Review: Nivea In-Shower Nourishing Body Lotion for Very Dry Skin

I was intrigued when the Nivea In-Shower Nourishing Body Lotions came out. I had been wanting to try the LUSH ones for ages, but they are super pricey, in tubs and don't come in smaller sizes so you're stuck buying a huge one even if you just want to test it out (and the truly free sample pots at LUSH wouldn't be enough to get a good idea if I'd want to purchase). Nivea on the other hand, is super inexpensive (I've seen these around the $7 mark and you can even order a free sample on their website if you're unsure - I've also seen the sample packets floating around at some drugstores) and there are often coupons in the Sunday paper that add to the savings. Nivea also goes on sale quite often, so between coupons and in-store promotions, I didn't wind up paying very much for mine.

There are three different options for the product; one for normal to dry skin, one for dry skin and one for very dry skin. I chose the one for very dry skin although I preferred the scent of the other two because I knew I needed as much moisture as they offered. This one has a scent that is a bit floral for my liking, although the scent doesn't stick around.

I've used this several times and I can say that now I'm happy I didn't even bother trying the LUSH. After shaving, my legs generally feel super dry and itchy, pretty much the moment the water evaporates. This kept my legs from feeling like that, which is pretty incredible. They felt just as comfortable the next morning which is also a bit unheard of. I've mentioned before that I usually have to slather them with moisturizer after shaving for them to feel some semblance of normality.

I like that it comes in a squeeze bottle instead of a tub, so it's unlikely that water will get in the product. My only other issue besides the scent (and it's completely personal and due to my own lack of space and not the product) is my shower is tiny and it's very hard to find a location to apply it and allow it to sink in without it being washed off immediately unless I were to exit the shower (and get water everywhere), so it involves a little shower gymnastics (there's a reason I don't shave in the shower!).

That being said, I find this an awesome product and I am finding my legs a lot less dry these days. At the moment, I'm really only using it on my legs, but I have applied on my arms and other dry areas and found it equally as effective. Glad I have this and definitely want to make sure I have a back up so I'm never without it!

Review: L'Occitane Cleansing And Softening Shower Oil With Almond Oil

A rare moment occurred which made me cash in some of my Sephora Beauty Reward points. It was the L'Occitane 500 point perk from March. Primarily because it contained a pretty generous sample of the above product, the Cleansing and Softening Shower Oil with Almond Oil (yikes! Mouthful) and second because it contained a pocket or book bag friendly size hand lotion, which I accidentally got my husband addicted to (he won't use anything else - though he won't even try the scented ones).

Anyway, I recently used up a shaving cream (massive empties post on the horizon btw) so I thought I would give this a whirl. I do really like it. I was a bit surprised at the scent. I was thinking it was going to smell like marzipan, but it's more of a fresh scent, it doesn't even really remind me of almonds, but that's ok. I like that it rinses away fairly clean but still leaves my legs soft and not irritated, but it reminded me of shaving with something else and that something else somehow compelled me to blog after a nearly 7 months hiatus.

The L'Occitane is pretty luxurious and priced accordingly. The 8.4oz bottle will run you $25. I actually find that rather reasonable but only if you plan to use this sparingly. I can't even imagine someone using this as a daily full-body cleanser, though I'm sure some do.

So, you're going to think I'm a little crazy when I say what this reminded me of. But back during the winter months when my legs were so itchy that during the day, I would try to find ways of getting a good scratch at them under my work pants without anyone noticing, I tried using The Body Shop's Beautifying Oil to shave with and aside from not foaming up and rinsing away, it is very similar. You're probably thinking why I would be so excited since that product is even more expensive per ounce. Well, of course you've heard of The Body Shop's sales and promotions. And then you know that you get more than one scent option... and well. The L'Occitane is nice but I foresee getting tired of the scent. What if I want strawberry or mango or satsuma? Tough cookie.

Not so fast - I can get a similar product, pay less (more than likely) and still get a close shave which doesn't leave my legs looking like the sidewalk (and probably a similar result with any body oil on the market - especially for us dry-skinned folk).

So there, hiatus officially broken. What's up, oh beauty world?

How To Shave During the Winter and Survive* to Tell the Tale

*over dramatization

If you weren't already aware, I have super dry sensitive skin, especially on my body. In fact, when growing up, my doctor at the time recommended that I not shower everyday and when possible, take colloidal oatmeal baths. As you can imagine, shaving dry sensitive skin does not yield great results. I mean, sure, the hair goes away, but I'm left with irritated skin. Dry, itchy skin that often burns when taking a warm shower.

It got to the point this winter where my husband was making fun of the "forest" I was growing on my legs and I had to take some action.

My regular "moisturizing" shaving cream just wasn't cutting it. In my palm of my hand I added some oil and then mixed in my shaving cream and spread that on my legs. After shaving, I spread on a generous amount of Albolene and then hopped in the shower. Between the moisturizing properties of the Albolene and the steam from the shower, my legs didn't get complete dried out. I showered as normal and exfoliated/cleansed my skin with my exfoliating gloves. After stepping out of the shower, my legs were soft and most importantly, didn't itch or burn.

I know it's normally recommended to moisturize after showering, but using a protective barrier if you are prone to dryness, has saved my legs this winter!

