Velvet Lashes

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Diary Of A Skincare Loser #4

Hi Loveys,

Hope you are all well! So entry four, how am I doing? Well I think you will all be super proud of me!!! I have been following a skincare routine!!! Heres what I have been using.

Cleanser.

Dermalogica Cleanser and Toner

I have been using Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser. This is actually my mans cleanser that he uses. This cleasner is used on a damp face, apply then rinse off with luke warm water. This is a clay based cleanser that helps oily congested skin. It states it is a "unique combination of water soluble Kaolin and Green clays that absorb excess oils while extracts of Sambucus, Ivy and Lemon refine skins texture and help prevent future breakouts". This cleanser feel slightly tingly when applied, It cools the skin and leaves it feelng refreshed and clean. I certainly enjoy using this and feel my skin appears clearer and brighter.

Toner.

I have been using Dermalogica Multi-active Toner. This toner is a spray that i spritz onto the skin after it has been cleansed. This toner states it gives "critical hydration with this ultra light, refreshing facial spritzthat hydrates the skin while smoothing the surface.Moisture binding humectants plus soothing lavendar, bath mint and arnica help condition the skin and prepare it for proper moisture absorption." This toner is a cool spray that adds a refreshing splash of goodness to my skin, my skin feels clean, and non greasy. I definately want to keep using this spray which yet again is the mans!

Moisture, eye cream and lipbalm

Moisturiser.

This is the bit I am going to have to have recommendations for, I have combination skin. The night cream I had was far too heavy so started to use a sample I received in an advent calendar which is called ESPA Lift and Firm Moisturiser. It states it is an "active complex to help smooth lines, sea amber stimulates collagen and elastin." It also contains anuse and antioxidants. The moisturiser smells gorgeous, a spicy floral scent that sinks into my skin and leaves it feeling moisturised rather then greasy or heavy.

Eye cream.

I have fallen in love again with my Balance Me Eye Cream. An eye cream that calms and soothes the eye area, I find the scent prepares me for a lovely nights sleep. It states its "soothing, brightening and lifting", I would agree, though it isnt a miracle and I wouldnt any eye creams are miraculous, but I enjoy using this and feel I am looking after my ever wrinkly eye area!

Lip balm.

I have always used Balmi before bed to leave my lips soft and moisturised. I currently own the coconut and the raspberry scents. LOVE LOVE!!! They certainly leave my lips feeling super soft so would highly recommend them.

So this is my current routine.

Anything you would recommend?

A xx

Balmi Lip Balm

Diary Of A Skincare Loser #3

Hello everyone!

Last post was me hoping to organise my dressing table and routine! I certainly have done that, be proud!! So lets see how I get on with that and whilst I am trying to stick to it I am also learning about the routine, what does each step mean and why is it important? Here are my honest answers, and answers experts would give.

What did cleansing mean to me?

So first things first cleanser, I used to think cleanser was what you used to take off your makeup, it took most off and if I wanted I could do it twice to ensure all of my makeup was completely gone. I admit I have used baby wipes or 3 in 1 cleanser wipes as a quick go to. In my eyes as long as my makeup was off I thought I was doing a good job.

What would the experts say?

cleansing present participle of cleanse (Verb)

Verb

Make (something, esp. the skin) thoroughly clean: "this preparation will cleanse and tighten the skin"; "a cleansing cream". Taken from Google.

Cleansing gets rid of all the dead skin and dirt that can gather on our skin after a days work or play. Our skin needs rejuvenating, a chance to "breath", it needs to be cleansed to reduce clogging up of pores, reducing fine lines and for your skin to appear healthy and bright. It also helps boost blood circulation around the face.

What did toning mean to me?

This was something I rarely did, it was just another form of cleansing, which seemed to tighten my skin and get rid of any dirt or makeup left on my skin.

What would the experts say?

Toning helps to get rid of any dirt or cleanser left on the face. It helps restore the natural PH of the skin allowing the skin to be hydrated, which is important in reducing the appearance of fine lines.

What is eye cream?

Something my mama would always use religiously, that she applied gently under and around her eye that had a pretty smell. I started to use this now and again.

What experts would say?

Eye cream is a type of moisturiser for the eye area that helps reduce and prevent fine lines, some can reduce puffiness and discolouration.

What is moisturiser?

A cream that helps my skin feel softer and helps if certain areas are dry. Never used night cream until recently, though day cream was a regular used item.

What would the experts say?

A cream helps boost collagen that the body struggles to produce the older we get. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines. Moisturisers help to keep skin hydrated, nourished, softer and calm. This is a must for helping to give a youthful appearance.

So as you all know, I am not a skin expert, so the answers may not be exactly what an expert would say, but its my interpretation of how I have understood what they all mean and therefore how I see what an expert would say to me.

Any tips?

Axx

Diary Of A Skincare Loser! #2

Hello Loveys!

Hope you are all well. I can imagine you are hoping I have learnt some lessons in the world of skincare, I'm afraid I am still not down with the kids! Sigh! So here's the latest.

I have been so tired lately with the family being ill and me playing nurse, sleepless nights and little time. So there is my reason for this dreadful confession, drum roll......I have been using, wait for it, BABY WIPES!!!!! my skin is screaming at me, I am face palming like you wouldnt believe. I owe my skin an apology, big time, so I need to make some urgent changes.

I met the lovely Sasha from Beauty Bird blog, check her blog out! We had a great chat, she is knowledgeable when it comes to skincare so out came the notepad and pen to get her advice. I have a combination skin type, with the oily t-zone. I have been using baby wipes to take off my eye makeup and base then my Alpha H Liquid Gold every other night with lip balm. So thats no eye cream, serum, moisturiser or cleanser, oh dear. I asked Sasha for the order of skincare, the order we looked at is the following. Cleanser, toner, serum or face oil then moisturiser, eye cream and lip balm morning and evening. My face must of said seriously morning and evening and all that!!! Oh no! But the little voice in head cried at last, lets do this. I was ever so excited to get home and sort my skincare but I arrived home to find plenty of tidying and cleaning! Tonight I am going to use a cleanser, toner, moisturiser and eye cream. My skin hasnt been great lately and quite oily, I am wondering whether the moisturiser I have been using in the morning is too heavy? So I am going to go back to my trusty Aldi moisturiser. I am going to look into the products I have and try to look at organising my bedside table so that I dont forget. Step one to help make changes!

Any tips to help loveys?

Image from Google

Shearer Candles Review

Hello Loveys,

Hope you are all well! Most people I know love candles and I am one of them, and here is a candle company that is now a favourite of mine! It rivals Yankee Candle! Shearer Candles are a scottish company founded in 1897, that sell a great selection of candles, whether you want a large or small candle, in a tin or glass holder they supply it all. They are reasonably priced starting from £4.00 and supply a great selection of scents.

http://www.shearer-candles.com/

Amber and Rose candle

Today I am reviewing the Amber&Rose scented candle which is a sweet fresh scent that has literally become a favourite of mine and my mama! We love them! The candle lasts hours, 20 hours to be precise, and the scent fills the room, I hate it when candles smell great until they start to burn then you dont smell anything! But not these! They smell during burning and after. They use the purest ingredients which are better for you and the environment. The candle is a one wick candle in a tin and costs only £4.00, I am excited to purchase other scents and types of candles that are available from the range, here is my wishlist!