Hey there, I’m Jess ✨. On The Signature, I share reflections on beauty, routines, travel, wellness, culture, and everyday life. For those drawn to a calmer, more intentional way of living, I send a free newsletter each month on the 7th. You're welcome to join.
Which wellness or skincare products have you finished lately? Share with me in the comments, I'd love to read more about how they made you feel.
Disclaimer: this content is not sponsored nor affiliated - I pay for everything that I use myself. This independence allows me to tell you what I have been loving the most with unbiased honesty.
Check all past empties reviews:
I am fluent in several languages and one of them is beauty talk. As a self-confessed beauty junkie (and hoarder!), I’ve made it a personal mission to finish every product I own in my beauty apothecary before cracking open a new one. Alas a few days ago in Dubai, I succumbed to the wonders of a great Sephora selection, so I have to get back on track and finish products I already own.
Jess
I have over 300 products in my apothecary and at a wide range of price points. This edit will focus on more affordable products I used lately, whether I would repurchase them and what I will be replacing them with.
WELLNESS
Aime Skincare Relax & Glow
Aime Skincare is one of my favourite French wellness brands. The Relax & Glow food supplement promises to help fight the effects of stress thanks to hawthorn, basil which calms the mind and bacopa which strengthens the body. Combined with balanced dietary hygiene, the Relax & Glow food supplement will allow the body to be more resistant to stress.
Verdict: I loved the citrusy flavour and tang of this product when I would take in a few drops - directly, never in the water as recommened! - yet I did not reach the calming state I was hoping for. At its price point, I would not repurchase but would get it again with a discount or if it comes in an Aime product bundle.
Jess
BODY
Jowae Hand & Nail Moisturising Cream
A friend gave me this hand cream a few years ago when Jowae launched and was getting very popular in french drugstores. Developed by the French cosmetics group Alès Groupe in collaboration with Korean research laboratories, it combines French phyto-cosmetics (featuring a patented antioxidant ingredient called Lumiphenols) with traditional Korean medicinal plants. The name itself is inspired by the Korean word for "harmony".
Verdict: I did not adore the texture as it was runny and I prefer very rich hand cream. I will not repurchase.
Nuxe Sun Oils - SPF 10 & SPF 30
Nuxe is a French iconic brand. In its suncare range, it is beloved for its addictive, beachy scent and nourishing blend of botanical oils. Great for both body or hair leaves a dry-touch satin finish that doesn’t feel greasy, perfect for everyday use or beachside lounging. Its formula includes rice and rosemary extracts to fight photo-aging and keep your skin supple. All in all, it not only smells divine, it feels divine as well.
Verdict: to be quite honest, my husband loves sun oils way more than me. I randomly use them when he brings one it to the pool or at the beach and focus on SPF 50 products, and SPF 30 when there is none other. I was shocked when he bought a SPF 10... I mean, what does that really protect? I have berated him enough so I hope he only buys the SPF 30 going forward...
Jess
Palmolive Shower Gels and Oils
- Thermal Spa Mineral Massage Gentle Scrub Shower Gel
- Thermal Spa Silky Oil with Coconut Oil and Lavender
- Aroma Essence Forever Happy with Warm Frangipane and Neroli
What I usually look for in my showers, other than cleaning my body, kicking my workday in the morning or relaxing in the evening, is moisturising and oiling it as I am not that disciplined at applying body cream. I don't know why, I just tend to forget. So shower gels or oils have to do the double work for me.The Palmolive Shower Gels range not only feels like a dream, they really takes the day off of me, either in the gel, the scrub or the oil versions. If I am not that good at applying body cream, let's not even talk about scrubbing my skin (my aesthetician always tells me to do before I go wax and I always lie to her that "I will! yes, next time I won't forget"!), so these products overwork for me.
Verdict: Available in most supermarkets, I have bought several in the past and will continue to rebuy for that spa feel right at home at a great price point.
SKINCARE
Garnier Pure Charcoal Mask Sheet
I bought this one in Italy many years ago and decided that it does not belong in a museum and it was time to use it. This was my first black mask sheet ever, with Charcoal, Black Tea and Hyaluronic Acid. I was a bit scared of opening it and it being rancid, but the smell was great and it didn't tingle.
Verdict: I used it for half an hour whilst listening to a podcast and it left my skin feeling moisturised and refreshed.
Lanolips 101 Ointment Coconutter Lip Balm
I got this lipbalm for free, as a purchase gift with Cult Beauty. I had never heard about the brand before. The texture is really rich and it smells lovely.
Verdict: it left my lips shiny and nourished yet it was not a memorable experience.
Jess
Lumene Lumo Nordic Bloom Vegan Collagen Essence
There is no empties review of mine without a Lumene product, is there? This collagen essence is such a luxurious serum, that can be used either during day or night. At a great price point online, it is made with lingonberries and it has a gel texture, making the face look very plump after application.
Verdict: I have gone through several bottles for the past couple of years and it is still one of my favourites.
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