Current Likes

Time for a new post! :)

Been neglecting the blog for ever..time to sweep in and talk a little about current obsessions. Let's begin.

1. Neutrogena Deep Moisture Comfort Balm

This stuff is a miracle in a jar. It works wonderfully on my skin, like nothing I've ever tried before. I usually go for thicker, more oily products since aging and wrinkles are my biggest fear. However, this cream is the best thing I have ever tried for hydration and quick absorption. It works wonderfully under the makeup, and that's why it has become my current staple- my skin drinks it up instantly and I'm ready to apply my makeup. Yay!

It has a beautiful, delicate 'creamy' scent, it didn't clog my pores (I've been using it for a while, I guess several months already, the jar is almost empty), didn't cause anything, redness or itching, it doesn't stain my pillowcase (I always apply a thick layer before going to bed), it just works magically and I am so happy I discovered it! Got it from the Carrefour supermarket and it doesn't cost a lot at all (in euros, around 4.20, and in USD, 5.35, which is very cheap if you ask me), especially given the generous size of the jar (200 ml) and the consistency which allows for using a very small amount. 

2. Baby Oil

Currently, Nivea's baby oil and the classic Johnson product, the gel version. I love this stuff. I use it on my body, given that I have one of the driest skins out there, and it did improve the overall condition (especially after being out in the cold, or aggressive treatments such as waxing). I don't even use lotion anymore, since I get baby soft skin after each use (after shower- it's important to apply the baby oil on wet skin, but I guess everybody knows this). My skin is softer, the hairs don't feel as coarse as they did once they start appearing and overall, it's been a major gain. 

The main purpose of my baby oil routine is to condition my lashes. After tons of products, natural remedies, oils and massages (vaseline, borage oil, etc.) I think I found the easiest, no stress way of conditioning my lashes and helping them grow out- I apply baby oil each night before going to bed, alternating between the two brands, Nivea and Johnson's. The Nivea one contains almond oil as well as the classic paraffin (liquid version of vaseline, anyone?), which is a nourishing oil for the skin as well as for the delicate hairs of the lashes, while the Johnson's one is easier to use because it's a gel and I can apply it with absolutely no fuss; not to mention that I find this 'method', alternating between different formulations, to have helped my lashes tremendously. I can't remember the last time I lost a single one, they've become much stronger and softer, and they're significantly longer and thicker despite my constant violence towards them- curling, pulling, false lash gluing, ripping the band off, etc, we all know what happens.

I also use the baby oil to remove my eye makeup, and it does leave a greasy film on the skin but the benefits override this little nuisance. I wouldn't go back to using a typical eye makeup remover, not in a thousand years. 

3. Le Blanc de Chanel Primer

I swear, this is a rediscovered product I have fallen in love with...yet again. Haven't used it in a long time because I remembered it took me a while to apply it, blend it in, wait for it to settle a little, all the procedures. However....this weekend I went out and decided I wanted to have my skin look a little better, and the foundation last longer, so I applied it underneath Rimmel's Wake Me Up foundation (review coming soon)...oh the surprise!!!

It make my skin look so beautiful, emphasized the pigmentation of the foundation, make my cheeks glow and settled my makeup so nicely I didn't even need powder on top; it also lasted for about 10 hours without budging...the makeup that is. Deeply in love with the primer, once again. Will continue using it on every 'special occasion' since it's so expensive...can't wait to see the differences again! 

The Best Primer- Eyeshadow and Skin

Oh well well well. Where do I begin.

I've had this issue with oily forehead, chin, nose and eye lids for years- pretty much like 80% of the people out there. I have been going through primers for ages- some of them have been good, some, not-so-good, and others, a complete disaster.

I don't own the famous Urban Decay Primer Potion (or the Too Faced Shadow Insurance) because I have been living in Sweden for the past ...number of years and the brands are not available with their entire ranges. Therefore, I had to settle with something else- and boy was it an adventure.

This is going to be a short post about one particular product I deem indispensable for me, which has proven to be my best friend over the years (last two) and has saved me from many, many makeup emergencies.

It is the Shiseido Anti-shine Refreshner for men (Their 'men's grooming' range works wonderfully on my skin as well).

