Routine Update - Part 1, Morning Routine

1 year Blogiversary. Yay, go team!

A year ago my skin was in shambles.  Today I'm on Imuran and actually had a Dermatologist appointment yesterday. Let me know if you want to know more about Imuran - I do mention it a fair bit.  The Imuran is for eczema treatment.

Way back in November of 2015 I did a long post on what my AM/PM routine is for skin care.  At that stage I was still early in the days of my treatment with Imuran and on a low dosage, combined with Prednisolone.  I've been on Imuran now for nearly 6mths and am at a higher dose.
Imuran has helped immensely with the improvement of my skin and thus my routine has changed - I dont need the 10 or 11 or 12 steps I used to do. My routine has become shorter and lighter.

(I feel the need to explain that I am on medication to help with my skin so you don't think my improvements have been due to JUST skincare.#imuranlifestyle)

So Part One - Morning Routine!

I don't spend a long time on my morning routine.  Pretty much I grab my basket of goodies, my cup of coffee and watch the morning news for about 20mins, this gives the product time to sink in and be rady for the sunscreen layer later on.  Some things are AB, some are Western. I tend to follow the AB routine of layering products but have been switching item in and out.

1. Wipe down with micellar water.  Currently finishing off a Garnier micellar water.  I have lined up next the Simple miceller water (it has niacinamide in, main reason why I bought it).  I avoid a heavy cleanse in the morning because of my dry skin, I find that the micellar waters to a good job for my skin type.

2. Toner - I am using the Rosette Ceramides Lotion as my new toner, as I have just used up the Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner - rosewater, chamomile and aloe.  But I will buy more of the Sukin Toner in the next Priceline sale - this is very refreshing on hot days.  During Feb I kept it in my work bag as a spray for during the day at work.  The Ceramide lotion is ok so far.

3. Serum - I've started using POND'S Collagen Serum (from this post).  The texture is slick and a little goes a long way - 3 drops is actually enough.  I have moved the Mizon to night only to give the POND'S a whirl.  I mentioned in my old routine that I was also using the DermaVeen Serum.  That was utter crap.  Irritated my skin and did not help at all.  So I'm using it on my legs to finish it off.  I also have been using extra Hydraluron Indeed Labs if I get a bit flakey.

4. Eye Cream - I have finished my QV Eye cream and am now using POND'S dual eyecream (can't remember where I picked this up - I was rummaging through my skincare stash for a new eyecream and found it.  So started using it.  Nice stuff).  I have the L'Oreal Revitalift eyecream lined up next.

5. Light moisturiser - either the SkinFood Lettuce and Cucumber Emulsion or the Mizon Collagen Emulsion.  The Lettuce and Cucumber is still going strong.  The bottle seems to never end!

6. Heavy moisturiser - Nivea Visage Pure and Natural Moisturising Day Creme (haul in this post).  I like this a lot.  Its quite rich and soothing. OR  EgoSilic15 cream - this is a barrier cream with dimethicone in.  Specifically for eczema use.  I use this everywhere as well as my face

7. Suncreen - Hamilton Face (from this post, it has become my favourite sunscreen)

I usually get up to stage 6 then get dressed, and then apply suncreen before my makeup.

I have found from having a large "wardrobe" of skincare items I can change it up as my skin needs change.  If I'm really dry I will put more steps in, as the weather changes I can put different items in.  I've learnt over the past year that it is important to adapt your routine to your lifestyle and the weather.  I used to have just one moisturiser and micellar water, thats all I used.  There are days when all I do is use micellar water, serum and a moisturiser.  But there are days when I do 11 steps - I do these now somewhat more as a "spa day" type of treat.

But I am determined to finish of that SkinFood Emulsion!

Do you have a skincare "wardrobe"?  How do you change your routine?

Sheet Mask : BeautyMate Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Moisturizing Mask

I do love me some Hyaluronic acid.

This is a mask from a Sasa haul I did last year - around June/July.  As part of my effort to use up more masks of my stash (cough: 120ish : no idea how that actually happened : cough) I'm alternating so I do two new masks for everyone old mask (so my last old mask was the 3W Clinic Collagen - which I still really like).  Also using a new mask on a Saturday night allows me time on Sunday to recover.  Normally I would have done this on Friday night but I was far to exhausted to do so (Conference that required 2 hours of Public Transport BOTH ways).

