Nude Skincare Natural Radiance Set - a Perfect Introduction to the Nude Brand

I don't know an awful lot about Nude as a brand but have read so many glowing reviews about the products that I thought it was about time I stopped being so rude and finally introduced myself. Sets are always a great way to get acquainted with a beauty brand and the Nude Skincare Natural Radiance Set is the perfect introduction to some of the well loved products.

Inside the set you'll find a generous helping (15ml) of the Perfect Cleansing Oil, a bottle of Radiant Day Moisturiser (also 15ml) and a little dropper bottle of one of the nude's newest creations - ProGenius Treatment Oil (10ml).

I got this set last week and have tried each of the products a couple of times now and can report that all three are simply lovely to use.

Perfect Cleansing Oil

This is a cleansing oil (obvs) that turns into a 'milk' when mixed with water. I use one or two pumps in my palms and then massage over my face before removing with a warm damp flannel. It annihilates makeup so works well as a first cleanse but then again it feels so luxurious you'll be tempted to use it as your second cleanse. The cleansing oil contains Omega 6 and 9 which are anti-inflammatory fatty acids, Meadowfoam Oil - a mild, easily absorbed oil that rehydrates and balances and Jojoba Oil which is a fantastically hydrating all rounder. 

Radiant Day Moisturiser

With a pleasing, mild scent, the Radiant Day Moisturiser delivers a hefty dose of hydration in a surprisingly light formula. Like the Cleansing Oil, it contains a good ol' dose of Omega 6 and is enriched with Probiotics (to 'stabilize' flora on the surface of the skin - in the same way they work to neutralize gut flora), Zinc, Magnesium, Copper, Mango Seed Butter (rich in fatty acids) and Hyaluronic Acid.

ProGenius Omega Treatment Oil

This was the addition to the set that made me want it the most. This dinky little bottle is brimming with 10 different oils that contain Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 and is quickly absorbed to deliver hydration for 24 hours. I'm not going to pretend I completely understand all this 'Omega' talk so I did a little research to find out the benefits of each. Here's a little breakdown:

Omega 3: An essential fatty acid that can reduce redness and improves the elasticity of the skin.

Omega 6: Counteracts dehydration and boosts moisture levels in the skin.

Omega 7: Aids in increasing resilience of the skin, enhances skin tone and texture and restores suppleness.

Omega 9: Intensely nourishes, provides environmental protection.

I've only used this oil in the evening as it is quite 'oily' (ha!) though I think I'm a little overzealous with it and probably apply a little too much. It feels very, very nourishing and I can almost hear my skin singing a little happy song when I put it on. It's worth noting that it smells great too - very natural and not overpowering by any means.

If you're interested in finding out what all the fuss is about with Nude Skincare, I think this kit is a great little intro. It's £38 from Space NK which is very good value considering a 30ml bottle of the ProGenius Oil will set you back £58 and this way you get to try out the Cleansing Oil and Moisturiser too. If you're tempted, get in quick because the Try Something New campaign at Space NK ends at 8pm tonight (19th April). The campaign involves receiving £10 off when you spend £40 online so you could add this kit and another treat to your basket to get the deal.

Have you tried Nude Skincare?

Lipstick I Love: MAC Viva Glam V

I visited Harvey Nichols today with my mum for the first time in a very long time and accidentally ended up in a chair being colour matched for a Studio Sculpt foundation at MAC. Turns out I'm NW20, but more on that another day...

The purpose of this post is not to wax lyrical about foundation dear readers, but to introduce you to a new found love. We're an unlikely pair, me and this lipstick but from the moment the make up artist swatched this lippy on his wrist, I knew it was much more than a crush.

I wanted to jump on the Viva Glam wagon (you know, do my bit for charity and all), but Viva Glam Nicki was nowhere to be seen and Viva Glam VI was a bit too 'plummy' for my tastes.

Viva Glam V was launched in 2004, so it's been on MAC counters for a while, but I'm a bit of a MAC novice to be honest, so today was the first time I'd really looked at this in all it's shiny glory.


This lipstick is a neutral pink (which is weird for me because I love a loud lip), with flecks of lustrous shimmer (once again, unusual for me - I favour matte formulas).

without flash

with flash

 It's creamy and comfortable to wear and feels exceptionally hydrating on the lips - the polar opposite of the moisture-sappingly gorgeous Ruby Woo.

So what's a loud and proud lipstick loving girl like me doing with an inoffensive nude?

The answer is simple: Sometimes, I feel like being quiet :)

P.S. if you're looking for a nude everyday colour you can apply on a crowded train without a mirror, I couldn't recommend this one enough.

*I just want to mention, although this is a pricey lipstick, the entire £13.50 from the sale is donated directly to http://www.macaidsfund.org/