Laura Mercier Silk Crème Oil Free Photo Edition Foundation Review + Demo

The first video offering of May is a requested review of my new favourite foundation, Silk Crème from Laura Mercier. It was repackaged after I bought it, and it's new name is Silk Crème Oil Free Photo Edition foundation ($48/£35).They claim it is the exact same formula though, which is why I decided to go through with the review. You've probably seen me mention it before, because I've been loving it and using it so much, but for an in-depth review and a demo, make sure you check out this video.

And as always, if there are any other products you would like me to review, let me know!

Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel as well, and you can do that HERE.

Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm

Aesop Rejuventate Intensive Body Balm (£25/$35/120ml) is a very rich body balm, enriched with vanilla, sandalwood and tangerine rind oil, for dry skin. It is light yellow in texture (very similar to Kiehl's Creme de Corps), and the texture is somewhere between a cream and a balm, and it feels quite airy. I have the small size, which comes in a metal tube. There is also a 500ml version that comes in their signature brown bottle with a pump (£69/$97).


Now, I know what you're probably thinking. That much for a little tube? I agree, it is alot, but luckily, a little goes a long way. You may remember that I was giftet this for my birthday, and honestly, it would take alot for me to pay that much for something that I go through so quickly. So this is obviously a luxury item, and you can tell. The first thing you notice is the yummy smell. It's a soft and almost warm smell, that lingers on the skin without being overbearing. The first time I used this my husband commented on the lovely smell, and asked what it was, which he rarely does. I use this every night after my shower, and apply it all over my body. As I said, you need very little, and about a pea size is enough for an entire arm. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin soft and supple. If you're used to body lotions or balms for dry skin, you will love that this isn't sticky. In the Aesop range, this is the body balm for most hydration, and as you know I have very dry skin. This leaves me feeling hydrated all day and night, but I would say very dry patches such as elbows may need extra amounts or a heavier cream. Know that it does require a bit of work during application, but I feel that is normal with products that are heavier then creams

On a negative note though, I was surprised to find that there was actually a bit of air in the tube. What's up with that? That being said, that's the only real negative thing about this. I do find that the tube is a good match to this product, and the formula is thick enough so that product doesn't spill out when you're opening it. It's also great for controlling amount, and of course tubes are the easiest containers to get every little bit out of.

Overall, even looking at the price, I really like this body balm. It does it's job, which is saying something when you have dry skin. It smells delicious, and the packaging works. It's also suited for sensitive skin, and I have not experienced any problems over these pasts weeks. Let's not forget it's delicious scent! It also feels very light, which is a nice change from similar products.

Chanel Joues Contraste in 80 Jersey and 170 Rose Glacier

With the launch of Chanels new powder foundation, Aqualumière Loose Powder, they also launched two new Joues Contraste blushes (£31/$45). They launched in Europe, Asia and the Middle East a few weeks ago, and should launch in the US in September. The colours are 80 Jersey, which is more or less a light orange shade with matching microshimmer, and 170 Rose Glacier which is a beautiful and bright pink, with gold microshimmer. They both have the typical Joues Contraste rose smell, which I'm personally not a big fan of. I have heard that Jersey will be a Europe exclusive, but I can't be sure until I read anything about the US launch. Both are limited edition.

For years now the Joues Contraste blushes have been some of my favorites. I'm a complete sucker for packaging so of course I love anything Chanel puts out. The colours are always beautiful, the formula is not powdery and they're always so radiant, even if it's not a shimmery shade. They're easy to work with, and wear well. From time to time I hear that there are two different formulas to these blushes and that the US versions are different from the rest of the world. I don't know if that has changed, because it has been a while, but unless otherwise mentioned, all of mine are from Europe.

170 Rose Glacier is my favorite of the two. It is a very bright, fun pink that I personally feel would be best suited for a heavy nighttime makeup. It may have a bit too much shimmer for some. I pulled some other blushes from my collection for swatches, and I would say the most similar blush that I own is NARS Orgasm. They are both pink with gold shimmer, although the gold is much more muted in Rose Glacier.

70 Jersey is the most unique of the two shades. As you can see from the swatches I didn't really have any that are particularly similar. It looks quite brown on my computer screen, but I assure you it is orange, with a slight hint of brown. The blush that swatches the closest in person is Chanel Joues Contraste Espiègle (LE shade from spring 2011), although Jersey is a bit more brown with less shimmer.

