The Beauty Of Naturally Enhanced Body Oils - Hydration At Its Best!

If you have dry skin or sensitivity that comes along with that blessing then you already know the upcoming cold weather is something we need to arm ourselves for.
The weapons of choice are luxurious, nourishing, soothing and ultra-protective moisturizing potions, capable of kicking ass even through the extremes of Canadian winters. Up here in the great white north we not only have to deal with ridiculously low temperatures but the accompanying arctic cold winds as well. Since my home is right on the Bay of Fundy the sharp, freezing winds can do a number on my already delicate dry skin! Luckily I am a weather veteran now so my arsenal is well stocked with some awesome defensive moisture bombs. 

There are a lot of rich, hydration driven formulations out there that do a great job of protecting my skin but my secret weapon that elevates the whole experience to the highest level possible are naturally inspired body oils. Adding just a few golden drops can transform a simple moisturizing lotion into a ultra-nourishing body treatment. 

If you are worried about the greasy after effects (rightfully so!) you'll be happy to hear that body oil formulas have evolved so much in the past decade, making them very user-friendly and definitely trial-worthy. 

I wanted to share a few body oils that have been rocking my world and ones I would recommend to anyone year-round! 

Mother Nature brings it big time!

Caudalie Divine Oil ($52.00 for 3.4 oz)

I have already expressed my love and deep admiration for this French wonder (review here!) so including this was a no-brainer. The luxurious fragrance celebrates the essence of Moroccan and Bulgarian roses, pure Vanilla notes and traces of Cedar and White Musk. The olfactory sensationalism combined with skin loving natural oils creates a formula that not only moisturizes your parched skin but also makes you happy about using it. As usual the Caudalie signature grape seed oil along with Sesame Seed, Argan and Hibiscus oils creates a velvety, silky canvas that sinks in quickly, leaving no grease but only radiant fragrance behind. The charming amber-tinted, vintage glass bottle, topped with a "wood-like" cap only adds to its appeal and the starry blogosphere raves only reinforce its classic Parisian feel. Tres chic - if you ask me!

Cowshed Bath & Body Oils ($31.00 for 3.38 oz)

The British share the same moisture dilemma as Canadians so its no surprise that the niche UK  Cowshed brand really knows how to make a product that effectively meets our hydration needs. This adorable beauty brand battles the freeze and dryness that accompanies it with fairly traded plant extracts, organic ingredients and proven therapeutic botanicals, all blended together into one hard working body oil. The potent formula includes cranberries, grape-seeds, sesame and sweet almond oils, all which penetrate deep beyond the skin surface to hydrate and restore body's own natural moisture balance. The addition of essential fragrance oils is there to highlight their aromatherapy potential and is sure to satisfy even the pickiest olfactory experts! My ultimate favorite is the Moody Cow Balancing Bath & Body Oil where linden blossom and rose geranium freshness kicks into high gear and lulls me into relaxation mode regardless of how bad of a day I might have had. The fact that my skin is left soft, silky and comfortably smooth is obviously a major bonus!
If you value products free from nasty parabens, preservatives, sulfates, artificial fragrances and unnecessary colors then Cowshed is the safely the way to go!

Yon-Ka Huile Corps Body Oil ($62.00 for 3.38 oz)

I am not even surprised that yet another one of my favorites is indeed a French product. Yon-Ka is a Parisian brand whose catch phrase "Quintessence of the phyto-aromatic care" could not be more spot on with their products. Everything they make has that aromatherapy touch that is as lovely to use as its beneficial for our essential well-being - let me tell you, health has never smelled so good! 

The Yon-Ka Huile Corps is a fresh and sensual body oil that beautifully marries the herbal note of Sage with a soak in Lavender. Normally grassy-scents like this would not be appealing to a gourmand-lover girly girl such as myself but this combination has a very distinct crisp sweet undertone that provides the aura of absolute serenity to even my judgmental senses. The oily goodness pampers my dry skin by restoring suppleness, smoothing out any flaky, irritated patches and providing a protective barrier on the surface that prevents further moisture loss. It might be my imagination or wishful thinking but whenever i use this my skin feels warm and comfortably cozy, which is a huge bonus during the winter months. The sophisticated golden wonder is presented in a frosted glass bottle which only drives the French exclusivity and just makes you feel that you are using something very special!

REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil ($65.00 for 100 ml)

My love for REN has been well established on this blog and a major portion of my bathroom is dedicated to their skincare essentials. It took me a little longer to sample their body care products but once I did, unsurprisingly their goodness had me hooked almost immediately. Seeing how my love of all things REN was combined with rose essence in their Moroccan Rose Body Care Collection I just knew it was only a matter of time before these became my new must-haves.
The Rose scent in the Moroccan Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil is as natural as it gets and completely intoxicating! This is the kind of product that you open up during the day just to give your olfactory senses a little treat. Using the complimentary REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil ($48.00 for 110 ml) prior slathering the body oil all over is one of the most relaxing, sensual and luxurious experience I have ever had in my own little bathroom.
Essentially if you love roses and clean ingredient beauty then give REN a try - no disappointment or regret at all!

