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?

Wipe it off, wipe it off!

This is one of the stranger hauls I have done.

I suddenly had an urge to go and buy makeup remover wipes.  No idea why.

I used to use these frequently, my favourite was the Priceline Beauty Essentials Make-Up remover Wipes for Sensitive Skin and still have some stashed away, but once I was introduced to Micellar Water I lost interest in the wipes.  But these days I find that I come home from work and my skin feels really heavy and icky, and the micellar water is not enough to get rid of the "greasy-dirt" (oh how appealing) sensation.

Thus the face wipes.  They have a bit more heft than the micellar water so I wont need to rub away as much.  My plan is to use the micellar water in the morning as I have been doing - excellent for getting rid of the stuff that accumulates overnight and not too drying.  Then in the afternoon when I get home from work, use a wipe and finish up with a single cotton round (instead of 3 cotton rounds, I wear much makeup...) of micellar water.

I bought some micellar wipes to have in my handbag for days when I need to refresh/redo my makeup at work - such as long days with Parent Teacher Interviews and Info Evenings.

Not surpisingly these are all aimed at dry and/or sensitive skin. Some are from Woolworths (Safeway), some are from Chemist Warehouse.  This haul was driven by the sales/specials at both - if you wait, it'll be on sale at some point.


From Woolworths (Safeway)

Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Cleansing Wipes (25)

Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes (25)

Smartskin 25 Moisturising Facial Cleansing Wipes (25)

Woolworths Select Daily Balance Gentle Facial Wipes (25)

Chemist Warehouse
Nivea Pure and Natural Facial Cleansing Wipes (25)

Byphasse Micellar Make-up Remover Wipes (25)

So over the next few months or so I'll have a battle of the Make-up Remover Wipes and fill you in along the way!
What things have you randomly hauled for a specific item?

Any suggestions for other Makeup Remover wipes for dry and sensitive skin?

The Sunscreen Edition UPDATE!!

So way back in October in 2015 I did a post on my Suncreen Haul.  I had intended using each for a week and then updating, but thought it would be better to go the whole spring and summer before updating so I could tell you my opinion based on longer, daily use.

It will be short and sweet because there was a clear winner.

If you recall, I was comparing the Nivea Sun Light Daily Face Veil SPF 30, Olay Complete Defence Moisturisiing Lotion SPF 30+ and Hamilton Sunscreen SPF 50+ Everyday Face Cream.

The winner, that I have used ALL summer, is the Hamilton Sunscreen SPF 50+ Everyday Face Cream,  I will definitely repurchase once I've used it all up.  This did not irritate at all.  It sinks into the skin really quickly and because its tinted there is no white cast.  I did not get burnt (sun or chemically) while wearing this at all.  Its gold!  I have only found it at Chemist Warehouse.

The worst - Nivea Sun Light Daily Face Veil SPF 30.  I used it for a week.  I could not use it anymore.  It irritated my skin and was not a nice sunscreen to apply.  I'm using it up by using on my arms/legs.  It is going nowhere near my face.

Meh - Olay Complete Defence Moisturisiing Lotion SPF 30+.  It did not offend me, but it did not wow me like the Hamiltons.  I will try to use this up before I repurchase the Hamiltons.

What is your favourite Suncreen?

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 Review : The Face Shop Real Nature Red Ginseng

Its been a while since I've done a mask post, to be honest I haven't used a mask in ages because my nose has been blocked and masks just felt too smothering.  

This mask is from a mid-year haul I did from RoseRoseShop.  I have had samples of Red Ginseng creams that I really liked, however the creams were quite expensive (I think around $58 for 30ml) so I thought I would try these from The Face Shop - I generally like their masks and haven't had any allergic reactions or major irritations from them so far.

This mask came in a 3 pack and worked out to AUS$3.74 - so $1.25 a mask.  Which even with shipping is a third of what you might pay for a single Face Shop mask in some shops here in Australia.

I didn't have a plan for which mask to wear - it was a spur of the moment idea and thought I might as well try something I haven't before whilst my skin is in a happy place.  The mask is means to be a hydrating mask so better for normal to dry skin.

Red ginseng itself has compounds in it (ginsenosides) that are anti-inflammatory and have some anti-oxidants in them.  This makes red ginseng useful for dermatitis, dry, inflamed skin.  Wooo! Because of these ginsenosides the collagen levels in skin are also boosted, which makes the skin have more moisture and look smoother.

The mask itself is the usual heavy cotton but this time instead of being plain old white, it was a pale rusty colour.  My understanding is that this is from the red ginseng and the cocoa present.  I cant tell you if there was any smell to this because I have lost 95% of my sense of smell from Imuran.

The mask in the packet did not come out sopping wet like the Aloe and Rice masks do, however there was still a good 10ml of essence in the bottom of the packet after I took the mask out.  I spread the rest of the essence on my arms and legs and they seem to have benefited from it.

The mask was nice and easy to wear and did not tear when I unfolded it.  It also did not make my face tingle, sting, itch or burn during wearing - I had patch tested it earlier and that seemed fine but I have had masks that are ok in patch tests and then with the mask itself, irritate my skin.  Around the 20min mark it started to feel dried out and I took it off.  Its summer over here and I had the Air Con blasting so that might be a reason why it didn't last 30mins like the Aloe and Rice masks tend to do.

The next morning my skin was not in any way inflamed or such, in fact it looked the opposite, clear and smooth.  Not dewy or brightened - I didn't expect that because that was not the purpose of the mask.  However when I cleaned my face with micellar water I noticed the cotton pad came away with some of the same colour as the essence!  Not overly disturbing, and nice to know that the colour didn't sink into my skin.