Tom Ford Nude Dip Eye Color Quad

 Today I wanted to introduce you to my new eyeshadow quad, Tom Ford's Nude Dip, from his fall 2014 collection. It seems that everyone and their mother has been going crazy over this, and having it in my hands, I understand why. This is actually my first ever Tom Ford makeup product outside of lipstick. I often have trouble buying eyeshadow palettes, because I feel that I have to want every colour in it, not just one or two. When I first saw the pictures of this quad, I knew it would suit me perfectly. It launched in the US a few weeks ago, and sold out in a blink, so I was checking Selfridges twice a day for weeks, to make sure I got my hands on one. I'm so happy to have this as my first TF quad, and I think this will be used very often.

The four shades are all very metallic, and buttery soft. You can use them both wet and dry, but I haven't found a good technique for using them wet yet. The colours are a champagne, a light pink, a taupey grey and a dark brown shade. The first three are the most metallic (just the way mama likes it!), and the brown is almost a matte metallic with a warm microshimmer. The light pink is easily my favorite, and I think that the dark brown can easily be duped. They are an absolute dream to work with, and I experienced no fall-out. This is the most expensive eyeshadow quad I own, but hands down also the best one. It just feels so luxurious, and I think that's what one would expect from a quad in it's price range. I can't wait to layer the two lightest shades over By Terry Ombre Blackstar eyeshadow eyeshadows for the most metallic eye ever!

Now, I know that this is more or less sold out, but Harrods still has it in stock, and they ship to tons of locations worldside. You can also check your local Tom Ford boutique or counter if you have one, as they may still have them in stock.

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

The Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask from Bliss (£42/$54/100ml) is a brightening, lightening and tightening mask from Bliss' Treat Yourself skincare range. They claim it is a 'super quick fix for dull, tired and sallow, 'I'm sick of my skin' skin'. It's made to mimic the famous Triple Oxygen Treatment Facial that you can get at any Bliss spa. I bought this on a whim a few months ago, when my skin was looking a bit dull, and this looked, well, fun. It has been featured as an InStyle Best Beauty Buy five years in a row.

It comes in a white bottle with a pump that dispenses very small amouts, and i would say that I easily use 15 pumps for a full face application. The texture is a light coral, almost milky, colour and feels somewhat like a light gel. It has a light and sweet smell, that somehow reminds me of traditional, Norwegian tran, which is cod liver oil with lemon flavour. But in a good way, I promise. You apply it onto damp skin, and once in contact with water it lathers into something resembling a not-so-dense shaving foam and turns white. This is when it starts getting fun. You leave it on for five minutes while little air bubbles pop on your skin. It has a tingling sensation, and at the same time it feels like it's sliding off your face. After five minutes most of the foam is gone, and you basically look like you have a soapy foam beard. I end my session by removing any residue with a warm wash cloth.

I'm not really sure how this crazy technology works, but it does. The results are immediate, and the skin looks bright and refreshed. I love using this in the morning maybe twice a week, or before getting ready for a special occasion or event. I love that it comes in a very generous size too, and this will probably last me a full year. Using it actually manages to give me joy. How is it possible to care so much for a facial mask? Does it give any long term effects though? It's hard to tell, but I wouldn't really think so, although dull skin hasn't been much of an issue since I started using this. I believe it's one of those products where it's hard to know how much it really does until you stop using it. I would still love it even if the effect only lasted a day though, it's absolutely worth it.

Using it has made me wonder about how the actual spa treatment feels like, and what the results are. Surely it must be fantastic? They have spas several places in the US, as well as London, Barcelona, Doha, St. Petersburg and Hong Kong.

I would recommend this facial mask for anyone that needs a pick-me-up for dull skin. Using it is so lovely, and I believe it would benefit all skintypes. To make it even better, the big size makes it an absolute steal. It's impossible for me not to love this, as it is easy, fun, quick and gives great results.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask

Eve Lom's Rescue Mask (£35/$50/50ml) is a deep cleansing clay mask for all skintypes. It comes in a white tube, but there is also a bigger 100ml size that comes in a pot. This is supposedly the star product of Eve Lom's skincare range. I've been using this mask for almost two months now, twice a week in the evenings. I also use this as a spot treatment, and I may use it as often as every other day if I have a particularly pesky spot. It has won InStyle's award for "best mask for congested skin" for seven consecutive years.

