Kiehl's

In this post I am going to share my first impressions on the Kiehl's Calendula alcohol free toner and the ultra facial oil-free lotion. This post was written over 3 months ago and I can say that I am still loving the toner which I got in full size.

I have tried various natural skincare products as well as other non natural ones both high drugstore and high end. Lately, I have even tried the famous Sisley Creme Reparatrice which so many people rave about and yet my skin has never felt so supple, hydrated and smooth as right now.


I have been trying to find a natural alcohol free toner which had restringent properties but was not strongly scented for months. And while I was on holiday in Vienna I came across the brand Kiehl's about which I have heard many good reviews. So I decided to have a look at the toners and I fell in love with the calendula scent - which was just what I had been looking for as it is meant for normal to oily skin and is both alcohol free and has a natural scent along with natural ingredients. So I decided to splurge and try this toner. I justified this splurge by telling myself that I am making up for all the years I have skipped the toner step in my skincare routine. After trying this product for the first time in combination with the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil Free Lotion sample I was given, I am definitely happy I made this purchase and I wish I had also bought the lotion. In fact after applying it my skin felt like it was thirsty and it finally rehydrated itself. My facial skin feels smooth and hydrated and also plumped and lifted and it has never felt so good before. I also think the skin looks tighter and more even and I have a feeling that this lotion would make a great makeup base.

After using these products combo for a few days I am convinced that they would be great for my skin in Summer when my face becomes more oily and my makeup has trouble staying on. I also think I might enjoy them every morning to prepare my face for makeup. However, I also realized that the lotion on its own is not enough moisturizing for the Winter months. Hence, I will be replacing it with a richer cream, may be even one from Kiehl's brand.

 

For what concerns the toner, I love it. I think it works similarly to other harsh toners but it is so gentle and has an amazing scent which reminds me of tea and makes me want to find a tea with that same flavor. The toner in combination with the ultra facial oil free lotion does a great job at making the face tighter and cleaning any remaining impurities. So if you are on the oily side but have sensitive skin, I would suggest you to try these products. If on the other hand you are combination to oily you might want to alternate the lotion with a richer one in the evening at east for the colder months. 

Anyway, so far I think these products are worth the higher price and I am definitely interested in trying other Kiehl's products. What about you - have you tried any Kiehl's cosmetics?

STAY FAB

Anthelios Dry Touch Gel Cream 50+ by La Roche Posay

Quick review of the Anthelios Extreme Fluid 50+

After having used the Anthelios Extreme Fluid 50+ for the past 3 years I was ready for a change. Although great in terms of protection, the consistency of the Anthelios Fluid is far too liquid for my face during the hotter months. It makes my skin greasy and my makeup doesn't last long. On the other hand, this product works well for me during the Winter months. The fact is that the packaging is huge and the product ends up being wasted since I only need a small amount for my face and it expires after a year. This is the main reason why I haven't used sunscreen throughout Fall and Winter- I didn't want to repurchase the same sunscreen and couldn't find any other options by la Roche Posay where I live, as it seems that only few people apply sunscreen during the colder months. Since I consider sunscreen an essential product, and because I was quiet disappointed for not being able to find an alternative for Winter, I started researching sunscreens at the beginning of Spring. And after a few weeks I finally found 3 options, all by la Roche Posay (as this is the only skincare brand I am currently using). The three options were the following: the Anthelios Smooth Lotion, the Anthelios Melt-in- Cream and the Anthelios Dry touch gel cream. After considering the pros and cons of each one, I realized the best option was the third one as it's the only one which should help me avoid any greasiness and shine on my face. 

The Anthelios Dry Touch Gel Cream claims to be ideal for combination to oily skin (which is my skin type during Summer), water resistant and thus perfect for swimming and any activities involving sweating like outdoor fitness and training. It also says to have a dry touch texture, double anti-shine action, immediate absorption, ultra dry finish and leaves no white marks. 

After using this sunscreen for a few days, I can report back that all the stated benefits on the packaging are actually true. It comes in a tube which makes the product look like a cream; but it's not a creamy product. It has a strange consistency- its white colour makes it look like a cream; when you squeeze the packaging to let the product come out, it feels like a gel; when the sunscreen touches your fingers it has a harder creamy consistency; when you blend it on the face it feels like a silicone based product (indeed it does have silica listed among its ingredients); and when you are done blending it into your skin it leaves powdery streaks on the fingers but none on the face. 

