Cult Classics - Body Brush (aka Cellulite Lightsaber) Edition

 

Ah cellulite. That great equalizer of womankind. Rich and poor, plump or thin, we will all have a touch of those unpleasant ripples at some time in our lives - whether it be through genetics, a weakness for French pastries or general sluggishness (I'm three for three). I might have a fairly slim and active physique, but there was definitely a creeping pudding-like quality happening around my lower half this autumn that was, quite literally, weighing me down.

Despite what countless beauty mags and posh french toning creams would have you believe, here's technically really only two things that have can improve the appearance of all those lumps and bumps -  toning the surrounding skin and muscle, and boosting circulation. The first thing sounded unpleasant and like there might have been sweat involved, so I dove headfirst into the second.  I went out, bought a $10 natural bristle body brush, and have never looked back.

A quick brush down of dry skin before the shower - maybe 90 seconds max - and within a month things were looking up. Six months later, and the results are, if I do say so myself, stunning. Smoother, softer and altogether less evidence of eclairs. The benefits to the appearance are of course delightful, but I swear it also just makes me feel healthier - the brushing revs up circulation, helping the body rid itself of toxins and altogether invigorating the system. Plus all that exfoliation makes for some seriously lovely skin - I barely use messy scrubs at all anymore, there's no need, so there's also much less chance of me slipping in a greasy tub and cracking my head on the soapdish. A win-win situation by all accounts.

I only brush about twice a week -  when I remember/can be bothered. I've had such incredible results so far that I'm almost apprehensive to see what would happen with a daily brushdown. Where would it all end? Circulatory overload? Victoria's Secret contract? I shall find out, and report back.

For now, all I know for sure is that the humble skin brush now holds a place of honor on my bathroom shelf. I feel better, I certainly look better, and I shall be celebrating this all with some seriously short skirts. I suggest you go buy a brush and join me.

The Elemis Cactus Bristle Brush is considered the gold standard by most, but I'm perfectly happy with my $10 Whole Foods variety. Whatever brand you buy, you just want natural fibre bristles like cactus or agave, and a comfortable handle.  Watch this handy dandy tutorial for clear instructions on how to brush - basically, it's just long, light strokes, always towards the heart.

Cult Classics - Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream

 

Sometimes there's a time when skin doesn't need to be constantly bombarded by cutting-edge ingredients that are plumping, filling, brightening or reversing things. Sometimes it just needs a lovely long drink of something soft and soothing. Like a holiday where you let it laze about a bit and feel indulged. That's when I pull out my tube of  Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream. A true cult classic, it's beautiful in its simplicity - no fancy scientific claims, wonder ingredients or trendy packaging. Just high quality, nourishing ingredients in a perfect formula. 

I used this religiously as a young teenager - when living at very high altitude in thin, dry air - and I never got over the way it would give my skin this instant glow, with an almost warming effect - excellent for a climate where you're always cold. You'll take any warming you can get.  The price has unfortunately gone up by almost double since I started using it, which is a scary indication of how old I'm getting. So it is quite pricey, but each tube contains the essence of 30 roses, and that sort of thing doesn't come cheap. Think about pressing your face into a bushel of silky rose petals. Gorgeous, right? That's kind of what this feels like, but without the worry of thorns or a stray beetle getting into the mix. 

The original version is extremely rich and hydrating, but the essential oils are almost a bit too much for my skin these days - which is why I now prefer the Rose Day Cream Light. With all the same beautiful ingredients and pampering effects, with a lighter, smoother texture, it's my favorite straightforward, soothing and nourishing all-round moisturizer. The light version uses sesame and apricot kernel instead of the regular's peanut oil and shea butter - and is perfect for younger, combination or summertime skins. Should my skin get particularly thirsty, or I spend time in colder, dryer climes this winter, I'll be pulling the original back out. It's been a cult classic and celebrity favorite for years, and rightfully so - it will certainly always have a place of honor in my skincare arsenal.

Oh and it smells divine, in case you needed another reason to award it coveted cult status. Creamy, soft and natural. Would you expect anything less of thirty roses jammed into a tiny metal tube?

Rose image via Pinterest...

Cult Classic - Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse

I've long admired Nuxe's Huile Prodigieuse from afar - convinced that until I spent my summers on a wood-panelled yacht on the Riviera, I didn't need to be spending a fair chunk of money on a tiny bottle of fragrant, luxurious oil. I broke down this year and decided not to wait for the yacht - that could take ages - and until then I'd like to be adding a bit Riviera glam and featherlight hydration to everyday life.