What it does: claims to minimize the appearance of pores and excess surface oil for fresh-looking, shine-free skin. Has Thiotaurine, a substance meant for helping the skin out with excessive sebum secretions and claims to improve the texture of the complexion upon application. Shiseido also says this product contains oil-absorbing reflecting powder to help minimize the aspect of the pores.

What I know: ...that when Shiseido says something, Shiseido means it. I trust absolutely all of their products, I am a huge fan of their makeup (mascaras and foundations) and this is the first skincare product I am trying. And I am impressed.

The packaging is sleek, really elegant, a silver tube that's very easy to carry around since it's quite slender. It has this thin nozzle and a cute screw-on cap as well (I find it much better than the 'pop' ones that can easily break or open when you least expect it).

How cool is that?

The gel isn't all jelly-gel-ish but rather creamy; it is a bit scented but just a tiny tiny bit, it's non comedogenic and dermatologically tested. Calculated for men's heavily oily skins (or noses, chins and even bald spots, who knows!), this product is the most effective anti-shine I have ever used, and also, the best primer to combat oiliness. No kidding.

The cream just absorbs oil like a sponge, leaving your skin smooth and radiant; perhaps you need to exaggerate or apply it around delicate areas (eyes, mouth, etc) to have it feel dry or pulling your skin. It works wonderfully- everywhere I apply it- especially on the forehead.

Now there's a trick with this product- you only need the tiniest bit. If you use more than a matchstick head-like quantity (and I mean it) you'll probably have to wait around 10 minutes to have it absorbed completely just to make sure. Because you need to apply it after your moisturizer, and just a tiny bit, so it wouldn't affect the consistency of your foundation and suck all the oils out of it, making it practically unblendable or rather difficult to work with. 

You need to gently pat the product on (after you've blended it between your fingers) and continue with the patting motion until it has been completely absorbed into the skin. You'll instantly feel fresh and ready to face the world, whether it's super cold outside or scorching sun and humidity. 

My favorite thing about this primer is that I can easily use it as an eyeshadow primer and love the results. I couldn't say it emphasizes the pigment in my eyeshadows, making the color pop like I've heard about famous primers, but it does create a fine, perfectly smooth, oil-free canvas that stays on and on for about 24 hours. I am not kidding. 

I applied this in the morning (last time I used it, which was several days ago- last time I wore makeup this week), put my makeup on, went out, ran my errands, met some friends in the afternoon, went to dinner, went clubbing, came back at dawn, slept with my eye makeup on (I know, I know...but i cleaned my face- nothing left there) and woke up the next day with it intact. My eyes looked exactly the same as they did before I went to bed. Amazing.

I feel like it hasn't dried out my skin, especially the delicate area of the eyelids, and it hasn't done it at all. It allowed for a perfect application of the eyeshadow, with blending and everything, and I really liked that for the first time in years, I didn't have to use foundation or concealers as primers. I just wanted something fast, light, easy to apply and I got it.

I have been using Maybelline's Superstay 24 Hour concealer as an eyeshadow primer, which was good as well; but I feel like nothing compares to this one. Especially when it comes to how it acts on the skin (its original purpose, after all). 

If you have severely oily skin, if you just want your face to stop getting shiny, if you want something easy to carry around for touch-ups and prefer choosing a skincare item rather than (yet) another makeup product, then I strongly suggest you try this little fellow. It is quite expensive, $33 for 30 ml/ 1 oz., so I guess the smartest thing would be to ask for samples before you decide to purchase it. 

Favorite Homemade Face and Body Scrubs

I think I've given up on buying face and body scrubs a very long time ago. My last trial was with Bourjois Orange peel face scrub, which I ended using as a facial wash because of its mild cleansing properties, not for its original purpose.

I am obsessed with scrubbing, especially on the face where I get a ton of blackheads and dead skin cells after using makeup, sun protection, etc. My skin is combination and my pores are quite large, therefore they tend to get plugged easier than in other people.

I found about these 'items' on makeup alley, on the internet, and last but not least, by word of mouth from my family and friends. Not in a pharmacy, not in a store or some cleverly designed commercials. I find that these combos work perfectly for my skin, which is why I decided to blog about them- maybe it'll work you you as well, who knows? They're 100% natural and packed with vitamins, anti oxidants, free of chemicals, parabens, etc. I could never ever stop using them and I'm grateful they come at such low prices!