With this mask, Eve Lom promises deep cleansing without drying, and it's suppost to help smooth the skins surface, calm redness and irritation and soothe puffy skin and eyes. I mainly rely on this for deep cleansing, and I love it for that purpose. It is hands down the best cleansing mask I have ever tried. I have experienced a bit of oily skin this summer, and this is excellent for oil control. I especially notice that when I use it as a spot treatment, and it just dries pimples so beautifully. Sometimes once is enough for spots, and you can see the spot getting smaller throughout the day. On a regular basis though, I use it all over my face twice a week, but only post shower in the evenings when my pores are open. I always leave it on for 20 minutes, and Eve Lom recommends 15-20 minutes, but I notice that when I have oiliness or spots those extra five minutes make a difference. It dries down to a hard finish that's not uncomfortable. Eve Lom recommends you remove it with a dry cloth in upward movements (which exfoliates), but I prefer just removing it like I would any other dry mask, using a wet wash cloth.  I love that it comes in a tube. Allthough the bigger one gives better value money wize, it seems very unpractical for two reasons. The first being that you have to shake it before use, and you can actually hear that it goes a little bit thinner right away. The other being that the tube gives you great contron of how much product you want to use, it's quite thick, so you won't end up squeezing out too much. The bigger pot does come with a spatula, but it just seems that it would be so messy compared to the tube.

The product itself is a very light gray, almost white, clay with tiny black grains of what I believe may be sweet almond seed meal, but don't quote me on that. The main ingredient is kaolin, which is a white clay often found it clay masks. I know there are many people that react to this particular type of clay, but I have never experienced any problems, even though I have sensitive skin. If you think you may have had a reaction to kaolin before, you may want to get a sample first. It smells very strongly of camphor, which I find quite envigorating, allthough I know it's something that people may dislike.

All in all I have been extremly happy with this mask. It cleanses so well, yet I don't find it drying. I love using it on those days where I can relax in the evenings, and I always feel like I'm pampering myself when I use this. This has quickly turned into a holy grail product for me, and I would easily say it's worth much more than its price. I would recommend this for anyone with normal or dry skin that needs that extra cleanse once in a while. I wouldn't not recommend this to someone with oily skin, it's just that I don't have any experience as to how this would work when you need more oil control than I do. However, it does help with oil, and obviously with impurities and congested skin, so I would give this a go if you're looking for a cleansing mask, no matter what your skintype is.

Chanel Hydramax + Active Active Moisture Mask

Chanel Hydramax + Active Active Moisture Mask (£39/$50/75ml) is, as far as I know, the only moisture mask in Chanels skincare range. It is creamy and pale blue, with a thick almost gel-like texture. It has the typical Hydramax scent.

I purchased this about a month ago, because my skin was suddently feeling dry and stiff. I had a sample of this years ago, and remembered loving it. I'm particularly weak for the Hydramax scent, probably since my first ever high end skincare was from that range, although I believe it had a different name back then. I'm happy to announce it is as good as I remembered.

Upon application it goes on like a regular cream, but leaves a sticky feeling as if you were wearing a very thick cream. Chanel recommends you wear it for ten minutes before washing off. I have always just worn it over night, and my skin feels very moisturized and a little plump in the morning. It's almost completly absorbed in the morning. I don't have a routine as to when I use this, so I just apply it when I feel that my skin needs it.

One thing I have to mention about this facial mask is that the second ingredient is glycerin. Glycerin is very often added to skincare so that you won't have any reactions to the other ingredients. I have sensitive skin, and I often notice a reaction sooner or later anyway. When I use this I sometimes start to itch on my cheeks, which is how a breakout usually starts for me. Now, I've never broken out when using this, but I wouldn't want to use it too often.

Even with the glycerin and the looming though of breakouts, I still really like this. Mostly because it does what it's suppost to do. I don't have to use it several days in a row to get good results, I feel them the next morning. It's a nice little treat to use once in a while, and it just feels very luxurious. A must have for an evening of pampering. With my use this is surely going to last me a long time, which is a big plus (is there anything more annoying then having to replenish the same product every 2 months?).

On a last note I want to remember you that this is a treatment for when you need that extra boost. If you have dry skin, start with a good moisturizer and the right cleanser to give you balanced skin, don't rely on masks and overtreat your skin.

Diptyque Eau Rose Hand Lotion

Diptyque Eau Rose Hand Lotion (£20/50ml) is basically a cute little hand cream that smells just like the Eau Rose candle. I'm a sucker for packaging and this appeals to my Diptyque-loving heart. It's a nice black and white tube, with just a hint of pink in the roses. I really just bought this on a whim when I came by a store in Norway that sells Diptyque. I'm a big hand cream lover, so how could I say no?