This sunscreen is not greasy at all, and it's definitely not liquid. Because of the harder consistency you need more to apply to the entire face. You need to press it well into your skin in order to blend it. But once you do this, the product is absorbed quickly and dries within few minutes without leaving any residue. It does feel a little sticky at first, but once it dries this sensation is gone. I think the silicone in this product makes it a great makeup base. So with one product you are actually protecting yourself from the sun and making your makeup last longer. Although I do not use a primer, I believe that unless you are super oily, you shouldn't be needing to apply primer with this sunscreen. Contrarily to what the Anthelios Fluid used to do to my makeup, this sunscreen did not affect my makeup at all. It doesn't make it greasy or cakey. On the contrary, it makes it last longer and better.

To conclude this review I am going to say that I love this sunscreen. The 14.90 euros I paid for the 50 ml content were definitely worth it. And unless something better comes out, which is also fragrance and paraben free, I will keep re-purchasing this product during the warmer months. So if you are oily, or combination to oily, or even normal but you like a matte finish you should definitely try this out!

STAY FAB

Facial Brush by Body Shop.....A Review

While I am extremely happy with my makeup remover, which is the Dermo Cleanser (review here), I cannot say the same about my cleanser. For the past year or so I have tried various cleansers. While I have purchased the Dermo Cleanser at least 3 times (soon 4) during the last year, no cleanser has left me amazed or has really been that good to make me repurchase it again. I tried the Cetaphil (review here), the Softnening Foaming Gel (review here) by La Roche Posay and I have been using the Dermo Cleanser few times a week as a cleanser apart from using it to remove my makeup. The reason why I am not liking any of the cleansers I try is that I keep compairing them with the one cleanser I really liked, the Clinique cleansing bar. Although, this might be a little drying in the long run, especially for normal to combination skin like mine, it used to give me a squeaky clean feeling no other cleanser does. But because I was actually allergic to all of the Clinique products I was using I cannot use that cleanser any longer. Since the Clinique soap bar foaming effect was one thing I really liked about it, I have tried to use foaming cleansers which are both gentle and fragrance free. So far, the one which foams most is the Softening Foaming gel but it has an unpleasant scent which at times really bothers me. One more thing I have tried is to use a facial cleansing accessory to wash my face together with my cleanser with the aim of achieving that squeaky clean feeling I have been talking about. So far I tried the Body Shop soft facial cleansing sponge and the Body Shop facial brush. While the first one didn't cause any foaming at all and made my face feel more greasy than clean, the second one gives me a little foaming. Below are more details about this facial brush....

The first time I used the facial brush I thought that it was scratching my face more than cleaning it. In fact, the bristles felt very harsh on my skin and I didn't like the cleansing result I got. After few uses (about 3 times) the brush became softer and I started getting used to handle it, especially around the nose area and on the actual nose which are the hardest areas to reach with this brush. I still think this brush is not amazing and I won't repurchase it again. One thing I like is that it stimulates my facial circulation which I think might be a good think to keep my face looking young. In fact, after I use this together with one of my cleansers, my face looks extremely red but not sore. After few minutes the face goes back to its normal skin tone. The best cleanser to use with this brush, among the ones I have tried, is the Softening Foaming Gel because it allows some foaming and gives me a better cleansing result.
 

So far, after using it for about 3 weeks, I cannot say that it has done any good to my skin. But since it had done no harm either I am going to keep using it about 3 times a week. I wouldn't however recommend this to someone with very dry skin, or even very sensitive skin, nor to people with active breakouts. This is definitely something you might be interested in trying if your skin is either normal, normal to combination or combination without extremes of oiliness or dryness. 

Since the price was 4 euros and it seems it's going to last me a long time since it keeps well and doesn't seem to be deteriorating in any way so far, I can say it was definitely worth the money (at least to try it). I also like the fact that it comes with a cap, although I keep mine without the cap on to make sure it dries between each use and doesn't get moldy or smelly.

I will definitely keep on trying more cleansing accessories and also new cleansers, and keep you informed about the results I get. So keep reading.....

Have you tried the Body Shop Facial Brush? Did you like it?

