Really good, rich moisturizers?

[HiHeels]

I was a la mer devotee but now use Nuxe Creme Fraiche. It's very comparable to la mer without the pricetag and I use it all over my face and neck. I also remove my makeup with DHC deep cleansing oil - this stuff rocks!

is nuxe sold in the US?
any thoughts on how nuxe compares to shea butter?
that's what i've turned to this week, thanks to this whole thread.

 

[cbcb]

didn't see a poster say la mer was shea butter (is it "shay" or "shay-a"?), but i assumed it was very diff. because of the consistency. anyway, tracked down a l'occitane mini tin and have been putting the wax (even when warmed, it's waxy) on my face 3 times a day. my prob. isn't peeling, cracking or redness, just tight tight tight so the point that moving my face makes inta-wrinkles or something. it's very weird. awaiting my new humidifier. can't tell if the shea butter is doing anything besides sitting on the skin. does la mer sink in?

Try olive oil - a little dab on wet hands, smoosh them around on each other and pat on a wet face at night. VERY softening, not clogging at all (in that quantity).

 

[BalBabe]

is nuxe sold in the US?
any thoughts on how nuxe compares to shea butter?
that's what i've turned to this week, thanks to this whole thread.

I have a tin of shea butter and don't like it as a moisturizer as I find it doesn't sink into my skin, it just stays on top. Nuxe sinks right in and really moisturizes. I also use their honey lip balm all the time. It lasts forever and stays put on my lips. It's great alone or with lipstick or lipgloss over it.

The last time I was in NYC I bought Nuxe at Barneys but you can also buy it online at www.beautyhabit.com and sephora used to carry it as well.

 

[HiHeels]

I have a tin of shea butter and don't like it as a moisturizer as I find it doesn't sink into my skin, it just stays on top. Nuxe sinks right in and really moisturizes. I also use their honey lip balm all the time. It lasts forever and stays put on my lips. It's great alone or with lipstick or lipgloss over it.

The last time I was in NYC I bought Nuxe at Barneys but you can also buy it online at www.beautyhabit.com and sephora used to carry it as well.

thanks i'm going to look that up right now. i was in sephora today - didn't think to look for the nuxe stuff. saw the l'occitane line and considered a shea-based (25%) face cream called rich. anyone familiar? definitely feels like the shea stays on top, the pures stuff.
i don't really want to smell like olive oil.
i use that on my hair sometimes, before a shampoo - it is amazing for moisturizing, but i would feel like a salad if i didn't rinse it off.

 

[HiHeels]

The last time I was in NYC I bought Nuxe at Barneys but you can also buy it online at www.beautyhabit.com and sephora used to carry it as well.

i should go over to barneys, maybe bergdorf has it too, to check it out in person. i see that nuxe has the dry oil, which i've read about before. they recommend it for face, hair and body. what does 'dry' oil mean?

 

[stl]

The old and classic blue NIVEA. It's been on market for ages and is still rather good !

 

[HiHeels]

The old and classic blue NIVEA. It's been on market for ages and is still rather good !

do you mean the german one or the US one - very different formulations.

 

[Caffeine]

my new love is the La Prairie. not oily yet moisturizing my skin very much
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/main/ProductDetail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443941861&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=282574492703478&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395222441&bmUID=1131974456451&DCLKSLOT=4

 

[HiHeels]

my new love is the La Prairie. not oily yet moisturizing my skin very much

i've got no problem with oily - the richer the better!

 

[Caffeine]

i've got no problem with oily - the richer the better!

Then Creme de Lamer might work for you?

 

[HiHeels]

Then Creme de Lamer might work for you?

some posters have recommended it, but some have found better alternatives, and one poster actually said she has to reapply it. if it's going to cost that much, i shouldn't have to keep putting it on throughout the day.

right now i'm using pure shea butter, and then a top layer of kiehl's panthenol protein moisturizer.

 

[littleblacksheep]

Re: Nuxe Dry Oil, HiHeels - I have this and use it as a body moisturiser. Its dryin the sense that it drys into the skin very quickly and doesn't have any stickiness. I have a spray bottle of it and 2 sprays would cover my arms, and when I rub it in, it isn't slippy at all...gosh, I am really bad at explaining , but I love it and use it regularly. Mind you, I stock up on it in France where it is much cheaper I found than when I saw it in the States.

I have used it on my face occasionally as an aftersun overnight, but wouldn't use it as a regular moisturiser, and also on my hair before going swimming, or while in the sun to prevent it drying out. I love the scent. However, as a regular facial moisturiser I would rather just buy a specific facial moisturiser. I also have Nuxe's Creme Fraiche which Balbabe mentioned and really like it as a regular day or night moisturiser.

