#still looking for a moisturizer that has my back like the nivea care cream and so far ive found none that can compare

[patronsaintofposmodernity]

cruelty free nivea WHEN

[dazombi3fari3]

Hey doll hey!!! How’s your day/night going? Great I hope. I had a pretty good day … but it’s night now here in Florida and I am starting to hurt pretty badly…. I think I over did it today.

I noticed that I haven’t done any Monthly Beauty Favorites so I thought I’d start a new series for this blog… hope you like it.

Before we start I just wanted to shade with you what I made for dinner tonight! I am so proud of myself. I’ve never made Salmon on my own… I always just order it from a restaurant… but with the national quarantine and all the sit down restaurants being closed I’ve had to step out of my  comfort zone and teach myself to cook things I normally would order out! so …. here it is …

Honey lemon Salmon and garlic butter and corn white rice. This dish was so sublime that I don’t think I’ll ever order Salmon when we go out to eat again!

Not all categories will have a high end and drugstore entry. Please Note that I am not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the products or companies that I mention in this blog post. * Warning this will be a long post … just grab a snack, something to drink and settle in … I promise you wont be sorry for reading this post….. Well … Without further ado …let’s get into my April 2020 Beauty Favorites.

Favorite Beauty Store:

Beautylish has got to be my all time favorite place to shop for all things beauty!! 

I’ve been shopping at Beautylish for well over 5 years. Their customer service is of the highest quality. Their shipping rate is a flat rate of $5 on all orders (in the US it’s $5 on all orders under $35 anything above $35 is free shipping). The only downside is that they are unable to ship to P.O. boxes. They offer flex payments on orders of $100 or more where you pay a down payment and then they spread the rest of the bill over  3 to 4 payments depending how much the bill comes to. The down payment amount also depends on the amount spent… For example: I just placed an order for $102. I paid $37 as the down payment and the rest was split into 3 equal payments to be due on the 1st of each month. The due date depends on the date of purchase. I tend to pay my flex payments off faster than the allotted time, but it’s great to know I have the 3 months just in case I need them. Beautylish also ships international the the following countries: Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium,Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, U.K., and U.S. Beautylish carries the following brands:

A

Aethera Beauty

Allies of Skin

Alphabet Bags

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Anna Sui

Ardell

Artis

ARTISAN&ARTIST

B

beautyblender

Beautylish Presents

BeautySoClean

BECCA Cosmetics

belif

Benefit Cosmetics

Benjabelle

Billy B

Bioderma

bkr

boscia

Briogeo

Brush Works

Bumble and bumble.

BY TERRY

C

Caudalie

Charlotte Tilbury

Chemist Confessions

CHIKUHODO

Clean Apothecary

COOLA

COVER | FX

D

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Dominique Cosmetics

Dr. Barbara Sturm

DUO

E

Eau Thermale Avène

Embryolisse

EVE LOM

Evian

F

Farmacy

G

Glamcor

Good Molecules

H

Hampton Sun

Herbalore

HoliFrog

Hourglass

I

ILIA

Indie Lee

Inglot Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics

J

Jeffree Star Cosmetics

JILL STUART Beauty

Jo Malone London

Jouer Cosmetics

JUNO & Co.

K

Kevyn Aucoin

Kjaer Weis

Klorane

Koh Gen Do

KOYUDO

L

La Mer

LASHES IN A BOX

Lilly Lashes

LINA CHOO

Lit Cosmetics

Lixirskin

Lord Jones

Lucas’ Papaw Remedies

M

MAHALO Skin Care

Make-Up Atelier

Max & Me

May Lindstrom

Mila Moursi

Miss Fame Beauty

Moon Juice

MYKITCO.

N

Natasha Denona

Naturally Serious

Nomad Noé

Nudestix

O

Omorovicza

Oribe

P

Pai Skincare

Parian Spirit

Paw Palette

Peter Thomas Roth

Q

Quintessence Paris

R

R+Co

Rae Morris

Raincry

RCMA Makeup

ReFa

Rene Furterer

rms beauty

S

SACHAJUAN

Saint Jane Beauty

Seche

Sisley-Paris

Skin Inc Supplement Bar

Skindinavia

Slip

Smith & Cult

Smith Cosmetics

Sol de Janeiro

Sonia G.

St. Tropez

Stila

Sugarpill Cosmetics

Sulwhasoo

Sunday Riley

Surratt Beauty

Susanne Kaufmann

Suwada

T

T3

Takahashi Hiroko

Taos AER

TEMPTU

The Beauty Chef

The Brush Guard

The Ordinary.

The Sacred Ritual

TOM FORD

Too Faced

TRIA Beauty

Tweezerman

U

U Beauty

Uma

UNITS

V

VDL

Velour Lashes

Vintner’s Daughter

Viseart

Vital Proteins

Vueset

W

Wayne Goss

Z

ZIIP

Z•Palette

I truly love to shop with them because the take time to package my purchases with care, it never takes more than a week to get my packages (except for now, it’s taking about 2-3 weeks because of the Corona Virus), and they have a great return policy: Their website states that their return policy is: If you are less than completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return your order within 60 days (from the delivery date) for a refund. We regret that we are unable to cover return shipping costs or refund the original shipping and duties charges unless the return was due to our error. Products must be returned in new or gently used condition. If your product arrived either damaged or defective, please contact us right away. Sets/bundles are sold as-is and products cannot be substituted, customized, and/or returned individually.

I’ve never had any issues with their services, in fact there was 1 time around 3 years ago that I ordered something from the brand It Cosmetics and the wrong item was delivered to me, I contact them straight away and they sent me out the product I had originally ordered that same day and as a way to apologize for the mistake they even allowed me to keep the product that I had received in error.

  Favorite Amazon Beauty Finds:

Pixnor 5″3″ Stainless Steel Makeup Palette with Spatula Tool $6.99 on Amazon: I am so happy I purchased this!!  I use to apply foundation to the back of my hand and then bonce my sponge off my hand … what I found is that this would cause waste of product because some of the foundation would sink into my skin and I would have to use more foundation… now I just apply a few pumps onto the palette and there is zero waste. I also love the spatula because I can use it to scrape moisturizers out of the jar without having to use my fingers. I also use the spatula to mix dew drops into my foundation and now I don’t have a big mess on my hands. 

Segbeauty 5.4oz/160ml Continuous Spray Plastic Squirt Bottle With A Fine Mist $14.99 on Amazon: This bottle is a curly hair girls dream!! It provides just the right amount of moisture without over-wetting your hair. It has a 360 degree sprayer and it’s perfect for re-wetting hair in the morning to restyle and freshen up curls. This bottle has changed my hair game for the better.

Every Drop Beauty Spatula $5.89 on Amazon. I’ve always hated the thought that there was still product in the bottom and sides of my products after I’ve run out. I started cutting plastic tubes open to get every last drop on product out but with bottles you just can’t do that. I came across this little baby when I was just browsing the beauty tools section of Amazon one day and thought OH! PERFECT!!! This spatula gets all the way to the bottom, the sides, and even the shoulders of bottles! I now have zero waste with my beauty products. I love this item so much that I have ordered it’s baby sister product the Every Drop Lip Spatula for $5.49 I ordered 2 one for lipsticks and lip glosses and one for concealers and other small wand items. This has truly helped me not waste my money by allowing me to get every last drop of product out of their containers.

Favorite Makeup Tool:

Face Halo Makeup Remover Pads: $17.60 for a 3 pack on Amazon. This little puppy is the perfect accompaniment to my vastly growing Eco-friendly arsenal. I find that I do not use as much of my Bioderma now because I am not using it to take off my makeup before I use it as my first cleanse…. 1 round is enough to completely remove all of my makeup from my face, neck, and ear lobes! You just soak it with warm water and remove your makeup… and it does remove 100% of my makeup, including lash glue! I just simply wash it after every use and it dries quickly too. I highly recommend this if you are looking for a way to reduce your carbon foot print on the planet!

Favorite Makeover Product: 

Schwarzkopf Keratin Permanent Hair Color Cream in the shade 4.6 Intense Cocoa $9.97 on Amazon (but Amazon only allows you to purchase 1 so I ordered 3 more from Walgreens.com buy 2 get 1 free for the same price). This was the first time I used this product and I’ve gotta tell ya … This has got to be the BEST boxed hair color on the market. It has Anti-Breakage Technology called K·BOND-PLEX technology (that repairs inner hair structure) and a Pre-Color Serum (that leaves your hair looking healthy and strong, with less hair breakage). It also doesn’t have that harsh hair dye smell to it. In fact my hair smelled so good that it was like I had just simply washed my hair. The conditioner it comes with left my hair so smooth and soft and fluffy. I believe they use the same technology as Olaplex does because my hair felt as if I had just done an Olaplex treatment to it. This will definitely be a product I repurchase again and again. 

Favorite Candle:

Bath and Body Works Vanilla Bean Noel 3 Wick Candle: This sadly is my last Vanilla Bean Noel candle… I purchase this scent every year at Christmas time … I stock up when they have their holiday sale and typically purchase 20 of them… it’s just the best scent ever

Favorite Body Care Item:

Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion with Almond Oil $5 at Walmart for 16.9 Fluid Ounces: I use to use Bath and Body Works body creams but with my Fibromyalgia I tend to get very sensitive itchy skin and have noticed that the Bath and Body Works creams would aggravate my already sensitive skin … So on a whim I picked this up a few months ago. Firstly a little of this goes a long way. It’s very creamy and very hydrating and has a soft Almond scent to it. It sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave me body feeling greasy. I’m pleasantly surprised at how wonderful this product is.

Favorite Hair Care Item:

Olaplex No 6 Bond Smoother $28 for 3.3 fluid ounces at Sephora and No 7 Bonding Oil $28 for 1 fluid ounces at Sephora: These two products work together you add a few drops of the oil into the smoother and mix it together. I use this once about ever few days to revive my curls… since I don’t wash my hair everyday I need something to help my curls revive. I typically only wash my hair 1 time a week since I don’t put any hair products into my hair. This not only smells amazing, it leaves my hair soft and replenished and defines my curls when they start to go a bit frizzy. A little bit goes along way I only use a quarter sized amount of the smoother and about 5 drops of the oil. This is another item that has seriously upped my curly girl hair game.

