Mario Badescu Healing and Soothing Mask

Posted by Unknown 24.1.18

If there is something worse than having acne, it definitely has to be acne scars. I have quite a good routine when it comes to treating spots and blemishes, the products I use tend to get rid of the spot quite quickly, but what I deeply struggle with is the red scars it leaves behind.

I recently stumbled on to the Mario Badescu Healingand Smoothing Mask, I didn’t know much about it and had never seen a review but I was so desperate that I just took the plunge and bought it. The mask aims, as the name suggests, to heal and sooth the area whilst restoring skin balance. Often, acne fighting products tend to be very drying and leave the area looking quiet flaky. This mask aims to help restore moisture and balance.

The mask contains naturals minerals that absorb excess oil and a combination of oatmeal, Allantoin, Biotin, and Olive Leaf Extract that deliver light, soothing hydration.

After using the mask for a while I can say that it does help calm down irritation, but I wouldn’t go as far as saying that it helped my scars heal faster. I liked the mask, but might be on the lookout for a different product when I finish this one.

Do you have any tips for reducing acne scarring?

Unknown

12 Comments

Where it all began... Dermalogica

Posted by Unknown 21.1.18

I first started using Dermalogica products when I was 15. Up until then, I never really knew how to take care of my skin and would just wash my face with any face wash I could find. I remember first buying one of their skin kits. It contained the special cleansing gel along with a face cream, a toner and a lip balm. I was so excited, I started using all the products religiously and was amazed at the results. There is were my love for skincare began.

It has been a few years since I have used a product from Dermalogica. Recently, I was lucky enough to receive the Dermalogica Vox Box and was once again reunited with the brand that started it all. This box contains the Daily Superfoliant which is a recent lauch of the brand, along with the PreCleanse Balm, Special Cleansing Gel and skin smoothing cream.

The Dermalogica Superfoliant is an amazing skin resurfacer with a unique formula. Not only does it help with the texture of the skin but its also is a great anti-ageing product.

Air pollution has been linked to premature skin ageing and this product helps combat the biochemical and environmental triggers that are known to accelerate skin ageing by deep cleansing the pores and removing the pollutants.

It´s actually quite cool to use. The product itself comes in a powder form that quickly turns into a creamy paste once you rub it between wet hands. You only need to use a small amount and its gentle enough to use daily. I tend to use it every other day.

I love how smooth it leaves my skin, it completely changes the texture. It was quickly become a staple in my skincare routine.

The Precleanse Balm is in my opinion the best product out of this box. I have always been a fan of cleansing balms as they are the quickest way to remove makeup, but the PreCleanse balm has definitely exceeded my expectations. It´s really easy to use, you simply massage it onto your face and you will instantly see how your makeup starts to dissolve. Its balm to oil formula is gentle on the skin but merciless with makeup. I was really impressed at how well it removes mascara as that tends to be a bit trickier. It´s perfect for sensitive skin and does not sting the eyes, which some cleansing balms tend to do. It has a nice soft sent and the packaging is hygienic and travel friendly.

I will definitely be repurchasing the PreCleanse balm once I finish my current tube.

The Special Cleansing Gel will always have a special spot in my heart. It is a great cleanser, removing impurities whilst being gentle at the same time. Simple yet effective.

The Skin Smoothing Cream is amazing if you don’t like heavy moisturisers. It contains Lecithin and Aloe Gel that nourish the skin and extracts of Mallow, Cucumber and Arnica to soothe and hydrate. Again a very simple product with amazing results.

Unknown

4 Comments

Weekend Makeup

Posted by Unknown 18.1.18

It’s pretty clear by now that I am a makeup junkie. I love buying makeup, I love getting all glammed up but I also love turning it down a notch.

On Sundays, I normally go for a simple and quick look. I like to look well rested but not too overly done.

As a base, I love using easy and quick products I can apply with my hands. My favourite one and the moment is the Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance. It helps even out the skin tone, acts as a moisturiser and has SPF 30. It’s basically a 3 in 1 product.

