Beauty Stash: Products I Can't Live Without


Moving, traveling or relocating to another country may pose a challenge in finding the products we have grown to love elsewhere due to their unavailability. Nowadays, we can purchase products on the internet which can be shipped anywhere. Yet, what happens when shipping becomes very expensive and we really have no access to these products? 

When I left Dubai and the Philippines, I knew I need to brace myself for change. One of them would be changing brands and discovering something new that would be suitable for my hair and skin locally available in France and will also be easier on the wallet without sacrificing quality.

Though I doubt these will be available in Coron since there are no malls nor major supermarkets there, but a brand like Garnier, I'm positive I will be able to afford and easily buy in Manila in the future.  Let's hope I can find the other products there too.

Garnier BB Oil Free Daily Moisturizer (Dhs 29)

Product Review: 
I have a sensitive skin with an oily T- Zone. I purchased the light shade first and instantly loved the texture on my skin. I waited 24 hours for any skin irritations and guess what, my skin is compatible with the BB cream.  It felt like having foundation without the cake look. The tint is lighter than my natural skin tone, so I bought the medium color which was perfect for me. I still use the light one on highlight areas of the face blending it with the medium.  The only drawback recently is, there are limited tints and since I've tanned here in France for being outside a lot, the medium doesn't match my skin tone anymore. The dark shade is too dark, unfortunately. 

To sum it up, I am happy with the product and have replaced the Two Faced Tinted Moisturizer in Nude Glow (which is 5 times the price of Garnier BB by the way ) that I used to purchase from Sephora for years.  The only regret that I have is not trying Garnier BB Cream sooner. I stocked up and am happy to see these are available in both France and the Philippines. I have been using it for the last two months.

Bioderma Seblum Purifying Cleansing Foaming Gel

Product Review:

I have been using Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel for the last 10 to 12 years but I needed an alternative. Dermalogica I've read is available online here in France but appears to be very expensive. I tried searching anyway but haven't spotted any in the pharmacies here in La Vendee. Since Bioderma is all over France, I gave it a try. This can also be pricey but I have tried numerous brands on the supermarket aisle and I always end up with breakouts.
It's for combination to oily skin.  Happy to say, I am compatible with Bioderma and my skin feels fresh and clean after use. I'm still trying to get used to the scent. I never had any breakouts (touch wood) with it and am pleased to continue using it.

I started using Bioderma, in fact, due to my daughter who has eczema and sensitive skin. She has been using Bioderma as prescribed by her pediatrician since birth and since then I have grown fond of the brand. I'm even considering getting myself a facial moisturizer.

Mixa Intensif Peaux Seches Lait du Corps Surgras Anti-Irritations 

Product Review:

The cold spring -summer weather has left my skin extremely dry. Having come from a humid country,it turned into a necessity to apply a body lotion. I like that Mixa is Hypoallergenic. It is without alcohol, paraben and colorant.  I like that it feels light on the skin and it is hydrating. It doesn't leave you with a sticky paste feeling that other lotions tend to give. So yes, I'm happy with the purchase and will definitely buy another one later.



Due to weather and other factors, I've recently had a scalp psoriasis breakout. It has been controlled many many years ago when  I have undergone a homeopathic and naturopathic treatment based on a holistic anti-inflammatory diet and vitamin supplements of Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin B5 Pantothenic Acid and etc. I was diagnosed by my doctor through Iridology that there are pockets in my intestines that store accumulated toxins from what I eat so we did a colon cleanse through a detoxifying diet that made my psoriasis disappear. Having a vegetarian diet for many years, I only had minor breakouts when going through extremely stressful situations. Since I started eating meat again for the last 9 years, I need a good cleanse. 

For now, until I see my doctor in the Philippines, I needed something to help me topically.

Ducray Kerytol P.S.O. Treatment Shampoo and Ducray Extra Doux Shampoo for Delicate Hair

A pharmacist in France recommended Ducray Kerytol P.S. O. for scalp psoriasis and so far, I feel comfortable using it. When I was in Dubai, I used Ionil Shampoo, however effective it was, I found it to be too strong. My psoriasis disappeared but it resurfaced again after a few weeks of discontinued use. Imagine my surprise, when Ducray was so light and mild on the scalp. You have to leave it on a damp hair for 3 minutes, twice a week for at least 6 weeks during the treatment. I'm using Ducray Extra Doux Shampoo during the other days and my hair is shiny even without using a conditioner. I'm on my second week so let's see how it goes. 

I am enjoying discovering locally available stuff. 
Do you have any skin and hair care products that you swear by and recommend?
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
Love & light,
Arni

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3 comments

  1. Those seem like good products. I have not seen them here in the States.

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  2. IDove is like that for me... whenever I try something else in soaps, body lotions and shower gels my skin quickly tells me I should return to Dove :) I always have five to six or even ten bottles of their products in the Bathhouse of Dezz :)
    Mixa can be bought here too

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  3. These all look pretty fantastic. I am obsessed with Body Shop and swear by their "sensitive skin" skincare line. The almond body butter is also one of my favorites!

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