My Favorite Products for Dry Skin

 

Hey Everyone!

Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite beauty/skin care products that help combat dry skin. Seeing as though I, myself, suffer from dry skin and of course more so during the winter months, I figured what better time than now to showcase some of the products I have been using lately that have really helped!

So, I really hope you guys enjoy and I hope this video can help any dry skin suffers out there find some products that really do help.

Also, let me know in the comments if you want to see more videos like this or if you have any ideas for what you would like to see in general.

Annnnd as always, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE!

 

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PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

Pixi By Petra Glowtion Day Dew
Glowtion Day Dew

Too Faced Hangover Primer
http://bit.ly/16wEwCz

LUSH Let the Good Times Roll
http://bit.ly/2b6GfRg

Burts Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm
http://bit.ly/2kJknS0

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream
http://seph.me/1HZyVCH

L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
http://bit.ly/2k4ppf3

L’Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate
http://bit.ly/2lsqV7F

L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
http://bit.ly/2k4ppf3

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
http://origins.cm/2dzORkL

Aquaphor Healing Ointment
http://bit.ly/2fzM7Z5

 

 

 

Perfectly Polished – Updated Skin Care Routine

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all are enjoying this new year! And speaking of … I thought what better way to start the new year than to provide you guys with updated version of my skin care routine! Over the past year or more, I have done a lot of experimenting! I made it a point to test a ton of new products to really find the right combination. I also had to do some reevaluating on my own thoughts on skin care and not be afraid to try products that stated they were  “hydrating”, “moisturizing”, or contained oils. I know I know, I was one of those people that thought using those types of products would send me down a long road laden with breakout after breakout however, I overcame my fear and now I search left and right for products to add that extra little bit of moisture to my skin. When I finally finished my testing I was left with a few stand outs (and believe me I am always continuing to experiment) that I found have worked great on my skin.

So, without further a due, here are the products I have been using in my daily skin care routine.

Garner Skin Active Micellar Water ($9)

As most, if not all of you know, micellar waters are absolutely amazing! On a day when I have been wearing makeup, I always start my skin care routine with this stuff. I grab a couple cotton pads, soak them in the solution, and then wipe away the day. This product doesn’t contain any oil so it won’t make your skin feel super greasy and it is incredibly gentle on the skin. Also, I sometimes like to use this stuff even on days when I’m not wearing any makeup and don’t feel like going through my whole skin care routine to remove any dirt or grime that might have built up throughout the day. It’s the perfect refresher!

Nuxe Facial Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel ($19)

Next, I reach for this Nuxe facial cleanser and make-up removing gel. What I love about this product is that on top of being a soap free facial cleanser, it also serves as a makeup remover. Meaning, whatever the micellar water didn’t get grab before, this stuff is sure to remove it! Next, being that this cleanser is made with honey and comes in a super soothing gel form, it works great at adding softness to my skin and never leaves me  expereincing that tight skin feeling after washing like I have with other cleansers.

Pixi Glow Tonic ($15 -$29)

Moving down the line, after cleansing, I follow up with Pixi’s Glow Tonic. Among many things, this product is not tested on animals, alcohol free, and contains hydrating and soothing aloe vera. Although I am not a big fan of the smell, this product is a great toner for someone like me who has sensitive skin. As for the name “glow tonic”, it comes from the fact that this product also contains ginseng and fructose that serve to “tone, tighten, and remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter, healthier, and younger looking skin.”

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream ($6-$42) 

Finally, the last step in my skin care routine is to obviously moisturize. I like to bounce back and forth between this one (as my day time moisturizer) and Lush’s Full of Grace facial serum/moisturizer (featured below as my night time moisturizer). At first I was a bit apprehensive to use this moisturizer because I thought that it was for sure going to be far too heavy on my skin but boy was I wrong! I always struggle with dry patches during the winter and this is one of the only products I have found that really help my skin to feel hydrated and supple. It soaks into the skin with ease and doesn’t leave unwanted excess.