STAY FAB

La Roche Posay Hydraphase Intense Eyes

After having spent all Summer not using an eye cream, I really felt the need to buy one. This was mainly because lately I had been getting an itchy under eye area. So I thought to myself that the itchiness might be caused by either dryness or dehydration. After considering various options, mainly a few La Roche Posay eye creams and two other ones by Eucerin, I decided to go with the Hydraphase Intense Eyes. This seemed to be the most age appropriate and also the least expensive option. Most of the other eye creams options I had (the fragrance free ones) are in fact targeted to women in their 30's and above, since they claim to be filling wrinkles. What really made me think was the fact that the sales assistant told me that since I am too young I shouldn't be using a very strong eye cream. The fact that she referred to the other eye creams as strong made me think that those might be stronger in terms of the chemicals they use and I am always trying to use natural products with as few ingredients as possible. Plus I also figured out that since there will actually come a time when I will have to use the stronger eye creams, I might as well try the lighter ones, at least for now.

The Hydraphase eyes comes in a plastic tube with a nozzle application. It has 15 ml of product and I got it for 12.90 euros. I really like the packaging. I think it's easy to get the product out and onto the eyes. I also like the fact that it was cheaper than the other options. Eye creams can be really expensive, but I guess the price is worth the fact that we might get fewer wrinkles by applying them.

On first application, this product comes out easily when you squeeze the package. However, since it has a ticker consistency than the other eye cream I have ever tried (the Eucerin AquaPorin Eye) it doesn't run out and gets wasted. The tick gel like consistency is easy to apply and massage into the eyes. It feels moisturizing on the eye area but not as hydrating as the Eucerin. Because this latter is much more liquid and has a refreshing feel I think it works better if all you need is hydration under your eyes. If however, you are looking for more than just hydration, I think the Hydraphase eyes has much more to offer. First of all after applying it for the first time, I thought that the silicone like texture should act as a great base for concealer. This same consistency is more likely to do something for your fine lines, at least fill them while you are wearing it and thus reduce any creasing which you might get after applying your concealer, especially ticker ones.

After using this eye cream for 4 days my itchiness has been reduced, although I noticed that I tend to get it at night and I think it's being caused by using too much my laptop. I am really liking the feeling I get around my eyes after applying this product. It sort of takes the tiredness away for few minutes. Plus I am also realizing that it's a good thing I have started using my eye cream now that it's getting colder and the skin will start being drier than usual. Dry under eye areas are not good since they create fine lines and make your concealer look all creased. 
 

I did notice a difference when I applied my foundation over this eye cream. The application was smoother and it was easier to blend the foundation in the eye area. Even my concealer when applied directly on the eye cream (without  a foundation layer in between the two) applies much better. It is easier to blend, creases even less and lasts better. So if you are using a concealer that is giving you some trouble by creasing in your under eye area I definitely recommend to apply it directly on this eye cream.

For me this is a win win eye cream. Here are the reasons summarized for you. 

1. It's light enough for young age.
2. It's cheaper than other alternative eye creams (I got it for 12.90 euros).
3. It gives me an amazing hydration feeling the moment I apply it.
4. It works well under concealer and foundation.
5. And, I am sure it will help reduce any dehydration induced fine line I might already have, and might slow down any future ones.

What about you? Which is your favourite eye cream? And what does this do for your eye area? Share it in the comments.

STAY FAB

La Roche Posay Toleriane Soothing Protective Skincare Moisturizer.......A Review

This moisturizing cream is one of the most recent additions to my skincare. After spending all Summer without using a moisturizer on my face (because of the sticky hot weather) I finally felt the need to start using one again. And since other options were not available where I live, I decided to go with this one. After having tried various La Roche Posay facial products, I can say I trust this brand especially their Toleriane line which is targeted to sensitive intolerant skin like mine. 

As I have been looking for a moisturizer which was light, this one targeted to normal to combination skin seemed the right one. The packaging is similar to the other La Roche Posay products and the scent is not very evident, at least not as much as the Toleriane Foaming Cleanser. For 11.50 euros and 40ml of product it's neither too expensive nor super cheap. The product comes out creamy but neither too runny nor too tick. When applied, is easily blended in the skin and it hydrates and slightly moisturizes it - just what I was looking for transitioning between Summer and Winter. It does make my face look shiny and a little oily, although it doesn't feel greasy and it dries quickly leaving my skin feeling comfortable. It has definitely improved the texture of my skin in terms of foundation results. My foundation doesn't look cakey or dry since I have started using this product. If you would like to know more about how this product works with my foundation read here. I have experienced no major breakout which I can connect with using this cream and I have had no allergy problems. 

This is not a good moisturizer for people with dry to very dry skin. It is definitely more suited for normal skin and might work well for certain types of combination skin. I will keep on using this product during the Fall but I will be switching to a ticker richer one once it starts getting colder (around Christmas). I am not sure whether I would use this in Summer since it might feel a little too oily on my skin when the weather is too hot. For now this works well and I am happy to keep using it. 

Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments below.

STAY FAB

Fall Skincare and Makeup Haul

Last Saturday I had a really nice day with my husband. To make the day even better I spent the morning doing some shopping, and I must say it was a successful one. I finally got things I really needed to get for a long time but which I have been postponing and I also got 2 things I fell in love with, a small one and a bigger one. I will share with you the small one in this post together with the rest of my haul (except for some underwear I bought but which I am definitely not going to show you). I will share with you the other thing I got in another post.

If you are interested in seeing what I wore on my shopping day, you can check this post. Below are the things I bought. 

What I got:

Toleriane Soothing Protective Skincare (for normal to combination intolerant skin)

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Concealer in shade 015 Porcelain

The Body Shop Foundation Brush

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in 166 Temptation

After the whole Summer spent without a moisturizer since it was so hot and sticky to apply one, I really needed to get one. And the above one was the only option I had since all my other choices were not available. Since my Maybelline Affinitone concealer (Review here) is almost empty, I needed to buy another concealer so I decided to try a new one. After sampling on my wrist various drugstore concealers I ended up buying the above one because it seemed the best option among the ones available. I have also been looking for a foundation brush for a while. I wanted to purchase one by Max Factor but I ended up buying this Body Shop one. It looks and feels soft so I hope it also works well. I will definitely give you a review on each of the above three products. And finally but not least, I bought myself a beautiful lipstick in a gorgeous deep red colour. I am really looking forward to wearing this, also because I am really loving all the wine, burgundy and other shades of deep red this Fall.

If you want to know which is the other thing I fell in love with and bought keep your eyes open for the next posts.

STAY FAB

Back To School Skincare Staples.....For Sensitive Skin

With most of you girls and ladies being already back to school, and few others going to start the scholastic year by the end of the month, I think it's really important to talk about skincare. Your outfits, your makeup, your hair and of course your school stationery are all important things to plan and organize. But the most important aspect is your skin. School and college often bring along stress which might affect your skin. Moreover, your days might get busy and you might think the best way to save time is to skip your skincare routine. PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS. Your skin is the most important part of your look and if you're lucky to have great skin you have to take care of it so that it will stay beautiful and healthy. If on the other hand you have acne, rosacea, dryness, oiliness or sensitive skin you must take care of your skin even more.

                                            

The first step is to plan your skincare, find products which are great for your skin and stick to your routine. Yes, no matter how early or late it is you cannot skip your skincare routine. Finding the right products for your skin will of course involve several trials and errors, especially if you are still very young and haven't got a skincare routine. To help you with this part of your back to school life, I would like to suggest few skincare products I love or have loved for you to try. Keep in mind that these products will work well for people whose skin is normal to combination (slightly oily in Summer and dry in Winter) sensitive or intolerant skin. Many of these products might also work for skins who are just normal, or combination to oily, or combination to dry. If you want to know more about them you can read my in depth reviews.

Above are the products I suggest you to try. These are:

La Roche Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser (Makeup Remover & Cleanser)

La Roche Posay Toleriance Softening Foaming Gel (Cleanser)

St Ives Apricot Scrub Blemish Fighting (2 to 3 times a week treatment)

QV Moisturizing Day Cream with SPF 30

I suggest you to try the Toleriane Dermo Cleanser because it's a gentle makeup remover which does a great job at removing your makeup while cleansing your face. However, I would still suggest you to use a different cleanser after removing your makeup to properly wash your face. The Toleriane Softening Foaming Gel is a good one if you want a slightly foaming cleanser. If you prefer a more gentle non foaming cleanser you can try Cetaphil  Gentle Skin Cleanser. If you get few blemishes here and there or during that time of the month, you should start using the St Ives Apricot Scrub. I always find it to work on any small breakout I might have and it also helps me getting rid of the blemishes left. For moisturizer, the QV one is a great one to use during the day because it has SPF. If you want something without SPF or more for combination skin you can try the Toleriane Moisturizer for Combination skin. For those which have combination to dry skin I suggest the Toleriance Fluid. 

Whether you decide to try these products or not, you should make sure you have a good make remover, a good cleanser and a good moisturizer. Always clean your face if you are wearing makeup and don't forget to cleanse and moisturize your face twice a day, morning and evening. If you invest a little time in you facial skin, you will feel great and more confident once your skin starts or keeps looking great!