Josie Maran Moroccan Argan Body Oil in Balance ($35.00 for 1.7 oz)

My love for all things roses continues with this Josie Maran powerhouse. The universally loved Rose Damascena is the star of this simplistic one-dimensional scented Argan Oil based body moisturizer so its no surprise that the scent just explodes once it hits your skin. It remains uncluttered in the blend of Argan, Apricot, Sweet Almond, Safflower, Sesame, Avocado, and Olive Fruit oils, meaning that it will dominate no matter how you choose to use this emollient rich moisturizer. The formula also contains the discrete essence of the Vitamin C rich Pomelo Grapefruit oil whose benefits include treating muscle fatigue, hair growth, skin tone improvement and even acne treatment. The beautiful rose however dilutes this almost completely so had I not done my research I would have never detected it on my own.
Despite the fact that Josie Maran markets this as a body oil treatment the little beauty rebel in me has used this as a hair mask, cuticle treatment, subtle rose perfume and a very sensual and effective massage oil.
I am more than a little impressed!

J.R. Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Body Oil Mist ($8.99 for 6 oz)

As a self-confessed gourmand lover the J.R.Watkins Coconut Milk & Honey Body Oil Mist delivers a dollop of sweetness coupled with deep hydration at a price we can all live with!
J.R. Watkins is an apothecary budget brand that once again proof that we don't have to sacrifice good-for-you ingredients and high delivery formula when choosing a drugstore brand. Their products are made without any no mineral oil, petrolatum, glycols, silicone's, synthetic dyes or any of the other traditional chemical nasties.
The basis of this vitamin enriched body oil mist are the carrier Almond and Apricot Kernel oils which are easily absorbed into the skin and are especially recommended for dehydrated, delicate, distressed, mature and sensitive skin. The rich fatty acids help soothe any inflammation, revitalize the skin and even fight fine lines in aging mature skin. The candied scent from 100% natural Coconut Milk & Honey fragrances leave a scrumptiously fruity veil of moisture, which penetrates immediately with its sheer viscosity and leaves no greasy or tacky residue.
Its essentially good enough to eat!

Mama Mio OMega Wonder-Full Rescue Balm ($30.25 for 30 ml)

To be fair this little wonder is not a body oil in the traditional sense but it does serve a similar purpose and its texture melts into an oil form when applied to the skin. I felt that it deserved a mention because of its ultra-targeted moisture properties and the practical fact that since it comes in airtight, plastic, pump functioning bottle its also very TSA air travel friendly. That fact alone makes it an amazing find and its "nasties-free" ingredient promise is just like the icing on the cake. The results are pretty impressive too!
Its formula features Meadowfoam, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Carott Seed Oil and the trendy Manuka Oil, all of which create a balm worthy of your driest patches. The Mama Mio OMega Wonder-Full Rescue Balm scent is very nostalgic for me and reminds me of my teenage favorite Loves Baby Soft perfume with its subtle rose powdery softness. Once again aromatherapy at its finest!
The matching Mama Mio OMega Body Oil ($35.00 for 5 oz) with its Sweet Almond, Jojoba, Argan and Safflower oils can be layered over the balm for irresistibly comfortable, deeply hydrated skin for a truly baby soft scent experience.

Just a few years ago if someone would have told me that I would be using oils on my face and body I never would have believed it! My aversion of feeling greasy and slippery stopped me from giving these moisturizing innovations a try for a long time. Today things are obviously very different :-)

Do you have a favorite Body or Face Oil?

Thank you for reading

XOXO

ANJA

Maid of the Mist - Facial Sprays

I had first started using these sprays a few years ago but the results were un-impressive, tedious and seemed to almost dehydrate my skin more, which of course is exactly the opposite of what they claim to do in the first place. Annoyed at myself for buying the "hype" around these "water cans" I ended their existence in my bathroom and figured that they just weren't right for my skin type. Lesson learned!

This year as my skincare routine evolved I rediscovered the coveted facial sprays (among other things) and hoped that this time around the chosen formulas would be better and worth my time and effort. With more experience and even more research I embarked on a shopping expedition hoping to find that "miracle brew" everyone raved about.

Despite the simplicity I have found that facial sprays are also often misunderstood and misused if you don't do your homework and read the directions on the product itself. Trust me, there is definitively a wrong way to use this and I had nailed it perfectly.
The fact that I, a biologist by trade, missed such an obvious biological feature of the skin composition and had used a hydration product to specifically dehydrate was only slightly embarrassing. However I am happy to say that i finally figured it out and hopefully learned a lesson about reading directions...

Its actually a really simple concept if you stop to think about it. Spraying water on a "living" surface and allowing it to dry will cause even more moisture loss from the skin cells through the osmosis/diffusion phenomenon. The final result is a skin that is more dehydrated than what you started out with, hence wrongful use of the culprit will only cause more harm than good.  The thermal water sprays don't have any moisture binding ingredients in their formulation so as they evaporate the skin cells are basically "sucked dry".
The key in preventing this from happening is also simple as well. Use as directed, spay all over your face, let it sit for about 30-60 seconds and most importantly BLOT the excess away. Trust me, the difference is really more than noticeable and for the first time I am able to appreciate this product properly.
My favorites thermal mineral waters include - La Roche Posay ($12.99 for 5.2 oz), Avene ($18.00 for 10.58 oz) and Evian ($11.00 for 5 oz).

