Moisturiser
 |
| Birchbox November 2017 |
In contrast to the somewhat un-exciting Birchbox offerings in the last few months, I was very impressed with this month's offering so much that I decided to write about it.
It came with the usual cardboard drawer box featuring this month's collaboration with Vogue. I think this was a good thing as the product samples provided were mostly from known brands.
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat - Full Size RRP £9
I've been a loyal fan of Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat since I started blogging and have gone through at least 3 of these, that's impressive considering I have never finished a bottle of nail varnish! My latest bottle is on its last coats and I was happily surprised that a full sized version came with this box.
Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream Sample Size - Standard Size is RRP £21
This box came with a handy travel sized version of Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream. This cold winter season is the best time to receive this to keep your hands (feet, body, anywhere else!) soft and supple. I'm a strong advocate for moisturising to prevent premature ageing skin. My skin soaks this up without any greasy residue, and it smells of cherry blossoms too!
Benefit Hoola Bronzer Travel Size - Standard Size is £24.50
This is one of my favourite bronzers and the handy travel size is perfect for short trips.
Percy & Reed Volumising No Oil Oil Sample Size - Standard Size is £14
I admit, despite these years of beauty blogging, I am hopeless when it comes to fancy hair care. My hair routine is simple - grease-fighting shampoo for my oily scalp, air-drying my hair naturally and brushing down with a tangle-teaser. I'm not certain whether I would get much use of this one and I'll probably end up giving it away.
 |
| Birchbox Brush Cleaner on (Tiny) Size 6 Hands |
Birchbox Brush Cleaner £5
I currently use this larger grooved silicone oven glove from Amazon to wash my brushes with, but the Birchbox Brush Cleaner is a lot smaller and therefore perfect for travels to provide a deep-yet-gentle clean. I add a dollop of Dove Liquid Hand Wash with Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla to the mitt and swirl the brush on the brush cleaner until the bristles are clean and leave to air dry. Perfect.
As you can see, subscribing to this month's box is especially good value for money. If there's anything from this post you like, you can purchase a single box at £5 off using this link: Birchbox, no commitment necessary!
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
I am frequently asked by patients what skincare I use to keep my skin in tip top shape and so I've written a post on a routine that I found works well for my combination skin. I am a firm believer in the US Navy's 'KISS principle' (Keep It Simple, Stupid!), and here are the skincare products I use in my daily routine.
At the beginning of the day, I wash my face with lukewarm water and a gentle milky cleanser like the La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream. To moisturise, protect my skin and to also provide a makeup base, I apply La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra Light Tinted Fluid SPF50+ and massage it into my skin.
At the end of the day, I use a micellar water cleanser. At the moment I use L'Oréal Paris Micellar Water for Normal to Dry Skin, but I find the cheaper Garnier works just as well. If my face is feeling particularly dry, I then wash with the milky cleanser above.
To treat my skin overnight, I find it is important to use a topical retinoid like Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10. I use two drops to cover the entire face. For added moisture, I apply La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra. The overnight version works better in cold winter days.
If I develop any new spots, I make sure to apply La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo twice daily to blemishes.
You'll notice that despite my combination skin (oily t-zone and dry cheeks) I use a lot of moisturising products.
It is important to keep your skin sufficiently hydrated to prevent flaky skin and inflammation, and it is also important to also clean your skin with gentle cleansers to avoid the building up of dirt which can clog pores.
A regular topical retinoid such as Vichy's offering above acts to destroy comedones, resolve the precursor micro-comedone lesions, prevent inflammation and allow for maintenance of clearance, preventing the formation of acne. I find that combining this with targeted treatment with salicylic acid (in Effaclar) works very well for my skin.
I hope this post helps. I am in no way affiliated with the companies mentioned above, but through my experience these products do the trick!
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
A colleague at work got me interested in monthly beauty boxes again and the one she recommended was Birchbox.
I previously subscribed to other beauty boxes, such as Glossybox, but discontinued since I realised 1) I have more than enough skincare and makeup to last me a lifetime, 2) I already get sample sized products from beauty companies from blogging and dermatology reps that my excuse for 'travel-sized' products became redundant and 3) The samples I was usually provided ended up unused and less loved compared to the HG products I already purchased.