STAY FAB

Pre-cleansing: Is it important? / Should I do it?

Yesterday, while waiting for my appointment at my beautician, I was going through 'the 50 most asked beauty questions' booklet by Environ and one question caught my eye. So I decided to write about it in this post. The question was about pre-cleansing. For an instant, after reading the question in bold characters I thought, here it is another marketing strategy for pushing people into buying yet another product which they do not really need. But I was wrong. 

Pre-cleansing is simply double cleansing or preceding your cleansing routine with a makeup remover. I had never heard about the term pre-cleansing although it's pretty straight forward you would call this step this way. Once I started reading the answer to the question given in the booklet, I realized it's exactly what I do every time I wear my makeup. Pre-cleansing involves using a pre-cleanser or makeup remover as the first step of your skincare routine. It is normally only a step taken in the evening when you have makeup on your face. By using a pre-cleanser or makeup remover you are taking off the makeup as well as any sebum and environmental pollutants lying on the surface of your skin. This is a part of my cleansing routine I would never skip whenever I am wearing makeup because it helps me achieve a thoroughly cleansed face. Once you have used a pre-cleanser to remove the makeup and dirt on your face, it will be easier for your cleanser to clean the deeper layers of your skin through your pores. This is because the pre-cleanser works on decongesting clogged pores so that the cleanser can actually clean the pores. You should now realize how important pre-cleansing is, as without this step cleansing would simply take care of the outer skin but it won't clean your pores since these would be clogged. So, if you are not already pre-cleansing your face, I urge you to do so. Investing in a good makeup remover and a cleanser is the key to having good and clear skin. 

And if you are asking yourself, what about exfoliating, when should I incorporate this step in my cleansing routine? Using a gentle face scrub about twice a week is a good habit, especially if your face is combination to oily and if you tend to have clogged or large pores. Whenever it's time to exfoliate your face, simply start with your pre-cleanser and then continue with the facial scrub which will be replacing your daily cleanser. Or else, simply exfoliate in the mornings when you do not need to use a pre-cleanser. 

At the moment my favourite pre-cleanser or makeup remover is the Toleriane Dermo Cleanser by La Roche Posay.

Do you currently pre-cleanse? Which product are you using? Let me know in the comments.

STAY FAB

La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water......Review

When I purchased this product I was initially skeptical about how useful it could really be. I was thinking "it's just water". But because it was only 6 euros for a relatively large bottle, which I knew would have lasted me a long time (and in fact it did), I decided to give it a try and bought it.

I think the main reason for which I decided to look into the La Roche Thermal Spring Water was the fact that I really wanted to have a product which could act as a toner but at the same time be as natural and chemical free as possible. So if you are asking yourself "DOES IT REALLY ACT AS A TONER or not?" keep reading....

Below are my opinions and conclusions on La Roche Thermal Spring Water. I have been using it for at least 5 months now and I can therefore give you a complete review, highlighting its benefits for the colder months as well as the warmer ones! 

1. This thermal spring water makes my face feel fresh, clean and cool especially when applied right after cleansing. To make it extra cooling and lifting I keep mine in the refrigerator, especially during Summer. So yes it does act as a toner, if the aim is to refreshen the skin and pack it with extra water to keep it hydrated.  
2. It also acts as a light hydrating lotion by leaving my face feeling very supple and comfortable with no feeling of tightness at least for 1 to 2 hours in Winter and for the rest of the day in Summer.
3. Thanks to its anti-irritant properties, I have seen a reduction in my cheeks redness especially in Winter when the cold air dries and irritates my facial skin.
4. Because its antioxidant properties should help in fighting skin aging, this is a great product for young women who haven't started anti wrinkle treatments.
5. I have used this instead of my moisturizer for a few days during the current heatwave and my face felt fine. So if you have normal to combination or even oily skin, la Roche Thermal Spring Water could replace your moisturizer when you are either in a hurry, it's too hot to apply a thick cream or when you want to skip this step under your makeup.
6. Its antioxidant properties also help reducing makeup oxidization which tends to cause darkening of foundation and concealer on the face. If this is a problem you have, try applying your thermal spring water on clean skin just before you apply your makeup and see if it makes a difference for you.
7. It is very economic. In fact it is cheap to buy and lasts several months. It lasted me more than 4 months using it once a day.