A sub-category of facial sprays includes specifically hydration targeting formulas too, in which case the blot-factor is not essential because these include moisture-trapping ingredients that are able to penetrate skin surface and balance the natural skin "water" content. These new-generation hybrids can have added glycerin, hyaluronic acid, plant botanicals and even essential oils to provide even more benefits to your skincare routine.
My favorites of this kind are - Caudalie Grape Water Soothing Moisturizing Spray ($19.00 for 6.7 oz), NUDE Hydrating Water Spray ($32.00 for 3.4 oz), Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist ($86.00 for 3.4 oz) and The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist($16.00 for 3.2 oz). 

Top Picks for Facial Mists with The Body Shop, Omorovicza, NUDE Skincare

Now that I have read the description and very necessary directions I have found many unique ways to use these spa-inspiring facial mists
1. In place of toner, prior to serum and/or moisturizing cream to improve absorption
2. A light mist as a finishing-setting step after makeup application to achieve the "dewy glow"
3. To fix "powdery" mistakes during makeup application
4. Refreshing pick-me up during the day (especially hot, humid summer days and nights)
5. Airplane hydration treatment

Even though facial sprays are not necessity a must-have item for someone with an otherwise good skincare routine I would still recommend giving them a try. The skin-loving benefits can be targeted by selecting the right brand and formulation but where this product really shines is the appropriately named "dewy factor". A light mist of these sprays is a sure way to achieve that baby skin glow that can elevate your look to a much more youthful, healthy level. That alone is reason enough for me :-)

You can purchase my favorites or discover new ones at Sephora, Ulta, The Body Shop, Dermstore and Amazon

I hope that was helpful!

Do you have a favorite facial spray? Any tips for using these products even better?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Completing the Collection - Caudalie Divine Scrub

I am not even sure how this scrub happened to me? The only product I was to allow myself was the Caudalie Divine Oil since that was somewhat practical for the summer months but the other two, Divine Legs & Divine Scrub, were to be left behind until I used at least some of the overwhelming bottles littering my homey-beauty place.
Obviously that didn't work out very good because here I am with a smug grin on my face, staring at the entire Caudalie Divine collection, nestled beautifully in the small beauty cabinet next to my vanity table. I will admit that I do feel a little bit guilty and I am sure my conscience will bother me significantly after a few weeks but for now I am giddy with excitement, with a dreamy-glazed look plastered on my face and a brain buzzing with possibilities, daydreaming of a possible "tanned" beach bunny inspired vision. 
I think its safe to say that I have a problem! 

The Caudalie Divine collection is one of the latest summer-inspired body care releases by the wonderful French brand, whose philosophy and formulation relies directly on the patented vinotherapie concept, which utilizes the anti-oxidant properties of grapes to care and protect your skin. The Divine line-up is no exception to this rule so its no surprise that all parts of the collection are chock-full of skin-loving ingredients that beautify and protect at the same time.

Today I want to introduce you to the last piece of the Caudalie Divine set which is the Divine Body Scrub and if you would like to see my reviews of the Divine Legs & Oil first just click here and here

Description;

A softening scrub with brown sugar and four natural plant oils, featuring a signature Divine fragrance. 

Divine Scrub gently exfoliates dead skin cells for luxuriously soft, delicately fragranced skin. It features four natural plant oils—grape, argan, hibiscus, and sesame—and the signature Divine fragrance of grapefruit, rose, pink pepper, vanilla, cedar, and white musk.

Ingredients;

Sucrose*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Glyceryl Stearate*, Glyceryl Distearate*, Polyglyceryl-5 Dioleate*, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax*, Parfum (Fragrance), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil*, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract*, Tocopherol* Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil*, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil*, Benzyl Salicylate*, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional

As a girly-girl that truly enjoys pampering and everything that comes with it, my experience with body scrubs is quite extensive and I definitively have certain preferences that i stick to. 
For me an ideal body scrub needs to be "scrubby" enough to gently polish the skin without being too abrasive and harsh, but not so light that it melts away before the job is done. Even though I enjoy both sugar and salt based exfoliants, my preferred choice will always be the formula spiked with essential oils that manage to hydrate my skin in the shower without being too greasy and without leaving a slippery residue that feels heavy after rinsing. A body scrub formula that combines naturally sourced ingredients and leaves the "nasties" in the chemistry lab, will always get bonus points from me as well.

The Caudalie Divine Scrub fulfills and even exceeds every single one of those requirements (amazing!). The texture is very dense and as such easy to scoop out of the jar, without worrying too much about spillage and waste. The application and feel on my skin is reminiscent of a micro-derm abrasion treatment that continually transforms into a creamier substance, losing its "grit" gradually and eventually melting away in a milky, silkening emulsion.

