I'm sure that most of you were aware of Escentual's promotion last month - up to a third off French Pharmacy. Did anyone place an order? Well, I certainly did and I managed to get hold of some great products for a brilliant price, including this blogger favourite from Nuxe. Everyone and their grandma has had a crack at this now, and I had to give in and see what all the fuss was about. Seeing as my lips are forever dry and cracked, would this be the answer to my problems? Is it the best lip balm in the world, ever? I can tell you before I go on, that it is certainly the most expensive lip balm I've ever bought!



So, what makes this lip balm the "holy grail" for beauty bloggers left, right and centre? We all know that French skincare is one of the best; renowned for using quality ingredients that just work, the chances are if it's French, it's worth having. This is no exception. With one apparently[bxA] being sold every 28 seconds, it's been tested in the extreme cold conditions of Canada and given the seal of approval. It is formulated without any petrolatum/mineral oil, and instead uses an impressive list of ingredients to nourish and protect. As one would guess, the primary ingredient that works the hardest is honey; known for its moisturising, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, it's genuinely surprising that the UK simply haven't picked up on these benefits yet. This lip balm also contains plant oils, shea butter - my favourite ingredient - and grapefruit essence. All of these in turn lend themselves to create a luxuriously thick, rich lip balm that really feels like a treat when applying. The packaging also adds to this luxurious feeling, with the product being encased in a heavy, frosted glass jar. It looks a little different to your average lip balm, usually provided in a tin or plastic tub and really would take pride of place on a dressing table.



To start off, I have to say that this smells simply gorgeous; you can really smell the grapefruit and the honey, and the scent really reminds me of something - I think that it's sweets, but I can't tell for sure. It doesn't taste of anything (Yes, I have been licking my lips to find that out!), which considering the strong scent, is surprising. The balm itself is very, very thick - to the point where you really have to work at it with your finger to get any product out. However, I find that I really don't need much product at all, and a small amount spreads very easily. Once applied, it doesn't feel greasy on the lips - it's hard to describe what it does feel like to be honest! You can definitely tell that you're wearing it, but it feels comfortable and natural and not tacky in the slightest. Once it settles into the skin, it appears matte in finish. However, because it glides over any rough skin or dry patches, I feel that you could wear this in the daytime and get away with it should you wish to. Personally, I only apply it just before I go to sleep, as I prefer using a stick during the day. As for its intended purpose - it does exactly as it says on the tin. It soothes and comforts my lips, even when they're badly chapped, and any damage that has been done to the skin feels repaired within one use. Since I've started using this on a nightly basis, I've not suffered with dry, sore or chapped lips at all - which is quite something for me!

Final verdict: Holy grail? Yes, for me I think it is; it really does deserve all the hype. Whilst the price is high, you're paying for quality ingredients in a formula that really delivers. If you ever see it on offer, snap it up and start using it daily - if you want instant gratification, this is it!

Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Balm is available to buy from Escentual for £9.50.