Favorite Movie : (I know this isn’t beauty related, but I take my movie time to do my spa treatments … so I included it as a favorite.)

Synopsis: When Cecilia’s abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia works to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see. This was a very well thought out movie with lots of twists and turns. Highly Recomend.

Favorite Spa Day Item:

Revolution Skincare x Jake-Jamie Avocado Face Mask $11 for 1.6 ounces at Ulta: This mask is amazingly moisturizing. I use it once a week and my skin feels heavenly afterwards.

Favorite Skincare Item: 

I tried a ton of skincare in the month of April and there were several things that I loved but I would have to say that my all time favorite item(s) are as follows:

My 2 whole face (including eyes) serum routine: #1. Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum $12 for 1 fluid ounce through Beautylish (it’s also sold on the Good Molecules website) and it’s function is to target fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. #2. Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum $6 for 1 fluid ounce through Beautylish (it’s also sold on the Good Molecules website) and it’s function is to replenish your skin’s moisture by drawing moisture into the skin for deep hydration.  My skin has never looks this good since I was in my teens. Both these serums are light weight and sink into the skin quickly and you only need 1/2 a dropper for your full face and neck … I also use whatever is left on my hands to rub into my hands as sort of a treat for my hands.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Face Sunscreen Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 60: $29.99 for 1.7 fluid ounces and I purchase mine through Amazon. Ever since I starting using this sunscreen I have decluttered all other facial sunscreens. This is the perfect consistency for me. It’s light weight and hydrating. It sinks into the skin amazingly fast. It doesn’t interfere with my makeup application and it doesn’t have that sunscreen scent. BONUS: It’s a 60+ sunscreen which is the ideal level of protection for the face. 

  Favorite Face Primer: 

Tarte Timeless Smoothing Primer $39 for .5 ounces at Ulta and Sephora: I typically switch up my face primers every day or two but the one that I use everyday is this one. It just fills in my pores so well that I reach for it time and time again over all of my pore primers.

Favorite High End Foundation:

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation $44 for 1 fluid ounce through Beautylish (but can also be purchased through Sephora and the Charlotte Tilbury website). As I said in my haul of this item this is such a beautiful foundation. I just can’t stop looking at my face anytime I’m wearing it. This full coverage foundation leaves my skin looking youthful and flawless. It plays well with dew drops mixed in and plays well with any primer. I will always have this foundation in my collections.

Favorite Drug Store Foundation: 

Believe Beauty Skin Finish Foundation: $5 for .85 fluid ounces only at Dollar General Stores. This foundation surprised me I truly didn’t believe that this was going to be a good foundation, however it is a FANTASTIC foundation and is  is a medium to full coverage. This is a semi-dewy foundation. What I mean is it’s just dewy enough to give you that youthful look without being to extreme. It lasts all day and doesn’t break down. I hope they never stop making this foundation!

Favorite High End BB/CC/Tinted Moisturizer: 

Tarte Maracuja Tinted Moisturizer $29 for 1 fluid ounce of product at Ulta. This is a super dewy product but not in a greasy sort of way. It’s light coverage and sets with powder nicely. This is such a beautiful product.. so much so that I purchased a back up just in case they pull it off the shelves. I find that it’s best to apply this one with your fingers since it’s such light coverage that using a sponge with soak it all up and using a brush will leave it looking streaky.

Favorite Concealer:

NYX Born to Glow Radiant Concealer $9 for .14 fluid ounces at Ulta. This is such a beautiful concealer! It doesn’t settle into my fine lines as long as I set it straight away upon application. It doesn’t crack throughout the day. A little tiny bit is all you need. It’s full coverage without being super thick. It gives an amazing glow to the under eye that can still be seen even after you set it with powder. I’d probably go out on a limb and say this may be my favorite concealer all year.

Favorite Cream Bronzer/Contour: I wont be having 2 categories for this one… mainly because I don’t have a drug store option for this category as of yet, I have since purchased a drug store option today.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand in the shade 2 Medium/Dark $38 for .41 fluid ounces purchased through Beautylish (but can be purchased at Sephora and the Charlotte Tilbury website). I can’t believe I am saying that this is my favorite!! I have loved the Chanel Soleil De Chanel cream bronzer for so long that I didn’t think anything would ever replace it! Sad to say the Chanel bronzer was discontinued and a new cream bronzer replaced it … it looks more hydrating than the one I have so I’m keen to try it however … let’s talk Hollywood Contour Wand shall we!? This is the first cream contour product I’ve ever tried (bronze to me didn’t seem as scary as cream contour did). It is easy to use, easy to blend in, and gives the skin a natural looking contour. This is a light weight very pigmented product. You don’t get much product for the price tag, however a very little goes a very long way. I use 1 squeeze ever 2 days (it’s a sponge tipped applicator so the product stays in the sponge… I just squeeze 1 time and have enough product left over on the sponge that the next day I just have to dot what remains over the perimeter of my face. Unlike the Chanel bronzer this product doesn’t disrupt my foundation underneath. I love this product so much that I place an order today for a back up. 

Favorite Matte Bronzer/Contour:

Mac Bronzing Powder in the shade matte bronze: $30 for .35 ounces of product. I’ve had this compact for probably way too long because it’s starting to get hard pan, so I scraped the hard pan off … the powder works fine. The picture of the hand on the left is without flash and the one on the right is with flash. It’s just the perfect everyday natural looking bronzer. You can’t over do it with this bronzer since it’s so light of coverage. I always love my look when I’m wearing this one.

Favorite Glowy Bronzer :

Tarte Limited Edition Park Ave Princess Waterproof Face & Body Bronzer $34 for .55 ounces of product at Ulta. I do love a good glowy bronzer and this one does not disappoint! It’s the perfect shade, has just the right amount of glow without having shimmer to it … it’s just this glow from within! I just love how my skin looks with this bronzer on.

Favorite Dewy Primer: 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter in the shade #3 Light/Medium $44 for 1.01 fluid ounces on the Beautylish website (can also be purchased from Sephora or the Charlotte Tilbury website). Ever since getting this product in I have not been able to put it down! It’s freaking amazing!!! AMAZING! It has just enough of a tint that this could be worn alone for “No Makeup” makeup days and has the perfect amount of glow without having any shimmer to it. 1 swipe per zone is all you need of this primer. It’s not sticky or greasy and it does hold foundation nicely.

Favorite Cream Highlighter: 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Beauty Light Wand $39 for .41 fluid ounces on the Beautylish website (can also be purchased from Sephora or the Charlotte Tilbury website). I have tried many cream highlighters and hate every single one, until this one came into my life! This highlighter is just magical! It doesn’t disrupt the foundation under neither, it melts into the skin seamlessly, and it has no glitter to it… just a natrual looking glow. The glow can still be seen even after setting it with powder! I haven’t been able to stop using it because I’m so in love with it.

Favorite High End Face Powder:

Too Faced Born This Way Ethereal Setting Powder in the shade Translucent $33 for .53 ounces of product at Ulta and Sephora. This powder has the most beautiful finish ever! It give a slight glow to the skin without looking like glitter or shimmer. This one has taken the place of my beloved Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in my heart. I just never want to be without it!!! It doesn’t take much of this powder to set the full face either. I tap 3 shakes into the cap and that sets my full face! It even looks amazing under the eyes.

Favorite Drug Store Face Powder:

Believe Beauty Matte Blur Loose Powder in the shade Translucent $5 for .14 ounces of product sold only at Dollar General. This is such a light weight powder that sets the face flawlessly. It is matte but doesn’t leave the face looking cakey or dry. It even looks good under the eyes. I have repurchased this 2 time since discovering it and I have 2 back ups.

Favorite High End Finishing and Touch Up Setting Powder:

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder $45 for .28 ounces of product on the Beautylish website (can also be purchased at Sephora and on the Charlotte Tilbury website). This gives the prettiest soft focus to the face and doesn’t change the look of your makeup when you touch up with it. I find on days that I wear this one as a finishing powder I don’t have to touch up at all. I don’t quiet like this one as a setting powder, just as a finishing powder and touch up powder and sad to say I have hit pan … this is the most expensive pressed powder I own but it’s so worth it and I will definitely be repurchasing it when I’ve finished it.

Favorite Drug Store Finishing and Touch Up Setting Powder:

JCat Beauty AquaSurance Compact Foundation $13.99 for .31 ounces of product at Ulta. This is a spot on dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder. It’s basically a fuller coverage version and I can use it to set my set as well and I never have to touch up at all when I use this powder.

Favorite Powder Highlighter: 

Benefit Boxed Highlighter in the shade Cookie $30 for .28 ounces of product at Ulta and Sephora. OH BABY! This highlighter is so pretty and little is all you need. This is a beaming highlighter so definitely not for low maintenance makeup day but add this to your full glam look and watch out…. it’s the perfect highlighter to be noticed in.

Favorite Blush:

Tarte 12-HR Amazonian Clay Blush in the shade Captivating $29 for .2 ounce of product at Ulta and Sephora. This is the best just pinched shade I’ve ever owned. I wore it a ton in April and for good reason. It goes with everything from “No Makeup” makeup looks to full on glam looks. It lasts all day and is probably my all time favorite blush shade.

Favorite Lip Combo:

L’Oreal Rouge Signature Lightweight Matte Lip Stain ($5.99 at Ulta) in the shade 448 I-Tease (a soft taupey pink matte) a few dots of Makeup Geek Creme Stain ($11.99 on their website) in the shade Jitterbug (an intense coral matte) a touch of NARS Lip Gloss ($24 on the NARS website) in the shade Stripe Tease  (Sheer champagne nude). This makes the perfect shade for every look. I’ve worn this only for the past few days of April but I can already tell it will be worn a ton in the month of May.

Favorite Powder to Set My Under Eyes:

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder $28 for .14 ounces of product at Ulta and Sephora. This just leaves the under eyes looking flawless and it sets every concealer I own except the Dermablend concealer (that concealer is just too heavy and took emollient that nothing really sets it and I would return it but I lost the uni-carton it came in so Ulta wont take it back). I wish this came in a larger jar because I just know I will be repurchasing this over and over. It gives this soft focus glow to the under eye area that isn’t shimmery or glittery … just a sort of glow from within look.