The "buffing" ingredient in this scrub is brown sugar which is further enhanced by the addition of four naturally hydrating exotic plant oils - grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan. This combination moisturizes, softens and lusciously nourishes the skin before you even step out of the shower.
The alluring Divine scent only further enhances this pampering routine by the same combination of
zesty grapefruit, fiery pink pepper, and calming vanilla, found in the Caudalie Divine Legs & Oil. 

After all is said and done, I admit that I am actually very happy I broke down and got the final two Divine products. Every single piece of the collection preforms beautifully on its own but when all three combine, the Divine feeling is obviously magnified significantly and its something I recommend everyone try at least once.

Since the Caudalie Divine Scrub is a little bit on the pricy side ($38.00 for 5.3 fl.oz.) and there are so many other body scrubs I want to try at some point, I cant say that this will be my primary exfoliant. However I would definitively repurchase this and use it with the other Divine products, especially when I need some extra TLC and some "bronzy" goodness!

For more information and to purchase the Caudalie Divine Collection just visit their direct website, our trusty Sephora and Amazon.

I hope this was helpful

Have you tried the Caudalie Divine Collection? Do you have a favorite body scrub?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

To Bronze or Not to Bronze - Caudalie Divine Legs

There are a lot of reasons why I have always shied away from any kind of bronzers or tan enhancing products. I don't like orange, I am not capable of pulling off the "dirty" look, tanning product scents are just plain offensive to me  and most importantly those "leathery skin" people freak me out.

Sure, there was a time when I envied some of my friends who were able to achieve that "bronze goddess" look and there was that summer when I seriously flirted with the idea of tanning bed memberships but thankfully the fixation never reached epic proportions and I came to my senses. 

Despite being beauty and makeup conosseur, my bronzer application technique is severely lacking and no matter how much I try or which product i use, more often than not my attempt just ends up making me look dirrty (wash your face kind of dirty!). 

Today I have finally accepted my "fair - alabaster" complexion, I use a lot of high-quality sunscreens and stick to highlighters and good skincare  to achieve that "glow" we are searching off.

For the most part I am perfectly fine with my "paleness" and I am comforted by the fact that I am not exposed to harmful sun rays that I would need to worry about later on in life. 

However every once in a while, during the summer, a "bronzer-type" product will be released and following who-knows, what kind of logic, i end up coming home with yet-another "promising" item that is certainly going to transform my skin completely. 

Most of the new arrivals turn out to be disappointments as expected and end up being tossed into a designated "sunshine" box that I pass on to others quite regularly. 

Not too long ago I finally added the Caudalie Divine Oil to my body care collection and with it I received some very generous travel sized extras of a few of Caudalie's best sellers. 

One of the samples included was the Caudalie Divine Legs mini tube. I had every intention of putting it away for my "sun box" but I fell in love with the Divine fragrance and seeing how the Divine Legs  was scented the same, curiosity got the best of me and I resolved to actually give it a "proper try" before passing judgment and  condemning it completely. 

I expected to be disappointed and had absolutely no expectations regarding its preformance, so the fact that I liked it was unexpected and even more exciting. 

Caudalie's Divine Legs gave me some much needed bronzed hope. 

Description;
This ultralight tinted body lotion gives legs an instant sunkissed glow and adds radiance to already tanned legs, without any of the downsides of a self-tanner. The universal tint blends perfectly with all skintones and dries in an instant, creating a beautiful, bronze finish.

Directions for Use;

- Apply to legs on clean and dry skin.
- Removes easily with water at the end of the day.

Key Ingredients;

Chicory Extract, Carob Extract, Grape Oil, Copper and Gold Pearlizers

Complete Ingredient List;

Water, Cichorium Intybus (Chicory) Root Extract*, Caramel*, Glycerin*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Methylpropanediol, Coco-Caprylate*, Isostearyl Isostearate*, Parfum (Fragrance), Arachidyl Alcohol*, Myristyl Alcohol*, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glyceryl Caprylate*, Behenyl Alcohol*, Mica, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexyldecanol*, Hexyldecyl Laurate*, Myristyl Glucoside*, Arachidyl Glucoside*, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Tocopheryl Acetate*, Xanthan Gum, Inositol*, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides), Phenylpropanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Sodium Phytate*, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extract*, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Serine, Sorbitol*, Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Urea, Sodium Chloride, Allantoin*, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol (133/018). *Plant origin.

Initially when I saw this I wrongly assumed this was a self-tanning product, which worked by either building up your tint or giving intense color that would gradually fade away. I was wrong on both accounts because Caudalie Divine Legs is a lightweight, tinted body lotion that provides color and bronzing effect without using any form of self-tanner.
It is because of that feature that the colour provided is very temporary and not waterproof or even water-resistant in any sense of the word. This is very important to understand because when Caudalie states that this is water washable, they are being very specific for a reason - the tint will come off in the rain, on the beach, pool and even perspiration might remove some of it. If you are aware of that effect and understand the purpose of the Divine Legs in the first place then there shouldn't be any surprises as you'll know not to put yourself in "water - danger" situations when you are rocking the Caudalie tint.