 

[HiHeels]

Re: Nuxe Dry Oil...
and also on my hair before going swimming, or while in the sun to prevent it drying out. I love the scent. However, as a regular facial moisturiser I would rather just buy a specific facial moisturiser. I also have Nuxe's Creme Fraiche which Balbabe mentioned and really like it as a regular day or night moisturiser.

thanks so much for that info. would you say you have dry skin? creme fraiche - is that the thickest one they make?
how is the dry oil on the hair? does it also not dry sticky there? i am intrigued.

 

[littleblacksheep]

thanks so much for that info. would you say you have dry skin? creme fraiche - is that the thickest one they make?
how is the dry oil on the hair? does it also not dry sticky there? i am intrigued

NO, I don't have dry skin - sometimes my forehead feels tight, but I moisturise well straight after cleansing and am ususally ok for the day. I work in an air-conditioned office though and that is a bit drying so sometimes in the evening I apply a thicker moisturiser - like Nuxe's Ultra Comfortable Face Cream, which has a thicker consistency than the Creme Fraiche. The L'Occitane Shea cream you mentioned I have tested in the store before and liked it too - I know a lot of people that like that range.

The Dry Oil I have only applied to my hair when on the beach, and I am v.particular with my hair so put loads on - probably more than required and combed it through. I have v.fine hair so it looked I supposed much as though I had leave on conditioner in it - i.e. not sticky at all but slightly wet looking, but I put lots in. I think if one had thicker hair, a sprtiz of it rubbed between the palms would work in much the same way as a serum, but not as sticky...

 

[HiHeels]

NO, I don't have dry skin ...
- like Nuxe's Ultra Comfortable Face Cream, which has a thicker consistency than the Creme Fraiche. The L'Occitane Shea cream you mentioned I have tested in the store before and liked it too - I know a lot of people that like that range.

The Dry Oil I have only applied to my hair when on the beach, and I am v.particular with my hair so put loads on

sounds like the ultra comfortable might work for me. the shea butter that i use is not the cream (i think that is called 'rich', by l'occitane). i use the pure butter - it looks like wax. is the dry oil equal to a leave-in conditioner? i LOVE conditioner.

 

[littleblacksheep]

I wouldn't use it in place of your normal conditioner. However, as an overnight treatment it might be worth a shot, in the same way olive oil would. I never really use it like that - but that is because my hair can get weighed down easily being so fine, but if you got it it's def worth a shot!.

I love it on my skin, and many of my friends have bought it too, as it moisturises well and leaves a beautiful sheen on the skin as well as a delicate scent. I have embarrassed myself by unconsciously sniffing my wrist sometimes as I just love it . I also got the accompanying candle too as my travel candle

 

[gruveechik]

where do you buy the shea butter (unprocessed, etc.)?

Yow! sorry didn't reply - been away a while.

Can get the least-processed shea butter in Health-Food stores/Natural-Health stores. Here in Toronto, some Shoppers' Drug Marts carry it.

Even in the natural health stores, it's best to check the quality of the Shea by looking at colour & scent & reading the label (also, if it doesn't say 100% shea butter, then it's most likely just a cream) eg. i find the Karite brand (funnily enough b/c Karite = Shea) isn't as pure as the Shea All Naturals that i find at SDM.

Also - Shea Butters produced by afro-centric companies tend to be purer/less-processed... eg. companies like: Black to Eden, Joylypso... etc. Some of these types of companies sell over the internet.

If you can't find the really pure stuff, then try the medium grade eg: Karite (which is generally available in natural health stores) and Jason's.

 

[gruveechik]

By the way, does anyone know which oils are most/least comedogenic and the different qualities of each of these oils?

lanolin / solid veg.butters / plant oils / mineral oils / petroleum based oils

Lanolin - can irritate skin... i tend to avoid it b/c i get a rash.

Solid Vegetable butters - generally safe and nourishing. Least processed or virgin is best. Eg: Coconut Oil (liquifies at certain temperature), Shea, Cocoa Butter.

Plant oils - ditto. Eg: Primrose, Avocado, Almond, Rose Hip Seed, Jojoba, Sesame.

Mineral oil = Petroleum based oil = least beneficial. Most likely to be comedogenic and in the long-run is not good for your skin.

Here are some oil recommendations: http://www.womentodaymagazine.com/beauty/skintypes.html

For Oily Skin
Hazelnut, Jojoba

For Dry Skin
Rose Hips Seed, Evening Primrose, Borage

For Sensitive Skin
Camellia, Rose Hips Seed, Jojoba

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btw: totally agree w/ previous poster re: what you're using to cleanse your face. For me, i must use creamy cleanser in winter for dry skin (i used to use Organic Country - discontinued - now i use Dove Cream Cleanser for Sensitive Skin) and i can get away with foaming cloths in summer (my fave is Life brand - if i can't get it, then i use Dove for Sensitive Skin. Find Olay too harsh).

