L'Oreal Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil - review

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Let's talk a little bit about skincare today. That's a tricky subject for me because it seems that whenever I rave about the wonders of some miracle skin product, it stops working on me and I have to step back on my words (funny, eh?).

I've decided however to fight my own fears and start reviewing the many skincare items I am using at the moment - while crossing my fingers to keep waking up to more or less healthy looking skin. I really hope you are crossing yours too at this same moment! 

Skincare Haul!!(with mini reviews)

So...it is wednesday and what does it mean for me? 

That it is video day! Yay!

I actually recorded this video before new year's but I didn't like the footage so I decided to re-do it again. It was ready a few weeks back but I had other things I wanted to put up first, so yeah...

All products would be listed down below. The video includes small descriptions/reviews, but expect to see in more depth reviews of all these products in the future! 

So far I'm loving all of them.

You would make my day if you rate and leave a comment in the video! Also if you share this and help me out a bit to put it out there =)





Products:
LA ROCHE POSAY Effeclar Duo (20 FCH)- Niacinamide, linoleic acid
Deliplus SKINPLUS  Ultra Hydrating Serum with Hialuronic Acid (7€)
KIKO Next evolution Dark Spot corrector Brightening Serum
CAUDALIE Beauty elixir (11€) In france I've seen it for 9,90€
CAUDALIE Vinosource Mattifying fluid for combination skin (22€) 19,90€ in France
CAUDALIE Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask for all skin types (26€) 20-22€ in France

What's your skin care routine?

Have you add anything new to it lately?

What products you can not live without?

Let me know!

Going all Natural SKINCARE UPDATE!

If you have been following my "Going all Natural SKINCARE" series, you might be wondering where is part three: HYDRATION.

To be honest, I'm not following that skincare routine anymore so I was not sure if it made sense to talk about it. It feels bad to recomend something like I was doing when all of the sudden stops working. Anyways, I thought it was worth to put it out there in case someone is interested and then explain why I'm not following this routine anymore.

HYDRATION

Basically, my hydration routine consisted in using oils as my moisturizers. Not any oils, but oils that correspond to my skin type. 

I found all the information here. This site is amazing. It has all the information you need about a lot of oils used for skincare and how to use them.

The main idea of substituting your creams for oils, specially if your skin is oily, is to simulate your skin natural oils so it doesn't produce in excess.

At night I was using a few drops of Hazelnut oil. It is a light, penetrating oil that is slightly astringent. It is suitable for acne prone skin. Hazelnut oil is high in essential fatty acids and is soothing and healing to dry, irritated skin. Tones and tightens skin, helps maintain firmness and elasticity. encourages cell regeneration, stimulates circulation.

This was my acne treatment. It felt a bit oily the first two days but after that my skin would drink it all up.

During the day I was using a few drops of jojoba oil. This closely resembles your own skin sebum. It has exceptional skin-softening properties, as well as the ability to minimize fine lines and wrinkles, promoting skin suppleness while assisting with the rejuvenation of the skin. Jojoba oil helps to break down sebum in plugged-up pores. 

Like with the hazelnut oil my skin drinked all up. My foundation went on just fine and I didn't find that my skin was oily during the day.

I used the whole ALL NATURALL regime for about almost three months. However, I incorporated each step separately to see if my skin was reacting as I wanted to it. For hydration I'd say I use jojoba and hazelnut oil for a whole month.

I think I've mentioned in my other two posts, but the results I was getting with this regime were amazing. I was barely breaking out and my scaring was reducing. Deni kept on complementing me about how radiant my skin look without make-up. But not only that, my make-up products seem to look and perform better!

So if everything was so good why did I stopped?

Well...my skin went from good and balance to two days of being really dry to the worse cystic break out I've had in more than a year. The worse part was in the sides of my chin and in the side of my cheeks (where you would contour). The cheek part close to my nose, my nose and my forehead were really congested with large pores and and blackheads.

I'm not quite sure what happened. It could be a response to my lifestyle, to hormones-tho I had just passed my period so hormones were supposed to be back to normal, maybe I was being harsh on my skin without knowing it, the regime was not appropriate...I might never know.

I tried to continue as normal but withing two or three days my skin was so bad and it felt so gross I didn't know what to do. Everyday seemed worse and I couldn't believe the scaring it was leaving behind. So I stopped all the natural products and used something else.

This happened just a few days before I went home for Christmas. Even my mum commented on how bad my skin was. It took one week for the congestion to reduce completely and almost two weeks for most of the cystic acne to disappear.

I'm happy to say that to day my skin is looking pretty good. I have lots of red scaring to deal with but it seems superficial so it should go away with the right treatment and time,

I'm so happy for that and thankful!!

Would I ever try to go "all natural"?