The Caudalie Divine Legs colour is best described as a combination of dark copper and soft golden pearl shades, producing a warm golden toned tint that doesnt come off orange on my skin-tone (that's a first!). The shimmer is very fine and since there are no big glitter-chunks, it translates into a very soft, natural and body flattering yellow-toned golden sheen. If i had to estimate I would say that the resulting "tan-colour" is up to three times darker than my normal pale self. The Divine fragrance is said to contain notes of grapefruit, roses, vanilla, pink pepper, cedar and white musk. Personally I am in love with the scent and I was thrilled to find that the fragrance actually lingers for a very long time after application - on my skin it lasted over six hours, which is phenomenal for a body type product.

The texture is lightweight, runny, moisturizing and very easy to work with. The best part of the Caudalie Divine Leg formula is that the dry-down is instant, which means there in no waiting around for it absorb and no worries about weird stains on your bedding, furniture or favorite clothes. Once blended, all you are left with is the beautiful "bronzy-glowy -sheen", no tackiness, no rub off or transfer and lots of compliments. How perfect is that?

As Caudalie is primarily a skincare formula, its no surprise that the Divine Leg formulation is chock-full of skin-loving ingredients that pamper and comfort your skin while you are playing up your tan. All of Caudalie products contain their signature grape antioxidant oils and this is no exception. The grape oil is ultra-nourishing, hydrating, soothing and protective of your skin s natural moisture barrier.
Its important to mention that Caudalie also does not use parabens, sulfates or phthalates to spoil the fun of this product and that's something we can all appreciate. 

In conclusion I want to say that I am very happy with Caudalie Divine Legs and the fact that its the first "bronzer-like" product that I have been able to use successfully makes this even more special. The effect is very temporary of course, which is perfectly fine with me but since the price tag is so high ($38.00 for 3.4 oz.) I can see this becoming hard to justify on a regular basis.
However this would be perfect for special occasions where you need a little bit of a summery boost, say like an outdoor wedding, outdoor summer party or anytime you need a bit of confidence.

The Caudalie Divine Legs and other products from the Divine collection can be purchased directly from their website, our trusty Sephora and Amazon

Have you tried the Caudalie Divine Legs? What is your favorite bronzer or self-tanning product?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Caudalie Divine Oil is Divine Indeed

Couple of years ago I absolutely hated any kind of oil treatments, regardless of what their purpose or function was. I was convinced that using them anywhere on my body would leave me greasy, uncomfortable, dirty or even worse acne-prone. 

Fast forward to the present and my shelves are practically overflowing with various oil products meant to moisturize, heal or even enhance every part of my body. Everything I used to think about oils has now been proven wrong. 

I have noticed that my favorite oils have a few things in common with each other and there are several guidelines I tend to follow when I make my selection. 

The properties I look are moisturization, absorption speed, longevity, short ingredient list and fragrance. While I can appreciate fragrance-free formulas if an oil has a fragrance I love then that's the one that holds preference. 

One of my favorite dry oils comes from Caudalie, a brand I am very familiar with and whose products are used regularly in our household. Caudalie Divine Oil is one of their most recent releases and it very well be my favorite Caudalie product to date. 

Official Description;

Discover the benefits of this versatile oil from head to toe, using it to nourish hair, nails, skin, or enhance baths and massages. The unique alchemy of four natural oils—grape oil, extra-virgin argan oil, extra-virgin hibiscus oil, and sesame oil—engage closely with the skin to ensure that the benefits are truly complete. 
The subtle fragrance will make you swoon as it caresses your skin. Lush with rose, a burst of grapefruit, and spicy pink pepper, this fresh fragrance rounds and warms with cedar, vanilla, and white musk. The composition is modern and infinitely desirable.

Ingredients;

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Isoamyl Cocoate, Coco-Caprylate, Fragrance, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Tocopherol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citric Acid, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.

Caudalie products are all formulated and created based on their own patented Vinotherapie discovery, which showcases  the power of grape seed antioxidants better known as Polyphenols.

The Caudalie Divine Oil features a unique combination of nourishing grape oil, extra virgin Argan oil, sesame oil and the all-important polyphenols. The formula is said to rejuvenate, nourish, soften, moisturize, protect against free radicals and in time restore skin's own lipid balance. It all sounds very impressive and even though I can't vouch for all of their scientific claims, I can tell you that it makes my skin and feel amazing. 

I believe that the majority of consumers use body oils like this one more during the summer months. That makes a lot of sense when you consider that the oil sheen makes tanned skin look amazing and summers are no time to be using heavy body butters that take forever to dry. Personally I now use oils year-round and during the winter months I have beer known to spike my usual lotion with oil for some extra hydration. 

Caudalie Divine Oil comes with a spray pump which makes application and distribution even more goof-proof. Since this is actually a dry oil it sinks in very fast and leaves no grease behind, making it usable (sparingly) for hair as well. The fragrance of the Divine Oil is very summery and beach-like, reminding me a lot to a similar product made by another French skincare company, Nuxe. 

I use and love both almost equally!

