My Skin Care Routine // Dry & Acne Prone Skin ft Cetaphil, Bioderma & More

 

Today I am going to talk to you all about my skin and how I try and look after it - I'm not going to dilly-dally, so lets get straight into it! Here's something you'll need to know about my skin. This year has defiantly not been a good year in terms of my skin. Before I was dry and had the odd spot but nothing to devastating, in the past year my skin has become even more dry with acne. Now I would never make out my skin was awful and that my face is covered in spots because it isn't totally but I have definitely never had skin like this before, I do go through stages with my skin it can clear up and be good for a few weeks and then all of a sudden I'll have a massive breakout. Whist at the doctors a few months ago I did ask my doctor about my skin and she said it was defiantly acne, she did give me a cream to try but that didn't work out. I mainly get my acne on my chin and forehead and sometimes I get it in other places like on the corners of my nose or sides of my cheeks but the worst is most defiantly my chin and forehead - also the spots I get especially on my chin are actually painful. I have extreme anxiety and also get panic attacks and I have noticed when I have a panic attack or if I get really anxious then in the following days my skin is practically bad, I also have IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which to put it nicely can effect more than my stomach so I can't be definite but I think that plays a part. So as you can tell they're isn't much I can do apart from treat the acne when it comes out, and I've tried a lot of products and these are the ones that have cleared my skin up even though my skin still has breakouts these products work best for me - I should also add that everybody's skin is different and will react differently, if your struggling its all about trial and error but I defiantly recommend these products.

 

Cetaphil - Gentle Skin Cleanser -

I think this has made quite a big difference to my skin especially when I use it with the lotion. If you've never heard of Cetaphil then I'll quickly tell you a little about it. Basically Cetaphil is used by and recommended by dermatologists, it is specially made for sensitive skin and personally I think it's really good and have also heard a lot of good things about it. Basically I use this morning and night (1 pump morning and 2 pumps at night), I only use 2 pumps if I have make-up on or if my skin is feeling practically sore. I then rub it into my skin using my fingers and then wipe off with a cotton pad but you can also remove it with water and then pat your face dry with a clean face cloth. You can get Cetaphil from Boots or Feel Unique.

 

Bioderma - Sensibio H20 Solution -

 

It can't be a skin care routine with out Bioderma right?! Well I happen to love this stuff and have gone through far to many bottles of all sizes. You've probably know a lot about Bioderma or you might even own it. I use this on both my eyes and face - I love how it's strong enough to take eye make-up of but still gentle enough that it also takes off all of your face products without making your face red and blotchy looking. It does take off about 95% of my eye make-up it just depends how much you have on, if it's a lot then you'll need the help of a stronger eye make-up remover. If you looking to get this I get mine from Escentual.com and you can get this in 100ml, 250ml and 500ml. 

 

Cetaphil - Moisturizing Lotion -

Personally I like a really thick creamy moisturiser as my skin is so dry especially in the autumn and winter. Saying that it isn't thick at all, it's very lightweight but I do pack a lot on and lets it sink into my skin which it defiantly does since that my skin is so dry. I do like the Oilatum - Natural Repair Cream as it's nice and think so I'm going to pick another tube of that up to use at night time.

Benefit - It's Potent! Eye Cream -

Just like my moisturisers I also like thick eye creams and this most certainly is thick and creamy. I have quite a few sample pots of this like the one in the photo above and they surprisingly last quite well considering. You defiantly don't need a lot of product and when I use up all my sample pots I will defiantly get the full size!

Clean & Clear - Advantage Spot Treatment Gel -

Trust me when I say I've tried about 15-20 different Spot Treatments (both high-end and high-street) and it might just be my skin now but this is defiantly the best I've tried. And I would agree with everything that it says it defiantly reduces redness and can also help the spots get smaller and go away. I also love that it is clear and so it says you can put on clean skin or if a spot appears during the day you can also put it on top of make-up.

Sudocrem -

If your from the UK you'll know Sudocrem is typically used for nappy rash on little babies bottoms but it also has many other uses. If you read the tub it says its an "antiseptic healing cream" and it also states that it can be used for nappy rash, eczema (I've tried it on mine and didn't really like it over my other creams), Surface Wounds, Sunburn and Acne - just to name a few. Once I put the spot gel on I leave for about five minutes just so I know that it's sunk into my skin. I then place this over and I also think that it helps, if not to help heal it then just to smooth it.

