Friday, April 11, 2014

Memories and thoughts on skincare products....


This no name straw bag hopped into my cart.
I cannot say what possessed me to buy it as I have been looking at the Kate Spade bags recently.

Isla might like playing with it when she gets over her pneumonia.

I have fond memories of my Grandmother's handbags...
she would patiently watch as I emptied out each item slowly and carefully.
She never carried a designer handbag as she was a woman living on a very modest income.
He purses were leather and when the metal clasps closed they made a loud snapping sound.
I loved that clack and would open and close her bag repeatedly.
I can imagine that it might get tedious listening to that racket but she would simply smile as she watched me.

I remember a few things that she carried in her bag...
 Kleenex, big white peppermints, a mirrored compact with powder for her nose,
her lipstick which was a dark shade of red...
(I used to get red lip marks on my cheeks after she kissed me!)
She had a small leather coin purse with an equally wonderful snapping closure inside with her change.
I know that she had some house keys but other than that I cannot think of anything else.
Those were the days before credit cards and loyalty cards...
she was an avid reader so there must have been a library card somewhere in her bag
and perhaps a bank book.


I bought this top as it fits in with all my black and greys...
will even look good with my white jeans.
I like the mid section panels as they help to camouflage a few of those wobbly bits.


I might wear this with my black skirt when we take our lovely daughter and her significant other out for dinner next week.
I am thinking of wearing my cowboy booties with some fishnets.



Giddy Up!



I bought some new hose and they are rather a departure from my usual gear.
                                    I hope they do what they say they will or I'll be in trouble!

I'm staying close to home and keeping rested and hydrated as my throat is sore and I think I am getting a cold.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am not getting that nasty bug that turns into pneumonia.
Popping zinc and echinacea lozenges and drinking Perrier, green and black teas.


I could be napping like Pepper.


Or dozing like Chester...


I am absorbed in the latest issue and all the opulent lotions and potions that Holt Renfrew is selling.
La Mer lifting and firming mask which I have never tried is a hefty $260.
La Mer cream is touted as one of the best...but I would not know.
Have you tried it?

Chantecaille La Creme a la Rose is an intense moisturizer,
a radiance boosting moisturizer infused with one of the world's rarest roses from Grasse France...
it's $250 for 50 ml.
A bit steep for my budget.

One product that has me curious is Aerin's rose balm.
It is crafted with an extract of more than 350 rose petals and great for lips and cuticles plus it can be used as a radiant highlighter.
It sells for $64.
I do love roses!

The jar of L'Occitane Divine Cream in the bathroom cabinet is almost empty and I need to restock.
It has been a reliable cream and I love it.
But every now and then I wonder if I should try something new.
I placed my online order as I think it delivers on it's promises.
It hydrates and sinks into the skin and disappears under my make up.

One wonders how many of us succumb to the power of advertising...
having a soft fresh dewy complexion has always been my goal.
It's where I spend money...thrift shop for most of my clothing but splurge on skincare!

With age comes lines and wrinkles and I am not overly concerned about them.
I do want to nourish and maintain hydration as my skin tends to be dry.

I'm just a wee bit curious...
what products do you use and are you faithful to them or do you dabble in other lines?
Do you spend a lot or try to use budget friendly products?

Grandmother used Noxema for years.
 I still remember that scent when I would snuggle up in her arms.
She was a no nonsense kind of gal.
She had a great influence on my life and I think she helped to shape me into the woman that I have become.
 I miss her and I think of her often.

Hope that this post finds you well and in good spirits.

Take care.
Hostess


43 comments:

Susan B said...

I'm in the middle of reading another of those "beauty industry insider" books, where the author says what we've heard before, that 90% of skincare claims are hooey, and that what we really need is moistuizer, sunscreen and maybe some Retin A. So when my current batch of stuff runs out, it's back to the Eucerin Hyaluron for me.I have tried Creme de Mer. It's good, but I don't think it's worth the $$.

Marguerite said...

I love skin care products, but depend on inexpensive drug store moisturizers such as Eucerin or Cerave. I like inexpensive almond oil and Vaseline for body moisturization. Sunscreen use is the key to good skin. I have always worn face foundation for added protection. Those very high end products are probably really nice, but I'm happy with what I'm using. I'll spend that money on bags and shoes, than you very much :)

Cathy said...

I've tried La Mer and do not understand what all the hype is about; it seemed ordinary to me. I do experiment a bit but keep coming back to Olay Regenerist micro sculpting cream and RoC Retinol Correxion night cream. They cost much less than La Mer (both sold at drug stores, Target, etc.) and I like them better. My splurge is L'Occitaine almond shower oil, it is great for dry skin. I use it instead of soap or body wash in the shower. Despite the name, it is not greasy.

LPC said...

I love the idea of fishnets and cowboy booties:).

LPC said...

And I remain faithful to Apriori Beauty products. They work, and have nothing in them possibly harmful.

Anonymous said...

When deciding on my current skincare routine, I looked around at people who have skin I admired and found out what they were using. The Shiseido brand kept coming up, so that's what I've been using for the past several months, and I am a satisfied customer. My skin is very hydrated and healthy-looking.

