LANCOME NUTRIX

Replenishing Treatment for very Dry Skin

RRP: £46

- What the promo says -
"A luxurious cream for dry, sensitive or irritated skins. Enriched with repairing lipids to help the skin restore balance. Absolutely nourishes and softens skin."

-Why I bought this product -
My French beautician told me it was the only way to 'restore' my neck! (See Lancôme review of 'Absolue Teint') When someone tells you that, you know it is time to ACT! I have always had very dry skin and need something more powerful than the normal, rather watery day creams generally available on the market.

-Packaging -
A no-nonsense, elegant white tube with Lancôme's logo. Stands easily on the bathroom shelf.

- Application -
Only a small amount is needed....a few 'dobs' on face and neck and blend in.

- Appearance/Texture/Consistency -
The cream has a smooth texture and a thick consistency. In fact, if you are used to 'normal' day creams that have a high water content, it is surprisingly thick. My initial reaction was, of course, to think it too thick as it was totally different to anything I had used before. I was also worried that my skin would feel 'greasy' and suffocated by it in the heat of summer. Not so. It certainly feels 'heavy duty' on application compared to other moisturisers....but here lies all the difference! Once I had got over my surprise, I realised that my skin adored it and soaked it up like a sponge. It is thicker than other creams, which does take a bit of getting used to. My husband made a few comments when I came to bed with a slightly slippery face!

- Scent -
Very pleasant but subtle.

-Short term/long term effects -
It left my face looking and feeling instantly smoother, with fine lines reduced and did wonders for my neck! It blends in well and leaves the complexion glowing. After continued use over more than a year now, I can honestly say that it has 'preserved' the skin on my neck and I am addicted. Thank you, Lydia!

- Longevity -
Once you realise how good this cream is you will want to use it both day and night. As stated above, its effects last all day and postive long term results are achieved.
***SARAH'S HANDY TIP TO MAKE IT LAST***
When a product is as good as this you don't want to leave masses in the tube. Inevitably, this is the case with this sort of container, where there is a tiny hole at the top and the tube is more rigid at the bottom end. No matter how much you squeeze...there will always be some left inside. I decided to cut the tube open to see just how much was left was was able to 'eek' the cream out for another couple of weeks. Despite the fact that the tube was 'open' to the elements, the cream did not go hard inside (only round the edges) but I put some cling film over the end nevertheless to prevent too much drying out.

- Value for Money -
Worth every penny. It is so good that I do not need to bother with other creams...it serves as both a day and night cream.
Although the RRP is £46, if you browse on the net you can find it at £44 or even £37.95

- Suppliers -
http://www.lancome.co.uk/
http://www.garden.co.uk/
http://www.feelunique.co.uk/
Boots
Debenhams
Sephora

Benefit's Lemon Aid Eyelid Primer

RRP: £15.50

- What the Promo says -

"Wake up your eyelids with this warm yellow correcting cream. It helps to hide redness and discoloration on your eyelids. In a snap, eyes look refreshed, frisky and ready for fun."

- Why I bought this product -

I have been 'suffering' from redness in the 'crease' of my eye for some time and nothing I have used on my eyelids has corrected it or even concealed it....in fact, most products have only made the situation worse, causing the skin on my eyelids to flake and peel! So when I saw Benefit's 'Lemon Aid' I decided to give it a try.

- Packaging -

Benefit's products come in neat little boxes that do not try to fool you about the size of the product inside. This box is about 5 and a half centimetres square...easy to pick out on the shelf with its lemon segment design. Inside is a circular eye compact in black with the words 'lemon aid' in yellow'. I was hoping it would look more like a lemon....but never mind! It is a handy size to pop into any handbag and has a good clip fastening mechanism.

- Application -

Pat onto your eyelids using your fingertips, then blend. Can be worn alone or under make-up.

- Appearance/Texture/Consistency -

Quite 'yellowy' in appearance, it does however blend in well on the eyelid creating a natural look. The product is fairly creamy and so there is no problem with loose powder falling in the eye....and none is lost during application. Although I have worn 'lemon aid' alone it is very pale and so I prefer to use it as a primer for eyeshadow.

- Scent -

It doesn't have one.

- Longevity -

Applied first thing in the morning, its effect lasts all day.

- Short term/long term effects -

The product successfully covers redness until it is removed with make-up remover.

- Value for Money -

Quite expensive but you only need to use a small amount once a day so the small compact should last a while. The fact that I no longer have red-looking eyelids makes it worth it!

- Suppliers -

http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/

Sephora

Boots

House of Fraser