 

[gruveechik]

More notes on plant-based oils.
http://www.britain.tv/beautyfashion_oils_for_skin_use_or_not.shtml

...Natural oils contain hundreds of organic constituents such as hormones, vitamins and other natural elements that can be beneficial for the skin. Natural oils can be divided into two general categories - essential oils and carrier or base oils.

Essential oils are volatile compounds found in plants. .obtained by distillation or expression. Essential oils are highly concentrated and used at a very low concentration.

Carrier oils, such as almond, sunflower, olive, walnut are used in higher concentration in cosmetics, or they can be applied directly to the skin to nourish, soften and protect it. They are used as a base in which essential oils are diluted.

Oils are highly penetrating. They easily enter through a cell wall delivering essential vitamins, oxygen, and nutrients. This helps to stimulate cell metabolism and regeneration process. Ability of oils to penetrate and carry nutrients through the the cell wall to the cell nucleus can prevent cell deterioration that can lead to infections and diseases. Many oils have anti bacterial properties, thus helping to reduce infections in sensitive or damaged skin. Oils have been successfully used in skin care preparations for centuries. They constitute a substantial part of skin care formulations, and some people actually prefer oils to creams.

It might sound strange, but oils can be used as skin cleansers. Sunflower (non-refined), olive, almond oils will serve the purpose. Did you know that vegetable oil is a great way to remove oil-based paint from the skin? The same mechanism works with everyday residues and impurities that accumulate on your skin. Oils effectively lift off the dirt, leaving the skin clean and nourished. If you still prefer water, but your sensitive skin feels dry after it, apply oil to the skin prior to washing your face. Your skin will feel much softer. Many oils, such as safflower oil, are rich in essential fatty acids that the body requires for healthy cells but cannot produce by itself. These acids preserve the protective function of cell membranes. Skin that does not get enough of these nutrients looses moisture and elasticity, becomes dry and forms wrinkles and fine lines. Fatty acids can prevent skin dryness and help to restore moisture balance.

Great controversy exists when it comes to the use of oils on acne-prone skin. The anti bacterial properties of essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree, help to kill the bacteria and counter acne. Basil oil has been successfully used by Indians to clear the skin of the unsightly breakouts. If your skin is oily, you probably would like to avoid oils. However, if you put too much effort into making your skin drier, your skin can take it as a signal to produce even more oil. While moisturizing your skin (there are oil-free products designed for oily skin), you can try products with such essential oils as tea tree, basil, eucalyptus, cedarwood, cypress, lemon, lavender that are known to normalize oily skin and, along with sage and lemongrass oils, to slow down body oil production.

Tea tree oil, chamomile, lavender, geranium, rose, neroli and ylang ylang are recommended for all skin types. These essential oils are soothing, healing and nutritive, they have anti-inflammatory effect.


Mature skin will also benefit from clary sage, palmarosa, carrot seed oil - for they are proven to be effective in wrinkle prevention.

 

[gruveechik]

ok i'll shut up about oils soon... here's more about pitfalls of oils such as: lanolin, petroleum based and plant oils. http://www.theallergysite.co.uk/cosmetics.html
and http://www.inspiredliving.com/organic/skincare/a~skincarechemicals.htm

Lanolin: A fatty substance extracted from wool, which is frequently found in cosmetics and lotions. Lanolin is a common skin sensitiser that can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes.

Mineral Oil: A derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. Mineral oil forms an oily film over the skin to lock in moisture, toxins and wastes, but hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out.

Petroleum by-product that coats the skin like plastic, clogging the pores. Interferes with skin's ability to eliminate toxins, promoting acne and other disorders. Slows down skin function and cell development, resulting in premature aging. Used in many products (baby oil is 100% mineral oil!) Any mineral oil derivative can be contaminated with cancer causing PAH's (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons). Manufacturers use petrolatum because it is unbelievably cheap.

• Mineral oil
• Liquidum paraffinum (also known as posh mineral oil!)
• Paraffin oil
• Paraffin wax
• Petrolatum

Natural Oils (reason why best to purchased as pure natural oils/butters as possibleNatural oils used in cosmetics should be cold pressed. The refined vegetable oils found on supermarket shelves and many health food stores which lack colour, odour and taste are devoid of nutrients, essential fatty acids, vitamins and unsaponifiables - all valuable skin conditioning agents! They also contain poisonous "trans" fatty acids as a result of the refining process. Another important factor to consider with creams made from plant oil is the use-by date. The most beneficial plant oils (like rosehip, borage and evening primrose oils) are polyunsaturated, which means they oxidise and go rancid fairly quickly (about 6 months). Most off-the-shelf cosmetics have a shelf life of three years. Rancid oils are harmful, they form free-radicals, which damage and age your skin.

*glub* *glub*
i'm all oiled out

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