LUSH Full of Grace Facial Serum/Moisturizer ($16)

Though Full of Grace is found under serums section on LUSH’s website, it is described as a solid moisturizer. As I mentioned, I like to use this product from time to time but mostly as my night time moisturizer because it is a much thicker product. Similar to that of LUSH’s massage bars, this product will melt on contact with warm skin. Therefore, you need only warm it up a bit in your hands to gather some of the product, then apply it all over your face. Containing “hydrating tropical butters, calming chamomile and antioxidant rich mushroom extract, this product creates a soothing treatment for the delicate skin on your face, helping you to maintain its elasticity, moisture and glow.” Finally, I will say that every time that I apply this product to my skin at night, I wake up  the next morning to my skin being incredibly soft and looking amazing!

Left to Right: Ultra Repair Cream, Glow Tonic, Honey Cleanser, Full of Grace, Micellar Water

So, I hope you guys enjoyed my updated skin care routine. If anyone has used any of the products I mentioned, please let me know how you like them or feel free to recommend any new products I should give a try!

As always don’t forget to Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more!

Till next time! -Kayla

LUSH Haul and Review

 

Hello! 

Im back again with some goodies I recently picked up after a splurge at LUSH. I mean seriously that store gets me every time. Anyways, I decided to do a mini review of each of these products since I haven’t been using them for very long. So, without further delay..lets get into it!

 

Angels on Bare Skin- (Cleanser) 

I grabbed this little goodie after having a rather lengthy discussion followed by a sampling of various cleansers with one of the woman that worked at the shop. I wound up choosing this one in specific because I have a tendency, in the dry months, to get random dry patches around my T-Zone. With this product containing ground almonds, it helps to buff off any access dry skin flakes that don’t get washed off with my foaming cleanser. Also, the product is made with lavender oil and rose absolute that will soothe, balance, and calm my sensitive skin. For me, it was the perfect two in one cleanser that would keep my skin flake free and soft.

Cup O’ Coffee- (Face Scrub/Mask)

This wonderfully smelling coco and coffee scrub is something I just had to get my hands on. Who doesn’t love their cup of coffee and the rich, awakening aroma it embodies. And now, you can add that same experience to your skin-care routine! This product contains actual coffee grounds. sweet roasted coco extract, and kaolin clay. Also, this mask is considered to be a hybrid between a mask and a scrub for the face and body. The directions suggest, you apply the product all over the area of your choosing, let sit for 5-10 mins, then gently scrub off with warm water. This product does a great job not only with exfoliating and stimulating the skin but also with waking up the senses like a cup of morning joe would. However, with that being said, I do want to mention a couple of not so great observations I have noticed when using this product. First and foremost, this product is extremely messy. The coffee grounds that are used to give the mask its exfoliating effect, tend to get all over any surface in which you are washing the mask off. Secondly, going along with the messiness of the coffee grounds, they also tend to be a little too harsh for my skin. So, I suggest that if you have sensitive skin to ask for a sample or test it out on your hand before purchasing a full size container of this product.

Pumice Power- (Foot Scrub)

I just purchased and used this product as of last night and I was rather pleased with its performance. Texture wise, the soap has a slightly sandy/gritty texture that is perfect for scrubbing off the nasty dead skin on the bottoms of your feet. The smell is quite refreshing as well, since it is infused with the lovely scent of sweet orange oil. I will say, that this product definitely did its job by softening the bottoms of my feet and getting off access skin. Although, when you first use this product, it doesn’t feel like it’s doing much since the soap itself isn’t that typical harsh pumice you might be accustomed to. It is a fine pumice powder instead. However, if you take the patience to soak your feet and massage the bar on the spots that need some loving’, you’ll notice the difference.

 

Ambrosia- (Shaving Cream)

Ok now, don’t be deceived. When you look on the LUSH website, this product is technically marketed/designed to be a shaving cream for men. I however, purchased it as the perfect shaving cream for my legs. I loved the aspect of the shaving cream be something that’s super gentile and calming on my skin compared to the store brand kind that can be super drying. The cream is made with honey water, coconut, jojoba, and chamomile oils to help protect and moisturize the skin. The scent of the product is also very light compared to the previous shaving cream I had used from LUSH, D’Fluff. I have a feeling that I will be sticking with this product as my go to shave cream for a long time to come.