But there are also good things about the monthly boxes such as 1) As technology evolves, so does skincare and makeup and it is always useful to discover new products, 2) Beauty boxes tend to give a mix of makeup and skincare and boxes such as Birchbox takes into account your personal preferences, and 3) Receiving a new mystery beauty box every month makes it feel like its Christmas all year round!
There were three things that lured me into trying out Birchbox for May 2017. Undoubtedly these included the beautiful marble printed box that also doubles up as a drawer, the full sized Spectrum Collections C06 Tulip Eye Contour Brush with a white handle and gorgeous rose gold ferrule, and also that they had an offer for another box free. Bargain!
Here's a run through of the individual products and my initial thoughts on them.
Doucce Punk Volumizer Mascara RRP £18
This mascara has a jumbo fibre wand to add volume and thickness to lashes. I must say I am very impressed with this mascara. At first I was scared that the giant jumbo wand would smear my eyelids, but with a light hand, it avoids that, applies so easily and holds a curl on my stubborn straight lashes. This one's a winner for me!
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray RRP £19
I love this season-appropriate and trendy addition to the May Birchbox. Part dry shampoo and part texturiser, this sample travel-friendly size will save many holidays for lifted beachy hair.
Caudalie Vine Activ Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum RRP £36
This serum targets tiredness, stress and pollution. It contains an anti-cell burn-out complex to brighten dull skin and smooth fine lines.
Spectrum Collections Marbleous C06 Tulip Eye Contour Brush RRP £4.99
I love fluffy yet firm synthetic brushes for my eye contour and concealer. I think this brush will work for both. And I must say I am inlove with the rose gold ferrule!
Marsk Mineral Eyeshadow in Fifty Shades RRP £14.49
This shimmery gunmetal grey smokey loose mineral eyeshadow is paraben-free. Disaster always strikes when I use loose pigmented powders so this will find another home.
Manna Kadar Cosmetics High Definition Powder RRP £27
This pale vanilla powder has a velvety finish. Its an excellent travel size for the mobile makeup bag for touch ups through the day. I am likely to apply this on my oily T-zone which are also my 'highlight' areas so the paler shade wouldn't be much of a problem.
Baija Paris Creme Moana in Fleur de Tiare RRP £15.90
I had a silent squeal when I read the label. This is what I would expect a Disney's 'Moana' inspired moisturiser to smell like - shea butter and coconut oil - to smoothen parched skin. Of course this is in no way related to the Disney film, maybe just a coincidence.
Elemis Hydra-Boost Day Cream RRP £39
Everyone loves Elemis. This day cream has hyaluronic acid to improve the skin's hydration and texture. I would actually apply this for the day and night after cleansing. It makes your skin feel so smooth, I love it.
Polaar IcePure Gentle Scrub with Arctic Cotton RRP £23.50
Here's a skin smoothing body scrub that contains Arctic cotton for its moisturising properties. I would recommend limiting body scrubs to twice a week and following with moisturisers to avoid harsh effects on the skin.
ModelCo Eye Define Crayon Liner RRP £11
I am always on the look out for a HG eyeliner as despite these many years of beauty blogging, I still have not found it. ModelCo's offering is a twist-up pencil, so sharpening is not required. The formula is water-resistant but not as smudge or budge-proof as it claims. The formula isn't as creamy as one would hope, so there is a bit of tugging on application. It deposits a rich black matte colour that lasts long, with a thin tip that works well for my Asian eyelids.
Overall, while there are still some products I feel may go unloved from this set, I've enjoyed trying out my new products and my subscription will continue (for now). I look forward to the Birchbox in June!
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
08/06/2017
Trying Out Birchbox
 |
| PRAI Beauty Luxury Skincare Review |
PRAI Beauty is a new upmarket skincare brand with some great high quality products enriched with key ingredients that help keep your skin youthful and vibrant. Nigel Barker (of whom I am a massive fan!) has just taken over as creative director.
I have tested these products for a while and I can say my favourite by far is the PRAI Beauty Platinum Firm and Lift Eye Serum*. I have noticed my under eyes magically transform and hydrate in prep for any eye makeup and I go to apply after. It contains platinum, nulastic silk and praisomes (the last two patented) with help lift and firm the skin and help erase fine lines and wrinkles. It is a firm textures and you can feel it working each time.
