Have you visited Nivea House?

If I have time when travelling I like to go into a large pharmacy or cosmetic store to see what quirky things are available.

Imagine my surprise whilst in Hamburg, when I was told that the store to visit was Nivea Haus!

We’ve all heard of Nivea cream, many of our grandmothers having used it, and it’s also one of the more affordable skincare brands on the market.

The store was packed with Nivea everywhere. The staff were so helpful and obviously very proud of the product they sell.

Nivea is now over 100 yrs old having been developed in Hamburg, where their laboratory still remains.

I loved the historical wall of tins and adverts, dating from 1911 to the present day. There was even a photo-booth where you could personalise your very own tin of cream!

Throughout the decades the company has developed numerous other innovative skin care products such as deodorants, sunscreens, and now a Anti-Age Professional Bioxilift range which can only be purchased at Nivea House or on-line.

I needed a night and decollete cream so thought I’d try the Bioxilift, especially as it was less than half the price of similar products in the UK. As I had bought two products I could have another for free, so I chose an eye cream.

My only reservation is the amount of glycerin within the creams, which in my experience can cause the skin to look quite greasy, but we’ll see. 

Nivea is now sold in over 200 countries, so it must have something going for it! 

I’ll report back soon, perhaps I’ll become one of the millions using this iconic cream, in it’s instantly recognisable blue and white tin.

 

My top five skincare products

I am writing this post as I have been disappointed with so many skincare products that I’ve bought over the years, I wanted to share my thoughts on my latest purchases from Bodhi and Birch. Bodhi and Birch, founded by Elijah Choo, pride themselves for their co-luxury bath, body and skin care which draws its inspiration from the healing power of nature and traditional botanical remedies, bringing together Eastern and Western skincare and wellbeing philosophies. All of their ingredients are ethically sourced from sustainable origins. Claiming high-performance skin care formulated without harsh synthetics.

All of their products are made in England, each ingredient is ethically sourced from sustainable origins.

My skin is so dry at this time of year, despite drinking at least two litres of water a day. With the winter climate and indoor heating my skin is crying out for some nourishment.

One of my favourite ‘smells’ is Neroli, to me it’s a mixture of sweet and spicy and is definitely my comfort fragrance. How lucky I was to find 1. Neroli Luce revitalising face oil. It’s the most beautiful facial oil, it’s non greasy and easily absorbed into my skin. Elijah recommends using it morning and night before applying moisturiser.

But as well as this, if I’m makeup free, I’ll warm a couple of drops in the palms of my hand, inhale the beautiful perfume and apply it to my face and neck as an extra boost several times during the day.

Next comes their 2. Cacao Cocoon lip treatment balm. The pot is either next to my computer or on my bedside table. It feels lovely on my lips, so non greasy. It’s obviously working, it’s good to be able to apply a lipstick or gloss without it ‘clumping’ at this time of year, if you know what I mean!! And the fragrance, for me, a hint of chocolate and spearmint, but not at all overwhelming.

I’m not surprised the 3. Rosemary Chi Himalayan Detox Salt scrub has won numerous awards, and I’m not surprised, it’s honestly one of the best scrubs I’ve ever used.

Whenever I’ve used body scrubs before, the scrub starts falling off my hands before I even get it anywhere near my legs. Not so with Rosemary Chi, the grains are quite fine but very effective leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth.

The smell is heavenly and really does work as a detox when used before submerging oneself in a deep warm bath.

I love body oils, especially in the winter, as I feel they give nourishment to the skin. So I chose 4. Chinois Blue Body Oil, mainly because two of it’s many ingredients, ginger and hyacinth, are favourites of mine. The oil is so nourishing, does not feel at all greasy but leaves the skin soft and smooth. It’s quite a heady, sensual fragrance that works well for me after a long bath and before going to bed.

Finally, another love of mine is the 5. Lime Blossom Protecting Hand Serum. For a start it’s the beautiful fragrance of citrus flowers, but even more the nourishing effect it has on my hands and cuticles.One pump of oil warmed in the palm of your hand is sufficient for both hands, so a bottle lasts a long time.

So, if like me, you enjoy pure, clean and luxurious body and skincare products that really work, take a look at their website, you won’t be disappointed.

 

*This is an independent review and is not sponsored in any way by Bodhi & Birch or any other brand.