Updated Evening Skincare

My skin condition pretty much changes with the seasons and therefore I like to update my skin care two to three times a year.

First things first: I got to take off my make up and all the dirt my face likes to collect throughout the day and for this step I like to take good old coconut oil. Unless you have been living under a rock, you must know by now how many benefits coconut oil has and it works great as a first step cleansing balm. 
I like to rub it on my dry face and really massage it in, to get everything off that doesn't belong on my face, like oil (oil attracts oil), dirt, make up, primer, sunscreen and all that fun stuff. Then using a clean face cloth and running it under hot water, I take everything off. 

After that I cleanse my face with the Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser. I like to use a better cleanser for the second round, because I don't just want to use it to get my make up off but to actually benefit my skin. And I simply take it off with water.

Then comes my favourite step involving acid toners. 
This step is so crucial and really makes the biggest difference in my skincare routine. I like to switch between the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Salicylic Acid, the Paula's Choice CLEAR Anti- Redness Exfoliating Solution 2% Salicylic Acid and the Alpha H Liquid Gold. 
I use the Liquid Gold only two to three times a week, because it is very strong and I use the other two exfoliaters the rest of the week.
Acid toners help with acne, blackheads, red scars, fine lines, they minimise the appearance of pores and they help your face absorb whatever product comes next better. 

Sometimes, when I have a lot of extra time, I like to use an exfoliating mask on top of that, for example the Avene Cleanance Mask.

The next step is eye cream, I especially like the Hübner Augenbalsam plus, because it contains hyaluronic acid and last but not least I use the Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream for very dry skin.

- Julia xxx


 

Product Empties #1

¡Hola! What's up? Over the last few weeks I have been collecting garbage. Well...kinda. Basically products that I have used up and wanted to share with you. 

Quick overview of all the products. Very exciting.

Lavera Handcreme (Organic with Almond- and Sheabutter) - This is the best handcreme I have ever tried. Therefore it is already my second tube. It is really nourishing but sinks in within seconds. 

L'Oreal Elvital Total Repair Extreme Reconstructing Conditioner - This is a conditioner I just tried because it was on offer and I must say that I do like it. Compared to the Lush one I am currently using it is not my favourite, but it does the job and leaves your hair feeling really soft. But full of silicone probably.

Alverde Repair Shampoo Grape and Avocado - This smells vile, like some cough medicine I had to take when I was a child. And it also left my hair feeling coarse. In the end I just used it to wash my brushes with. 

Lush Aqua Marina x2 - This is a face cleanser and apparently I must really like this because I had two of those in my Empties- Bag and I totally forgot about them. I would this cleanser is great for oilier and/ or acne prone skin. And it did make a noticeable difference in my skin. Smells a bit fishy though, but I was able to get past that because it's just a great product.

Lush Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask - This is a face mask for acne prone skin with Garlic! What is it with me and bad smelling things?! This smell made me gag a bit, not gonna lie and it didn't work THAT well either. I am not gonna repurchase this one, for sure.

And another picture of the open Lush containers, just so you can see that I am not a liar. 

Dr. Hauschka Face Mask - Really moisturising and soothing and it is natural, so you can't go wrong with this one. You can even apply it underneath your eyes and leave it on for as long as you want. Big thumbs up for this one.

Dr. Hauschka Ice Plant Body Lotion - This is just a life essential. Always. I have incredibly dry skin on my arms and this is the only thing that can soothe the dry-, itchy- and redness. 

Luvos Face Moisturizer with Healing Earth - This is great for all skin types, except if you have really dry skin. Like really really dry skin. Otherwise this is perfect. Not to heavy, but still moisturizing enough and it helps keep blemishes at bay. Also perfect as a primer underneath make up if you have slightly drier skin. Unfortunately for me, since I am on Roaccutane at the moment, this is not enough for my skin, but I can see myself repurchase this after the 6 month course.

Dermalogica Precleanse - This was just a sample, but I thought I'd still mention it. To be honest I don't really get the concept of a "precleanser", doesn't double cleansing with your regular cleanser do the trick? I mean, it was nice and everything but I think it's just a money maker. 

Lavera Cleaner for Dry Skin - It says "foam" on the bottle and that was what kept me away from it for the longest time. But my bought it and I tried it and fell in love. It is not drying at all and really light. I'm already on my second bottle.

Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm - This was my very first cleansing balm ever, after I read about cleansing balms on Caroline Hirons blog. And once you use a cleansing balm, there is no going back. But really. Cleansing balms are the best. Especially this one from Clinique since it is so gentle and doesn't contain a bunch of unnecessary ingredients. BUT ever since I ran out of this, I use plain old coconut oil and it works just as well.

Lush Breath Of Fresh Air Toner - Didn't do anything for me. I initially bought it because I read so many good reviews about it. Since it contains tea tree oil and what not and it's supposed to help with breakouts. But the effect was just like I was spraying water on my face. And the spray- thingy squirted out way too much product and made your whole face wet (that's what she said- I don't know about you, but I am cringing over here haha).

MAC Eyebrow Pencil Fling - Nice colour. Way too much money for an eyebrow pencil and way too little product, though. I ran out of this after 3 weeks of using it. Not cool.

Manhattan Tasty Lips Peach - A shimmery, peachy browny lipgloss that isn't sticky and smells of peaches. Excuse me? Does it get better than this? I don't think so. Already repurchased.

I am going to "Back to Lush" the three empty containers and you're allowed to choose one face mask for it. Do you have any recommendations for their face masks? Thanks ;)

- Julia xxx

Updated Evening Skin Care Routine

I know I haven't been posting as regularly these days and that is because Uni has taken over my life, once again. So please bear with me here, I'm trying my best to balance everything and eventually everything will settle down. 

Now I have been on Roaccutane for over one and a half months now and with the change of my skin comes the change in my skin care. My skin is (still) nowhere near perfect and I still break out quite frequently and don't even get me started on the acne scars. It is certainly not the hardest part but it kinda sucks not being able to do anything, since I can't use anything harsh on my skin during the 6 month Roaccutane course. 

Being back at Uni, I have noticed that within the first week my skin went crazy and started breaking out again. Maybe it came with the stress/ nervousness (even though I am not that stressed yet). My other guesses where that I am either allergic to the washing powder or the water just isn't as clean, since I live in a bigger city and my skin is just being a diva over it. 
Be that as it may, I had to change my whole entire skin care routine adjusting to the circumstances. 

I have found a few products (mainly in my mom's little cupboard over the sink), which I would've never tried without my mom introducing me to them or at least encouraging me to use her things, which is weird since she is not into skin care at all and just buys whatever falls into her hands and I am the total opposite. 

Now in all the years I have been struggling with acne, I have never, not once, found a product that REALLY worked for my skin and where I could actually see a difference over the course of one week/month. Duh. That's why I started taking heavy (legal!) drugs. But I am so happy to say that these products I am using at the moment make all the difference. Of course I am still on Roaccutane and one could say that it's only due to that, but when I stop using these products, even for one night (!), my skin gets worse again. So without further ado: the products.

Starting of with cleansing. I like to double cleanse in the evening and believe me when I say: This makes all the difference! Before trying it out myself, I wouldn't have believed it either, though. I know everyone always says that you shouldn't go to bed with your make up still on, so I used to use whatever cleanser I had laying around and quickly took of most of my make up. Out of sheer laziness. What a mistake I can tell you now. You have to take off your make up first (properly) and then also clean your skin underneath. 

So first I use the Dermalogica Precleanse and rub it into my dry skin and over my eyes. Then I apply some luke warm water to my face, so it turns into a milky liquid, and I rub some more, gently. Using a washcloth, which I run under hot water, I take everything off. Then I use coconut oil and massage it into my skin. I really massage my face, and let me tell you, it does not feel great. I learned it from Caroline Hirons (my Queen) and again, this makes all the difference! Make sure to take your time here, it will be worth it. Using the same washcloth rinsed under hot water, I take everything off. 

Make sure you change your washcloth on a regular basis. I don't use mine more than two to three days in a row. And you don't really need the Dermalogica Precleanse, I just need to use it up, but I find substituting it for coconut oil as a precleanser works just as well.

After that I use another cleanser, yes you have heard me right, but this time not a balm cleanser but a 'regular' (?) one. Now my mom bought this and when I saw that it said 'foaming' on the bottle I had to give her a little bit of a lecture. BUT I have tried it myself and it only foams because of the dispenser. Once you work it into your skin, it doesn't foam, hallelujah! 