Back to the mask.

Heaps of ingredients.

Key ingredients
White Horehound - marrubium vulgare - one of the higher botanical ingredients.  This helps with skin repair and inflammation.
Hyaluronic acid - draws water into the skin.
Aloe - moisture and skin repair
Ginkgo bilbo - contains antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal compounds that help reduce redness and inflammation.  It has also been shown to help with skin firmness (wrinkles, sagging etc)
Arbutin - skin brightener - through a series of chemical processes helps to reduce melanin production in the skin.

This mask comes with a plastic backing and the fibre itself is very thin, but easy to take apart and apply.  As I still cant smell much so I have no idea if this has a fragrance.  Which makes sheet-masking a different experience if you're not being assulted by fragrance.  The mask is cut smaller than most of the other masks I have tried.  The eyeholes are a little too close together.  The mouth is a slit, and I thought it would be uncomfortable but it seems to make the mask fit better due to more tension around that area, also there are no slits around the edges for fit.  However I found it didn't move around and held onto the skin firmly despite its thinness.

3W Collagen on top, BeautyMate Hyaluronic bottom.  3W is one of the larger masks I have used.

This is supposed to hydrate and brighten your skin (as given by the ingredients like arbutin and white horehound).  Face looked brighter after I took it off and still looked really clear and bright the next day.  There was no visible irritation and no stinging during wear, there was a bit of tingling at the start.  I had this mask on for 20mins but easily could have left it for longer.

I dont know which ingredient was the star for me - seeing how far down the Hyaluronic acid is, I dont know if I would call it a straight up "hyaluronic acid" mask.  Definitely moisturising and brightening.

I've very glad I got this in a 5 pack, as I will definitely use up the rest of them.  maybe even repurchase if the results are consistent after I use the other four.  This for me, would be a good mask to use the night before an event or such.

Do you prefer the reviews when I go and do research on the ingredients, or a short and sweet "hey this made my skin bouncy/this made my skin burst into flames'?

Sheet Mask review - The Face Shop Kelp Real Nature Mask

Since going back to work I have been too tired to do sheet masks at night, which is sad.  I really should make more of an effort because I've hardly made a dent in my stash and my aim was to have a third of them gone by now.

But this morning - Saturday morning, french toast, coffee, I decided to do a sheet mask.  Dammit.  I usually prep my skin for a mask by cleanse, tone, eye cream, serum (Mizon Snail bae right now - we're back together), then mask.  After the mask has done its "thang" I follow up with however many moisturisers my skin wants (today it was two).

Rummaging through my box I decided to use the Face Shop Kelp Real Nature (TFSKRN) mask.  I've had this for a while when I did my massive sheet mask hauling way back last year.

Kelp - nori- sushi - I like sushi - I'll like this mask was essentially my initial thought process when buying these - not the best logic.  But I love the Aloe and Rice masks and there are some of my favourites.

Surprisingly the mask was not green. I fully expected a green tinted mask (a little bit sad it wasn't green I admit).  The mask was the usual heavy cotton fibre that my skin really likes because it does not irritate it.  This mask did not feel as heavily soaked as the Rice and Aloe ones usually are, but still quite generous, maybe 10ml still left in sachet that I will use a serum tonight, and soak some eye patches in it.

Ingredients - my skin likes the "base" forumla of the Face Shop Real Nature masks.

The kelp is Laminaria Japonica, there's also mung bean in there - this has vitamins and antioxidants that the skin is fond of for soothing and healing properties.  The Betula Playphylla Japonica is Asian White Birch which has even more anti-inflammatory properties to sooth red and sore skin.

Back to the Kelp - it has humectants and hydrocolloids which help to maintain moisture in the skin and reduce water evaoporating from the epidermis (proper term is transepidermal water loss - TEWL).  It traps water in the skin.  This is a great things for my poor parched skin.  Also as the kelp is third ingredient in the list this means there is quite a bit in there and it packs a punch.