My final verdict on this product is obviously very positive and I can see myself using and repurchasing the Divine Oil for a long time. Caudalie prices can be a little high and this product is no exception ($48 for 100ml) but if you are in a pampering mood or need more moisture then this oil is an excellent choice!

Caudalie Divine Oil and the rest of their products can be found directly on their website  or Sephora (instore/online)

Have you tried the Divine Oil? Do you have a favorite dry oil? 

XOXO

ANJA

The Eye Cream Series - Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream

One of the earliest beauty habits I dutifully  preformed even as a young girl was eye cream application. 

The skin around the eye area is very delicate and void of any oil glands, which means it requires constant protection and targeted treatment formulas in order to resist damage and retain that youthful elasticity.
Proper hydration will plump up any fine lines making them less visible and the added layer acts as a barrier between the sensitive eye area and the damaging environmental factors. 

Seeing how the first signs of aging lurk around that delicate area, using an efficient eye cream formula is your first line of defense when it comes to anti-aging. 

When it comes to the field of anti-aging I am a big believer in prevention, protection and constant maintenance. There is no "magic potion" out there that will erase your fine lines and stop the aging process but using the right products with functioning formulas will certainly delay the inevitable. 

With that in mind I have been on a mission to find the best of the best when it comes to eye creams and that is how The Eye Cream Series was born. 

Caudalie is one of my go-to brands whose formula, ingredients, philosophy and commitment to quality, fit within my strict requirements when it comes to choosing a skincare product. The Premier Cru line is one of their most luxurious releases to date whose extravagant price tag ($98 for .5 fl.oz.) is backed up by superior ingredient concentrations and decades of grape antioxidant research. 

Description;

This luxurious cream offers ultimate antiaging action for instantly transformed eyes. Perfectly hydrated, the skin is smoother and firmer. Dark circles and puffiness fade away and the eye area is brightened with renewed youth. 

Caudalie's three signature patents are blended at their highest concentration for unparalleled age-fighting power: Resveratrol-Oleyl for lifting and firming, Viniferine for brightening, and antioxidant-rich grape-seed Polyphenols. 

Key Ingredients;

-Grape Seed Polyphenols 

-Resveratrol-Oleyl

-Viniferine 

-Vinolevure 

Caudalie Premier Cru formula has been created after years of diligent scientific research and dedicated test pools - resulting in what is said to be one of the most superior, concentrated eye treatments available. Since the basis of all Caudalie skincare is their famous Vinotherapie discovery, the fact that Premier Cru line is based on the same grape anti-oxidant system shouldn't be a surprise. After all these grape enzymes are thought to be the most powerful antioxidants in the plant kingdom so why mess with a good thing.

These grape seed polyphenols act as a protective agent, shielding the skin from environmental aggressors, free radicals and damaging UV rays. The reason that these polyphenols are unique is that along with their protective nature they are also able to reinforce skin's natural micro circulation and hydration level in the upper epidermal layer. 

The inclusion of the Resveratrol-Oleyl is worth mentioning especially when you consider that it is suppose to stimulate longevity proteins, which are said to increase the life of skin cells by a whooping 160%. The implications of that kind of success holds a lot of promise when it comes to anti-aging prevention and treatment. 

Caudalie Premier Cru also addresses the issue of "dark circles" by using the  Vinoferine molecule to regulate melanin production, prevent free radical damage and in turn lower the chances of developing even more discolorations. The Vinolevure inclusion offers deep moisture that is meant to lock hydration and restore natural glow and radiance. 

All of that sounds extremely impressive but lets face it all the formulas and fancy descriptions in the world mean nothing if the results are not attainable. 
Luckily Caudalie definitively delivers and the Premier Cru is one excellent eye cream. 

I love beauty products that produce both instant and long term benefits and this eye cream does exactly that. 

The texture is light and whipped but gives instant hydration and feels very creamy on the delicate eye area.The light reflecting particles instantly brighten the eye area and make me look a bit more rested each time I use it. 

After 3 months of mostly consistent use the difference is definitively visible - the under eye  area is significantly brighter, smoother, hydrated and plumped to a more youthful level

My final conclusion on the Caudalie Permier Cru Eye Cream is definitively positive. This eye cream means business and does exactly what it says it will do. The price tag is little extreme, however as usual I consider skin care to be an investment, especially if the product in question delivers. 

In this case Caudalie's promises all came through, so for me this really paid off in terms of skincare benefits. 

Caudalie Premier Cru and other Caudalie products can be purchased directly from their website or as always can be found at our trusty Sephora. 

Have you tried the Premier Cru line up? What is your favorite Caudalie product?

XOXO

ANJA

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The Camping Beauty - A Guide for All High Maintenance Girls

There is no hiding or faking it - I am a high maintenance girl! I try to pretend and  act aloof when confronted by this fact but no more - I admit it, embrace it and honor it!

It might not be cool or popular to proclaim but it's the real me so I have decided to make the best of it and be proud of it for once. I have finally made peace with the fact that I will always over pack, I will always have 12 lip glosses in my purse, I will always enjoy a 12 step skincare routine and I will never-ever be the outdoorsy girl that looks perfect in 5 minutes. Never gonna happen!

