If this were a cooking blog, I might be raving about a stainless steel saucepan or a quirky apple corer. But we’re all about beauty here – and today, it’s all about a few fabulous French icons that caught my eye as a little personal way to welcome spring (or simply treat myself!). My top picks? The shimmering Huile Prodigieuse dry oil from Nuxe, the Multi-Perfecting concealer from Guerlain, the Hypnose mascara by Lancôme, and the legendary Terracotta bronzer, also from Guerlain. Vive la France! 😄
Contents
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil (Shimmer Version)
I love books about French women. I’ve probably mentioned that on the blog about a hundred and fifty times – and I’m sure I’ll bring it up at least twenty more. But here’s why it matters: Nuxe oil just feels like something every French woman owns. And uses. Daily. Head to toe. Maybe with a spritz of Chanel No. 5 just for good measure.
Huile Prodigieuse looks and smells like luxury bottled up. If you told me it was a fancy perfume, I’d believe you before assuming it was a body oil. The scent is stunning – one of those divisive “love it or hate it” fragrances. Luckily, I’m firmly in the “love it” camp.
There are two versions of the oil. I wrote about the original one about a year ago. This one? Same base, but with shimmer – and I’m not exaggerating when I say it looks like liquid gold. I had a brief panic moment wondering if I’d come out looking like Dolores O’Riordan in the Zombie music video!
Thankfully, Nuxe knows what it’s doing. The shimmer is subtle, delicate, and looks like stardust on the skin. It only catches the light at certain angles – magical and understated. I’m already excited for warmer days when I can swap self-tanner for this golden glow. As I get older, I’ve started to love my pale skin more – I’d much rather illuminate than tan it. After all, who needs a full-on color change when you can sparkle instead?
Guerlain Multi-Perfecting Concealer
Do I ever leave the house without makeup? Absolutely. Most of the time, actually. I find full-face coverage stifling and unnecessary – I’m not trying to hide every blush of shyness, twinge of jealousy, or gasp of fear behind a mask. Sure, I like to glam up now and then, but it’s not an everyday thing.
What I do use religiously, though, is concealer – mainly to tackle dark circles and under-eye shadows. I’ve tried a small army of them, and just when I think I’ve found the one, another contender pops up and rewrites my beauty history. For the longest time, Catrice Camouflage reigned supreme – a budget gem that beat out pricier rivals.
Until… Guerlain came along. Oh my goodness – what a find. I got the shade 02 Clair Rosé (Light Cool), and it is perfect. Not too light, not too pink, not too yellow, not too dark. Just right. It covers brilliantly, blends seamlessly, doesn’t settle into lines, clump, cake or patch. It’s divine. An absolute star. A Holy Grail. A Mr. Right of concealers.
And because I only need a teeny dot under each eye, I fear this generous 12 ml tube will expire long before I can ever finish it!
Lancôme Hypnôse Mascara
I could quote another book about French beauty rituals, but let’s be honest – that’s getting a bit predictable. So let’s just say it straight: Hypnôse is a legend.
I don’t usually remember the names of makeup products, but this mascara came up so often in reviews that I couldn’t not try it. And yes, I know most mascaras need a little time to “settle” – they’re often too wet at first, prone to clumping or doing a whole lot of nothing.
But not this one. Lancôme Hypnôse works immediately. From the very first swipe. The wand is gently curved – no weird shapes or gimmicks here, just something that actually works. It separates, defines, and volumizes lashes beautifully. No smudging, clumping, irritation – just fluttery, full lashes that last all day.
I know mascara is a deeply personal thing, and everyone’s lashes are different. But honestly? I think most of you will fall in love with this one. It’s ridiculously hard to find any faults. And believe me, I tried.
Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder
Even though the label says Champs-Élysées, every time I use this bronzer, my mind goes straight to St. Tropez. Maybe it’s the warm, sun-kissed color. Maybe it’s the scent – something that brings back memories of summer, sunscreen, city strolls, and staring at the sea with a sparkling drink in hand.
I adore products like this – not just because of the finished look, but because of how they make me feel. Some makeup just boosts your mood, full stop. And Terracotta is that kind of makeup. It starts your day with a smile and gives off serious “just back from a weekend on the coast” energy.
It took me a long time to get into bronzers and blushes. For the longest time, they just didn’t feel like me. But now? I get it. A few sweeps of Terracotta and suddenly your face lights up, your spirits lift, and life seems just a touch sunnier.
Final Thoughts
From a shimmering body oil that whispers of summer to a bronzer that transports you straight to the French Riviera, these four French beauty gems have fully earned their place on my vanity. Whether you’re after radiant skin, fluttery lashes, or a touch of everyday glam, Guerlain, Lancôme, and Nuxe deliver with effortless charm. Each product brings not only results but also a bit of that elusive joie de vivre—and honestly, isn’t that what great beauty is all about?
*This gem was sent to me for review – but the love (or eye-rolls) are all mine. 🌞
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