I quite liked this mask, it soothed and plumped up my skin a bit.  My skin's a bit drier than it has been while on holidays because work has a more intense AC system and I have to bump up my skin routine (especially around my eyes).  I followed up with a medium routine and my skin feels nice and bouncy (this is about 1.5hrs after taking off the mask).  Also ZERO irritations, not tingly feeling or stinging when I first put it on.  I left this on for 30mins - I tend to find that this line of masks can be left on longer due to the generous amount of essence.  The mask was not drying out yet, but I was ready to move on. 

I will definitely use up the others I have of this mask and this may go on my "repurchase" list for my next RRS haul.

What Kelp masks have pleased you?  What to avoid!?

Priceline 40% off Skincare Haul! (Jan 27-28 2016)

Back from Holidays with a Haul!
The time from Christmas to Australia is very busy for me because of family comittments.

Priceline.  Darling.  You set my heart a-flutter.

Also, I'm on a no-buy from now until April so I actually finish off items from my last haul and general collection.
I had a list this time I went to Priceline, and I kept to it.  I'm quite pleased with myself (smug maybe even).  I've been feeling a bit "meh" with my routine - both full routine and short routine, so this was an ideal time to get a few items to change up my routine (also why I hadn't posted for a while - meh feelings make meh posts).  I'll do a follow up post on my new routine, why its changed and how its changed in a month or so, giving me time to incorporate the new items and how they worked.

There was definitely a theme in my shopping this time.  I started off by looking at items I've thought about buying for a while (like the Ponds items).  I then did some proper research on items that have my three favourite ingredients : hyaluronic acid, ceramides and niacinamide.

I don't know if I'm better at reading ingredient lists OR Western Skincare companies have upped their game with skincare ingredients.  I think it might be a mix of both.

I know, shocking, no Nivea creme.  Because I still have tubs left and my mum gave me hers and I gave her my Restorderm.  I don't go through it so voraciously in summer.

La Roche Posay Cicaplast Mains Barrier Repairing cream - This is very soothing and good for irrtated skin.  You can layer it thinly or heavily for a mask.  It feels somewhat siliconey but I like that, it also works well under makeup as a primer in a pinch.

Neutrogena Hydroboost Sheet Masks 5 pack - I've heard some pretty good reviews of these and I do like to try new sheet masks and if I can get them from Priceline on sale, even better.

Neutrogena Hydroboost Night Concentrate - Wanted to try something different for my night routine.  It doesn't feel super heavy and sinks in quickly from the patch testing I've done.

It's blue! The little specks disappear when you rub the cream in and don't irritate.

Nivea Pure and Natural Soothing Day cream - I'd tried and used an item from this range before which I really liked so thought I would grab this (so much hype about their Cellular Range that this seems to have been forgotten).  A nice rich cream, hopefully will keep my skin nice in the AirConditioned classrooms.

Typical thick white cream. Doesn't leave a white cast when rubbed in though.

Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Intensive Cream - I've waxed lyrical about this in a previous post and got some more.

Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Lotion - a lighter version (duh) which I bought in a smaller bottle to try after being impressed with the Intensive Cream.  This has become my daily morning moisturiser.  I much prefer it to Restoraderm.

Pond's Hydra Revital Aqua Collagen Serum - I keep on investigating Western Skincare serums as I feel that the Eastern serums tend to have too many botanicals in that have caused allergic reactions.

Pond's Hydra Revital Aqua Collagen Toner - Again wanting to try more readily accessible toners that I can use in different ways.  This has some different ingredients to other toners I looked at.

Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Toner - I bought the travel size on a whim in the last sale.  And its become my daily toner of choice, so decided to grab the full size.This has allantoin and niacinamides in very high on the ingredients list!  Really rare in drugstore/Priceline toners!

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - I've nearly used up the rosehip oils I bought last year and there were many rave reviews for this particular one.
  (Side note - SO MANY Rosehip oils were blends of different oils!  Read the ingredients carefully!)

What did you get at the sale?  Did you freeform or have a list?

Sheet Mask Reviews - Nice Rice and Blah Bamboo

Two sheet masks, from different families, both alike in dignity.

But no.

