Beauty product LOVE - Chantecaille's 'Just Skin'

I am impressed. Very. Having read all the reviews and hype about this gorgeous tinted moisturiser (not actually a true description really as I would say it was more of a foundation) I bit the bullet and forked out quite a lot of $$$ for this which is in reality about the size of a small tube of toothpaste!!

However, the old saying is correct - you get what you pay for in life and I have to say I love it.

Chantecaille's 'Just Skin' is well, er, - just like your skin, only better. It covers fine lines, imperfections and pores and looks as if you are wearing no make up at all which is what I have always tried to achieve with foundations etc. and never quite got there.

Initially, I was given a sample of the colour 'Bliss' but found it too light and went back to the lovely SA at Mecca Cosmetica in the city and now have 'Nude' which is perfect for my skin tone. It's easy to use and buildable too giving you a heavier coverage if you need it but at the same time keeps that flawless finish. I also dust a light covering of pressed mineral powder over the centre of my face to take off the slight sheen and to make it last all day. And a huge bonus - it smells lovely too.

Have to say, I'm hooked!

P.S. No, I was not paid or sponsored for this post but if the kind people at Chantecaille would like to send me a year's supply of Just Skin (in Nude please) I wouldn't say no!!

Anyone else love this or are you true to another tinted moisturiser/foundation that you'd never be without?

Semi Expat Recommends Two Products

And each of these is at either end of the spectrum for your money.....!!

First up is Nivea Firming Gradual Tan Body Lotion.....Yes, I know there are many of these type of lotions on the market but this one is really fabulous - reasonable fragrance (sort of a bit like apricots but quite mild), great NATURAL looking colour (not like an apricot or an orange!) and best of all you don't experience that awful 'wet dog' smell that some of these self tanning lotions give off!! Also HUGE BONUS - have found from experience that you can use this on your face too to give a wonderful glow ..... (far cheaper than say, Clarins special moisturisers with tan for the face ).

I have used it in the Winter to ward off any pallor and am enjoying it now in Australia in the Summer here.... (especially as I won't go out in the sun here much and now never 'sunbathe' per se or, as they say in Oz "sunbake" - that description makes me smile!! ) And, big plus - it's cheap as chips too!



Next on the beauty list at the other end and for much $$$$ is Guerlain's Midnight Secret....

Yes, I know it is very expensive but if you use a little when you absolutely need to it really is wonderful... (and not be tempted to use it EVERY night like I am ... Slightly!)


I bought some duty free recently so the price was a little less "ouch" but it has really helped with my skin's moisture levels after flying and as the blurb on the packaging says acts like "sleep in a bottle" - but obviously NOT a replacement for sleep!! I found my skin looks more even and less 'mottled' and is plumped up and fully moisturised .......

Are there any products you would not be without and recommend - do tell!