Love and Light- (Hand Cream)

I actually revived this hand cream in one of LUSH’s gift packages from a family member for Christmas. Now, I normally don’t go to LUSH or anywhere to be honest, looking for a hand cream or lotion. Most of the time I just rub whatever lotion I had used on my face or body into my hands and call it a day. So, when I saw that this was included in my gift package I didn’t think I would have much use for it. I was wrong. I placed this guy next to my bed on my night stand just to use before bed and now I can’t get enough. The texture is very luxurious having been made with neroli and coco butter. But I have to say that by far the best this about this product is the scent. I believe that this hand cream honestly and whole heartedly smells like a bowl of Fruit Loops in milk. I know that’s an interesting way to put it but I swear, smell it for yourself! It brings me back to my childhood. All in all, my hands have never felt softer or more nourished than they do now.

 

I hoped you enjoyed reading! and please feel free to like, comment, and follow!

Until next time!

Updated Skin-Care Products 2016

Hey guys!

So, today I wanted to give you all an update on some of the skin care products I have been using lately. Most of the products featured are from the Body Shop. I don’t really follow any particular skin-care line that they offer (i.e. Aloe for sensitive skin, Tea Tree for blemished or oily skin, Vitamin E for hydration.) I kind of just pull from a few products that I like or that work well together for me. That being said, continue reading to get a peak into the products I’ve currently been using.

First up, is the Body Shop’s Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleaner. What I love about this product more than anything is the smell. Tea Tree oil itself smells very refreshing and natural and I think that when using any type of face cleanser, something that doesn’t smell artificial is an absolute plus. The foaming action of the cleanser allows the product to not be as harsh and drying on the skin. Since I live near Chicago the winter months can already be incredibly rough and drying on the skin but this product keeps from adding to that problem. Sometimes I still can’t get over how nicely this product has kept my skin clear and protected from any sort of breakouts.

A few months back I talked about how much I loved the Aloe Skin Protecting Serum and this is just another product from that line that just works wonders for the skin.  This is the Aloe Calming Toner. When I visited the Body Shop near me I was given the recommendation to follow up my cleanser with this overall balancing and restoring toner. Let me tell you, I’m beyond glad that I followed that advice. This toner, as with the Tea Tree cleanser, smells great. It’s very mild in scent and doesn’t over power the senses. I just use a small amount on a cotton pad and in a circular motion, rub it all over my skin. It instantly soothes any irritations and redness and doesn’t leave my skin feeling overly tight. It adds just the right amount of hydration back to my skin after cleansing.

This product by far has to be the product that stands out the most for me. As someone in there 20’s, I didn’t really think I needed to start hoping on the serum bandwagon just yet but boy…did this serum knock me right off my high horse. Typically the Drops Of Youth Serum is a bit on the pricer side but I managed to score it during one of the Body Shop good promotional deals. This serum has more substance than the oil or watery based products I’ve seen on the market. It has more of a goo like consistency. This product can be used day or night and I use between 1-2 drops that I either pat or massage it into my skin. I have noticed a definite difference in my skin. It feels hydrated and soft and I don’t have any dry patches. It just seems to instantly bring life into my skin. One small con I would like to mention however is that, I don’t care too much for the sticky feeling it leaves on my hands after applying so I just go ahead and rise them off with soap and water.

Last but not least, is my Manuka Honey Smoothing Face Cream and Eye Cream by SPA. I actually found both of these product at a Ross near me and unfortunately haven’t been able to find it since. For those who don’t know what Ross is, it’s basically like a Tjmaxx where you can buy higher end products for less. Anyways, since purchasing these two things I have been thoroughly impressed. Especially during the winter, this moisturizer, which is on the thicker side, adds a layer of protection from the harsh cold and wind. Also, the ingredients in these products are 100% natural. Not to mention, the Manuka Honey acts as a calming agent by adding essential nutrients to the skin.

All in all, I think I have finally hit the jackpot on all of these products. In combination, these skin care items have definitely made a difference in my skins texture, appearance, and over all health. As you can clearly tell, I can’t rave more about these products and I suggest that if you’re in the market for some new skin care products that you give these babies a try!

