it’s so nice to hear that!! Glad I could spread the kitten-skin love. 🙂

  • Reply nicole December 4, 2012 at 8:41 am

    Oh, Anna. THANK YOU. I bought this recently after remembering this post. I had been feeling really meh with my moisturizers lately, feeling like I was simply coating over my skin rather than trying to provide true moisture and healing, particularly during these drier months. So I wanted to try something like this after learning so much about the healing qualities of oils through my recent herbalism adventures. I have only been using this product for a day, and I truly think I am in love. Really. Not only does it absorb instantly into my skin, it leaves it feeling dewy soft in the nicest way possible. I even woke this morning to find that it had had some healing effects to some stubborn blemishes. And the smell! Oh, the smell! I will continue to explore the effects in coming weeks, but I have a feeling you have turned me onto something I will use for years if not a lifetime. It’s the kind of instant devotion that has me wanting to tell all of my friends about the stuff. So so so good. I look forward to exploring some of the other products in the Nuxe line as well.

  • Reply Keyse December 4, 2012 at 1:56 pm

    My friend who lives in Singapore will be traveling to France in a week…I just emailed her your blog and asked if she could pick me up some of the oil!

  • Reply Charlotte December 19, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    Hi Anna – I am a new reader and after seeing this link from a more recent post on your skin care routine AND noticing that I could buy this oil 25% off from the duty free cart on my way back from Amsterdam this past weekend, I splurged and got some. I LOVE it – am still figuring out the best way to integrate with my skin care routine but looks like I can just use it alone at night and maybe after a shower. And the smell…Wow! Thanks – I probably wouldn’t have even noticed it in the duty free magazine if you hadn’t posted about it.
    Cheers,
    Charlotte

  • Reply Heather Moore January 4, 2013 at 1:31 am

    Thanks for the recommendation, Anna. Your enthusiasm is contagious. I asked my business partner, visiting from Paris, to bring me a bottle on her last visit, and I love it to bits! Now I’m on the lookout for that fragrance too.
    x

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