In the past, I've used an Olay Regenerist lotion and RoC retinol cream, and I saw results from both, especially the RoC which visibly reduced the wrinkles around my eyes (though it took at least a month before I noticed any change.) The Olay was very similar to the Shiseido moisturizers I'm currently using-- it kept my skin looking hydrated and "plump".

Anonymous said...

By the way, I'll probably eventually put RoC or some sort of retinol product back into the routine; I just wanted to see what Shiseido can do. One thing I didn't like about RoC is that it didn't sufficiently moisturize my skin.

Patricia said...

Hi Leslie, I am on my second jar of L'Occitane Divine cream - I tried another cream after the first jar, but wasn't as happy with it. I only use it at night - for day I use CeraVe AM moisturiser with sun screen. In the summer I use Vichy facial sunscreen, no extra moisturiser. I'm also using a couple of Indeed Labs products - the Retinol Reface at night and the Hydraluron serum, which I like very much.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I love the shower oil too and just bought the almond oil spray for after the shower or bath. I highly recommend it.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I remember when you wrote about them on your blog I emailed the owner and she does not ship to Canada so I was never able to give them a try. It's a bonus when products are free of additives, one feels better using them.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I cannot use retinal as I have sensitive skin and rosacea which just gets worse when I tried it. I know many women swear by it though.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The Divine Cream recently won another award I think it was by the writers of the Beauty Bible. It really is a fine product but I do find it a wee big pricey. Their almond products are wonderful too....I need to get a new sunscreen soon too. I find sunscreen to be a real challenge as so many just sit on the skin and make up doesn't blend well at all. Must check out the Vichy brand.

Madame Là-bas said...

I enjoy trying different skin care products and my Paris neighbourhood is the place to try them. There is a Bobbi Brown shop, Claudalie, L'Occitane, Pure skin care, Make up for Life??? and Dr
Someone or Other. Monoprix has a huge section of lower priced products mostly from L'Oreal or Nivea. I loved the Noxema smell of my grandmas. A good leather purse was necessary and the same black one would have lasted forever. I have loved product since my early HBC Charm School days although I am not convinced that good Irish/Scottish skin in a coastal climate really needs high-priced potions. But that doesn't stop me from collecting samples that I can use in my travels. Take care that you don't let your cold develop into something worse.Bon week-end.

Jennifer said...

I hope you can avoid getting sick!! I'm a firm believer in natural, chemical free and organic products. The latest I'm tryng is by Kari Gran which I love. I always use the rose seed hip oil but mix it up with other products. I agree, hydration is the most important thing my skin needs now. I hope you avoid that cold!!! xoxoJennifer

Coulda shoulda woulda said...

Save your money on la mer!! It is a kerfuffle to put on and so heavy!! Some say it's great but I think it's just to make themselves feel better bc it would be too much a waste...I change every few months but at present use decleor

MAZL said...

My skin is sensitive and very intolerant. I have just started using Avène and already noticing a big improvement and it is not expensive.

Jenifer said...

I use Paula's Choice skin care and have seen great results. She also has a huge database of almost all of the skin care out there so you can read about claims and ingredients before you buy. With any skin care it is figuring out what you need and what will work (aha, bha, vit c, retinol, etc). Right now I am in love with her skin brightening cream and vitamin c. http://www.paulaschoice.com

kristieinbc said...

I'm pretty much a no make-up person. I have rosacea, which is mostly under control since I started eating gluten-free, but any kind of product on my face tends to set it off again. However, having said that I do sometimes wear BB cream. It s something that started in Korea, and the idea is it is supposed to even out your skin tones. At night I use some cream a friend makes. She has her own soap and cosmetic business, and it is lovely. I hope you manage to fight off whatever germs have taken up residence in your body.

kristieinbc said...

I posted my comment before reading through the previous ones. I see you also have rosacea. I would love to hear what you have found that helps with this condition. Unfortunately I also have ocular rosacea, and that really scares me. It was what motivated me to try giving up wheat. I was desperate. The ocular rosacea and the rosacea on my face are much better, but not 100%. I still have a patch on my forehead that just won't clear up no matter what I do.

AR said...

Yonka skincare for 20 years that's tweaked seasonally by my esthetician. Christian Dior Creme Abricot for nails and cuticles. By Terry Rose de Baume for lips, cuticles etc. It's simply divine!

Anonymous said...