The PRAI Beauty 24K Gold Illuminator* is a rich creamy bronze formula which contains vitamin E and other antiaging peptides and vitamins. As it has a shimmery texture, I feel it is perfect for summer skincare. What I love is how it gives a beautiful and elegant glow, that is not overpowering, with its light reflecting particles.
The PRAI Beauty 24K Gold Illuminator* is a rich creamy bronze formula which contains vitamin E and other antiaging peptides and vitamins. As it has a shimmery texture, I feel it is perfect for summer skincare. What I love is how it gives a beautiful and elegant glow, that is not overpowering, with its light reflecting particles.
The PRAI Beauty Ageless Eye Dark Circle Corrector* is a slightly too light a shade and shimmery to work on my skin tone but its rich and creamy texture provides a good base to then apply concealer on top as it smooths out any wrinkles and illuminates the dark areas.
The PRAI Beauty 24K Gold Wrinkle Filler* is an extra thick texture and again provides a great base to put on concealer and has noticeably helped prevent and reduce creasing throughout the day. I have extremely sensitive skin and stress, cold weather and wearing makeup too regularly can really make my eczema flare, especially around my eyes. This product has really helped!
The PRAI Beauty 24K Gold Concentrate Retinol* firstly smells amazing. It has a lighter texture but contrarily gives a deep rich hydrating and really does make my skin glow.
I am in love with this range. The packaging is luxurious in gold and silver and products have been generously sized. These products are great for aging skin and those like me who have very dry/eczematous skin as they really moisturise to a new level.
Overall I think these products are great and would definitely recommend!
Shivanee | The Skin and Beauty Blog
 |
| Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment Review |
I have tons of these lil tubes trawled around the house and in different handbags, for a purpose. Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a non-scented multi-use greasy ointment that can cure a lot of woes.
This water-free ointment creates the ideal environment to support the recovery process of dry, damaged or irritated skin. The active ingredients Panthenol and Bisabolol are clinically proven to support the skin's normal functions. It also contains Glycerin to moisturise and strengthen the skin barrier. Other ingredients include Petrolatum, Cera Microcristallina, Ceresin, Lanolin Alcohol.
Many have compared this to cheaper Vaseline. Personally, I can't tell the difference between the two products due to the petroleum content, although I do prefer the tube packaging of Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment as opposed to the unhygienic Vaseline tubs.
Here's a list of uses:
1. Dry, chapped, cracked and irritated skin
2. Lip Balm
3. Treated skin eg. after laser therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion
4. Foot salve for dry calloused feet
5. Hand & cuticle cream
6. Psoriasis, as a protective skin barrier
7. Tattoos
This is a sticky ointment and so I would advise using small amounts of this during the day time to avoid getting things stuck on the ointment. This product also contains mineral oil and petroleum so use caution if used on the face if you are particularly acne-prone. During the winter, you might want to use this in conjunction with a stronger moisturiser.
Top tip: Before bed, apply this liberally on your hands and feet, protect with gloves and soft socks while you sleep. You will wake up with super soft tips and toes!
Overall I do love Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment and I would repurchase this product once I've run out!
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
 |
| La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour Review |
I have suffered from eczema all my life. It was mainly in the creases of my elbows (flexural) then badly affected my hands, got better during my university life and since starting working again it affecting my hands and around my eyes (periorbital).
Cutting out certain allergens, for example biological washing powder, has helped but certain things e.g. work related stress can be hard to avoid. The eczema around my eyes has been the most difficult to deal with as it affects confidence as well as prevents makeup use to allow the skin to heal.
I have found as a result, the skin around my eyes have started to darken and I have been seeking products which help combat these.
La Roche-Posay have a product for just this. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Contour* is marketed for 'sensitive eye contour'. This product seems to plug the gap between youthful skin and anti-aging (I hope I still fit into the pre-anti-aging product category!). It quotes 'anti-discomfort and anti-puffiness care' along with their Dermatological expert advise suggesting that dryness for contact lens wear, computer screen usage and other external aggressor can lead to.
I decided to trial this product for a full week along with their morning and evening regimen guidance to put this product to the full test. They recommend putting a small amount of product on your ring finger and dabbing from the inner corner of your eye around the contour and eyelid, then apply pressure underneath your eye and then on a closed eyelid.
In the short term, the product is great. I can visibly notice smoother skin around my eye contour and my eyes feel refreshed.