Despite being the quintessential girly-girl and loving everything that comes along with that label, I will admit that there are times and circumstances when my "maintenance factor" can become a little cumbersome. Camping is one of those situations! The world came up with "glam ping" because if people like me! 

I might be the "princess type" but I am also the "adaptable type" as well so getting ready and figuring out how to improve the quality of my existence even during camping is something I take quite seriously.

Here are some of the essentials that will make any girl feel better out there in the "wild"!

1. Wipes!!! Lots of lots of wipes! 

There is nothing worse for a girly girl (or anyone really?) than that dirty feeling. When running water or pristine sinks are not available then the next best thing are cleansing wipes. Luckily for us today there are many good quality wipes available now, targeting everything from your face to your underarms.
My choice is L.A. Fresh and Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Wipes 

2. Micellar Cleansing Water

It doesn't matter where I am I will always need and want to wash my face. While I would never use micellar water as a primary cleanser i find it works miracles for camping weekends when I am not wearing much makeup. I do, however make sure my choice is an excellent one with a tried & tested formula and good ingredients.
My top pics are usually Caudalie and Vichy 

3. High Quality Sunscreen for Face & Body

This one is pretty self-explanatory and should not apply to high maintenance girls. Sun protection is important for everyone and that includes the boys!
I love the Supergoop Sunscreen

4. Multi-Tasking Balms

As much as I want to bring my entire beauty cabinet with me, I am reasonable enough to realize that in reality that wouldn't fare so well. However being me I have found a way to circumvent that restriction by bringing products that have multi-uses but don't skimp on the pampering factor. A good balm will perform several functions, eliminate the spill disasters and save room in my luggage for other "necessities".
My top choices are Emma Hardie Moringa Balm and Rodial Glam Balm 

5. Multi-Tasking Cosmetics

Even though camping is certainly not the place to showcase a smoky glamorous eye, that doesn't mean you need to leave your entire makeup bag at home. Multi-tasking cosmetics can create a natural, polished look quickly and do wonders for your confidence. Look for quality BB creams (tind+moisture+spf), colour balm (lip & cheek tint) and clear mascara (lashes & brows)!

My top picks are: By Terry Baume de Rose, Givenchy Hydra-Sparkling Lip & Cheek Balm, REN BB Cream, Cover Girl Clear Lash and NARS Multiples. 

6. Facial Spray

This isn't practical at all and it's definitively a frills item but its something I almost always have in my purse. Put it in a cooler for an extra refreshing feeling!

My choice right now is Caudalie Beauty Elixir!

7. Sheet Masks 

This is an item for only the highest brand of girly girls who are prepared for all kinds of teasing and weird looks from camping companions. It takes 10 minutes, it's cool & refreshing, there is no clean up or mess to worry about and your skin will be extra blowy by the campfire.

Check out My Beauty Diary for skin-loving choices!

8. Dry Shampoo! 

A ponytail is only going to keep your greasy roots hidden for so long before the yucky feeling becomes unbearable! Dry Shampoo will keep extend the time you can stand yourself by at least a day!

My pick is the Cake Beauty Satin Sugar because it works great and smells good enough to eat!

This list can go on and on! Camping will never be my first choice but with some beauty loot I am bound to be more comfortable and have an amazing time!

What are your outdoor beauty essentials?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - Caudalie Vinsource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum

It took a very long time for me to understand the distinction between dry and dehydrated skin and how different those two terms can really be. Just because you have oily skin doesnt mean you can't be dehydrated  , in fact surprisingly its those skin types that can suffer the most. Go figure! 

My skin has multiple personalities, it is combination dry one day and combination oily the next, which means i need to be pretty creative to keep everything looking and feeling semi-normal.
One of the things my skin likes to do every once in a while is get dehydrated and irritated regardless of what moisturizer I try to use. I have a lot of skin creams in my arsenal with lots of great hydrating ingredients but during these "special" instances everything I put on just seems to sit on the surface without really doing anything at all.
Dehydration requires weapons of mass destruction. Caudalie SOS Thirst Quenching Serum is one of the best I have found to date.

What it is:
An oil-free serum that captures and continually diffuses water deep within the skin to restore its moisture balance and leave skin feeling soft and supple. 

What it is formulated to do:
Organic grape water is the key ingredient for reactivating the skin's hydration mechanisms and replenishing its water reserves, while polyphenol antioxidents provide protection against UV rays and free radicals. Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, this serum is an ideal base for moisturizer, allowing for deeper penetration that will leave skin refreshed, hydrated, and comfortably soft. 

Key Ingredients;

Grape Water - moisturizes and soothes

Hyaluronic Acid

Antioxidant Grape Seed Polyphenols

Ingredients;

Water, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Water*, Glycerin*, Butylene Glycol*, Ethylhexyl Palmitate*, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract*, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum (Fragrance), Squalane*, Potassium Sorbate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice*, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Oleate*, Sodium Carboxymethyl Betaglucan, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Laurate*, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Phytate*, Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate, Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid. *Origine végétale - plant origin.