Missha 3D Bamboo Sheet Mask - I bought this in April in one of my first hauls from RoseRoseShop.  I dont like it. It has a design that makes it "3D" by having a seam down the centre to join two halves.  But the fabric is CRISP.  It did not soften with heat from my face during the 15 un-fun minutes I kept it on for and it did dry out in that time frame.  There was not much essence left in the packet after as well.  Something in the ingredients irritated my skin slightly, or the fabric itself.  I did not see that much of a result from this.  I wont be repurchasing this and probably wont try others in Misshas 3D range.

Disappointment City

Oh but this mask!  Sasatinnie Rice Soothing Face Mask - I purchased this from Sasa in June.  I got three and wish I had bought more.  This has rice, hyaluronic acid and other goodies in it that my dry skin just loves.  This is the opposite of the Missha mask above.  I would say that this currently is my favourite Rice Based Sheet Mask.
I've left this mask on for up to 45 minutes and there was around 15 ml of essence in the packet which I decanted into a dropper bottle and used over the following days.  I wanted to use up all of the essence and if they sold the essence in a bottle I would definitely buy it!!

So unassuming yet such a star performer.
Much love.  Such wow.

The licorice noticeably brightens my skin. This is a very nice list of ingredients but I think the rice and licorice are the standouts. 

What sheet masks have surprised you or disappointed you?

Updated Face Routine!! (Epic Post)

Somewhat Longer now....But my skin loves it!

Warning - Epic Post.

My basket of face-stuff....

Basket is from Daiso (AUS$2.80) 

- chose this because its plastic and can be washed if there's a spillage

Everything.Just,Fits.

I like having it all together because when I do my routine I can carry it to my lounge room and watch tv/multitask while I wait for products to sink it.

1. Cleanse with Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion (nearly used up I bought it in mid-March and its been used daily so lasts for ages, but I will be trying other cream cleansers after this finishes)

2. Wipe down with Garnier Micellar Water just to make sure its all gone (this is my only morning cleanser as well - I'm onto my 3rd bottle of this Micellar Water, I haven't tried other brands yet)

3. Tone with Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner (used to use Nivea Visage Natural Cleansing Toner but I think it has too much alcohol for my skin currently)

4. Holika Holika 3 Seconds Starter - Collagen (not sure if it works, but will use it up anyway - half way through.
5. Some form of Hyaluronic Acid - using leftover serum from a mask from the other night, usually Indeed Labs Serum

6. Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule (love yooooou sooo much) Review here

7. A new serum from DermaVeen - Intense Moisturising Facial Serum ($17 from Chemist Warehouse), Contains Sodium Hyaluronate and Colloidial Oatmeal - this is very new I've only used it for a few days. *

8. Eye Cream - Ego QV Face Revitalising Eye Cream OR Mizon Collagen Power Firming Eye Cream (this is great for the dry skin under my eyes and on the bridge of my nose...).  The Mizon is more gel like.  It was the first eye cream that I really got hooked on.

9. Mizon Collagen Power Lifting Emulsion - this is a new player in town for me and so far I'm liking it but I've only used it for a little over two weeks

10. SkinFood Lettuce and Cucumber Emulsion  (review here).  Not sure if I will repurchase as I am planning on trialling new products.

11. Face Shop Rice Ceramide Moisture Emulsion - I now love the old lady perfume scent of it and will repurchase this, looking into other items in the line as well.  Ceramides seem to be hard to source in non AB products unless you want to pay a fortune (Elizabeth Arden).

12 (sometimes) It's Skin Pure Moisture Gel.  I go off and on with this depending on how my skin feels.  Not planning on repurchaisng this item.

13. Nivea Creme in the blue tub, this is my Bae.  I have a serious stockpile of this because I use it for face and body.  With my current flareup this is the only thing my skin on my body can cope with and it drinks it up (#desertskinlifestyle).  I can go through a 200ml tub in two weeks when my skin is very bad.

Sometimes I put a mask after the Snail Ampoule - snails, rice, aloe, hyaluronic acid are my preferred flavours.  If my face is really bad I will Dermeeze (occlusive) over the Nivea - at least an hour before bed so its not sooooo greasy  - Dermeeze is an ointment formulated for severe psoriasis and eczema.  I have some sleeping masks but I tend to just go for the Dermeeze because its automatic.
In the morning I will wait 15mins or so before I apply my sunscreen.  I bought 3 new face sunscreens recently and use 1/4tspn (I measure it into an actual measuring spoon to make sure)

If my skin is horrendous I only use the Micellar Water, Toner, Ampoule and Nivea until it calms down.