 

As always, I hope you enjoyed reading and feel free to like, comment, and follow!

-Kayla

The Body Shop: NEW Product review!

So, while out shopping today I just happened to pass by a Body Shop and I stopped dead in my tracks upon witnessing that the new Virgin Mojito product line from The Body Shop had been released here in Germany. Not to mention, I feel extra special because I don’t think that it has been released yet in the US. (I check the website and it’s nowhere to be found.)

I decided to grab the shower gel (7 Euro) and a mini version of the lotion (6 Euro). All of the products in the Virgin Mojito line are like that of all the other products in The Body Shops body care line. However, the Virgin Mojito line has two new products not featured in any of the other scents and that is a body splash and a body sorbet. The body splash is described as an innovative new way to apply the fragrance after a shower for a longer lasting scent. The body sorbet is one product that I think was genius. It is a moisturizer for the body but unlike the normal Body Shop body butters that tend to be pretty thick in consistency, this product is a light weight gel. When I tried it out in the store it  felt cool and refreshing and sank into my skin quickly. I think it’s perfect for those hot summer months where you want to apply moisturizer but don’t want to feel weighed down and sticky. I also have to mention that some of the products were packaged in an adorable gift set called the “happy hour collection” in none other than a martini shaker. How freaking cute!

So now how can I even begin with this product? What caught my eye first was the gorgeous summery lime green of the packaging that instantly screams summer. The picture on the front of a slice of lime and mint leaves captures that refreshing sensation of a cold Mojito. But what really had me head over heals in love, was the smell of the Virgin Mojito products. It has such a light citrus scent with hints of mint and its not over powering at all. I by far think that this is a absolute home run for The Body Shop.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading. Don’t forget to Like, Comment and Follow!

 

 

 

Products Gone Wrong

 

I am a big fan of trying out new products and experimenting with makeup/skin care but sometimes you find those products that are just not working. (Disclaimer: All reviews are of personal opinion and experience.)

First up, is the Korres White Tea Fluid Gel Cleanser. Not too long ago, I was in the market for a gel cleanser and I just happened to stumble upon this at the store and figured I would give it a try since I’ve never tried anything from Korres. (Side Note: I will fully admit that a lot of what into my purchasing this product was the fact the scent of this product sounded delicious.) My hunch was not wrong because the smell was probably the only positive about this product. The negatives came when I started using actually using the product. The cleanser was way too jelly for me and didn’t seem to actually clean my face properly. I also felt like it started causing me more breakouts that usual. The cleanser itself, in my opinion, was also over priced at 20 euros a bottle. So all in all, it is safe to say the I was really disappointed with this product.

 

A poem by Kayla Cameron: Dove brand Dry shampoo I am so saddened by you.

What can I say about this product other than it honestly made me lose faith in dry shampoos for a little bit. It did not work to make my hair look any less oily than before I used it. I would best describe Doves dry shampoo as a fake out product. When you first spray it into your hair it really gets into your roots giving you that cooling sensation making your roots feel all rejuvenated like they are really getting washed. Then you looking at your now completely grandmafied white hair thinking yea! this is working! nobody will know I haven’t showered in 2 days! You wait a few mins. and then the moment of truth. You brush through your hair waiting for the spectacular results and…..nothing. You’re left with an overpowering perfumed product in you hair, a white overcast (brown hair) and still looking as unshowered as before.

I am a lover of all that is LUSH but this product did not win me over. As described on the LUSH website “Ultrabland is a thick, rich emulsion of essential oils, honey and beeswax to take off any make up or residue that has built up on your face throughout the day.” I will begin by saying that I was not disappointed in the product itself because it does do exactly what is described. However, the problem comes from the experience of using Ultrabland. Because it is made from oils and wax you cannot just simply wash away the product with water. Therefore, as suggested by LUSH representatives, you can use any one of there facial toners (ex: Tea Tree Water Toner) or any non-water based toner to remove the product. For me, the process of removing this product is slightly daunting. Even when you’re done, it still feels like you have to really clean your face after so it doesn’t feel like you have oil left over. Also, because I have been traveling lately I would not consider this product to be travel friendly. Having to bring Ultrabland, the toner and not to mention cotton pads to remove the product packed all in one toiletry bag sure takes up a lot of space. So, if you are thinking of purchasing this product just make sure to keep in mind it’s a bit of  high maintenance product.