Favorite Brow Pencil:

Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil $24 at Ulta and Sephora for .27 ounces of product. I have purchased this pencil 2 time since discovering it and I have 1 back up. This is just the most effortless brow product ever. I almost never have a bad brow day when I use this pencil. It’s a definite recommend in my book.

Favorite Brow Gel: 

Believe Beauty Eyebrow Styling Gel $4 for .2 ounces of product sold only at Dollar General. Even though it’s only got .2 ounces of product this brow gel lasts a long time. You only need 1 pass of the wand to fully set your brow. It is never crunchy and never goes flaky. The picture is of my back ups … this sucker goes fast at the store so I pick up 2 or 3 every time I go to Dollar General so I never run out. I adore this one so much that I never reach for my other brow gels.

Favorite High End Eye Shadow Palette: 

Too Faced Born This Way The Natural Nudes Eyeshadow Palette $45. It has 8 matte shades and 8 shimmer shades and you get .48 total ounces of product and is sold at Ulta and Sephora. Some of my all time favorite looks this past month have come from this palette! I just adore it so much. Too Faced really hit it out of the park with this one.

Favorite Drug Store Eye Shadow Palette: (I have 3, 1 is a bit more pricier, 1 is mid-ranged and the other is super inexpensive)

ColourPop Bare Necessities 30 Pan Eyeshadow Palette $34 on the ColourPop website. I have created so many beautiful neutral eye looks with this palette! With 30 shades I never get bored of this one.

  Believe Beauty Eyeshadow Palette  in the color story: Nearly Nude $5 only sold at Dollar General. It’s just simple an amazing palette. I was highly impressed with this one. I got a few looks out of it and it’s the perfect size for travel.

  Catrice Basic Bae Eyeshadow Palette $14.99 at Ulta. This was the first thing I ever tried from Catrice and I was super impressed! The shadows are super pigmented and blend like a dream.

Favorite Eye Liner:

Charlotte Tilbury The Classic Powder Eye Pencil in the shade Audrey $22 on the Beautylish website (but can also be purchased at Sephora and on the Charlotte Tilbury website). Now this one was a surprise to me. I hated this pencil when I first tried it…. I could never get it to work… Well I finally figured it out and I am in love. It gives such a effortless look to the eyes when I use it. This will be a repurchase when I run out.

Favorite Mascara: 

Milani Dangerous Lengths 3D Mascara regularly $9.99 nut currently on sale for $7.49 at Ulta. This is another item that surprised me but ever since I’ve been conditioning my lashes with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil my lashes have been looking so nice and combined with the mascara I just fell in love…. I can’t believe I have a favorite mascara and it’s, for the first time in years, not the L’Oreal voluminous Carbon Black!!! This just gives a nice fluffy airy look to the lashes.

Favorite Inner Corner Highlight:

Hikari Creme Pigment in the shade Honey Dew $15 on their website. I have been using this for a few years now but I just can’t seem to stay away. It just give the prettiest lilt to the inner corners.

Favorite Setting Spray: (I have 2 this month)

ColourPop Hyaluronic Acid Setting Mist $12 for 3.72 fluid ounces of product at Ulta and on the ColourPop website. This setting spray smells like the beach and leaves the skin looking dewy and healthy. It holds your makeup fairly well … I don’t really need a setting spray that will hold my makeup on until the wee hours of the morning, I just need a spray that will take down the powderiness of freshly applied makeup.  I’ve been using this bottle for 2 months and I’m almost out of it. This makes me sad because it’s sold out everywhere. I think this may just be my favorite setting spray of the year.

Belif Aqua Bomb Mist $34 for 2 2.02 fluid ounces of product on the Beautylish website (but can also be purchased at Ulta and Sephora). This one adds tons of hydration to the skin and I love it as a touch up spray too. Lately I have been using it in combination with the other setting spray just to add a bit more hydration to my under eye area. 

Favorite Find of the Year So Far: 

HonHey Portable Hand Held Rechargeable Fan. $13 on Amazon. I purchased this back in the beginning of March but it has quickly become my favorite beauty extra! It helps me dry my setting spray and lash glue. It also helps keep me cooler when the hot lights of my makeup table start to make me over heat. It has a great charge life as well. 

Well … We have reached the end dolls. Thank you ever so much for hanging in there with this post …. I know it was a long one … but this is the flagship post of this series and I thought I should be as thorough as possible with at least the first in the series… Now that’s not to say I wont have heaps of favorites in any given month, but I may just have a few favorites in other months too.

Well that’s all for now dolls. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day/night and that your spirits are high and your health is good! Remember dolls, Save a spoon for a bit of lipstick.

XOXO

April 2020 Beauty Favorites Hey doll hey!!! How's your day/night going? Great I hope. I had a pretty good day ...

[amyvictoriali]

Hey beautiful reader!

As an impending shelf exam for my 3rd year medical student surgery rotation draws near, I of course decided to procrastinate. 

Some of you may remember I once had a blog named sweetskindreams with my own URL/domain and everything. Well, it was incurring an annual fee and I honestly wasn’t blogging regularly enough to make that worth the money. I also wanted my blog to expand to a lifestyle blog, where it’s not just regarding skincare but also discusses makeup, fashion finds, food, med school woes, relationship updates, etc. As for the decision to opt Tumblr yet again (rather than the more formal Wordpress) - it is because most of my closest friends (cough people who will actually read this cough) are already on Tumblr and can easily be updated via a follow, whereas a formal blog requires a mailing subscription and the idea of my blog posts being e-mailed out to folks seems a bit extra. For how casual I’m treating all of this anyways. 

Intro aside, I wanted to kick off this new lifestyle blog with my recent Spring/Summer 2019 beauty hits and misses. Hopefully this will save you some money if you’ve been eyeing any of these products because there are definitely options I would avoid. 

Let’s start with the MISSES: 

- Touch in Sol No Problem Primer, $18: this was gifted by my roomie, so I really wanted to love it, but I gave it a miss because it still doesn’t beat Benefit’s Pore-fessional (quite frankly, nothing has) for pore minimization purposes and it doesn’t really act well as a primer either. Doesn’t ease foundation application nor prolong anything. It feels silky and nice to apply but I can’t perceive any useful benefits. 

- Too Faced Cooling Matte Pore Perfecting Primer, $34: people need to stop labeling things as “pore minimizing” or “pore perfecting” when they do absolutely nothing for the pores. Similar to Touch in Sol, this primer didn’t do anything special to prime the skin or cover up pores. It does feel cooling, and SMELLS AMAZING like much of Too Faced’s products do (a sweet fig scent), but those are secondary perks that don’t mean anything if the primary function is lacking. I also didn’t enjoy the application, which was hard to spread over the skin and knotted up easily. Hard pass.

- Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner, $45: it pains me to put this in the ‘pass’ category but I do so because the effects are not worth the price. Rose petals in the toner make this so beautiful and an addition to my routine I so wanted to incorporate for aesthetics alone, but my skin remained dry only minutes after application. It just can’t justify the hefty price tag.

And now for the FAVS:

- Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, $54: Ugh. I can’t find a better one. Gifted to me on my b-day by my beautiful friend Liz, I treasure this DEARLY. I’ve known since college how effective this primer is, how flawless the application (very sheer liquid form makes it glide easily over your skin), and yet because it’s been on the pricier side I’ve never actually repurchased. To receive it as a gift is definitely a nod to how well my besties know me and I am so thankful for them. I only use this on special occasions/going out. Hoping I can make this last for a good few months. I have yet to find a better primer, although Laura Mercier is a close second.

- Laneige Berry Lip Sleeping Mask, $20: Again gifted by Liz (WHY DID YOU SPEND SO MUCH ON ME THIS YEAR STOP) and IT IS THE BEST LIP BALM I HAVE EVER USED. And I’ve tried everything from Glossier (overrated) to all the usual drugstore brands (Eos, Baby Lips, Burt’s, Nivea). Nothing beats this. Not to mention it smells/tastes delicious. Laneige kills it with their sleeping mask for skin and the lip one does not disappoint either. Keeps my lips hydrated and doesn’t leave them extra dry after (that’s the main issue with all those other chapsticks, they moisturize for a bit but leave you drier than you started off. This does not have that issue, and is the only thing I’ve ever come across that doesn’t leave me more dried out!) looks glossy too and that’s always a bonus :) 

- Missha Magic Cushion Cover, $12 on amazon: ok so... cushion BB creams are my new fav thing. They are so damn easy to apply (literally pat your face for 15 seconds and you have flawless looking coverage) and don’t dry your skin out as much as foundation. Looks super natural too. I can’t rave about these enough. Sure, regular liquid BB creams/tinted moisturizers are also nice and good for summer but those require brushwork or beauty sponge work which both take a couple minutes, whereas the cushions take mere SECONDS. For someone who has to drag her ass to the hospital at 5am, the shorter the routine the better. (AND YOU CAN’T BEAT THIS PRICE TAG! Altho sadly these do only last about a month with daily use) 

- Lastly, I received 2 Drunk Elephant samples for my Sephora B-day gift this year. I’m sure y’all have heard of this brand as it is advertised constantly on instagram and has iconically beautiful packaging in bright, fun colors with minimalist designs. The samples I tried were the Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser and the Protini Polypeptide cream. Both are ... phenomenal. Very mild scents, free of all the junk that irritates your skin (mineral oils, silicones, alcohols, etc) and just what my currently cystic acne covered skin needed. (Yes, my acne is back, and I am so bummed about it. Definitely a result of me neglecting skin care when I was studying for Step. I ran out of my prescription retinoid for a couple weeks and sure enough these zits came flying back. Recovery has been slow but there is improvement.) The only caveat to Drunk Elephant products are their prices. Full size Jelly cleanser is $32 and Protini cream $68. Decking yourself out in the Drunk Elephant line will definitely hurt your pockets. But omg... I am seriously contemplating trying their whole line now. It’s not just how beautifully the product wears and how effective it is at what it advertises, but the FREAKING PACKAGING. And I don’t just mean the looking pretty part but more importantly the functional design. Go to Sephora and try the already opened samples yourself and you’ll see what I mean. The Jelly Cleanser cap “twists” (but does not come off) and has a little hole in the center that allows you to squeeze out a tiny dollop of product so you can quickly “twist” it back. And their serums are all in little dispenser bottles. You already know how much I love convenience, and DE makes everything as convenient as possible (and so so clean!) 