I did a LOT of research into ingredients because of my allergies.  You will see no Bee products or BHA's in my list!  Both are linked to Salicylic acid which is an absolute no-go for me.

Yes it's a lot of steps.  This is a full routine and I find it very relaxing to have each step and I love the results I get from these steps.  Before this I never had dewy/bouncy skin and this routine really contributes to keeping my skin hydrated.  I have extraneous variables in terms of my immune system that causes issues with my skin which means I do change up my routine in terms of how many steps I will have.  I have to pay attention to my diet and medications and the changes they cause to my skin.

* I've been researching over the past month products that are readily available in Australia (so for me - Priceline, Target, Chemist Warehouse etc) which are similar to AB products in terms of price-point and ingredients.  Some brands are binging out somewhat comparable items, but prices vary.  Some I'm waiting for sales before I buy them to try.

How has your skincare routine evolved?

Product Review : 3W Clinic Fresh Collagen Mask Sheet

Another sheet mask!

This is a simple one from 3W Clinic.  I bought this in a 10 pack off RRS waaaaay back in April and it was 80% so it may depend on how long stocks last (I tried ordering another type, but they had run out when I put my order in - but today 6/7/15, they still had these masks on the website).  I wish that RRS included an ingredients list - sometimes its really hard to find the ingredient list via Google.  Same with Sasa.  Just show a photo of the ingredients even!

This was the first sheet mask that really got me into the whole "lifestyle" of sheet masking - I had used random masks here and there but this was a purposeful bulk buy so I could mask more frequently.  I think I've used around 5 of them thus far.  They're a great go-to mask if you're not sure what your face needs in terms of treatments but really want to sheet mask (like after marking 60 exams in one day).

For me, there is not distinct perfume apart from the scent I now associate with Asian Skincare (like how my "It's Skin green base" smells and my Mizon Snail Ampoule smells).  Kinda sciencey and clinical.  Which I dont mind at all.  Having said that, I have a shocking sense of smell!

I leave this on for at least 15 mins, up to 30mins. I want to find one of the Daiso silicon mask cover to see if that helps at all.  There is a generous amount of essence with the mask which I think helps with it lasting longer and not drying out quickly.  There is usually around 10mls left in the packet after taking out the mask.
As per usual I will have layered some toners and serums/ampoules before putting this on.

I love the moisture I get from this mask.  The collagen is very low on the list, so a "token" nod to collagen.  If it had been labelled as a "Hydrating Mask" probably more apt.  I think the glycerin and sodium hyaluronate do most of the hard work here.  Good thing my skin likes to drink those two ingredients up!  This is a nice mask to use in the morning as well - I wear it while I watch the morning news while I'm waking up and having my coffee (hey coffee masks...ooooh),  My skin can get ridiculously dry during the day and my makeup looks dreadful by lunchtime and I've observed on days I mask in the morning I still look decent by 3pm (end of classes).

I've got a large stash of masks I'm going through at the moment so I'm not in a hurry to repurchase.
What sheet mask got you into the "lifestyle" of sheet masking?

Holy Hyaluronic Acid, Batman

Such science

*sparkles*

I.Love.Hyaluronic.Acid.

I didn't get onto the bandwagon until this year, but hot damn, so glad I did!
I have very dry skin - even when its nice and clear I'll still get a tight, sore feeling if I don't moisturise in the morning.  Usually I'll feel uncomfortable by 10am.

I started off with Indeed Labs Hyaluron serum.  I bought one tube when it was 40% off at Priceline to try it properly (full price is $35 from Priceline), when glamaco had it for $15 I snapped up 5 tubes, and wish I bought more).  The serum itself is a clear and odorless gel that spreads quite far.  I usually use a pea sized amount which does my face, neck, decolletage and any leftovers I rub into my hands. This product is designed to be used after toner and before moisturising.  It in itself is not a moisturiser but enhances the ability for moisture to penetrate the upper layers of the skin.

I tend to use this serum in my PM routine, in summer I also use it in my AM routine, but in winter when I'm at work I don't use it in the AM routine.  I found that because the air at work is much drier and the change from a warm classroom to the cold outdoors amplified the drying out effect that can happen when using hyaluronic acid without enough moisture.