First of all, let's talk about the scent. It smells good, but it's strong, and it lingers. This is not one for those of you that are sensitive to fragrance. The smell is delicious, and very similar to the Eau Rose candle. It absolutely smells like roses, and those of you that love rose fragrance will love this. Personally, I think the fragrance is so strong that I wouldn't want to use this several times during the day. And although the smell gets weaker on the hands over time, it does linger for quite a while.

I'm happy to report that the formula is very nice. The texture is light and creamy, and rubs easily into the skin. Hands feel instantly softened, and it absorbs quite quickly. After about a minute you'll be ready to use your hands again. As someone with dry hands I would say this is a "daytime handcream" that I could apply any time during the day and not feel handicapped as I wait for it to absorb.

I would have to conclude that this is a novelty hand cream. It's a good cream, but considering the price tag the formula itself isn't worth it for me. It's a fun little addition to my handbag, and the scent can easily be a little pickmeup during a busy day. Not to mention, this is a must for all Eau Rose-lovers.

Dior Addict IT-Line

Dior Addict IT-Line (£24.50/$31/9.7ml) is Diors latest liquid eyeliner that launched this summer. It falls into their Addict range, and the packaging is created to match the Addict lip products and fragrances. It launched together with the Dior Addict IT-Lash mascara that I reviewed HERE. They both come in four shades, black, pink, purple and blue. The formula is a regular non-waterproof formula.

When I got this a few months ago I couldn't remember when I last used a liquid eyeliner. I used then all the way through high school, and for a few years after that. Until I discovered the glorious invention that is gel eyeliner. But let's face it, gel eyeliner is a hassle, since I wanted to get something simpler for everyday use, and the choice fell on this because I thought you may like to see it reviewed.

Let me start off by talking about the brush. I'm glad to say that it is an actual brush, and not a felt tip. The handle is quite long (which doesn't look great compared to the mascara, but is practical). It's quite easy to work with, allthough making thin, even lines may not be the easiest task. I would say it is very good quality for this type of brush though. I do really like the packing, it's sleek and cute, and of course, perfectly matches the Addict range.

The formula is also a big plus. It's not too liquid, and it glides on easily, and gives a true, black line (you may need to work with it a few places though). It dries rather quickly, and I have not experienced any smudging or transfer of colour. The end result is actually a bit glossy, which I think gives a nice touch. As long as you don't cry, it sits put through the day, and on me it usually looks almost the same in the evening as in the morning, but with a little bit of wear of course. What's most important to me is that it doesn't flake off in any way, and you can't scratch it off in pieces either. 

All in all, I think this is a liquid eyeliner that is a good buy. I'm not 100% sure about the other colours, but I think they could look cute paired with black on the right person. Allthough I still prefer gel eyeliner over any liquid liner, this is an easy, everyday product that works well. I'll add some swatches of the other liners as well, but know that the blue and purple are not sparkly, that's just some transfer after a swatching party.

Dior Addict IT-Lash

Dior Addict IT-Lash (£22/$26/9ml) is Diors latest mascara that launched this summer. It falls into their Addict range, and the packaging is created to match the Addict lip products and fragrances. It launched together with the Dior Addict IT-Line liquid eyeliner that I will be reviewing tomorrow. They both come in four shades, black, pink, purple and blue. The formula is a regular non-waterproof formula.

When this first came a few months ago I was very hesitant for two reasons. One, I'm not a huge fan of Dior mascaras, and two, I'm not a fan of plastic mascara wands either. But I'm glad to say I was happily surprised. The formula is what I would call a medium in every single way. It's not too thick or too thin, and it doesn't dry too quick or too slow. It goes on very beautiful without anything even resembling a clump. Dior recommend applying it in a zig-zag motion, and if you do that it has a nice lengthening effect. It's not very volumising with just one coat (or atleast not in my opinion), but it has such a perfect drying time that you can go back after the first application and add more for volume. And it still looks nice. I have not experienced any kind of fallout or drizzling during wear, and it comes off easily when using eye make-up remover.

The brush, or wand if you may, is of the plastic kind with silicone bristles I guess I'm going to call them. I feel that many of that kind feel very hard on my lashes, but this doesn't. I would have to say it's almost idential to the CoverGirl Lash Blast wand. I do quite like it, and I feel that brushes are what really make a mascara. This is definetly for the lengthening and seperating junkie.

I actually love the packaging. It's almost a bit cheesy and reminds me of the 90s (my first high end lipstick was actually a Dior Addict lipstick), but the shiny black just looks so nice. It also clicks when it's screwed on properly, which is always nice. I think that this is a good addition to the Dior mascara range, and it's very different from the DiorShow mascaras.