There are other brands like Vichy and Avene which offer different versions of Thermal Spring Water. Each one comes with the same concept but might have different benefits. You should at least try one and I am sure you will find at least one beneficial use. I will definitely be repurchasing this product but I am still not sure whether it will be La Roche or whether I should try out another brand. Leave your comments telling me whether you think Vichy and Avene are better than La Roche for their thermal spring water.

STAY FAB

Best Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin is.......(so far)

I have been using the same makeup remover/cleanser for almost 6 months now and I am really loving it. Previously, I was using the Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover and it was not only irritating, as it made my eyes sting but it was also pretty expensive for being a generic brand (around 5 euros) and it lasted only few weeks since it was extremely liquid. Moreover, I could only use it to remove my eye makeup while I was looking for a single product to remove my makeup and cleanse my face. When your skin is sensitive, like mine, it makes much more sense to limit the number of products you use so as to reduce the allergic reactions. 

After a long online product research, I started considering various products but I wasn't sure which one to try first. However, I finally made up my mind thanks to a funny episode. While I was in a pharmacy, I asked about the Toleriane Dermo Cleanser by La Roche Posay. The pharmacist was kind enough to allow me to test the product scent, since I had told him I am allergic to fragrances. And, thankfully, while he was holding the product he squeezed the bottle and some of the product came out and landed on my scarf.  I didn't buy the product that same day because I needed more time to think about it. However, when I left the shop I used a tissue to remove the product from my scarf and I was able to feel its consistency and also ascertain throughout the day that it had no scent (since it landed on my scarf which I wore for the entire day). So after few days I bought the Toleriane Dermo Cleanser and I liked it so much that I have already bought a second bottle as a backup. 

This product lasted me several months. So here are my conclusions on the product:

1. It has no scent which is great if you have sensitive skin or prefer unfragranced products.
2. It has a creamy consistency which helps remove eye makeup easily without extra product waste.
3. Its creamy consistency is very moisturizing, thus great for dry and sensitive skin.
4. It is a great eye makeup remover because it is able to remove my makeup quickly without the need to apply much strength (which you don't want since our eye area is so delicate). 
5. It doesn't sting my eyes.
6. It's not however the best cleanser if you have oily or combination skin because it doesn't strip the extra oil off your face.
7. It is a product which gives you great value for money as it lasts long and only costs  around 12 euros.
8. I think it's a great cleanser for the colder months although I will be buying another cleanser for combination skin to use during the Summer.

What about you, which is your favourite makeup remover?

STAY FAB

Fragrance Allergy.....My New Skincare

Every woman enjoys treating her skin with a good skincare routine, especially if it not only works well for the skin but it also has a nice scent. But what about those women who suffer from fragrance and chemicals allergies?

About 15 months ago I started playing with skincare and makeup. I was really enjoying taking care of my skin and trying new products as well as writing about them on this blog. Then I started experiencing asthmatic reactions due to the fragrances and chemicals contained in the products I was using. And it was sad to accept the fact I had to do without one of the best part of cosmetic products, which is their scent. It actually took me one year to understand that my breathing problems were caused by skincare and makeup. Once I did, I had to stop using most of these products and find new options to replace them. This is why I have not been reviewing skincare products in several months. However, I am now ready to review my new skincare with the hope it can be of help for those of you who are experiencing the same problem. 

My New FRAGRANCE FREE Skincare

Eye Makeup Remover & Cleanser: Toleriance Dermo Cleanser by La Roche Posay

This is a cleansing and makeup removal fluid for face and eyes. It is fragrance free, paraben fee, preservatives free and surfactant free, thus suitable for all types of intolerant skin. The bottle contains 200ml and it costed me about 10 euros. 

What I like about this product?

1. It is a great 2 in 1 product. It removes my makeup and cleanses my skin thus allowing me to take care of my skin while using fewer products.
2. It is fragrance free and has also no scent which is better than having a medicine scent.
3. It is affordable and the bottle lasts several months.

Face Moisturizer: QV Moisturizing Day Cream with SPF30

This is a very good moisturizer. It keeps my skin moist which is vey important especially in winter when my skin gets red and dehydrated. It is a great product for sensitive skin as it is pefume and colou free, paraben free, non-comedogenic, dermatologically tested. And it has SPF 30 and offers UVA abd UVB protection. I have been using this product during the day and also at nights at least until I find a good night cream. It comes in a 75g cream tube and is under 10 euros.