The blend of six precious oils (Borage, St. John's Wort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut and Macadamia) sinks invisibly and lightly into skin, leaving a glowing, subtle sheen. No mess, no oiliness, just instant, lightweight hydration. The beautiful frangipani fragrance smells like a beach in the south of France - sunsoaked, expensive and slightly old fashioned.  Smooth onto shins and shoulders for extra glow, or dab a bit onto cuticles as a luxurious pick me up for overworked hands. A drop or two leaves hair shimmering, separated and softly fragrant - with no heavy formulas or slick silicones to weigh it down. I even like a tiny amount on cheek and browbones to add a little highlight to skin. It's a multi-purpose hero product for me, and I'm not alone - in France, a bottle is sold every six seconds - entrenching it firmly into cult classic territory. Nuxe products are some of my very favorites - simple, high-quality, pharmacie-chic - besides the divine Huile Prodigieuse, I'm a big fan of their cleansing waters and soothing moisturizers.

Basically, you need a bottle. It will sit looking stately and stylish on your dressing table, you'll reach for it daily, and when you close your eyes you could almost be on that yacht - what more can you ask?

Cult Classics - Becca Beach Tints

I don't know how I've managed until now without one of these little beauties about my person at all times. They're ridiculously minute and alarmingly expensive, so it's understandable if you've shied away before now - but if you like your makeup natural, glossy and idiot-proof like me, these are tiny little holy grails of juicy color that can take you from pallid consumptive to healthy glow with just a few pats of your fingertips.

The Beach Tint formula is quite sheer and runny, and I love how it blends right into skin,

leaving a beautifully fresh hit of punchy color and enough moisture to leave a hint of healthy sheen without any fake iridescence. My favorite is Grapefruit, a bright pinkish coral, the color of a square of bright, translucent Turkish Delight. It leaves my cheeks and lips a healthy, summery hue and smells like a freshly squeezed sweet grapefruit cocktail. Just a slick of glossy, dark brown mascara (Dr Hauschka's at the moment) and a dab of this on my cheeks and lips is my favorite minimal makeup look - no brushes, no blending, just sunny, sheer color that seems to come from within. I can attest that it can even be done with one hand, on the highway, while drinking your morning coffee, though of course I don't recommend that application technique.

The tints come in a range of sheer, buildable shades, all very nature inspired - I love Watermelon and Guava as well, though Grapefruit remains my favorite for what it does with my pale but warm coloring. These aren't thick, bright statement color that people like me find terrifying - they're hints of luscious, natural flush that look like you, but better.

Nobody does natural, glowing skin like Becca - if I could use only one brand of makeup, they win hands down - their cream blushes and eye shadows are peerless. The products are all geared towards highlighting your best features and looking healthy, fresh and radiant. I think it's because they're an Australian brand - those Aussies are just so damn robust and outdoorsy, they assume we must all want to look that way. Which of course if we have any sense, we do. It's lived-in, sun dappled glamour, which I think is the very best kind.

Have you tried any Becca? Do you have a multitasking wonder product that you can't do without? Tell us all about it below!

Cult Classics - Moroccanoil

Your're probably sick to death of hearing about Moroccanoil. I know I am. But there is a reason everyone goes on about it, and so I feel it deserves its place here amongst the Cult Classics at The Blossom Shed.

I don't love the smell (fake vanilla and I are in a duel to the death), and I don't love the ingredients for the price - mostly silicones with some Argan Oil for conditioning - but there's still no debating that a dab or two worked through wet hair works wonders. Instant shine and softness without too much weight or oiliness, it's a godsend for damaged, color-treated or particularly unruly locks. I like to work a bit through very damp hair from ears to ends, then put it up into a bun to sleep. I wake up to a mane of gorgeous soft, healthy looking hair that still has texture and movement to it. It's a quick fix, but a very effective one that's invaluable to dry, damaged tresses. I'm definitely keeping a bottle on hand for when I go blonder in the summer, and chlorine and sun wreak havoc on my unruly and bleached strands.

The Morroccanoil Original Treatment is available online at HQ Hair - it also comes in a light version for finer, more easily weighed-down hair.

What are your hair plans this spring? Do you change your look a lot, or stick with the same cut and color? I've had long, thick hair with shaggy bangs for years, and don't plan on changing it, even though I'm often tempted. It's become a security fringe that I'm a bit terrified of going without. I like peering out at people from beneath all the hair. It makes me feel superior.

(Product sent for consideration by Moroccanoil)

Cult Classic: Laura Mercier Kohl Eye Pencil

The Laura Mercier Kohl eye pencil is probably not as wildly popular as most of the cult classics I've featured before, but goodness does it deserve to be - both it's formula and colors are make it the holy grail of liners for me. Stormy Grey is an every day essential - a beautiful, soft smokey color with a hint of navy, it's much more chic and flattering than black, and stays put without losing it's smooth and smudgy kohl finish.

The other shades in the range are unusual mixtures of pigment resulting in gorgeously wearable colors - I'm eyeing the mini-set of five pencils at Sephora as an affordable way to own them all. It's on my list. Unfortunately that list of makeup must-haves for the spring is starting to get concerningly long - I'm going to have to make some brutal cuts, but these will not be among them.