Hope you enjoyed this review and stay tuned next month for a review of a splurge purchase I made on AmorePacific products. I am especially curious about their Treatment Enzyme Powder to Foam Peels, so will review that later b/c I understand $60 is a lot to drop on something without knowing it will be worth your $. My brother is in Taiwan right now and has been instructed to bring back a hefty haul of sheet masks, eye masks, skin toners/essences/serums galore, so more to come in August. Until then, happy shopping! 

xoxo, Amy

[prettythoughtful]

Yes, it’s Veganuary! I’ve been a vegan for around 5 years now (I have a terrible memory which I’m sure non-vegans would attest to my diet but really it’s a desire to never live in the past), and whilst veganism is very much focused on diet… it’s also not!

Veganism isn’t just not eating animals, it’s living in a way that does as little harm as possible which encompasses diet AND lifestyle! I love that Veganuary is getting bigger and bigger each year but I didn’t want to add to the already-covered FOOD elements of eating a vegan diet. In my opinion it’s the easiest part! FOOD IS GOOD. You can get it everywhere, it’s always in your face and in the year of our lord Keanu Reeves, 2020 has already started with a bunch of big companies launching new vegan ranges. It’s great! No more side salad’s and fries no matter where you go to eat!

So, instead of adding to the noise of food (which is very difficult for me. I’m an eater), I wanted to talk about skincare.

(Some of these links are affiliate links which just means, if you happen to click and purchase, I get a tiiiinny kickback from it 😉 )

If you want to adopt a vegan lifestyle this month or, hey, maybe go vegan full time or at least veganise your life in a REALLY easy way, you can start with your skin care products. Quick caveat: I’m not going to be talking about plastic reduction today but that’s something I can hit up on another day. 

Did you know that SO many big brand skin care ranges out there STILL test on animals? Either directly or indirectly, it’s still going on and a great way to implement veganism into your life is by going CRUELTY FREE*.

Want to know a list of some well known brands who still test?

Aussie Hair care, Avon, Benefit, Biore, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Clairol, Clarins, Clearasil, Clinque, Estee Lauder, Garnier, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oreal, Lancome, Mac, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Origins, YSL. See full list here.

It’s shocking, isn’t it? And these are the people who openly test on animals**.

If you’ve read this far – thank you! I promise, it will be worth it, because I’m going to tell you about a few of my favourite skincare items (cleansers, toners, masks, moisturisers) so you can take a look and maybe even make a switch!

Cleansers 

When it comes to cleansers I’m a bit of a newbie. I used to always use face washes growing up but when I went vegan I just starting using (avocado) oil to take my makeup off because it’s obviously not tested on animals, it’s organic and comes in a glass bottle so no worry about plastic. I generally don’t have an issue with my skin but I do get blackheads on my chin -always have- and it wasn’t really until I was bought a soapy cleanser as a gift that I realised how lazy and silly I was being! These are the cleansers I use at the moment and what I think of them (please note; this post isn’t in any way affiliated – these are my honest opinions!!).

my CLARINS Re-move 

You might have noticed I said that Clarins wasn’t cruelty free and so I’ll quickly let you know that the my CLARINS range is their first CF range. The rest of their products aren’t suitable for vegans. I was bought this as a gift but I am the type of vegan who supports vegan ranges from non-vegan companies because I believe that buying them will let the company know that there is a market!

Now for the actual info; this cleaner is a gel formula which I’m not particularly fond of in general but I do feel like it does a good job! Clarins is a brand that likes to add overpowering scents to their products, this is no different. The smell is very perfume-y and reminds me of Clearasil. I wouldn’t say it was good for overly sensitive skin but if you like to feel really clean, this will do the job!

e.l.f Superclarify 

I love e.l.f products so if I wanted to cut this blog post short I’d say just buy their entire range because they do great makeup too but I want to give you options! I was bought this as a gift for Christmas so I’ve not been using it for a long time but I have used it every single night since I got it because I love it so much! There’s a sort of pearlescent look to it, for some reason, which I think is unnecessary and it’s also a gel formula like the Clarins cleanser but this one gets a good foam going with only a little bit of product. It smells a little bit floral but like essential oils instead of chemicals. After using it your skin feels really refreshed. Totally recommend it!

Toners

I have always used witch hazel as a toner, which I recommend because it smells lovely and doesn’t strip moisture from your skin, but I also go a new toner for Christmas and, again, I’ve been using it every night and loving it.

e.l.f Supertone 

There’s a bit of a misconception that toner ‘resets’ your skin, but that’s a myth. Toner shouldn’t remove makeup, your cleansing should do this, but it should remove dead skin cells and help your pores and, thus, the overall tone of your skin – go figure!

This e.l.f toner is citrus-scented and you can feel it has an acidic reaction with your skin, so instead of just removing dead skin cells I feel like you can really feel it going a bit deeper and helping clear out deeper set dirt in the pores. I swear since I started using this my skin feels more even and my blackheads feel like they’re clearing up.

Moisturisers

I’m a big fan of moisturiser! I feel like more people need to get into them so I really hope this post sways you if you don’t use them already. I’m not even just talking about reducing wrinkles or looking younger because I couldn’t care less about that, I just think they make you feel better by either helping with dryness (which can make you feel horrible) or helping you look more awake or else just making you feel a little bit decadent because you’ve smooshed your face a little bit. Facial massage is just the best and this really encourages it!

I’m going to run through my moisturisers in order of when I use them in the day so…

Morning moisturisers:

Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver, Instant Smoother

I use this as my first step moisturiser every single morning, before I put makeup on etc. It’s very light like a serum and smells so good with it’s orange/grapefruit-y scent. It adds a little bit of luminescence to your skin and adds an instant boost of moisture to your skin, making it look super smooth and even.

Body Shop Vitamin E 48h Moisture Cream 

I always do a double moisturise in the morning because I’m fancy like that! Once my vitamin C soaks in I pop a dollop of vitamin E on top. This formula is thick and delicious. It’s scent is a little bit like Nivea – I don’t know what it is but it’s so good and just reminds me of being a kid and smothering myself in Nivea all day every day but sadly they aren’t CF so this is the closest I can get to that wonderfulness! Standing on it’s own legs, though, this is a fabulous moisturiser which makes your skin feel like its best self and you don’t need a lot of it to get results.

Evening moisturisers:

e.l.f Superhydrate 

After I’ve cleansed and toned my face I’ve started using this moisturiser and rolling it in with my rose quartz face roller – are you noticing how much I love massaging my face yet? Again, I got this for Christmas in an e.l.f set and it’s really a lovely product. It’s the strangest moisturiser I’ve ever used because it’s like jelly – totally wibbly-wobbly and when you scoop a little bit out the next time you look at the pot its just back to it’s jelly-like self. Hard to explain but I like it! Once on your skin it melts in easily. You can use your hands to rub this in but I really like the way it rolls on so I do that every night! Afterwards your skin feels bouncy and a little bit sticky for a few minutes but I really think I look, dare I say, like a kid just out of the bath afterwards. You know, that totally clean totally refreshed look? Adore!

LJ Natural Overnight Organic Skin Drink

I like to support small and local businesses and was so excited to stumble upon LJ Natural. If you’re local to me in Wilmslow, Cheshire you can nip in to grab home-made, organic and natural skin care products but you can also shop via the website no matter where you are! I use this moisturiser if I’ve had the heating on a lot during the day which really saps the moisture out of my whole body, let alone my skin. Adding a little bit of this before beds resets all of that and I love the texture of it; a little bit gritty, if that’s a good way to put it. The grains dissolve as you rub it in and you’re left with a covering of oil but in a good way – it slowly sinks in overnight and helps to overcome dryness. The product is for dry, mature or sensitive skin which I don’t really have but over the winter months it’s been a lifesaver!

Feeling Fancy moisturiser: 

my CLARINS Re-Boost

Unlike the way I don’t really like the strong scent of the Clarins cleanser, I can honestly say the moisturiser is totally different! If I have a bath I use this afterwards to add to that feeling of ahhhh. The formula is light but incredibly powerful. It sinks in immediately leaving your skin really soft and smelling a bit fruity which lulls me right to sleep!

Masks

I love a face mask and will do one every few weeks. I wish I could do them every week but I forget. That being said I do like to save them for when I’m going to have a really long shower or hot bath which I only do every few weeks! (Relax, I do wash! I just usually have short showers!)

e.l.f Supermask

Made like a moisturiser this mask is a bit confusing and you have to really remember you put it on! It’s very light and doesn’t sit on top of your skin, like every other mask I’ve used, but sinks in immediately so the only way to remember to rinse your face is to set a reminder! Well, I suppose that’s not the only way, but it is for me! I got this one recently and have only used it once but it was a nice experience and my skin felt refreshed and unprovoked. You know what I mean? It washed off easily might be the best way to put it!

Body Shop Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask

One of my fave masks every this green concoction is light and smells like matcha so you feel like you’re doing something really good for your skin! I really love the glass jars that Body Shop use for their masks and it kind of adds to the experience of doing something a bit decadent but also something good. It really leaves you feeling clean and calm.

Body Shop British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask

Another beautiful glass pot with another beautiful mask inside. I LOVE rose scented stuff; give me all the rose flavours. I could wear this whilst eating Turkish Delight and be in heaven. Oh that gave me an idea for tonight… anywho, the formula is like jelly and it’s flecked with rose and aloe vera (hence the consistency) and it’s so cool on your skin you feel instantly relieved. Once washed off – which can take a few attempts – your skin is glossy and smells so good you want to do it again. The pot does say to use daily or a few times a week but you don’t get that much in the pot. I like to treat myself but I also like to save money so…

I really hope you liked this, it’s a bit of a different post from me but I’m trying to lean towards easy ways to add veganism into your life – in my opinion, after food, skin care is the next easy way because all you have to do is Google cruelty free brands and away you go! Enjoy and maybe the next time you go to buy something for your skin you think about making a cruelty free choice!