Caudalie is a true French beauty brand that really takes skincare seriously. The story goes that in 1995 Mathilde Thomas and Dr.Vercauteren discovered that polyphenols in left over grape seeds hold amazing anti-oxidant properties and just like that the miracle of Vinotherapie was born. The essence of the Caudalie products rests on Vinotherapie which is mix of natural spring water, polyphenols and vine extracts. The significance of "clean" ingredients is fullfilled by the fact that Caudalie does not use parabens, phthalates, phenoxythanol, sodium lauryl sulphate, colorants, mineral oils or animal derived ingredients.

These guys don't mess around with ingredients and everything they make is practical and delivers exactly what it says it will. Almost everything I have tried from Caudalie has been amazing and has been repurchased. The SOS Thirst Quenching Serum is no exception.
The sole purpose the Caudalie SOS Serum is ultimate hydration by keeping water in the skin, propelling it to the deeper epidermal layers and ultimately restoring the natural moisture balance of facial skin. The texture of the serum is light and runny but delivers quite the hydration punch without being greasy or heavy. It takes only seconds to absorb and leaves the skin comfortable and smooth. This is no-frills skincare at its best
The hydration power of this Caudalie SOS serum relieves my dehydrated skin and brings it back to its usual bouncy self in only a few short days. The fact that its so light only proves that treatment serums don't have to be complicated and greasy to properly moisturize and re-balance skin.

My conclusion is definitively positive and this is a serum that I would recommend to everyone and all skin types. If you are dehydrated give Caudalie a try, it really does work like a charm - your skin will thank me!

You can purchase the Caudalie SOS Thirst Quenching Serum and other Caudalie products directly on their website or at Sephora as usual.

I hope this review is helpful to you guys!

Have you tried the Caudalie SOS Serum? Whats your secret weapon for dehydrated skin?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - Honest Review

Caudalie Beauty Elixir has been making a regular appearance in the blogosphere for some time now and even though I have had a bottle of this for ages I just never got around to properly testing it. Until now that is!

What it is:
Part-toner, part-serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients.

What it is formulated to do:
Smooths the skin, tightens the pores, and provides an instant burst of radiance, as it stimulates microcirculation.

Ingredients;

Aqua (Water), Alcohol*, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Water*, Parfum (Fragrance)*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil*, Potassium Alum, Glycerin*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Styrax Tonkinensis Resin Extract*, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract*, Melissa Officinalis (Balm Mint) Leaf Oil*, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract*, Tocopherol*, Citral*, Limonene*, Linalool*, Citronellol*, Geraniol*, Farnesol*, Benzyl Benzoate*, Eugenol*.

This hybrid of a toner and a treatment has all the earmarks of a multi-tasker, which is a feature  I always love and take into account when purchasing. I use this as a refresher spray during the day, quick toner when my skin is feeling congested and as a last step in makeup application to seal & set everything in. 
The formula contains orange blossom, rose, organic balm mint, rosemary and Caudalie's star ingredient grape water, and it promises to smooth & tighten pores, refresh & soothe your skin and provide a burst of complexion radiance. It comes in various sizes (30-100 ml) which I appreciate and the spray nozzle on the bottle is one of the best I have ever tried. A little feature like that is surprisingly important when it comes to facial sprays. 

It should be noted that this does have somewhat of a heavy fragrance so those sensitive to scents really need to consider this before purchasing. Personally I really enjoy the refreshing minty mist and I find that's actually a huge part of the appeal of the elixir itself. Putting it in the fridge only intensifies this effect and feels amazing on hot summer days. I will definitively be sneaking this into the cool beach coolers for a refreshing pick me up during the upcoming hot days. Those with really dry skin will not appreciate the high alcohol content as it may contribute to further dry-out. For that reason I would definitively not use this as a primary toner after cleansing.

Some would argue that this product doesn't deserve all the hype and praise it achieved and I would have to agree with that but only partially. The Caudalie Beauty Elixir is indeed a joy to use (for me) and I will most likely repurchase once my current bottle is finished but at the same time I can't exactly support the miraculous claims others have experienced. The only significant effect I noticed is that it does seem to calm my skin if I am feeling particularly congested but then again even that is kind of an abstract phenomenon which may or may not be owed solely to the elixir itself. 

My conclusion for Caudalie's Beauty Elixir remains a bit mixed at this point so I would recommend it only as an "extra" indulgence if you enjoy it but its definitively not an essential step in my beauty routine. 

You can get more information and purchase Caudalie's products from their own site or at our trusty Sephora here! 

I hope someone finds this honest review helpful!

Have you tried the Caudalie Beauty Elixir? Did it work out for you?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

My Summer Beauty Heroes

My Summer Beauty Heroes with Antipodes, Omorovicza, Make Up Forever

I wanted to share my very own "Summer Beauty Essentials" post. These are products that I have been using almost daily and are the things I would gladly recommend to anyone.
They all have some hero qualities and help me in my endless quest of pursuing my girliness to the highest degree. I tried to cover each category, face, body, hair with little bits of color thrown in.
I hope you enjoy my little collection - please let me know if you want to see a review of any product in particular.

I would love to hear about your summer essentials as well!

XOXO

Anja