Another product which my skin loves is the Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner. Now I believe I have talked about this before, but somehow it just can't be the same. I formerly said that this product does nothing for my skin and was a little bit of a waste of money. Again: BUT, my mom bought herself a new one after she ran out and I used it for a few days (because why not, when it is sitting there anyway :D) and I noticed that my skin has gotten significantly better. I didn't put it down to this product, though, more so to the drugs. Then after moving back into my dorm room and not being able to use my mom's stuff, my skin got worse again, like I said. So I decided to splurge and see if my skin would get better again when using this product, and it has. I don't know why, though. Have they changed the formulation or something? Whatever it is, I love it.

The last few steps involve moisturizer. A lot of moisturiser. The Dr. Hauschka toner is a little drying but over all my skin is just super dry at the moment anyway. The best moisturizer is by far the Lush Celestial Moisturizer. It is super moisturizing and gentle and it also just contains good stuff. 

Fun Fact 

A dear friend of mine has suffered from neurodermatitis (or atopic eczema) every since she was a baby and she found out about Lush around 4 years ago. Ever since using this exact moisturizer, her neurodermatitis has improved SO much and never came back. She even uses it on her body. For years her parents and doctors have tried all kinds of creames and methods and nothing worked, until she stumbled across this Lush moisturizer. 

Rambling over.

And for my eyes, because I already have fine lines around my eyes (I AM 20 FOR GOD'S SAKE, sorry), I use the Hübner Augenbalsam with hyaluronic acid.

Ok, so this was a rather long blogpost, I am sorry. But I did have a lot to tell you about. If you found this interesting then stay tuned for a morning skin care routine sometime this week. 
Talk to you soon!

- Julia xxx

Brand Focus - Dr. Hauschka

Over the past one and a half years I have tried my fair share of Dr. Hauschka products, since my mom is a big fan of this brand and introduced me to them. 

Products and how I like to use them:

Face

Melissa Day Cream: for combination skin, after cleansing morning and night*

• It's not very rich and therefore not enough for my dry skin, it does leaves a matte finish
• I tried the rose cream before, it's targeted for dry skin and I personally liked it a lot better for my dry skin. It is definitely something for dry skin, instead of dehydrated skin.

Clarifying Steam Bath: for blemish prone skin, before applying a face mask

• It's quite nice for a pampering day, but I doubt it does much long term

Translucent Bronzing Tint: you can mix it with your moisturiser for a subtle glow, I like to apply it as a liquid bronzer over my foundation

• Mixed with my moisturizer, I can't even see it on my skin, but over my foundation it looks lovely and I like that it's a liquid, which makes it easy to blend and it's not too dark for my pale skin. It is also not shimmery, so you could use it to contour your face.

Facial Toner: after cleansing in the evening

• You are supposed to use it at night after you've washed your face and leave it at that
• I found it to be quite drying and using it without a moisturizer was not an option for me. But it is quite refreshening anf if you have oily skin this might work really well for you [you still shouldn't skip the moisturizer...but that's just my opinion. check out what I wrote about that here]. 

Eye Balm: after moisturiser at night

• It is a pretty heavy consistency, so I only use it at night, but if you have a really dry under- eye area this would be great for you. Not only to moisturize but also to already prevent fine lines.

Cleansing Cream: morning and night 

• Smells amazing, but didn't quite work for me, but my mom has normal to dry skin and she loves it. If your skin is normal to irritated but doesn't need much, the Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream would be great for you. But I have acne prone skin and it's not enough for me.

Clarifying Day Oil: for oily and blemish prone skin, after cleansing, morning and night*

• This product is really nice if you have oily skin! It sinks in super fast, doesn't leave a greasy residue and leaves the face looking matte. This is a perfect light moisturizing option for people with oily skin. And no, oil won't make your already oily skin oilier.

Ice Plant Face Cream: for very dry, itchy, flaky skin, after cleansing morning and night* 

• I really like this one! Though expensive, I works wonders especially if you have super dry and irritated skin like I do.
• It is really rich but absorbs very quickly. 

Mascara: I think I don't have to explain when or how I apply Mascara ;)

• comes in three shades: black, brown and blue
• Unfortunately it didn't do much for my lashes 

Body

I have tried three body lotions and I like all of them. The Quince Body Moisturizer is nice for normal skin. It is super light and liquid-y, almost like water and sinks into the skin very quickly.