Other fragrance free products I am using for the care of my body include:

1. Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive Hand Cream with 5% Urea and Lactacte (This is vey good to kee hands moistened during fall or thoughout the year if you live in a warm country. However, I would suggest something more moisturizing like Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Hand Cream or Neutrogena Norvegian Formula Hand Cream. 
2. E45 Emollient Wash Cream (This is a great product fo washing dry itchy skin. It is soap and detergent free, perfume free, dermatologically tested and allergy screened. I only use this for my hands although it can be used for all the body.
3. Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Body Lotion UNFRAGRANCED

To conclude I would like to say you should feel very lucky if you are free from fragrance and chemicals allegies and can therefore use all the products you like. But if you suffer from this type of allergy don't be sad about it. There are still many amazing products to use. They might not be as glamourous as Sisley, Chanel, Guerlain and many others but they work effectively and help you take care of your skin without making you feel sick!

STAY FAB.

Skincare products... review

Hello readers,

As promised in one of my posts I am going to review the Simple Smoothing Cleansing Scrub, the Aloe Gentle Facial Wash by Body Shop and the Environ Original Moisturizer A. The first product is the only scrub I have used so far thus I cannot make comparisons with other brands. I found it works well when used after steaming the face as pores are open and it is easier for the scrub particles to remove the dirt inside the pores. However, it is almost finished so I will soon try another scrub product by either Nivea or Clinique depending on my how much I decide to spend on it.

I bought the second product on advice by the sales assistant in the Body Shop after telling her I wanted a good cleanser for sensitive skin and after only one use I ended up with flaky skin especially on my T zone but also on cheeks. Now I have to say that at that time my face was very dry because it was winter and I wasn't moisturizing on a continuous basis. So I guess that was the reason of the flaking skin. In fact when I restarted using this product this summer I got no side reactions and I found it good as a foaming cleanser as it cleaned my face and removed all the oils which the summer heat brings to the face. I would recommend this product to people with oily skin or combination skin which want a simple cleanser which is easy and quick to use. I would not suggest it for sensitive skin as overall it has a scent and feeling that it might irritate you if you are very sensitive.

About the Environ moisturizer I can say that it works in reducing redness and moisturizing very dry skin. In fact I was given this as a sample by my beautician as she found my face very dry. It was in the same period I bought the Body Shop cleanser just reviewed. I cannot say much more about it because it finished very quickly and I haven't tried any other products by the same brand. However, I researched about the brand and heard very good things so if you are interested read about Environ and may be you will be tempted to try it.

Leave your comments,

AlessiaPearl

Vichy Review....

Hi everyone again,

This is going to be a short post since the products to review are only two. Before starting my talk on each product I would like to say that I believe Vichy is a good brand and is thus worth trying. However, I suggest you do a small research keeping in mind the benefits you want from a skincare routine and also following the needs of your skin type and only after decide which brand or brands to try. Reviews both blog ones like mine and you tube vlogs are a very useful part in the research of the face products more suitable for you.

I was introduced to Vichy at my university a few years ago after receiving samples of Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel and Normaderm Anti Imperfection Hydrating Care. I found both products overall good for my skin type. The cleansing gel is ideal for acne prone skin that is for those people who have oily or combination skin which tends to  break out if exposed to many oils. The cleansing gel leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh, it has a nice scent and it claims to help reduce  imperfections. Part of the same line is the second product which is a light moisturizer and imperfections treatment which should help reduce blemishes like large pores, reduce shiny patches and redness. At the time I was using it I found this moisturizing treatment not enough moisturizing for my skin as it made it feel quiet tight. So I have concluded it is more suitable for very oily and oily skin types rather than combination types like mine.

Talk to you soon and keep following.

AlessiaPearl

Nivea products review...

Hello everyone. I hope you are all fine and enjoying my posts.

This review is going to be about Nivea products with particular emphasis on the 3 products mentioned in my previous post. The first product is the Nivea Young Wash Off Cleansing Gel. This is a good cheap product for oily and combination faces. I have used it several times before staring my Clinique face routine and I found it very good in terms of cleaning my face by removing oils without leaving it dry. So I would recommend this cleanser to anyone wishing to buy a cheap cleanser which gives a clean and fresh face.

The two moisturizing products by Nivea which I have tried are not good for my face so I wouldn't buy them again, unless my face gets very dry. In fact these products could be good ones for people with dry skin as they live your face very moist.  I am speaking about the Nivea Soft Intensive Moisturizing Cream and the Regenerating Night Cream. I wouldn't recommend these to people with oily or combination oily skin type as they are very likely to increase oils and sebum production and thus make you break out.