Sam

  *I could rant a little about CF here… maybe I will.

Ok, so if you see a product that says VEGAN on it, it might not actually be vegan. A lot of companies are using the term as a sneaky sales pitch but what they mean is that the product in question is made from plants with no animal derivatives. In order for a product to be vegan it needs to be labelled cruelty free. This means that it’s not made of animals and it also hasn’t been tested on them either! Cruelty free is what a product is, vegan is what we are – I hope that makes sense!

** There’s a grey area out there as well, though. Some companies will state they don’t test on animals but if they sell their products in China the company isn’t technically vegan. China test all incoming products on animals so whilst the parent brand might not do the testing, by selling in China they sign a contract to say they’re happy for it to be done! There’s an ongoing argument regarding whether or not vegan’s can still use the items that are sold in the UK, knowing that the parent brand tests elsewhere, as well as an argument regarding whether or not vegans should buy from companies that sell both cruelty free AND non-cruelty free products but honestly, the choice is yours. There’s no such thing as a perfect vegan, all we can do is our best!

It's here! My first #Veganuary blog post all about S K I N C A R E. Check it out if you're thinking of going cruelty free this year! Yes, it's Veganuary! I've been a vegan for around 5 years now (I have a terrible memory which I'm sure non-vegans would attest to my diet but really it's a desire to never live in the past), and whilst veganism is very much focused on diet...

[gmabaj]

Jeb’ël Skin Regimen

In the photos above, I did my morning regimen. Also wearing Maybelline eyeliner, Media W Eyebrow liner, a bit of lipstick, and absolutely no foundation. No filter either ;) it looks fuzzy bc I screenshot it from a video. 

After having taken a small break from IG (to maintain my sanity), IG got a new feature which allows friends and followers to anonymously ask a question to a page/person through their story. I obviously had to try it out. And one of my closest friends asked me what my skin regimen is “cause you’re always glowinggggg” and, like, I had to answer.

I immediately appreciated this question since I do care about my skin. Note that I didn’t say that I care about my skin being clear. If you see my stories and posts, and if you’re fortunate enough to see me in person, you know that I am not perfect. Sometimes my skin is really clear and other days I have cyst like pimples on my temples (like right now) or flaky skin or blackheads on my nose or just huge amaca sized bags under my eyes.

Stress is inevitable as an artist and most especially an anxiety-prone, perfection-driven, growing and glowing artist living in New York City, the eye of the vortex, we commonly know as capitalism. It’s hard not to be stressed when the world is literally melting and burning, all at the same time in different places, affecting us all. The stress is real so there is no doubt that the millions of tiny pores on your body and face will be affected by it all too. After all, your skin is literally alive and it needs to be taken care of and protected from harsh sun rays, pollution, harsh winds, pollution….

I try to be as gentle and patient with my skin as possible. If this week I have major pimples, well, my body knows best. I try my best to trust the processes in my body. If the process this week results in a whitehead gala on my forehead, so be it. I rather be patient then add another layer of makeup or stress because the person I’m going on a date with might be bothered by this pimple. If they are, I’d be bothered by their presence and let. their. trivial-asses. go. Respect, prioritize and learn about the processes of your body.

With that being said, I take care of my skin every day for my own inner peace. It’s less about looking good than it is a regimen to de-stress and de-toxify after a long day. A friend commented on my IG story saying that they used to be “that annoying person whod be like “my skincare routine is splashing water on my face🤷🏽‍♀️”” I used to be that person too; it was during the time when I could play 90+ minutes of futbol without taking a break between halves. A lot of things have changed.

At this point in my life, walking out of the house without anything on, not even sunscreen, is horrifying. I always have 50+ SPF sunscreen on when I leave the house. Even if I’m going out to the deli or to walk my shih tzu-child, I still make sure I have sunscreen on. Trust me, I love my brown skin and getting browner makes me binkey with joy but I will not go down from 50 SPF. I just don’t play with UV rays and skin cancer. Also, as you age, so does your skin. What worked when you were nineteen probably will not work for you (me) who is seven years older.

My type of skin:

Oily t-zone

Sometimes dry cheeks and dry laugh lines

Blackheads on nose and sometimes cheeks

Sometimes whiteheads on forehead

Tiny papules near sideburns

Very rare but sometimes get nodules on cheeks and temples (I go to my dermatologist for help for that)

Does not easily scar

Pretty sensitive (a little extra dirt can make my face irritated)

I’m going to start my skin care regimen by describing what I do at night time. This is the most important and enjoyable aspect of my routine. I low-key look forward to taking all the grime and slime off from that days schedule.

With that being said, my regimen may not work for everybody. If you do end up using a product I use and your skin reacts negatively to it, you should stop using it. Obviously people who have severe acne/skin condition should consult a dermatologist/doctor first. I ain't trying to get sued here.

Also, please keep in mind that I am using all products that can be bought. I do want to move towards more natural ways of taking care of my skin. This is just my process at the moment. Also, if you like more matte looking skin, this won’t be for you, tbh. 

FACE WIPES

I recently started using Yes to Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal wipes. The wipes are black so its kind of hard to tell if you’ve cleaned anything off. They’re also not soft wipes, they’ve got a bit of texture to them, which I like because I feel like I’m exfoliating a little bit. It’s been a few weeks so far and my skin hasn’t reacted negatively towards it. I use them every night to remove my make up.

FACE WASH

Cetaphil. Usually I get lazy and just move onto toner after the face wipes. Whenever I feel like my skin is a bit flaky I use a bit of Cetaphil and scrub gently with my loofa (which is an exfoliant). That’s all I do for exfoliating. Probably not the best way to go about it. I would probably suggest buying a small loofa for your face, only. But sometimes I’m just like fuck it.

TONER

As I said in my IG story, I used the Clinique Toner 1 for sensitive skin. Yes, it is a little pricey (15 bucks) but that shit works. Toner 1 is for sensitive skin and does not have any alcohol. I use a cotton ball and gently but firmly cleanse my cheeks, in an up and outward movement. Then I move to the temples, forehead, nose, chin, above the lips and, I never, ever forget, my neck, front and back and all around. I typically completely use one large cotton ball to get all the grime out, sometimes two.

NIGHT MOISTURIZERS

Yup. I use Clinique. It’s funny because I wasn’t going to Macys to buy this but dang those saleswomxn. They sold it to me BECAUSE THEY KNEW I’M IN LOVE WITH GLASS SKIN. I DIDN’T EVEN HAVE TO SAY IT. THEY JUST KNEW.

I must also say that I utterly love South Korean beauty trends. Many of the beauty products/trends that occur here in the US like BB / CC creams, glass skin, etc. were actually created in South Korea and popularized there first. Why do I love their stuff? Because they prioritize taking care of your skin and making it healthy, not just making it appear healthy.

Glass skin or mul-gwang is the type of skin that is smooth, flawless and poreless. Additionally, it has a glowy sheen which makes the skin appear dewy. I love this finish because it prioritizes a skin care regimen that works for you and does not focus on make up.

I honestly love eye makeup. Foundation on the other hand, I tend not to wear as much anymore since I feel like all the foundations I’ve tried clogs my pores. Clogged pores just leads to more acne.

Despite the acne, you can still achieve glass skin. Its all about figuring out what makes your skin react negatively to something and what you can use to moisturize to get that dewy look. When I realized that touching my face caused me to break out, you bet I halted my hands from ever reaching my face.  

Also, you don’t need to be light skinned to have glass skin. Pretty damn obvious. Literally any skin color can achieve that dewy look of glass skin, its just about figuring out what products and remedies work for you.

Back to Clinique. I bought the small jar of Moisture surge which came with Clinique All About Eyes cream and Moisture Surge overnight mask—all of which I praise. I take a quarter size amount and dot it on my face and spread it in an upward motion. I also dot the eye cream around my eyes. Lastly, once or twice a week, I place the Overnight mask. You should be left with your face looking pretty dewy. Maybe even to an excess. The key is to not touch your face. Just don’t. Let the product soak into your skin, not your dirty ass hand oil.

I then read a little, pray and fall asleep, without any technology around me to disturb me. Well, that’s on a good day. If I’m hella tired, I would just go straight for Cetaphil and toner. A little bit of Moisture surge and that’s it.

ONCE A WEEK ROUTINE ADD-ONS

So once a week I use:

Yes to Tomatoes Charcoal Paper Mask. Its mainly for acne prone skin but they also have face masks for other qualities like anti-aging, firming, etc (I haven’t tried those yet). Once you place it on your skin it starts to tingle which means that its working to detoxify your skin from impurities! I love me a face mask, especially when I have my de-stressor show playing in the background (I’m basic, I watch Friends. Ugh I know). I typically put on the face mask after I cleansed myself with the face wipe/face wash and toner. I do not remove the juices after I remove the face mask, I pat them into my skin with the backs of my fingers.

Occasionally I do use natural face masks that I make at home. If people wanna read about that, I can write about that in another post.

Also once a week, I use Earth Therapeautics Clari-T Pore Cleansing Strips to get rid of blackheads. It contains tea tree oil which to this day is one of my favorite oils besides Vitamin E oil, castor oil….They are paragon free and contain no mineral oil, no lauryl/laureth sulfate, and no artificial colors. They don’t do animal testing. I bought this at Whole Foods for like six bucks, which isn’t a bad price for 10 of them.

IN THE MORNING…

it’s pretty simple.

I wash my face with water. Sometimes I use the toner, if I feel like I didn’t get it all the night before. Sometimes I use Cetaphil. 

Then I use Nivea FROM THE BLUE TIN CAN. NOT PLASTIC. TIN. I remember the huge ass blue tin can, always in the bathroom of my families apartment in downtown Brooklyn back in the 90’s. And if you look at my families skin in family photos, they’re fucking flawless. 

MUL-GWANG BEFORE IT WAS MUL-GWANG.

I place a quarter size on my face IN AN UPWARD MOTION and then some sunscreen, usually between a button and dime size. I always put a bit extra on my nose because I have a flat face and my nose sticks out. I don’t want to get sunburned! And just because your skin isn’t red, does not mean its not sunburned. Again, I do not play with UV rays!