The Almond Body Moisturizer is a little heavier, I would say for normal to dry skin. It doesn't absorb into the skin as quickly as the Quince Moisturizer, but after around 5 minutes you are good to go.

The star of the show is without a doubt the Ice Plant Body Care Lotion. It is so so so hydrating and I am already on my third bottle. And everyone in my family loves it, as well. I have very dry and dehydrated skin and red patches all over my arms, especially in the winter. This is the only body lotion I've ever tried that gets rid off it. When my skin is extremely dry, I apply it day and night, but mainly after I get out of the shower at night. And even though it is so moisturizing, it is absorbed by the skin in less than 5 minutes. 

                                                         Daily Face Care Kit

One of the things that I really like about Dr. Hauschka is that they sell small Face Care Kits for either normal to dry skin or oily and blemish prone skin. So you can really test out all the products before you decide on buying them. And the samples come in nice sizes as well, so you have the chance to really properly try them out for a week or two. I tried the one for blemish prone skin, which contains the cleansing cream, clarifying toner, clarifying day oil, steam bath, clay mask, and revitalising mask. My mom got herself the kit for normal to dry skin, because the products are nice sizes for travelling.

Products I really like | Products that are OK

Most products that I have tried were quite nice. But there are some products which are amazing and I will keep repurchasing. Those products are the Ice Plant Body Care Lotion and Face Cream and the Quince Body Lotion. Next I would really like to try more of their makeup. 

Have you tried Dr. Hauschka before and what do you think of their products? Let me know!

 

*Dr. Hauschka don't believe in applying a moisturiser at night after you cleansed your face, because they believe that your skin has to be able to breath at night, and apparently it can't do that with a moisturiser (?). I mean, do whatever works for you. I have very dry skin and the thought of not moisturising my face after cleansing hurts. I wonder what Caroline Hirons would say to that. 

**Most of the products do contain alcohol and fragrance so be aware of that. I found a few products to be pretty drying, others on the other hand are real gems and I will keep repurchasing them.

Dr. Hauschka doesn't test on animals.

My Evening Skincare Routine

I have pretty bad skin but I have found a few products which work pretty well at keeping my acne at bay (as far as that is possible) and still moisturizing my dry skin.
I do have mild acne with blackheads, whiteheads and big spots (sorry for grossing you out here) but at the same time my skin is very dehydrated and I can get dry patches all over my face if I don't take care of it.

Cleansers

 I like to use my Clinique Take The Day Off cleansing balm, especially when I am wearing make up that day, because it feels really good on my dry skin and it removes every last trace of my make up. It even removes waterproof mascara within seconds. 
I massage it into my dry face for 30 sec. to 1 minute and than add a little bit of warm water and take everything off with a muslin cloth.
After that I use the Avene Clean-Ac cleansing creme to really deep clean my skin. This is a soap-free cleanser that is super gentle and won't dry out your skin.

Exfoliators

For chemical exfoliators I usually use the Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid which helps to get rid of my spots and fade my acne scars. So it does make spots disappear faster but it doesn't prevent them from coming at all. To change it up I like to use my Alpha H Liquid Gold once or twice every week, to help my scars disappear even faster and to brighten dull skin. As a spot treatment I am still using up a sample of the Avene TriAcneal gel, which is a thick yellow-y gel with glycolic acid. I put a thick layer of it on any of my big spots and though it doesn't get rid of them overnight, it really heps to reduce their size. 

Masks

When I am not too lazy, I try to use a mask at least once a week. My two favourite masks are the Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcol Mask and the Avene Cleanance Mask.
The Origins mask is a grey charcol mask, which really helps to draw out the dirt in your pores. I like to use it before I go to bed and I can see a clear improvement in the appearance of my skin the next day. 
The Avene Cleanance mask is again with glycolic acid. You're only suppossed to leave it on for 5 minutes since it is so aggressive. It also helps to make my spots fade quicker and to brighten my skin.

Moisturizers

Because my skin is so very dry, I have to use a thick moisturizer at night. I am currently really liking the Lush Celestial moisturizers, because it is super hydrating, it's natural and it doesn't break me out. I find it really hard to find a thick moisturizer that doesn't break me out, so the Lush one is perfect. 
For my lips or any super dry and cracked skin, I use the Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment which works wonders! I am absolutely obsessed with this stuff. It is a great lip balm but it also helps to heal small cuts.