 

I hope you enjoyed reading! Don’t forget to like, comment and follow.

 

March Favorites

Another month has come and gone and with that I have some monthly favorites to share with you guys!

Make-Up

(Pictured Above Lower Right)

Max Factor Blush – seductive pink

Bourjois Healthy Balance pressed powder- 52 Vanilla

Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation- Fair-Light honey

Benefit Gimme Brow- Dark brown

I just recently talked about the Bourjois Healthy Balance face powder in my “New Beauty Favorites” post a few weeks back. Since purchasing it I’ve been using it everyday single day and can’t rave enough about it. Its silky smooth texture and mattifyng properties keeps makeup looking fresh and free from oily looking skin.

Another Favorite I’ve been loving this month is one that I have had for quite some time now but completely forgot about. I stumbled upon the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation again after wanting a quick foundation to throw on but that still made it look like I had put a lot of effort into my makeup, and boy did it get the job done! I totally forgot how much of a flawless coverage this product gives. It literally looked like I had airbrushed my foundation on. I don’t know what made me stray from this product but I can 100% promise it won’t happen again!

I am including the Max Factor Pastel Blush into my favorites even though I just picked it up at the drug store two days ago. I am already absolutely obsessed with this product. Alone this blush looks stunning with its mosaic like pattern and on its just the same. The color is a darker pinky/peach with a small hint of shimmer. I think its the perfect cheek color for spring and summer.

Benefits Gimme Brow is also another product that I have had for a while and fell in love with all over again. Ok so story time…..A few weeks back I was trying to see if I could find a cheaper alternative to this product because it is on the pricey side. I had heard about Maybelline’s Brow Drama and decided to run to the drug store and give it a go. However, I was not a fan of the product and decided to go back to the drug store to return it. The Maybelline Brow Drama just did not match up to Benefits Gimme Brow. Maybe in the future I’ll give Brow Drama another try but for now it’s Gimme Brow all the way.

Hair & Skincare

(Pictured Above Upper Left)

Batiste Dry Shampoo-Medium/Dark Brown

Rituals Lotion- Spark of Hammam

Body Shop- Aloe Protective Serum

Macadamia- Natural Healing Oil Spray

Dry shampoo is a must for me on days when I don’t feel like washing my hair. The Batiste Dry Shampoo is hands down the best dry shampoo I’ve ever used. It just leaves your hair looking like you just stepped out of the shower and blow dried it. I decided on getting the colored dry shampoo because since I have medium brown hair normal dry shampoos tend to leave a white residue towards my roots. With this product I find that the white residue is barely visible. I like to spray and my roots wait a few minuets, maybe do my makeup in the mean time and then brush it through my hair. My hair is left smelling good and looking fresh.

Rituals is a store the I unfortunately do not have in the US but…they do have it in Europe. I am currently studying abroad in Europe and on a shopping excursion this month I was sucked into this store and fell head over heals in love with this scent Spirit of Hammam. In my opinion this scent is the best one in the entire store and after purchasing an air freshener in this scent it was my mission to make my body smell like it too. So I picked up the product in the lotion form. The scent is a fusion of eucalyptus and rosemary and holy moly is that the best combination! Its such a fresh, relaxing and sophisticated scent. Its just the right amount of sweet.

The Body Shop has been on spot lately for me and the Aloe Protective Serum is no exception. I apply this product after I cleans and tone my face. Once I put it on is completely soothing and reviving to my skin. I once went a few days without using it because I though I had lost it but when I found it an put some on I didn’t even realize how much my skin needed it. Its helped clear up dry patches on my skin and leaves it feeling plump and hydrated. It’s also super light weight and sinks in incredibly quickly so you don’t have to wait long before applying your moisturizer and makeup.