To be honest probably not. I'm using regular natural cosmetics (like Caudelie) and it works wonders. I still think the cleansing oil method works and the ACV toner is a good anti-acne toner, but I'm afraid my skin might crazy again. So even if it is more expensive for my pocket, I'm going to stick to scientific proven lab cosmetics.

Would I recommend going "all natural" to anyone?

This is going to seem weird, but "yes" I would recomend to give it a try. Every skin is different and the fact that it didn't worked out for me, doesn't mean it won't work out for you, And it did worked for me pretty well for quite a while. There are lots of testimonials of people saying it works. Maybe I was using the wrong combination for my skin or things I shouldn't use together. Who knows!

If you were trying a natural skincare let me know.

Did it work? Did it not?

Has you mind change about it?

Anyways...I'm so looking out for friday!!!

Going all natural SKINCARE: toning

This is part two in my "Going all natural SKINCARE" series where I tell you everything I'm doing to try to accomplish a better skincare while avoiding chemicals as much as possible.

When it comes to toners I have to recognize I've never found them useful. Simply, it never worked for me so it isn't an item I would run to the store to buy.

Now, when I read this post about Apple Cider Vinager (ACV) toner being almost a miracle I had to give it a go. Also, it is very simple to make so why not?

Long story short ACV has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and it balances the pH of the skin. While it hasn't been a miracle to me and my skin still gets upset with me sometimes and I can't figure out the reason, it has done some good for me.

It helps clearing up active acne and prevents new break outs. It takes more time to act on cystic acne but I think it helps too. It definately helps fading scares and control the oil.

And I'm not quite sure about this but I think it helps to give the skin a glowy look, which I like.

So that's it!! have you ever tried using ACV?

Do you have a holy grail toner?

Let me know!

Going all natural SKINCARE: cleansing

I don't have the healthiest life style and that's something I need to change.

I've been dealing with skin problems since my early teens and probably is the physical defect that gets me the most and it really brings me down. 

I've tried everything and for the most part I can say it's controlled, but every here and there my skin will get crazy and then it takes quite a lot of time to bring it back to normal. 

Since I can't control at all abrupt changes in weather, hormones and life situations, I'm really taking care of what I put in my skin to try to balance it as much as possible.

There out there great brands that offer natural skincare products and at some point I will probably adventure and try some of them.

But for the moment, what's more natural that using natural ingredients that you can easily find in a common kitchen?

Not to forget that they are also friendly with your wallet =)

For the past almost two months I've been incorporating natural elements to my skincare routine and I want to share them with you.

I'm not going to lie. I don't have perfect skin (yet), but I'm getting there.

My skin looks and feels better, more healthy, balance and radiant.

And my make-up goes on better and it looks more flawless.

Having oily prone to break outs skin one of the biggest concerns and where people makes more mistakes is in cleansing.

Boots BOTANICS (The power of plants) Review

Hello!

Today I want to talk about some products I bought back in June when I went to London on vacation with  my boyfriend.

These products are from the Botanics collection at Boots. The packaging caught my eye and I found the prizes very affordable- I bought them 3x2- so I thought I could give them a try.

Purifying Face Scrub ALL BRIGHT

This cleansing scrub contains refining walnut shell to buff away flaky skin while crushed apricot seeds gently sweep away impurities. Hibiscus is a nature's brightness booster. Natural AHAs help leave skin smoother and brighter. 75 mL 3,99

I actually quite enjoy this scrub. The texture is very cremy and rich, but yet it doesn´t leave my skin feeling oily and the next day I can always tell that my complexion looks brighter. The only thing is that it would be more effective if it had more apricot seeds. I like face scrubs with lots (LOTS!!) of beads and I feel this one is just "ok" in that matter. So I use it in combination with a bit stronger scrub for days that I feel I need and extra boost.

Refreshing Eye Roll-On ALL BRIGHT

This lightweight gel is quickly absorbed to help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. The fragile under eye area feels immediately cooled and refreshed, while hyaluronic acid provides much needed hydration to dull, delicate skin. Hibiscus is nature's brightness booster and a wonderful hue of pink. Natural AHA's from the flower act as mild exfoliators to help leave skin smoother and brighter. 15mL 5,99

I don´t use this in regular basis simply because I'm lazy and I forget. But when I do use it, normally in the morning after a bad night and lack of sleep, I think it makes a huge difference!!I don´t have really deep dark circles, even in those bad days I have just a bit of darkness with some puffiness and I can see my eye area brighter after I've applied this. I've had the eye roll-on from Garnier and I think this one from Boots is more efective.