Then the obsession began.  I found that the Cetaphil Restoraderm had hyaluronic acid (sodium hylyuronate) in it so that joined my collection.  The Restoraderm is a body lotion and works well in summer.  Also acquired some Mizon ampoule samples to compare to the Indeed Labs.

  

I found at Daiso a hyaluronic acid ampoule which I will experiment with by adding to moisturiser and a hyaluronic acid spray.  I have been using the spray (pump bottle) by alternating it with the Indeed Labs serum and both seem to have the same effectiveness.

I bought some samples of the Hada Labo Hyaluronic Lotion (heavy and light) from Sasa.com and I use that at night on my dry skin on legs and arms, followed up by Nivea Cream and the results have been great.  I think this combo is more effective in winter than the Cetaphil Restoraderm.

I may calculate the cost per ml between the Indeed Labs serum and the Hada Labo heavy lotion because they are both very effective.  However I have to include the shipping cost for both of them because I cant see myself willing to pay the $30 or so at Priceline when I know I can buy it cheaper online and that's including shipping.

I know that all of these serums have different ingredients in them, and I'm not after the product with the most/best sized molecules of hyaluronic acid in them, but I want to compare them all to see what my skin likes best.  Your Mileage May Vary (YMMV), or even Your Moisture May Vary.  Different external factors will also have an influence on how well these perform.  The Indeed Labs serum was excellent in summer, but not so great in winter which I why I'm trialing different types and combinations of products.

Now this is just a topic application of the acid itself, so it only penetrates the very top layers and keeps moisture (essentially water) there as well which is why the skin is hydrated.  This is a highly effective humectant (humectants hold moisture), but you do need a product to then trap that moisture onto your skin which is your moisturiser and an occlusive layer like vaseline or Dermeeze for really dry skin on top of that.  Otherwise the hyaluronic acid can pull the moisture OUT of your skin (which is what happens in winter to me like I mentioned above).

What skincare technology or active ingredient have you become obsessed with?

Snails?! Snails ^_^ Mizon Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule

One of the items I picked up in my first RRS haul was the Mizon Snail Ampoule sample pack.  At first I used it only at night - I test every thing at night so if things go nasty I can re-wash and treat then sleep through the worst of the flare up.  This was the first AB product I fully introduced to my routine.

Full sized bottle (30ml)

Hello darling

Liquid Gold Magic Snail Stuff

I'd tried a snail mask I'd picked up earlier and was VERY impressed by the results I got from the mask and so decided to dip my toe in the sea of snail products.

I've been able to use this on my skin when it's in various stages of irritation.  It helped immensely clear up the most recent reaction.

Ingredients:

Things that do stuff.  SNAILS!!  Also sodium hyaluronate is very high as well as glycerin and pantenol (humectants doing their things).  Copper peptide is interesting because it is shown to help with healing in the skin and is anti-inflammatory.

I used this after my toner which my skin was still damp and was able to use a small amount to cover my face, between 1-2 drops (2 drop is a fullish dropper like below) and pat this onto my skin.  It is a bit "gloopy" and heavier than my Indeed Labs Hyaluron serum, but my skin drinks it all up.  I apply this also before I apply a sheet mask, which seems to help amplify the moisture absorption.

I now have 3 bottles of this precious ampoule and am using it both AM and PM.  It is definitely a game changer for me in terms of improving my skin in terms of "bounce", smoothness, and recovery from flareups. I have noticed that a skin flare up now recovers in a matter of days instead of two weeks.  In my eyes that is simply amazing.  

 I purchased it through RRS for around $14 AUS for a 30ml bottle.  After I had decided to buy the full size, RRS was out of stock for a bit and I was sad.  So when it was back in stock I bought up.  From purchase to receiving the delivery is usually 2 to 2.5 weeks (including weekends), which I am quite happy about.  This is also in the "Free Shipping" category at the moment with RRS which is why I bought multiples - its all about making the most out of your shipping "space" as well.
I have not found an Australian product that does the same for skin at such a price.  Even my Hyaluron serum is normally $30.  And don't forget the Dr LeWinns Diamond serum that is $70 (which does NOT SPARKLE, I was very disappointed when I tested it in Priceline.  No Sparkle.  Oh, didn't really do much either)  So to get something that is budget friendly and works a treat makes me very happy.