I don’t usually wear foundation but when I do, I use Smashbox Camera Ready BB cream. Let your skin and pimples breathe and just be. Don’t try to cover them up, it’ll only make it worse.

For my body, I don’t use lotion anymore. I just rub Vitamin E oil into my skin (thank you Sushana for that tip). Honestly, I haven’t seen my skin this naturally healthy and vibrant. There are a lot of brands in our local hood beauty stores; you just gotta try which one works best for you. So far, my skin has reacted lovely to Cococare. 

Eat healthy, lots of veggies. Drink water, lots of water—water is life, after all. Exercise (and make sure to wash your face with water after a good work out. Don’t let the sweat just dry, that will also irritate your face). And if your face gets a little too dewy, I just use Boscia Green Tea Blotting linens, to soak up the extra juicyness around my laughing lines, nose and forehead (thank you Kat for putting me on). 

And that’s it :) Jeb’ël* skin!

*beautiful in Kaqchikel

[cleaningservicemontreal]

How do I clean the leather of my car?

I grant you, it is not in the traditional school as we know it that this rule is taught ...

The leather that shines is oily. If it is greasy, your leather will no longer breathe. A mat leather interior is the sign of leather in good condition and maintained.

That said, if, like me, you have attended the benches of some training organizations, this is one of the first sentences that the trainer of the "leather upholstery renovation" session will hammer you ...

Have some of you ever left your screen to go and check out the shine of your sofa leather or leather upholstery in full light?

If you have trouble distinguishing, take your camera or smartphone and shoot with the flash ...

Then? It needs a good cleaning up, right?

So how do I remove the shine from my leather seats and make them look leather new?

The leather that shines is dirty!

Can you use any product to maintain the leather of a car?

Contrary to what you might imagine, leather isn't just from the cow.

In fact, in addition to cattle, the main “supplier” animals are goats, sheep, pigs, equines, reptiles, fish, and… birds!

I will spare you the manufacturing process of the different skins (fulling, de-scaling, manage full-grain, currying, sorting, trellising, finishing, etc.) and the different finishes given to the skins (full-grain,, it aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented, etc.) to focus on maintenance!

Let's start with received ideas.,

We regularly see articles on the net touting Grandma's tips and techniques.

1 / The Nivéa cream, first of all. It moisturizes the skin of my children; it must be good for the leather. Human skin regenerates itself, which your seat does not. To be banned, Nivea it cream will overload your leather with fat, completely preventing it from breathing.

2 / The cleansing milk. It removes make-up from my face, it removes fat, and it makes my skin clean. Always the same reason as in point 1, to be banned completely if you do not want to destroy your leather.

3 / Ammonia. It is an effective cleaner and stain remover. Besides the vapors toxic to the user, they,,, can burn your leather. Also, to be banned.

4 / White vinegar. It is also very effective and little known. But it can burn leather as well. Watch out for dilution!

5 / Soda crystals. Effective in a large number of areas. But why take the risk with your often fragile car leather?

6 / The magic sponge. Yes, if you want to burn the surface pigments and grate your leather! Also, to be banned.

7 / Steam. Yes, only if you master its use! Don't overdo it. Go through a professional if you have any doubts.

8 / Marseille soap. Why not dilute the good, don't overdo it. To rinse thoroughly

9 / Black soap. Yes, absolutely with a special leather brush, and above all to dilute so as not to attack your leather. Some leather cleaners are made from black soap: they are re-badged for sale ... so beware when shopping to avoid buying little product and a lot of water!

10 / Hot water? Ok, but where is the degreasing action?

And if not, why not use a specific product created to clean your leather car interior? This will be economical, will save you time, and above all, will be without any risk for your leather.

In addition, you will not be able to make a dilution error; they are, most often, ready to use and therefore perfectly dosed. Leather professionals, in centers, specializing in leather repair or directly from leather cleaning brands (Alta Cuir, Colourlock). But also at retailers of auto detailing products like Maniac Auto or Addict Auto (you can order from us). Their products will not cost you more than in well-known automobile brands, plus advice and professionalism !.

From experience, immediately forget the stores dedicated to equestrian sports or leather goods stores ...

How to maintain the leather of car upholstery?

Techniques and steps to enhance your leather upholstery

Sit down, I'll explain.

Generally, at the leather renovation pro, the proposed kit will consist of:

A mild (or strong) soap to apply with micro-fiber and a special leather brush

On feeding, milk is to be applied with an applicator pad followed by drying the micro-fiber (frictional motion to aid opening the pores of the leather and smooth feeding the milk).

It is advisable to finalize your treatment by taking a break from a special leather sealant. This treatment will protect against friction, transfers of jeans, pen, and UV, whether for your sofa or your car upholstery.

Leather cleaning

To carry out a thorough cleaning of your car upholstery, you will need:

1 / Mild soap (or strong depending on the initial state of your upholstery)

2 / Microfibers (ideally light in color to control your work and degreasing). 4 to 5 microfibers per seat depending on the state of soiling.

3 / A brush with (very) soft bristles for cleaning the leather

4 / A specific finer brush for cleaning the steering wheel or the knob

5 / A foamer (sometimes provided in the maintenance kits)

6 / A vacuum cleaner with aan excellentbristle nozzle

7 / Plan time, especially the first time!

If you are just starting out, you can easily get the complete color lock range kit specific to the care and protection of your leather.

You can clean the door panels, the dashboard, the gear knob, the seats, and benches… but also your sofa.

First of all, vacuum your vehicle from top to bottom. Remember to vacuum in the nooks, between the cushions, in the cushions ... The slightest remaining dust or pebbles could scratch your leather during the cleaning phase.

What if you bought an unbranded or little-known brand soap?

Ideally, you have to buy water. In the worst case, it will be ineffective and may even damage your leather or even discolor it!

Do you have any doubts? Throw it away and start over.

If this is your first time scrubbing your leather, use a strong soap. For routine and annual maintenance, a mild soap is sufficient.

Then take your special leather soap and apply it using the foamer, element by element. Work in small areas. Rub gently with the soft bristle brush, making "crossed passes," wipe with your microfiber. Repeat the operation until the microfiber is no longer soiled after cleaning (hence the importance of using clear microfibers).

The leather degreasing step is done. Your leather has changed texture, it has regained its suppleness, has become matt again, and "grips" to the touch.

Check the best cleaning services in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Leather nourishment

After the degreasing step, it is strongly recommended to nourish your leather upholstery with a nourishing balm.

For this step, you will need:

1 / A nourishing and protective milk

2 / A long-lasting protective seal (optional)

3 / High density microfibers for the final wiping of the treatment

4 / Applicator pads for the application of the treatment

First of all, pour the protective care milk on the applicator pad or with the help of a foamer (according to the instructions for use) then by circular motion, nourish the leather and let it penetrate and dry.

Using a high density microfiber, rub the surface of the leather in order to penetrate the remaining unabsorbed surplus.

You can still stop there or continue.

Leather protection (sealing) and waterproofing

For highly stressed leathers, you can apply a more durable protection.

For this step, you will need:

1 / A special protective leather seal (or even waterproofing treatment such as "ceramic" leather)

2 / Applicator pads for the application of the leather sealant

3 / High density microfibers for the final wiping of the leather seal

Depending on the product, read the instructions for use.

Apply the product to the applicator pad. Leave to air dry after wiping off the excess.

Then wait 24 hours for polymerization before you can get back into your vehicle.

Read more:

Why Are Cleaning Services Essential When Moving?

How To Clean The Car Upholstery To Make It Perfect

HOW TO GET RID OF DUST

[brymarieee]

🌹 luxury asks 🌹 (random about me questions)

bubble bath: do you have any routines before bedtime? like skin care, etc. what are they?

I start off with washing my face with a Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser. Then, I continue to wash with a Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleansing Gel. It cleans and hydrates my face. After my face is all cleaned up I EXFOLIATE! I use my Vanity planet Cleaning brush and either use my Rituals facial exfoliator or a Neutrogena exfoliator. I use my brush to scrub scrub scrub!!

After all that, I put on a Glam Glow mask, I use the blue one which is good for hydrating skin.

I don’t use masks everyday but i try to about 3x a week.

After I wash my mask off, or when I’m not using a mask. I use a Tatcha Skin softener, I then use either a Rituals moisturizer or a Nivea moisturizer.

I use Angelica’s Oculus Eye Cream for my dark circles and bags.

For my lips I just use a Tatcha lip balm or Aquafor ointment.

In the midst of all this I sometimes I throw on some oils.

I use Tea Tree oil for any type of discomfort my face be experiencing.

And Black Castor Oil always keeps it rejuvenated so I put that on throughout the day.

champagne: what topic could you talk about for hours?

Being that I am, I can talk about babies and kids and pregnancies for hours! Lol I just love hearing other mommies experiences and stories.

diamonds: how do you feel about excessively spending money?

As a child when my mom would talk about her spending habits I would always say it’s ok mom it comes back.

I still think that way lol. I would say I might have to cut down on shopping but at the end of the day it’s just paper.

faux fur: describe your wardrobe.

Chill. Any time I get dressed I strive to be comfy. My wardrobe is fun, a lot of neutral colors I’m not into anything to extra.

glitter: describe someone special to you.

My baby girl, Ava Marie. She changed my entire life. She’s so funny and silly. And her attitude is just out of this world lol she prolly it get it from me. But it’s definitely the best thing in the world having my little mini me!

gold: describe what you would call the most perfect meal.

Fried chicken, sweet potato fries, or Cajun seasoned fries, mac n cheese my gmas arroz con coco, mash potatoes

jazz: name a song that resonates with you and your emotions. explain the reason why.

Break Every Chain - Tasha Cobbs

It’s a gospel song, I first heard it at church and the feeling that came over me while praising God was really unexplainable. That song keeps me right whenever I’m feeling weak!

lace: what is something in your life completely different from last year?

Me! My attitude and out look on life. I’m growing everyday and a year for sure has done me good.

lipstick: do you enjoy talking to strangers?

No. lol but I’m friendly and won’t ever be rude.

pearls: what’s something about your personality that surprises others?

I open up once I’m comfortable. I come off really b******* and closed off.

penthouse: what would you consider your dream home? describe it.