Face and Body scrub #1 ingredient: Ground Coffee

It's the best exfoliant out there, hands down. It's small enough for not scratching your skin, which sugar does sometimes; it doesn't have that roughness sugar has because it absorbs water and slowly softens, getting the perfect texture for completely removing any trace of dirt and dead skin cells. I always use fresh ground coffee but it's almost the same if you decide to scrub with the used one. It's mostly about the original anti-oxidants and minerals that get destroyed/transferred through the boiling process.

For the face- i mix it with honey, for a moisturizing and calming effect. It is not a mask (I hate face masks! it takes forever to dry and cleaning up is always messy!), but a scrub. Therefore you can 'trick' yourself into believing this (if you're like me and hate getting all messy for 15 minutes while not knowing what to do since your face is covered in goo) while in the shower; let the warm vapors open your pores and massage it deeply into your skin. It feels rough but pleasant at the same time, really invigorating. I could never stop doing this.

Mix it with yogurt for an all-natural 'peel' effect. The mechanic exfoliation provided by the coffee makes a great combo with the light chemical exfoliation the yogurt acids provide. It gets your skin to benefit from everything milk has to offer- moisture and nourishment- plus the advantage of a thorough cleansing from the buttermilk acids. This is what dermatologist and celebrity skincare expert Kate Somerville advices you to do as well- read it in magazines and saw it on YouTube as well.

You can also use it combined with your face wash gel or your regular cleanser, for a 2-in-1 effect when you're on the run and don't have time for letting anything sit on your face for more than 3 seconds. It does work beautifully, and it's extremely easy to apply/scrub/rinse off.

For the body, the best combination is ground coffee with some essential oils (I use the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse and coconut oil) or just your body wash or body lotion (for dry skins). You can always wash off the lotion in the shower and your skin will be left amazingly smooth, unlike with anything you have ever tried.

The only thing you must be a little attentive with is the messiness..it can get a bit hazardous especially if you're using fresh ground coffee and not 'used' one. Just be careful not to get any tiny bit of it in your eyes, nose or mouth, and wash it off diligently with the shower until there's nothing left. Coffee tends to release its color in water so don't get scared your shower/tub is brown- it'll wash away really easily. Plus the delicious odor of coffee combines with the perfume of your shower gel/body lotion, mm that I like!

Face and Body scrub #2 ingredient: Baking soda 

This is especially indicated for the face, if you want something as resembling a chemical peel as possible at a fraction of the price. If you have dry skin you must pay special attention because it tends to cleanse thus be kinda drying. 

The texture of baking soda is that of a fine powder that doesn't dissolve in water that easily, which makes it perfect for facial scrubs. I have read a lot about it and found out it's especially indicated for acne, acne scarring, severe blackheads and oily skins. It does work wonderfully, even mixed with water only, and it acts delicately on the skin. You can't even tell you're scrubbing your face but just 'washing' it with something thicker than your usual face wash. 

It removes everything, even in the tiniest crevasses of the skin where a bulgier scrub couldn't do much; it leaves the skin tight, shiny, fresh as if you'd just returned from the spa. My favorite scrub of all times, it isn't messy, cheaper than coffee (haha!), it's unscented and does the trick every time. You can also use baking soda for whitening your teeth, refreshing white laundry, cleaning silverware or jewelry and other delicate items around your house. Really a bargain, and so effective!

If you want to mix it, here's a little list of what I like to combine baking soda with:

-egg yolks (or just a beaten egg)

-essential oils

-coconut oil

-olive oil (just a few drops)

-water (until the product mimics the consistency of a paste, not thinner)

-orange, lemon and watermelon juice (for removing spots, age marks, and a stronger peel with the combo of fruit acids)

Face and Body scrub #3 ingredient: Wheat Bran

This is a fantastic way of scrubbing off dead skin cells while at the same time offering your skin some pampering- wheat bran comes packed with nutrients and vitamin B. It manages to wash away everything you want it to without scratching being too harsh on your skin. Can be a little bit messy, especially for the drains, so make sure you handle it with care.

I usually mix it with water only, because it gets softer and it doesn't need anything else. For the face, you can definitely add some egg yolk and have the scrub of your life. Tends to get softer as it soaks up liquid so make sure you use it with a tiny bit of water only, and right after you've made the mixture.

Hope all this helps you as much as it does for me! Happy scrubbing!