For those areas where I would like a bit of coverage, I use the glossier stretch concealer. This concealer is light and dewy, and doesn’t look too heavy when used with a light base. Don’t expect it to cover spots completely, but it does cover redness quite well.

On the eyes I always use the Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara. This is not a natural mascara, this is a full-on volume and length mascara. Even on lazy Sundays I want my lashes to pop. I also love adding a bit of definition using the Charlotte Tilbury Eye Pencil in Audrey. I normally apply in under the waterline a smudge it with a pencil brush.

For blush it has to be the Glossier cloud paint in Dusk, it´s easy to apply, lasts a fair amount of time and looks very natural.

For lips I either go for a lip balm or the glossier Generation G lipsticks as they have alight pigmentation. For those days that I want a bit more on the lips I use the YSL tatuage Couture Matte Stain in number 23. The formula feels very light on the lips and although it dries to a near matte, it doesn’t feel drying or heavy. It basically feels like you have nothing on.

Then I finish everything off with the Glossier brown boy, keeps those brows in place and slightly fills in any sparse areas, easy yet effective. Done!

Let me know what products you use when doing and easy natural look!

Unknown

11 Comments

Powerful hydration combo for winter skin

Posted by Unknown 15.1.18

My skin is being quite inconsistent this winter. I normally have oily to combination skin but at the moment it´s dry and only rarely a bit oily.
I have been trying different products to give my skin what it needs and I have finally found the perfect combination.

Lately, I have been introducing the Dr Sebagh Serum Repair Hyaluronic Acid as the first step in my morning skincare routine.
Hyaluronic acid is known for its hydration benefits. It acts like a sponge capturing water and maintaining a high hydration level on the skin, it basically draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated.
I was quite amazed at how rapidly this product sinks into the skin until it feels like you have nothing on. After applying, my skin feels instantly smoother and softer. If you suffer from dry skin I would advise using products with hyaluronic acid or using a hyaluronic acid serum.

At night time I have started using the Aurelia Cell Repair Night Oil. It´s an intensive overnight boosting treatment that works in tandem with the skin´s overnight repair systems, so it basically helps repair your skin whilst you sleep.
It feels lovely and luxurious on the skin, it contains a blend of Neroli, Lavender, Rose and Mandarin which is known to encourage sleep. I love how glowy and soft it leaves my skin the morning after. And I also wanted to mention that Aurelia is a cruelty-free brand.

Are you having issues with your skin this winter? Let me know what products you are using!

Unknown

7 Comments

Bullet journalling to ease anxiety

Posted by Unknown 11.1.18

Bullet journaling has really kicked off in the past few years. It’s a very flexible way of organising your life and keeping track of things that are important to you. If you are not really into diaries or planners as they don’t really suit your lifestyle, bullet journaling can be a great option.

I don’t really use a bullet journal for this reason, I prefer planners were everything is set up and ready but I also have a bullet journal.

I have been using my bullet journal since July 2017, I started using it because I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I ended up realising that it wasn’t for me but I did enjoy the setting up process and the doodling.

Back in July I was going through an extremely hard case of anxiety, and I found that coming back from work and picking up a pen and the bullet journal really helped me escape from my thoughts and made life a bit bearable for a little while. And that’s what I wanted to bring to your attention today. If like me you suffer from anxiety and you need something to help you cope, taking up a hobby or simply locking yourself in your room with a piece of paper and a pencil can help.

I am not an artistic person, and when I bought the notebook I had no idea where to start. So I got myself on Pinterest and Youtube and made screenshots of all the lovely designs and spreads I liked and just copied them. All the spreads pictured are either copied or inspired by people I found on the internet. I will try to link them all bellow.

That process of choosing designs and doodling requires so much concentration that your mind can only focus on that task for a while and your anxiety is temporarily moved to the back of your mind.

Unknown