Since I cut my hair really short I’ve noticed that I blow dry my hair much more frequently than I’m used to and my hair is feeling more dry that usual. I brought this product with me to Europe after getting it in my Birchbox. I like how light weight this product is and how it leaves my hair feeling smooth and like its had a big gulp of water. I do have this product in a sample/travel size and once I’m out I will most definitely be purchasing a bigger bottle.

Randoms

Rexona Spray Deodorant – shower clean

EOS- Coconut

Burts Bees- Hydrating Coconut Pear

Perfume- Elizabeth and James Nirvana White

It might seem strange mentioning a deodorant but just hear me out. Since being in Europe I’ve noticed that stick deodorant is just not really a thing here like it is in the US and I think they are on to something here. Its so simple to me just to quickly spray my deodorant one or two time and then be on my way instead of taking the time to roll on my deodorant and worry about it smearing onto my clothes. I don’t think I can go back to normal deodorant when I get back home.

There is also a trend here in my randoms and that is chap-stick. I always forget how important it is that lips are skin too and they, just like anything, need moisture. I have always been a fan of EOS and when they released their coconut flavor I had to have it. The smell is not to overpoweringly coconut, which I enjoy. It also leave my lips soft and free from dry cracks. Also, this Burts Bees Hydrating chap-stick in Coconut Pear is perfect for quick hydration on the go. Since the EOS packaging is round it does fit too nicely in my pockets but the Burts Bees is the perfect size. Not to mention the smell is intoxicating. Sometimes I find myself just applying it to smell it.

Lastly is the perfume I’ve been wearing lately. I know everyone was a big fan of the Nirvana Black but I’m just not into heavy scents like that. The Nirvana White however, is a perfectly light comparison. With a sweeter floral scent its perfect for spring or just to throw on when you want to smell really good.

Hope you enjoyed reading! Don’t forget to comment and Like!

Rainy Day Essentials

April showers brings may flowers

Its officially spring and with that comes rainy days. I particularly have a love hate relationship them. I love the soothing sound of rain drops on my window and the instant sense of calm and comfort when one rolls around. However, with that, rainy days make me anything but productive since all I want to do is be bundled up in blankets with my favorite movie on. So, whether you have all day to lounge around or maybe just a few minuets these are some of my favorite rainy day essentials.

I was just recently been introduced to the “Wreck This Journal” books a few months ago by none other than my 10 year old sister. I had a moment of panic thinking she knew more about what “in” than I did but I was happily distracted by the awesomeness that was these books. I have one of the 8 total books by this author, Keri Smith. I can honestly say that you could spend a good portion of your day just letting your imagination run wild with this book. It has a multitude of out of the box activities to do from creating secret codes, to finding new ways to transport the book without using your hands. Almost everything can be done indoors give or take a few things and its the means to hours of amusing fun. Secondly, I picked up a book recently…yes from the young adult section don’t judge me…its called “Asylum” by Madeleine Roux. Its one of two books about a 16 year old boy named Dan Crawford who ends up being accepted into a prestigious program held during the summer. When Dan arrives he finds that the usual dormitories are closed down and now the program is placing students in near by dormitory that was also formerly psychiatric hospital. I haven’t read very far but what ensues I can only imagine is straight from a horror movie. What also had me freaked was ion several pages in the book there were real photographs from asylums featured. So if you’re in the mood to be a little scared on your rainy day this is perfect for to set the tone.

 

Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner by LUSH is a deliciously smelling in shower lotion that is perfect for those rainy days when you just want to pamper yourself. This LUSH product works just like a conditioner for your hair but for your body instead. After using a body wash (i.e shampoo) take a scoop of this rose infused conditioner and massage it into your skin as you would a normal lotion. Then simply wash it off, hop out of the shower and pat dry with a towel. A word of warning: the sensation is a slightly weird one. After washing the product off in the shower the argan oil from the conditioner have clung to your body leaving a somewhat greasy feeling. However, don’t let that dissuade from this product. Once you’ve gotten out of the shower and patted dry, your skin is left feeling incredibly moisturized and soft and not to mention smelling amazing!