I always have dreamed of a house on a farm. Big enough to fit my family. Modern edgy rustic look. With a beautiful view. I NEED a huge kitchen. Lots of land. Need my horses nd alllAaat y'all get the picture

perfume: if you could make your own signature fragrance, what would it smell like?

A mix of vanilla and a special type of flowers. It might not sound too good but trust me I know it would be bomb.

robe: how do you prepare for an evening alone with a loved one/date?

What I usually do, If we’re staying home, I’ll clean make sure the house is spotless. And cook a meal I know he loves, get some wine. Pick a few movies. And just enjoy eachothers company.

roses: If it had to be winter, autumn, spring or summer for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

Summer in Vegas is kind of crazy so idk but I love the heat. I’ll probably say spring jus give me a few warm days.

satin: what is your most favorite article of clothing?

My Givenchy sweater. It’s cute and comfy.

sheet mask: what’s your favorite lazy activity?

Grab a snack hop in my bed and watch my tv shoes

silk: do you have more inner or outer beauty?

I’m beautiful inside and out so both :)

silver: do you have any obscure hobbies? what are they?

I like to sow.

sparkling water: what are your top three songs for the summer?

I listen to straight 90s throwbacks all the time so I can’t say.

wine: what kind of drunk are you (happy/affectionate, angry, sad, fun/wild)? if you don’t drink, what kind do you think you WOULD be?

I’m deff happy. Pure goofy lol

[roseinaconcreteworld]

What’s in my bag: my beloved fringed faux leather backpack. Knapsacks aren’t just for school anymore. They’re a fun, hands-free and super trendy way to carry my essentials.  I immediately liked its sleek design after lurking it up online for several weeks last year.  The fringe detailing also caught my attention. First thing I noticed when it arrived is that it is made out of the softest, most supple material. I absolutely love the slouchy look of it: it has a fun bucket bag element thanks to its tasseled drawstrings.  It’s easy to carry, opens and closes with a cinch (and my goodies stays secure thanks to its magnet snap). It is an excellent investment when you think of all the occasions & possibilities this bindle takes me to!  I can wear it on my back or in the crook of my arm handbag-style through its top handle. It’s the perfect catchall from work to play! And thought this puppy looks minuscule it has enough space for my whole entire life! Ok I think I gushed about it long enough. 

After filling it up with junk I had forgotten about the past few weeks I thought I’d share its content with you guys. Let’s dig in!  Oh! Little note: I didn’t add/remove anything just so it could look pretty. I literally flipped it over yesterday & snapped it! 

So here’s the content of my bookbag: •My *RF for Lowell (Montreal, represent!✊🏾) wallet. It contains a few coins, my ID and bank cards. I rarely have cash on me💸💳  •a cellphone bill from my mobile provider for this month (which I still haven’t opened to this day..) •my good ol’ Cover FX mirror. This contained my first foundation. My introductory makeup relationship 💏and my longest liaison❤️❤️❤️ •My FIT me pressed powder from Maybelline has shattered since my *profession of love* for it. It is completely gone but I can’t bring myself to part ways with it. There’s a mirror, though.. •my *Dynamite (MTL!🙌🏾) makeup pouch. It contains SYN my *Estée Lauder blotting solution, my nail polish of the moment 💅🏾(Sally Hansen Hard as Nails in 365 - Hard Bitten), my trusty L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer, my *Colour Riche gloss* from L'Oréal in scarlet concerto, along with a few products that needed their own spot, among them: •my beloved, my preciouuusss (in Gollum’s voice) KVD tattoo liner. I know that you know that you already know how amazing this is. So I’m just going to move right on.. •Nivea lip balm: this makes my pucker feel like butter 👌🏾 •my Bite Beauty agave lip mask. You ‘dolls already know the love I have for this (Insta Story fam, where you at?!). Whenever I go this puppy 🐶 follows..  •another lip product that was rolling around in the bottom of my bag that day was the *NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien which is a great everyday pink-y nude lipstick. •Gummy bears🐻I generally love them❤️ These, not so much (yuck🤢) •*Clean’s Warm Cashmere fragrance: This limited edition bouquet (back in September, sorry 😐) brings me back to the simple moments of comfort, sweater layering on a crisp fall day. To me, it is a vibrant and warm scent in a modern way 😌 •An American Apparel (RIP😪) scrunchie for when my hair mane won’t behave 💁🏾 •*crest strips: #notspon (I wish!) •My secret deodorant because..well..you gotta stay fresh👃🏾🙅🏾 •a vital, indispensable, quintessential; a prerequisite to me leaving the house: earphones because, well, miuzak ON; world OFF🎶😌🎵 •Another essential but for work: my cordless phone charger. A digital content creator’s bestie; •and when Bestie stops coming through, good ol’ Uncle Regular Phone Charger comes to the rescue and restricts me in a corner for a while🔌 •My phone (iPhone7 for those who care) : my personal assistant, my computer, my alarm, my watch, birthdays reminder, oh my! As Ja Rule once said, “Where would I be without youuuuuu?” •*Paul & Joe’s Moisturizing Hand cream. I honestly believe that there are unicorns tears 🦄 😭in this. Plus a dreamy fusion of floral and sweet notes of citrus 🍊, neroli (an essential oil distilled from the flowers of the Seville orange) and vanilla 😇(#notspon - see note #2) •my massive, gigantic, ginormous statement ring I thought I had lost but no, thanks to this post. •My Parisienne YSL perfume. I’ve clearly hit bottom. I have ONE drop left and I am devastated 😪 I still love the juicy, fruity (berries 🍓🍒& pear🍐) and floral (peonies🌸🌺) hint I get coming out of my handbag every now and then.. Parisienne, je t'aime ❤️ •a mini AGATHA Paris notebook for some blog articles ideas 💡 •a pen to lay down said ideas (this one is so sleek and chic!) •markers/highlighters for a very exciting project that I can’t quite talk babble on to you Rosedolls just yet 🙊😌 •this eos lotion container is empty but I *still like* how esthetically pleasing the package is. This Evolution Of Smooth hand cream was incredible, to put it simple. I really miss its pleasant cherry blossom smell. I guess I should repurchase now.. •a bill from my black & white Vans ol skool purchase. I know, they’re everywhere but.. I love 'em! 👟👟 •eyelashes fixative from *Duo (psst..apparently it’s the world’s best-selling lash adhesive brand. I believe it. *YouTube* told me so) •a pair of vintage earrings that I scored for 0.75$ at the thrift store (don’t worry I’ll wipe them with rubbing alcohol AND sanitizer before wearing them✋🏾and don’t knock the thrift store AND #dontjudgeme either) • I finally got around to start *Bossing Up* a few weeks ago and I haven’t been able to put it down since. In this book, a captivating memoir-slash-guide, Marketing maverick turned Success Coach *Samantha Kris* shares the story of her meteoric career ascension, earning 5 promotions in 5 years, doubling her salary and propelling her into the(sweet) life of an entrepreneur. She tips the reader off on being about that #boss life by setting precise goals and triumphantly achieving them. A very compelling read. •tweezers to accompany the Duo stickum if my lashes start to act up (I’m a novice at this) •two sachets of raw sugar that I must’ve had brought home from Starbies.

CONCLUSION - I love this bag for the high heavens❤️❤️❤️ CONCLUSION #2 - I tote a LOT of odds and ends around in this purse!

There you are Rosedolls! WANNA KNOW: what is the one thing that you can’t leave the house without? Comment below!

xoxo, Deb

DISCLAIMER (Note #2, I guess!): Items were purchased with my own coinTs, unless marked with a (*) then these are products that were gifted to me at events or sent my way for review without any pressure for analysis, evaluation, critique, assessments or commentary. Thoughts/opinions are, as usu, my own (how boring to take someone else’s ;P) 

SOURCES: goodreads.com

[mavietoujours-blog1]

Hello Guys!

I know we are already pretty far into November but I didn’t want to spare you my October favourites. Most of all because I’ve been testing out stuff for some time and found some amazing products I want to share with you. I sorted them into categories for you to make it easier to look up some special product. For example if your currently looking for a new shampoo I got you just scroll down and read though my reviews. Have fun reading my October favourites and leave me a like or a comment!

Skincare:

Nivea Essentials: Urban Skin Protection

Nivea Skin Care Essentials: Urban Skin Protect

I baught this one recently because I ran out of moisturizer and instatly loved it. The texture is very gel – like which I like because I’m not that much into thick lotions. This one has SPF 20 which I think is great because even it is getting cold and it seems like the sun would made it’s way through – it actually does that’s why you should protect your skin from the sun even in winter so you wont get any wrinkles. Also this lotion has a detoxing effect that’s why it is especcialy for women living in cities where the pollution is high.

Shampoo:

  Syoss: Volume Collagen & Lift shampoo

Franck Provost Paris: J’aime my.. Hold & texture Shampoo

Syoss Volume Shampoo:

This one is my first ever Syoss shampoo because I’ve heard some bad things about it and it’s also not very cheap. But I baught it because I wanted to try it myself. First of all the bottle is huge so maybe the price is appropriate. Second this shampoo smells soo amazing I can’t stop sniffing my hair when I’ve used it that’s maybe the number one reason why it landed in my favourites.

Franck Provost Paris J’aime my… Shampoo:

I thought a long time before actually buying this one because it’s also more expensive. It catched my eye at the store because the packaging is ever so pretty. And I have to say that this shampoo absolutely does the job. I use a lot of volume shapoos due to my fine hair and this one makes it acutelly look more full and shiny!

  Body lotion & Shower gel:

Nivea cacoa body butter:

I picked this one up because I always love the Nivea body butters because they are nurishing and smell fantastic. So when I saw this new one at the shop i reached for it immediatly. And it’s the perfect winter/autumn lotion it smells like fresh made cacoa cookies and it makes your skin awsomely soft. I like that the scent is not to heavy but you can still smell it a little in the evening when you get off your clothes.

Fa cream & oil cacoa shower lotion:

Ok by now you might know that I love cocoa scent for tis season. But this one is actually a long time favourite of mine. I’ve discovered it two years ago and baught like ten bottles of it since. It is just the perfect scent for cold evenings where you hopp under the shower before cuddeling in your freshly made bed. Heaven!