Review: Kiss My Face Moisture Shave Lavender and Shea

I was recently on the look out for a new shaving cream and although I wasn't looking to spend a lot of dough, it seemed like I was gravitating towards some of the more pricey ones. Well, I happened upon the Kiss My Face Moisture Shave in Lavender Shea when I was checking out at Vitacost (referral link - please read below) and it was on sale for all of $4.58 - score (it's now $5.39) so I thought what the heck. Well, I am happy to report that it is quite nice. It is slightly more liquidy - it reminds me of hand soap - than the etsy shea version I was using previously and it is definitely thinner than the whish which didn't impress me at the price (and clogged my razor).

The scent reminds me a bit of Philosophy Purity which is honestly something I disliked at first sniff but really grew on me. It is a nice relaxing type of scent and doesn't smell artificial to me (though they also have an unscented version). The shaving gel/cream is light but provides a nice slick surface for shaving and it doesn't clog my razor! My legs didn't feel dry afterwards which is great since they are prone to sensitivity especially after shaving. I like the pump bottle as well as it reduces mess and waste. All in all, I am quite happy I found this though I'm probably late to the bandwagon!


Disclosure: The referral link gets you $10 off a $30 or more purchase (I used one from a youtuber to buy this and tea, yummy chips and organic fruit snacks) and I get $10 too.

Also, I apologize for my semi-absence. No good excuse!

Review: Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream Blueberry

The Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream came in my most recent Birchbox (March 2013). I was super excited to try it but have been holding off till I finished the Ophelia's Apothecary one. The full size is about 5oz and retails for $20 which is quite spendy. Still, my skin is super dry and sensitive, especially on my legs and sometimes spending a bit extra is worth it.

The blueberry scent kind of smells like blueberry yogurt. It's not bad by any means but it wouldn't be my first choice. The texture is slightly thick but easily spreadable. You don't need much to get a good layer on your legs to keep irritation at bay which makes the nearly 1 ounce sample size quite generous. After shaving, my legs don't feel irritated and likely due to the shea butter and other oils, my legs feel nourished even after shaving and a hot shower. My only complaint with this product is that it tends to clump up in my razor which is something I didn't experience with the OA version (a shame the CS was so bad or else I'd seriously consider repurchasing).

So while I'll definitely use up the sample size, I don't think I'll repurchase.

May Favorites

This is a bit of a departure for me. I almost never do favorite posts, but since I only used up 1 full sized item in May, I thought I'd talk about some of the items I've been loving lately. I am going to combine my May and June empties into one post coming your way early July.

I found myself reaching for easy options this month. My allergies have been bothering me and my skin has been a bit of a mess but the weather has made heavy foundation uncomfortable.

I went back to using my Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream in No #13. I was absolutely thrilled when Missha introduced this pale neutral shade. I covers better than a tinted moisturizer and somehow stays put even when I sweat. The SPF 42+++ is also a great for sunny days. Missha almost always runs deals on their website, so you should be able to get this for far less than the retail price if you're interested in trying it.

The Body Shop Born Lippy Stick in Strawberry has been my lip balm of choice at nighttime. The slightly waxier consistency means that it stays on my lips through till morning and doesn't slide around during the night. My lips feel soft and moisturized when I wake up and a plus, it smells like strawberry Bubble Yum.

This L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Eternal Sunshine has been a great swipe and go color. It instantly brightens the eye area and remains subtle for day time. It can be applied with either a finger or a big fluffy brush. Even if I don't put on a base, you barely notice the creasing unless you look at it up close due to the light color (as an aside, I do get creasing with these).

I've had mixed thoughts about the Real Techniques brushes but this one is great. It's the Real Techniques Setting Brush and is a fairly new edition to the brush line up. This little brush is absolutely perfect for highlighter. I've also used it for setting my under eye concealer, cream blushes and even putting on an all over eyeshadow color. I believe this brush retails for $7.99 and it is definitely worth it. I'm thinking of picking up another one the next time the line goes on sale at ULTA.

If you have sensitive skin like I do that tends to be drier, I highly recommend using a men's facial shaving balm for shaving your legs. I've been using one from a small Etsy seller Ophelia's Apothecary. I don't know why I even mention the name of the shop as the customer service I received was absolutely horrible. I ordered in November and only after opening a complaint via Etsy did I finally get my package in January. Seriously, don't order and I'm not linking them. This is more of a general favorite anyway. Using a thick balmy product for shaving has really helped on cutting down the irritation on my legs. This one has shea butter but there are a ton on the market at different price points. If the constant shaving for shorts/skirts weather has your legs in agony, try a mens shaving balm.

I know this isn't a makeup favorite, but I have absolutely loved this little necklace I received in a previous Little Black Bag. It's by the brand Gorjana which I have been absolutely obsessed with and due to the price point of their store, getting things at a fraction of the retail price through Little Black Bag has been amazing. This piece is simple and is on a longer chain and looks awesome with practically everything. I wear it at least once a week and I get a ton of compliments on it.

Um yeah, another non makeup favorite but I am obsessed with my new toy. I was contemplating buying one of these and was deciding between different brands and models when a box wound up on my doorstep. Apparently, my dad got tired of me talking about this whenever I came over and oo-ed and ah-ed over theirs so he bought me one out of the blue. I love my Keurig. I now know what all the hype is over and it has cut down my coffee expenses tremendously. I used to buy a coffee practically every morning at Starbucks, which at the minimum was $3 if I bought a regular iced coffee, now my daily coffee tab is more like a buck.

So those were my May favorites. What did you love in May?

Disclosure: Referral link utilized.