Mizon has a range of snail items that I am slowly acquiring.  I have noticed that some brands have "bee and snail" together which are very popular on the AB reddit forum, however I am allergic to bees and would probably need my epi-pen if I tried any of those.

So unless I find something better, I will be sticking (heh) with my Snail Ampoule.  If my skin is happy, then I'm happy.

What has been you skincare game-changer?

Product Review : Dirty Works Rose&Glow Moisture Mask

I picked this up at Target about a month ago, just before Easter.  It retails for $12.95, but often can be included in 30% sales, which is when I bought it.
This particular mask is targeted as adding moisture back into the skin, seeing as my skin is quite dry overall and I get very dry patches on my cheeks I thought this would be good to help my skin while its recovering from allergies.  It's not meant to exfoliate the skin but has ingredients that will increase moisture in the upper layers of the skin.  It's applied onto the skin for 5 minutes and then washed off.

No roses were harmed in the making of this product.

Ingredients:
We can see that it has good ol' hyaluronic acid in (sodium hyaluronate) and collagen amino acids, both of these help to hold moisture in the upper skin layers, but glycerin is much higher in the list. Panthenol is another humectant which can also be useful in helping with skin irritations. 

I do admit when I first applied it, there was a bit of tingling (I always panic with a tingle!) but that settled after a minute and the rest of the time it was very comfortable.  I did not apply a thick layer and focused most of the product on my cheeks and forehead (being the driest areas).  Because it was only on for 5 minutes it did not have a chance to dry out and was very easy to remove.  I used a microfibre cloth and warm water.*
I then followed up with my usual layers of Indeed Labs Hyaluron serum and Avene Recovery Cream. But I did notice after I washed it off that my skin did look plumper and less dry.  However I haven't yet just washed it off and not followed up with moisturiser.  I seem to be stuck too much in a routine that I moisturise any time I wash my face.

*I've used this a couple of times and have increase the wear time.  I've actually kept this on for nearly 30mins once and it didn't go crunchy or dry, so it might have potential as a sleep mask.

There is a definite fragrance of rose (turkish delight-esque), but I happen to like it, so it was not too intrusive nor did it give me a headache.

I am definitely keep using this product and with the cold months now arrived I plan to use this more frequently through the week instead of a now-and-then treatment.  I might use this as a hand-treatment as well seeing as its so affordable (and easy to find!).

What masks do you use to keep dry skin at bay?

Hype Train: Asian Skin Care Haul

All aboard!

In my quest for skincare help during the beginning of this year, I stumbled across the Skincare Addiction Reddit Forum. Which then in turn lead me on the path to Asian Beauty Reddit Forum. Both of these forums have helped incredibly with improving my skincare routine.  Overall I have noticed that the SCA forum is more oily/acne based advice, whereas the Asian Beauty seems to have a greater variety of skin types and good advice for them.

However there is a *dark side*, they enabled the shopping!  I am still hunting down products that will stablise my skin.  I still love my Nivea Cream, but my dryness was getting worse.

So I eventually put in an order at RoseRoseShop, which is based in Korea and bought samples.  Do you know how excited I was to be able to buy samples?!
Just be aware that they charge shipping based on weight - so work out if it's more cost-efficient overall and keep an eye on products that have free shipping (I used that to my advantage in my second haul from there which-i-may-have-just-ordered-days-after-getting-this....).  I know here in Australia there is a considerable mark-up on products.  One item I bought from RoseRoseShop was ~AUS$8 (including the shipping cost share), if I bought that from a physical shop in Melbourne I would easily be looking at AUS$24 to AUS$30.  So this was very cost-efficient.  Its also difficult to source face masks, unless you regularly go to the CBD.
The Face Shop masks can retail for ~AUS$4 instore.  I could buy a pack of 3 masks for AUS$4 (again adding in the shipping cost share) via RRS, so this is a much more viable option.

I am trying to boost the amount moisture in my skin, when my skin is hydrated and smooth I look in my early 20's, but when its dry or recovering from allergies I can look late 30's (for reference I am 31, and I've been mistaken for a student in a class, not the teacher).

