Beauty ponders

Some time ago I got a coupon code in the mail from one of my favourite stores, IU, for a 15% off on skincare. Next time I went shopping I did a stop and picked up a few goodies... 'cause it's been a while since I hauled...!
I picked up the Nuxe Crème Fraiche serum, which I read a few good things about. In the past I've tried their Creme Fraiche cream and I liked it, but because of the jar packaging I did not repurchase. This serum however, comes in a glass pump - and is quite heavy. Next to it is La Roche Posays Hydraphase UV riche, this is actually a back-up. I've been using this cream for the last 2-3 months and I'm really loving it, one of my favourite day creams with SPF for dry skin (but a review is on its way, for full information). Lastly is a soothing cream by Bio Beauté Nuxe - which like the name states - is the Bio range from Nuxe. The Bio range only offers a few products, but I'm eager to compare it to their regular range. Plus I do love that this cream comes in a tube packaging instead of a jar - which is normally Nuxe's style.
Have you used this coupon code from IU or have you recently bought some new skincare?

Me & serums... we have a love/hate-relationship. Sometimes I use them religiously 2 times a day, other days pass by without me using them. Come to think of it, the more I like a serum, the more I tend to use it. A serum is a little bit of extra for your skin that becomes more & more necessary with age. Hence my reason for using it - occasionally - I'm not that old * yet!
I bought this because of several good reviews, good packaging and not too expensive (in case you haven't seen it, serums aren't cheap - concentrated stuff). The packaging is sleek & simple, Paula's Choice really is no-nonsense skin care. It comes in a tube with an easy dispenser, just a little squeak and you get enough product. It contains 30ml, average amount but ok considering the pricing around 25euros. Sadly, again, only available in her webshop...
The product is a see-through gel which feels very greasy and thick. It's also siliconebased as dimeticone is one of the main ingredients. This helps lifting wrinkles and forms a nice base for your make-up. The retinol in this should help diminish fine lines over time, but honestly, I didn't see anything during my time of usage. There is no fragrance in it, so this product has no disturbing scent - a big plus. The downside is the texture of this product... Even with my dry skin it is too greasy and takes long to sink in. I don't like spreading it onto my face - which doesn't go too well-, it feels just too greasy - repeating myself here a bit too much... I thought that in time I would get used to it and would benefit from the results but neither of them worked out. I'm almost through it, but I don't see an improvement in my skin - sadly.
The goods: packaging, no fragrance, price

The bads: greasy, doesn't sink in, no visual improvement

To sum it up, I think you see this one coming by far -  I won't repurchase it. I just don't like the texture and it didn't do anything to my skin, which is a shame. I cannot believe people have positive results with this... Comes to see that skin varies from person to person. If you want to try this, do choose a tester because I can imagine a lot of people having the same opinion about the greasy texture!

While I was in the middle of moving I snapped some pictures of my stash & wanted to share it with you all! Off course, this was then and now I'm replacing everything because I now have zero space, but I'll make it fit somehow.... And because I love watching other peoples stash, why not show mine?
The whole gang together... I store it in Ikea white boxes, they come in a variety pack with different sizes. Very convenient and fits their drawers perfectly!
Left: foundations, primers, tinted moisturizers & correctors. Featuring some Laura Mercier & Chanel! On the right: eyeshadows (mostly Catrice) & bases, cream sticks and so on.
Left: blushes & highlighters & bronzers, my most loved products probably... I always seem to find new loved ones, crazy about blushes - that's me! On the right top: eye & lip liners, mostly Avon! And underneath are lip balms and scrubs... but most of my balms are in my purses!
The last boxes feature lip glosses (Avon & Nuxe) and on the right lipsticks (Avon & MAC). At the left bottom is also a little box with a few nail products but nothing fancy at all^^

Keep in mind this was just a flash... My palettes & brushes & some products in usage are not in here! When I've sorted everything out I'm going to do an in depth-stash-article. Anything you think I should start with?

As I told a couple of days ago I had compiled a nice expensive list... And yes, it has already happened, I bought something! I wanted to wait, but then I hit a coupon code & free delivery, so I gave in & trying to tell myself it is THE perfect Christmas scent also helps :)

I bought the Serge Lutens "Un bois de vanille" which is a rich wooden scent with vanille & there's also some coconut in it. I have almost run out of my tester & I just need the scent, I'm so into it... Downside to Serge Lutens is that they are expensive & hard to come by. I bought this one for 68euros, shipping included and it contains 50ml. Honestly, some branded perfumes *no names* are as expensive or even more... So I decided to treat myself! A review will follow, but expect it to be positive!

Do you know Serge Lutens? Which is your favourite scent by him?

I compiled a wishlist... Something that I hardly ever do, but now with the holidays coming up I decided to put up my luxury item wishlist of the moment. It's not the longest list, but it is a darn expensive one!!

1) SUQQU eye brushes (L/M/F): I already have the cheek & face brush, what can I say? I love them so much... and me wanting their other 3 brushes shows my love perfectly! The only hard part is that they aren't easy to get, but I'm patient and willing to wait untill they restock! If you're willing to spend money on brushes, they are the finest of them all...

2) Serge Lutens - Un bois de Vanille: I bought my first Serge Lutens fragrance about 2 months ago, being "Un Lys" (lilly-scent, obviously) and there was a sample of this scent included and I'm really liking it. I sprayed it today and couldn't stop sniffing myself... Maybe this will be my Christmas treat to myself, but honestly I have enough fragrance... maybe I should buy something else? Decisions...

3&4) Both Guerlain make-up items with one being their famous meteorites, which I've been eyeing for a long time now & still haven't purchased... I'm awaiting the right moment, don't know when it will be. And secondly an eyeshadow palette called Rue de passy, filled with neutrals and of good pigmentation, I feel like I need it...!! (almost like I don't have any eyeshadow at all without this one... do you know the feeling??)

5) Becca - Lost weekend palette: I got the last palette from theirs called Enigma a year ago and I love their eyeshadows, so soft - easy to blend etc. This one would fit nicely in my other neutral palettes... but I'm hoping it will go on sale soon, then I will snatch it :)

Hope you enjoyed my list, which luxury item have you been eyeing lately??