There's some excellent swatches of the colors at Karlasugar - which is your favorite? Besides my beloved grey, I think Antique Jade and Black Gold are gorgeous.....

Cult Classic - Nelson's Acne Gel

I read about Nelson's Acne Gel years ago in a fashion magazine, where a makeup artist swore by it, and I've been using it ever since. It is, quite simply, the best spot treatment I've ever used, by miles. It manages to bring down swelling and redness without any drying effects whatsover - skin stays smooth and soft, and blemishes magically disappear. Mine are always lessened with hours, and gone within a day or two. It's frankly, brilliant, and I panic when I don't have a full tube at hand at all times. The magic ingredient is sulfur, combined with tea tree oil and St John's wort, and together they form some sort of magical super potion that will stop a forming blemish (or "nose thickening" as we call them in my household) in its tracks without any mess or fuss. Natural, gentle, and completely and utterly effective. You can buy this in most health-food stores, large grocery stores with a vitamin/health section, and lots of places online, including the Nelson's site. It ranges from about $6 to $8 a tube, so I try to buy several at a time and secret them around the house so that I never run out..... like I have today. And I have a nose thickening I can feel forming, suprisingly painful as always, and no Nelson's in sight. Never again.

(They changed the packaging and the name of this recently to "Pure and Clear". I'm not a fan, it sounds very teenage. Same great product, but I liked the simple, pink tube that looked like it came from a French pharmacy. Why do companies have to mess with things that are already perfect?)

Cult Classic - The Mason Pearson Brush

There comes a point in your life when it's time to grow up and invest in a few of the classics. We all need a nice coat, and a good handbag, and yes, a quality hairbrush. You can't put a some pink, plastic goody with broken teeth in your sophisticated purse, or on your stylish vanity. It brings the mood down. I'm particularly biased because I've never used anything else but a Mason Pearson - apart from a disastrous interlude with a drugstore-brand round brush, these were what my mother raised us on, and with good reason - they're brilliant. The brush was designed in Yorkshire in 1885 by Mason Pearson himself, and very little in design or materials has changed since then - its cellulose molded handle feels and looks almost like polished wood. My favorite model is the small, pocket size, with a combination of boar and natural bristles.

It's quite an investment, but the absolute best you can do for your hair and scalp, and lasts forever - it might not be something you can go out and buy right now, but if and when you reach a point that you want to splash out, go for this one. Since I have my lovely brush already, I now have my eye on the matching comb. It's time to find a worthier partner for my Mason Pearson than the $3 detangler with broken tines. A disgrace.

Cult Classic - Bioderma Crealine

This has been a staple for models and makeup artists for years, and for good reason - it's a simple, no-frills micellaire cleanser that's hypoallergenic, unscented and gentle, but still wonderfully effective.

Micelle cleansers are basically soft water with teeny, tiny molecules of oil suspended within - when they touch anything that isn't water, they grab it and eat it up. Sort of. Hence why these cleansers are rinseless. They tend to have nice ingredients like glycerin and cucumber too. Does that kind of explain it, or can you tell I don't really have any idea what any of this means? I'm rubbish at science.


Regardless, Crealine is the old standby of Micelles - a quirt on a cotton ball or pad will swipe everything off your face without any dryness, stinging or tugging - I have incredibly sensitive, dry skin, and this doesn't bother me at all - it's fantastic as a simple makeup remover, a toner after cleansing to remove excess oil/residue, or as a daily cleanser for sensitive, hydrophobic skin. The fact that I can, if I'm feeling particularly slovenly, wipe my face with this, NOT apply any moisturizer, and wake up the next morning without my skin painfully parched, is more than enough reason for me to keep boxes of this in my cabinet.

It's everywhere in France, sold cheap in the drug stores, but unfortunately it's a little harder to get here, but worth it. I order mine through Amazon, or stock up when I'm in Canada, where they carry it at some Shopper's Drug stores. So if you live in Canada, think of that as one small consolation. Le Guide Sante, an online French store, has it super cheap, but you pay shipping from Europe, so I don't really know if it ends up evening out or not. I intend to find out one day.

The only rules to remember with Crealine are - super, heavy eye makeup will still need a heavy cream or oil cleanser to get off - this can only do so much for costume grade makeup - and that you HAVE to dry your face after you wipe on the cleanser - I have absolutely no idea why, no one seems to, but it says it on the package, and if you don't, your skin feels tighter and dryer. So I don't question, and do what I'm told. It seems to be some cosmic Micelle rule. It's also sometimes referred to as "Bioderma Sensibio". Ignore this - it's the same product.

Has anyone tried any of the other brands of Micelle cleansers? Nuxe and Caudalie both make lovely sounding ones as well, but I stick with what I like usually, and I certainly like Bioderma Crealine.