Oh, Hostess, I have such a thing for straw bags for spring/summer. The one you found is lovely! I am in the process of trying to preserve my inherited Grandmother's straw bag--I adore it but the leather handles are starting to give. I am doing a giveaway next week which will include a vintage straw bag. As for skin care, I am currently staying with Paula's Choice after venturing off into other more expensive brands. But my all time favorite skin care product is almond oil. Simple, simple.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Oh that HBC Charm School was so long ago but I do remember lots of the lessons we were taught. The Yardley London Look was big then and Jean Shrimpton was on all the covers...we used oatmeal soap, white lip gloss and blue eye shadow !!!!
Things have really changed haven't they?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think the cold has won out over me....taking it easy though and keeping hydrated.
Lots of time to read books and blogs :-))

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have used Avene and their sensitive skin line was good especially their redness reducing lotion which helped my rosacea.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have heard about Paula's Choice as frugal scholar uses her products too and she'd seems to be loyal to the line.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Go to my blog sidebar and find the tag skincare as I have written quite a bit about my rosacea. I use Sea Buckthorn salve at night. I have a gentle BB cream called Sweet Lei Lani which is all natural and made by a woman in Langley BC it is sold at many health and drug stores. You might want to give those two things a try. Good luck with the rosacea...I was told it is my Irish/ Scandinavian genetics that have contributed to this condition. I avoid all the classic triggers too.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I popped by your blog and left a comment and have signed up to get your posts via email.
I hope that you will post a picture of your grandmother's basket sometime.

Lorrie said...

Skin care is so important. Since reading about it on Tish's blog, I've been using Vichy's 3 in one cleanser and their moisturizer. I'm very pleased with it, but might look for an eye repair cream to help those dark circles disappear.
Stay cozy and warm - treat yourself gently.

Fiona Ferris said...

Bonjour Hostess, I hope you are feeling better. I have used department store skincare such as Estee Lauder, Dior and the rest, and I don't think they are any better than lesser priced brands such as local ones (Natio here) and Olay type brands. Certainly more luxurious feeling to use and lovely containers/smell etc, but I always feel guilt and remorse at the price! I love to use a serum but find most are overpriced and alcohol based. Instead I use a nice facial oil to pat in before my night cream. Currently my day cream is Olay Complete SPF15 for Sensitive skin and it is nice and light under my makeup. I save my heavier products for bedtime as my skin gets quite shiny still.

Susan said...

Lorrie, in an above comment, I mentioned Bobbi Brown's extra eye repair cream for dark circles. I've been using it for about four months now--and I would say I have no dark circles!

Jeannine said...

Love the bag and the top. You are so brave (I think) with the tights! Wish I had something to add to the skincare debate, but I've been struggling myself with it. My skin has become very dry this winter and I find my face to be perpetually "flaky". Hope you feel better soon :-)

Anonymous said...

I hope you get better soon. I wish I were a black, grey and white person where clothing is concerned. It looks so easy to have a simple wardrobe. I love your purse and top. The top appears to be a stronger abstract version of your cats coats.
Sharon

Sheree said...

Fiona, I like the same thing. My daughter gave me a nice sample of a department store brand and it had PABA in it. It turned my white top yellow.

Linda @ a design snack said...

I have nothing to add on the skin care front but I have used thigh high hose. They do stay up. Hope you are better soon.

applepie said...

You really need to go to Paula Begoun's Cosmetic Cop site and read about those ridiculouly over priced skincare lines. You need to know what is in something...the key ingredients. Olay Regenerist is my go to as well. People often dismiss brands like Olay but read the reviews at Cosmetic Cop...for the most part the ingredients are state of the art. These companies have the big bucks to do the research and mass produce things. In any event most high end products are made in exactly the same factories (they are all owned by only a few corporations ie. Estee Lauder/Clinique/ MAC/Origns-all the same!) with the same ingredients (plus lots of fragance. La Mer is a fraud!

KSL said...

Sorry about your cold, it seems they do usually win the fight. I keep coming back to Skinceuticals. I do see a huge difference in color and texture with them. However I should do some research and see if there are any harmful chemicals in them. I'm so careful with food, cleaning supplies, everything else - but it's like I don't want to know about my skin products!
Deja Pseu is right about Retin A - but is it bad for you?

Bonnie said...

I do hope you and those you have been caring for are feeling better. I have used some wonderful ski care products,but remain faithful to Murad. I have used it for years. Wrinkles are just a fact of aging. Like you I just want to keep my skin healthy and hydrated. I hope you are are having a good weekend. Bonnie

Anonymous said...

I have three different evening routines that I rotate through during the week. Day one: Vitamin C serum followed by Nivea Q10 cream. Day two: Matrixl serum followed by a Copper cream. Day three: prescription Retinol followed by Olay. That hits all the cosmeceutical bases. Lucy

Kristien62 said...

I have not been able to find Eucerin Hyaluron in the states. Passed it by in Galway last year thinking I could wait until just before we departed for home from Dublin. Big mistake. I couldn't find it anywhere. Do you get it here in the states?

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I have not tried it myself but I did a quick google search and it looks like you can find some of the hyaluron products on amazon...good luck!

My Little Home and Garden said...

Maybe it's because I'm fostering a cat right now, but my attention was drawn to beautiful Pepper and Chester. There is something so cozy about sleeping cats.

Karen

Anonymous said...

Love l'occitane products as well. But I'm in love with your straw purse - where did you get it? Do they have anymore and can they ship to the states??

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I found it in Value Village, a local thift shop. I have a sneaky feeling it was from a chinese import store though as we have many in our historic chinatown area of Victoria. If you live in an area that has a chinatown you may find one...good luck on your hunt and if I find another i will certainly keep you in mind.