 

Like I mentioned, on a rainy day sometimes I like to take the time while indoors to pamper myself. The Mario Badescu Almond and Honey non-abrasive face scrub doesn’t contain any harsh abrasive beads or chemicals but instead small bits of ground almond incorporated throughout the product. Also, the honey within this scrub is amazing on the skin as a natural antiseptic and moisturizer. Another perk is that this product can be used not only as a face scrub but you can also use it as a mask for 10-15 mins. On smell alone this scrub is absolutely delectable and not to mention I am a HUGE sucker of anything almond smelling, so this product has me hooked.

For me tea is an essential part of everyday but it’s especially a must for rainy days. A big cup of tea is like a big cup of comfort and relaxation. I like to sit down while I’m reading one of my books or even just to watch the rain fall outside and have something nice to sip. I am currently obsessed with this tea brand. I know it’s a UK based tea brand called Clippers but here in Germany, where I am currently, they call it Cuppers ( I don’t know why the name is changed but the packaging is the same…) Every time I’m in the store I’m always looking to see what flavor I should try next. Right now I’m loving Zen Balance. It’s and herbal blend with a mixture of lemongrass, ginkgo, and eucalyptus. The flavor is so unique and refreshing and instantly relaxes your mind and body.

 

 

So I hope you’ve enjoyed reading a few of my rainy day essentials. Feel free to comment with any essentials that are a must have for you!!

 

 

 

 

 

My Nighttime Skin Care Routine

No matter the season is my skin tends to be on the sensitive side so I like to gravitate towards products that aren’t too harsh on the skin but also still get the job done. So, for the transition between spring and summer, these products seem to be keeping my skin hydrated where it needs it be while also combating any breakout/oily areas I might have.

First up (top picture) is the LUSH Fresh Farmacy bar cleanser and the Body Shop Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil. Now I’ve tried cleansing oils before but none where as simple as the Body Shop Chamomile Silky Cleansing Oil. All you need is a few pumps into your hand then massage it into to your dry face. Listen….I know smearing oil all over your face sounds like the last thing you want to do after wearing makeup all day but trust me this stuff MELTS the makeup right off your face. It also turns into creamy white almost cleanser like liquid when you add a bit of water while continuing to massage the makeup off your face. Then all you need to do is wash it away with water or a washcloth. I don’t feel like any oil is left over on my face after using this product and my face feels soothed and moisturized. Next up, I use the LUSH Fresh Farmacy bar cleanser. On the LUSH website it describes this bar as “carefully selected ingredients for its gentleness on the skin, with chamomile, elderflower, calamine and lavender; this is nature at its kindest.” Fresh Farmacy also contains tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic to keep that skin pimple free! This cleanser is awesome for people with sensitive or blemish prone skin. Its not harsh in any way so even if you’re just looking for a good cleanser you should definitely try this out!

Second step (pictured middle) is of course using toner. I switch mine out occasionally depending on the season but right now though I use either my Mario Badescu cucumber cleansing lotion or my LUSH tea tree water. Both keep oil under control without being too harsh on the skin while also controlling  any breakouts. I apply the Mario Badescu cucumber cleansing lotion with a cotton pad all over my face and it is described as “A cooling and cleansing astringent that disinfects and removes residue, oil and bacteria from the skin surface to prevent breakouts.” I have to say though, that I prefer the LUSH tea tree water more because it’s not only a toner but you can use it to get off any residue makeup or just spray throughout a hot day to keep your skin refreshed and the oil under control. For night time I just lightly spray this on my face, let it dry, then apply moisturizer.

Speaking of moisturizer, I use the Body Shop’s Vitamin E night cream and Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate. I recently got Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate and I’ve been in love ever since! Not only does it smell great! almost spa like, it makes my skin feel pampered and soft in the morning.  I then apply my Vitamin E night cream right after my face oil however, I  recommend applying this cream really lightly because it doesn’t really sink into the sink right away and it tends to feel leave an oily feeling on the skin. I will most likely change my night time moisturizer when it gets warm outside.

I hope you enjoyed reading this I will try and post every tuesday and thursday.