So here are some shots of my haul.  I've only *just* started trialling them because of a nasty allergic reaction which really ruined my skin.  Did not want to apply anything new until I was in the safe zone.

- [MIZON] Original Skin Energy Hyaluronic Acid 100 Samples 
- [MIZON] Multi Function Formula Snail Repair Intensive Ampoule Samples - started trialling on this
- [ETUDE HOUSE] Moistfull Super Collagen Ampoule Essence Samples 
- [MISSHA] Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence Samples
- [It's Skin] Pure Moisture Gel Samples
- [TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL] Pumpkin Sleeping Pack Samples (damn cute, damn damn cute samples)
- [THE FACE SHOP] Rice & Ceramide Moisture Emulsion - 150ml
- [LANEIGE] New Basic Trial Sample Kit - Normal To Dry Skin (the lids aren't all the same blue >_<)

I will be putting up a review on the Snail Repair Ampoule as soon as I finish all the samples.  I get 2-3 uses from one sachet as I only apply it in the evenings.

Mask part of the haul

-[3W CLINIC] Fresh Mask Sheet - Collagen
-[THE FACE SHOP] Real Nature Mask Sheets - Aloe
-[THE FACE SHOP] Real Nature Mask Sheets - Rice (I've tried this one already, so this was a repurchase)
-[MISSHA] 3D Bamboo Sheet Mask

So there we finally have my first Asian Skincare Haul,
Now my immune system needs to play fair...

What are you loving from your most recent hauls?

My Must-Haves for Skincare

These products are those that I will always have back-ups of and are my go-to's when I have a flare-up or an allergic reaction.
Some a classics, others are new and recommended from my sisters Dermatologist.  I personally have not been to a Dermatologist, rather I have been to an Immunologist due to my allergies causing the majority of my skin issues.



My first is a classic - Nivea Creme (in the blue tub!).  I have multiple backups of this and will buy several whenever its on special.  But its also a product I would pay full price for if needed.  I have tried other Nivea creams and lotions for the body, but I always return to the Nivea Creme.  This I happily use even on my face - sometimes as a thick mask, or as the final occlusive layer in my PM routine.  I like the fact that it is really thick.  I find thinner lotions can sting.

Ingredients :Water, Mineral Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, Glycerin, Lanolin Alcohol (Eucerit), Paraffin, Panthenol, Magnesium Sulfate, Decyl Oleate, Octyldodecanol, Aluminum Stearates, Citric Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Fragrance.


Next up is something that people who have dry skin and eczema should know - Dermeze.  This is an ointment that is made up of paraffin.  Its not glamorous, but it doesn't irritate and its a fabulous occlusive layer when my skin is really dry and peeling.  A little goes a very long way, and if my skin is dehydrated enough it will just absorb this within an hour.  If I have had an allergic reaction and my skin is covered in hives and looks like it has been burnt - this is what I will use.

Ingredients: Liquid Paraffin, White Soft Paraffin

New on the scene is a product from Cetaphil.  It's their new Restoraderm Skin Restoring Body Moisturiser.  This comes recommended from my sisters Dermatologist.    It has Niacinamide and Sodium Hyaluronate.  Niacinamide helps with skin elasticity, the skins barrier, and overall tone/texture of the skin.  Sodium Hyaluronate is a version of Hyaluronic Acid.  This is a humectant and helps to hold moisture in the upper skin layers (I love Hyaluronic Acid - in an upcoming post I'll talk about how I use it in my routine).  I have bought the Body Wash, but haven't tried it as of yet. 

Ingredients: Butyrospermum parkii butter (shea butter), Cyclopentasiloxane (and) dimethiconol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Panthenol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Cetyl alcohol, Helianthus annuus seed oil (sunflower seed oil), Sorbitol, Pentylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Hydroxypalmitoyl sphinganine, Niacinamide (vitamin B3), Sodium PCA, Arginine, Sodium hyaluronate, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium polycrylate, Aqua, Tocopheryl acetate,

So these are my key three items for anyone with dry and sensitive skin.  If I had to pick one, I would go for the Nivea Creme.  Its a great multitasker.

Later Days