Food:

  nakd cashew cookie muesli bar:

I bougth this bar at the Heathrow airport when I was on my trip back to Austria. And because I was starving I purchased two of these and it was a good desicion. These ones are super yummi and also good for your body. I have an absolute muesli bar or protein bar addiction I take them anywhere I go because I tend to get very hungry while I’m outside and they are life-savers to me!

    Candles:

Yeah I know I have talked a lot about candles recently but they are my most recent obsession and I put them everywhere. I used to buy Yankee Candles but they are really expenisve and I tend to burn them down far to quick so I looked for a cheaper option and I’ve found these ones. They don’t only smell amazing they also look super cute and they sell a lot of different scents.

H & M Home candles:

Mugs:

Another unchanged love of mine: mugs! I just can’t live without having beautiful mugs in which I put my coffee. When I went to London I got these two. On the left side is my lovely Harry Potter mug which I’ve got from a sweet-shop near Covent Garden (I’ve talked about it in my London Travel Diary) And it has actually a coffee ground with which I feel like Trelawny reading predictions out of it. The other one is the classic travel Starbucks one I’ve got the Paris one this summer that’s why I had to have also the London edition because it looks super chic and the mug is huge. Perfect for my coffee addiction!

I hope you liked my October favourites leave me a like if you did. And comment your October or also November favourites I would love to try out your stuff!

Love

Ma Vie toujours

Read my October favourites for inspiration and tips! Hello Guys! I know we are already pretty far into November but I didn't want to spare you my October favourites.

[iloveshowpo]

Winter is all fun and games until your skin literally starts cracking and flaking off like it’s no one’s business. Cute huh.

Your legs are scaly and spiky like a fish that’s been on land for too long, drying out in the sun. Your face is sporting fine lines (which stem from dehydration) that you didn’t know you had and no amount of makeup can fix the sitch as it just exacerbates the bastards.  Your lips feel like you’ve been in a desert, your split ends are next level and your knuckles on your hands hurt because the skin is so dry… welcome to an Australian winter y’all!

  Except it doesn’t really snow. 

  Part of the problem is that the best parts about winter actually traumatise your skin further, which you know, is just swell.   Think toasty fires, warm offices with the AC on and steamy long showers; yup, they’re all making your skin dry AF.

Now, rather than going and purchasing all of the products that promise healthy skin, I have listed below the best saviours for your skin sins below as I am pretty sure I’ve tried every dang thing on the market.

You know how you sometimes notice how good someone’s ‘body skin’ is? Like, not the face skin, but a really smooth back or soft looking cleavage (cos’ THAT doesn’t sound creepy). Please tell me I’m not alone in thinking some gals have nice ‘body skin’…

Anyway, you need to make sure you’re exfoliating on the reg so you slough off all the dry skin and product build-up – so the fresh skin has a chance to make an appearance!

Use the Arbonne Rescue & Renew Detox Scrub 1-2 times per week to cleanse pores of excess oil and yucky old skin to reveal radiant, brighter- looking skin. It smells so relaxing and contains coriander seed oil and avocado oil, which support the skin’s natural moisture barrier (i.e doesn’t dry it TF out). AU RRP is $69 and it can be purchased here.

If you’re in training beast mode, try the Cedar & Stone Bodyscrub when you’re feeling sore. It’s super high in magnesium, which helps relieve joint pain, headaches, relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. Buy for AU RRP $19.95 right here.

If you’re not dry body brushing yet, you need to sort your shit out. The Body Shop Cactus is a long-handled wooden brush with soft cactus bristles to massage and exfoliates the skin, removing all the feral dead skin cells that just set up camp on your skin. Use on dry skin to enhance circulation and this technique is sworn to help with cellulite by celebs. Fetch one for AU $19 here.

Touching someone’s dry, papery mitts is on par with nails on a blackboard (millennials, you’ll never understand the horror of this). Unless you live in gloves all season, your poor little hands are going to be exposed to the low temps of the reg, so keep them hydrated!

  I used to work for L’OCCITANE and the Shea Intense Hand Balm is one of the products I will forever repurchase. It is SO soothing and nourishing with a 25% pure shea butter formula. The thick cream absorbs easily though and doesn’t leave a gross greasy residue. The 150ml tube at AU $46 will last you yonks.

My other fave hand cream is the Weleda Skin Food. It’s also super thick and hydrating, formulated with 100% natural ingredients. Pop some on before you leave the house and it will actually protect your mitts. AU $21.95 for a handbag friendly 75ml tube.

Once upon a time, we used to look at our mum’s cracked heels and shudder with disgust, thinking ‘that will never happen to me’. Well it happens to everyone and it ain’t a good look.

I beg you to use the Milky Foot Intense Exfoliation Pads in the middle of winter, when the only time your feet come out to play is when you’re bathing them. Cos this shit REALLY works so for about a week you’ll be shedding like a snake. Basically, it’s an at-home pedicure treatment, which removes hardened skin through its intense peeling action after just one application. But the peeling continues for about a week so keep socks on please. AU $29.95, available here.

After the shedding has stopped, rub L’OCCITANE Organic Shea Butter into your heels on a daily basis to keep them smooth. AU $52.00, can be found online.

When your skin is dry or dehydrated, makeup will only sit on that dry skin, making it look worse. But a few changes in your skin care regime will have your skin looking more hydrated in no time.

First things first, if you have a foaming cleanser, GET RID OF IT NOW. It’s only going to dry your skin out further. Opt for an oil based cleanser like the Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Nourishing Cleansing Oil, as it removes all your makeup and dirt, without stripping away all the natural oils on your skin. I have acne-prone skin and it doesn’t exacerbate them in the slightest, it just leaves my skin really glowing and ups the hydration levels tenfold. AU $50 from Jurlique.

I’m now going to recommend pressing 100% Natural Australian Jojoba Oil (can you guess I like oils) into your complexion for optimal hydration. It will change your life I promise. AU $29.95 here.

Note: If you’re older, try rosehip oil (A’Kin does a spectacular one), as it’s richer and will work better for your skin. 

When my skin is feeling SUPER dry, I love using the GLAMGLOW ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment. I smooth it onto my skin and if it all absorbs within 30mins, I know my skin was crying out for some hydration. I generally go to sleep with it on and then just wash away any excess (there never really is any) in the AM. Available at MECCA for AU $98.

Is your complexion weirdly textured? Are your blackheads out of control? Can you feel bumps under your skin? Baby G, you need to exfoliate! But not in the traditional sense. Physical exfoliants (grainy ones that make you feel like you’re really getting shit out of your pores) can actually damage your skin as it’s so delicate on your face. The little grains can actually cause teeny tiny little abrasions that aren’t visible to the naked eye but weaken the structure of the skin. So get on the chemical exfoliate bandwagon. Not as scary as they sound, they basically just use low dose acids to clear up congestion and remove all the crap on the top layer of your skin, leaving fresh AF skin underneath.

Use the Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel 2 nights per week for clinical exfoliation and skin renewal while you rest your pretty head. The formula contains 14% glycolic acid and fruit enzymes to clear a pathway for the deeper penetration of 0.5% retinol, which stimulates the production of new cells and creates firmer, healthier skin, while reducing scarring, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, acne breakouts, and wrinkles. You can buy it here for AU $129.95.

The Peter Thomas Roth AHA/BHA Acne Clearing Gel isn’t just good for getting rid of acne, it’s also just a great chemical exfoliant for congestion and fine lines. Pop a light layer on under your moisturiser at night and marvel at the change in your skin. This has been a must in my beauty arsenal for 3 years now, and I don’t plan on stopping! AU $56 from MECCA.

If your skin is still feeling textured on the reg, start using the HydroPeptide® 5 x Power Peel Pads, they’re designed to resurface, clarify, brighten and smooth your skin. And they bloody well work a dang treat. AU $99 (for a tub of pads) here.

  If your pout is the furthest thing from kissable, you need to sort your shit out. Start swiping one of these bad boys on for soft and smooth lips. Pucker up!

You don’t need a rundown on what lip balm does, they all do the same thing, some are just better than others! These 3 are the best; Blistex® Lip Conditioner SPF 15 (AU $4.95 from any pharmacy), NIVEA Lip Butter Coconut (AU $4.99 from any pharmacy), and Sisley Paris Nutritive Lip Balm (AU $85 so don’t buy it unless you want to commit yourself to a life where you spend that much on lip balm as it’s so amazing).

Cold and dry temps are the WORST for people who suffer from skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis or just super sensitive skin. So make sure you’re not using anything too harsh.

Put down the soap and body wash and pick up the QV Bath Oil. Whilst hydrating the skin, the oil works as a water dispersible formula over the whole body to ensure the clear non-greasy formula rejuvenates and cleans large areas of dry skin. It helps relieve symptoms of atopic eczema and psoriasis, and is suitable for use with dry dermatological conditions such dry, scaly skin, winter itch, ichthyosis, xerosis, dermatitis. AU $15.99 from pharmacies.

Use a gentle moisturiser after showering, like the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+, which is a lipid-replenishing balm for very dry, irritated skin prone to itching. It’s so good when you’re feeling really uncomfortable as it instantly relieves symptoms after you rub it into the affected area/s. AU $24.95, available here.

If your skin can tolerate oils (here I go with the oils again), I urge you to bring the JERGENS Shea Beauty Oil into your life. It’s super gentle and nourishing, plus it leaves a gorgeous glowing sheen over your rig.

  Don’t forget about your locks! Hot showers blasting on your wee head are not ideal for split ends and frizziness. TIP: Blast your strands with cold water to seal the moisture in prior to getting out. It’s cold but worth it.

  Essano Coconut Milk Hydrating Leave-in Conditioner should be popped in the ends of your hair after each and every wash. It softens your hair and makes it easier (not as knotty) to dry. AU $15.99, available at most pharmacies.

You should also be using a weekly hair mask (no more or the product will build up creating lank hair) that brings your hair back from the depths of freezing cold despair. Try the Keune CARE Vital Nutrition Mask and you’ll be awed at how silky your locks are. I like to use it on a Sunday night so I have time to pop my head in cling wrap so it stays moist and keeps penetrating the strands for an hour or so. You can get 500ml for AU $68.95 here.

  HAPPY HYDRATION! 

Words by Kelly McCarren. 

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