Other Nivea products I have used are the shower gels and creams, and although I initially liked them I now prefer using Dove shower creams as they are more gentle on my skin and also more moisturizing, thus ideal for my sensitive body skin. I have also used the Nivea Cellulite Goodbye but I didn't like it overall and stopped using it so I can't really comment on it. I think the best way to tone and get rid of cellulite is eat healthy, exercise, drink a lot of water and use body lotion. These practices helped me get my ideal body, or almost cause I am always willing to get better.

I am currently using the Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Makeup Remover and I am liking it so far as it removes my makeup without causing any itching or irritation around the eye. Just avoid getting any of the product in your eyes cause it might become red and itchy for a shirt time. However, even if it does is not going to last long.

All the products mentioned and other Nivea ones can be found in most supermarkets and pharmacies and generally cost between 3 and 10 euros so are quiet affordable. I think that's all about Nivea products for now and I am looking forward to hear from you. So please leave comments and contact me if you have any query. Also let me know if you are interested in any particular review or other type of post (like hauls, tutorials and others).

Love,

AlessiaPearl

Nivea, Simple, Vichy and Body Shop....

I want to start this post by stating that obviously the products which are good for me are not necessarily good for everyone which has a similar skin type to mine because different factors like location and climate, lifestyle and diet and also personal preferences and compatibilites with skincare ingredients play an important role in determining which products are most suitable to each woman. However, I hope you can find my tips on skincare products useful for finding the best skincare routine for yourself.

I haven't always followed a skincare routine which means that not always have I washed my face with cleanser and then toned and moisturized my face. There was a period in my early teens when I started to do so and then for lazyness and also because I found that the products I was using were actually doing more harm than good to my face I stopped using them. For most of my life (I am 24 years old) I have washed my face with water and also removed my makeup with just water (keep in mind that I have worn very light makep until the last few years). The main face products brands I have used include Nivea, Simple and Vichy.

The Nivea products I tried include the Wash Off Cleansing Gel which is part of the Young Nivea skincare products line, the Nivea Soft Intensive Moisturizing Cream, and the Regenerating Night Cream.

The only Simple product I used and which I am still using (but planning to replace) is the face scrub or exfoliator which I don't find so fantastic and life changing but then again if we look at the cheap price it is also understandable that it's not a miraculous product.

For what concerns Vichy, the products I tried which were initially given to me as samples at my univerisity campus were the Normaderm Anti-Imperfection Hydrating Care and the Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel for Clear Skin.

Other 2 products which I have tried in the last year are the Body Shop Aloe Gentle Facial Wash and The Environ Original Debut Moisturizer A.

For those interested in the various brands I mentioned I will do a separate review on each product, so keep reading my posts for more information on how they affected my skin.

Understanding one's skin type

I have always been grateful for the skin I was given, not because I have perfect skin which I believe no one does but because I haven't had serious skin problems like acne or very dry skin. I had many friends who were affected by acne and I understand it's not easy to live with it comfortably. But I also know that there are several skin care and medical products which can make acne less severe and can reduce it slowly. So if you have acne don't give up but continue searching for the best skin care routine for yourself.

My facial skin can be defined as combination type, although it is much more complicated than that. I tend to have an oily T zone and dry cheecks and sides of the chin. When I said that it's not as simple as placing it in one category I was refering to the fact that notwithstanding my shiny T zone I still can get dry in that zone since my skin is also very sensitive and I am affected negatively by several products and the cold weather.
If I was to describe my face right now I would say it is shiny in T zone and a bit dry in the cheecks. Currently my main skin concerns are large pores and blackheads on my nose and the portion of the cheeks close to the nose. I also have few closed comedones on my forehead which look transparent so they are not really very visible and I also have one pustule every now and then. I just got one this week and I am hoping it quickly heals. I also tend to get some redness on my nose and the portion of the cheecks close to my nose. Finally I have some blemishes on my chin .

If you would like to determine what skin type you have I suggest you to go on the Clinique website and take their skin consultation (you can click on the link below). http://www.clinique.co.uk/diagnostics/skin_consultation_quiz/index.tmpl
You simply have to follow the steps and they will give you a summary of your skin type and main concerns as well as suggest products suitable for you. You can also ask your beautician whenever you go for a facial and if you haven't done one in a while I recommend it. In fact if you intend changing your face skin care products, the best way to start this is by having a facial so that you start using the products on a new clean face. Keep in mnd that is normal to have some blemishes after a facial but they should disappear in few days.

In the following post I will talk about my current skin care routine. Hope you are finding these posts interesting!