Mattifying Gel-Cream SHINE AWAY

Top pic: cream texture + extended crem
Below pic: cream texture + absorved matt cream

This ultra-light gel cream refines and tightens pores and reduces the appearance of imperfections. The clarifying formula delivers balanced hydration to troublesome skin, to reveal skin that is mattified and healthier looking. Non pore blocking. Willowbark is nature's champion clarifier. Excess sebum, pollution and old skin cells can clog up pores, resulting in shine and blemishes. The bark of the willow tree is a natural source of salicylic acid which helps to refine skin texture and actively target imperfections. 50mL 4,99 

I'm not quite sure about what I think of this cream. The cream is definately very light, it absorbs quickly and drys to a matt finish, it doesn´t feel heavy in the skin and it keeps the shine away quite well considering the warm weather. Now, I don´t think my skin is more balance in any way or my pores less visable or blocked or my skin more refine. It has not broke me out more than normal, but I can´t say it helps me to clear my skin when my it is a bit worse for other reasons.So honestly, I don´t know! There is supposed to be a version with Spf but I don´t know if I didn´t see it or I decided to skip it.

Boots "Botanicals" Claims

Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work. We've taken steps to reduce our impact on the planet at every stage in this product's journey.

• Formulated without parabens.
• People tested.
• Please recycle where possible.

Overall I think is a good brand and the prize range is unbeatable. Plus the fact that it contains natural ingredients makes me feel like I'm being good to my skin. I'm quite curious about the Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish (*)(maybe this one has more beads) and the Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask(*). Too bad that Boots does not sell or ship in Europe outside from the UK. That's such a Pain because they have so much variety and good products at awesome prizes...

Guess I'll have to make UK friends to ship me things. I'll change them for Swiss Chocolate!! hahaha

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

Like always leave your friendly comments, feedback and suggestions down below. Share and subscribe if you liked it!

DIY Face Mask for Oily/Acne Prone skin

Hello!

Photo credit

Today I want to bring you the recipe of one my favourite face masks. I've using it for the past 4 or 5 months and I can tell I've seen an improvement in my skin condition. It's very easy to prepare and you can use it as many times you want per week since it doesn´t cause sun sensitivity. 

You need:

- one table spoon of honey.
- one coffee spoon of nutmeg.

- one coffee spoon of cinnamon.  

Why these ingredients?

• Nutmeg:  Nutmeg comes from the dried kernel of seeds from the Nutmeg tree  mostly grown in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the West Indies. Nutmeg is a rich source of essential oil and saponin. Properties: Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory properties  making it effective for the treatment of severe or cystic acne reducing swelling, redness, and irritation of the skin. It also helps to improve tone and  skin texture. 
• Cinnamon:  Cinnamon, which has the scientific name Cinnamomum zeylanicum, has originated from tropical Asia, especially Sri Lanka and India.  It is obtained from the inner bark of several trees from the genus Cinnamomum that is used in both sweet and savoury foods. Properties: Cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties, stops bleeding and acts as a plumper of blood flow bringing more oxygen to the skin, it helps remove blood impurities and helps in the healing process and it also acts as a natural exfoliant.
• Honey: Honey is a sweet food made by bees using nectar from flowers. The variety produced by honey bees (the genus Apis) is the one most commonly referred to and is the type of honey collected by beekeepers and consumed by humans. Flavors of honey vary based on the nectar source, and various types and grades of honey are available. Properties: It has strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been used as a treatment for wounds and other skin problems for thousands of years. Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains moisture helping to heal and sooth the skin.

How?


You mix everything together and you let it sit in your skin between 15 to 30 minutes. Then you washed with warm water carefully not to scrub your skin, finish off with cold water, pad dry and use your favourite toner/moisturizer. Mixture can be kept in the fridge for other uses, in fact I keep my honey in the fridge so the mixture it's more refreshing- and less messy- or I would prepare it a few hours before I use it to let it cool down.

Results? 

These three ingredients together would help you reduce existing acne and probably prevent future breakouts by helping to the skin healing process and improving skin tone and texture. They are also effective in reducing acne scaring.

Photo Credit

I find it works best if you have exfoliate your skin first and if you are constant using it two to three times a week. For skin crisis days, I've used 2 to 3 days in a row with soothing effects and no harmful side effects or weird reactions.


A bit of a DISCLAIMER here: I'm not whatsoever a dermatologist. Acne can have multiple origins, so if your acne is for example hormonal, this mask would only help you soothing existing breakouts and healing the skin, but it won´t cure your acne forever.Like everything else, what might work for some it might not work for others. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients or when you use this mask you notice any discomfort, don´t use it again. THIS IS WHAT I HAVE SEEN THAT WORKS BEST FOR ME WHEN IT COMES TO MASKS, BUT ONLY YOU AND YOUR DERMATOLOGIST CAN KNOW WHERE YOUR ACNE COMES FROM AND WHAT YOUR SKIN IS LIKE.


Let me know if you try it!


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