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
I am so excited for fall.
I'm excited for golden and red leaves dancing in the wind and collecting chestnuts.
I'm excited for big oversized sweaters and scarfs, fluffy blankets and hot tea.
I'm excited for candles and fairy lights and long nights by the fire place watching TV.
Make up wise I am looking forward to smoky eyes, dark red lips and just being able to get away with wearing more make up and experimenting with bold colors.
OPI Nail Lacquer - Red
- Julia xxx
Over the last couple of months I have been collecting the products I have used up, so you know what's coming.
I love Lavera. Everything they do. There has not been one product that disappointed me. The shower gel is not drying, the body lotion is nourishing but not sticky and the smell is just divine.
CD is my favourite brand for deodorant, because the don't use aluminium as an ingredient and it works best out of all the products I have tried without aluminium. It is not the best deodorant I have tried, it has probably a 4- 6 hour protection, but it is the safest.
Surprise! Lavera again. Lavera GALORE! Like I said, they can do no wrong in my book.
The hand creme is very moisturising, yet sinks in very quickly.
Both the "Foam" Cleanser (which doesn't foam at all and isn't stripping) and the Cleansing Milk are amazing. I repurchased the cleansing milk and use it as a second cleanse in the evening and in the morning.
And on the right- hand side we have two samples but they still count, right?! After I have used them both up I had to get the full size one.
Lush is one of my favourite brands for moisturisers because they use natural ingredients and my skin does not react badly to them. The Celestial one is great for the winter, since it is so nourishing. The Cosmetic Warrior was a face mask with garlic as an ingredient. Don't ask. Not my favourite.
Balea Shower Gel. A bit to drying for me. Won't repurchase. The same goes for the self tanning spray by Ganier. It was too orangy and it only tanned by legs?!
The Silver Shampoo by Schauma was my saviour in dark times. A couple of months ago I bleached my hair myself, as I do, and my hair turned out yellow. Enough said. This shampoo really made a difference, though.
Now that I am done with Roaccutane, I have also finished my Aquaphor. I love this stuff, even though it caused a little dilemma at the end of my course.
Rituals body cream for dry skin. Nothing that has impressed me too much.
Unfortunately I also wasn't too impressed with the Dr. Hauschka Ice Plant Face Cream. It just wasn't rich enough for me, as opposed to it's big brother the Ice Plant body lotion, which is one of my holy grail products.
I also finished some eye drops, which very fine and two make up products. My favourite drugstore concealer, Maybelline Fit Me, and a mascara.
Hopefully next time there will be more make up products because that's always more exciting. Thanks for reading!
- Julia xxx
I think it's been roughly one (maybe two) months after I finished my Roaccutane course and I must say I am rather happy with the results.
Honestly, I can't even remember when my skin last looked this good. I don't have any active breakouts, almost no white-/ blackheads and the rash I developed last month is pretty much gone, also.
The only thing I am left with are some scars, but they are pretty easy to cover up so I can't complain.
I'm slowly re-introducing some acids (AHAs/ BHAs/ Glycolic Acid) back into my skincare routine. At the moment I am using Paula's Choice BHA Exfoliant every other day and even though my skin feels fine, I can tell that my skin is still very sensitive and thin (?), so I'll be holding off on the Liquid Gold for a while.
I've been noticing that the last few bits of the drug are wearing off, so my hair is starting to get oilier quicker and the extreme hair growth has stopped as well. But on a more positive note, my skin is not so incredibly dry and flaky anymore and I am starting to feel confident again not wearing any make up, which is a big deal for me.
- Julia xxx