After a whole week the skin around my eyes are definitely smoother and tighter. I am in love with this product! I have not noticed whether my dark circles have improved but it may be a little early for that!
After a whole week the skin around my eyes are definitely smoother and tighter. I am in love with this product! I have not noticed whether my dark circles have improved but it may be a little early for that!
Shivanee | The Skin and Beauty Blog
*Press sample. All views are my own.
 |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Unifiant Review, Swatches |
La Roche-Posay have released their latest member to the Effaclar range and I am loving it! This product branches into the makeup range giving light tinted coverage but still maintains its its anti-acne brilliance.
The effaclar range help to combat inflammation, reducing redness and the size of blemishes with active ingredients such as niacinamide, piroctone olamine, LHA, linoleic acid and procerad.
Effaclar works on your skin over time and within 4 weeks their research has shown it unclogs pores, reduces redness and imperfection, creating a refined and more even skin tone.
This wonderful new product, La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] Unifiant*, comes in two shades - light and medium to provide all over light coverage. They are marketed as universal and I have to admit - i didn't expect the medium shade to suit my skin tone however it worked fabulously. For those that know me, I never wear any foundation or base however I will be using in the future more as it is so lightweight it definitely gives a no-makeup look. It's easy to apply - with finger or beauty blender.
 |
| La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Unifiant Review, Swatches |
A little goes a long way with this product and it smells great too. Overall I think this is a great product and can't wait to see more from La Roche-Posay in the makeup line!
Shivanee | The Skin and Beauty Blog
*Press sample. All views are my own.
 |
| Skincare from Clinique, L'oreal, Bioderma, La Roche-Posay |
 |
| Skincare from Clinique, L'oreal, Bioderma, La Roche-Posay |
 |
| Skincare from Clinique, L'oreal, Bioderma, La Roche-Posay |
Come evening when its time to remove makeup and prep for bed, I use a micellar water cleanser Bioderma Sensibio H2O on a cotton pad and gently remove my makeup. I do two full swipes of this to ensure my makeup is removed. I may also double-cleanse with La Roche-Posay Physiological Cleansing Milk if I'm not feeling lazy. Every other day I apply L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Renew Peeling Lotion after cleansing to gently exfoliate the skin.
When it comes to skincare, I believe a good night cream or serum is one of the most important products to nurture and heal your skin overnight to prepare for the following day. I have been loving La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Serum as it absorbs so well on the skin. Moisturiser follows as I use La Roche Posay Posay Toleriane Ultra Overnight. I wake up with blemish-free well hydrated skin.
I know it may seem like a lot of products, but using the pattern "cleanser-serum-moisturiser" along with chemical exfoliation +/- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo to target spots, has significantly improved the quality of my skin. My skin has survived suboptimal conditions and work-related sleep deprivation. You don't have to use the exact products I have here, but this basic regime really makes a difference. Try it!
Use the pattern " Cleanser - Serum - Moisturiser " twice a day and you can do no wrong!
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
 |
| L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil Review |
I remember perusing the L'Occitane shop in the Lake District a few months ago. I still recall the early beginnings of the flood at Windermere and little did I know it would be such a disaster. But during that particularly rainy day hubby and I did a little shopping instead of a walking trek, and as usual we were lured into L'Occitane. As much as I don't like to admit it, I am one of those who tends to be intimidated by beauty sales personnel. I tend to do my research first before entering a shop so I have review-based facts and have a pre-planned direct approach to a shop.
However, at this L'Occitane branch I was feeling spontaneous, the shop lady was especially nice. So nice in fact I felt comfortable. I asked her what her favourite product was from the shop. She had trouble deciding which one, but one stood out from her descriptions and it was L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil.
L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil is a delicously scented body oil. It applies from a spritzer applicator that diffuses the oil. I take 2 spritzes per leg and 1 spritz an arm. It applies great on the skin and takes around 5 minutes to soak up. It leaves you with that J.Lo glow.
It's a light oil, not quite as thick as my winter favourite Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Gel Oil. In terms of application and the spritzer, the feel is quite similar to NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi Usage Dry Oil.
I love applying this after a shower when the skin is just patted dry. It's quite luxurious, relaxing, and perfect for 'me time' days. The scent is quite powerful though and dear hubby has somehow grown a dislike for the scent (and I just can't see why; It really is delicious).