 

Origins - Clear Improvements Mask -

 

It's important that you use mask on your skin to make sure that you get out all the dirt that builds up throughout the week into your pores. Charcoal masks are really good at bringing out the dirt in your skin and cleaning your pores, this one from Origins is the only charcoal mask that I've tried but I love using it so much I don't need to try any others. Since it cleans out your pores it also helps with acne. I use this about once a week in the shower and if your somebody that might forget to do a mask set a day to use it. I normally use it every Sunday because when you use a lot of products sometimes some can fall through the gap!

 

Origins - Drink-Up Intensive Overnight Mask -

If you have dry skin that can feel quite tight and even dry patches this is a skin saver. If you apply it before you go to bed I normally use it when I take my make-up off but it is an overnight mask so I wouldn't recommend putting make-up over it. This has got an extremely fruity smell to it which personally I don't like but most people would like it, it has a very thick and creamy formulation which feels nice when your skin is dry.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this and found it some what interesting or helpful. If you have any questions then you can comment below or tweet me (my links in the side bar). Thanks for reading and I'd love if you'd click the follow button either via bloglovin or GFC - I have started a new Christmas series called Counting till Christmas so there will be a new Christmas themed post every Wednesday and like last year it will finish on Christmas day with what I got for Christmas!

Do you use any similar products?

 

 

Counting till Christmas // My Christmas Wishlist

It's that time of the year again were we decide what we would like for Christmas and like always I always have things I want so it's not that difficult for me. Even though I am writing this wish list for things I would like for my Christmas - I actually pretty much have all of my Christmas from my parents. I'm not getting much to open because they are helping me out to pay for my make-up course that I am going on in January, but a girl can still wish! I might even get myself these items once I've paid for my course to say "well done for not buying anything" - quite literary I've bought a concealer and that's it for about 3 months - I'm very proud of myself!

And with only a month till Christmas I thought this is the perfect time to start my Christmas Series, If you've followed my blog for over a year then you'll know that last year I did a Christmas Series called "C2C - Santa Claus is coming to town" - but this year I'm going to call my Christmas Series - Counting till Christmas and there will be a Christmas related post every Wednesday - the posts will include make-up looks, nail art, decorating and much more (hopefully). I will also end the Christmas series like last year on Christmas Day with what I actually got for Christmas and maybe even an outfit of day I'm not doing much so I am thinking it's going to be very casual! If you would like to see anything pacific in my Christmas Countdown then comment below and I'll be happy to do so!

 

1, Nars - Sheer Glow Foundation // This has been on my wish list for quite some time and I have decided once I use up some of the many bottles of foundation I have. I'm going to purchase this (if I don't get it) at the begging of the year, have read many reviews and seen it in it many videos and it looks like such a gorgeous foundation and want to try it for myself.

2, Nars - Laguna Bronzer // This has once again been on my wish list for all of this year if not longer. I am defiantly in need of a good bronzer that doesn't look muddy on my skin.

3, MAC - Mineralized Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle // Again I am in need of a good highlighter and I've swatched this many times and it defiantly looks like an amazing highlighter.

4, MAC - Powder Blush in Mocha // I have tried this blush a few times as I pinched it off my sister and I loved it, and I think it would be the perfect blush went I've got quite a heavy eye look going on or even a bold lip. 

5, MAC - Lipstick in Rebel // Speaking of bold lips, I have seen a lot of people talk about this lipstick and I've swatched it aswell and it was a gorgeous shade. As I've said before I'm not one for bright bold lips but I love the look of it and really want to try and do it more. 

6, Topshop - Leigh Skinny Jeans in Black // I already have a pair of the blue denium Leigh jeans and they are so soft and pretty comfy for a pair of jeans. And of course you can't go to wrong with a pair of good black skinny jeans. 

7, Kurt Geiger - Speech Black Ankle Boots // I've been looking for a pair of black ankle boots since last autumn/ winter but couldn't find a pair that went with both jeans and with skirts and dresses. I seen these in Zoe or Zoellas Autumn Lookbook and they looked really nice and go with everything. What's better is I've got a 20% off voucher for Kurt Geiger.

8, Next - Natural Knitted Throw & Cushions // I've been very slowly re-decorating my room and have been slowly picking things up that I like. These are knitted on one side and fleece on the other with I so cosy and warm - it's the same for both the throw and cushions. This is a part of next Christmas collection so I need to get them soon. 

9, Demi Lovato - Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year // Demi Lovato is a huge roal model for me as she's been through a lot and I've also had my difficulties. I think this book is going to be a huge help to me. I was thinking it was just a normal book but I've looked inside via amazon and there's about a page a day which such a good idea because I would love to be able to read a bit of a book every day but I just don't have time but I could defiantly wake up and read that days page and I think it would be so helpful for me! 