I have two left of these and there not a mask that has "wowed" me, so I dont have it on my list to repurchase.  But I do plan on looking for more Red Ginseng masks to try - what ones would you recommend? 

When Freebies are Besties : Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Intensive Cream

I've been on a bit of a mission to find moisturisers (both face and body) in Australia that contain ceramides. This has been more difficult than anticipated.  Why dammit?

So ceramides?  Ceramides are important in preventing water/moisture loss through the skin as the molecules hold onto water molecules.  Unsurprisingly people who have eczema have fewer ceramides in their skin, so using products that contain ceramides helps to refill these levels and also restore the skins barrier.  Now that my skin has stabilised from the Imuran I want to maintain my skin barrier as best I can so I don't have to go back onto Prednisolone.

I have Restoraderm in my collection, but that's on the pricier end of drugstore moisturisers ($25 for 250ml) and it does not rock my world.  I tend also to only buy this on special.  I know that Ego QV and Cetaphil are always recommended for dry/eczema/sensitive skin but my skin reacts badly to some of the QV creams and I didn't care much for Cetaphil, it was very "nothing".

One of my friends got the Priceline Skincare Goody bag several weeks ago and one of the items in the bag was the Physiogel Daily Moisture Therapy Intensive Cream.  My friend has the opposite skin type to me, so this was far to greasy for her.  Thus I acquired it.

So far I know that this is available in 100ml at Priceline for $14.  Which is on par for the Restoraderm.  However this has a much shorter list of ingredients and my skin liked this product more, there was something in the Restoraderm that made my skin feel uncomfortable.

Ingredients : Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butryospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Squalane, Carbomer, Sodium Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Ceramide 3

I like the fact there are very few "filler" items in this list.  There are several ingredients that are helpful for the skin - squalane is a component of our skin and when used in creams it acts as an emollient and keeps moisture on the skin.  Shea butter is also quite high on the list, shea is very good for dry skin and eczema prone skin. Glycerin helps to draw water further into the skin.

This cream is a medium weight (Nivea creme would be heavy weight, Restoraderm is light weight to me), spreads easily and sinks in very nicely without leaving a tacky feeling.  My skin feels softer after applying this and the fast absorption makes it idea for the morning.  This also layers nicely under Nivea creme for a night time treatment.  I've nearly finished the tube and am scraping all of it out!

I've done a bit of research and have found that nearly all the Physiogel products have ceramides in them so I plan to buy some different creams and see how they perform.

What ingredients have you been on missions for?

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?

Random Hauls - the Sunscreen Edition

I've recently been put on an Immunosuppressant for my eczema/allergies, due to my eczema in particular has been off-the-scales bad this year (since the beginning of March that I can recall the first seriously bad flare-up - I actually cant remember when it was this bad before I did my allergy testing in 2013).

Whilst this is going to help my eczema it can cause other issues such as an increased risk of skin-cancers developing from skin exposure.
I already have a family history of relatives developing skin-cancers, which when compiled with my pale-northern European-complexion and the aggressive Australian sun has made me even more afeared of being burnt (I cant walk across the school yard in summer and get burnt.  That's 5 minutes. 5 damned minutes).

So I took myself off on a mission to Chemist Warehouse (not that it is ever a chore to go to CWH) to acquire some new face-sunscreens (I have plenty of body sunscreens, but needed NEW face sunscreens).  I know I could have done research into AB sunscreens - many have rave reviews, but it will be nice to be have a sunscreen that I can go and buy from Chemist Warehouse easily.
I acquired these three.

I had done some research about the different brands, but I also know that it really will be trial and error, so I went for a brand I am fond of (Nivea)

Nivea Sun Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF 30 

a brand that has a long following (Olay) 

Olay Complete Defence Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+

and a brand that I used when I was younger (Hamiltons).

Hamilton Sunscreen SPF 50+ Everyday Face Cream

Over the next few weeks I will try all three (I will aim for a week each) and report back on what they were like.  At this stage I have no expectations that one will be better than the other, I will just be basing my judgement on what I like in a sunscreen (not greasy, doesn't sting/irritate, doesn't pill with makeup, stops the sunburn).

What is your go-to sunscreen?

 

Mask review : Sexy Look Moisturising Cotton Mask

Such Sexy Look.

Much Black.

Moisturising!

Wow!

This mask is lovely.  Just lovely.

I think I'll leave it there....

This was a mask I picked up in July in my random city haul.  No idea what it did - just read the ingredients on the back and liked the sound of them.  Very much masking on the edge sometimes.

Ingredients: aqua, glycerin, hydroxytheyl urea, calendula officinalis flower extract, cistus incanus flower/leaf/stem extract, gama amino butric acid, phenoxyethanol, chlorphensin, camellia sinensis leaf extract, hematite extract, ribes nigrum fruit extract, iodopropynyl, butycarbamate platinum, fragrance.
*just be careful of urea if you have inflamed/red skin.  Great for dry but not inflamed skin.



The mask itself is a heavy black opaque cotton that is full of essence.  It stayed on for over 30mins without drying out and my skin was bea-u-ti-ful afterwards.  This is definitely on my repurchase list when I go Melbourne again, if I can find a box of 5 I would be delighted.  I wish I could buy a bottle of the essence alone.  My skin was soft and dewy and bouncy for the rest of the day - I did this in the morning.


Ninja time!  I totally sent this to my friend who is also into sheet masking.>>>>>


Have you ever just bought a mask and found it was wonderful?
And also felt bad-ass while wearing it?