One bottle lasts ages - I've had mine for a good 6 months, though I do pick and choose which dates I want it though. I would suspect if used everyday, it will perhaps last 3-6 months, of course depending on how much product you use in each go.
If you love sweet almond scents and are looking for a moisturiser for the summer, I would recommend L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil. It has kept a constant spot on my dressing table, to apply on a whim. It's that good.
 |
| Vichy Normaderm Beautifying Anti-Blemish Care Review |
"Anti-blemish while Hydrating" sounds like an oxymoron; most anti-blemish products contain acids which dry up the skin's surface and in doing so, prevent the production of sebum and also fight skin-colonising bacteria, two hits in one ingredient. When I heard of Vichy Normaderm Anti-Blemish Hydrating Care Moisturiser sporting both claims, I knew I had to try it out.
This moisturiser contains LHA, Vichy Thermal Spa Water, Salicylic Acid and Glycolic acid. LHA or β-lipohydroxy acid stimulates the skin in a manner similar but with a weaker effect than retinoids, to renew epidermal cells and the extracellular matrix. Vichy Thermal spa water acts to hydrate the skin, while the latter two ingredients are acids to combat acne.
As a person with combination skin (dry cheeks and oily T-zone), I appreciate applying this product especially on my oily nose. I would avoid applying on the cheeks as it could still cause dryness and flaking. During periods of hormonal stress, I would use it more often to prevent breakouts.
I believe Vichy Normaderm Anti-Blemish Hydrating Care Moisturiser would work well on people with oily skin types. Despite its 'hydrating care' qualities, I would suggest those with dry skin types look further to Vichy's Aqualia Thermal line-up for more hydrating products.
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
 |
| L'Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Comforting Face Cream Review |
Formulated with 25% shea butter, the L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream intensely nourishes dry and very dry skin and effectively protects it against dryness and climatic damage. It relieves the skin from tightness, yielding soft comfortable skin.
It contains shea concentrate derived from shea butter to protect skin
against dryness. Shea concentrate contains phytosterols which strengthen
epidermal cells and help form a protective moisturising barrier.
I have tested this product for a couple of days, and I must say it feels wonderful on the skin, it essentially 'melts' like butter. My skin definitely feels softer and more hydrated. However, despite its non-comedogenic claims, I have noticed my skin to break out with a few comedones especially on my forehead, which is a no-no for me.
Perhaps with my combination skin type it wouldn't work, but for dry skin types it might be a one to try. It does make an excellent body moisturiser however!
L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream is available at £28 from your local L'occitane shop.
L'Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream is available at £28 from your local L'occitane shop.
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
 |
| Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Total Moisture Gel Body Oil |
With the cold winter finally here in the UK, I wanted to share with you the one moisturiser that has been keeping my skin well-hydrated this season. It is Vaseline Total Moisture Gel Body Oil.
I love to apply it after patting my skin dry from the shower. A little goes a long way. It smells absolutely gorgeous with its vanilla cocoa and makes my skin glow. I love its subtle warming feel, like a yummy warm hug.
As per its name, it is oily, it is thick. It takes about 5-10 minutes to fully absorb depending on your skin type. Make sure to wait for this to fully absorb before applying any tight clothing or it will stick like glue.
For this chilly season, I cannot recommend Vaseline Total Moisture Gel Body Oil enough. If you're suffering from dry skin and looking for a drugstore bargain to try, run over to your local Boots. At under £6 a pop, it is an absolute steal. It a popular winter staple. BTW, I've actually got a back up...
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
 |
| Anatomicals Smoother Butts Love Coconuts Coconut and Mango Body Lotion |
Anatomicals Smoother Butts Love Coconuts Coconut and Mango Body Lotion. First off, what a wicked name. Do you not agree? As soon as I saw it I knew I had to have/blog about it. A native pacific islander, this body lotion deliciously smells of home, a favourite pastime of lounging by the seashore surrounded by the aroma of coconuts minus the salty sea winds. But wait, there's more! Coconuts in the wind with the fragrance of my favourite mango smoothie. Delicious.