I have to say to it has been so difficult to blog recently. My laptop broke for about a week and my mum managed somehow to fix it. Then the editing programme I used wouldn't open properly and then I couldn't even take pictures it was so dark and dull. There has been one thing after another and I had so many post planned but I wasn't able to do them! But I'm happy to be starting my Christmas series and hopefully nothing else stops me from blogging! I really have missed it and realised how much I do love blogging!

 

What would you like to be lying under your Christmas tree in a month?

 

Review // MAC Plink! Lipstick

If you've read my blog for a while then you will know that I am a huge lover of MAC lipsticks, they're my go to lipsticks. There is many reasons they are my favourite from the finishes, formulation and colour range. Today I am going to talk about my current favourite which is Plink!.

Plink! is a lustre finish which basically means its semi sheer, so you still get colour but its not extremely pigmented - just a sheer wash of colour. It is described on the MAC website as a "warm seashell pink" - I love the colour because it is sheer and wearable, it's a great everyday colour if you like really natural make-up then this really would be the perfect colour for you! 

MAC lipsticks are so well known for there black bullet like packaging. If you are interested in purchasing a MAC lipstick they retail for £15 which is quite steep especially since they have slowly been putting the price up - I really hope that they stop putting the prices up or I think I will defiantly stop purchasing them. You can get them at counters or stores (which where I live there is only 1 counter apart from airports! for hundreds of miles!) You can also purchase them online at the mac website, Selfridges, Debenhams & House of Fraser. 

Overall I would defiantly recommend this lipstick if you like the natural look. I hope you enjoyed and if you have would like recommendations for other colours - just ask! 

Have you tried Plink!?

MAC Cosmetics // Back To MAC Programme

If you have ever used MAC products then listen up as this might be useful! Now if your a make-up lover like myself then you have probably tried MAC Cosmetics in fact it's probably one of your favourite brands - I know it definitely is one of mine. MAC are all about helping both people in need and the environment. 

By returning six of there primary packaging items you can receive a free lipstick of your choice. I will explain the products that you can return and all about your new free lipstick but first here is what the MAC website has about the program. 

"Because we share your commitment to the environment  M.A.C accepts returns of its primary packaging (This does not include Viva Glam, Pro Long Wear or Sheen Supreme) through the Back to M.A.C Program. By returning six [6] M.A.C primary packaging containers to a M.A.C counter, you receive a free M.A.C Lipstick of your choice as our thanks to you. Since 100% of the retain selling price of Viva Glam Lipsticks is provided to organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS, these colours are excluded from this program.

In countries where it is permissible, the returned packaging is forwarded to appropriate waste management centres to recycle/ reuse through energy recovery. M.A.C will continue to explore alternative means of waste disposal in all markets."

By now your probably rumbling through your collection trying to find empty MAC containers. I am now going to list the exact type of containers that are excepted just so you know: 

Foundation Bottles/ Tubes

Concealer Pots/ Tubes

Powder Compacts

Blush Pots

Paint Pots 

Eye-shadow Pots

Gel Liner Pots

Mascara Tubes

Eyelash Containers

Lipstick Tubes

Lip gloss Tubes

Plastic Bottles (Fix+, Brush Cleaner ect)

Basically anything that is plastic or glass, they easiest way to know if it is accepted is if it has back to mac stated at the top of the cardboard packaging (photo above). They also accept most collection packaging but if your ever unsure you can always go into a store/ counter or you can call your local MAC store/ head office - you can find numbers on the official MAC website. 

You can't get any MAC lipstick you can only choice from there normal collection (the ones with the bullet like packaging) but within that you can't pick a viva glam colour because the proceeds go to charity. 

If your not sure of colours to get my personal favourites would be Plink!, Creme Cup, Angel, Shy Girl & Chatterbox but if your unsure your best to go into a store/ counter and swatch colours and ask about formulas and finishes.

I hope this helped and if you are slightly confused and need help with what items you can take back or what lipstick to get comment below and I'll be happy to help - over the year I have became quite the MAC product pro and could pretty much tell you anything you need to know about a product! I've used the back to mac programme three times now - last Sunday being the most recent! The lipstick I got on Sunday was Ruby Woo but it's not for me, it's for my freelance make-up kit. The programme is a great way to get lipstick for building up your kit! 

Have you used the Back To MAC Programme?