{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Vicki

Good morning everyone! I am back with another Beauty Interview today, with the lovely Vicki behind the absolutely gorgeous & "french chic" blog FRENCH ESSENCE.

Q:Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

Like all women I think I search for products that are beneficial, show results and are easy to use. I follow a routine when it comes to skin care; I may change products or mix brands but I never miss cleansing, toning and moisturizing my skin. It doesn’t matter what hour of the day or night – I would not be able to sleep if I hadn’t removed my make-up. There are three things that I think are the most important when it comes to caring for the skin: I avoid the sun, smoking and too much alcohol, I drink 2 litres of water every day and I try to sleep soundly. When I was younger I could go without sleep, party on and drink as much as I liked and still walk out the door the next morning looking reasonably ok. Now, I am not so lucky…

Q:What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

I have a dry and sensitive skin – partly due to age and party due to the climate I live in. The products I preferare those that are derived mostly from natural ingredients and those that are rich in emollients.

Q:What is your top beauty secret or product?

I always add olive oil to my bath water.

I run the bath, add the scent that I prefer – usually lavender or rose – and then pour in a few drops of olive oil; it leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. As a special treatment in the winter, I will exfoliate and then apply the oil directly onto my skin.

Q:Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?

Right now I am using Jurlique’s Moisture Replenishing Day Creme. It is a rich crème that hydrates and moisturizesthe skin and is particularly good for sensitive skin.

As the temperatures warm up I prefer to use a lighter moisturizer and will change to Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream. In the heat of summer I will alternate between the Rose Day Crème and the Quince Day crème, a lighter alternative.

My other favourite at the moment is La Mer hand creme –this handcreme was given to me as a birthday gift – sheer bliss. Not sticky or tacky and quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving any slippery residue. The scent is soft and fresh and not overpowering at all.

Q:If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

Laura Mercier tinted Mouisturizer SPF 20 in Nude – I nevergo without this, day or night, and find the sheer texture and light coverage perfect for me. I don’t like wearing heavy make up and this provides a good base without that ‘made-up’ feeling.

Laura Mercier Cheek colour in Crushed Hazelnut – this is a light powder that is easy to apply and blends well on the skin. Again it is a natural colour and works well as a blush to wear when you don’t want to look like your wearing a blush.

And the lips:I love a lipstick and seem to be favouring MAC at themoment. For day – Cremesheen, ‘Shy Girl’ and for night– Cremesheen, ‘Spice is Nice’ Topped off with a dab of C-Thru A78 gloss.

Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

Chanel – Le Crayon Khol Intense Eye Pencil in graphite –so easy to use for day and night.

The latest nail varnishes from Chanel. The rainbow brightsin pink and purple are just fabulous.

Thanks so much Vicki for joining us today and sharing your beauty secrets! I completely agree with your beauty routine & will definitely try the olive oil too, it sounds so simple yet amazing!

(images from here & corresponding links)