The lotion itself feels very light on the skin, almost a mousse like texture that glides on effortlessly. Leave it in the fridge to cool and it feels glorious to apply. I feel this makes a perfect travel companion for a warm trip to the tropics due to its lightweight texture. Heavier lotions would feel sticky in humid conditions.
 |
| Anatomicals Smoother Butts Love Coconuts Coconut and Mango Body Lotion |
Along the same lines, this moisturiser works well in the summer months when less moisturising is required. The dry winter months call for a more heavy duty alternative, one that doesn't require repeat moisturising twice a day.
Overall I do love this moisturiser especially for its fragrance and I will save this for upcoming sunny holidays. If this has piqued your interest, snap it quickly from ASOS where it is on sale for just £2.80 for a 200ml tube. Now that's a steal.
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
 |
| Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion |
You could probably hear my squeal from the next door flat as I opened this gift from Aveeno: hair Goddess Jennifer Aniston's skincare secret Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion housed in a personalised canvas makeup bag with an artistic huge 'L' on the front.
I remember my early days battling itchy dry skin, cue unforgettable #chickenpox nightmare from twenty years ago. My mum, an astute Dermatologist, turned to her stores of Aveeno creams with oatmeal to instantly soothe and moisturise our itchy skin. Since then I've never forgotten the moisturising calming itch-reducing powers of Aveeno and resort to this brand when my dry skin became in dire need of well, moisture.
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion contains active colloidal oatmeal formula to replenish the skin's natural barrier to help soothe dry skin. It is fast absorbing, non-greasy and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy. In line with La-Roche Posay, Eucerin, and Avene, Aveeno is one of my favourite go-to brands for skincare especially for sensitive skin.
The Aveeno team have invited me to be involved in the blogger challenge themed #AveenoSkincareSecrets by sharing my top skincare secret and tagging a fellow blogger who might like to take part. I tag Fei from www.peoniesandlilies.com to share a skincare secret for keeping flawless and blemish-free. You can also become involved on twitter by sharing your skincare secrets with the blogger community using the hashtag #AveenoSkincareSecrets.
I love sharing beauty tips and I have not one but 7 to share with you today.
Here are my top tips to get clear smooth and soft skin:
1. Use a cleansing milk for daily face washes. Avoid using abrasive cleansers eg. exfoliators or limit their use to a maximum of once weekly.
2. Apply moisturiser on slightly damp skin. This enables your skin to easily and more quickly absorb moisturiser.
3. Use SPF containing products every day before going out into the sun for sun protection.
4. Avoid scented products as these commonly cause irritant dermatitis that manifests as rough patches of skin or even as little itchy bumps.
5. Wash your makeup brushes regularly especially foundation and face brushes to prevent the build up of bacteria and consequently acne formation.
6. Wash your bed covers especially pillow covers regularly for the same reason.
The Aveeno team have invited me to be involved in the blogger challenge themed #AveenoSkincareSecrets by sharing my top skincare secret and tagging a fellow blogger who might like to take part. I tag Fei from www.peoniesandlilies.com to share a skincare secret for keeping flawless and blemish-free. You can also become involved on twitter by sharing your skincare secrets with the blogger community using the hashtag #AveenoSkincareSecrets.
I love sharing beauty tips and I have not one but 7 to share with you today.
Here are my top tips to get clear smooth and soft skin:
1. Use a cleansing milk for daily face washes. Avoid using abrasive cleansers eg. exfoliators or limit their use to a maximum of once weekly.
2. Apply moisturiser on slightly damp skin. This enables your skin to easily and more quickly absorb moisturiser.
3. Use SPF containing products every day before going out into the sun for sun protection.
4. Avoid scented products as these commonly cause irritant dermatitis that manifests as rough patches of skin or even as little itchy bumps.
5. Wash your makeup brushes regularly especially foundation and face brushes to prevent the build up of bacteria and consequently acne formation.
6. Wash your bed covers especially pillow covers regularly for the same reason.
7. If you have itchy dry skin, I would recommend this Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion in a heartbeat.
If you fancy a personalised wash bag like mine, it is available from www.alphabetbags.com.
If you fancy a personalised wash bag like mine, it is available from www.alphabetbags.com.
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
Curious about trying the trendy Origins Skincare for the longest time, I picked up this set of four minis from Boots. I was firstly surprised by the fragrant aromas of these products, which on one hand is quite calming and soothing, on the other hand definitely not for the most sensitive of skins.
Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer is a lightweight moisturiser for the face. I say lightweight as effects don't last long and helps during the sweaty summer months, but perhaps will not be of much use for the cold winter. I do like the energising spicy fragrance of ginger although I know this is perhaps not good for sensitive skin.
Origins Checks and Balances, Frothy Face Wash. You only need a tiny smear of product on your palm to wash a full face. Apply on to damp skin and swirl to make a lather. The spearmint and lavender add to that soothing feeling. It makes the skin feel squeaky clean and dry without flaking. Moisturiser is a must with this one!
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. This face mask works well to draw out impurities leaving soft and comfortable. It is quite drying so I wont recommend placing this all over your face and placing only on oily patches eg. the T-zone. Dry skins - stay clear from this one.
Origins Modern Friction Gentle Dermabrasion. This scrub contains rich starch which is less abrasive than usual microdermabrasion scrubs with aluminum oxide crystals. It foams up well when used on the face. I am not usually a fan of facial scrubs as I feel they make dry patches look worse than better and this product has not convinced me otherwise.
Overall I am quite impressed by my tasting of Origins Skin Care with products that generally do what they say on the tin. Just be warned - their products are not fragrance-free hence you will have to be careful with irritant contact dermatitis, which can occur in the short term or long term even in individuals with normal skins.
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
SHOP THE POST
If you know anyone who has battled with acne or if you live in America and haven't been sheltered from commercial TV advertising, you would have heard of Proactiv. This super-giant skincare brand from Rodan and Fields with models such as Adam Levine and Nicole Scherzinger (pardon if I've spelt that incorrectly) uses salicylic acid as their main ingredient in fighting acne.
I have a couple from the range being Step 1: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator and Step 2: Pore Targeting Treatment Face Cream which I would like to review for you today.
Of course skin care is individual and dependent on your skin type. I have combination skin with an oily T-zone and dry cheeks. I tend to get mild acne: with a blackheads on my nose, then a few white heads on my forehead and the occasional cystic spot.
Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator Facial Cleanser is a physical exfoliator with micro-beads which work to scrub the skin. I like this exfoliator as it is not as rough as the others (ironic I know!) and seems to smoothen my skin gently.
Proactiv Pore Targeting Treatment Facial Cream is used after the exfoliator and I recommend just applying this on the oily areas e.g. T-zone. I especially use this on my nose. The salicylic acid keeps the oil at bay. There is a tightening sensation which may or may not be pleasant depending on your sensitivities to these things. I would recommend only using a minimal amount to avoid too much acidity and dryness on the skin.
I would suggest this skincare range for people with oily skin types as the drying qualities would help. But for the acne prone with drier or rough skin, I would suggest a more moisturising facial regime and targeted acne treatments or 'spot-correcting' for example with products containing benzoyl peroxide rather than using a topical acne treatment for the whole face.
I would suggest this skincare range for people with oily skin types as the drying qualities would help. But for the acne prone with drier or rough skin, I would suggest a more moisturising facial regime and targeted acne treatments or 'spot-correcting' for example with products containing benzoyl peroxide rather than using a topical acne treatment for the whole face.
Livia | The Skin and Beauty Blog
 |
| Yves Rocher Monoi de Tahiti Precious Dry Oil Review |
Do you want radiant sun-kissed skin in a bottle? Try Yves Rocher Monoi de Tahiti Precious Dry Oil (£8.50). I could not imagine what 'dry oil' might be like but somehow this makes sense.
 |
| Yves Rocher Monoi de Tahiti Precious Dry Oil Review Applied, Spread |
On first impressions, this dry oil is mildly perfumed, a light thin oil with fine gold glitter. Spreading on the skin it is quickly absorbed to a smooth dry texture. Although completely dry, it still retains the appearance of 'wet moisturised skin'. Instant radiance!
With regards to the gold glitter, I'm pleased to find they are very fine and on the skin, these are easily spread apart. If you are one to avoid glitter, you might still be caught wearing this!
 |
| Yves Rocher Monoi de Tahiti Precious Dry Oil Review |
Overall I would recommend Try Yves Rocher Monoi de Tahiti Precious Dry Oil to fans of JLo's sexy glow - radiant, golden, and a little greasy-looking. I would love wearing this on a lovely warm sunny day on my arms, decolletage, and especially the legs for that magical slimming effect that bronze oils can give!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.JPG)
.JPG)
